For those who have family members who have been diagnosed with memory loss, what lies ahead can be daunting. Recently KARE 11 Extra shed light on memory loss hitting close to home (see link). This news story expresses the importance of planning ahead and speaking out to our legislators.
At Welcome Home, we have memory care communities located in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin with a new memory care community opening at Garnette Gardens Senior Living Community in Redwood Falls, Minnesota in late August. [for communities see below]
While in the beginning stages of planning to open our memory care community, Lacey Bruns, Memory Care Coordinator has been apart of many emotional conversations. “Individuals who I have talked to me are experiencing caregiver stress, changes in relationships and role status, family dymanics, and lacking the support they need, as well as the person they are caring for. “It’s getting to be too much,” is a familiar response when asking how they are handling the caregiving”, states Lacey. “I praise the individuals who are taking on the courageous role of caregiving for a person with memory loss, and provide them with education of our community resources. We are blessed to have adult day services through the hospital and RSVP in Redwood County available for respite care in our area. This allows caregivers some time to themselves, even if they just need a walk or to get groceries. Having the memory care community will be a value to this community, while providing another option for care and support. A person should not feel guilt when the 24 hour care is needed for their loved one as the disease progresses. It’s about enduring a healthy role as a loved one and trusting in loving care in a new gratifying environment.” In each of our memory care communities, we have professionals in place to assist you with any questions you may have.
We encourage everyone to carefully go over financial and legal documents to reduce the financial stress that can come from paying for care. It is important to be familiar with existing expenses, assets and income, this can help you identify any necessary documents that are not in place. I would also encourage individuals to contact their local legislators, along with Amy Klobuchar, who has presented a bill to Congress in attempt to provide relief for Alzheimers caregivers. This link will connect you with contact information to your local legislators http://www.leg.state.mn.us/. Along with the names of our local representatives.Marty Seifert – 21A – MN House, Dennis Frederickson – 21 – MN Senate, Collin C. Peterson – 07 – U.S., House, Amy Klobuchar – U.S. Senate, and Al Franken – U.S. Senate.
Welcome Home operates memory care communities throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. We have included contact information for each community below.
- Garnette Gardens Senior Living Community, Redwood Falls, MN – Lacy Bruns, Memory Care Coordinator 507-644-8500
- Goldfinch Estates Senior Living Community, Fairmont, MN – Mindy Schmidtgal, Memory Care Coordinator 507-235-9405
- Copperleaf Senior Living Community, Willmar, MN – Chrissy Elton, Memory Care Coordinator 320-222-5000
- Manor House Senior Living Community, Grand Rapids, MN – Steve Rich, Director of Resident Services 218-326-3469
- Keelson Harbour Senior Living Community, Spirit Lake, IA – Jessie Paskert, Memory Care Coordinator 712-336-4501
- Thomas Landing Senior Living Community, Rice Lake, WI – Gloria Widiker, Memory Care Coordinator 715-736-6060
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