A senior woman in her wheelchair talking to her caregiver seated beside her in blue scrubs.

What to Do When Assisted Living Isn’t Enough

At NorBella Senior Living in Champlin, we understand that senior care needs can evolve over time. While our assisted living community provides valuable support for daily activities and maintains independence, some residents may eventually require more specialized care as health conditions progress.

When assisted living alone is no longer sufficient, families have options. Sometimes this means transitioning to our specialized memory care neighborhood within the same community. Other times, it may require exploring external care options that provide services beyond what assisted living and memory care can offer.

Signs That Assisted Living is No Longer Enough

Changes in a loved one’s health or behavior can happen gradually or suddenly. At NorBella Champlin, our caring team maintains regular communication with families so you’ll never feel out of the loop. Here are common signs that indicate evolving care needs:

Increasing Memory-Related Challenges

If your loved one is experiencing more severe memory issues, our memory care neighborhood might be the perfect solution. Signs that specialized memory care could help include:

  • Wandering or getting lost in familiar places
  • Forgetting to eat meals or take medications despite reminders
  • Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or places
  • Confusion about time, place, or personal identity
  • Repetitive behaviors or questions

Our memory care community features a secure environment with apartments, ensuring your loved one receives the time and attention they need each day to flourish. The cozy atmosphere offers thoughtful services provided by people who genuinely care, creating opportunities for meaningful interactions while maintaining safety.

Behavioral Changes Requiring Specialized Support

Frequent behavioral changes may indicate that specialized memory care would be beneficial:

  • Increased agitation or anxiety, especially in the evening
  • Mood swings or emotional outbursts
  • Resistance to personal care or daily activities
  • Social withdrawal or difficulty participating in group activities

At NorBella Champlin, our memory care team is specially trained to understand and respond to these behaviors with patience and compassion, creating structured routines that promote comfort and familiarity.

Safety Concerns Within Assisted Living

While our assisted living community provides excellent support, some safety concerns may indicate a need for our more secure memory care environment:

  • Frequent falls or mobility issues requiring constant supervision
  • Attempts to leave the community unaccompanied
  • Difficulty navigating their apartment or common areas
  • Confusion about using appliances or emergency systems

Our memory care neighborhood is specifically designed with enhanced safety features while maintaining the warm, homelike atmosphere that defines NorBella communities.

Social & Emotional Isolation

Loneliness, a lack of engagement, or frustration with their environment may be signs that your loved one needs more individualized attention and activities tailored to their abilities and interests. Acknowledging these signs may be difficult but taking action helps your loved one transition into an environment where they can thrive.

Memory Care: A Seamless Transition Within NorBella Champlin

One of the unique advantages of choosing NorBella Champlin is our ability to provide continuity of care within the same community. When residents need to transition from assisted living to memory care, they can remain in the familiar environment they’ve come to love, maintaining connections with staff and other residents.

What Our Memory Care Offers

Secure, Comfortable Environment 

Our memory care neighborhood provides a safe, secure setting that reduces anxiety while allowing residents to move freely within designated areas. The intimate setting with only 16 apartments ensures personalized attention.

Specialized Programming

We offer structured daily activities designed specifically for individuals with memory challenges, promoting cognitive stimulation while accommodating varying ability levels.

Trained, Compassionate Staff 

Our team receives specialized training in understanding and responding to the needs of residents with dementia and other memory-related conditions.

Familiar Comforts 

Residents continue to enjoy the same high-quality amenities they loved in assisted living, including our in-house chef’s delicious, made-from-scratch meals and specialty diet offerings.

A senior man and woman engaging in a puzzle game with a male caregiver standing beside them.

Making Transitions Easier for Your Family

Start Conversations Early

At NorBella Champlin, we believe in proactive planning. Our team regularly assesses residents’ needs and maintains open communication with families about any changes we observe. This approach allows for thoughtful transitions rather than crisis-driven decisions.

Tour Our Memory Care Community

If you’re considering a transition from assisted living to memory care, we encourage families to tour our memory care neighborhood. Meeting our specialized staff, exploring the secure environment, and understanding our approach can help ease concerns about the transition.

Maintain Continuity

One of the greatest advantages of transitioning within NorBella Champlin is maintaining relationships with familiar staff members and continuing to enjoy the same community amenities and dining experiences that residents already love.

