Gable Pines at Vadnais Heights welcomes and encourages the active participation of adult children (or other loved ones or care-givers) in the process of choosing Gable Pines and throughout the life of the resident in the community.
Gable Pines at Vadnais Heights Family Resources
Overcoming Senior Living Fears
The emotions involved, understanding hesitations and the keys to thriving. To learn more, CLICK HERE!
Gable Pines at Vadnais Heights FAQ
Following, we’ve addressed a number of questions that frequently arise regarding the community. As you learn more about the community – or your retirement information search in general- other questions may arise. Give us a call. We invite you to call for a personal tour or for additional information.
That’s a great question. You’ve probably had the opportunity to see your parent or other loved one over a period of years. The aging process includes a natural slowing down, and you may see that certain day-to-day functions – such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and remembering to take medications – have become a challenge, and you’ll find yourself questioning how viable it is for that person to live on his or her own, and you have a natural concern for their safety and well-being. Many people will begin the process of seeking an appropriate retirement community – touring the community and talking with staff on behalf of their aging loved one, and having made the initial inquiries, will draw their parent into the conversation.
Keep in mind that some degree of memory loss is normal with aging. It goes with the territory. To be considered dementia, symptoms need to affect more than one area of brain function significantly enough to interfere with everyday life. Memory loss is a common example, as you’ve noticed – your loved one may have difficulties forming new memories. Communication is another key area. Your father may experience challenges in processing speech and language- finding the right words. Changes in mood are common: depression, apathy, or a change in personality. He may be confused, or be challenged in his sense of direction and spatial orientation. He may experience a decline in judgment – his ability to consider facts and come to a reasonable conclusion. You may be in a good position to observe and monitor subtle changes such as these in your loved one. It’s also a good idea to talk with your father’s doctor and share your concerns.
Progressive dementia is the most common type, with five progressive stages:
- With stage one, there is no impairment. There is no significant memory problem, judgment is normal, and your loved one is fully able to care for their personal needs.
- Stage two is characterized by slight impairments, such as memory inconsistencies and struggles with timing or solving problems. They can still manage personal care without any help.
- Stage three is a noticeable but mild impairment in areas such as short-term memory, disorientation and getting around. Chores may begin to be neglected. Reminders are needed for such things as personal hygiene.
- A person with stage four has a moderate impairment. Though well enough to go out, they need to be accompanied for social activities and chores.
Yes. Please feel free to think of us at Gable Pines as a resource. Give us a call. We will likely have excellent guidance, or have a pretty good idea on where to direct you to get your questions answered. In the meantime, this Family Resource section includes a number of the leading online organizations and resources. We hope that helps!
Glossary of Terms
Assisting your parents or loved ones as they explore retirement community options often requires a little translation. You’ll notice some terms pop up frequently. Hopefully this brief glossary will help you differentiate plans, services, and senior living options.
Most retirement communities require that residents have reached a given age before moving in. You’ll find 65+ is a common benchmark.
Assisted living communities typically provide services which allow the resident to maintain a degree of independence, while offering a helping hand with given tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and taking medications.
CCRCs are senior living communities that provide a continuum of lifestyle options and choices, generally including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing residences or suites. (Gable Pines at Vadnais Heights offers three distinct lifestyles: Independent living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.)
In an independent living community, residents are capable of living in a residence with or without assistance.
Life Care is a term often used to distinguish communities that offer lifestyles and care—for life, with virtually no additional increase to monthly fees, whether a resident is in a residence or a residential health services program including assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. By contrast, some CCRCs provide continuing care with a fee-for-service contract, requiring additional fees for living at higher levels of care.
Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance developed specifically to cover the cost of skilled nursing, assisted living, home health care and other long-term care services. These services are usually not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare.
The federal health insurance program called Medicare is designed for people who are 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cover specific services and care.
Financed by state and federal governments, Medicaid is the program of medical assistance designed for those unable to afford regular medical service—available to fund care in a skilled nursing setting.
A specialized type of elder care, memory care is tailored specifically for the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive disorders.
Skilled nursing care facilities, commonly referred to as nursing homes or health centers, are licensed health care communities that are inspected and regulated by a state’s Department of Health Services. They offer long- and short-term care for individuals who need rehabilitation services or who suffer from serious or persistent health issues that are often too complicated to be tended to at home.
Services designed to help an individual recover from an injury, operation, stroke, or illness. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and memory care. In most cases, services are planned to help the patient return as closely as possible to pre-challenge levels. The services may be residential (inpatient), or outpatient, and may be short- or long-term, depending on the needs of the patient.
The term “retirement community” encompasses a wide scope of variations—several of which are covered here. Rental communities, continuing care, Life Care, assisted living and skilled nursing care communities all fall within the spectrum, as do age-restricted communities of individually owned homes with common services and amenities.
Skilled nursing care communities offer daily nursing care, provided or supervised by licensed medical personnel.
Links to Resources
Many organizations dedicated to seniors and senior care offer useful information and details on their websites. We’ve assembled a collection of links so you’re just a click away from helpful resources.
AARP
AARP is a membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through information, advocacy and service.
Administration on Aging
Administration on Aging provides home and community-based services to millions of older persons through the programs funded under the Older Americans Act.
Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Foundation provides members with specialist referrals, Arthritis Today magazine and updates on the newest research.
Caregiver.com
Caregiver.com offers support and guidance for family and professional caregivers through newsletters, online discussion, Today’s Caregiver magazine, chat rooms and more.
Caring Connections
Caring Connections is a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life, supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Leading Age
Leading Age is focused on advocacy of effective services for seniors including home health, hospice, assisted living, continuing care and more.
Elder Law Answers
Elder Law Answers supports seniors, their families and their attorneys in legal issues surrounding aging.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home.
GovBenefits.gov
Governments Benefits is the official benefits site of the US Government with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.
Hospice Foundation of America
Hospice Foundation of America exists to help those who cope personally or professionally with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief and bereavement.
International Council on Aging
International Council on Aging unifies organizations focused on older adults and provides education, information, resources, and tools.
National Council on Aging
National Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization with a national network of more than 14,000 organizations and leaders.
VA.gov
VA.gov explains U.S. Government Veterans’ Affairs benefits to assist eligible veterans and dependents with the expense of intermediate or skilled nursing care.
Where You Live Matters
Where You Live Matters is an unbiased, research-based resource created to help seniors and their family members learn more about senior living communities, so they can make smart, confident decisions about their living arrangements and health care needs. There are videos, infographics and editorial articles on a variety of pressing topics, all designed to help educate consumers based on their needs and preferred style of content.