The notoriety has not gone to Mr. Boyd’s head but he is very happy. He has some memory problems at age 85 and needs insulin for his diabetic condition but this is certainly an uplifting story of how a community can gather together and make something special happen.

Music and encouraging those with conditions like diabetes and cognitive impairment to join in socially with others is a big part of life at The Wilsonville. Just like in Buffalo, visitors to our facility can come and hear our music programs and share them with their family members who call The Wilsonville home.

The Wilsonville is a full service assisted living facility that respects the privacy of our residents but encourages even the most independent to join in with the group. The social interaction that art and music appreciation offers is just one of the many positive experiences our facility can give those who reside with us.

A fully equipped and well staffed assisted living facility can make a powerful difference in the quality of life of those who have suffered or those who are at risk for hip and/or other serious fractures.  A properly designed diet and medication regimen along with a safe physical exercise program can help residents recover from fractures or help in the prevention of future fractures.  Our facility is designed to provide the highest level of care necessary to meet your loved one’s individual needs without compromising their desire to remain as independent as possible.

The respondents to a survey that ate fish once a week had only a 3% incidence of developing Alzheimer’s. The study began with taking brain scans of all the respondents and then took another scan about 7 years later. The scans showed that the fish eaters had more brain cells than those who didn’t.

The results are preliminary but the consumption of fish high in omega 3 fatty acids has long been recommended for both heart and brain health. The study tried to take into consideration other factors such as environment, amount of exercise, and other diet habits such as the amount of red meat eaten.

The study seems to prove that even though eating more fish isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s that it could be a very effective tactic in delaying the disease. Researchers also noted that the risk of dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment were also reduced by regular consumption of baked or broiled fish.

Healthy diets and regular physical activity are a staple in the routines of our residents at The Wilsonville. We prepare home style meals that take heart, brain and overall health into consideration. In addition to focusing on nutrition and physical exercise we also utilize alternative forms of treatment. Our regular music and animal therapy sessions have produced wonderful results in our residents suffering from cognitive impairment.

The signs of burnout are very similar to those of depression. Lack of sleep or too much sleep, along with having little energy can be an indication that the added responsibility is wearing you down. A change in eating habits, losing or gaining weight and loss of interest in things you like are all possible signs that you may need a break with all your duties.

Asking for help and finding a support group can be a great aide to relieving some of your stress. A visit to your doctor can help provide some direction on beating that stress associated with your care giving duties. Your doctor can provide direction regarding diet and exercise plans that you can follow and make suggestions on adding multi vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

We at The Wilsonville can understand why you are putting forth this great effort. We have apartments available for seniors that want to keep their independence. Providing full time care for your loved ones may be more than you and a home health aide can manage. It’s important to know that there are alternative solutions at The Wilsonville that can simplify care and make independent living possible for your elderly loved ones.

The aging of the baby boomer generation has lead to growth in the health care industry during the recession and now the construction industry is also benefitting. The increasing number of seniors will bring about the need for more quality nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities. The expected increase of age related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has banks realizing that these types of developments are going to be necessary. The recession of 2008 had led to a stoppage of this kind of specialized construction and now there is a great shortage.

The National Investment Center for Senior Housing and Care reports that New York City and its surrounding area have the lowest amount of new construction at the present time. Considering the number of households in the area with people aged 75 and over there needs to be a dramatic increase in assisted living centers to keep up with demand.

On the other side of the country The Wilsonville has been keeping up with demand for senior housing with the latest addition to our senior care community – Forest Court. This independent living area offers one and two bedroom apartments with many activities nearby to help you maintain an active lifestyle.

The Wilsonville also provides assisted living facilities for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s, cognitive impairment and other medical conditions.  We understand the growing need for senior housing and assisted living and make every effort to provide top level care and housing for seniors in Oregon.

At one point Glen called his wife his “memory.” That was something many people in her shoes could probably identify with. He was able to remember his childhood without any prompting, evidencing another facet of the disease. On the tour he will be assisted by his children who are musicians as well. The Alzheimer’s sufferer has been making some mistakes on stage during the tour, but the audiences have been warm and receptive to his openness in talking about the disease.

There is some irony in the fact that many Alzheimer’s patients are soothed by music and maybe this is happening with Glen. He not only gets to hear his children playing on stage, he also gets to remember some of his favorites while performing them for others.

