If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them. While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective.
Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly. For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person. Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?” Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand. Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple. Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes. Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc. Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing. Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help. Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract. Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together. Above all avoid criticizing or arguing. At MorningStar of Arvada, we offer a safe and beautiful place to age in place with 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). In addition we have 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, which are staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Please visit our website for an online virtual tour and a link for info on pricing and availability. Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia
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If you think your spouse or an elderly parent may be suffering from hearing loss (keep in mind it is extremely common in seniors), the AARP has some good tips to help you decide if it is time to convince them to see a doctor. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 1 in 3 people between 65 and 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75, have trouble hearing.
While we may think it should be easy for someone to know if they are experiencing hearing loss, the problem is that the loss generally occurs slowly over time. Thus as a person starts having trouble hearing, they self-correct by doing things like turning up the volume on the TV, and is why it is often other people who are the first to suspect a problem. Experts say it is important to get help for hearing loss as it is treatable and can lead to social isolation, which is linked to depression, dementia, and even falls. In addition to the volume turned way up on the TV and radio, doctors say other signs include the person constantly asking you to repeat yourself and having difficulty following conversation. The person may start talking louder than a situation calls for or be uncomfortable talking on the phone. They may also be unable to hear an alarm, the phone ringing or the doorbell. People can be reluctant to go to a doctor for hearing loss for a variety of reasons including the cost of a hearing aid, the bother of wearing one and afraid it will make them feel old. Stefanie Wolf, AuD, a clinical audiologist with Audiology of Nassau County in Rockville Centre, New York, says to “remind your loved one that treating hearing loss isn't just about improving their ability to perceive sounds; it can contribute to their overall health and well-being.” MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-loss-common-signs.html Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers. Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits.
While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone. Now with the outbreak of COVID-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.” First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line. Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smart phone, tablet or computer allows you to connect visually. Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit. Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider. Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?” He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc. Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc. If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis. However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention. MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers. Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit Regardless of your age it is important to have a nutrient-rich diet in order to stay as healthy as possible. Even for people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, eating well can make a difference in how they feel; but unfortunately, many seniors do not always know what constitutes a healthy diet.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides some helpful tips for older adults to follow to improve their diet. One of the first things they say is to make sure to stay hydrated because as we age, we lose some of our sense of thirst. They recommend drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages with lots of added sugars. Seniors’ diets should include fruits and vegetables in a variety of different colors, lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and lean protein. While vegetables and fruits are a good source of fiber, full of vitamins, and low-calorie, they can be difficult to chew for some elderly people with dental problems. If that is a problem, substitute softer foods including canned fruits and meats such as tuna. Also adding herbs or spices to food is a good way to enhance flavor. At MorningStar of Beaverton, our residents are treated to three daily meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest produce by our Executive Chef. We also incorporate BrainWise foods into our meals such as nuts, berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate. Recipes are modified to accommodate changing needs and diets including low-sodium, sugar-free, vegetarian, and low-fat choices. Please visit our website for more information on our loving assisted living facility. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members during this difficult time. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/choosing-healthy-meals-you-get-older With the events of the world, we can sometimes get caught up in the misery and sadness of it all and forget to be thankful for what we do have. Remember focusing on positive thoughts can blossom into something beautiful and we all need to take the time to smile.
If fact there is plenty of scientific evidence that proves something as simple as a smile, even when we do not feel like smiling, makes us feel better. While we express happiness with a smile, studies show that the mere act of smiling even when we do not feel like it, can lift our mood, lower stress, boost our immune system and possibly even prolong life. Dr. Isha Gupta a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine says smiling spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, which releases hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. She explains that, “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression; and low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression.” Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist in Los Angeles says that study after study has found that depression weakens the immune system, and happiness appears to boost our body’s resistance. Thus working on past information, when our brain feels our mouth smiling, it just assumes there must be something to smile about. To increase our sense of wellbeing, experts recommend starting each day with a positive affirmation and to do your best to find humor in bad situations as well as to try to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. After a thorough screening, residents move directly into their suite, where they remain for a 14-day quarantine. Team members entering the room wear full PPE. Along with 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living, we have 65 assisted living suites, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about all we are doing to ensure your comfort and safety. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/smiling-can-trick-your-brain-happiness-boost-your-health-ncna822591 We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.
