Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Post-Hospital Care, Skilled Nursing and Physical Therapy, Angola, Indiana. Alzheimer's & Other Memory Impairments secure care unit.

Our Short-term Post Hospital Program is led by an interdisciplinary team to provide you with:
Physical; Occupational; Speech therapy 7-days a week. Orthopedic & joint replacement recovery
Neurological rehabilitation
Stroke Recovery
Cardiac Rehab
Pain Management
Discharge To Home Program allowing you to return home in the shortest time possible. Respite Care (30-days or less)

Adult Day Care

02/16/2026

Dementia Caregiver Tip: When Your Loved One Refuses Medication

Medication refusal is very common in dementia and is usually not about being “difficult.” Changes in memory, perception, taste, swallowing, fear, or confusion can make pills feel unsafe or unnecessary to your loved one.

Here are gentle strategies that often help:

• Stay calm and reassuring. Avoid arguing or insisting, which can increase anxiety and resistance.

• Offer simple explanations. Try short phrases like, “This will help you feel better,” rather than complex details.

• Change the timing. If they refuse, step away and try again in 10–15 minutes. A fresh approach often works.

• Use familiar routines. Give medication at the same time and place each day. Pair it with a pleasant activity, snack, or favorite drink.

• Check comfort first. Pain, nausea, dry mouth, or needing the restroom can increase refusal.

• Offer choices when possible. “Would you like it with water or juice?” gives a sense of control.

• Ask about alternatives. Pharmacists or providers may offer liquid forms, dissolvable tablets, or different schedules.

• Never hide medication unless approved by a healthcare professional. Some medications cannot be crushed or mixed with food.

Most importantly, remember this behavior is part of the disease — not stubbornness. Your patience and compassion make a meaningful difference.

If medication challenges are becoming overwhelming, you are not alone. Support, education, and caregiver breaks are available.

Join our Dementia Caregiver Support Group in partnership with Heart To Heart Hospice

• First session: This Wednesday at 4:00 PM

• Location: Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

• Education, guidance, and compassionate support from professionals and fellow caregivers

• Complimentary adult day services available during the meeting

Northern Lakes also offers adult day services, respite stays, and memory care support to help families navigate the dementia journey.

You are doing an incredibly important and loving job.

Dallas Davidson, a shining star in our facility ,is coming off a triumphant semi-state performance in high school wrest...
02/14/2026

Dallas Davidson, a shining star in our facility ,is coming off a triumphant semi-state performance in high school wrestling and is set to take the mat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse next Friday, proudly representing Angola High School Hornets in the ISHAA state championship.

02/14/2026

Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere in your community. And the first responder is YOU. Be ready to save a life by learning the two steps of Hands-Only CPR: Call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

Walgreens is a national sponsor of American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers.


02/13/2026

🫶 Dementia Caregiver Tip: Mealtimes & Decreased Appetite

Loss of appetite and changes in eating habits are very common as dementia progresses. Your loved one may forget to eat, feel overwhelmed by too many food choices, or lose interest in meals altogether.

Try offering small, frequent meals or snacks instead of three large meals. Finger foods can be especially helpful, as they are easier to manage and allow for independence. Create a calm, distraction-free environment, and consider serving foods they have always loved — even if they no longer seem “typical” meal foods.

Pay attention to comfort as well. Ill-fitting dentures, mouth pain, constipation, depression, or medication side effects can all reduce appetite. Sweet foods are often preferred in later stages, so nutritious options like yogurt, smoothies, pudding, or fruit may be well accepted.

Most importantly, avoid pressure or arguments about eating. Gentle encouragement, sitting together during meals, and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere can make a significant difference.

Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers Adult Daycare, Respite Stays, and Memory Care services to support both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

🧠 Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM
In partnership with Heart to Heart Hospice
Complimentary adult daycare available during the session

For information or support, contact:
Bridget McShane, LPN — Nurse Liaison
Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
📞 260-316-9467

02/12/2026

Dementia Caregiver Tip of the Day 💜

Understanding the 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is a journey that happens gradually over time. Understanding the stages can help caregivers know what to expect and respond with patience and compassion.

Stage 1–2 (Early Changes):There may be no obvious symptoms at first, or only mild forgetfulness like misplacing items or forgetting names. Your loved one is still mostly independent.

Stage 3–4 (Mild to Moderate Decline):Memory loss becomes more noticeable. They may struggle with planning, managing finances, following conversations, or remembering recent events.

Stage 5 (Moderate Decline):More support is needed. Your loved one may forget important details like their address, the date, or what they just did. Daily reminders and structure become essential.

Stage 6 (Moderately Severe Decline):Significant help is required with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and toileting. Personality and behavior changes may occur.

Stage 7 (Severe Decline):Communication becomes very limited, and full care is needed. The focus shifts to comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

💡 Caregiver Reminder:Every person progresses differently. Focus on meeting your loved one where they are today — not where they used to be.

At Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. We offer support through Adult Day Care, Respite Stays, and our specialized Memory Care services to give caregivers the help and rest they deserve.

You are also invited to our Dementia Caregiver Support Group in partnership with Heart to Heart Hospice, held the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM, with complimentary adult daycare available during the meeting.

You are not alone on this journey. 💙

02/11/2026

Dementia Caregiver Tip of the Day: Supporting a Better Sleep Pattern

Sleep changes are very common for people living with dementia. Your loved one may nap more during the day, wake frequently at night, or become restless or confused after dark. While you can’t control everything, a consistent daily routine can make a big difference.

