Guardian Angels Senior Services Blog

 Senior care locations are experiencing high demand as seen by Elk River based Guardian Angels Senior Services. Baby boomers are searching out Assisted Living centers and other senior housing locations by touring aging in place companies organizations with many of the same concerns they did when taking their children to college campus visits. How good is the quality of service, safety, available programs and classes, and most importantly, what is the overall environment like? In other words, how will my parent be treated?
When touring a Guarding Angels (GA) location, it’s apparent that one voice leads the way for every employee, and that is the call to serve others. As a faith-based company, it’s easy to expect the staff will be kind and concerned. It’s another thing to experience how much each one gives of their self to make a difference each and every day to the residents. Kari McHenry, Director of Marketing for Guardian Angles Angels, put it this way. “We have a wonderful staff! They have a lot of heart and really care about our seniors and their families.” That is the essence of the staff at Guardian Angels.
One of the main reasons people seeking care for their parents, can rest assured is those providing the care are the best of the best! Barb Zachman, a certified nursing assistant Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) with 15 years of service with Guardian Angels, talks about her career of serving seniors. Like many, it began when…

L to R: Dave L., Darlene N., Frank T., Jim J., Elmer B., Bud K., LaDonna W., Paula F

Angels On Main Adult Day Services is proud to have served area seniors for 21 years as a part of Guardian Angels 50 year legacy! We have been blessed getting to know many fun-filled characters, hearing their stories and serving their needs. Some of the ways volunteers have brightened our days has included helping with trips, playing cribbage, creating greeting cards, pet visits and sharing their gift of music. A grant through Sherburne County Area United Way has provided therapeutic music and special outings.
Angels On Main Adult Day Services is an ideal opportunity for persons who need help with daily care, companionship, activity, socialization or are challenged with memory loss. The program also gives the seniors’ loved ones time to attend to other matters, connecting with friends and taking a much-needed break. A typical day at Angels On Main begins at 9 a.m. with coffee and conversation. Our days are filled with recreation, reminiscing, projects, music and occasional outings. We are open Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and our hours may be arranged to fit your needs. Transportation and funding options are available. For more information or to schedule a free trial day, please call Rosie Becker, Director of Adult Day Services at 763-241-6845.

The average American gains 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. To gain 5 pounds of fat one must consume roughly 17,500 extra calories in just those few weeks. To put that into perspective, that would be equal to indulging in approximately 116 gingerbread cookies. Yikes! That’s a lot; especially considering how hard we have to work to burn off those extra calories! In order to enjoy the holidays and all the yummy food that goes along with them, without sabotaging all our hard work from the rest of the year, we need to plan ahead and stay active.

Read on for 5 Tips to get you through the remainder of 2015, without increasing your waistline!

1. Focus on friends and family instead of food. We all love to gather, and with every gathering comes delicious food. But remember, the holidays are a time to slow down and catch up with loved ones. Play games, volunteer and spend time outdoors enjoying this beautiful Minnesota winter together.
2. Eat before you eat. Don’t skip meals or snacks earlier in the day to “save” calories and carbs for the large holiday feast later on. If you skip meals, it’s harder to keep your blood glucose under control, and it slows down your metabolism or your body’s calorie burning speed.
3. Bring what you like. Don’t spend time worrying about what will be served and how…