​Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ assisted living and memory care community observes Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month each April. We support our residents living with Parkinson’s disease by ensuring we offer the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
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About Parkinson’s Disease
Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson's disease. April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month because the first doctor to describe the disease was born this month. James Parkinson, a physician based in London, wrote “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” in
1817. Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system of middle aged and elderly people. It causes muscle stiffness and tremors. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease but treatment can help.

​Our second annual Easter Egg Hunt was a huge hit!
Lake in the Hills community members brought their
little bunnies n’ baskets to our luxury senior living
community for a morning of festive fun. Many of
the attendees were grandchildren or
great-grandchildren of residents. Together they
enjoyed visiting the Easter Bunny, games, music
and an egg hunt. Our organizers planned several
different age-grouped egg hunts and each egg was
stuffed with something special. We can’t wait to
continue the Egg Hunt tradition in years to come.

​​Gardeners are grabbing their gloves and getting back into the soil. Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ memory care community caregivers created a list of reasons why Horticultural Therapy is great for your senior loved one living with dementia.
 
Getting Dirty
It is impossible to plant an herb garden without digging your hands in the dirt. Studies show the "dirty" microbes in dirt may curb anxiety and boost brain function. The act of preparing the soil is

​Following Directions
Gardening is a step-by-step process that takes time and persistence on a weekly and monthly basis. Encourage daily visits to gardens, a time when your senior loved one can water their sprouts or simply enjoy the aromas of flowering plants around them.. “For people who are living with dementia, well-being is also tied to the ability to enjoy familiar activities, which cultivate a feeling of comfort. Garden therapy is at the top of that list,” according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
 
The Harvest
Indoor herb garden are a great way to support your loved one living with dementia. In fact, studies show seniors feel a sense of accomplishment when their herbs are ready to harvest. This feeling provides a boost in self-esteem, and supports intellectual wellness. For example, fresh herbs stimulate the senses through taste, smell, touch, and even what they look like by promoting environmental wellness. The natural smells of the herbs are a wonderful conversation topic for senior gardeners and the herbs can be used in a variety of ways. For instance, a mint leaf can be added to your iced tea or fresh basil to a homemade soup or sauce recipe.

Did you know seniors 65+ need 7-8 hours of sleep per night? Is your senior loved one falling short? If so, they are not alone. Sleep Foundation researchers estimate that “between 40% and 70% of older adults have chronic sleep issues and up to half of cases may be undiagnosed.” Sleep issues can affect your overall quality of life and have a negative effect on your senior loved one’s immune system. Our wellness experts at Melody Living Lake in the Hills assisted living and memory care have tips to help your senior loved one get a better night’s sleep.
 

​National Caregivers Day is recognized every February. The purpose of the occasion is to draw attention to the selfless work caregivers do all over the country. Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ assisted living and memory care community are grateful for our caregivers. Here are a few ways family members can show appreciation for their loved ones’ caregiver this month.

 
Listen to your loved one’s caregiver
Caregivers spend a tremendous amount of time with residents. Caregivers provide personal care, physical and emotional support to residents all year long. They are often the first to notice if a resident if experiencing
an illness or even having a bad day. When given the opportunity to talk to your loved one’s caregiver – it is best to not just talk, but listen. Ask questions because caregivers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to providing the best support for your senior loved one.