Pam Lewis is well aware there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but she and her staff “do all we can to keep everyone’s mind active to enhance their lives.”
Lewis, owner of Aster Estates, wanted to share information about the disease during September, which is World Alzheimer’s Month. Aster Estates is a home-plus residence at 155 NW 10 Ave. in Great Bend.
Of the seven residents at Aster Estates, four have short-term memory loss – the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
“We give each resident personal attention around the clock and help with activities of daily living,” Lewis said. “For example, residents who come here from other settings sometimes don’t realize they can dress themselves.
“But we have discovered that, in many cases, our residents can re-learn how to get dressed, wash their own face and perform other tasks. One of our newer residents surprised herself when she re-learned to dress herself in less than a week.”
The staff will lay out clothes in the order they will go on, if needed.
Lewis noted that people “simply feel better when they can do some things on their own. It is rewarding and builds self-confidence.”
Aster Estates also offers a number of activities in-house and in the community to allow residents the chance to interact with others and maintain active minds.
“One thing they really enjoy is watching Wheel of Fortune,” Lewis said. “It helps with words and, because many are long-time fans of the show, it brings back memories.
“We also read together and talk about what we read,” she continued. “This makes for a lot of interesting meal-time discussions. If questions arise, we can look up information about any subject and share it with everyone.”
Residents also have many opportunities on a regular basis to get out-and-about in the community.
Destinations include Walnut Bowl, Barton County Historical Society, Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College, Brit Spaugh Zoo and concerts.
“Activities and outings are so important to someone with Alzheimer’s,” Lewis said. “These interactions create shared experiences with their peers, which are important to all of us. You can see the bonds they are forming – whether they are watching a TV show, doing a puzzle or sharing time at various events.
“All of us want to make life a little easier for people with Alzheimer’s,” Lewis added. “We have created a safe environment where personal care is the number-one priority.”
In addition to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s in September, a special day is set aside this month to honor those who have reached at least 100 years of age.
At Aster Estates, one resident is 101 and another is 102. They will be celebrated on Sept. 22, which is Centenarians Day.
More information
Family and friends can visit Aster Estates and/or take their loved ones on outings anytime.
The residence has eight staff members; Lewis is a registered nurse and the others are full- and part-time aides. One volunteer spends quite a bit of time at Aster Estates too.
Meals are homecooked, with breakfast being served whenever the resident is ready; rooms are private.
The completely remodeled 3,600-square-foot residence is just outside the north city limits, offering plenty of space for indoor and outdoor activities.
The maximum number of residents is seven.
Anyone with questions may contact Lewis by calling 620-282-3733.