Try to keep daytime hours active and bright. Encourage light activity, conversation, music, or simple household tasks during the day, and open curtains to let in natural sunlight. Limiting long daytime naps can help too — short rest periods are okay, but too much daytime sleep often leads to nighttime wakefulness.

In the evening, begin a calming “wind-down” routine. Dim the lights, turn off loud TVs, and avoid caffeine or heavy meals late in the day. Gentle music, a warm caffeine-free drink, or a familiar bedtime ritual can help signal that it’s time to rest.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Sleep disruptions are a symptom of the disease — not something you’re causing or failing to fix. If nighttime wakefulness becomes frequent or unsafe, talk with a healthcare provider for guidance.

And remember — you don’t have to do this alone. Northern Lakes offers supportive services to give caregivers a much-needed break, including adult day care and respite stays in a safe, caring environment. When the time comes for more support, our memory care services are here as well.

We also invite you to join our Dementia Caregiver Support Group in partnership with Heart To Heart Hospice, held on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 PM at Northern Lakes. Our first meeting is February 18. This group offers education, encouragement, and connection with others who truly understand the caregiving journey.

You’re doing an incredible job — even on the very tired days. 💙

02/10/2026

Dementia Caregiver Tip of the Day

Make tasks easier by simplifying choices.

Too many options can feel overwhelming for someone living with dementia. What seems like a simple question to us — “What would you like to wear?” or “What do you want for lunch?” — can cause stress, confusion, or even shutdown.

Instead, try offering just two simple choices:

👕 “Would you like the blue shirt or the green one?”
🥪 “Do you want a sandwich or soup?”

You can also lay items out where they can see the options. Visual cues are often easier to process than spoken questions alone.

This small change can:
✔ Reduce frustration
✔ Help your loved one feel more successful
✔ Encourage independence in a supportive way

Dementia changes how the brain processes information. When we simplify the world around them, we help them feel calmer, more confident, and more in control.

Caring for someone with dementia is a full-time emotional and physical job. If you need a break, Northern Lakes offers supportive services for caregivers, including adult daycare and respite stays, so you can rest and recharge while your loved one is safe and cared for.

You are also invited to join our Caregiver Support Group, held the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM. Our first meeting is February 18. This group offers education, encouragement, and connection with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You don’t have to do this alone~

02/09/2026

Dementia caregiver tip of the day:

Dementia & Safety: Understanding Changes in Spatial Awareness

One of the lesser-known but very important changes that can happen with dementia is a decline in spatial awareness — the ability to understand where your body is in relation to the space around you.

A person living with dementia may begin to misjudge distances, have trouble recognizing edges or steps, or struggle to tell where one surface ends and another begins. This can make everyday things unexpectedly dangerous. Something as simple as sitting in a chair, stepping over a threshold, or reaching for a handrail can become confusing. You may notice your loved one bumping into furniture, missing the edge of the bed or chair when trying to sit, or feeling unsure on stairs or uneven surfaces.

These changes are not clumsiness — they are part of how dementia affects the brain’s ability to process visual and spatial information.

Safety tips for caregivers:
• Keep walkways clear of clutter and cords
• Use good lighting, especially in hallways and bathrooms
• Add contrast (like a dark toilet seat on a light toilet or colored tape on step edges)
• Install grab bars and handrails where needed
• Encourage slow movements and gentle guidance instead of rushing

As dementia progresses, supervision and environmental adjustments often become essential to prevent falls and injuries. If you’re starting to feel worried about safety at home, you are not alone — and support is available.

💙 You’re Invited to Our Caregiver Support Group
Northern Lakes, in partnership with Heart To Heart Hospice, is offering a monthly caregiver support group for those caring for loved ones with dementia. Join us on the third Wednesday of every month at 4:00 PM, with complimentary adult daycare provided during the meeting so you can attend with peace of mind.
Our first session will be held February 18. We’ll provide education, resources, and a supportive space to connect with others who understand the journey.

Northern Lakes also offers Adult Day Services, short-term respite stays, and specialized Memory Care to help families navigate these changes safely and with compassion. We’re here to answer questions and help you plan for next steps when the time feels right.

Caring for someone with dementia is a journey, and making the environment safer — while building your own support system — is one of the most loving things you can do.

Support our area Fire Stations
02/08/2026

Support our area Fire Stations

Checkout Our 2026 Services List!Website: https://www.northernlakesnursing.org/our-servicesHighlighted Care: Our Memory c...
02/08/2026

Checkout Our 2026 Services List!
Website: https://www.northernlakesnursing.org/our-services
Highlighted Care: Our Memory care or Alzheimer’s care unit is specially designed to meet the needs of adults with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our employees undergo special training to help with communication and the management of dementia symptoms like Sundowner’s syndrome, wandering, or agitation.

Last Tuesday, the Northern Lakes van was honored to be able to take our resident Denny Jones to attend the monthly Crook...
02/07/2026

Last Tuesday, the Northern Lakes van was honored to be able to take our resident Denny Jones to attend the monthly Crooked Lake Snowmobile Club meeting. Denny was an active member of the club when he lived at Crooked Lake with his wife Garna. When a member of the club reached out to Bridget McShane and Elisha Day ,there was no second thought about being able to embrace this opportunity for Denny to participate and have an evening out .

This is just one of the things that set Northern Lakes apart, being able to help residents participate in their lifelong activities and going out of the way to do special things.

Address

516 Williams Street
Angola, IN
46703

Telephone

+12606659467

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“We get you back home to the people and things most important in your life."​

Our Post Hospital Care is led by a dedicated interdisciplinary medical team and staff of nurses to provide you with advanced therapy during your recovery, including:


  • Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy 7-days a week.

  • Orthopedic & joint replacement recovery