For Caregivers Archives - Pine Run Retirement Community

Respite Care at Memory Care Facilities

Respite Memory Care Facility If you are asking yourself “What is respite care?” you may be interested to learn that the definition of respite means a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief. For memory support caregivers, a respite is very much needed from time to time.

Memory care facilities provide care for those with cognitive issues, memory loss and dementia. Those services include supervision, meals, personal hygiene, social activities, companionship, and more. Some caregivers are surprised to learn that many facilities that provide memory care to full-time residents also provide short-term memory care. This can provide caregivers, who suffer from high rates of burn out and exhaustion, with the support they and their loved one need.

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Evaluating Memory Care Facilities

Dedicated memory care facilities More than six million Americans are living with dementia, and by 2025, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The statistic is alarming and even more so if memory loss affects you, a loved one, a neighbor, or a friend. As awareness of the prevalence of dementia grows, evaluating memory care facilities is a task families increasingly face. The difference between the many types of memory care options can be confusing, so we’ll explore and explain the options from which families can choose.

Memory loss may start to be noticeable when someone you know begins to act a little differently than they have in the past. Sometimes it sneaks up on us … little signs here and there, small enough to make note of but not necessarily to act upon. We don’t want to jump to conclusions and certainly don’t want to offend this individual. But then something else out of character happens, and at some point, you know – you just know – that the person needs help. What’s your next step?

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Families Reunite at Pine Run as COVID Vaccination Restores In-Person Visits

*Kate and Kay Smith enjoy a visit at Pine Run Lakeview*

“It was a little more than one year ago that we did the unthinkable – Pine Run closed its doors to visitation in the Health Center, the Garden Memory Care and Lakeview Personal Care in response to the evolving COVID 19 pandemic,” said Maria Santangelo, Pine Run Executive Director. “We had never taken such a drastic step in our 45 year history. As senior care providers, we know that our residents thrive when families and visitors are with their loved ones. But as the pandemic was sweeping the country last March, we had to act fast to protect our most vulnerable residents, even if it meant separating families, spouses, partners, and friends.”

Because older people and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19, stringent efforts have been needed to combat the spread of the pandemic. Now, however, widespread vaccination of older adults and health care providers is enabling families to reunite once again.

Residents and staff of personal care homes and skilled nursing residences were among the first priority group in Pennsylvania to be vaccinated as COVID-19 shots rolled out in January 2021. Pine Run Retirement Community now has offered the vaccine to all residents and staff across its entire continuum of care – from the personal care residence, Pine Run Lakeview, in Doylestown Borough, to the short-term skilled nursing care at the Pine Run Health Center and its specialized secure memory care neighborhood, The Garden, on the 43-acre campus of Pine Run Retirement Community on Ferry Road in Doylestown.

Widespread vaccination has allowed family members to visit their loved ones again, making a real difference in the lives of families like Kay Smith and her daughter, Kate.

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Moving into a Personal Care Residence During the COVID Pandemic

The Loughran family of Bucks County describes how the COVID-19 pandemic increased the emotional challenge of moving their father into a personal care residence, and how the staff at Pine Run Lakeview helped to ease the transition

Moving into a Personal Care Residence During the COVID Pandemic

A difficult decision for many families under even the best of times, moving an aging parent into a personal care setting during a global pandemic presents particular challenges. The Loughran family of Bucks County learned that firsthand in March 2020, as they moved patriarch John “Jack” Loughran into Pine Run Lakeview in Doylestown. Personal care settings are similar to assisted living, providing support where needed in bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, and other areas.

Jack, 92, and a widower for several years after the 2007 death of his beloved wife Bette, was fiercely independent and active well into his late 80s. After a battle with cancer, increasing memory challenges, and then a stroke at age 89 that impacted his ability to communicate, Jack’s six children knew they could no longer provide the support and level of care that Jack needed at home. Son Michael, who lives in Doylestown, and his siblings knew they needed to find other arrangements.

“We wanted to keep dad nearby, so my siblings and I started looking locally for care,” Michael Loughran said. “We were immediately impressed with Lakeview’s connection to Pine Run and the Doylestown Health continuum of care, especially considering dad’s history of cancer and dementia.”

Pine Run Offers Continuum of Care

Michael knows very well the care and connection the Pine Run staff shows to every resident. Many years ago, he served as a nursing aide in Pine Run Health Center’s dementia care neighborhood, The Garden. After visiting Pine Run Lakeview, the rest of the Loughran family also was convinced. They were pleased with the warm family environment, outdoor spaces, and the backyard garden patio. They could just picture having meals in the dining room and visiting with Jack on the deck. In addition, Lakeview’s secure neighborhood for memory care, The Arbor, provided the security and understanding Jack would need.

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Suburban Life’s June 2020 Article Features the Continuum of Care at Pine Run

Suburban Life June — Self-described planners, Susan and Jim Rosica were soon to realize the extraordinary advantage of living in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

From the Village to the Health Center, Pine Run provides plentiful options for older adults.

Suburban Life Magazine recently featured Pine Run Retirement Community in their June 2020 article “In Good Hands”. The article shares a broad overview of the entire continuum of care available for residents and prospective residents.

As a premier senior living and continuing care community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Pine Run Retirement Community offers living options for every stage of life for those 65 and better. The 43-acre campus is graced with natural beauty and enhanced with the amenities seniors and their families are looking for today.

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