What We’re Doing

October is always a busy month, and we have all kinds of activities to keep our schedule full! As always it is important to stay safe, healthy, and secure in whatever we do. So while we continue to expand our activities and engage with those in and around our community – remember to be mindful of yourself, others, and the world around you.

And as always, we are having great conversations together!

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy are also still taking place. Please ask a staff member if you have any questions regarding this.

What’s Going On This Month

It’s hard to focus on anything but Halloween this month. But be sure not to forget all the other important observations and celebrations before you put your costume on! It is especially important to take stock on days like World Mental Health Day and all throughout October as we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is always essential to take a moment to focus on your health and the health of those around you. We are a community, and we like to take care of each other. These special days remind us to do just that!

International Coffee Day – October 1st
For some, they can’t imagine starting the day without a cup of coffee! That’s why we think it’s pretty clever that International Coffee Day kicks off on the first of the month. Start your month off with a nice cup of joe and maybe even use this as an opportunity to learn a little bit about this magical little bean.

International Music Day – October 1st
Listening to music can have unbelievably positive impacts on your brain and well-being. That and it’s just plain fun to listen to music! This is what makes this day so special and a great excuse to take a moment to listen to some music. It’s amazing for your mind and your body…maybe even do a little dance as well!

National Golf Lover’s Day – October 4th
We know we’ve got a few golf fans out there, and this day is for you! While it’s not always the fastest pace game, it is always exciting…and even if it’s not, sometimes that’s just what we love about it. Whether it’s playing it, watching it, or being aggravated by it, golf is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.

Halloween – October 31st
Happy Halloween! While we may not do it up like we used to, and let’s be honest eating all that candy was never good for anyone, we can still have a howling good time. So get in the mood for some spooky activities and a few tasty treats. But whatever you do, be sure to stay safe and respectful of everyone in our wonderful community.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a critical issue that demands our awareness and attention to help save lives and keep those we love safe. Please take this month to educate yourself and those you love about how and when to screen for breast cancer. As well as how you can support this cause. This is also an excellent opportunity to refocus on your health as a whole. The more you know, the happier and healthier we will all be.

Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Nutrition is an essential part of your everyday routine and a key component of your care path. Together, we can both improve our diet and the diet of those around us. Teamwork is the best way to accomplish any goal, and this certainly is no exception.

Support For Families

While we strive every day to support our community, we know that the best thing at the moment is for everyone to be as safe and as cautious as possible. During this time, we encourage you to seek out and contribute to an active support group. Often it’s best to just give it a try, and see how it goes. Folks are often surprised by how much their ideas and their presence are beneficial to others. Helping others can be a wonderful remedy for the helplessness and loneliness we ourselves may feel.

Below is some information about how you can find the help and community you need while respecting the COVID-19 safety concerns.

• Check out some Virtual Memory Cafés at DementiaMentors.org.
• Try the Memory People on Facebook.
• ALZconnected is another great resource brought to you by the Alzheimer’s Association.
• AFA offers a free telephone-based support group on their Caregiving Resource page.

Hopefully, these tips can help your loved one and you succeed in maintaining your resolutions.

Some TRICKS for a Montessori Halloween!

Holidays like Halloween always offer us a fantastic opportunity to engage with those around us and with our community. Whether it’s dressing up, making crafts, and or cooking up some treats (let’s try to have more treats than tricks this year!), it’s super easy to incorporate Montessori into these activities.
It’s important when we come together to celebrate that everyone feels involved and is given the opportunity to connect with those around them and their environment. Including Montessori techniques in your holiday celebrations helps you do just that. And allows everyone to have a more enjoyable time!
Make engaging with your loved one this Halloween more rewarding with these simply Montessori tips. They’re also a great way to help your loved one make the most of this spooky season –

• It’s hard to think about Halloween without some good costumes coming to mind. But it is so important to remember when dressing up to do something simple that doesn’t require or involved a complex process. Ask your loved ones what they would like to dress up as and make sure they are involved in the decision. As well as any other steps you think they might enjoy!
• We love to make crafts, even if it isn’t for a holiday. But if you’re making a Halloween costume or any other spooky craft, pick something achievable and fun that you know your loved one will have fun doing. Be sure to get everything ready before you start and have the steps all laid out.
• If you are going to make a tasty snack for Halloween, always help your loved one and do anything they might find too frustrating or is unsafe. Also, remember you can make something on the healthy side too. Apples are a great Halloween-themed option…minus the caramel and all that! Ha!

What We’ve Been Up To!

The Arbor Bulletin Board

COVID – 19: REMEMBER TO STAY SAFE

We know this time is difficult.

We are all in this together…and we are here for you!

Please call the facility directly at 515-223-1135 with questions or concerns.

WASH YOUR HANDS AND LIMIT CONTACT PLEASE!

Happy Birthday! Let’s Celebrate Together!

Things might get a little spooky this Halloween season, but while you’re having fun, always remember to…

Be Kind to Each Other!

In a time full of trick or treat, let’s remember the good spirit and nature of celebrating the season together!

The guidelines on this page and in this newsletter are in no way all-encompassing and should not be adhered to if medical professionals or staff members inform you otherwise. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, so be sure to stay informed at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus