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Bridging the Gap and Connecting a Multigenerational Family

Every generation has different views and outlooks on life. From generation to generation, the simplest topic can create opposite opinions.

For example, ripped jeans. While this fashion trend has become quite popular among younger generations, older generations may not understand why someone would intentionally wear pants with holes in them. This is just a small difference of opinion, but these varying viewpoints can create a divide.

In today’s society, it is common to be a part of, or even live with, a multigenerational family – typically, children, parents, and grandparents. McClellan Senior Living, located in Anniston, Alabama, knows the importance of close family relationships. While multigenerational family members are connected by love and support, it’s important to take the time to learn generational differences so that your family can connect on a deeper level.

What is a Generational Divide?

“Historical generations are not born; they are made. They are a device by which people conceptualize society and seek to transform it,” Robert Wohl, ‘The Generation of 1914.’

The way we think and act is influenced by the time period in which we grew up. The economy, current events, and generations that have come before us shape our outlook on society and life. According to BetterLYF, the “generation gap is a commonly known phenomenon where youngsters feel misunderstood by their parents [and] elders because of the difference in age group…It is the difference in social, emotional, and cultural beliefs and practices that naturally occurs between two or more subsequent generations.”

Ways to Bridge the Generational Divide

So, what can be done to close this generational gap and bring multigenerational families closer together?

Respect One Another

The first step is to find and maintain mutual respect. It is okay to have differing views and opinions, but you should never put one another down for holding these views.

Communicate with Each Other and Seek Understanding

A pillar of any relationship is communication. Without communicating, you and your family will never be able to understand one another fully. Talk about why you think the way you do. You may be surprised to find out that you have the same end goal, but there is more than one way of accomplishing it.

Accept Your Differences

If you and every member of your family were exactly the same, life would get boring. Having differences is what makes family dynamics interesting. Accept the differences between the members of your multigenerational family. There is more to each one of you than your thoughts on Facebook or politics.

Avoid Stereotyping

We all want to be viewed as unique individuals that contribute something different to the world, but when we are categorized by our age, this becomes near impossible. As human beings, we love to categorize. This helps us make sense of the world; however, “stereotyping people is [an] especially lazy and an especially dangerous form of categorization,” (Grahame Broadbelt, Global Head of Communication and R&D).

View and treat each member of your family as an individual. Do not put them in a box based on his or her birthdate.

Accommodate and Compromise

Within any family dynamic, there is bound to be differences and conflict. Try to accommodate each other and compromise when needed.

Put the Relationship First

First and foremost, closing the gap between the generations in your family should be the number one priority. This means putting the relationship first and above anything else. Once you focus on building a strong bond between family members, the generational divides become less important.

Spend Quality Time Together

Spending time together is how a relationship forms naturally and can lead to understanding each other. The more time you and your family members spend bonding and getting to know one another, the closer you will become.

“Listen and learn from all generations…and try to understand who they are and why. You may find that we all want the same things, but have different ways of expressing it (relate.zendesk.com).”

Bridging generational divides takes time and effort, but strong, healthy relationships between family members are worth the work. Family is the most important thing, and while generational gaps can create tension, without them, family gatherings would get boring!

McClellan Senior Living, a retirement community in Anniston, Alabama, wants to help you, the senior in your life, and your family in every aspect of your lives. Visit our blog for additional tips and resources.

Vitamins for Seniors: Which Ones are the Most Beneficial?

As we age, our vitamin and nutrient intake shifts. Certain vitamins or nutrients may require higher (or lower) doses because of how our bodies absorb them or due to the benefits they provide. However, other factors can contribute to nutrient intake, such as surgery or medication. Vitamins perform hundreds of tasks in our bodies and are vital to our health, regardless of age. But, answering the question, “Which vitamins are the most beneficial for seniors?” is tricky because it is situational, and every person is different.

McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, understands the value of vitamins for seniors. If you are concerned about the vitamin intake of a parent or loved one, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before making any changes to diet or adding supplements to their routine. However, here are what are considered some of the best vitamins for seniors and why.

