Memory Box Therapy is Soothing & Therapeutic

 According to A Place for Mom, Familiar items can be soothing and therapeutic to seniors experiencing dementia.

“Each resident has a prop box individualized for them — their box contains both comforting objects and stimulating items centered around their life history, interests, and the things they enjoy,” Martinez says. “That box can be used by any of our team members, or the resident can use it independently if they aren’t interested in a group activity or choose to reminisce alone."

Memory box items may include any of the following:

• A photo album
• A kitchen apron
• A treasured Christmas ornament
• A favorite painting
• A wedding dress, military uniform, or favorite item of clothing
• An audio recording of nature sounds or family voices
• Scented wax or sachets that smell like home
• A familiar tool, like a wooden spoon for a cook or sandpaper for a carpenter
• Home videos saved to a tablet

Visiting relatives can use the memory box as a conversation starter, Martinez says. A selection of familiar things can offer families quality time together without the pressure of finding something to talk about.

Learn more about other memory care activities that keep seniors active and engaged here.

Memory Care Designed with You in Mind!

If you’re looking for memory care in Ann Arbor, that place might be Hillside Terrace. We’ve been family owned and operated since 2006. Our assisted and independent living community is a nurturing and stimulating environment on beautiful grounds with many amenities. For years we’ve dreamed of opening a specialized memory care facility to provide a safe, caring home for this vulnerable population. We’re honored to welcome residents to our new Hillside Terrace Memory Care home opening in the Winter of 2023. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Memory Care Activities That Keep Seniors Active and Engaged

To help improve your loved ones memory to remember the things they love, A Place for Mom, recommends “eight popular memory care therapies:

·      Music therapy

·      Video therapy

·      Stimulating therapy

·      Memory prop box

·      Art therapy

·      Pet therapy

·      Taste and scent therapy

·      Tactile simulation

Learn more about memory care activities that keep seniors active and engaged here.

Tour Facilities for Memory Care in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

 

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace for Memory Care today!

What Are the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Is your aging loved one capable of preparing meals without assistance?

Does your parent know how to effectively communicate with technology? 

Knowing that your elderly loved one is capable of performing the instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs, is important in monitoring their progress or deterioration. 

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

• Cleaning and housekeeping
• Managing money 
• Preparing meals 
• Safe transportation 
• And more

There are more instrumental activities of daily living that you can check out here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home

If you’re unsure about your loved one's ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living, you should consider looking into assisted living in Ann Arbor.  

When your loved one stays at Hillside Terrace, they will be treated like family. If you want to learn more about what we can do for you, contact or call us today at 734-761-4451 to schedule a visit. 

What Are the Activities of Daily Living?

Is your aging loved one able to dress appropriately for special occasions? 

Do you feel confident in your parent's ability to get up on their own and move around independently? 

Being able to do these activities is important in deciding if your aging loved one is capable of continuing to live independently.

Activities of Daily Living 

• Bathing and showering 
• Continence
• Dressing
• Mobility
• And more

Are your loved ones able to confidently complete these activities without support? Read more about the essential activities of daily living here.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home 

Hillside Terrace is here to help provide care for your loved one. We’re a family-owned senior living facility that offers varying levels of care based on your needs.

If you’re looking for assisted living in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is the best place for you! Contact us today to schedule a virtual or in-person tour of our facilities! 

Staying Safe Before Your Visit

 Are you planning to visit your loved one?

Not sure how to stay safe even after getting the COVID-19 vaccine? 

At Hillside Terrace, we want to keep your loved ones safe, happy, and healthy. We want you to see your loved one. Here’s how you can stay safe before your next visit: 

Self Evaluation - Check your symptoms daily. If you're feeling under the weather, consider staying home. Regularly testing yourself for COVID keeps those around you safe and allows you to make the best decisions when it comes to travel.

Face Coverings - If you’re feeling unsure about your surroundings, consider wearing a face mask! Wearing a face mask helps reduce your chance of potential exposure to COVID. When you wear a face mask, also reduces the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus. 

Wash Your Hands - Keeping your hands clean is a simple way to reduce your risk of infection. We don’t realize how often we’re touching shared surfaces! Whenever you can, you should wash your hands. Carrying hand sanitizer is another easy way to keep your hands clean while you’re out. 

Learn more about how to stay safe before your next visit.

Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe - Assisted Living Ann Arbor 

At Hillside Terrace assisted living in Ann Arbor, we want to keep your loved ones safe, happy, and healthy. Contact us today to learn more about how we are the right fit for your family member. 

Staying in Touch

Is COVID-19 keeping you from seeing your loved ones?

Are you concerned about risking your health by going out?

At Hillside Terrace, the health and safety of your loved ones are our top priority! 

