Read the latest news and program updates from the Adult Day Center at Somerset Hills

Monthly News and Updates - June 2017  
At the Adult Day Center (ADC), loved ones, including those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, can spend an enjoyable day with our caring family. For caregivers, our program offers a much-needed break from daily caregiving stress and responsibilities.
Couldn't Attend our Communication and Alzheimer's Presentation? 

Here are a few highlights from our May 20th  special presentation, Communication Tips and Techniques in Alzheimer's Disease. Laura Hawkins, Director of Program Outreach at Alzheimer's New Jersey, spoke of practical tips to assist caregivers, easing the stress for both the person with dementia and their caregiver:
  • Be sensitive
  • Treat the individual as an adult
  • Allow time for the person to process and respond
  • Do not downplay the disease
  • Have patience for repeated questions
  • Offer suggestions instead of asking questions
  • Don't argue or try to use logic
  • Face the person when speaking
  • Touch, along with a loving voice, continue to be important and are often soothing
  • Smile
Deloitte Impact Day 2017
 
On June 9th, our members enjoyed the visit from Deloitte employee volunteers during their annual Impact Day. Everyone had a wonderful time socializing and playing games. Thank you to all!

A Note about Dehydration and the Importance of Fluids

Our ADC nurse Laura Cummings, Clinical Manager of Community Health Services at the VNA of Somerset Hills, shares an important tip about the risk of dehydration in the elderly:

"As we age, body water content decreases and the risk for dehydration increases.
Dehydration in the elderly can cause confusion, falls, and gastrointestinal issues, and can often result in hospitalization."
 
  Read and print our tip sheet
Healing Power of Plants

The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge offers lecture and discussion-based presentations by trained Naturalists that are appropriate for our ADC members. The Healing Power of Plants program educated members and staff about how plants may serve as a backyard drugstore. With 20,000 species of edible plants in the world, we learned about essential oils, herbs and spices used in cuisines and those with medicinal properties. Our members were intrigued by the health benefits derived from nature such as spruce tips from tree needles providing vitamin C, lemon balm serving as an anti-viral, and turmeric used as an anti-inflammatory. We always enjoy the informative and hands on presentations brought to us by the Environmental Center. 
Spring Planting Time!
 
The spring weather has finally cooperated. Our members had the opportunity to plant tomato, lettuce, herbs and flowers in the three raised beds, while enjoying the warm dry weather. They will tend to the beds and enjoy the fruits of their labor all summer long.  

Caregiver Dinner Presentation:
Coping with Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's Disease
 
The United Way of Northern New Jersey Caregivers Coalition invites you to attend a free Munch and Learn presentation being hosted at the VNA of Somerset Hills.

Date:   Thursday, July 20, 2017
Time:   5:30-6:00 Mingle and enjoy dinner
            6:00-7:15 Presentation
Register by email to  [email protected] or call 973-993-1160,
x534 
Adult Day Center at Somerset Hills | 908-766-0180 | www.visitingnurse.org
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