Vitamin B6

Brain Development & Health

Like many of the vitamins our body requires, vitamin B6 is not naturally produced or held onto. Since vitamin B6 is not retained, this vitamin is typically ingested through food.

Recent studies have suggested that vitamin B6 may reduce blood homocysteine levels, which are considered a risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B6 may also prevent clogged arteries and minimize heart disease risk.

Vitamin D

Immune System & Heart Health

Vitamin D is another crucial vitamin for seniors. Vitamin D functions like a steroid hormone in our body, and it is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the United States, with over 40% of the adult population having low levels.

For seniors, the deficiency is much more common. A recent study found that 74% of the seniors participating in the research had an insufficient amount of vitamin D in their system. A vitamin D deficiency may be hard to pinpoint as the symptoms can be attributed to other issues.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can include:

Fatigue and tiredness
Hair loss
Bone, back, or muscle pain

Vitamin D is considered one of the best vitamins for seniors as it helps our body fight off infections, assist in muscle comfort, and can regulate cell growth.

Vitamin D is also unique in the way that it is required in our system to absorb calcium, the mineral that helps maintain and build bone density.

Some foods naturally contain vitamin D, as well as foods fortified to provide the vitamin. However, diet alone typically will not give you or your loved one the recommended dosage. The best source of vitamin D comes from the sun.

Other Nutrients & Minerals

Vitamins are not the only ones tasked with maintaining our body’s health. There are many nutrients and minerals that play principal roles in our bodies, but some may find themselves deficient in. Minerals and nutrients that have common deficiencies can include:

Iron – Iron is a mineral that can be found naturally in many foods. While this mineral helps reduce fatigue, boosts our immune system, promotes muscle strength, and can improve our sleep life, it is also one of the most common deficiencies.

Calcium – This mineral is best known for the development and maintenance of bone density. Calcium also helps our hearts, muscles, and nerves function, and studies have shown that it can help reduce developing diseases such as certain cancers, and high blood pressure.

Fiber – Dietary fiber is essential for a healthy diet. While fiber is closely associated with promoting bowel health, it has several other benefits as well. Having a healthy fiber intake decreases our blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and regulates blood sugar levels, which reduces the risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes.

Each nutrient plays a vital role in how our bodies function and our overall health. Once again, every senior is different, and if you believe your loved one has a vitamin deficiency, we encourage you to speak to a healthcare professional. This will ensure your loved one’s health and allow you to focus on the right key vitamins and nutrients.

7 Tips for Seniors to Strengthen Their Immune System

We all want to feel healthy and avoid illness; however, keeping our immune system strong gets more difficult with age. Furthermore, the likelihood of developing illnesses or health conditions increases as we grow older. Our bodies are less able to fight off these common infections that impact so many of us.

So, how can you strengthen and boost your immune system? McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, is here to help by sharing a few tips.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet goes a long way in boosting the immune system. Fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly is the best way to stay healthy and ward off sickness.

Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain high amounts of vitamins and antioxidants that promote good health, nourishing your body so that it can fight viruses.

When your body is nourished and functioning properly, it can quickly eliminate unwanted germs that enter its system.READ: Senior Health Care Tips for Staying Active & Healthy

Drink Plenty of Fluids

As we grow older, our sense of thirst can decrease; however, our bodies still need at least eight glasses of water each day to keep our systems functioning properly. This means that, although you may not feel parched, you still need to consume water. In fact, by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.

When your body is fully hydrated, it is better able to flush out toxins that cause illnesses.

Stay Active

Participating in regular physical activity increases blood circulation, promotes heart health, and lowers inflammation in the body. In addition, exercise is an effective way to maintain a healthy body weight. Too much excess body weight increases inflammation in the body, which negatively influences your immune system.

McClellan Senior Living offers a variety of exercise classes and activities that will meet your needs and help you stay active. As always, be sure to talk to your doctor to come up with a fitness plan that is safe for you.

Practice Good Hygiene Habits

Hygiene plays a vital role in preventing illness and disease.

