5 Tips for Better Senior Health: Celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Exercise is vital for good physical and mental health. Healthy eating plus regular exercise is the winning formula for positive well-being at any age. As we age and our bodies change, how we safely exercise and the importance of what we eat to keep fit also changes.

May 31, 2017 is the 24th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day. According to the their official website, the common goal of this day is "to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.” In honor of this beneficial day, here are five things you can do year round to keep you fit as a fiddle.

1) Getting Out and About

Photo Credit: Fabrizio Verrecchia

A fun way to get your steps in is to join group outings. Going to the museum, the zoo, flea markets, historical tours, or craft shows are a few ways to get out and about, learn new things and be social. Walking is a simple exercise that strengthens muscles, can stop bone mass loss, and improves sleeping. Even if a person has mobility issues that keep them confined to a wheelchair, one can still enjoy the new sights and change of scenery.

2) Yoga

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Yoga is for every body. Many people erroneously think yoga is about turning people into human pretzels. But that is not true. Yoga is a mind-body practice that strengthens and stretches our bodies while connecting with our breath. There are numerous postures, from beginner to advance, and ways to adjust the postures to suit different individuals’ needs. One can even do yoga while sitting in a chair. There are gentle restorative yoga routines designed specifically for seniors or for people with back problems. 

3) Enjoy Your Favorite Hobbies

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Oh, the simple joy of casting a fishing line on warm summer day, watching the sun dance on the water and listening to the birds singing. Gardening, fishing, birding, flying a kite - these are all great ways to move around and have so much fun doing it, you will forget you are exercising as well.

4) An Apple A Day…

Photo Credit: Peter Belch

As the old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are connected to poor weight, nutrition and not enough exercise. Healthy diets are an important part of keeping one’s cholesterol, blood pressure and other health-related numbers in the healthy zone.

5) Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day

Photo Credit: 123 Photos

Before embarking on any new fitness routine, talk to your doctor to find out if there are any physical or health considerations to keep in mind. Remember - Rome wasn’t built in a day. All new exercises should be built up slowly and gradually. A great way to stick to your exercise routine is to find a group of like-minded people to join you and help you stay motivated, accountable and to share the joy of accomplishing goals with.

The Scottish Home is a unique senior living community nestled in five quiet, park-like acres just a few miles west of downtown Chicago, in North Riverside, Illinois. Our beautiful location is filled with lovely outdoor spaces for people to go outside and enjoy the fresh air! Come see for yourself. 

Senior Living That Feels Like Home

Putting loved ones into a senior living facility can create more worry than relief for family members who wonder if they are making the right decision. If your parents are struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there is even greater importance that their new living space feels like a home and not a hospital. The Scottish Home and the Caledonian House in North Riverside, Illinois offers a unique living arrangement that provides you with peace-of-mind knowing that your loved one is well cared for. Here are five unique advantages to The Scottish Home:

1.     A step above assisted living – The Scottish Home is licensed to provide Sheltered Care. This means that we offer your loved one the same level of care they would get in assisted living, plus nursing care around the clock. We give personalized assistance based on patient need as well as friendship, emotional, and physical support for whole patient care. In addition, our residents get three meals a day, housekeeping, beauty and barber shop services, and regular activities and outings.

2.     Skilled nursing and intermediate care – If your loved one requires more care because of an injury, surgery, or prolonged illness, our staff is trained to provide skilled nursing care as well as therapeutic recovery services in a comfortable, homelike setting. We provide a personalized approach for each of our residents so the level and type of care is tailored to meet their specific needs.

3.     Memory care – Our facility offers an environment that helps patients struggling with the impact of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A homey setting comforts them and is free from long, confusing hallways and an institutional feel. Residents have private bedrooms and a full bathroom that open to a center common area with a comforting fireplace, seating area, and open kitchen. 

4.     Family setting – All meals are enjoyed with fellow floor residents. Additionally, our certified nursing assistant staff are trained to help patients with personal care, culinary requirements, housekeeping, and dementia care. They take the time to engage with each resident and make them feel at home.

