Tips to Help an Elderly Parent Organize Their Medications

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  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 interaction, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room 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 “is it taken with food,” 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.   

Now store the medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense to your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents have their medications when they need them, and as we even order meds, there is no danger of them running out.  We are currently accepting new residents and offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to contact us for more information about exceptional independent and assisted living in Reno.

If You're 100 Years Old, You've Seen Many Changes

Many of us are lucky to have family or friends that are well into their 90s or even a 100 + years old.   They are not alone as in 2014, the CDC reported there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older. Also, according to 2017 projections from the Social Security Administration, it reads, “For those who are 65 today, a man has a 3% chance of living to 100, a woman a 5.9% chance, and at least one member of a couple an 8.7%.”   

When we take the time to think about the many changes that has occurred over the last hundred years, it is incredible to think we know someone who has lived through much of it.  During the 1920s, most Americans lived in rural settings or in small towns, and all members of the families worked in one form or another including children who had routine duties around the farm or in the house.  Imagine the Ford Model T, which was considered to be the first affordable car that our grandparents may have rode in as children and the cars they drive today.  In addition, they were old enough to be captivated by the first transatlantic airplane flight made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.  

Our parents or grandparents have lived through world wars and world depressions, saw airline travel become an everyday convenience and men land on the moon.  They saw the start of the computer age and witnessed the impact of the worldwide web.  Together these are some of the reasons why MorningStar at Arcadia believes seniors are heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials.   Moreover, it is why we believe if anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. 

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About MorningStar at Arcadia

MorningStar at Arcadia is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care.  Our outstanding team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study.  It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications.  Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents.  

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms.  In addition, all 80 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 30 secure suites devoted to caring for those with memory impairment and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings.  

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members. We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

MorningStar at Arcadia 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 our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.

Telehealth Doctor Visits

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 smartphone, tablet or computer that 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 at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit

Staying Abreast of Developing Changes in Our Approach to COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect all those who reside beneath our roofs.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last three months and have stayed tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Sparks is judiciously following our state’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Sparks community to our Executive Director, Amanda Jenkins.  

Also we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time.  In addition we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage.  In other words, it was a team effort!   

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn more about beautiful, vibrant senior living in Reno. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing has 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe, and look forward to hearing from you.      

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Contact us for more regarding unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Reno. 

Positive Affirmations Can Help You Change the Way You Think!

An affirmation is a statement repeated and believed, which can shape our thoughts and feelings.  When we focus on positive affirmations, we can re-program negative thought patterns and change the way we think and feel about things. Positive affirmations help us concentrate on our goals, rid ourselves of negative beliefs, and find solutions we didn’t even know existed.   

Getting into the habit of turning the negative into a positive is especially helpful for seniors including developing a positive attitude toward the aging process.  In fact the Yale School of Public Health conducted a study led by Becca Levy, a professor of public health and psychology, which found a positive outlook on aging, can add 7.5 years to someone’s life.  The study also suggests a positive attitude toward growing older can reduce the risk of one of the most established genetic risk factors of dementia, the ε4 variant of the APOE gene.   

So how do we change to glass half-full thinking?  Experts say it starts with little things.  Rather than berating yourself for forgetting where you left the keys, and worrying you getting old and forgetful, remind yourself you were busy putting groceries away and not paying attention to where you set the keys.  

Other positive ways to grow old is to remain confident in your abilities to try new things.  Make a point to broaden your horizons and remind yourself retirement is your time to try the things you have always wanted to do but didn’t have time.  Tell yourself you are strong and capable, and ready and able for new adventures.  Don’t define yourself by boundaries, and remember pain is not a part of old age but rather your body telling you something is wrong and you need to see a doctor.  Remind yourself you still have a lot to contribute and that you deserve to be treated with respect. 

MorningStar of Sparks represents the best senior living Reno offers.  Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living.  We also provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Currently we are accepting new residents and invite you to visit our website for contact information.  

