Dawn Senior Services

Still Alice

Jessica Parker — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 01:17:37 +0000

I met Alzheimer’s disease several years ago and it changed my life forever. It is changing all of our lives now.

I was an intern at an assisted living community. I started off saddened, frankly frightened at times, and knew that I had a lot to learn. I was thankfully trained extensively on how to treat those struggling and happened to find a passion in their personalities. A very good friend of mine recommended that I read the bestselling book and now major motion picture, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. What a fantastic read that not only opened my eyes but my mind and heart to all those people struggling with this disease; both directly and indirectly.

I absolutely recommend you read this book and see the Oscar-winning film out in theaters NOW. Please contact me today to take you to see the film, the library or bookstore, or show you how to order the book online!

“Losing her yesterdays, her short-term memory hanging on by a couple of frayed threads, she is living in the moment, living for each day. But she is still Alice.”

Please take a look at the official trailer and websitsite below! The movie features Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, and Kate Bosworth among others.

Still Alice Website

Photo Credit

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Impressive and Intelligently Designed “Dementia Village”

Jessica Parker — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:12:18 +0000

There are alarming statistics that dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease cases are expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050 (source). I sure do hope that is not true. I do know that there have been great improvements in our knowledge of how to effectively care for those struggling with dementia however.

Take this “Dementia Village” located in The Netherlands for example! CNN reports in the video below how residents who live here are treated to as normal and happy of a life as possible.

Here are a few of the details: There is a supermarket, a movie theater, a restaurant, a hair salon and plenty more community areas to enjoy. Residents occupy their own large bedroom and share living, kitchen, and dining areas with other individuals that have similar lifestyle interests. To be admitted, the resident has to be clinically diagnosed as having “severe dementia.” The community is employed by staff specifically trained to care for these types of individuals and outnumber the residents two to one. They “act” as neighbors, friends, and ordinary workers to help the residents achieve maximum independence and dignity. The village is a closed environment meaning the residents cannot wander out accidentally and have no need to; all of their needs can be met within. Currently, this model is comparable in price to other nursing care communities and is adaptable to any region and culture of the world.

It is special in that it truly looks, feels, and IS a safe, healthy, and happy community.

This impressive and intelligently designed “dementia village” is named Hogeweyk. You can view their website here.

For more photos and information, here is another great article by Twisted Sifter.

Dawn Senior Services provides Alzheimer’s and dementia related care in line with the values and philosophies of this community. For more information on the dignified care I can provide, please contact today!

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Welcome!

Jessica Parker — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 08:19:29 +0000

Welcome to Dawn Senior Services! I am so excited to bring you this company, website, and news feed! I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve seen so far and want to learn more!

Please take some time to read about me, Jessica Dawn Parker, and what services I provide for seniors in and around Jacksonville, FL. Check back often as I will be adding to my service list over time!

Also, please check back here regularly for posts on special events in the area, news related to healthy senior care, and all information regarding Dawn Senior Services.

These posts are meant to be interactive with my clients, the community, and everyone who is interested in senior care. This is such an important and rapidly growing sector of research and discussion. I love sharing positive stories and want to hear YOUR thoughts.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to schedule a meeting, please contact me TODAY!

Each and every senior deserves great care and each and every day can be great through Dawn Senior Services!

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It’s Showtime!

Jessica Parker — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:45:03 +0000

My grandmother, whom I affectionately call “Nana Banana”, and I share several similar interests. One of which is a love of an afternoon spent at the movie theater with a warm bag of popcorn and a good movie on the screen between us. I remember spending summer days with her when she would sometimes treat us to lunch and not one, but two afternoon movies! It’s safe to say I still enjoy going out for this treat and would love if you would join me.

Jacksonville has several excellent theaters and there are tons of movies to see for anyone’s interests! If you or your loved one would like to schedule a movie date with me, please contact today. Eventful has a great resource HERE where you can search by date, theater, and movie of your choice.

I hope this resource helps and I hope you have a great day!

Photo credit: Leonard John Matthews / Foter / CC BY-ND

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An & Ria’s First Flight

Jessica Parker — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 02:54:12 +0000

WOW! These senior ladies take flight for the first time in their seventies and the experience is joyful to say the least. Please take a look at this video and see how these lovely ladies, An and Ria, work with Vodafone Firsts to face their fears and live life to the fullest.

I believe traveling the world and meeting new people is a blessing and should be enjoyed by everyone as much as possible. If you or your loved one would enjoy traveling with a kind and skilled professional, please contact today to set up your trip of a lifetime!

At the very least please remember we can always choose to be happy, we can surround ourselves with good people, and each day can be great!

Would you or your loved one enjoy this video? Please share TODAY and CONTACT NOW for more information or to schedule me as your VACATION COMPANION!

Photo credit: Sean MacEntee / Foter / CC BY

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Medicare Covered Power Wheelchair/Scooter

Jessica Parker — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 06:31:59 +0000

Are you or your loved one ready for an electric wheelchair or scooter but have questions about how to pay for it? I recently came across an article featured on The Huffington Post entitled, “How to Get a Medicare-Covered Power Scooter or Wheelchair“. It is a simple and helpful quick guide that will assist you through first steps, where to shop, and what financial assistance may be available.

Mobility is key to remaining as independent as possible and I’ve seen firsthand just how helpful these devices can be.

Please read the entire article here and let me know if you found it helpful!

Photo credit: nggalai / Foter / CC BY

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Healthy Eating for Seniors

Jessica Parker — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 05:54:16 +0000

Healthy eating is of the utmost importance to all of us, including and especially seniors. But what happens when we get older and our tastes begin to change, our energy begins to decline, and a trip to the grocery store becomes a chore too hard to handle alone?

I was very impressed with this article from the National Institute on Aging that answers questions ranging from “How Much Should I Eat?”, “Should I Cut Back on Salt?”, to “Can I Afford to Eat Right?”.

Please view the whole article here for more great information and tips.

And please contact Dawn Senior Services TODAY to schedule healthy menu planning, grocery shopping, preparation of meals, or fine dining experiences!

Thank you and have a great day!

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Senior Technology

Jessica Parker — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 05:36:21 +0000

Technology is for you. It is for your loved one. It is for EVERYONE.

Technology is obviously entrenched permanently in all of our lives today and will only be more so in the future. No matter who you are or what your age, technology is going to be available and important from now on.

Please view this article from Jim Miller of SavvySenior.org for some great recommendations for products such as smart phones, tablets, and desktop computers specifically designed to help seniors learn and manage these new technologies.

With these devices, you or your loved one can step into today’s day and age and establish a social online connection with beloved friends and family.

Please contact Dawn Senior Services TODAY for help ordering these products, using these products, and for guidance on how to maximize their benefits for you and your family!

Photo credit: IntelFreePress / Foter / CC BY

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