Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  Early diagnosis is crucial for providing appropriate care and support to those with dementia. Properly diagnosing this life-altering condition early allows the person with dementia to be more involved in decision making and planning for future care. This is crucial because unfortunately there will come a time when the individual won’t be able to recall short-term memories so easily, if at all. Not to mention, early diagnosis can help keep more unfavorable dementia symptoms at bay like depression, anxiety, and side effects from medications. One valuable tool in this diagnostic process is the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE). In this article, our dedicated memory care team at Lester Senior Living in Morris County will cover the basics of the MMSE and its role in screening for dementia. The Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) The MMSE, or Mini Mental Status Exam, is a widely used screening tool designed to assess cognitive function and detect signs of dementia. Developed by Dr. Marsha...

  We have all heard the stereotype about older adults being resistant to using technology, or outright refusing to learn how to use it, but the reality is that senior-friendly digital technologies are on the rise. The older generations are becoming more tech-savvy as they learn that certain technologies can empower them to be independent, both at home and in assisted living. From medication reminders to communicating with their healthcare providers to video calls with family and friends, technology helps many older adults retain their independence while keeping them safe. In this article, our senior activities coordinators will discuss how we use technology here at Lester Senior Living to improve the quality of life for our residents.  Innovative Technology for Seniors: Enhancing Safety and Connectivity  Medication reminders: Almost all of us have smartphones these days, and this includes many older adults. One useful feature is a medication reminder, wh...

  While Rosh Hashanah has passed quite some time ago, that doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the traditional New Year. Especially with some delicious, staple holiday food in the mix! If you’re having a New Years Day celebration, a January birthday, or you’d just like to have some extra company over for Shabbat, this Tzimmes recipe is to die for! The best part is that this recipe can be completely cooled down and frozen – which is ideal if you’re the type of person who likes to plan ahead. The chefs at Lester Senior Living recommend starting this recipe at least a day before you’re ready to serve guests.  Ingredients for Tzimmes:  Sweet potatoes (approx. 4 lbs) Russet potatoes (approx. 2 lbs) Flanken (approx. 3 lbs) Baby carrots (approx. 1 lb or 1 bag) Pitted prunes (1 container) Brown sugar (¾ cup more or less depending on your taste) Lemon juice (½ cup more or less depending on your taste)  Directions to Make Tzimmes:  Grab...

  Some days it’s as simple as asking, and other days you have to literally jump through hoops and hire a string quartet to get your loved one to take their medications. Convincing seniors to stick to their medication regimen requires patience, understanding, and creative strategies. Hiring a string quartet definitely counts as a creative strategy, but is not realistic each day. Fortunately, there are more effective and practical ways to encourage your loved one to take their prescriptions accurately and on time. Our senior caregivers at Lester Senior Livin g are here to help on those days that aren’t so easy with these invaluable tips:  Understanding Their Concerns Before diving into convincing tactics, it’s crucial to understand why your senior parent might be hesitant to take their medications. Common concerns include fear of side effects, forgetfulness, or a general mistrust of medications. Being empathetic towards their concerns and addressing the root issue is the fir...