Orchard Senior Living selected for 2016 Tucker Small Business Excellence Award

Orchard Senior Living selected for 2016 Tucker Small Business Excellence Award

/in /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tucker, GA – November 11, 2016 — Orchard Senior Living has been selected for the 2016 Tucker Small Business Excellence Award in the Retirement Homes classification by the Tucker Small Business Excellence Award Program.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2016 Tucker Small Business Excellence Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Tucker Small Business Excellence Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About the Tucker Small Business Excellence Awards Program

The Tucker Small Business Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding small businesses that serve the Tucker area. Each year, our selection committee identifies businesses that we believe have achieved outstanding marketing success in their local community and business classification.

Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. These are small businesses that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Tucker area near Atlanta a vibrant and vital place to live.

The Tucker Small Business Excellence Awards was established to reward the best of small businesses in Tucker. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to award the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE:

Tucker Small Business Excellence Award Program

Tips for Foot Health and Why It’s Important

/in /by

Mobility is a vital ingredient to self-sufficiency, making the foot ailments that often trouble seniors particularly worrisome. While it may not come to mind as a major health concern, poor foot health can severely impact a person’s ability to live alone, work and engage in social activities.

Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. At the top of the list is that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, and reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection.

Here are some tips for keeping feet healthy:

Wear Shoes That Fit Properly
Many people don’t wear shoes that properly fit them or support their feet. Shop for shoes in the afternoon so you can avoid choosing shoes that are too small for your feet that swell during the day.

Regularly Take Walks
This is ultimately the best exercise for your feet.

Wear Seam-Free Socks
This will help with preventing any skin irritations from developing on your skin.

Have Corns & Calluses Professionally Treated
Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife. Only use over-the-counter foot products with the advice of a podiatrist.

Bathe & Inspect Feet Daily
Apply lukewarm water and mild soap to keep your feet free of any dirt on a daily basis. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in your skin consult your podiatrist.

If you or your loved one needs assistance with foot care or any additional health care and support, contact The Orchard here. We provide 24/7 assistance that will keep your loved one happy and healthy!

5 Activities for Seniors with Dementia

/in /by

help concept, special toned photo f/x, focus point selective

Connecting with others is an essential part of being human – and that remains the same when a person has dementia. We’re often asked, “What are good activities for dementia patients?”. There are still many ways you can continue to form connections and strengthen bonds with your loved one during this time.

People with dementia turn to long-term memories of their childhood. Their minds seem to only recall their younger years, and this is often where connections can be made. The next time you visit with your loved one, try one or more of the following activities to create a connection with them:

Look Through Photo Albums
Find up photo albums with pictures from your loved one’s childhood or young adulthood to connect with old memories. Past periodicals are another good option, particularly those that include many photos such as Life or Time magazines.

Make a Playlist
Download songs or set up a radio on Pandora that streams music from their teenage years. Many internet radio stations include everything from classic rock to big band sounds, their favorite music should be easy to find.

Go Through Old Cookbooks
In the past, women spent a great deal of their teenage years learning to cook and young adult years cooking for their families. Ask about the origins and different variations used in old family recipes. For even bettr results cook with those old family recipes and reap the rewards with your loved ones.

Enjoy Favorite Treats
Buy some candy or other treats that were common when your loved one was young. Many companies specialize in nostalgic candy where you can buy old favorites.

Visit and Connect with Animals
People who grew up on farms may enjoy an outing to a petting zoo or family farm where they can touch and talk to horses and other farm animals. Ask questions about animals, old pets, or what it was like for them to grow up on a farm. This is a great activity to involve grandchildren in.

Your loved one may seem different than the person you’ve always known, but they still deserve connection and companionship with you. You can strengthen that connection by applying these activities to enhance both of your lives. If your loved one needs help and you need assistance to make sure they are living a happy and productive life, contact us here. We can give you the Orchard difference.

Reasons to Move to an Assisted Living Community

/in /by

laughing-on-porch-retirement

Thinking about making the move to an assisted living community in Decatur? Here are our reasons why moving to the Orchard might be right for you or your loved one.

No More Home Maintenance Troubles
Say goodbye to the days of calling a handyman or plumber that leave you with an expensive bill. No more raking leaves in the fall or watering outdoor plants and grass in the summer. Home maintenance can become a sizable and costly burden that’s all lifted once moved to an assisted living community.

Chauffeured Around Town
You may not get a private chauffeur, but you do get transportation to and from your important appointments like doctor or dental visits. Transportation is also provided to group activities outside of the community including restaurants and local events.

Activities Galore
Some can compare it to being on a cruise because activities play a large part in daily life at Orchard assisted living community. Seniors can enjoy staying active doing those activities that interest them most. Activities can include movie nights, arts and crafts, exercise classes and more.