Ways to Stay in Touch 

Virtual meetups - If face-to-face is what you’re missing, try a virtual meetup with your loved one! Facetime, zoom, and Google Duo allow you to see and talk to your loved one, without the risk!

Visit outdoors - Sometimes there’s no replacement for meeting face-to-face. If you’d rather meet in person than over Zoom, try to meet outdoors! Meeting outdoors decreases the risk of exposure and allows you to spend quality time outside.

Planned events - Before visiting your family member, schedule the visit ahead of time! Planning ahead gives people the time to take necessary safety precautions to be safe before getting together.

Learn more about how to keep your loved ones safe! 

Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe - Assisted Living Ann Arbor 

At Hillside Terrace assisted living in Ann Arbor, we want to keep your loved ones safe, happy, and healthy. Contact us today to learn more about how we are the right fit for your family. 

Ask Yourself These Questions When Your Parent Refuses Help

 Are you frustrated that your parent refuses your help?

A Place for Mom suggests that you “ask yourself some of these questions when it comes to your parents’ behavior: 

• Are they acting this way out of habit?
• Are they worried about losing their independence?
• Are they suffering from depression or anxiety?
• Are they confused or do they have dementia?
• What are some things they may be fearing?”

Identifying the root causes of your parents’ behavior can help you identify the best way to make positive changes.

Learn more about what to do when parents’ refuse help, here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

What to do When Your Parent Refuses Help

 Are you frustrated that your parent refuses your help?

Have you suggested options to improve your parent’s quality of life, and been turned down?

Is your mom or dad stubborn and not willing to listen to reason?

According to A Place for Mom, “Aging care and health professionals recommend the following steps to relieve the resentment and anxiety that can accompany assisting elderly parents who refuse help.”

1. Understand their motivations

2. Accept the situation

3. Choose your battles 

4. Don’t beat yourself up 

5. Treat your aging parents like adults

6. Ask them to do it for the kids 

7. Find an outlet for your feelings

Learn more about what to do when parents’ refuse help, here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

Seven Ways to Find a New Sense of Purpose After Retirement

After retirement, many people are surprised to feel like they’ve lost their sense of purpose, their sense of connection, and the personal fulfillment they gained from their previous jobs and responsibilities.  Having a sense of purpose promotes happiness, healthy behavior, and a longer life. In fact, research shows that loneliness and a lack of connection in seniors is often tied to the absence of purpose. 

How do you find a “new” sense of purpose at this new stage of life? Here are seven ways:  

• Compassion 
• Contribution 
• Creativity
• Relationships 
• Seeking health  
• Small joys
• Work 

Learn more on our website!

If you or a loved one are looking for assisted living in Ann Arbor and are worried about feeling a lack of purpose, our supportive, vibrant atmosphere at Hillside Terrace Senior Living will put your fears to rest. Contact us today!

Is Retirement Not all You Hoped it Would Be?

Many people look forward to retirement and starting a new chapter in their lives. The thought of turning off the alarm clock for good and truly becoming the master of their own lives is exciting. There’s freedom and opportunity just around the corner, and nobody to answer too. It’s a significant milestone that you’ve been working towards your entire adult life.   

But many people find retirement isn’t all they hoped it would be. After raising and supporting their family and working towards goals for their entire life, reaching that retirement milestone can make them feel a little lost. Without schedules, plans, or the many responsibilities of work and family, some may question who they are now. 

How do you find purpose after your life’s direction has changed? 

If you or a loved one are looking for assisted living in Ann Arbor and are worried about feeling a lack of purpose, our supportive, vibrant atmosphere at Hillside Terrace Senior Living will put your fears to rest. Contact us today!

How to Evaluate a Senior’s Driving Skills

The conversation about taking away the keys can be a hard, and even hurtful one. Your senior loved one may think you’re trying to take away their independence, or that you think they’re incompetent. It can be helpful to have an objective third party determine if your loved one is still a safe driver.

AAA has resources, articles, and tools to support older drivers. You may find these helpful to assess your loved one’s driving abilities, find a driving safety program, and learn more about other issues that may impact driving as we age.

AARP also has useful resources including tips to talk to a parent about driving as they get older.

Lastly, if your loved one still lives alone or with you, consider a ride sharing company like Lyft to make it easier for Mom or Dad to get to activities or social gatherings while not having to drive themselves. Lyft specifically is catering to the elderly – the app allows riders to request a vehicle big enough to accommodate adults with mobility issues like a wheelchair or walker.

Consider Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

The last suggestion is to consider if now is also a good time to have the conversation about assisted living with your loved one. A senior living community has great transportation options, so your parent will still be able to participate in activities they love in a safe manner.

