NS_ActiveAging_ZB_101019.final

6 | October 10, 2019 | 22nd century media active aging
22ndCenturyMedia.com
LOCATION.
SCHMO-CATION.
I DON’T REALLY CARE
WHERE I LIVE.
(Said no older person ever.)
Atria Senior Living offers The North Shore’s wisest people
options to live how – and where – you want. No matter
which location you choose, you’ll find a vibrant community
where opportunities to stay active, eat well and connect
with neighbors are right outside your door, every day.
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care
Caring for the caregiver
While we were on-site at the Elderwerks
Education and Resource Fair: Planning To
and Through Retirement for Seniors and
Older Adults, a visitor posed the following
question: How do we help a caregiver/
spouse who is taking care of a loved one
with dementia?
Oftentimes we see caregivers who try to
become silent superheroes. They sacrifice
sleep, proper nutrition and exercise. Many
who are still working or raising families
admit their minds aren’t engaged. Careers
suffer, and life on the home front becomes
strained. The bottom line is a caregiver who
tries operating in an “always on” mode becomes
sick or so severely run down they
can no longer deliver the necessary support
to their loved one.
Although some people look at reaching
out for help as a sign of weakness or “defeat,”
seeking assistance is a very practical
and responsible approach. Over the years, I
have spoken with dozens of caregivers we
have helped, and a common thread is surprise
at the vast amount of quality resources
available and regret that they hadn’t reached
out for help earlier.
If you or someone you care about is grappling
with life balance while meeting the
needs of a loved one or friend, Elderwerks
offers a printed Senior Resource Directory
for Illinois, which includes all local and
federal programming such as transportation,
nutritional projects, social services,
charities, etc. You can also view an electronic
version of the guide on our website at
Elderwerks.org.
Hiring a home care agency with employees
proficient at working with dementia
patients is the prescribed route. These
professionals can come in for a few hours
per day, offering a breather, permitting you
to work, go shopping, get some exercise or
even enjoy a day at the spa. It’s also important
to seek out help, and accept help, from
family and friends who can pitch in by performing
some basic household chores, paying
bills, cooking or running errands.
Supporting a person with dementia is a
full-time job that requires the labor and love
of many. Please don’t go it alone.
Jennifer Prell is President of Elderwerks
Educational Services, a not-for-profit
501(c)3 organization offering complimentary
information, referrals and guidance to
seniors and their families. The Elderwerks
Education and Resource Center for seniors
is now open at 251 E. Northwest Hwy, Palatine,
IL. Complimentary education, support
and help is available on-site.
Submitted by Elderwerks Educational
Services. For more information, call (855)
462-0100, email help@elderwerks.org or visit
www.elderwerks.org.
243162
ATRIA GLENVIEW
NOW OPEN | SCHEDULE A VISIT
224.355.2387
ATRIA HIGHLAND PARK
NOW PRE-LEASING | OPENING SUMMER 2020
847.496.0577
care
From Page 5
active, engaging lifestyle
that promotes wellness
and independence through
SPARK programming.
SPARK is an awardwinning
approach to living
well with dementia.
Inspired by Montessori
Methods, SPARK focuses
on engagement, social lifestyle
and inclusion within
the community at large.
Residents at The Auberge
will have many opportunities
to participate in
a variety of life-enriching
activities and events designed
to stimulate the
mind, body and soul. From
cocktail-hour gatherings
where you can learn about
the nuances of a good Pinot
Noir to a discussion of
the latest best-seller in our
Life-Long Learning series
to exploring new ways to
stay healthy in a fitness
class, residents can expect
a truly unique senior living
experience.
Based in the beautiful
northwest city of Portland,
Ore., Frontier Management
was founded in 2000
and is now one of the largest
seniors housing operators
and members within
the profession. Our simple
objective is to support our
residents, clients and the
teams that we serve beside.
Submitted by The Auberge
at Highland Park. For more
information, call (224) 765-
0094 or visit aubergehighlandpark.com.