Sacramento, CA (December 2018) -- Eskaton is encouraging family members over the holiday season to notice if an ageing loved one is experiencing mental or physical changes and might need additional support at home.

During the holidays, family get-togethers allow people to spend time with loved ones they don’t get to see on a regular basis. Holiday festivities and feasts may reveal some changes in older adults who attend. From mild forgetfulness to changes in mobility, it may be time to take note if additional support is needed around the home.

Eskaton, a nonprofit community-based organization serving the greater Sacramento region for over 50 years, addresses health and well-being of seniors. Nine Eskaton owned and managed communities participated in a two-year-long project to think differently about aging with dementia. The project resulted in a 16-hour Well-Being Academy, a new orientation and new philosophy designed in collaboration with residents who are experiencing dementia.

Eskaton and its employees believe every individual continues to grow and make contributions no matter where they are in life’s journey. According to Therese ten Brinke, Project Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives, “The Well-Being Philosophy provokes dialogues and discussions with care partners, residents and family members to challenge the stigma surrounding the disease and expand the possibilities of what it means to live well with both changing physical and cognitive abilities.”

Key principles of the Well-Being Philosophy are:

• Discovering what makes each resident who they are

• Ensuring residents are surrounded by people whom they trust and feel connected

• Providing opportunities to find meaning and purpose

• Making certain life is celebrated, and that every resident feels surrounded by love and happiness

If you believe a family member is experiencing mental or physical changes, please visit https://www.eskaton.org/lodge-gold-river.html and click here to download Signs It’s Time, and watch a short video to help you determine if it’s time to get assistance for your loved one.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Romero, Eskaton Lodge Gold River, at 916-915-8796.