While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize. However as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.
The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults. The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health. Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.” The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression. Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression. One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. As one of the top Greater Reno retirement communities, MorningStar of Sparks offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections. Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit and find ways to learn and contribute. Please visit our website to learn why our independent living, assisted living and memory care community is such a great place to call home. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community. Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive
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Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks provides 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.
Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care. This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch. However most importantly, we embrace hope. Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions. Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan. At MorningStar of Sparks, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families. Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Sparks, NV. When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through. It is traumatizing to get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family. As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of assisted living care your loved one will need.
At MorningStar of Sparks, we want you to know we are here to help. As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages. Before residents even move in, we meet with them and their family to get to know their background, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use that information to help create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm, in response to a particular mood or situation. Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors. We use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities. Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and a secure patio and courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care residents. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent living, assisted living and memory care in Sparks, NV. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we are proud to provide unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM. While we know the many benefits assisted living and memory care provide to both residents and their families, we also understand many families worry the cost is too high.
This is where a little research of just what is offered at senior living communities like MorningStar of Santa Fe can put a different perspective on things. In fact many families are surprised to learn that several studies show that assisted living communities are cheaper than comparable in-home care, and may actually provide more services. If your loved one requires help at least 44 hours a week, experts say a home health care aid will costs an average of $3,813 per month. Keep in mind this doesn’t even include the costs of running a home such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utility bills as well as routine home maintenance expenses. Moreover piecing together services does not even address the modifications that may have to be done to the home to ensure the person can safely move about. In a 2016 study, researchers reported that the average monthly cost of assisted living was $3,600 for a private room and core services. While specialized services and other care services can increase this figure, one important benefit essential for our good health and freely provided by an assisted living community is socialization. Given the large amount of wellness programs and activities at MorningStar of Santa Fe, we guarantee if you are looking for something to do or someone to do it with at our community, you will find it. Another often overlooked benefit of senior living communities like MorningStar is safety including emergency call systems in every resident’s suite and 24/7 care managers. In fact our entire community was built from the ground up to accommodate every aspect of our residents’ needs. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please give us a call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: seniorliving.org/compare/assisted-living-vs-home-care/ If you are an older adult, you may feel like you are past the point of worrying about a few new wrinkles and think you no longer need to protect your skin with sunscreen. The medical profession wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth as seniors are actually more sensitive to sunlight and of getting sunburnt in a shorter period of time than when they were younger. This is due to a couple of reason including as we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses it protective fat, and medications commonly taken by seniors including antibiotics, NSAIDs, oral diabetes drugs, and diuretics may increase photosensitivity.
Doctors recommend that seniors avoid exposure to the sun during peak times (from 10 am to 4 pm) and to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still potent even on cloudy days. Also be sure to wear sunscreen choosing a cream or lotion that is broad spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 every day. If you plan to be at the beach or to play golf, wear SPF of 50 or higher. Be sure to reapply every 1 ½ to two hours. You also need to wear a hat and protective clothing. The brim of your hat should be at least 3” and cover your neck and ears, and long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts that are loose and light-weight. Don’t forget to wear good sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. Finally remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our senior living community provides all the amenities, wellness programs and activities, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful pueblo-styled community offers 56 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations, including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans, to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs. We provide another 29 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to give us call or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. One of the top assisted living homes Phoenix AZ has to offer, MorningStar at Arcadia understands the healing power of “breaking bread together,” and that it provides more than just nutrients but bonds us together as family and friends. This is one of the reasons our community serves meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.
Each MorningStar resident is provided with three daily meals that are meticulously prepared by our own Executive Chef. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat diets along with seasonal menus. Chef Wesley also welcomes residents’ feedback and adapts recipes to make sure everyone enjoys our mealtimes. MorningStar also makes it a priority to use BrainWise ingredients in our meals. BrainWise super foods include those that have been recognized by the medical community to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Many of the common items we incorporate into our meals include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. For our memory care residents, we feel that dining is as much about socializing as it is about nutrition. MorningStar has lots of experience caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and we understand their abilities at the table may be compromised. This is why we serve lots of finger foods; softened and puréed, thickened liquids; and easy-to-recognize balanced meals packed with nutrients. Furthermore, team members sit with residents to help make mealtime enjoyable and encourage their appetite. We also serve meals “family-style” from serving bowls and platters like we do at home. Family member are always welcome to join us. MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to contact us to learn more about one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers. According to the U.S. News & World Report, every year there are 5 million cases of elder fraud in the U.S., resulting in as much as $27.4 billion in losses. Additionally these crimes are often hard for law enforcement to prosecute as in many cases; victims are too embarrassed to report the crimes. The FBI says con artists also know that seniors do not make good witnesses even if they do report the crime due to the effects of age on their memory and the length of time it takes to bring a case to justice.
Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting. Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite, to believe people are basically good, and has a hard time saying “no.” These are the traits con artists exploit. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger. A recent scheme that targeted a large group of seniors was a robocall that informed people they needed to return the call as there was a security issue with their social security number. When the person called back, they were asked for their full name, address and S.S. number, and told their SS# had been comprised and they would be receiving a new one. Authorities warn that if criminals obtain someone’s full name and SS#, it allows them to do all kinds of damage to the victim including trying to collect their benefits. Another scam is romance fraud, which involves a person being approached by the scammer through dating sites or other social media. A relationship ensues through online contact but never face-to-face. After a level of trust is established, the person is asked to send small amounts of money for alleged emergencies to test their willingness and gullibility. Finally as the scam plays out, the person may give the con artist large amounts of money, or even be used to receive money or goods purchased with stolen credit cards or to transport drugs. The FBI warns that there are many fraudulent schemes to be aware of including telemarketing scams, Medicare scams, tax fraud, etc. They say, “If you are age 60 or older—and especially if you are an older woman living alone—you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone.” Remember to never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online and do not send money. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/how-to-prevent-senior-fraud fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/seniors Many adult children who live a distance away from elderly parents often feel there is not much they can do to help with day-to-day care. However, one of the things experts suggest that can be done long-distance is to help mom or dad get their paperwork organized.
Initially the job requires more time and energy, but once you have everything gathered together, you will just need to make sure to keep it updated. In fact, having all of your parents’ pertinent information up-to-date and in one place, will make caregiving long-distance much easier as it allows you to more quickly make decisions and respond to a crisis. Paperwork should include maintaining and managing current information about your parent’s health and medical care including the type of medications and the dosage they are taking. Other important information includes details regarding sources of income and assets, i.e. bank accounts, pensions, life insurances, IRAs, 401 (k)s and other investments, their home and monthly liabilities. To do long-distance, it may be easier to schedule a visit or two to their home to begin the process. Also, if you do not already know, ask if they have a will, and if so, make sure it is in order. Furthermore, discuss with them the benefits of drawing up a durable power of attorney, which legally gives the person named on the document the right to handle their financial decisions should the need arise. Sometimes older adults can be protective of their financial and personal information. You will need them to understand that you are not trying to invade their privacy or take over their personal lives but rather want to be prepared to assist in the case of an emergency. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide the best senior living Albuquerque offers, and we are ready to care for your parent’s physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs. Amenities and services include wellness programs and activities, three tasty, daily meals that feels privileged to serve seniors. Contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful assisted living and memory care community. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to schedule a tour and see for yourself the finest senior living Albuquerque NM has to offer. Many older adults cling to the idea of living in their own home and stubbornly refuse to accept the fact that their declining medical conditions may be putting their very safety at risk in their present living situation. This is when family members need to step in and help make some decisions.
In the best scenario, we typically want to make changes in things as important as our living situation with careful thought, but unfortunately, many older adults do not have such plans in place. This reluctance to plan ahead means lots of families are unaware of today’s various senior living options, which include assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing facilities, family group homes, memory care, and continuing care communities. As you sort through the best care options for your parent, start by honestly assessing their medical conditions, their mobility, and care requirements. In addition experts say to try and determine what the future holds for your loved one as you do not want to get them settled into a home and quickly realized it is not equipped to provide the care they now need. One senior living option is assisted living, which is designed to provide your parent help with their ADLs (activities of daily living) in order to allow them to live as independently as possible. Most assisted living communities have tiered levels of care, which means as your parent’s needs increase the home will be able to address them. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer unsurpassed senior living that includes assisted living and memory care. We define health and well-being holistically and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Our scope of resident care is wide, reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health, and helps extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. Please visit our website for information regarding our various care services and amenities as well as pricing and availability. Then use our online link to set up a tour. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to set up a tour of the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. If you or a loved one is starting to feel less steady on your feet and at risk of falling, a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs.
As AgingCure.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise.” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If they recognize a need for a mobility aid, they may refer you to an occupational or physical therapist. The following are a couple of basic guidelines to know before you get started. A cane can help provide balance and stability and is ideal for someone who needs to support no more than 25% of their body weight. It is most useful for those minimally impaired or with weakness in one leg. Walkers are available in a variety of models but regardless of the style a “correct height of a walker is measured from the floor to the wrist, and the elbows should be flexed in a range of 15 to 20 degrees.” Experts also say the walker must be large enough to provide front and side support for the user. A motorized scooter may be the answer for someone who has lost the ability to walk any distance but still has an adequate amount of strength in their arms and upper body to stay upright as well as drive the scooter. Again there are a variety of models including indoor and outdoor ones as well. Keep in mind though that most insurance companies and Medicare Part B typically only cover scooters for in-house use. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for more details on unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe. Source: agingcare.com/articles/expert-advice-how-to-choose-a-mobility-aid-190138.htm |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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