Professional Guidance

Our team works closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and geriatric care specialists to ensure that transitions are based on comprehensive assessments of your loved one’s needs.

Supporting Families Through Change

We understand that watching a loved one’s needs evolve can be emotionally challenging. At NorBella Champlin, our boutique setting means we can provide individualized support not just for residents, but for their families as well.

Regular Communication

We maintain consistent communication with families about their loved one’s well-being, ensuring you’re always informed about their daily experiences and any changes in their condition.

Educational Resources

Our team provides families with information about memory-related conditions, helping you understand what to expect and how to best support your loved one through changes.

Connection to External Resources

When care needs exceed what we can provide, we help families connect with appropriate external resources, including skilled nursing facilities, specialized medical services, or hospice care providers.

Finding the Right Care at the Right Time

Change is never easy, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. At NorBella Senior Living in Champlin, we’re committed to helping residents and families navigate care transitions with dignity, compassion, and confidence.

Our convenient location near quality healthcare facilities, combined with our intimate community setting, positions us to support families through various stages of the senior care journey. Whether your loved one needs our specialized memory care services or requires connection to external care providers, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact NorBella Senior Living in Champlin today to schedule a tour of our memory care neighborhood or to speak with our caring team about how we can support your family through this important transition. We’re here to provide the specialized care and peace of mind your family deserves.

A senior holds a hand to their head as they look worryingly out of an open window while sitting on a black couch

At What Age Can Dementia Set In?

Plenty of changes happen naturally as we age–from eyesight and hearing loss to decreasing energy levels, wrinkles, and stiff joints. While some memory loss is perfectly normal, excessive forgetfulness may be a sign of something more serious, like dementia. 

It can be troubling when a loved one has more frequent forgetfulness. While dementia can develop at any age, most cases of dementia are diagnosed in those in their mid-60s or later. Familiarizing yourself with the early symptoms of dementia can help you take proactive measures to ensure your loved one is safe and cared for as their mind changes.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not just a single disease but an umbrella term covering various medical conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. It occurs when brain cells are damaged, leading to a decline in cognitive functions. This can interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. 

The complexity of dementia means that it manifests differently in each person. It can start subtly, with minor forgetfulness that progresses over time. Understanding the nature of dementia, its causes, and its effects on the brain can help caregivers recognize symptoms earlier, allowing for better management and care.

Types Of Dementia

While many associate dementia with aging, it’s essential to understand that it can impact people at different stages of life.

  • Late-Onset Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Alzheimer’s disease, typically affecting individuals over the age of 65. Although the precise cause is elusive, it involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 
  • Young Onset Dementia occurs commonly in individuals in their 40s and 50s but can appear as early as their 30s. This form of dementia often goes unnoticed because symptoms can mimic stress or depression. It presents unique challenges, especially for those balancing work, family, and social responsibilities. 
  • Vascular Dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s, results from impaired blood flow to the brain. It often follows a stroke or a series of mini-strokes, leading to cognitive decline. Unlike other forms of dementia, vascular dementia can have a more abrupt onset, with sudden changes in thinking skills.
  • Lewy Body Dementia is characterized by abnormal protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. This condition shares some symptoms with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, making it challenging to diagnose. Symptoms include cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, and motor difficulties.
  • Frontotemporal Dementia is a group of disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language. It often occurs between the ages of 45 and 65, making it a significant concern for middle-aged adults.
  • Mixed Dementia refers to the presence of more than one type of dementia simultaneously, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. This combination can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms may overlap or change.

Educating caregivers and family members about dementia can empower them to provide better care and advocate for their loved ones. Accessing resources and support networks can also ease the caregiving burden and enhance the overall quality of life.

What Is Early-Stage Dementia?

Early-stage dementia refers to the initial phase of cognitive decline, where individuals may experience memory lapses, difficulty finding words, and subtle changes in thinking or behavior. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for intervention, as timely diagnosis can lead to better management and planning.

People may still function independently during this stage but need assistance with complex tasks. Families should focus on supporting their loved ones while encouraging autonomy and participation in daily activities. Building a robust and solid support network is essential for those in the early stages of dementia. Connecting with healthcare professionals, support groups, and community resources can provide valuable guidance and emotional support.

What Are The Very Early Signs Of Dementia?