At The Wilsonville our daily activities for Alzheimer’s sufferers can include music appreciation and therapy, along with visits from family members. The soothing music and daily activities that both our professional staff and family members share with our residents are both enjoyable and therapeutic. These activities are some of the ways we try to minimize the use of drugs with our Alzheimer’s patients and it has been successful.

Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and frustrating for both the sufferer and for those who are providing care. The fact that there is currently no cure for the debilitating disease can be discouraging to all those who are affected. The best way to minimize the stress associated with Alzheimer’s and to improve quality of life is with the proven therapies conducted in an Alzheimer’s care facility.

A recent study revealed that the implementation of underused treatments for heart failure could save tens of thousands of lives each year. The treatments indicated in the study aren’t necessarily right for every patient in every situation, but when properly prescribed could have a huge impact on patients that suffer from heart failure.

The six treatments examined in the study include both drug (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists) and non-drug therapies all of which are proven to reduce deaths. Researchers analyzed the data available from clinical trials, heart failure registries and quality of life surveys in an effort to judge the effectiveness of the six remedies highlighted in the study. At the end of their research a conclusion was made that optimal use of the six therapies could save as many as sixty eight thousand lives per year in the US.

Considering the fact that fewer than three hundred thousand patients die in the US from heart failure saving nearly seventy thousand lives would be a truly incredible feat. Even if you already follow a regular exercise program like the one offered here at The Wilsonville and follow a heart healthy diet there still could be more that you could do. Consult your doctor for additional lifestyle changes or courses of treatment that could help to lower your risk of heart related health issues.

According to researchers the benefits of music go beyond those seen during organized therapy sessions as well. Playing an instrument, singing or simply listening to music can all provide relief from stress, anxiety and pain as well. Regular exposure to music and creating music can also help improve mood and improve quality of life. Just having the opportunity to be around music on a regular basis can make a profound difference in a person’s life.

This is why music is a fixture here at The Wilsonville. Many of our regular events, like our weekly ice cream socials, contain incredible live music that helps get patients moving, singing along and just generally feeling better. We understand that music is a powerful tool that can help alleviate symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, depression and a number of physical ailments.

The most suitable and effective forms of therapy aren’t always the most traditional. In some cases an alternative form of treatment like music or animal therapy can have just as big of an impact on a patient’s quality of life as a more traditional therapy. We make every effort to utilize a wide array of therapies for our residents in order to make the biggest possible difference in quality of life.

Health care researchers evaluated the data of more than 80,000 women who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study. The researchers concluded that women who were taking prescription medication for depression were at an almost 40% increased risk of suffering a stroke. Past instances of depression didn’t affect stroke risk quite as much but women with a history of depression were also has an increased risk of stroke.

There are a number of scenarios that can contribute to depression in seniors. Other health issues, being away from loved ones and losing friends can all have a profound impact on someone’s mental state. Additions of new medications may also be a contributing factor for depression. The exact link between depression and stroke is a bit unclear. The results of this study show that health care professionals need to keep a close eye on patients with depression though.

Seniors in the right assisted living environment generally have the proper support structure in place to minimize the chances of depression. At The Wilsonville we have highly trained staff members who are adept in recognizing and treating a wide variety of issues that could contribute to a depressed state. We also have a number of regularly scheduled and spontaneous events that provide residents with excitement, exercise and entertainment.

Keeping a positive, comfortable environment for residents can have a profound impact on a patient’s overall health and well being. Seniors who are offered regular events and entertainment in addition to a healthy diet and exercise can see dramatic improvements in both mental and physical health.

Timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is a major factor in improving the quality of life of those who suffer from the disease. Seniors who receive specialized care as early as possible inside of an Alzheimer’s care facility often respond better than those who don’t start treatment until the disease has progressed.

Researchers examined well over 200 people broken into groups based upon age. Approximately half of the participants had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and half had no diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Researchers noted through their analysis of the study participants that there was less of a difference in memory loss and brain function among the older group than the younger group.

Alzheimer’s disease can have a profound effect on quality of life which is why a timely and accurate diagnosis is so important. There may be no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease but the appropriate forms of therapy administered in the earliest stages can certainly produce positive results.