Think about touching something as simple as a doorknob. How many other people have touched that same doorknob? Do you know what viruses they have been exposed to? No, and chances are, neither do they.

The simplest, most effective way to protect yourself is to wash your hands often. This reduces the risk of exposing yourself and others to infectious diseases.

Get Plenty of Sleep and Rest

Sleep and rest allow the body to rejuvenate and repair. A good night’s rest is especially important when fighting infection and inflammation. Your body needs at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to allow regeneration. Help your body and its functions by sticking to a routine that promotes a good night’s sleep.

If you struggle with insomnia, stick to the same regimen every night. Start to wind down the same way and at the same time each evening. Your mind will slowly adjust and learn to expect to go to sleep if you practice the same routine daily.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Chronic stress and anxiety wreak havoc on the body and are shown to weaken the immune system and lead to illnesses. Cortisol, a hormone the body produces in times of stress, restricts certain bodily functions that inhibit your immune system.

Managing your stress level is a vital aspect of boosting your immune system. Find ways to relax and reduce stress and anxiety.

Quit Smoking

Among all the other known hazards of smoking, lowering your immune system is one to add to the list. Although it is difficult to do, quitting smoking can help boost your immune system.

Smoking causes inflammation in the lungs, attracting antibodies to fight the inflammation. These antibodies could be used to fight infections that enter your body but instead are fighting the inflammation caused by smoking. This can put you at a higher risk of becoming affected by illnesses.

The immune system is an important part of senior health, and strengthening it is the first step in preventing the spread of viruses and illnesses. McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, understands this and does everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our residents. If you are looking for more articles regarding senior health, we encourage you to visit our McClellan Senior Living blog.

Common Misconceptions About Senior Living

Over the years, there have been many myths and misconceptions created about senior living communities. Most of these myths developed from poor experiences, as well as the stigma surrounding the term “nursing home.”

With these myths about senior living, it can be hard to recognize the reality of this industry. McClellan Senior Living, based in Anniston, Alabama, wants to debunk a few common myths about senior living communities and share the incredible benefits the senior living industry can offer!

Myth #1: Communities Are More Expensive Than Living at Home

There are many costs associated with retirement, and some people may assume that a senior living community is outside the scope of their budget. The reality behind this myth is that many people do not fully understand what’s included by most senior living communities.

While the cost of living at home may seem cheaper on the surface, it has added expenses like property taxes, maintenance, and utilities. Though it varies by community, the monthly cost associated with senior living typically includes housing, meals, transportation, housekeeping, and other on-site services.

McClellan Senior Living offers an all-inclusive approach to senior living with no hidden fees or unexpected costs. We believe your retirement should be full of relaxation, not chores, or stress! If you would like to learn more about senior living pricing, McClellan Senior Living offers a comprehensive cost comparison guide!DOWNLOAD OUR COST COMPARISON GUIDE

Myth #2: Senior Living Communities are Depressing and “Boring”

One of the most common misconceptions about senior living communities is that they are “boring” – leaving residents idle all day. This myth not only raises concerns for the potential resident, but also for their family and friends who may be tentative to transition their parent(s) to this type of community.

The truth is, this myth couldn’t be further from reality! A majority of senior living communities host a wide variety of engaging activities for their residents. Whether its educational or physical classes, clubs, or networking events, senior living communities know the value of socialization and strive to provide their residents with ample opportunities to engage and connect with others.

At McClellan Senior Living, our community is designed to encourage engagement from our residents and staff. Our activities are specially crafted to promote learning, relationship building, and interaction.

Myth# 3: Assisted Living Communities Lack Privacy

Maintaining their independence after moving to a senior living community is something that many seniors are concerned about. While assisted living communities do offer more attention and support than an independent living community, residents still experience privacy and independence. The goal of an assisted living community is to provide residents with the assistance and support they need when they need it.

McClellan Senior Living’s assisted living program is a comforting, supportive environment that was created to encourage a sense of accomplishment in our residents. Each aspect is designed with the senior in mind to ensure that all of their needs are met.