The early signs of dementia can be subtle and easily overlooked. They may include:

  • Subtle short-term memory lapses, such as forgetting recent events or appointments
  • Changes in mood or personality, including depression and apathy
  • Difficulty finding the right words, problem-solving, and completing familiar tasks
  • Decreased or poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • A failing sense of direction or wandering
  • Confusion

Being vigilant about these early signs can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes. Encouraging open communication with loved ones about any concerns can help identify potential issues sooner.

If you notice early signs of dementia in a family member, seeking professional evaluation is essential. Early diagnosis can lead to appropriate treatment and support, helping maintain quality of life.

Differences Between Signs Of Dementia & Typical Age-Related Changes

A senior seated at a table frowns as they sort alphabet pieces of a puzzle

Some memory loss is typical with age and does not need to be worried. When looking out for signs of dementia, it’s important to balance fears or hypochondriac impulses with reality.

Typical age-related changes to memory include:

  • Making a wrong decision once in a while (as opposed to routine poor judgment and decision-making)
  • Missing a monthly payment (as opposed to an inability to manage a budget)
  • Forgetting what day it is and remembering later (as opposed to losing track of the current day or season)
  • Sometimes, forgetting the right word to use (as opposed to experiencing difficulty having a conversation)
  • Losing items from time to time (as opposed to misplaying items and being unable to retrace their steps to find them)

Memory Care Community & Fulfillment

Understanding the onset of dementia and its various forms is crucial for caregivers and family members supporting loved ones. Early recognition of symptoms and proactive intervention can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected.

NorBella Senior Living knows that by educating ourselves and staying informed, we can provide better care, advocate for loved ones, and create a supportive environment. Contact us today to see how we can provide your loved one with the freedom, assurance, and community in memory care to continue leading a fulfilling life.

An individual feeds their older parent soup while taking them out through a park on a walk with their wheelchair

How to Care for an Elderly Parent Who Can’t Walk

Providing care for an elderly parent who cannot walk is a significant responsibility with unique challenges and rewards. This task requires empathy, patience, and knowledge to ensure your loved one remains comfortable, safe, and emotionally supported. Various options are available to help care for a parent who cannot walk, including mobility aids, home modifications, and physical therapy. 

Assisted living is an equally viable option for those who cannot accommodate their parent in their own home or are concerned about their loved one having enough support in their home.

Understanding the Challenges of Mobility Problems

Caring for a parent with mobility problems involves understanding their multifaceted challenges, such as:

  • Difficulty with tasks such as moving from one room to another 
  • Performing daily activities like bathing or dressing
  • Feelings of frustration and dependency
  • Reduced social interactions, leading to loneliness and depression

Recognizing emotional challenges allows caregivers to incorporate activities and support systems promoting mental well-being and community.

From a practical standpoint, mobility problems also demand adjustments in the home environment to prevent falls and injuries. This might involve rearranging furniture, installing grab bars, or investing in mobility aids. By anticipating these challenges, caregivers can create a safer and more supportive living space for their loved ones.

What Causes Seniors to Stop Walking?

There are numerous reasons why an older adult might stop walking, ranging from physical to psychological factors. 

  • Arthritis, osteoporosis, or neurological disorders can lead to pain, stiffness, or imbalance.
  • Past falls or close calls can leave older adults anxious about walking, creating a psychological barrier that stops them from attempting to move.
  • Prolonged immobility can stem from surgery or hospitalization, where muscle strength and coordination deteriorate due to lack of use. 

Tips for Supporting & Caring for Your Loved One

Implement a Routine

Establishing a routine provides structure and familiarity, comforting seniors with mobility challenges. Routines help manage time effectively and boost productivity by ensuring that essential activities aren’t overlooked. They also provide predictability, which is especially beneficial for those with cognitive impairments or anxiety about mobility tasks.

It is important to involve elderly parents in creating their routines. This encourages their active participation in daily activities and ensures the routine aligns with their preferences and energy levels, fostering a sense of control and satisfaction. A well-designed routine balances physical activity, rest, social interaction, and personal care, all crucial for overall well-being. 

Mobility Aids for Seniors with Difficulty Walking

Aids can dramatically improve the quality of life for seniors who struggle with mobility. These tools range from simple canes to advanced electric wheelchairs, each serving specific needs and enhancing independence. 