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living in Reno.

High Blood Pressure and What You Need to Know

While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high?  Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) recently lowered the guidelines in November 2017.  Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure. 

However the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range.  If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk.  Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it. 

Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic.  Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body.   The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120.  The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety.   Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention.

There are several things you can do to reduce your BP.  While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume.  In addition it is recommend that you track your own blood pressure at home and share your findings with your doctor. 

If you are looking for trusted assisted living in the Reno area, take a look at MorningStar of Sparks.  In addition to compassionate assisted living, we offer independent living and memory care.  Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents.  Check out our website for a virtual tour of our community and contact info for availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please visit our website for information on the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno.  

Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood-pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health

Things to Put in a “Comfort Basket”

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in assisted living and they are isolating themselves from the novel coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a “comfort basket” filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architect, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.  Our pueblo-style community has 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for information as well as pricing and availability.           

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about the most trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar at Albuquerque’s All-inclusive, Compassionate Memory Care

We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. We are equipped to provide care to those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

In addition to MorningStar of Albuquerque’s assisted living option, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 21 secure memory care suites.  The area is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings.  Also given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss.  

As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.”  We know the essence of the person remains despite the level of memory loss, and our job is to nurture and support the individual by finding ways to calm or stimulate as the situation demands.  Lavender Sky provides the path for us to enter, embrace, and explore the “purple world” of memory loss, and to cross over the physical, emotional, and relational boundaries that would otherwise separate us.    

Every aspect of our home is designed to provide the comfort, wellness and safety our special residents require including mealtime.  We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table.  We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.   

If you are looking for the best memory care or assisted living Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  Also please know that during the coronavirus outbreak, we are staying abreast of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all those beneath our roof.   

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Give Mom or Dad an Easy to Care for Pet

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace.

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags it tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.”  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Phoenix MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. Along with 80 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Arcadia offers 30 secure suites dedicated to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Five Things You May Not Know about Alzheimer’s

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  For example the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future.  

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men.  

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.   

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s is a senior living community in beautiful Santa Fe, NM.  Confident in our protocols in the fight against COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

Have Time on Your Hands? Renew or Start a Hobby

If you have more time on our hands than you planned, rather than resort to watching too much TV, consider it an opportunity to renew an old hobby abandoned earlier in life due to time constraints.  If your hobby cannot be done from home, maybe it is time to start a new one.  How about something you have always wanted to try but never got around to?     

Even if you do not know how to do the activity, the Internet offers lots of self-help videos to get you started.  For example if you want to learn to “knit,” find videos that walk you through the steps.  You can even join a knitting club for inspiration, which also offers the benefit of connecting to a whole new group of people.  If that’s not your thing, how about starting that novel or poetry book you have always wanted to write?  For feedback and encouragement, connect with a virtual writers’ group that routinely meets to review members’ work.  

Other suggestions for creative things to do at home include forming an online book club with your friends, challenging yourself with a large multi-pieced puzzle, trying your hand at baking, or taking an online dance, martial arts, or aerobics class.  While you are having fun, it is nice to know that regardless of what direction you take, studies show having hobbies can improve our mental health and wellbeing. 

People with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression as these pleasurable activities allow us space to decompress and relax.  Moreover researchers say it doesn’t seem to matter “whether your hobby is creative, academic, athletic, or something personal, the important thing is that you find it meaningful and enjoyable.”

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We invite you to visit our website for more details on the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: https://www.psychreg.org/hobby-mental-health/

The Age Factor in COVID-19 Outcomes

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 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 Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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 our exceptional community.

Source: 

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

Nature Provides Many with a Sense of Wellbeing

While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) recently published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more.  It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.”   Moreover it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.  

Thus spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing.  In fact in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature.  Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window.  Also more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.”

