Aberdeen Heights
Time to sample the seasons DECEMBER 2023
Getting wild up close Residents of our Health Center enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with a bus tour through Lone Elk Park. Many of our residents had never been to the park before but were thrilled to learn that the tour took them so close to the wildlife, they could nearly reach out and touch the animals. Some remember a time when the park was in its infancy. “I remember when there used to be one lone elk, he must have been lonely,” said Joyce Rasbach, reminiscing about visiting the park with her family. Lone Elk Park was once part of the 2,400 acre Tyson Valley Powder Plant that was used for testing and storage of ammunition during WWII. In 1948, herds of elk and bison were established, but later destroyed during federal re-acquisition of the land during the Korean War. In 1964, St. Louis County acquired 405 acres of the original tract, changed the name to Lone Elk County Park and re-established an elk herd from Yellowstone National Park. During the tour, residents were fortunate to see deer, bison, and elk. u
Our Assisted Living residents recently enjoyed the chance to indulge a seasonal wine and cheese tasting. We tried a couple of familiar favorite wines such as the Highway 5 Chardonnay and Toro Loco Red Blend - as well as a few seasonal flavors, like Three Mills Pumpkin Spice Mulled Wine and Petit Coconut Wine. Surprisingly, the coconut was the overall favorite of our taste testers. We also sampled different seasonal cheeses paired with a gourmet deli meat selection - Le Gruyere of Switzerland, Gouda, Pumpkin Spice Wensleydale Cheese, and Applewood Smoked Cheddar. The Applewood Smoked Cheddar was the fan favorite. Everyone enjoyed the chance to indulge in some new experiences and develop some new tastes - as well as the great company with one another. u
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at AberdeenSeniorLiving.com/covid-19.
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Tips for Caregivers During the Holidays The holidays are full of family, fun and tradition, but for some caregivers and people living with dementia, this season can also be incredibly stressful.
Here are our top tips to help you and your loved one get through the holidays.
the person living with dementia. 3. Join a support group: The rate of depression increases during and after the holidays so if you or your loved ones experience any signs of depression, contact a health care professional.
1. Avoid crowded and noisy places: Loud or crowded places can further confuse or frustrate someone living with dementia. Too many people or too many noises can be overstimulating. Instead, try to choose smaller and more low-key events that would not add to confusion or stress.
4. Maintain routines: This can be challenging when parties and holiday preparations disrupt our routine. Try however to keep your loved one’s routine unchanged. Some people living with dementia become confused or agitated in the evenings (sundowning). Consider celebrating earlier in the day to work around this.
person is in the early stages of dementia, relatives and friends might not notice any changes. But the person living with dementia may have trouble following conversations or tend to repeat things. Make sure guests understand that changes in behavior or memory are caused by the disease and not the person.
2. Designate a quiet room: If you are planning on having family or friends over, choose a room in the house that’s only for your loved one to go to if things become too hectic and overstimulating. Explain to your guests beforehand that the identified room is a safe haven from stress for
5. Prepare out-of-town guests: The holidays are a great time to get families together but can be challenging for caregivers and guests alike. Let visiting family and guests know that their loved one may not remember them and explain any known behavioral issues. If the
6. Trust your instincts: You know more than anyone else how much you and your loved one can handle without feeling overwhelmed. If an event or group of visitors may be stressful or troublesome give yourself permission to reschedule or decline. It is okay to say “no”. u
The new 2024 Art is Ageless® Calendar has arrived! Visit ArtisAgeless.org for information on how to order. There you can also learn more about the program, meet the artists, even send an e-card. u
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Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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is published quarterly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: kemontgomery@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Tony Altobella, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Residents celebrate change of seasons Oompah from The Glen! Where we celebrated Oktoberfest in style this fall. The Waterloo German Band was incredibly entertaining with their bells and Alpine Horn. We also ate delicious homemade beer cheese and soft pretzels and washed it down with a special Oktoberfest punch. Prost to Oktoberfest! u
Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Aberdeen Heights shares customer service survey responses their families gave the community high scores in demonstrating dignity and respect, cleanliness, and safety and security. “I appreciate the full-time staff,” said a resident’s family member. “They’re capable and loving.”
Aberdeen Heights continues to seek customer feedback through monthly telephone surveys. Each month, residents and their representatives are randomly selected to participate in telephone satisfaction surveys conducted by Pinnacle Quality Insight. The graphic highlights some of the survey results. All scores are given on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the lowest score. Between September 2022 and August 2023, Aberdeen Heights residents and
505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122
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We greatly value the opinions of our residents and their representatives about the care and services we provide, and we encourage them to participate honestly when contacted by Pinnacle Quality Insight. All state and federal confidentiality laws are met in Pinnacle’s service. u