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

Monthly News and Updates 

June 2019
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.
                          Reminder! 
Summer is here and we hope to visit our garden. 
 Please bring any jackets, hats, etc. your member may need.
Please place name in all outerwear.
Project Spotlight  - Horticulture Therapy with Rutgers
By Jansyn Tropea, ADC Activities Manager 

The ADC is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Horticultural Therapy Program!  Together with Rutgers, we are expanding our horticulture curriculum by two additional sessions monthly.  Student Intern, Rita Robinson, has been teaching to our members twice a month since April. Our members are loving it!  Rita has created fun and unique lesson plans ranging from starting seeds, which we later planted in our garden, to mixing essential oils to reduce everyday stress and anxiety. You may have seen the roll-on essential oil taken home by our members! 
 
Horticulture Therapy has been proven to provide many benefits to adults including increased physical activity, improved attention, socialization, empowerment, and stress reduction. We are thrilled to provide more opportunities for our members to benefit from this valuable therapeutic program.  For more on the benefits of horticulture therapy please visit https://tuscangardens.com/blog/how-seniors-reap-the-benefits-of-therapeutic-gardening.
Volunteer Spotlight
By Jansyn Tropea, ADC Activities Manager
 
The Adult Day Center of Somerset Hills gave special thanks to all of our fabulous volunteers as we celebrated them at the Center during National Volunteer Week, April 8-14, and at a VNA-wide Volunteer Appreciation Reception in June. 

Some volunteers generously donate their time offering enrichment programs such as a show & share of favorite collections, trip highlights of a recent travel adventure, their professional knowledge on a topic, or by entertaining member with their musical talents. Other volunteers help serve coffee and lunch on a regular basis throughout the year, and provide additional socialization opportunities for members.  All have become an integral part of our ADC family and we thank them!
Common Signs of Dehydration
From the Nurse's Desk 
 
Did you know the human body is made up of approximately 70 percent water? It makes sense, then, that fluids are vital for the majority of our bodily functions including protecting our joints, maintaining organ function, transporting oxygen to cells, and sustaining body temperature. The body can become dehydrated fairly quickly due to excess perspiration, hot weather, sun exposure, and lack of fluids throughout the day.
 
Risk Factors:
Seniors have certain risk factors that may make them more susceptible to dehydration. Some of these risk factors include reduced thirst signals, increased memory problems causing them to forget when they last drank fluids, and might be taking medications that may contribute to risk of dehydration.
  
Symptoms:
Dehydration can sneak up on you and your loved ones during hot and humid summer months, so it's best to be aware of the symptoms to be able to stop its progression. Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
  • Fatigue
  • Light headed
  • Heart rate increase 
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headaches
Knowing your risk factors and symptoms is a good start to preventing dehydration.  For more information on diagnosing and treating dehydration please consult your physician.
 
 
Source: activebeat.com; betterhealthwhileaging.net
Baking is Good for the Mind and Soul
By Jansyn Tropea, ADC Activities Manager

Many people have fond memories of baking as a child with a mother, grandmother or other family member.  Those childhood memories remain in our adult lives as we perhaps repeat the cycle with our own children, extended family, and friends.  

Baking has therapeutic value and can help to ease depression and anxiety.  Baking can even provide some of the same benefits as meditation, such as stress reduction and increased happiness. It helps stimulate the senses, is creative, can lead to an overall improved sense of well-being, and often its product can bring happiness to others.

As part of our week-long St. Patrick's Day celebration, we baked Irish Soda Bread. Barbara, our Activities Assistant Extraordinaire, shared her treasured family recipe, allowing all members to share in her tradition with every ingredient-measure and stir! Everyone loved tasting the delicious fruits of their labor along with tea for our afternoon snack!
Adult Day Center at Somerset Hills | 908-766-0180 |  visitingnurse.org

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