You may have wondered why it is as you have gotten older; you seem to bruise more easily and find bruises that you do even remember getting. There is a scientific explanation for why the problem occurs more commonly in the elderly, and generally bruises do not require treatment and are not serious. However please keep in mind that significant bruising can be a sign of medical problems and should be discussed with your health care provider.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a bruise, know in medical terms as a contusion, occurs “when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs.” This impact causes blood to leak out of the vessels and look like the black-and-blue-mark we are all familiar with. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty layer that protects our blood vessels from injury, thus making it easier to bruise. While most bruises do not require a doctor’s care, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner in Los Angeles, suggests applying a frozen compress for up to twenty minutes at a time. Also if you elevate the bruised area higher than your heart during the first 24 hours of the injury, it will help to reduce swelling and inflammation. There are several steps you can take to try to eliminate getting bruised in the first place. To start, make sure your living space has a clear path to move around in so you can avoid bumping into things as well as help prevent falls. Another thing you may want to do is to use a cane or walker if you are unsteady when you stand up or while walking. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Glendale AZ. Sources:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762 aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-bruising
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If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them. Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need.
What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease? One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one. In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair? Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from? It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. Next you need to ask the community some questions beginning with the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training does the staff go through. Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the place has a visiting physician. Also are residents given an individualized plan? Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents? Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space? Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents. Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy? Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages? Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one. Our Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar at Dayton Place is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. We take a holistic approach to our care, and our team works hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our special residents. Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our full senior living community. MorningStar at Dayton Place represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “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. Call to learn more about our exceptional senior living community in Denver. Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist At MorningStar of Beaverton, we compassionately and professionally provide memory care to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents. As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about the facility. Our community has 38 secure suites in a range of configurations that include studio to one bedroom-one bath floor plans.
MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve. Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences. From there, our Wellness Director creates an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration. MorningStar of Beaverton’s memory care includes leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort residents. Our specially-trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss, and will strive every day to connect with and nurture that essence. We also proudly support the Alzheimer’s Association and will partner with our local chapter to fundraise and participate in a variety of activities all throughout the year. In addition MorningStar makes it a point to find ways to involve and engage family members as we recognize that our service is as important to them as to the residing senior. Scheduled to open in late 2018, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Beaverton’s newest assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar of Beaverton is proud to provide the finest senior living with our unique 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 and we create a true home for residents in a serene setting. Please contact us for more information of the newest senior living community in Beaverton, OR. It was not that long ago that seniors moving into an assisted living community had to leave behind an important companion, their pet. Today however, more and more retirement communities are recognizing the benefits of pets to the elderly, and many such as MorningStar of Glendale, allow residents to bring their pets with them.
There has been a lot of research that validates the benefits of pets in seniors’ lives. In fact, A Place for Mom website reports on a study that shows, “just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.” They go on to say that interactions between pets and humans can “lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke.” Another reason pets can be good for the elderly is that animals live in the here and now and do not think about tomorrow, which for some seniors, can be worrisome. In addition animals offer unconditional love, emotional support and affection. This is one reason why pet therapy programs are used in convalescent homes, hospitals, mental health centers and children centers. Many people participating in such programs experience an improvement in appetite as well as “more social interaction and tactile and cognitive stimulation after interactions with pets.” There is even research that indicates pet therapy is beneficial for those suffering from dementia diseases such as Sundowners Syndrome and Alzheimer’s. The animal’s complete acceptance and non-verbal communication has proven to be soothing for patients. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar Senior Living of Glendale. All that’s missing from our stylish suites are your personal furnishings and treasures—even the furry kind. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Glendale AZ. Sources: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.
There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health. HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness. Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.” All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one. You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Dayton Place represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “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. Call to learn more about our exceptional senior living community in Denver. Sources:webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm Beaverton, OR’s newest senior living community, MorningStar of Beaverton will bring to the area the finest assisted living and memory care. Our new community expects to open in late 2018.
While MorningStar may be new to Beaverton, we have an experienced team that knows how to provide a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities. For assisted living residents, we have 66 smartly-designed private suites in a range of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. All of our suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, 9’ ceilings, large windows for natural lighting, mini-blinds and ceiling lights. Each unit is equipped with: private heating and air conditioning, kitchenettes with apartment-sized fridges, handicap-accessible bathrooms, a 24-hour emergency call system, washers and dryers in one and two-bedroom suites, and much more. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we will offer 38 secure suites that are devoted to providing individualized care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our unique memory care uses a holistic approach that is designed to stimulate or calm as the situation demands. Furthermore, the Reflections Neighborhood is designed to allow residents to freely move about and safely explore their surroundings. MorningStar is equipped to care for those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Right from the start, our goal is to create a true “home” for our residents and our staff will consist of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and come to work each day with a smile on their face. We invite you to learn more about the philosophy and mission of MorningStar of Beaverton’s beautiful new assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar is a private pay community (we do not accept Medicaid). MorningStar of Beaverton is proud to provide the finest senior living with our unique 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 and we create a true home for residents in a serene setting. Please contact us for more information of the newest senior living community in Beaverton, OR. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke. They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.