5.     Respite care – We offer respite care for family members who need a short break to recharge from the demands of caring for their loved ones.

The Scottish Home is the only facility that offers this type of elder care model in the Chicagoland area. Contact us to schedule a visit. 

#MemoryCare Wednesday Brunch Series: Debt Collection and Consumer Rights

Debt collectors used to hound individuals until they received payment. Today, there are certain guidelines set in place to prevent consumers from being harassed, deceived and abused. Shannon Geier from Geier Law LLC recently spoke at The Scottish Home and was able to give advice on debt collections and consumer rights. Here’s what we learned.

Consumers have legal rights when faced with unfair debt collection practices. To a certain degree, they are even protected. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from being abusive, unfair, or using deceptive practices when attempting to collect debt. How do you know if a debt collector is violating consumer rights? Some general provisions that the FDCPA prohibits include harassing, oppressing, abusing, deceiving or misleading representation, and unfair practices. If you are being harassed by a debt collector, write down important details including the name and number of who called you and what was discussed on the phone.

Unfair debt collection including nursing home debt collection is subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at this link.

The Wednesday Brunch Series takes place the first Wednesday of every month at 9 am in The Caledonian House. On October 5^th, we will be welcoming Bright Star Cheri as she presents “Learning to Speak Dementia”. The following month (November 2^nd) Eleanore Webber will be presenting "Retired or Thinking of Retirement (age 50+), Understand Medicare and Long-Term Care Funding – Immediate and Future!"

RSVP your spot today by giving us a call at 708-447-5092.

If you would like to learn more about the Wednesday Brunch Series taking place at The Caledonian House every Wednesday from 9 to 11 am, please follow The Scottish Home on Facebook!

7 Signs of Alzheimer’s and How The Caledonian House Can Help

Alzheimer’s is a form of severe dementia that progresses over time, with a gradual increase in symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorientation, and disruptive behavior. Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease that attacks the brain, and although there is no cure yet, early detection and treatment can slow its progress and extend quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Most people wait far too long to recognize or seek treatment for Alzheimer’s, by which point, damaging lesions have already spread through the brain, and it is too late to maximize the benefits of treatment strategies. A timely diagnosis, specialized memory care, healthy diet, physical and cognitive exercise, social stimulation, and even medication can help stave off the progression of Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Forgetting recently learned information
• Poor judgment and decision making
• Difficulty concentrating or completing familiar tasks
• Trouble speaking or holding a conversation
• Frequently misplacing or losing items
• Withdrawal from social activities with friends and family
• Changes in mood and personality

If your loved one is exhibiting these symptoms, see their physician as soon as possible.

At The Scottish Home, we are pleased and excited to feature our enhanced memory care facility, The Caledonian House. We know that memory loss is never easy but we hope to make the transition to assisted living as smooth as possible for all involved. This new facility is our response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents in which they can enjoy private bedrooms, full bathrooms and a community space for lounging, cooking and dining. In addition to a home-like setting, the Caledonian House also provides the best care possible for residents in need of skilled nursing and memory care.

The Scottish Home is currently accepting new residents at The Caledonian House! If you are interested in learning more about our facility, set up a tour with our team by calling 708-447- 5092.

Summer Events at The Scottish Home

Summer is a wonderful time of year for everyone, especially our residents at The Scottish Home. Our ongoing Wednesday Brunch Series continues throughout the season, and August boasts our 100th annual Scottish Home picnic! Read on to learn more about these great summer events at The Scottish Home.

