Blog

We have two very important announcements to share in this month’s newsletter.  The first is to extend our congratulations to Andrea Henney on her new role as Admissions & Sales Specialist for CC Hershey.  Andrea is the perfect fit for this new and challenging role as she brings over 20 years of sales and marketing experience within the healthcare industry and has developed an extension referral network within the Hershey market. The second announcement is that of welcoming Lauren Potter as the new Managing Director for CC Hershey.  Lauren started working in senior care 30 years ago. While still in high school, she began working as a dietary aide, and she progressed up the culinary ranks. Eventually, she transitioned to a role as a caregiver, and, in 2007, she earned her LPN. In 2019, Lauren was promoted to an Executive Director role while with Cardinal Senior Management.  Beyond her work, she actively contributes to the Pine Grove Area School board and enjoys a vibrant family life with her three children. We are fortunate to welcome Lauren as a dedicated leader, and she looks forward to connecting with residents and families alongside Andrea and Jenna.

Dec 9 was Gingerbread House Day. Dottie and Thelma showing off their Gingerbread “bird house” We had a big group on the 14 th to help Deena and Brittany make Cinnamon and Applesauce Ornaments.   We hung them up in the country kitchen on a small resident tree. It was so much fun, and the country kitchen smells so good.

It is an annual tradition that the residents and their families decorate their doors for Christmas. They start on Dec 1, and every year, the creativity flows.

Elf on the Shelf is a newer family tradition, but we brought it here to the cottage! We had a contest to name our elf – and we named him Jingle! Residents had fun waking up each morning and trying to find where Jingle hid himself overnight. Did you see Jingle anywhere?

It’s the holiday season – and we’re all decked out! We began decorating trees and decking the halls to create a festive experience. Residents have also been hard at work crafting and cooking. We made 2 types of Christmas cards, a few paintings, and some homemade cookies. We even made a few gingerbread houses which a few residents said they have never done before, but everyone did an amazing job!

We kicked off the holiday season with an evening of hot cocoa and cookies! Residents and families enjoyed homemade hot cocoa and Italian cookies while listening to music brought to us by Michael Oelschlager.

On November 20 th, we had the privilege of celebrating a 100 th birthday with our very own Ruth Edes! We honored Ms. Ruth with a harpist, a beautiful and tasty bakery cake, and a framed card signed by all of us. It’s not every day you get to celebrate a century with someone!

Taking Control Many of us seek out the opportunity to step in and take control of a particular situation or event.  Whether it is leading a sports team to the World Series, running a fast-food restaurant, or even caring for an elder family member, when things are going smoothly, it’s easy to feel as if you’re in charge.  The more you perceive yourself as your own master, and the more comfortable you become in this role, the harder you will fall as it is said that storms will come, and uncertainties will loom on the horizon.  If you cling to control and feel entitled to having things go your way, you are likely to sink when difficulties surface.  I believe that we are encouraged to enjoy times of smooth sailing and to be thankful for them, but we need to be equally warned not to become addicted to this sense of mastery over your life as we are being trained to always trust in Him – for He is your Refuge.  He uses adversity to set you free from the illusion of being in control.  When your circumstances and your future are full of uncertainties, look to Him.  Therefore, we are encouraged to find your security in knowing Him, the Master who is sovereign over the storms of your life – over everything.

There’s something wonderful about growing older with your parents, watching them transition into relaxed retirees or doting grandparents. However, when your parents begin to get to an age where it’s a bit more difficult for them to perform daily tasks, it can be hard to watch them struggle. This time in life is when you might begin to wonder if they are ready to move somewhere that can offer them the care they need each day. You might also start thinking about the benefits of an assisted living facility vs. a nursing home. Choosing the right care option for your elderly parents can often be a challenging and emotionally charged task. One of the most common dilemmas faced is deciding between an assisted living facility and a nursing home. Both options have their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. This article aims to demystify the key differences between these two types of senior living communities, guiding you in making an informed choice tailored to your loved ones' needs. Contact Us What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes? The primary distinction between an assisted living facility and a nursing home lies in the level of care provided. Assisted living communities are designed for active seniors who require assistance with their day-to-day tasks. They offer a more independent lifestyle, with additional services like medication management and meal preparation, depending on where you are in your continuing care journey. Some assisted living communities, like Columbia Cottage, offer an age-in-place model that allows their residents to enjoy continued, more hands-on care as they move toward needing more one-on-one healthcare. On the other hand, nursing homes, which you may hear some people call skilled nursing facilities, are suited for individuals with limited mobility, less physical ability, chronic illnesses, or injuries that require more significant medical care from day one. These facilities offer a clinical environment, often with less personalization and independent activities for the residents, though, for some, that is more suitable for their needs. There are some other differences you may want to consider aside from medical care. Living Space In an assisted living facility, residents usually reside in apartments with lockable doors that they may share with a partner or have to themselves, often complete with kitchens or other familiar amenities, bedrooms, and living rooms. On the other hand, nursing home residents generally occupy rooms (individually or shared) that may come with attached bathrooms and access to communal spaces. Assistance with Daily Activities Assisted living facilities offer support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation, and the assistance level can change over time to better align with the needs of the individual resident. In contrast, nursing homes offer similar assistance levels to all residents regardless of their specific needs. Their caregivers might help residents with daily needs, including restroom use, medication management, meals, laundry, and cleaning. Recreational Activities Many recreational activities are available in assisted living facilities, promoting physical activity, creative outlets, social interactions, religious services, and community volunteering. While offering recreational activities, nursing homes tend to have a more limited variety, though they are no less enriching. These can include art classes, choir, cooking classes, animal therapy, educational courses, and mentally stimulating games. Contact Us What Are the Levels of Independence Offered at an Assisted Living Facility vs. Nursing Homes? An essential factor to consider when comparing an assisted living facility vs. a nursing home is the level of independence offered. In many assisted living communities, residents can maintain an active lifestyle, participating in recreational activities and enjoying the residential community's social aspects. Contrarily, nursing homes often serve seniors with more extensive medical needs, requiring more frequent supervision and hands-on assistance. So, if you are looking for a new home for your parents that can help them transition through different, more significant needs as they get older, then an assisted living facility might be your preferred choice. At Columbia Cottage, we offer several levels of care to ensure we focus on each resident's needs as they move through the different levels with age. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: Which is More Suitable for Your Loved One? When deciding between an assisted living facility and a nursing home, it's crucial to consider your loved one's specific needs. If they value their independence, desire an active lifestyle, and want to accommodate their changing healthcare needs as they age, an assisted living community may be the ideal choice. However, if they have chronic health conditions that require constant supervision, a nursing home might be a better fit. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are vital in providing care for older adults. By understanding the key differences and considering your loved one's unique needs, you can make the best possible decision for their future. The goal is to ensure your family members feel safe, cared for and maintain as much of their independence as possible in their golden years. If you’re ready to discuss what an assisted living community can do for you, it’s time to get in touch with us at Columbia Cottage! Contact Us Resources Long-Term Care in Pennsylvania | PHCA Nursing Home vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference? | U.S. News (usnews.com)