Read the full article on our website!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor  at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451

Is your Senior Loved One Still a Safe Driver?

We’ve all been there – behind a too-slow senior driver, one driving erratically! Or worse, maybe you’ve even been involved in an accident with an elderly person. 

Are you monitoring how your own loved ones are driving?

Are you dreading the conversation with family members about taking away Mom or Dad’s keys? We know how hard it can be to have that conversation and how reluctant your parent can be about giving up driving. 

Some key facts to remember:

• Age is just a number. Age alone is not reason enough for taking away a senior’s keys. There are people in their 90s who can drive safely!
• Instead, focus on physical and mental abilities. There are many factors that put seniors at greater risk for accidents and affect their driving ability.

Read the full article on our website!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451

It is Time for Memory Care?

It’s a difficult and emotional experience moving a loved one into a memory care facility. At Hillside Terrace, we understand the issues and emotions around such a painful milestone. We’ve been a family owned and operated living facility since 2006, welcoming many mothers, fathers, and grandparents to our home. Our assisted and independent living community is a nurturing and stimulating environment on beautiful grounds with many amenities.  

For years we’ve dreamed of opening a specialized memory care facility to provide a safe, caring home for this vulnerable population. We’re honored to welcome residents to our new Hillside Terrace Memory Care home opening in the Fall of 2022. 

Our philosophy is a holistic focus on the well-being of our residents. We know that promoting independence, creating an engaging environment, and developing relationships based on trust are key to building a real home here for your loved ones.  

Visit our website to learn more about the lifestyle options at Hillside Terrace. 

Signs It May Be Time for Memory Care

It’s painful watching your loved one lose their memory. Even harder knowing the cognitive decline of dementia often ends up stealing their independence. You want your loved ones to be happy and safe, but if they’re living with dementia, happy and safe may mean moving into a memory care facility. 

Dementia looks different from person to person. Although it often progresses in a similar pattern, the extent of cognitive decline and the speed at which it progresses is unpredictable. That can make it difficult to decide when it’s time to move to memory care. Behavioral issues and compromised safety are common signs it may be time. 

Visit our website for nine signs it might be time for memory care.

Assisted Living Benefits Go Beyond the Scope of Even the Most Attentive Family

Community: Adults in senior living settings benefit from the presence of peers. Social relationships can be hard for older adults to maintain, especially if they live alone and are unable to travel independently. The close proximity of neighbors in senior living facilities strengthen these social bonds.

Chef-prepared meals: Senior living communities provide your loved one with a variety of nutritious meals, including diabetes-friendly options. Proper nutrition goes a long way toward improving these seniors’ quality of life. 

Round-the-clock assistance: Basic tasks like dressing and bathing can be very difficult for some aging adults. It usually befalls family caregivers to attend to these tasks, but for many, the level of help a senior relative requires far exceeds the help their family can give. It is the primary function of assisted living facilities to help seniors with these tasks while also enabling them to be as independent as possible.

Activities: Senior living facilities are outfitted with fitness equipment, indoor recreation areas, and outdoor spaces offering many activities for older adults. In addition, senior living facilities offer daily or weekly activities like bingo, exercise classes, book clubs and outings to local stores and museums.

Learn about assisted living and the common myths associated with it here.

Addressing 5 Common Assisted Living Myths

Myth #1: I have to sacrifice my independence.

Fact: Retirement community living actually promotes independence by having the support of caregivers available if needed. 

Myth #2: Assisted Living is too expensive.

Fact: While the price tag may seem high for assisted living, when you add up expenses for older adults, you’ll discover that the cost price is comparable and sometimes cheaper than maintaining your home as well as all your other expenses for the month (i.e. utilities, insurance, property tax, routine maintenance, repairs, lawn care, transportation and groceries).

Myth #3: Assisted living communities are depressing.

Fact: Assisted living communities are vibrant, attractive places to live. Many studies show that a seniors’ quality of life improves after moving to assisted living. A wide range of amenities and services make life easier and add excitement back into their lifestyle. 

Myth # 4: Family should care for their elders at home.

Fact: Caregiving can strengthen or weaken your relationship with your loved one, bring added stress, and may cause negative health effects. Choosing assisted living could lead to a happier more enjoyable life for both of you!

Myth #5: Assisted Living is just another way to say nursing home.

Fact: Nursing homes and assisted living centers are often thought of as the same, however, their care options are much different. Nursing homes focus primarily on medical care, while assisted living centers focus not only on medical care but on well-being and comfort too.

Learn more about assisted living and the common myths associated with it here.

Is Assisted Living Right for You?

What kinds of services are needed for your loved one? Consider what’s important to you in an assisted living community and you’ll be able to decide what the right fit is. 

