Sapphire Dementia Partners

01/03/2025

What makes you....you.
What makes you home?

01/01/2025

Wishing you a Happy New Year! May we move forward with grace for what is behind us, with quiet courage to face what's ahead, and for presence in the moment for finding joy along the way.

We are in this together. ❤️

11/11/2024

My sincere thanks to all who served! ❤️

Today, we celebrate Veterans Day. A day honoring those who made the decision to serve the United States of America.

26/10/2024

So grateful for this beautiful life, this day, this moment. The fabric of our lives and our memories are made up of moments. We are all people deserving of joy, despite the challenges we face. Be present and capture some moments. Today I am thankful for:

The warm sun on my face and a furry best friend

The crunch of leaves underfoot and rustling in the trees

The vibrant color on the mountain.

A cozy throw to ward of the chill in the breeze

The crisp air in my lungs

Pumpkins, cool, smooth and heavy

What fall moments have you captured?

11/05/2024

Did you know that Dolores and I are certified Alzheimer's Association support group facilitators?

Further, did you know we facilitate 3 support groups monthly?

Caregiver Support Groups
Salem:
When: Second Thursday of the month at 11:00 AM
Where: Richfield town center/Chapel

Botetourt:
When: Second Friday of the month at 11:00 AM
Where: Botetourt Family YMCA/ APT of VA

Support Group for people living dementia:
When: Second Friday of the month at 1:00 PM
Virtual, register with the Alzheimer's Association

07/05/2024

We are in Roanoke Virginia. Look for Karen Ellexson and Dolores Hager in the PAC Certified Community

📝 New Blog: Dementia Care Help: How You Can Find Local Positive Approach to Care-Certified Support 🤝 https://hubs.ly/Q02tYzQx0

29/02/2024

Great article. Who's interested in building a strong intergenerational community here in Roanoke with us?

A society in which members of different generations do not interact “is a dangerous experiment,” said one researcher.

06/11/2023

Great article! Does anyone in the Roanoke area offer regular classes in Tai Chi?

Research shows that a daily dose of tai chi, the slow-moving meditative, martial art can boost our body and brain. A new study finds adding word games to tai chi doubles the increase in memory.

11/10/2023

Contact Nexus Homecare LLC your local, woman owned business providing excellent caregiving.

Caring caregivers make the difference. Call us & experience the difference! 540-676-7408. Nexus Homecare LLC Your locally owned and operated Salem, Virginia small business.

Tammy Compton Mckee Marycatherine Cecil-Turner Nexus Homecare LLC Salem, VA

10/09/2023

Caregiver Role in Fall Prevention

CAREGIVERS play an important role in preventing falls because they are often the first to see potential problems. Caregivers can help older adults address many risk factors. It all starts with a conversation.
Here are some suggestions for conversation starters:
1. START BY SAYING YOU CARE
•”I know you want to be independent but I don’t want you to get hurt. You are important to me.”
•” There are lots of things to do to prevent falls. I want to help”
2. TALK ABOUT PREVENTION
•”Physical activity helps keep you stronger and improve your balance. What kind of activity are you interested in trying? Let’s talk to your doctor and make sure it’s ok”
•” Some medications can influence your balance. Let’s have your doctor or pharmacist review them.”
•”Making your home safer can decrease your fall risk. Let’s see if there are some small changes we can do like adding a nonslip mat in the shower.”
3. OFFER TO HELP
•Go with your loved one to the doctor. Discuss any falls, medication review( bring a list or bottles), appropriate exercise, need for physical therapy or balance program.
•Install railings on both sides of stairs
• Help clear furniture to clear walking path or pick up items from the floor or stairs.
• Make sure there is a phone close to the bed and favorite chair. Make sure your loved one can still use it appropriately
• Sign up together for a tai chi class or go for a walk if doctor approved. Any activity will work if you move and spend time with your loved one.
• Build a team that can assist with all the components of fall prevention. You can’t do it all alone.

For more tips please contact us! We are here to help.

10/09/2023

06/09/2023

Did you know that 1 out of 4 older adults will fall this year? That number increases for those people living with dementia due to brain changes.
Are you at risk for falls?
Some risk factors include:
Age over 60 yrs
Previous Fall
Gait instability
Medication side effects
Decreased cognition or brain changes

Join us over this month as we share helpful tips to decrease fall risks!