Tis the season for hot chocolate, candy canes, Christmas cookies and lots of family. This year we have welcomed so many into our Cottage family. There are no easy words to say thank you for your support and for allowing us to care for your loved ones. There is no other way to put it, we would not be here without our families. We are honored that you have chosen our cottage family to be a part of your family. To the staff, we couldn’t do any of this without you. You are constantly and consistently providing the love, care, and support that you would provide to your own families. Thank you for all that you do, it is very evident to see that this is not just a job for you. Your care and compassion for our residents’ amazes us all beyond belief. To our outside providers who walk through our doors each day, we could not function without you from the Reading lab to mobile x-ray, Dr. Pearlstein’s office, Rehab One and Accent Care we say thank you. To all our outside entertainers we say thank you again and again. We are truly blessed to work here, the last year has been truly amazing, and 2024 will be even better as we grow. We would like to take this time to wish you all the blessings that your heart can hold as we move through Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and welcome the New Year.

by Brooke DeNisco If you’re visiting a close friend or family member with memory loss, the holidays can be poignant, awkward, funny, and everything else. Hopefully, these tips will be helpful. Asking the staff in your loved one’s community for assistance and ideas is always a great idea. Bring Familiar Items Photographs, jewelry, sports memorabilia, yearbooks, or other personal items can spark memories or at least break the ice. When visiting someone with memory loss, using a “prop” can help get the conversation going. Even if the person doesn’t remember the item, they will likely enjoy seeing it. Converse, Don’t Quiz It can be hard not to try to jog the memory of someone with dementia. (For example, “Remember when you taught me how to fish? We went out on your boat every summer…”) Speak in general terms instead of posing direct questions or asking people to recall specific facts. You might tell them you recently went on a fishing trip and caught a trout. You could describe the weather and sights and smells of the boat. Short and Sweet Having a large group of unexpected visitors might be overstimulating to someone with memory loss. At least at first, have a few people visit at a time. Stay calm and low-key so your excitement doesn’t produce anxiety. Give the person you’re visiting some time to get used to your presence, and gradually become more animated or invite others to join you. Keep visits to about half an hour unless it’s clear the person is having a good time. You might leave for a little while, let the person have time to rest or use the restroom privately, and then come back for another short visit. Avoid visiting when the person gets medical treatment or takes a shower. If you ask a staff member, they can tell you the best arrival time. They will also appreciate that you’re showing respect for the schedules and routines that are in place. Show Affection Sometimes, simple gestures mean the most. Hugs, smiles, or a friendly handshake can offer comfort and familiarity, even when words fail. Nonverbal cues like a warm smile and calm tone of voice may make a larger impact than your words. Even if your loved one doesn’t know your name or can’t place who you are, they will likely connect with your warmth. Just your presence can offer a meaningful connection to someone with memory loss. Even if they don’t remember the visit perfectly, they will carry the feeling it gave them in their heart. Try an Activity There are likely games, movies, puzzles, coloring materials, etc., at the community you’re visiting. Activity staff are a great resource because they will know what activities your loved one enjoys. You can color, knit, or work on a crossword puzzle. Even if the person doesn’t join you, it may put you both at ease, and people derive satisfaction from observing you enjoying yourself. Be Inclusive People who don’t have visitors may be drawn to join you. Including others is a way of getting to know your loved one in a new way and enhances the lives of others in the community. Consider bringing a treat that can be shared or a plant everyone can enjoy. Children are universally welcomed. Many memory care communities collaborate with schools or Montessori centers for intergenerational programs.

Sis Boom Bah is how we started off October. Celebrating our schools has been a delightful time in October. Among other activities this month, Columbia Cottage-Linglestown did a cheer for our schools. Graduation from our grade schools, high schools, colleges, military academies, nursing schools, just to name a few places. We “put on our top hats, tied up our white tie, brushed off our tails “sort of speak for our “Prom.” Our residents gathered under the title “The Best is yet to Come.” Thanks to some of our families, Hospice for all Seasons, and the state Ombudsman we had a night to remember. ~ Lawrence