The Caledonian House Wednesday Brunch Series

The Caledonian House Brunch Series takes place every Wednesday morning from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in our effort to redefine memory care. We host guest speakers who talk about memory care and health issues affecting the elderly, while the attendees enjoy brunch! Admission is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP by calling 708-447-5092. Here are the upcoming topics and guest speakers for the remainder of the series:

●       July 20 — Downsizing.  Presenter: Meredith Morris

●       July 27 — No brunch program today

●       August 3 — Woohoo!  Presenter: Jim Boyle, Administrator of The Scottish Home

●       August 10 — The History of the Saint Andrew Society.  Presenter: Gus Nobel, President Saint Andrew Society

●       August 17 — Having a Say in Your Future.  Presenter: Helen Mesoloras, Dutton & Casey P.C., Attorneys at Law

●       August 24 — Virtual Dementia.  Presenter: Gloria Harrington, Right at Home

The 100th Annual Scottish Home Picnic

The 100th Annual Scottish Home Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is free, and the whole family is welcome! There will be live music, food vendors, a horse-drawn trolley, raffles, Highland dancers, bagpipers, and games for the kids. In the past, picnic attendees have enjoyed all the fun activities we have to offer, and noshed on delicious Scottish food as well as traditional picnic fare. Since this year is the 100th anniversary, it’s the one you won’t want to miss! The picnic will be held at The Scottish Home grounds. If you need directions, click here.

We have so many great events scheduled for the remainder of the summer, you won’t want to skip a single one. From all of us at The Scottish Home: we look forward to seeing you!

The Caledonian House Grand Opening on July 13th

The Caledonian House is officially open and we can’t wait for the community to benefit from what we have to offer.  The Grand Opening is Wednesday, July 13th from 3pm - 7pm. As the new model of memory care, The Caledonian House will provide the same great care you would find at The Scottish Home but with an emphasis on advanced memory care.

Now that construction is done and The Caledonian House is officially open, this is a great opportunity for us to focus on the care that you or your loved one will receive in this facility.  Keep in mind – we are currently accepting admission applications but space is limited!

A Culture of Caring

From The Scottish Home to The Caledonian House, we take pride in the fact that our culture is very different than other senior living facilities.  If you or a loved one is in need of specialized memory care, know that The Caledonian House has a uniquely compassionate culture dedicated to building strong bonds and providing skilled nursing service.

Welcoming Environment

Moving to an assisted living facility is never easy.  At The Caledonian House, we try to make our residents feel at home in every way.  With private bedrooms, full bathrooms and large areas for group activities, we hope that you and your loved ones will find this transition smooth and comforting.  After all, we are the only model like this in the Chicagoland area!

Best-In-Class Memory Care

Caregivers at The Caledonian House are cross-trained in personal care, nutrition, meaningful engagement and housekeeping.  Constant interactions give residents and caregivers the opportunity to build familiarity, trust and overall well-being.  This is the ideal setting for someone that is in need of additional care for activities of daily living, medication reminders, meals, housekeeping, laundry and socialization. 

We here at The Scottish Home would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the completion of The Caledonian House.  If you attended our Open House, you likely received a lot of great information and a first-hand look at this memory care facility.  If you were unable to make the Open House and would like to schedule a tour of The Caledonian House, please contact Becky Drennan of The Scottish Home at 708-426-7175. 

The Caledonian House; exceptional care where friends become family. 

The Caledonian House: A New Model Of Memory

Here at the Scottish Home, we are pleased and excited to announce an update on our new facility, the Caledonian House.  We are currently in the final stages of construction and putting the finishing touches on the Caledonian House.  With completion on the horizon, tours are now available at the Caledonian House!  Call us today at 708-447-5092 to set up your appointment. Don’t forget to pick up an application - spots are filling up fast!

What is the Caledonian House?

For more than 100 years, The Scottish Home has been providing senior citizens with quality care and a warm community for residents and their families.  In an effort to provide the community with enhanced memory care, The Scottish Home is opening the Caledonian House this Summer.

This new facility is our response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.  Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents in which they can enjoy private bedrooms, full bathrooms and a community space for lounging, cooking and dining.  In addition to a home-like setting, the Caledonian House also provides the best care possible for residents in need of skilled nursing and memory care.

The Scottish Home is currently accepting admission applications for The Caledonian House!  If you are interested in learning more about our facility, set up a tour with our team.  If you would like to learn more about memory care and health issues affecting the elderly, we invite you to join us for our Wednesday Brunch Series during the month of June. 

The Caledonian House Brunch Series takes place every Wednesday morning from 9 am to 11 am in our effort to redefine memory care.  Take a look at the following sessions and topics!