  • Walkers and rollators offer additional stability for those who can still walk but need extra support. Many come with seats and storage options, making them practical for daily use. 
  • For those with more severe mobility issues, wheelchairs or mobility scooters might be necessary. These devices offer greater ease of movement and access to various areas inside and outside the home.

Mobility aids provide physical support and contribute to a senior’s psychological well-being by fostering independence and confidence. Encouraging their use involves demonstrating their benefits and ensuring they’re tailored to fit the user’s needs comfortably and effectively.

Accessibility Home Improvements

Making the home environment accessible is critical for seniors who can’t walk. Simple modifications can have substantial impacts on safety and ease of movement, including:

  • Installing ramps
  • Widening doorways
  • Ensuring floors are slip-resistant
  • Installing grab bars and using raised toilet seats in the bathroom
  • Equipping showers with adjustable showerheads and non-slip mats
A senior holds onto a grab bar while using the toilet in their home bathroom

Thinking creatively about accessibility doesn’t just involve structural changes. It might also include rearranging frequently used items into easy-to-reach spots, reducing the need for unnecessary movement and enhancing an individual’s autonomy at home.

Arrange Transportation When They Need It

Transportation is crucial to maintaining independence and quality of life for seniors with limited mobility. Arranging reliable transportation ensures they can attend medical appointments, visit friends, or run errands without unnecessary stress. Various options exist, from community transport services to specialized vehicles that handle wheelchairs.

Maintaining an open conversation with your elderly parent about their transport needs will help identify the best solution. This dialogue ensures they feel included in decisions affecting their independence and enables them to continue engaging with the world around them.

Emotional Support

Providing emotional support is as important as addressing physical needs when caring for an elderly parent who can’t walk. Mobility limitations often lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, or depression, which require sensitive handling to ensure overall well-being.

Encouraging open communication about their feelings and concerns helps reinforce their sense of worth and belonging. Listening actively and validating their experiences comfort the individual and strengthen your bond, making the caregiving experience more rewarding for both parties.

Professional Help for Seniors Who Can’t Walk

While caring for a loved one is rewarding, it can also be demanding, and seeking professional help is sometimes necessary to ensure comprehensive care. Engaging healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or home care aides, provide specialized support that enhances the quality of care.

Professional caregivers bring expertise in managing specific health conditions and can offer practical solutions and strategies to improve mobility and comfort. Their presence also gives family caregivers respite, allowing them to recharge and maintain their well-being.

Exercise & Physical Rehab

Consulting with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist can provide personalized exercise regimens that address specific mobility challenges. Professional guidance ensures exercises are performed safely and effectively, maximizing their benefits without risking injury.

Exercise is vital in managing mobility issues and maintaining overall health for seniors. Regular physical activity helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility, which is crucial for preventing falls and promoting independence. Tailored to individual needs, physical rehab can significantly aid recovery and enhance mobility.

Support Your Loved One with Assisted Living

NorBella Senior Living understands that caring for an older parent who cannot walk is a multifaceted responsibility that demands empathy, preparation, and support. Contact us today to see if assisted living could help alleviate some of these problems for you and your family and help your loved one maintain their independence and dignity.

A mature couple enjoying their outdoor walk while holding their yoga mats.

How Much Physical Activity Do Older Adults Need?

Staying active plays a key role in healthy aging. It helps preserve and improve our physical health and wellness and helps us maintain our independence as we grow older.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and find joy in movement.

Movement of any kind is great but it’s recommended for older adults to engage in: 

  • 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. 
  • Strength training at least twice a week. 
  • Activities that promote balance and mobility at least once a week. 

Importance of Physical Activity for Healthy Aging

Physical activity is beneficial for everyone, regardless of age or health status. But, it plays an even more pivotal role in maintaining our overall health as we grow older. 

Consistent exercise can help maintain and improve various bodily functions, including cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, which decline as we grow older if we don’t stimulate and engage these areas. 

An exercise regimen can help older adults manage their weight, improve metabolic function (which also declines as we grow older), and help prevent diseases like diabetes and obesity. 

Exercise releases endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, which help reduce stress and promote a sense of happiness and relaxation. Regular physical activity has been linked to decreased levels of anxiety and depression, which are common mental health challenges faced by older adults. 