Myth #4: You Won’t Continue to Grow in Senior Living

The myth about senior living is that once you join, you no longer have the opportunity to accomplish new goals or experience new things. The actuality behind senior living communities is that they offer many older adults the ability to achieve these goals. By removing the stress associated with homeownership or the worry associated with completing certain tasks, senior living doesn’t stop the fun; it can enhance it!

The reality behind senior living communities, like McClellan Senior Living, is that we are continually striving to give our residents the best retirement experience possible.

McClellan Senior Living, in Anniston, Alabama, is a community that offers both independent and assisted living services. If there are other senior living misconceptions or myths that we didn’t cover, we encourage you to schedule a visit to our community, and experience senior living for yourself!

6 Tips to Improve Communication with Seniors with Hearing Impairments

According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in three older adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have difficulty hearing. A variety of reasons can cause hearing loss, and seniors with hearing impairments may find it hard to have conversations with family and friends.

At McClellan Senior Living, we know that hearing impairments can make communication difficult for all of those involved. We would like to give you a few tips to help improve your communication with a parent or loved one dealing with a hearing impairment.

1. Capture Their Attention

Before you begin talking to someone with a hearing impairment, be sure to capture their attention. Saying their name or facing them directly before you initiate a conversation can drastically help, as it allows them to focus on you and what you are saying.

A common issue amongst those with hearing impairments is that, at times, they are unaware that you are talking to them. Going beyond that, make sure you are in the same room when you begin talking, and reduce the distance between you and the person you want to converse with.

2. Reduce Background Noise

A simple and effective way to help improve one’s ability to hear is by reducing background noise. Television, music, and other background noises can make it difficult for anyone to understand what is being said. Before you initiate a conversation, try to reduce the background noise as much as possible. If you are in a public place and are unable to reduce the background noise, try finding a quiet area to talk and avoid large groups or crowds.

3. When in Doubt, Write It Out

If you’re speaking to someone with a hearing impairment and you have a lot to say, or your conversation will involve complicated things such as directions or instructions, write down what you want to say. Writing it down can help prevent confusion and frustration from both parties.

4. Pay Attention

While speaking to someone with a hearing impairment, be sure to pay attention to them. If they have a puzzled look on their face, it could be an indication that they did not hear or understand what you said. body language is a crucial part of communication.

5. Repeat and Rephrase Yourself When Necessary

Sometimes someone with a hearing impairment may not have heard you the first time; if it’s necessary, repeat yourself. If you’ve repeated yourself and your loved one is still having difficulty understanding you, considering rephrasing what you said; sometimes words can merge together or get jumbled up.

6. Speak Naturally and Be Patient

One of the most common issues for those with hearing impairments is the way some people may approach speaking to them. Raising your voice or yelling is counterproductive as shouting and yelling can distort words. When speaking to a loved one with a hearing impairment, speak naturally, don’t raise your voice, and above all else, be patient.

The occurrence of hearing impairments among seniors is growing, and while it can be difficult to communicate, following these tips and remaining patient can make a world of difference. We, at McClellan Senior Living, hope you found these tips helpful, and we invite you to find more tips and information regarding senior living on our blog!

Senior women talking while stroking kitten at nursing home

4 Ways to Celebrate the Senior Veteran in Your Life

United States veterans faithfully served our country and deserve to be honored for their sacrifice, regardless of the military branch they enlisted in or the amount of time served. At McClellan Senior Living, we appreciate all that veterans have done for our country and we want to thank them for the commitment they made to ensure the freedoms our country was built upon.

With Veterans Day coming up, it is important that the senior veteran in your life knows you care. We encourage you to find meaningful activities that celebrate and honor their service to our country. We would like to provide you with a few ideas on how to make this Veterans Day a memorable experience and celebrate the senior veteran (or any veteran) in your life!

Family Dinner and Gatherings

A simple, yet sometimes perfect, way to celebrate the senior veteran in your life comes in the form of a visit or a family gathering. If your loved one lives at a distance, make a trip to see them and spend the day or weekend with them. If your loved one lives close by, host a family dinner of your loved one’s favorite dishes.

