If you or a loved one is experiencing some mild memory problems or were recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), you may find yourself wondering what that means for the future. MCI is defined as the fine line between what we think of as normal memory or thinking and dementia. Dr. Scott M. McGinnis, an associate neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, clarifies it by explaining, “We diagnose dementia when a person has changes in memory and thinking that significantly interfere with functioning in usual activities.” He cites examples such as getting lost driving to familiar places or having difficulty writing a check.
MCI is diagnosed when a person has changes in their memory and thinking that goes beyond normal aging but does not qualify as full-blown dementia. Medical experts explain that MCI may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease but are also quick to add that not all cases of MCI result in Alzheimer’s but rather may increase the person’s risk. In fact, MCI is caused by other things including medications and infections. Doctors suggest one way to cope with MCI is to get into the habit of writing out a list of “to do’s” each day and checking it throughout the day. Some people want to know more and thus pursue medical tests that can identify if they will develop Alzheimer’s eventually, while others wish to take a more wait and see approach. Whatever your decision, medical professionals say it may be helpful to learn as much as you can about MCI as a way to help you cope. MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling, and privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/5-ways-to-cope-with-mild-cognitive-impairment
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Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis. In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.” Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.
Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events. Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects. Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together. Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork. Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs. If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system. However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern. This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out. Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar at Arcadia offers the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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 learn more about our exceptional community. Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes.
If the diagnosis is recent, you are all most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. Our 29 memory care suites are in a separate wing called Reflections Neighborhood that was designed from the ground up to give residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings. Once a family decides on our community, we personalized care by interviewing the senior and their family in order to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, their preferences, medical history, and other pertinent information. Then we create a care plan that is design to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Our assisted living and memory care community is located on the city’s west side near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael and offers serene mountain views. As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Visit our website for contact info and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help. 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 information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job. If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.
If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long. Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning. Along with Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers 30 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists. Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs. Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating. Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications. Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available. So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do. Currently, MorningStar at Arcadia is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our outstanding community. Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it. Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better. Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.
Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger. Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.” In addition, while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep. Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them. If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances. Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident. The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts. And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better. Finally, researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote. This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare. MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our outstanding community. Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some tips to help you navigate through this trying time. Medical experts recommend to do some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is. You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parent.
Also remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms. This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with you parent about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam. Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm. Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask. Also be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing. However keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw. At the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our memory care wing is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia. If you are looking for trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please give us a call. 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 information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: alzheimers.net/how-to-talk-with-a-parent-about-dementia-symptoms Along with all of the health concerns regarding COVID-19, medical experts remind the general public that the best defense against contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while wearing a mask is “an important preventive measure against airborne viruses such as the flu, there is no guarantee that they will prevent transmission completely.” So even if you are wearing a mask whenever you are out in public and/or unable to socially distance, experts stress you should still get vaccinated against the flu.
Part of the reason flu spreads so easily is a person can be contagious anywhere from 1 day before and up to 7 days after the individual is symptomatic, which means the spread of influenza can occur before the person is aware they have the virus and for days thereafter. Moreover the flu can be transmitted indirectly by coming into contact with infected surfaces. Therefore some of the same procedures we have adopted with COVID such as regular hand washing and sanitizing shared surfaces will help reduce the spread. Also mask wearing is not a guarantee against the transmission of the flu but can help reduce community spread. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot appropriate for the person’s age and health status (with some exceptions) every season. For the most up-to-date medical advice, please talk to your health care provider about the flu vaccination. If a loved one requires help with daily personal care activities or is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we invite you to learn more about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. While MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community has only been open for a couple of years, we have quickly endeared ourselves to local families who know they can entrust their loved ones into our care. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement “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 our residents. Please give us a call for more information on luxury senior living in Santa Fe, NM. For unsurpassed senior living, Phoenix area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia. We are currently accepting new residents, confident in our safety protocols during the pandemic. Please visit our website for lots of information about Morning Senior Living and the Arcadia community, including a virtual tour.
The virtual tour will give you a good look at some of our beautiful common areas including our bistro, dining rooms, fitness room, theater, salon, fireside courtyard and more. You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites. In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. MorningStar at Arcadia is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives. We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes. Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents. We also think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense against the coronavirus in every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves. Recently, we have begun to use Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology in our communities. It is harmless to you but deadly against infectious disease. As the nation reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the messages MorningStar has received from our families. They write, “I can’t imagine trying to work through this if Mom had still been on her own.” MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest senior living Phoenix offers. We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.
Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking. The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get. They also make great gifts for seniors. We want you to know that MorningStar of Albuquerque is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Our community offers 48 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. We also have 21 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for the best assisted living Albuquerque NM offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar of Albuquerque represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer. Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/ Now that summer is here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated as the temperatures warm up. There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink. In addition, medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids. Also, our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger. Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker.
Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing. Furthermore, seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents. Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care. Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more. To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer. Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide the best memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers, and we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months. Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages. Please see our website for more information about our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members. MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer. |
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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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