Winter is a beautiful time to get into a joyful spirit and have fun with family and friends. For seniors, this can be one of the best times to get together with their loved ones and celebrate holidays. Here are 3 awesome winter fun ideas for seniors; whether you are in independent or assisted living!
Carol Karaoke Karaoke is a fun way to let loose and enjoy yourself with just about any group of people. Whether you know the words or not, it’s always nice to be able to just be silly with loved ones. A bonus of karaoke is that you can go with a theme, and do funny renditions of Christmas carols, or other holiday songs you may know. Karaoke is not only fun, it also requires some movement and reading; so it’s an amazing way to get your mind and body moving too! Recipe Sharing Winter time is a time of cozy, homemade meals with loved ones for most, but each family has different recipes. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a bit of your family’s traditions/culture with your friends! Try organizing a potluck with friends where everyone brings a family favorite along with a recipe written down for guests to take with them. This is a perfect way to share meaningful memories, delicious food, and even some family history. Nothing brings people together quite like food, and winter is the best time to share your most comforting recipes. This can even work in an assisted living community where everyone can meet each other’s families while trying their favorite foods! Card Making There are few things more special than receiving a handmade/handwritten card in the mail. However, many people simply don’t make cards anymore. This is a great opportunity to let your creativity shine, and try your hand at card making! Just about anyone can make a card, and there are no right or wrong ways to do it; so grab some supplies and give it a go! Paper, pens, markers, stickers, buttons, photos, colored pencils, scissors, glitter, stamps, popsicle sticks, and much more can all be used for card making; so don’t worry about not having enough of any one thing to use. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Phoenix has to offer.
0 Comments
3. Personal Emergency Response Systems:
Many seniors live alone, and for those people, a personal emergency response system (PERS) can be a lifesaver. These devices are usually worn around the neck or on the wrist and have a button that can be pressed to immediately summon help in the event of a fall or other emergency. PERS devices typically use GPS to send your location to the emergency response center, so help can be dispatched even if you can’t speak. Some systems also come with a two-way communications feature, so you can speak to the dispatcher directly. Some PERS systems can also monitor your vital signs and send alerts if they detect a change that could indicate a health problem, and the GPS tracking feature also allows caregivers or staff in senior living communities to know the whereabouts of the seniors at all times, providing peace of mind. 4. Medical Alert Watches: For seniors who want a more discreet way to summon help in an emergency, a medical alert watch may be a better solution. These watches are designed to look like regular watches but have a button that can be pressed to call for help. Some also come with features like fall detection and GPS tracking. Medical alert watches are usually worn all the time, so they can be a good option for those who may not always remember to carry their PERS device with them. 5. GPS Tracking Devices GPS tracking devices can be used for a variety of purposes, but they can be especially helpful for seniors. For example, some devices can be worn as pendants or bracelets and will send an alert to a caregiver if the wearer wanders outside of a certain area. These devices can be particularly useful for seniors who need memory care. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Albuquerque are not nursing homes. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.
It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our beautiful community offers 48 graciously appointed suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We also offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For trusted memory care or assisted living Albuquerque, NM seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm As people age, they often find that their homes need to be adapted to accommodate their changing needs. This may include widened doorways for wheelchair access, grab bars in the bathroom, or rails on the stairs.