Celebrating the senior veteran in your life doesn’t have to be elaborate. The act should be about showing your love and honoring their service.

Veterans Day Discounts

During Veterans Day (November 11th), a variety of companies offer discounts exclusive to veterans and our country’s active servicemen and servicewomen. While these offerings can vary, many chain restaurants offer free meals or discounts. Depending on where your loved one is located, discounts may also be available on other services, at chain stores, or even hotels. Military Benefits is an excellent resource that shares what businesses are participating in Veterans Day discounts!

VISIT OUR VETERAN BENEFITS RESOURCE PAGE

Outdoor Activities

Veterans Day can also be an opportunity for an outdoor adventure with the senior veteran in your life. If you live near a national park, entry on Veterans Day is free for all visitors! National parks are a wonderful way to experience the most beautiful spots in America and appreciate the country our veterans worked (and continue to work) to protect.

Cities and towns across the United States also host local parades honoring veterans, making this another great outdoor activity for you and the senior veteran in your life. Many of these parades also encourage veteran participation. If your loved one is interested in being a part of the celebration, contact your local town or city office to learn how!

Sending a Care Package

If the senior veteran in your life lives at a distance and you are unable to see them, a care package or heartfelt letters are a way to show you are thinking about them – even if you can’t be together. Your care package could consist of your loved one’s favorite items or a meaningful letter that shares your fondest memories of them. The contents of the package are not as important as the feeling it will bring your loved one knowing you are thinking about them.

How ever you choose to celebrate, make sure the senior veteran (or any veteran) in your life know how appreciated they are! Once again, McClellan Senior Living would like to thank the veterans of the United States for their service. We hope every veteran has a memorable Veterans Day surrounded by family and loved ones!

Caring for Yourself: A Guide to Healthy Living for Caregivers

Caregiving is not an easy task. In many cases, caregiving is a full-time job that can often take a good portion of the day, which makes it easy to forget about yourself. Caregivers, whether professional or family members, are an integral part of keeping the senior population healthy, happy, and safe in their own homes.

An undertaking such as this can lead to caregiver burnout – putting your physical and mental health at risk. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, McClellan Senior Living wants to provide tips to promote good health and good spirits so you can continue providing the highest level of care.

You Are What You Eat

When you spend most of your time taking care of another person, it’s easy to forget about your own health, wants, and needs. While you take the time to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for the person in your care, you may be tempted to grab something quick like fast food for yourself. Resist the temptation! Fast food is high in carbs and saturated fats that will impact your health almost immediately.

What’s more, an increased intake in foods high in saturated fats can have adverse effects on your mental health, as well. As a caregiver, your day is busy and full of challenges. Here are some ways to maintain a healthy diet:

Plan And Prep: At the beginning of each month (or week), take time to plan out your meals; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Once you have them planned out, prepare your meals for the week going forward! Not big on cooking for breakfast? A variety of cereals, as well as fresh fruit, are great options to start your day quick and easy. Lunches and dinners can be a bit trickier, but there are sites such as Eating Well that can help you plan.
Snack Hack: The reality is, even with planning, sometimes it’s not feasible to get three full meals a day. Some days are incredibly busy, where you may not sit down for hours on end to have a break. For instances like this, go to snacks such as fresh fruits and granola are quick and easy. Dried fruits and vegetables are another great option! We’re not just talking raisins; strawberries, blueberries, bananas, tomatoes, jalapenos. Healthy dried foods have a drastically different flavor than fresh fruit or vegetables and come in convenient, on-the-go bags.

A Healthy Body Breeds A Healthy Mind

The first step to taking care of yourself will always be in your diet. While a healthy diet won’t relieve all of the strain and stress that caregiving can bring, taking take of yourself reduces the chance of experiencing caregiver burnout.LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

McClellan Senior Living is an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama that redefines what it means to retire. Avoiding caregiver stress can involve finding the right community that fits the individual needs of your parent or loved one. If you’re interested in our services or would like to learn more about McClellan Senior Living, contact us or schedule a tour of our community!