Safety First
It’s nice to know that help is available 24/7 at the Orchard. We are equipped with safety bars, ramps, emergency alert systems and staff trained in emergency response. You can take comfort in knowing that the appropriate precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of dangerous falls and to keep your loved one as safe as possible.

If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, such as an assisted living facility contact The Orchard here.

5 Healthy Hobbies for Seniors

/in /by

senior-hobbies-5Mental and social activities are just as critical as physical activities when it comes to ageing. And hobbies are an excellent way for seniors to become more active and engaged, which can improve their overall happiness. Here are a few of the Orchard activities and hobbies available:

1. Creating Art
Art is a great way to keep the brain stimulated and one of the best activities seniors can practice. Art can be especially beneficial when done in a social setting with friends and family. Art projects can include painting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, or photography. Here at Orchard, we have numerous artistic activities for your loved one to participate in and a dedicated crafts area.

2. Playing Cards and Games
Your loved one can join in at the Orchard game room for fun activities and friendly competition. Participating in games and playing cards can both help keep your loved one’s mind sharp. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are also great ways to keep the brain fit.

3. Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding experience that is not only enjoyable but has many health and therapeutic benefits. It encourages independence while also increasing mobility and flexibility. Our Garden Club meets and plants herbs and flowers every week to keep the garden and your loved one healthy and growing.

4. Golfing
Orchard has an excellent putting green that’s great for both enthusiastic golfers and those who want to learn. Golf has many benefits, for example, improving flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and overall satisfaction.senio

5. Socialising
This is the most important hobby to list, conversing and socialising with others is essential to happiness and the Orchard Difference means that we are dedicated to your loved one’s happiness. We have weekly and monthly calendars full of activities, on/off grounds, that develop conversations and bonds between residents.

If you are looking for an assisted living home in the Tucker, Georgia area or just want to ask questions about what we offer and the Orchard Difference give us a call at 770-938-5600 or contact us here.

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke/Exhaustion

/in /by

Ways-Seniors-Stay-Safe-in-Summer-Heat-01-pg-fullHot weather can be dangerous here in Georgia, and seniors are more inclined to its threat. Elderly heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real problems. There are several reasons for elderly heat vulnerability. A person’s ability to notice fluctuations in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adjust to heat or medication that can cause dehydration. Fortunately, only a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to keep safe.

Here are a few tips for keeping cool in hot weather:

Drink Plenty of Liquids

Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Wear Weather Appropriate Clothes
When it’s hot out, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and consider a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
When it’s the hottest outside, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature is cooler.

Relax and Take it Easy
Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.

Watch the Local Heat Index
When there’s high humidity, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index can be found online or also on local TV and radio weather reports.

Caring Tips for Sundowners Syndrome

/in /by

main-494542

Sleeping problems occur in almost all people with mental disorders, including those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Sleep determines our ability to do daily functions and maintain our physical/mental health. Many people believe that a difficulty sleeping is the center of the problem.

Sundowners describes an increase in behavior problems usually in the late afternoon and early evening. People may show signs of increased confusion, anxiety, straying, hallucinations and general disorientation. For those living with or caring for someone exhibiting “sundowning” symptoms, it can be frustrating to experience.

Once a routine is in place, life becomes easier when caring for someone with Sundowners Syndrome. Not all of these ideas will work for everyone; through experimentation, you may find the right one for your circumstance.

Care Tips for Sundowners Syndrome:

  • Allow for light in the morning to help establish an internal clock.
  • Daytime napping should be minimized to help regulate their sleeping cycle.
  • Encourage exercise to help expend excess energy.
  • Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon.
  • Create a private place just for decompressing.
  • Music or sounds like waves or birds can be soothing.
  • Consider purchasing a bedside commode frequently getting up and down can make it hard to get back to sleep.
  • Keep a comfortable temperature in the bedroom to avoid disruption during sleep.

Frustration for family members and caregivers is not uncommon when dealing with loved ones experiencing episodes of Sundowners. Outbursts and odd demands are not unusual, requiring absolute patience on the part of family members and caregivers to make it through this. Following these tips above may bring comfort back into your life. If you need additional assistance, contact us to experience the Orchard difference. 

Orchard at Tucker features 20,000 sf of enclosed secured outdoor space for residents and families

/in /by

Secure, Enclosed Outdoor Space is one of the best amenities in Assisted Living and Memory.  Vitamin D is necessary for everyone, but according to WebMD and other reputable sources it is crucial

Tucker Assisted Living

Orchard at Tucker Assisted Living & Memory Care featuring 20,000 sf enclosed garden for seniors.