Most seniors wish to maintain their independence as long as possible by living on their own; and this is why many who encounter problems in their day-to-day lives are reluctant to tell their families. The problem with this is as a senior starts to have more difficulty caring for themselves, their quality of life can be greatly diminished.
Even if mom or dad seem to be doing well on their own, experts say a rapid decline in their health from an accident or illness can catch families by surprise and make living on their own dangerous. In addition, many health conditions affect musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory or sensory systems and impact a senior’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Experts say other factors indicating a need for more help include social isolation, medication side effects and the physical characteristics of the person’s home such as a second floor bedroom. If after implementing a series of home modifications is not adequate, more measures need to be taken to keep your loved one safe. Experts explain unmet ADLs can lead to serious health problems including “malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and falls. In fact, studies show ADL disabilities are associated with an increased risk for mortality; and taking care of daily needs can help prevent new and worsening health problems.” They also report if family members notice a decline in a loved one’s overall health, taking steps now can improve their safety and forestall further problems. One solution is to make a move to an assisted living community, where a person can live as safely and as independently as possible. To ensure needs are met, homes use the ADLs as a measure of a person’s functional performance. If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Our beautiful community has 48 assisted living suites offering residents’ peace of mind knowing compassionate help is readily available whenever they need it. We also have 21 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please see our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque. 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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer. Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm
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The National Institute of Health reports approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Hearing loss causes someone a range of problems including difficulty understanding and following a doctor’s advice, responding to safety warnings, and hearing doorbells, phone calls, and alarms. Another all-too common problem is it can be hard to follow conversations with family and friends, and many start avoiding situations where they may be frustrated or embarrassed.
Medical experts advise asking your primary care physician for a referral to an otolaryngologist, an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They will try to determine the cause of your hearing loss and treatment options. They may refer you to an audiologist who is trained in measuring the degree of loss as well as recommend treatment, which may include fitting you for a hearing aid. There are three different types of hearing aids and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you (most can be purchased for a trial period). In some cases, doctors may recommend Cochlear implants, small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing. Other treatment options include hearing assistive devices for your phones to amplify sound; closed circuit systems for churches or theaters; and lip or speech reading classes. At MorningStar at Arcadia, our goal is to be the best senior living Phoenix offers, and we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our beautiful home has 80 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 30 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arcadia’s amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “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 residents the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need.
To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of moving them into a community to have to move them out in a few years once their needs cannot be met. Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At the MorningStar of Albuquerque assisted living and memory care community, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. Another important step is to virtually (or personally) visit the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to a pharmacy, medical facilities and shopping. Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. For exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque, NM seniors are encouraged to contact us to learn more. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. 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 Albuquerque provides outstanding senior living. 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 for 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 recently 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 of Santa Fe is a senior living community providing 56 private assisted living suites and another 29 secure suites devoted to 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. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer, we encourage you to contact us for more information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers. 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. The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Wake Forest School of Medicine in a new, first-of-its-kind intervention trial called the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER). The two-year clinical trial wants to learn if lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults between the ages of 60-79 who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.
The national study hopes to “create a new and healthier ‘normal’ through lifestyle changes.” While research have already shown that a healthier lifestyle protects our bodies’ overall health, scientists now want to know if it can also protect the health of the brain from future memory problems such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The U.S. Pointer study is currently being conducted at the University of California - Davis, Rush University Medical Center, and Wake Forest School of Medicine, and is the first study of its kind to be done on such a large group of participants from across the United States. Additionally it is part of a worldwide consortium of other similar research including the 2014 Finland study of healthy older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The “FINGER Study” (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) reports that “a two-year combination therapy simultaneously targeting physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and self-monitoring of heart health risk factors had a protective effect on cognitive function.” At MorningStar of Sparks, we have a reputation for the finest senior living Reno offers. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. In addition we have 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Currently we are safely accepting new residence and invite you to visit our website for further information regarding our gorgeous home as well as our COVID-19 protocols. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us if you live in or around Reno for assisted living or independent living you can count on. Source: alz.org/us-pointer/overview.asp For years most of us have heard we need to watch the amount of fat in our diet; however medical experts clarify that not all fats are the same. Bad fats, the ones to watch out for, include artificial trans fats and saturated fats that drive up our total cholesterol and LDLs, and cause clogged arteries, weight gain and an increase risk of certain diseases.
Good fats include unsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fatty acids that deliver lots of health benefits. Two important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are primarily found in certain fish including: anchovies, bluefish, salmon, sardines, tuna, lake trout, mackerel, wild swordfish, and others. Doctors recommend eating these oily fish, non-fried, and twice a week, and to watch the amount of mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish and shark you consume as they may contain mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or other toxins. ALA, (alpha-linolenic acid), is another powerful omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, soybean oil and chia seeds. While oils and nuts are good for us, experts caution these foods are high in calories and to eat in moderation. So what are the benefits of a diet rich in omega-3s and ALAs? Doctors say for one thing, it can help reduce triglycerides, which accumulate in the blood and lead to heart disease and stroke. You may also slow the development of plaque in your arteries and reduce the chance of an abnormal heart rhythm. In addition omega-3s and ALAs may decrease your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. The MorningStar of Sparks senior living community offers all-inclusive independent living and assisted living in the Reno area with a broad range of care service, resort-style amenities and wellness programs. This includes a full dining service featuring meals largely prepared from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition we include ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Our Chef deliciously incorporates “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens into many meals. Please visit our website for availability and pricing. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Reno. Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar of Sparks is senior living at its best. In fact the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family. We belief our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.
To meet our residents’ needs and ensure their comfort, wellbeing and safety, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team. Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character. We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve. Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart. With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose. Also its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home. When you visit our website, take a moment to view a few of our Twice the Stories video series featuring the tender relationships that forms between our residents and team members. We believe these friendships testify to the fact that we all need to lean upon and lean into each other, and that we all come away changed for the better. Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, MorningStar of Sparks has another 80 suites for assisted living. This means if you start with us in independent living and later find you require help with daily personal care, it is easy to move into one of our assisted living suites. We also have 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information and a link for pricing and availability. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno. Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.
The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood. Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses. Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need? For the area’s finest independent and assisted living, Reno area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Sparks, a true destination for successful aging. We understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. Our gorgeous community has 128 suites for independent living, 80 assisted living suites, and another 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of our services and amenities. MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers. While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recently published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more. It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.” Moreover it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.
Thus spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing. In fact in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature. Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window. Also more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.” For trusted senior living in Reno, we urge you to consider MorningStar of Sparks. Our community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, and currently we are safely accepting new residents. Please check out our website for a virtual tour of our community (we are set on a beautiful campus) and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. During this time of the novel coronavirus, we are following the guidelines of the CDC –in many cases exceeding them – and doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of all those beneath our roof. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno. Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/ jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19 The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention. While many states are coming out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care.
Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help. Moreover in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention. Reports out of Spain, one of Europe’s hardest hit countries “found that the number of heart attack patients treated in healthcare facilities has plummeted by 40% since the onset of the virus.” Hong Kong had similar reports. This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need. In fact most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public. To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation” MorningStar of Sparks is proud to be the most trusted senior living in Reno. While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents. Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, we offer 80 suites for assisted living. MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood also provides 32 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please check out our website for a virtual tour of independent and assisted living in Reno and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted senior living in Reno. |
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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