Archwell Health sets grand opening
Archwell Health, 2801 S. Olive St., primary care for people 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20.
The agency’s care team offers social, nutritional and health services at each center. The grand opening will include refreshments, entertainment, tours of the center and drawings for prizes, according to a flier. To RSVP, call (501) 484-9552. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/.
Aiding caregivers of dementia patients
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is encouraging families to follow H.E.A.R.T. — five tips on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one with dementia.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Dementia changes many facets of life, including relationship dynamics, but it should not prevent people from feeling love and affection,” Jennifer Reeder, AFA’s director of Educational and Social Services, said in a news release. “There are ways families can adapt how they connect and express support so that someone living with dementia can experience love on Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.”
The five H.E.A.R.T. tips for a dementia-friendly Valentine’s Day:
Help your loved one reminisce: Reminiscence activities provide valuable cognitive stimulation for someone living with dementia. Go through old photos together with your loved one and describe them –who the people are, where it was taken, what the occasion was, etc. Talking about moments you happily enjoyed together — whether it’s a vacation, celebration, or another occasion — is a great way to celebrate the love and special bond you share. Avoid asking the person questions such as “do you remember this?”
Enjoy flowers together: The time-honored Valentine’s Day gift of flowers can have therapeutic benefits for someone living with dementia — the scent can be uplifting and can also stimulate the brain. Purchase a bouquet of fresh flowers (preferably ones which are non-toxic to humans or pets, such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers), set it on a table, and enjoy the fragrance together.
Adapt intimacy: Dementia’s impact can make it difficult to do some things as you once did, but there are numerous ways to maintain, restore or create intimacy, love and connection. Sharing a meal, watching a familiar movie, enjoying favorite music, or just taking a walk together are all ways to help stay connected. Nonverbal cues, such as gentle touching, smiles, and eye contact, can also maintain or strengthen connections with someone who may no longer be able to verbalize their emotions as before.
Reaffirm your feelings. Write a Valentine’s card and read it out loud to your loved one. Even if they can no longer grasp the full meaning, they might feel the sentiments you are expressing. The act of writing it and communicating your love can also raise your own spirits.
Talk in the person’s “love language”: People give or receive love through “love languages,” such as touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. Know what types of gestures your loved one responds positively to and try to “speak to them” in that love language. Keep in mind that these may change over time as the dementia-related illness progresses.
AFA’s Helpline, staffed entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information and support for families. The helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).
Navigating farm debt, bankruptcy
Financial hardship hits agricultural producers in the Mid-South in a variety of ways and an upcoming conference session aims to shed light on what producers can do in the face of heavy debt and possible bankruptcy.
The 12th annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference will be held June 5-6 in Memphis, Tenn., at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. It will be co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation. A livestream option is also available, according to a news release.
The session “Dealing with Debt: Practical Considerations in Preparing for and Navigating Ag Bankruptcy” will be presented by Russell Morgan, certified agricultural consultant, agribusiness advisor and owner of Morgan Agricultural Consulting Services, and Renee Williams, Chapter 12 trustee at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas.
“Agricultural producers face an array of production and financial challenges in their daily business operations — many of them unique to agriculture,” said Morgan. “A number of these challenges are outside their direct control, potentially impacting overall financial and debt situation to a very significant degree. Declining commodity prices, rising input costs, abnormal weather patterns, natural disasters and various other factors can lead to substantially increased debt and/or reduced debt repayment capacity. Chapter 12 bankruptcy may be an option for these producers to ‘Pause, Pivot, and Proceed.'”
NALC Director Harrison Pittman said many farmers are suffering financial difficulties.
“Many parts of the farm economy have been hit pretty darn hard year-over-year, and current market projections are often less than ideal,” said Pittman. “This is creating a lot of issues for producers, landowners, lenders and attorneys that represent these folks. We’re honored that Renee and Russell will share their deep experience with this year’s in-person and online attendees.”
Registration for the Mid-South is available at nationalaglawcenter.org/midsouth2025. Details: nationalaglawcenter.org.