Shepherd Premier Senior Living provides complimentary ebook: guide will help seniors find quality housing

When the time comes that you or a loved one just can’t live alone anymore, finding quality senior housing is an intimidating process. This is a decision that you can’t make lightly. You need a senior home that is safe, healthy and supportive of the emotional needs of the home’s residents.

Brandon Schwab, the founder of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, has created a senior housing alternative where, instead of apartment-style living (the norm in senior housing), those who choose Shepherd Premier for assisted-living senior housing, live in a comfortable single-family style home. But, every senior’s situation is unique. Schwab understands that seniors and their families want to decide for themselves when it comes to senior housing.

With that in mind, Schwab has written a free 64-page booklet – an ebook – that is available online at www.Shepherd360Tour.com titled: “Senior Housing Guide: How to Survive and Win the Search for Senior Housing.”

The ebook includes a checklist to help those looking for senior housing check off questions they’ve answered, such as the critical “Caregiver-to-Resident” ratio. There are a lot of important points covered in the ebook but Schwab said this is probably the most important.

“In some homes, though they may have quality caregivers, the caregiver-to-resident ratio is so high that you can’t reasonably expect those caregivers to adequately provide for the needs of everyone they serve,” said Schwab.

Schwab points out that, if you choose a senior home wisely, the experience can be very fulfilling for the senior living in the home and for the entire family. On the other hand, if a senior moves into the wrong home, the situation can range from disappointing to disastrous.

Download your Senior Housing Guide ebook at www.Shepherd360Tour.com.

For more information about Shepherd Premier Senior Living, call (224) 333-6247.

Music therapy for dementia by Brandon Schwab, Shepherd Premier Senior Living

Music entertains and relaxes us.

We use it as motivation and to ward off boredom at the gym. We also use it on our commute to and from work, hoping it has a calming effect during rush hour. It’s difficult to imagine life without music and now it’s being used as a powerful tool for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, “Music has power—especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. And it can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease. When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements.”

Studies have shown that many of those stricken with Alzheimer’s disease still are capable of remembering songs from their past. In fact, many remember certain songs well enough that they can sing along to them even when they are at advanced stages of the disease. While they may not be able to remember their own family and friends, they often can remember certain music and songs.

Because of the success of music, many senior retirement communities that offer specialized Alzheimer’s care are using it as part of its caregiving and recreational programming.

There has even been some growing evidence in recent years that by listening to music, some seemingly lost memories come back, while some aspects of cognitive functioning are maintained.

The ability to share emotions is one of the things that those with Alzheimer’s lose as the disease progresses. By incorporating music into one’s life, it’s not uncommon for some emotions to still be able to be shared.

While it’s not a cure for the disease, there’s no doubt that music therapy is good medicine and a welcome addition in helping those suffering.

Call (224) 333-6247
www.shepherd360Tour.com

What is Assisted Living?

What is Assisted Living?

What is an Assisted Living establishment anyhow? One of the biggest differences is that, in an Assisted Living setting, you or your loved one will often share a home with others. This is a means of defraying the costs of providing this higher level of care by sharing the costs among more than one senior. This brings up a key factor that we’ll cover later – the Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio.

Choosing an Assisted Living setting makes sense if you require a higher level of care than is reasonable in an Independent Living arrangement. Inevitably, this will require the sacrifice of some independence. Since most living in this level of senior housing no longer drive, that creates a rather obvious change in lifestyle. But, your spirit can survive intact if you choose a quality Assisted Living Home (see the next chapter) and you approach the experience with a positive attitude. It’s much easier to maintain a positive attitude if you do a better job of choosing an Assisted Living Home. The home should make it easier to be upbeat and cheerful while helping to keep life’s difficulties manageable.

Choosing the wrong Assisted Living arrangement can land a senior in an unhealthy environment that does more to suppress their spirit than to embrace their individuality and nurture their dignity. That kind of negative environment can also have bad repercussions for the senior’s health. Living in such an arrangement is often stressful and stress is not good for the health. Once again, it’s essential that you choose wisely once you’ve determined this is the appropriate level of senior housing and care for you or your loved one.

What are the characteristics and services you can expect to find in an Assisted Living setting?
• Generally, you or your loved one will share a home with other seniors • You’ll often live in an apartment building setting, though an Assisted Living setting in a renovated single-family home often proves a far superior option • 24/7 care should be available (the expertise provided in this regard is an essential point we’ll cover in the next chapter) • Regular and scheduled Nursing Visits • Transportation to medical appointments • Administration of medications • Rehab and Fitness programs 21
• Transportation for shopping and activities • Daily meal preparation • Housekeeping and Laundry services • Social activities • Crafts and other individual activities
The more you or your loved ones are able to embrace the social activities that are provided in an assisted living setting, the more likely you’ll find the experience rewarding and fulfilling. If you keep the body moving, the mind should follow. On the other hand, if you keep your mind engaged, you’ll find that you’re more inclined to stay active. And keeping the mind and body active may help to forestall the need for the next level of senior housing and care.

Learn more at www.Shepherd360Tour.com 224 333 6247

New Whiteboard Video for Shepherd Premier Senior Living by Brandon Schwab

Ringwood Rehab Video Update Week 7 by Brandon Schwab

Ringwood Rehab Video Update Week 5 by Brandon Schwab

Despite 2-3 days of rain, the project is moving along nicely. The electrician got a lot of wiring done this week including cable boxes as well. Plumber coming in this weekend working day/night to get plumbing caught up to electrician work.
 

Rain Rain Go Away... But Thank You For The Computer Day!!!

With all the work lately, I've seriously neglected my computer posting time until last night. Finally got video's over the last 5 weeks of rehab progress on the Ringwood house. Few others things that have come up that we haven't posted on lately is our NEW sign referral program. We have printed some great looking yard signs with H frame stakes that we are seeking home owners permission for posting in their front yard. In exchange for permission, our receptionist that answers the phone at 224 333 7247 always asks how they heard about us. For someone that ends up leasing one of our available bedrooms, we will pay a $500 referral fee. Who do you know that would be interested in helping seniors discover NEW alternative options while making $500??? For more information about getting a sign in your front yard email brandon@shepherdresidentialcare.com or call 224 333 6247