The regular treatments we utilize at The Wilsonville have proven to be very effective for residents of our memory care unit. The regular music therapy sessions and animal therapy sessions conducted by consummate professionals inside of our comfortable and controlled environment have proven very effective. Coping with cognitive impairment can be very difficult but the right type of treatment inside of the right environment can make a big difference in the life of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Researchers reviewed the data of more than eighty thousand women who participated in the Nurse’s Health Study which spanned more than two decades. Four different healthy lifestyle factors were considered in relation to sudden cardiac death as part of this study – body mass index, regular exercise, healthy diet and avoiding smoking. While each healthy lifestyle factor appeared to have an effect on the risk of sudden cardiac death, those that paid attention to all four healthy behaviors reduced their risk the most.

Leading a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on many aspects of health. Participating in a regular exercise program and following a healthy diet can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death as well as several other serious health conditions. People who exercise and pay attention to what they eat can reduce their risk for obesity related conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular health issues and certain types of cancer.

At The Wilsonville we understand how important diet and exercise are to health. We offer an age appropriate exercise program that can help residents manage weight, improve mobility and improve cardiovascular fitness. In addition to our exercise program we also have a beautiful property perfect for daily walks and delicious meals designed to meet nutritional requirements without too many empty calories. Completely eliminating the risk of heart health issues may not be possible, but making a few simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference when it comes to improving heart and overall health.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be difficult to identify early on though which can make receiving the best possible care at the outset of the disease difficult. Many Alzheimer’s symptoms can easily be mistaken for simple signs of aging and the disease can begin to progress quickly without the necessary care from doctors.

Researchers from the Technical University in Munich recently identified factors that may be able to help health care providers predict the development of Alzheimer’s. Their study analyzed the protein levels in the spinal fluid of patients with mild cognitive impairment. The researchers concluded that high levels of APPB and tau protein were good indicators of Alzheimer’s risk and when combined with age allowed a nearly 80% rate of accuracy for predicting the disease. Accurate prediction of Alzheimer’s could possibly allow doctors to administer treatments that could potentially delay the cognitive impairment associated with the debilitating disease though.

Alzheimer’s sufferers in any stage of the disease can benefit from the high level of attention offered in an Alzheimer’s care facility. We have a deep understanding of the importance of appropriate care for Alzheimer’s patients at The Wilsonville. Our Hampton Alzheimer’s care facility is specifically designed to provide the comfortable surroundings and attention that Alzheimer’s sufferers need to have the highest quality of life. The Hampton is safe and secure and staffed with specially trained personnel who can provide residents in all stages of Alzheimer’s with the most appropriate care.

Researchers who authored the study say that the findings should compel doctors to conduct cognitive impairment screenings on patients in this age range, particularly those who are considered high risk.  Patients who have a family history of dementia, depression, stroke, diabetes and those who smoke or drink alcohol may all be at an increased risk of developing some form of dementia.   Early identification and appropriate treatment can have a profoundly positive effect on seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment.

We use a number of different forms of therapy for memory care patients and those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia at The Wilsonville.  We have had great success with our bunny and animal therapy sessions and our music therapy sessions made such an impact with residents that we now have two regular sessions scheduled per month.

In addition to providing the very best care and therapy for memory care and dementia patients here at The Wilsonville we also understand how it can impact other members of the family.  This is why we hold regular support groups where family members coping with having loved ones with dementia can share stories and get the help that they need dealing with a very difficult situation.

Participants were followed for an average of a year and researchers found that those in the low health literacy group were more than twice as likely to die as those who had reasonable health knowledge.  Much of the follow up care for heart failure is handled by the individual with day to day lifestyle changes and adherence to instructions which makes basic health knowledge a critical factor in recovery.

We’ve got an incredible support system at the Wilsonville, including a number of registered nurses who are readily available to assist residents with any health related problems, issues or questions.  The Wilsonville offers all of the benefits of an independent living environment but provides residents with the confidence that a qualified health care professional is always accessible when needed.

Living with and caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be physically and mentally taxing.    On a recent poll nearly two thirds of US caregivers reported high levels of stress associated with the task of providing Alzheimer’s care and more than thirty percent reported feelings of depression.