Convenient and Safe Senior Transportation Options

In an age of ever-growing convenience, it’s not unusual for one to leave the driving to someone else. If you’re ready to take your hands off the wheel and wish to be a passenger in a safe, secure mode of transportation in your day to day life, you’re one of many.

At McClellan Senior Living, we understand the value and importance of maintaining your independence, so we’d like to share some tips and options to accommodate your traveling needs.

Safety First!

When traveling, it’s always important to keep safety in mind.

Where are you going and at what time of day?
Are you traveling alone or with a companion?
Will you need to keep medication on hand?

These are just a couple of questions to keep in mind with senior transportation options, no matter the distance you’re traveling.

If you find yourself in need of transport, and require mobility assistance, the Americans with Disabilities Act covers the public and private sectors. Transportation agencies are required to meet a series of standards including but not limited to providing adequate safety standards and accessibility measures to ensure that you’re able to utilize the same freedom of transit as others!

Keeping in mind your personal travel needs, and the guarantees provided by the ADA, it has never been a better time to consider transportation for seniors.

Familiarizing Your Options

Public Transit: Across the United States, primarily in cities and larger townships, public transit is a popular way for people to travel. Whether it be local buses, train networks, or, in certain areas, elevated rail lines and subways, the options are numerous. These are also the most reliable forms of transportation for seniors, as they have multiple stops throughout the regions where they operate.

Forms of public transit are the most accessible for those who require mobility assistance, and overall the most affordable option. The only downside to public transport are the set schedules that the lines run on; these typically cater to a general time frame but not the needs of an individual.

Paratransit: If the public transport option isn’t available for you for any number of reasons, paratransit services are likely to help. Paratransit services offer more assistance beyond the basic needs and requirements of the passengers. Many of these services also offer more flexible scheduling, making them a more appealing option for senior transportation.

Private Transit: The appeal of private transit is two-fold; private transit can be secured with nothing but a quick phone call or mobile app use, and be where you are in a matter of minutes. Utilizing more traditional vehicles to get around also helps in times of high traffic for your driver to maneuver safely.

In the past, cab services have been the primary go-to for private transportation. In an age of renewed entrepreneurial spirit, many companies such as Uber and Lyft have not only provided extra work to willing citizens but enabled a more accessible option for senior transportation that’s often more convenient and comfortable, with competitive price ranges that make it a rider’s market. All drivers from these services undergo strenuous background checks; when booking a ride the name and picture of the driver are provided, as well as a description of the make and model of their car, so you know who is driving you. This information gives you the knowledge of what they’re driving, and when to expect them. This senior transportation option is alluring due to the door-to-door type of service it offers.

Ease of Access

In today’s society, the journey from A to B has never been easier. With so many options in place and legislation to ensure that those with additional needs are accommodated, the advancements in public and private sectors for transportation benefits everyone!

Maybe you’re looking for an easier path, where you don’t have to travel to adventure or get what you need. McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, offers an all-inclusive lifestyle with the comforts you need, the adventure you crave, and the care you deserve. If you’re interested in joining our community or have further questions, feel free to contact us or schedule a tour!

McClellan Senior Living Answers: What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

As Alzheimer’s disease awareness month approaches, McClellan Senior Living would like to discuss a brief history of Alzheimer’s disease and the progress made since its discovery. The question ‘What is Alzheimer’s disease?’ is still a fairly common one as awareness continues to spread. Even though researchers have made significant progress since its discovery, much is still unknown about the disease.

The Origin of Alzheimer’s Disease

So, what is Alzheimer’s disease, and when was it discovered? It may surprise you to know that the history of Alzheimer’s disease starts over a century ago! The first person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Auguste Deter, began showing symptoms in the late 1890s. Auguste was in her 40s when her symptoms began, which is incredibly rare.

After several years of Auguste experiencing these symptoms, her husband decided to transfer her to the mental health center where Alois Alzheimer worked. Alois worked with her from 1901 to 1902, but when Auguste passed in 1906, Alois requested to perform the autopsy to examine her brain and see her medical records. Alois noted “a peculiar severe disease process of the cerebral cortex” and sent his findings to his colleagues, making it the first documented case of Alzheimer’s disease.

