The holidays are often a festive and joyous time of year, but for seniors who have just suffered a loss, they can be anything but. The season is often full of reminders of the past that bring out nostalgic emotions, which themselves can trigger strong feelings of grief.
In retirement communities in Phoenix, seniors who are dealing with loss generally need extra support and care around the holidays, so it’s important to understand how grief and the aftermath of a loss work to better support your older loved ones. With that said, here are some of the best ways to care for a senior who has recently lost someone they love: Give Them a Safe Space to Talk About the Person They Lost Where people prefer not to talk about the loved ones they’ve lost, others do, and if that is the case, it’s crucial that you provide a safe and open space for them to talk about the person they love. Discussing the loss can help ease some of the feelings of depression and help seniors move through the more complex stages of grief. Whether you visit them at one of the retirement communities in Phoenix or invite them to your house, make sure you offer a listening ear. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is there to hear what they have to say can be a great remedy for those going through complex grief. Encourage a Sense of Community Seniors who have recently lost someone they loved need to be able to fall back on their friends or others who can lift their spirits, and thankfully, in retirement communities in Phoenix, there are plenty of other residents who can help offer support. A strong sense of community can act as a buffer against some of the negative effects of loss, like depression and hopelessness. Encourage the person suffering to reach out whenever they need support and participate in community activities when they feel ready to do so. Support Their Nutrition and Physical Health Seniors going through grief and depression may need help prioritizing their physical needs, including sleep, regular meals, and hydration. Make these activities as easy and convenient as possible for them so they can protect their physical and mental health during this challenging time. While eating a healthy diet won’t cure someone’s grief, it can help with the smaller side effects, such as a loss of appetite and unhealthy weight loss. As their support person, you can encourage them to eat nutritious meals and move their body as they see fit. Gift Them Photos and Keepsakes of Their Lost Loved One Keep the memory of a grieving senior’s lost loved one alive by gifting photographs and other keepsakes. Since the holidays often involve lots of gifts, it’s best to stay sentimental with yours this year. Doing so will help them carry the person they lost in their heart, no matter what time of year it is. Navigating the Complex Process of Senior Grief Grieving isn’t easy at any age, but it can be especially tough for a senior after retirement, so offer your support in ways that are sympathetic and authentic. Remind them that you’re always there to listen and care for them when they need it.
0 Comments
The term sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of growing older. However, it also may occur at a faster pace after prolonged periods of inactivity from injury, illness or the pain of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia causes muscle atrophy and brings on problems such as poor balance and greater weakness, which in turn, can result in more inactivity and increased risks for falls.
Seniors with muscle atrophy may have difficulty reaching their arms upward, opening jars, typing on a keyboard or even tying shoes. The Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine reports on a study that found “older men who did eight weeks of strength training lost about 25% of their muscle gains after they stopped training for two weeks.” Jodi Klein, a physical therapist with Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests a few things you can do if you know you have a surgical procedure ahead of you that could cause muscle atrophy. She says if you are currently active, keep it up; if not, use this time to get started. Klein explains, "The better shape you are in going into surgery, the better shape you will be coming out, and the less chance you have of enduring muscle loss." Older adults who want to regain muscle strength should talk to their health care provider about the best methods. Experts recommend an exercise routine that builds both upper and lower body strength. This could include weight training with dumbbells and resistance bands in conjunction with walking, swimming, and biking. If it would be helpful, think about turning to an expert to aid you in regaining strength. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we provide seniors carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar offers a range of programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living in Albuquerque, NM. 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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers. Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dont-let-muscle-mass-go-to-waste Your body will go through many changes as you age, but getting older does not have to mean getting weaker. Having a good workout routine can help you keep your muscles strong, improve your balance, and even support heart health. Here are just a few of the everyday exercises that you can perform in assisted living.