It helps to be able to talk to people who’ve gone through the very same experiences that you are trying to tackle and who can provide some advice and support.  This is precisely why we hold a monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group here at the Wilsonville.

On the first Wednesday of every month our Wilsonville Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 6:30 in the Vlahos Theater.  You can share your thoughts, participate in conversations and get the advice and support that you need to help make coping with your family’s difficult situation just a little bit easier.  If you’ve got a friend, relative or loved one who is suffering with Alzheimer’s and want to be able to discuss your situation with experienced individuals join us at the Wilsonville on April 6th at 6:30.

Researchers at the University of Osaka in Japan enlisted nearly eighty people between the ages of 40 and 74 in order to study the effects that music and laughter may have on blood pressure.  The participants were separated into three groups. 

The first group participated in sessions where they sang and listened to music and all were urged to listen to music while away from the group as well.  The second group participated in regular laughter yoga sessions much like the session with Laura Lou right here at the Wilsonville.  The third group served as a comparison group and the participants did not take part in any special music or laughter sessions.

After three months of observation researchers noted a substantial decrease in the blood pressure among both the group that enjoyed music and the one that participated in laughter yoga.  If similar results can be achieved in wider scale and more long term studies music and laughter therapy could become a fun, exhilarating and medication free way to help manage blood pressure.

Women who’ve been diagnosed with pregnancy related diabetes or pregnancy induced hypertension are now considered at risk for heart disease or stroke in the future.  Experts say that the development of gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension is equivalent to a failed stress test and acts as an opportunity for early identification of a potential problem. 

Despite the fact that a greater percentage of women now fall into the “at risk” category for developing heart disease, the basic recommendations for leading a healthy life still apply.  Women who have a family history of heart disease can still dramatically lower their risk of heart attack and stroke by adopting some simple lifestyle changes.

Participation in programs like the Wilsonville exercise program for physical renewal can help to improve cardiovascular health and help achieve and maintain a healthy bodyweight.  Eating a diet consisting of healthfully prepared and properly portioned meals like those offered at the Wilsonville can also help to manage weight and work to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Plenty of people have a deep mental connection between certain songs and major events in their life, but new research has revealed that your connection to music may be more than mental.  Researchers from the Montreal Neurological Institute have found that music can actually stimulate the brain to send pleasure signals throughout the body through the release of dopamine.

Brain scans were used in the study to measure the release of dopamine that occurred as a result of listening to pleasing music.  Researchers concluded that the brain releases more dopamine when people listen to music that is pleasing to them compared to music that they have neutral feelings toward.  In addition to the releasing more dopamine during the pleasurable music, subjects also experienced an increase in the release of dopamine just from the anticipation of hearing pleasing music.

The results of this intriguing study may provide a glimpse into why the Wilsonville events that feature live music remain to be some of the most popular and anticipated among our residents and staff.

Patients may split pills by direction of one of the doctor in order to get a smaller dosage than originally prescribed.  While this may be a completely safe and effective practice with some pills there are many medications where splitting is not only not advised, but potentially dangerous.  Some medications require a very specific dose in order to be safe and effective and even the slightest variation in that dose could have a major effect on the person taking it.

A recent study published in Journal of Advanced Nursing sheds some light on just how difficult it can be to split some medications evenly, even when using a tool specifically designed to do so.  Participants in the study split eight different pills in a variety of different methods, including a pill splitter.  After analyzing the split pills, researchers found that more than thirty percent of the split pills varied by at least fifteen percent from the recommended dosage.

This great of a difference in dosage could have a large impact on both the effectiveness of the medication and the person taking it.  It’s important that you only consider splitting medication under the direction of a doctor and with clearance from a pharmacist or one of the Wilsonville licensed nurses.

A recent study reveals that even a seemingly minor increase in systolic blood pressure of fifteen points could increase the risk of heart disease by more than 50% in women.  Researchers were able to conclude from information in the study that systolic blood pressure outweighed both smoking and high cholesterol as the top modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Thankfully there are some easily implementable methods of helping to get your blood pressure under control.

Participation in a regular exercise routine like the Wilsonville exercise program for physical renewal could result in healthier weight, BMI and blood pressure levels.  You can also reap the benefits of exercise and help to manage blood pressure levels by taking daily walks around the beautifully landscaped Wilsonville grounds.

