QC Family Focus: March 2016

Making the Decision for Quality of Life
When Spousal Health Care Needs Differ
Senior Star at Elmore Place
“His quality of life has become my main concern,”
said Marilyn Rathjen, wife of Senior Star at Elmore Place
resident, Ed, now living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The day that a spouse learns of a loved one’s
Alzheimer’s diagnosis is the day life becomes forever
changed. It’s a diagnosis that affects the entire family. And
for many family caregivers, the above statement made by
Marilyn resonates with them. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis,
while extremely emotional for everyone, is not about what
the caregiver or family member wants … it’s about the
affected individual.
In the summer of 2012, Marilyn and her husband
began the conversation that many couples encounter
when forgetfulness and performing ordinary tasks raise
suspicions that something may be wrong. Two years later,
following a trusted recommendation, Marilyn and Ed
moved into assisted living at Senior Star at Elmore Place so
that she could give her husband the resources he needed for
maintaining quality of life.
Within a couple months, Ed told his wife that he
thought it was the best place for his Alzheimer’s, noting that
the staff were wonderful, understanding and compassionate.
After moving into Senior Star at Elmore Place, Marilyn
had to transition into caring for her son who had suffered
a stroke. Although she is unable to be with Ed all the time,
Marilyn knows that he is in competent, caring
and safe hands. “Each time I return, I hear that my
husband has been reaching out to others, participating
in activities and continuing to thrive while I am away.”
Senior Star associates work with Alzheimer’s
residents to bring a sense of fulfillment to their lives
by focusing on what they can do instead of what they
have lost the ability to do. Every day, using unique and
careful assessments and innovative care, associates help
residents and their families throughout the Alzheimer’s
journey.
Preserving the quality of life for someone who
has Alzheimer’s is the key to a diagnosis. For the person
with Alzheimer’s, enjoyable activities that draw upon his
or her interests, hobbies, talents and strengths may reduce
stress and improve quality of life. Marilyn enabled her
loved one to enjoy life as much as possible, experiencing
all the things he loved … dancing, being around people
and enjoying his favorite foods. Moving to Senior Star
gave Marilyn the peace of mind she needed and allowed
Ed to live the life he wanted to live. “As a caregiver, I
try to take Ed’s worries away while Senior Star takes my
worries away.”
To learn more about how Senior Star at Elmore
Place can bring a renewed quality of life for a loved one,
or to schedule a tour, please call 563-359-0100 or visit
www.seniorstar.com.
For a
limited
time only
Elmore Place is offering you
the opportunity to
experience our community
for 3 months.
Enjoy a stay at Elmore and experience:
• No winter driving - scheduled transportation provided
• Delicious, nutritious meals provided
• Housekeeping available
• Social events and health and wellness activities
• Freedom from home maintenance
• No long-term commitment
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