Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living, designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together.
Additionally senior living communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities, concierge services, wellness programs and activities and opportunities to make new friends. Once the family decides to entrust MorningStar at Golden Ridge with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences. Then we create a care plan approved by you and your parents, which is also routinely updated to address any changes in care. Mom or dad will receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. We also offer medication management services. Other services include scheduled transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry care. Weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal keeps mom or dad’s suite spotless, and linen and laundry services keep life simple. A 5-star meal service ensures your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need. MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 65 suites for assisted living in a range of floor plans along with 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For active seniors, we have 38 Casitas with attached garages that are set within their own private neighborhood. Please contact us today to learn more.
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Recently John C. Morris, MD, Director of the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis and member of the ABF research advisory committee, said there are several reasons to have hope and optimism for the future in regards to Alzheimer’s disease. Involved in Alzheimer’s research since 1983, he explained for the first time he believes “there is now a great opportunity to develop effective therapies, including drugs currently under evaluation for treatment.” He said advances also include an important tool for diagnosing the disease.
One of the reasons for optimism was the announcement of the pharmaceutical company Biogen’s controversial new drug, which purportedly is designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease and not just the symptoms. The drug, aducanumab was approved for use on patients on June 7 2021. However doctors say it is important to know the FDA’s approval is only for the drug’s ability to reduce the amount of amyloid plaques in the brains of people given the drug. They state it is still unknown whether the removal of the plaque offers benefits to the patients. To be eligible to receive the drug, patients need to have a firm diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. In the year 2020, we also heard the news about a ground-breaking new blood test at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers say the new test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and results have been far more accurate than several other biomarkers currently being tested. This is good news as doctors say earlier testing will lead to earlier interventions. The test received a Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA in October 2021. At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide a range of senior living options including holistic memory care. Residents in our Reflections Neighborhood receive compassionate, expert care, amenities and meaningful activities to enhance quality of life. Please contact us regarding availability at one of the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria. Source: americanbrainfoundation.org/research-in-dementia-2022/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8GeKsmbzH9wiQeieSXmQRQpWuapAPu0LIT7aQ6J6tjPcMsB35h7LHMaAmNkEALw_wcB Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show Alzheimer’s patients do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The Nation Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease.
Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate. Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance. MorningStar of Arvada offers unrivalled independent living and assisted living designed to provide carefree retirement years. We additionally offer holistic memory care that incorporates music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides the area’s most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO. Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia Have you heard of carbon emission labeling? Experts say the trend is increasing globally and is a movement intended to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. While some of the new products out on the market may seem strange or distasteful, experts say many of them will likely be the foods of the future.
Companies claiming to be carbon neutral (also referred to as “net zero” means emissions are generated but offset by the same amount elsewhere) are now selling products such as milk and eggs in mainstream grocery stores. Other foods in the category of strange include more than a 100 companies around the world experimenting and selling cell-cultured or lab-grown meat without an animal. Cultured meat was first sold in Singapore but as the U.S. Food and Drug has cleared regulatory restrictions, consumers in our country can expect to see it on grocery shelves in 2022. Currently several American companies are producing lab-grown, bean-free coffee and cacao bean-free chocolate. Another source of protein used for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives we will see more of comes from the sea. Microalgae protein include sea plants like zoster marina, which is a seagrass known as the rice of the sea and is on its way to becoming another new “superfood.” Non-dairy milk options are growing and now include a wide variety of nuts as well as grains, hemp, flax and quinoa. Plant-based cheeses taste better than ever and are made from nuts such as almonds and cashews, soy or coconut-based vegan options. Other offerings we will see more of on grocery shelves include foods enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, or mushroom powders. MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an array of amenities, wellness programs, and concierge and care services. Our senior living options include assisted living and independent living for carefree retirement years. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide individualized, compassionate memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about our home and our philosophy regarding caring for seniors. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/top-food-trends-for-2022 Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems, or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s they often are not aware of their memory loss.
Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s or normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses pretty slowly. Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer 38 Casitas (quadruplexes with attached garages) for independent living and another 65 suites for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted seniors living in Peoria, AZ. If you live in or around the Denver area, this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd. The Walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, and is one of the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Organizers say every precaution will be taken to ensure the health and safety of walkers such as social distancing, masks (where required) contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local guidelines, our event will adhere to the most up-to-date recommendations, keeping it safe for all attendees. Anyone planning to walk can go to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website to register online (every participant will need to sign a standard waiver through their official registration). Sponsors say even children should be registered, and parents can sign the waiver on their behalf. There is no fee to register but participants are encouraged to raise funds in support of the Alzheimer’s Association’s goal of providing 24/7 care and support along with advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association’s site provides some suggestions on ways to fundraise online. Additionally you will find answers to a whole range of questions as well as links to resources. The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. As senior care providers, an obvious step for us to take is to support the Alzheimer’s Association; and each year we have teams, residents and family members joining in the “Walk to End Alz” events. We feel it is a privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey, and invite you to visit our website for availability. Give your loved one the finest memory care Arvada CO offers. If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, MorningStar of Beaverton is ready to help. We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease brings with it and wish to share the burden. Our comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.
Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. Another thing that makes the Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Our distinct mission statement reads to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Beaverton, OR. MorningStar of Beaverton’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 assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, OR. As more and more research shows, getting enough sleep each night is important for everything from better mental health to better physical health. Some studies have even reported findings of an increased risk for Alzheimer’s in people who routinely have sleep problems.
If you are someone who has trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, the US News & World Report recently published several tips from sleep expert to help reset your sleep clock and improve your sleep habits. They recommend beginning with reestablishing waking and bedtime rituals by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up the same time. It may even be a good idea to eat meals at the same time. Your bedroom should be dark and use a light-blocking sleep mask if needed. Also keep your bedroom a work free zone. Other recommendations include avoiding caffeine after 12PM, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and exercising each day. Dr. Kannan Ramar, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a pulmonologist, critical care specialist and sleep medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, says, “Pervasive worry is a major factor in sleep disruption.” He advises his patients to turn off the TV and your tablet one or two hours before bedtime. Stop drinking alcohol at least one or two hours before sleep and consider moderating your consumption. If you have started the search for senior housing, please take a look at MorningStar of Arvada. Our community is situated on 1.5 acres and encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir. We offer all-inclusive independent living and assisted living as well as memory care that compassionately and expertly connects and nurtures the human essence whatever the extent of memory loss. Our broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more has made us the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/sleep-reset-getting-your-sleep-back-to-normal?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20Jul%2015%2006:29:00%20EDT%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your spouse or mom or dad safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing.
Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, look into food delivery services. Additionally lower the temperature of the water coming from your taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area. To reduce the risk for falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether. At the MorningStar of Arvada, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 secure memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The neighborhood is separate from the rest of our community and includes an enclosed courtyard, suites equipped with emergency call systems, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Each resident receives an individualized service plan and participants in daily activities such as arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. In addition we have 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care Arvada, CO offers. Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.
For instances, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get to home or how to perform routine tasks. It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. Other example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically get worse. A 2009 study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.” At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we have 29 secure memory care suites staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living, assisted living and compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO. Source: activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences |
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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