The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion. A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said. Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body. Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke. Also another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile. Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double. In addition trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke. Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear. The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs: F Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? A Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly? T Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability. Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person. This post is for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Glendale AZ. Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/ strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp The population of aging adults continues to grow and so does the demand for quality housing solutions and services. To make it easier for people to find senior housing that best meets their needs, the following is an explanation of the terms you will come across while shopping for a new home for you or your loved one.
One popular senior living option is referred to as “independent living.” These are apartments or suites designed specifically for older adults who want the advantages associated with senior living communities, but do not require any assistance. Residents benefit from the amenities, activities and companionship of community living. While each community differs, services may include light housekeeping and laundry as well as on-site beauty shops and spas, exercise rooms and wellness classes. Some communities also provide emergency response at night. Another term used to describe senior living is “assisted living.” This is housing that is geared toward those who need various levels of assistance with their daily activities. Generally a resident’s needs are evaluated and agreed upon with the senior and their family. Assisted living communities provide daily meals as well as around-the-clock care to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents. Most facilities offer wellness programs, social activities, housekeeping services, 24-hour care, scheduled transportation and more. Lastly another form of senior living is “memory care” that is devoted to the specialized care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The best communities offer their residents comprehensive care that includes recreational and purposeful activities, scheduled outings and daily health monitoring. We invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Dayton Place. We have a choice of independent living, assisted living and memory care options. Our spacious, private suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed community. MorningStar at Dayton Place represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “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. Call to learn more about our exceptional senior living community in Denver. More and more older adults are discovering that senior living communities are the ideal place to enjoy their retirement years whether they are a senior who requires assistance or someone who is able to live independently. This is probably due to the fact that over the last several years, senior living communities have changed dramatically. Today’s modern communities are tailored to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs and provide a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
Many seniors, especially those living alone, find themselves becoming more and more isolated as they have retired from careers and may even have stopped driving. In contrast, senior living communities offer residents a friendly place to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities. Even for someone who values their privacy, senior communities offer the comfort of having other people around. It is reassuring if you experience a fall or a medical emergency to know help is close at hand. Also owning a home means a lot of physical upkeep such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores which can be difficult for seniors. The advantage to senior living communities is that someone else does the work while the residents have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. Another common problem with seniors who live alone is that many do not eat well. Cooking may be difficult and/or they may not be able to easily get out to grocery shop. Again, the problem of good nutrition is solved in senior living communities as they provide healthy daily meals designed around the needs of the residents. For older adults that have given up driving, senior living provides a safe solution. Most provide scheduled outings to places such as shopping malls, outdoor parks, plays and other entertainment venues, museums and more. MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers residents a safe, comfortable place to age in place and to take advantage of resort-style amenities and meaningful activities. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself why our residents are pleased to call MorningStar “home”. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted living. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/ According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), “18 percent of seniors live alone, while 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis.” They also found that people 60 years or older who reported being lonely had a 45% increase in a risk of death. Furthermore, seniors who felt isolated had almost a 60% increase in the risk of mental and physical decline than those seniors who had more social contact.
There are many reasons that seniors attribute to their feelings of loneliness: retirement, death of a spouse and other family members, and a lack of mobility. Another factor leading to isolation for some seniors is that more people are choosing to not have children, which reduces the number of family members with a stake in their well-being. A 2009 report taken from data gathered by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project found that “seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical and/or mental health.” As such, loneliness is also linked to a faster cognitive decline as well as a greater risk for depression. Assisted living communities such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton offer seniors not only the security and comfort to age in place but also companionship along with a wide assortment of creative, thoughtful activities. Our community, opening in late 2018, will offer a steady stream of activities such as exercise classes, cards, word and puzzle games, movie nights, morning hymns, knitting groups, bingo, restaurant-style dining and much more. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful home-like atmosphere and the comfort, wellness and community we will offer to our residents. MorningStar of Beaverton 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 assisted living in Beaverton Oregon. Sources: aplaceformom.com/blog/facts-about-senior-isolation/ agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm |
At MorningStar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our care team is committed to giving residents a quality of life that other senior living communities simply cannot match. Archives
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