Plus, the social aspect of physical activity cannot be understated. Engaging in group exercises or activities provides opportunities for social interaction, reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation. 

From a cognitive perspective, regular exercise has been shown to improve memory, attention, and executive function, which is necessary to stimulate as we grow older. 

Routine Physical Activity for Older Adults

While movement of any form is good for the mind and body, generally, adults 65 and older are encouraged to engage in at least: 

  • 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. 
  • Strength training at least twice a week. 
  • Activities that promote balance and mobility at least once a week. 

Incorporating a variety of movements provides a well-rounded approach to fitness, allowing individuals to activate and engage different muscle groups. Plus, the variety in exercise helps avoid boredom, promoting consistency in an activity regimen. 

Always listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel during and after an exercise and always indulge in rest when necessary to avoid overexertion, injury, or quitting on routine activity altogether. 

A challenge is fine, but pain or discomfort isn’t. Take the time to adjust the intensity or form of activity and allow your body time to rest and heal.

Aerobic Physical Activity

Also known as cardio, aerobic physical activity is any exercise that increases your heart rate and breathing, and is beneficial for heart health, lung capacity, and overall endurance.

Incorporating regular cardio activity into your weekly routine helps improve: 

  • Cardiovascular endurance, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
  • Lung capacity by promoting blood circulation. 
  • Oxygen availability to muscles and vital organs, boosting energy levels and stamina.
  • Weight management, decreasing the risk of obesity-related conditions.

Aerobic activity can be adjusted based on intensity levels, and broken down into segments, making it more manageable to achieve weekly fitness goals. 

Moderately-intense activities include those that raise the heart rate slightly and might cause light sweating such as: 

  • Brisk walking
  • Dancing
  • Gardening
  • Swimming
  • Cycling at a gentle pace

Cardio doesn’t have to be hard or daunting! Incorporating activities you enjoy makes exercise more fun, encouraging individuals to stick to their fitness goals. 

Vigorously-intense activities, on the other hand, require more effort and lead to heavier breathing. These are a great option for individuals who’d like more of a challenge. 

A good indicator of vigorous physical activity is the “talk test.” Speaking becomes harder during high-intensity levels. So, you may only be able to say a few words before needing to take a break. 

Jogging, swimming laps, or cycling at a fast pace, are all great options as they require more effort and lead to increased breathing and heart rates. 

An older adult using their chair for support while doing body weight exercises.

Strength Training

Strength training involves using resistance to build muscle strength. 

This helps combat the natural decline in muscle mass and bone density that occurs with age and is necessary for strengthening and improving mobility, helping to reduce the risk of falls and maintaining independence.

  • Bodyweight Exercises: Practice exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups, which are effective for strengthening major muscle groups without additional equipment.
  • Traditional Weight Lifting: Incorporates weights to build overall body strength by activating major muscle groups. 
  • Pilates: This focuses on using low resistance to engage core stability, balance, and flexibility, toning the overall body, reducing back pain, and improving posture. 
  • Barre: Emphasizes small, controlled movements using light weights for muscle toning and flexibility.
  • Chair Exercises: Perform seated or supported exercises using a chair, perfect for those who require extra stability while working on muscle tone and strength.

Balance Activities

As we grow older, maintaining balance becomes helpful in reducing the risk of falls and associated injuries. 

Incorporating balance exercises into a workout routine helps support healthy aging by enhancing stability, coordination, and flexibility. These exercises also promote better posture and alignment, reducing strain on the body.

  • Tai Chi: Involves flowing, low-impact movements that emphasize balance, coordination, and controlled breathing.
  • Yoga: Focuses on holding various poses that improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
  • Standing on One Foot: Simple exercise where you stand on one foot for a set duration, alternating between legs.
  • Chair Sit-to-Stand: Repeatedly standing up from a chair without using your hands to build lower body strength and balance.
  • Side Leg Raises: While holding onto a support, lift one leg to the side, which helps strengthen the hips and improve balance. 

Schedule a Visit

Physical activity has numerous health benefits, including preventing and managing chronic conditions, maintaining independence, and enjoying an active lifestyle. 

Our community at NorBella Senior Living recognizes these benefits, which is why we continue to promote and encourage residents to engage in physical activity. 

Connect with our team to schedule a tour to learn more about our fitness and wellness programs.