Learn more about secured assisted living at Hillside Terrace Senior Living here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

What is Secured Assisted Living?

Our team provides enhanced assisted living. Do you or a loved one need assistance with your living situation, but memory care is not yet an issue?? A secured assisted living facility may be the right home for you!

Learn more about secured assisted living at Hillside Terrace Senior Living here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

Alzheimer’s or “senior moments?”

 

Everyone can have a bad day, but there’s a difference between a minor episode compared to frequent issues with the following:

• Brain freeze: forgetting the rules of a game, losing your train of thought, or forgetting where you’re going are part of normal human experience, but the frequency and severity of these episodes can foreshadow a problem.
• Confusion: forgetting an appointment is normal but forgetting the appointment location — or how to get there — can signal a warning.
• Losing things: we’ve all misplaced our keys, but misplacing objects daily may be a concern.

Learn more about how to know if it’s Alzheimer’s or something more serious here.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Alzheimer’s or neurological symptoms?

Neurological problems can be a warning sign for Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you’re having problems with your motor skills, it’s worth visiting a doctor:

• Major changes in personality: big changes from financial decision-making to personal grooming
• Physical changes: reading is suddenly difficult, or judging distance or discerning color seems a challenge
• Trouble speaking or writing: struggles with following a conversation or repeating oneself

Learn more about how to know if it’s Alzheimer’s or something more serious here.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Delirium vs. Dementia: Symptoms You Need to Know

People with dementia and those experiencing delirium can both show signs of confusion and decreased awareness. 

Whether your family member has dementia or delirium, they may have difficulty following a conversation, may not understand where they are, or may not remember important facts, such as what day it is, where they live, or their loved ones’ names.

How do you know which symptoms require a talk with your loved one’s doctor?

Delirium begins suddenly and develops quickly. Dementia begins gradually and progresses over time.

Delirium is temporary and reversible. Dementia is permanent and symptoms worsen as the disease progresses.

Read the full article about delirium vs. dementia and how a memory care facility in Ann Arbor can help!

If your loved one seems confused, talk to their doctor. There are also some other things you can do to help, including staying connected (check in with your loved one often), pay attention to changes, discuss unusual symptoms with a doctor, and lend a hand during recovery by helping your loved one with daily activities, or seek other care options, such as a memory care facility, which can offer help with meals, bathing, medication management, and more.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

What’s the Difference Between Delirium and Dementia?

A loved one being confused can be a very challenging experience for you and your family. As your parents get older, you’ve probably noticed that they have difficulty remembering recent events or that they sometimes show unusual behavior. 

How do you know when typical elderly confusion is something more serious? 

Delirium symptoms often occur suddenly, within hours or days. While delirium symptoms are usually temporary and reversible, these symptoms are also indicative of a serious, new problem that requires medical attention.

People with dementia may have problems with memory, language, thinking, problem solving, and other functions that affect daily living.

How you can help elderly adults

If your loved one seems confused, talk to their doctor. There are also some other things you can do to help, including staying connected (check in with your loved one often), pay attention to changes, discuss unusual symptoms with a doctor, and lend a hand during recovery by helping your loved one with daily activities, or seek other care options, such as a memory care facility, which can offer help with meals, bathing, medication management, and more.

Read the full article about delirium vs. dementia and how a memory care facility in Ann Arbor can help!

Are you looking for the right memory care facility?

Choosing the right senior home for memory care can feel like an overwhelming process, but Hillside Terrace is here to help you! We’re a family-owned senior living facility that offers many levels of care, from independent living to enhanced memory care. We pride ourselves on offering varied amenities that give our residents a home away from home. 

If you’re looking for memory care in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is the place for you! Contact us today to schedule your virtual or in-person tour.

What Triggers Sundown Syndrome?

It’s unknown what causes sundown syndrome, but research suggests these possible triggers:

• End of day activity
• Fatigue
• Low light
• Internal imbalance
• Winter blues
• Infection

If you or a loved one is showing signs of sundowning, it’s a good idea to discuss their medications and potential side effects with a doctor.

Learn more about Sundown Syndrome here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Call Hillside Terrace today to learn more about our memory care services at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

What is Sundown Syndrome?

Sundown syndrome is used to describe a range of unusual behaviors that occur during the transition from day to night, like agitation, confusion, and restlessness.  The syndrome primarily affects people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. In fact, as many as one in five people with Alzheimer’s will experience sundowning, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Sometimes seniors recovering from surgery in hospitals or unfamiliar environments will also experience sundown syndrome.

For some, symptoms of sundowning can be more severe, including:

• Hallucinating
• Hiding things
• Feeling paranoid
• Acting violently

Learn more about Sundown Syndrome here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Call Hillside Terrace today to learn more about our memory care services at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!