February
Madison Heights at The Prado Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - February 2025 - Iceland
Resident´s Birthdays
Margaret Doty
02/02/1933
Christine Smallwood
02/ 06/1940
Ruth Flowers
02/17/1937
Patricia Burnam
02/19/1933
Celebrating February
February 14th – World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day
Events Spotlight
February 14 at 2pm the Cupid’s Ball will be held in the activity room.
Icelandic Vibes
Alexa, play
“Svefn-g-englar” from Sigur Ros
Sigur Rós, is the iconic Icelandic band that weaves ethereal soundscapes and transport listeners to the beauty of their homeland. Known for their haunting melodies and atmospheric textures, their music feels like a journey through Iceland’s glaciers, volcanic fields, and aurora-lit skies.
The album “Ágætis byrjun” from 1999, gained international recognition and was famously featured in the film Vanilla Sky (2001), perfectly encapsulating the film’s dreamlike and introspective tone.
*The Icelandic phrase
“Svefn-g-englar” translates to “sleepwalkers” or “sleep angels”
Associate of the Month
Latonya Callaway
The spotlight employee for February is Latonya Callaway. She was born and raised in Macon GA. Latonya is a wonderful mother of three. She has two sons and one daughter. Latonya enjoys working with seniors. She takes pride in her work and doesn’t mind helping her co-workers. When Latonya isn’t working, she loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. A few words to describe Latonya are loving, caring, and energetic. Latonya works the second shift when you stop by the Prado, be sure to say congratulations! She’ll welcome you with a warm smile and green tea in her hand.
Innovations in Memory Care and How It Enhances The Quality of Life for Seniors with Memory Loss
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in memory care treatment, resulting in innovative approaches to care and support. Here are some of the innovations in memory care that are changing the way we care for seniors with memory loss.
Person-Centered Care:
In this care approach, the individual takes center stage in their care plan, focusing on acknowledging their distinct needs, preferences, and abilities. This approach to care recognizes that each person with memory loss is unique, with their own experiences, values, and interests. Memory care communities can provide individualized care and support that meets each resident’s unique needs by taking a person-centered approach to care.
Environmental Design:
Environmental design plays a critical role in memory care, with communities designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for seniors with memory impairments. Memory care communities often incorporate features like color-coded hallways, visual cues, and wayfinding signage to help residents navigate their environment safely and independently. Additionally, memory care communities may incorporate outdoor spaces like gardens and courtyards, providing residents with a safe and secure space to enjoy the outdoors.
Increased Engagement and Socialization:
Specialized programming and activities are a critical component of memory care, providing residents with activities and experiences that promote cognitive function and engagement. By providing a range of activities and programming, memory care communities can help seniors with memory impairments stay engaged and active, promoting overall health and well-being.
ICELAND
Around the World with Atlas
Iceland’s dramatic landscape is shaped by its active volcanism and vast glaciers. It is home to over 130 volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull, and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
During summer, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, with almost 24 hours of daylight. In contrast, winter brings long nights, creating the perfect setting for Northern Lights displays.
Holiday Celebration In A Memory Care
A holiday celebration in a memory care setting should focus on simple, familiar activities that encourage reminiscing, sensory engagement, and positive emotions, often incorporating old family traditions, photo albums, and gentle music, while prioritizing the comfort and well-being of residents with cognitive challenges by keeping the environment calm and manageable.
Support from local authorities
There are many resources available to support family caregivers of people with dementia, including community resources, national organizations, and in-home and out-of-home services.
*Homecare visits.
*Adaptations to the home.
*Day centres.
*Respite care (sometimes called ‘replacement care’)
*Support from professionals, such as a dementia specialist nurse.
*Support groups.
*Counselling.
*Information that is tailored to your needs.
Waterfalls Galore:
Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls, each with its unique beauty. Among them are Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls,” and Seljalandsfoss, which allows visitors to walk behind its cascading waters for a magical view.
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Share our good news:
Recipe Spotlight
Brauoterta - Icelandic Style Sandwich Loaf: Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 1⁄4 cups mayonnaise (Icelandic or Kewpie, see note)
3⁄4 cup sour cream
4 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and mashed
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄3 cup red bell pepper, finely minced
1⁄2 lb small shrimp, cooked and shelled
pepper, to taste
3 slices white bread (see note)
sour cream (to garnish)
mayonnaise (to garnish)
shrimp, for garnish
Directions:
Mix mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Stir in bell pepper, mashed eggs, garlic powder, and shrimp. Season with black pepper.
Layer bread on a plate, spreading half the filling on one slice. Add a second slice, spread the rest of the filling, and top with a third slice.
Coat the loaf thinly with a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream, covering the top and sides. Garnish with shrimp, egg slices, and vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and parsley.
Bread Tip: Use pan-baked sandwich bread sliced lengthwise with crusts removed, or slice an unsliced loaf yourself.
*Mayo Tip: Icelandic mayo or Kewpie mayo works best for authenticity.
Resident of the Month
James Darrah
Our spotlight resident for February is James Darrah. He was born on August 31,1953 to James F. Darrah and Ellen Sullivan Darrah. He attended Forrest Senior High School.
Mr. Darrah retired from Jacksonville Electrical Authority after working 37 long dedicated years. He enjoys corn hole, fishing, and baseball. Mr. Darrah is such a very caring individual. He is a true social butterfly. Mr. James is loved by his lovely wife and family.
Jólabókaflóð
(Icelandic Christmas book flood)
A Love for Literature:
Iceland boasts the highest number of published authors per capita. The Icelandic tradition of gifting books during Christmas, known as Jólabókaflóð (Yule Book Flood), reflects their deep connection to storytelling and literature.
Collaborators
Jodi Battle
