Caregiver Tips for May to Brighten Your Day!
Making Mom's Day Special this May
A mother's love is an irreplaceable and unbreakable bond. In this issue of the newsletter, we will cover tips to help you make her days brighter while caring for her changing needs due Alzheimer's or related dementias. Here is what is in store:
  • Introducing: The Chef's Table! A special meal each month that will showcase our culinary team's talents
  • Meet Jason McDonald, new Executive Director
  • Guide to a Happy You and Effective Caregiving
  • 7 Benefits of Sleep
  • Plus, some "punny" bits.
Read on.
May Activities are Blooming
 
Our communities have so much in store this month. We have a calendar chock-full of activities and special events. Check out what is on the schedule.


Jot Down These Dates:
  • May 14 and May 28 at 10:30 am - Caregiver Support Group Meetings
  • May 23 at 11:00 am - Family Council Meeting 
  • May 30 at 5:00 pm  - Chef's Table

Welcome to the Chef's Table

In May, we are introducing a new event where we feature the culinary talents of our Food Services Team: The Chef's Table.

Each month we will feature a special dish and presentation from Mike Balagtas and his team that will showcase their talents. 

Family members are welcome to join us for dinner* during the Chef's Table on May 30. The special menu will feature Crab Rangoon and Creamy Cajun Lobster Fettuccine.

Here is the full menu for the month:   May Menus

* Guest Meal fees apply.
Meet the New Executive Director  

You may have noticed a new friendly face in our community. Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Jason McDonald, to ActivCare at Bressi Ranch.
 
For more than 15 years, Jason has overseen the care and services for seniors needing assistance and he has worked as an administrator for assisted living and skilled nursing communities.
 
Jason knows first-hand the impact of dementia on families as his own family has been affected by the disease. Using his personal experience, he is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for his residents as well as providing compassion ate support to their families.
 
"I am impressed with the complete concentration on memory care at ActivCare. I have already seen the skill and dedication that exists with the entire staff at Bressi Ranch and I am proud to be a part of a team that provides residents with exceptional care."
 
Jason and his family live in nearby Oceanside and enjoy the easy access to beaches, water sports, hiking, biking , and gardening. An avid animal lover , he and his family have a dog in training for pet therapy.
 
On your next visit, be sure to pop in and say hello to Jason .
Caregiver Health: 
Essential to Effective Caregiving

A common trait among mothers is to care for everyone else before themselves. Perhaps this is one trait that we should not emulate as caregivers. 

Caregiving is not an easy job and can be more challenging if caregivers are not at their best. Research has shown the significant impact of caregiving on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical health. The best gift that you can give your loved one is a healthy, happy you.

Here are a few ways for caregivers to lessen stress in their lives and practice self-care.
  • Control Frustration - the Southern Caregiver Resource Center has a great fact sheet about managing your frustration levels.
We are strong advocates of caregiver meetings. These small groups help their members cope with the many challenges of caregiving and share resources and ideas. 

Whether it is at one of our communities, through Alzheimer's San Diego, Southern Caregiver Resource Center, or online through Alzheimer's Association, there are caregiver support groups that can assist you. You are not alone.

7 Sleep Benefits You Need to Know

Sleep well. It's not just an expression, it is really sound advice. Getting a good night's sleep will restore you for the next day ahead. Here are some points to ponder before your head hits the pillow.
  1. Memories and skills are consolidated, moving from short-term to long-term storage during periods of deep sleep
  2. Disturbed sleep can lead to trouble concentrating, remembering, and learning
  3. Sleep spurs creativity and battles depression
  4. Getting 6 or more hours of sleep each night can reduce inflammation linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis
  5. Restful nights can lead to less daytime fatigue and more stamina
  6. Healthy sleep habits can help your metabolism; sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain
  7. Sleep removes excess proteins linked to Alzheimer's that accumulates in the brain during wakefulness
The National Institute on Aging provides some great insight on the studies for the link between sleep and Alzheimer's. Read more here:  The National Institute on Aging: Sleep Loss
What's better than Dad jokes? Mom puns!

You always have the best ideas. You're a real mother of invention.

I still hear your voice in my head telling me to do the right thing. I call it my inner mom-ologue.

Thank you for providing me womb and board all those years ago.

You're responsible for so many of my best memories. I like to call them mom-entos.

Computers are so smart because they listen to their motherboards.

You always knew what to do to make me feel better when I was sick. The first step was always the ther-mom-eter.

ActivCare at Bressi Ranch  |  6255 Nygaard Street  |  Carlsbad, CA 92009
(760) 705-1840  |   ActivCareLiving.com