Early Research Developments

If you had asked ‘What is Alzheimer’s disease?’ in the early to mid-1900s, you would be met with much confusion. The phrase itself was not coined until 1910, and the initial research on the disease was bogged down by technological restrictions of the time. The next breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research would not come until 1931 when the electron microscope was invented. This invention allowed researchers to study the brain in much greater detail than ever before. While this invention was crucial to research, scientists at the time had no way to measure cognitive decline, until 1968. The cognitive scale was invented, and researchers had the ability to track cognitive decline and damage to brain tissue.

Modern Alzheimer’s Research Efforts

The next step for researchers would require a national network and research funding. In 1974, Congress established and funded the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The NIA is the primary federal agency for Alzheimer’s disease research. A decade later, in 1984, the NIA began funding Alzheimer’s Disease Centers, creating a national network for research that scientists needed.

The Food and Drug Administration played a huge role in Alzheimer’s research when the first Alzheimer’s disease treatment medication was approved in 1993. While memory care services were available to aid those diagnosed with the disease, there were no medications to help. The question ‘What is Alzheimer’s disease?’ spread like wildfire in 1994 after former President Ronald Reagan announced that he had been diagnosed with the disease. Ronald Reagan sent a handwritten letter to the public, informing them of his diagnosis.

Present and Future Efforts

‘What is Alzheimer’s disease?’ continues to be an important question with a long answer. While researchers may not have a cure for the disease at the moment, the future is bright. In 2013, the G8 Dementia Summit announced a global effort to fight Alzheimer’s disease. They vowed to find a therapy-altering discovery or a cure by 2025. Just by asking ‘What is Alzheimer’s disease?’ you have helped spread awareness!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOKMcClellan Senior Living understands that research and awareness are two crucial factors in combating any disease. Awareness is incredibly important, and anyone can participate in it! Our community also encourages fundraisers and awareness benefits for Alzheimer’s disease. If you would like to learn more about our community or our passion for senior living, discover McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama today!

Earning a Deficiency Free Survey from Alabama Department of Health

Sage Management, an Alabama based company with over 20 years of excellence in senior care, announced today that McClellan Senior Living, located on former Fort McClellan, obtained a Deficiency Free Annual Survey from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

Building on history, McClellan Senior Living opened in what was formally Noncommissioned Officers’ Barracks. The community was designed to provide seniors with the attention they need and the care they deserve. Living with McClellan Senior Living does not mean checking your lifestyle or personality at the door. Residents continue to live life to its fullest potential; enjoying their favorite activities while often discovering new ones.

Each member of the McClellan Senior Living team has consistently demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives of seniors by valuing residents’ preferences and traditions. As part of this mission, Sage is committed to providing superior resident-centered care. “Receiving a Deficiency Free Survey confirms that McClellan Senior Living is doing an exceptional job and providing residents the services and care necessary to thrive,” reports Sage’s Vice President of Operations, Nick Wilmott. Kelly Lee, McClellan Senior Living Executive Director, adds “we are very proud of this outstanding achievement. We put our residents and their care first and this perfect survey confirms that our team is doing a great job.” ADPH is responsible for ensuring assisted living communities comply with mandatory state regulations.

The inspections, called surveys, are conducted on a no-notice basis and consist of a checklist of areas and categories to examine. The categories include policies and procedures, resident care, medication administration, medical records, kitchen sanitation, staff competencies, dietary needs, equipment, and the overall safety, fitness, and adequacy of the community. Sage Management encourages prospective families who tour McClellan Senior Living, or other communities, to request a copy of state surveys and compare results. When a family needs care for their loved one, the survey is an important tool in understanding how residences are rated and which communities are performing at the highest level. Ultimately, the survey’s purpose is to evaluate the quality of life and care received by the residents. Its goal is to ensure the residence is operating according to the ADPH’s highest standards.

McClellan Senior Living is located at 41 Polkville Dr. in Anniston, AL and can be reached by phone at 256-403-6808 or on the web at www.McClellanSeniorLiving.com