But adapting your home is not the only way to make your life easier as you age. There are also a number of gadgets that can help you live independently and safely in your own home or in a senior living community. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best gadgets for seniors that can make day-to-day life a little easier. 1. Medication Timers and Pill Dispensers Adjusting to a medication regimen can be difficult for older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, 1 out of every 5 seniors fails to take their medications as prescribed. To ensure that medications are taken on time, seniors who need memory care may want to consider investing in a medication timer or pill dispenser. These devices come with a range of features, such as audible alarms, reminders via your smartphone, and even text messages if you don’t respond to other reminders. Some also come with pill containers, so you don’t have to remember to fill up your weekly pill box in advance. This can be especially helpful for those who take multiple medications and need to remember to take each one at the right time. 2. Automated Voice Assistants Smart speakers such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are becoming ever more popular, and for a good reason. Not only do they provide access to music, news, and other entertainment, but they can also be used as digital assistants. Automated voice assistants are perfect for seniors in assisted living since they can set reminders, control other smart home devices, and even research information with just a single voice command. By using an automated voice assistant, seniors can save time and energy by having the assistant do tasks that they would otherwise have to do themselves. They can also save money by using an Alexa device to compare prices and even order items online without having to leave the house. Voice assistants can also be used to read books aloud, play games, and so much more. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. No matter how old we are, change can be challenging. For seniors who have had just that much more time to get used to the way things are, a change in the status quo can be difficult. When faced with a change in lifestyle and residence, a person may mourn what they perceive as a loss of their independence and younger self, and the loss of a home filled with a lifetime of memories. However, regardless of how we long to keep things the same, change is a fact of life; and for many seniors, life could be better with a little daily help.
When mom or dad would benefit from the many services offered by assisted living, there are a few things families can do to help ease the transition. To start with, senior care specialists recommend making the effort to set up mom or dad’s new suite with familiar, well-loved furnishings and mementos rather than buying all new things. Another important step toward a smooth transition is to give it time. Experts say it generally takes anywhere from three to six months to adjust to community life, but in some cases, residents settle into it quickly. If your parent is one to make a slow adjustment, remember why the move was necessary in the first place including a real concern for their safety and well-being as well as your need for peace of mind. Some experts say it may be helpful to limit your visits and phone calls to allow your parents some time to find their own way. Also, if they want to vent about how unhappy they are, give them some space to do so. Validating their feelings can help them work through their fears and uncertainty about the changes they are experiencing. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our team is experienced in helping new residents feel at home and work with both them and their family to help with the transition. We offer assisted living and memory care along with luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM has to offer. Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our goal is to provide the best assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers, with the services and care needed to give residents the best quality of life. Our beautiful community offers 48 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans (some over 700 square feet).
We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our website and watch the “Come In & Welcome'' video, read the home page, and look at the full list of amenities and floor plans for an overview of our community. Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our assisted living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs. Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training. Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to request our “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elderly parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. MorningStar of Albuquerque brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.
The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. MorningStar at Arcadia is a senior living community in Phoenix with 80 private assisted living suites in various floorplans (including penthouse suites). In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 30 memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents, and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. In an article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health. Furthermore, they also benefit whole body health.
One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain. An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.” Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. In addition, continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health. This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits. Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night. Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.” What sets MorningStar at Arcadia apart from other senior living Phoenix offers? We strive to provide a true “home” for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care. MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a beautiful environment with resort-style amenities, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.
Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought. They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest. If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions. Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person. In addition, you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving. In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication. When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words. Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we have suites for both assisted living and the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our goal is to be the best senior living Albuquerque offers, providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque has to offer. Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications Many times, a move to assisted living is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved.
Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar of Santa Fe, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include things like bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting. Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of community and social activities.” These typically include arts and crafts, physical exercise classes such as chair yoga, live concerts and other entertainment, and educational and technology classes. At MorningStar, we tell our residents if we don’t already have a class addressing one of your interests, to start one. Special outings and trips are another component of many senior living communities including MorningStar of Santa Fe. Bus trips to local, scenic spots, or trips to shopping or cultural events are just some of the activities enjoyed by residents. Another important service is medication management as statistics show the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, and as high as 39 percent of seniors take five or more. Medical management ensures seniors take the proper medication they need, when they need it. MorningStar of Santa Fe has 56 stylish assisted living suites as well as 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Amenities include a courtyard with mountain views and kiva fireplace, strolling paths, raised garden beds, fitness room, chapel/theatre, bistro and salon. Chef inspired meals are served all day in our full-service dining room with an open kitchen. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Santa Fe provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/slideshows/how-assisted-living-improves-quality-of-life? |
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
June 2023
Categories
All
|