Walking When it comes to exercising, simple is often the answer. Walking is one of the best activities seniors can do. Seniors in assisted living in Phoenix can take a leisurely stroll around the premises or even walk back and forth around the common areas. Walking is an ideal form of exercise because it can maintain cardiovascular health, improve muscle strength, and lower cholesterol levels — all at the same time. Sit-To-Stand Movements A common source of difficulty for seniors is the positional change from sitting to standing. Going from a seated to an upright position can cause instability, loss of balance, or even vertigo. To strengthen the muscles and adjust the body to this transition, you can practice sit-to-stand movements. Sit-to-stand exercises are as easy as they sound. You begin in a seated position and then slowly stand up straight. Repeat ten to twelve times, if possible. If you have dizziness, this exercise can be performed next to a wall for added stability. Standing on One Leg Another beneficial exercise for seniors in assisted living is standing on one leg. Many seniors struggle with their balance and staying stable when upright. You can address this and improve balance by standing on one leg for about ten seconds at a time. It may be difficult at first, so you can start with three to five seconds until you get stronger. Repeat for the opposite leg. If you have severe balance issues or vertigo, it helps to do this next to a wall or counter. You can also ask someone to help by holding your arm or hand as you stand on one leg. Light Lifting As you age, there is a natural weakening of the muscles. This can make it difficult to lift even the lightest items, making seniors more vulnerable to injuries, strains, or even broken bones. In order to stay as strong as possible, older adults can practice light lifting. Using weights of five to ten pounds, you can perform slow bicep curls or other arm workouts. You should avoid lifting weights above your head in case they are dropped. Getting Exercise at Assisted Living Staying active and getting exercise is vital for adults of any age to stay strong and healthy. From standing on one leg to simply walking the grounds, there are plenty of opportunities for easy, daily exercise in assisted living. Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications daily. 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 almost 450,000 older adults (65 years old or older) visit the emergency room each year 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 of Albuquerque, 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 more information about our exceptional memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM. 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 memory care services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating 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. For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”
Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain. It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. MorningStar at Arcadia has 80 assisted living suites, and another 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our beautiful community provides tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to meet the needs of residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. If you are looking for a senior living in Phoenix, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. 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 senior living Phoenix offers. If you live alone, no longer drive, have problems with mobility, and feel like you would welcome more social interaction into your life, please consider community living. Homes like MorningStar at Arcadia provide residents with all the services, amenities and wellness programs to help them safely age in place. Moreover, as one of our cherished residents, you get peace of mind knowing help is at hand whenever you need it.
Right from the ground up, our home is designed to meet the needs and comfort of our residents. We offer beautifully appointed common areas including inviting gathering areas, bistro, salon, fitness room, chapel, theatre, and an attractive dining room for all-day, restaurant-style dining. Residents also enjoy the outdoors with a fireside courtyard. At MorningStar at Arcadia, we recognize that good nutrition is vital to seniors’ health, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve. Our Executive Chef inspired meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. In addition, we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet. MorningStar’s Chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. Too often seniors assume assisted living means an end to their independence, but studies show the opposite is true. When older adults get the daily personal care they need, it helps to restore their confidence and frees them up to move forward with living life to the fullest. At MorningStar, we help you do so with extensive support services, wellness programs and activities. Our contemporary suites are move-in ready and just require your furnishings and personal items. For your safety and wellbeing, each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. We are also pet friendly! MorningStar at Arcadia provides 80 assisted living suites with the choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets MorningStar at Arcadia apart from other senior living Phoenix offers. 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 Phoenix has to offer. 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 For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”
Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain. It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. MorningStar of Santa Fe has 56 assisted living suites, and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our beautiful community provides tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to meet the needs of residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. 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 Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year; and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women.
Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM. If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we provide comprehensive memory care. For trusted senior living Albuquerque, NM seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. 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 Albuquerque, NM has to offer. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls If you live alone, no longer drive, have problems with mobility, and feel like you would welcome more social interaction into your life, please consider community living. Homes like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide residents with all the services, amenities and wellness programs to help them safely age in place. Moreover, as one of our cherished residents, you get peace of mind knowing help is at hand whenever you need it.
Right from the ground up, our home is designed to meet the needs and comfort of our residents. We offer beautifully appointed common areas including inviting gathering areas, bistro, salon, fitness room, chapel/theater, and an attractive dining room for all-day, restaurant-style dining. Residents also enjoy the outdoors with a fireside patio and porches. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we recognize that good nutrition is vital to seniors’ health, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve. Our Executive Chef inspired meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. In addition, we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet. MorningStar’s Chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. Too often seniors assume assisted living means an end to their independence, but studies show the opposite is true. When older adults get the daily personal care they need, it helps to restore their confidence and frees them up to move forward with living life to the fullest. At MorningStar, we help you do so with extensive support services, wellness programs and activities. Our contemporary suites are move-in ready and just require your furnishings and personal items. For your safety and wellbeing, each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. We are also pet friendly! MorningStar of Albuquerque provides 48 assisted living suites with the choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living Albuquerque offers. 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. |
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
|