Moreover there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four day a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking. The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of game of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzle can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get. They also make great gifts for seniors. We want you to know that MorningStar at Golden Ridge is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Our community has 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living that are quadraplexes with attached garages. For assisted living, we have 65 suites with one and two-bedroom options. We also have 35 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s mission of servant-leadership. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. https://sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/ We are told Covid-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease. One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free.
Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some of much more vulnerable. One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as Immunosenescence. Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate." Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter. In addition research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthening our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weigh, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations. Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.” MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY We have all heard stories or may have had an older relative take a fall that lead to serious injuries, hospitalization, or in the worst case, a fatality. In fact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the fatal fall rate for people 65 years and older jumped 31 percent from 2007 to 2016, making falls the leading cause of injury-related death among people in this age group. Falls are so common in the elderly that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says that many falls are preventable and publishes a one-page guide called “Take Control of Your Health: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall.” Their first tip is to find a balance and exercise class that is specifically designed to help older adults built strength and improve their balance and flexibility. NCOA also recommends talking to your doctor about your fall threat. Ask if any medications you are taking have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or other issues that could increase your risk for fall. Moreover be sure to share any recent falls you may have had with your healthcare provider as well as your family. Fall prevention includes having your vision and hearing tested annually. If you need stronger glasses, get them and be sure to wear them. The next step is to do a survey of your home both inside and out to ensure you do not have unsafe areas that increase the likelihood of a fall. Search the Internet for a checklist of things to look for in your home to improve safety. The NCOA suggests enlisting the aid of your family to help you keep your home safe for everyone. At MorningStar of Beaverton, our senior living community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations. All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse. In addition, residents are offered plenty of opportunities to get moving with exercise classes, a fitness room, and our walking club. Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members. MorningStar of 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 senior living in Beaverton, OR. Source: ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/NCOA-Falls-Free-Infographic-680pixels-0917.pdf Despite the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country and the world, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s residents and team members are staying strong. While we have temporarily closed our community to all non-essential visitors and vendors for the safety of all inside our home, we are cheered by the incredibly encouraging supports from residents’ families and our surrounding community. Each homemade poster held up to the window, every thoughtful email sent in the wee hours, and calls of faith and courage do much to sustain us in the fight against COVID-19 and help keep up the spirits up residents and team member alike.
We have no higher responsibility than that of the Safety and Security of our residents, families and team members, and have implemented protocols and procedures following guideline –and in some cases exceeding them- from the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government. This includes checking staff temperatures at the start and the close of their shift, having unwell team members stay home when unwell, and conducting mandatory training for all team member on infection control with a heightened emphasis on hand sanitation. In terms of community cleaning, we have ordered extra inventory of disinfectant and related cleaning supplies. In addition for the time being, we have eliminated communal dining and assisted living residents receive meal in their suite (there are a few exceptions) and memory care residents eat as usual but spaced apart from one another. The MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s team understands the worry of our residents and their families, which is why we send regular updates whenever new developments or protocols dictate. Currently we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe. Our community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area. Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing. Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.
Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.” Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns. We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality and resilience that seniors need to age better. In fact insomnia is associated with poor health and mortality. Lack of sleep can also increase older adults’ risk of a fall, and some studies suggest a history of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cognitive problems. Routinely napping during the day is another problem that interferes with a good night’s sleep. Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include avoiding eating and working late. Experts say to turn off the TV and other smart devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronics prevents the body from releasing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Follow a set bedtime, and right before you plan to go to sleep do some deep breathing and light stretching. It is recommended we try to get eight to nine hours of sleep on most nights. At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we have a choice of independent living, assisted living and memory care options. Our spacious, private Casitas and suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed community. Conveniently located in Peoria, AZ, our residents enjoy a wide assortment of resort-style amenities, enrichment programs and activities. Please visit our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 Peoria AZ. Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516307/ |
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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