Simple dietary changes can also have a big effect on blood pressure levels.  Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and monitoring sodium intake can result in lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease.  If blood pressure can’t be managed through dietary changes and increase in physical activity alone, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medication to help patients reach healthy levels.

On Wednesday January 19th, local law enforcement expert Dianne Childs came to the Wilsonville to teach us the ins and outs of preventing identity theft.  She told us about the common dangers associated with this malicious crime and the steps that needed to take to protect yourself and keep criminals from accessing your personal data for their financial gain.

If you’ve ever been a victim of identity theft or known someone who has been, you know just how much damage it can cause and what an astronomical hassle it is to rectify.  Even if you think you are taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent criminals from getting hold of vital information, Dianne  told us there are things that you could be overlooking.  This seminar and others like it are an absolute must for anyone who is interested in learning the necessary steps for avoiding becoming a victim of identity theft.  We have several seminars similar to this each year so watch the blog for the next one if you missed it this time.

Regulars to our ice cream socials have most likely had the pleasure of seeing Stan Lasley perform; those of you that haven’t are missing something truly special.  Stan is not only a supremely talented piano player he also has a passion for connecting with the audience.

Stan is accustomed to playing for seniors and Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and he understands the therapeutic power that music can have.  Stan Lasley continues to impress, entertain and engage the residents every single time he visits the Wilsonville and this upcoming ice cream social will likely be no exception.

Here’s a brief video that showcases Stan’s musical talent and his unparalleled ability to entertain.

In addition to astounding list of entertainers scheduled for our upcoming ice cream socials, we’ve also got a very special seminar coming up in the next few weeks.  Keep checking the blog for complete details on an educational event that will help teach residents and staff the information they need to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

This is only the first of what will hopefully be twice monthly music therapy sessions running through 2011.  We’ve seen first hand the benefit that well conducted music therapy sessions can have on memory care patients and we are excited to be able to continue on with two very adept and talented group therapy leaders.

We’ll also have the pleasure of seeing Betty Farley here at the Wilsonville early in the New Year.  Betty will be joining us at two o’clock on January 12th for some entertaining and educational discussion on music and culture.  Though the exact topics for Betty’s visit have yet to be determined, one thing is always certain when she pay us a visit – residents will be both entertained and informed by the presentation.

We’ve got a number of exciting guests already booked for January’s ice cream socials as well as educational events and another community shredding event at the end of the month.  Check our blog and the activity board regularly so you don’t miss out on any of the excitement as we get moving into a very busy 2011.

Music is a powerful tool that has been implemented by doctors and therapists to help treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers and a host of other medical conditions.  We at the Wilsonville consider ourselves very lucky to have very talented and qualified musical therapists administering regular therapy sessions to residents of our memory care unit.

The music therapy sessions led by Mark and Brian Parker are specifically designed to promote improved cognitive function in the residents in the Wilsonville memory care unit.  With the potential power of these sessions, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Hampton’s residents ultimately reaping many more positive benefits than just improved memory though.

Mark and Brian provide powerful, entertaining and engaging sessions that seem to create the best possible atmosphere for improvements to memory and to overall health.  The popularity of the music therapy sessions doesn’t just stem from their ability to produce the desired reactions and results, it stems from the fact that they are able to do so in a way that is incredibly enjoyable.

Moving into the New Year, we hope to be able to continue on with music therapy sessions two times per month.  Interested residents can check here on the blog or the activity board to get exact times and dates for future sessions.

We’re kicking the New Year off in style with a very special lunch trip.  This friend’s luncheon will have Wilsonville residents hitting the road by way of bus to enjoy a wonderful meal and an afternoon on the town.  We’re planning on making this a regular event that will take place every other Wednesday starting on Wednesday January 5th.  If you love great food and great company, clear your calendar because this is something that you will not want to miss.

Thursday January 6th marks the return of our regularly scheduled ice cream socials.  Join us in the Great Room at two o’clock for live entertainment provided by the one and only Monte Watters.  Monte plays the piano in a wide variety of styles including swing, pop, country and easy listening so there will literally be something for everyone at this ice cream social.

The events mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg; make sure to check the blog and activity board regularly to keep up on all of the special events that we’ve got planned as we move into 2011.