June 1^st: Laugh For the Health Of It, presented by Colleen Carol of Amita Health

June 8^th: Alzheimer’s, presented by Grace Catalano of Alzheimer’s Association

June 15^th: Understanding Changes in Medicare, presented by Jean Lyons of Lyon Retirement Solutions

June 22^nd: Understanding Hospice, presented by Metoda Posega of Seasons Hospice

June 29^th: Ageless Grace, Neuroplasticity and The Brain, presented by Peggy Kinst of Certified International Trainer of Ageless Grace

If you are planning on attending any of these events or would like to schedule your tour of the Caledonian House, please call 708-447-5092 or visit our website!

Open House Soon to Come for Caledonian House!

As many of you know, The Scottish Home is enhancing and adding to our senior living facility with the construction of The Caledonian House.  The Caledonian House is due to open in early summer and we are happy to announce that we are right on track with construction!  Designed as a home rather than an institution, we are hoping The Caledonian House will be a welcoming environment for those who need more than just a traditional nursing facility.

While we have not set a date for Open House yet, there is still plenty to look forward to!  We are thrilled to spread the word about the extraordinary services that will be offered at The Caledonian House and our existing nursing facilities.  Located in the heart of the forest preserve of North Riverside, we have been settled on 5 wooded acres for the past 100 years.  The Caledonian House will add to the beauty of our land with a red-shingled roof, half-timber frame and stone veneer.

In addition to our scenic setting, we offer great spaces and a continuum of care to suit the needs of our residents.  The Caledonian House is currently under construction but we presently have space available for seniors in The Highlands, our sheltered care.  Shared spaces are also available for those who enjoy entertaining family and friends.  This is an ideal setting for those seeking additional care for daily activities, medication reminders, meals, housekeeping, laundry and socialization. 

As always, we offer 24-hour intermediate and skilled healthcare for all residents.  Our staff to resident ratio will be 1-5 in the New Caledonian House and 1-8 in our other facilities.  Prices are very affordable; simply give us a call to set up a tour with The Scottish Home team. 

The Scottish Home would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the construction of The Caledonian House and we are excited for the grand opening in June.  To keep up-to-date on The Caledonian House construction and Open House dates, please like our Facebook page or contact Becky Drennan at 708-426-7175!

The Scottish Home, exceptional care where friends become family.

Caledonian House

2015 has been an incredible year for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. Our supporters have recognized that there is something very special about this organization and they have given passionately and generously to encourage and enable us to accomplish our mission. We are truly grateful for the commitment of our Scottish community. Thank you.

One very special highlight of the year is that construction on our new building is well underway. For many years, we dreamed of enhancing our Scottish Home campus by building a new residence for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. On May 12^th 2015, our dream became a reality. We broke ground and began to build the Caledonian House. Designed as a home rather than an institution, the Caledonian House will offer state-of-the art memory care whilst remaining true to the Scottish Home’s heritage of being a place where friends become family.

We invite you to watch our new video and learn more about the Caledonian House and what makes its thoughtful design and person-centered memory care so important.

Many have already made contributions to help build the Caledonian House. We appreciate the support very much and hope that donors are inspired to offer their continued commitment. We would like to share one example that illustrates the power of philanthropy and the necessity of our bold, innovative response to Alzheimer’s disease.

Last year, Barry and MaryAnn MacLean, longtime members of the Society, chose to support the Caledonian House with a transformational gift of $1 million. Their extraordinary philanthropy enabled us to begin construction. And incredibly, after seeing our recent progress on the building, they have increased their pledge from $1 million to $1.5 million. We are deeply grateful to the MacLeans for their investment and humbly gratified by the confidence it represents.

On behalf of the MacLean family, our Board and all the families – past, present and future – whose lives are enriched by the Scottish Home and soon the Caledonian House, we invite you to join us in our battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

You can join us in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease by making a tax-deductible donation to the Caledonian House or on their website.

If you are looking for care and are interested in learning more about the Scottish Home and the Caledonian House, please contact Becky Drennan at 708-426-7175 or email her.