Sunday, Nov. 1, marked the end of Daylight Savings Time for 2015. Despite continued debate about the worthiness of continuing the practice of moving back the clock in the fall and springing it forward in the spring, we are once again making the best of another season of darkness ahead. One good thing about the initial fall back is the extra hour of sleep it affords. Another side effect to this time of year is the necessary adjustment to a slower pace as the daylight hours grow shorter and the winter draws closer.

Preparations for the Upcoming Winter Solstice

Following Thanksgiving celebrations at the end of the month, we’ll be approximately three weeks away from the Winter Solstice on Tuesday, Dec. 22. The Winter Solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, offers a turning point in the seasons. From the Winter Solstice forward we will gradually gain more light each day leading us back to the beauty of spring and the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in June.

Taking a Cue from the Seasons

Even though the calendar shows changes it can be difficult to get the body to adapt quite as quickly. During these times, the caregivers at SeniorCare Homes look to incorporate elements of the season as appropriate for the Memory Care Home residents. This includes slowing the pace to adapt to longer periods of darkness, preparing nourishing and warming foods to eat, and engaging in physical activity that gently warms the body from within. Activities in the Memory Home might also include spontaneous bingo nights with hot chocolate or a visit from a local church for Bible study.

During this time of year, we also add in seasonal activities that are quintessential to the holidays such as making hot cider, whipping up a batch of quick bread or decorating sugar cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles. These dual-purpose activities not only add a measure of additional coziness to the home, but the foods scent the air with the delicious goodness of that feels unmistakably like home during the holidays. Other warm treats include meals featuring nutritious soups and hearty chili designed to warm the body and forget the weather outside.

Welcoming in the Family

Year-round and particularly during the family-centric winter holidays, SeniorCare Homes welcomes friends and family to visit their friends and loved ones at the Memory Care residences. Our Memory Care Homes, which include Hanover House, Vineyard House, Waveny Park House and Newport House all feature a private family dining availability. This feature allows friends and family to gather with their loved ones in a familiar environment to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and the holidays in comfort.

Additional Features of the Memory Care Homes

• Natural light
• Family-style dining
• Golden Sneakers fitness program
• Cable TV
• Netflix for watching movies
• Wii games to build eye motor coordination
• House car for group outings
• Walking paths
• Gardens
• Certified Memories in the Making Alzheimer’s Association program
• Piano
• Safety and motion monitoring systems
• Salon for hair and nails

SeniorCare Homes in Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas, offer the most comfortable and stable assisted living environment to seniors with dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Phone (913) 236-0036 to learn more about neighborhood living for the memory impaired.