For trusted senior living in Reno, we urge you to consider MorningStar of Sparks.  Our community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, and currently we are safely accepting new residents.  Please check out our website for a virtual tour of our community (we are set on a beautiful campus) and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.   During this time of the novel coronavirus, we are following the guidelines of the CDC –in many cases exceeding them – and doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of all those beneath our roof. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno.  

Source:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/

jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19

Do Your Homework before You Start Looking for Assisted Living

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.       

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So find out if the home you are thinking about will be somewhere they can "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides.  

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance at our MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that make it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition as a licensed “Directed Level of Care,” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs.  

While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and assisted living communities, MorningStar of Santa Fe wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for more information on the most trusted senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Finding the Best Health Care Providers to Meet Your Needs

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to a have great team of doctors on your side.  This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you.  Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.   

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference.  Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist.  In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed.   

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers, and we understand that the best care comes from the heart.  Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services.  These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits.  

Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider?slide=6

A Heathy Diet May Help Control the Symptoms of OA

A Heathy Diet May Help Control the Symptoms of OA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic (long-lasting) joint condition and affects more than 32 million adults in the US.  The disease can cause people to experience pain, stiffness, and swelling and is also referred to as “degenerative joint disease.”   

Women are more likely to develop OA than men according to the CDC and risks factors for getting the disease include genetics, obesity, race, injury and overuse of a joint.  It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wear down causing the joints to painfully rub together.  

Since there is no cure, the disease is treated in a variety of ways including using over-the-counter pain medications and prescription drugs, physical therapy, engaging in physical activity, weight loss and surgery.  In addition researchers believe that those with OA can benefit from eating foods known to reduce inflammation because OA is yet another form of inflammation.  Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains, eating these foods “gives you a better chance of combating your osteoarthritis symptoms.” 

Foods containing flavonols have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are found in broccoli, kale and berries.  Other anti-inflammatory food are those high in beta carotene and include carrots, red and orange peppers, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach.  Vitamin C is also important and is found in citrus fruits and winter squash.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe provides compassionate senior housing in Santa Fe, NM that is centered on wellness, comfort, and community.  While we are currently following protective protocols for fighting COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents into one of our beautiful 56 bright suites for assisted living or our 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.    

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to give us a call for more information on unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar at Arcadia Offers Specialized Memory Care

Along with Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered on the second floor of our community and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 30 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Memory care residents also enjoy the outdoors with two enclosed patios.

Mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Arcadia a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate 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.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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 our exceptional community.

Doctors Warn to Not Put Off Emergency Care for Fear of COVID-19

The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention.  While many states are coming out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care. 

Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help.  Moreover in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention.  Reports out of Spain, one of Europe’s hardest hit countries “found that the number of heart attack patients treated in healthcare facilities has plummeted by 40% since the onset of the virus.”  Hong Kong had similar reports. 

This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need.  In fact most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public.  To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation” 

MorningStar of Sparks is proud to be the most trusted senior living in Reno.  While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents.  Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, we offer 80 suites for assisted living.  MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood also provides 32 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please check out our website for a virtual tour of independent and assisted living in Reno and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted senior living in Reno.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s Approach to COVID-19

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we are staying vigilant in our approach to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Our highest priority is to the health and safety of our residents, their families and our staff members.  

We are doing all we can to achieve this including instituting a policy that temporarily suspends non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our home.  MorningStar is also keeping up-to-date and following closely, and in many cases exceeding, guidelines set by the CDC to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community.   

Some of these actions include having all assisted living residents dine in their suites with the exception of those with an Individualized Service Plan that require assistance with eating.  They will be served in the dining room, widely spaced from one another.  Our memory care residents will dine as usual but they too will be spread out as far apart as possible.  Other steps include suspending all non-essential visits (medical personnel and end-of-life situations are the exception), eliminating all resident outings, and cancelling all events and outside entertainment.  

All of our team members have received training on infection control with an emphasis on hand sanitation including information from the CDC on COVID-19 and the uniqueness of this viral strain.  We have also modified and increased the frequency of our cleaning practices throughout our home.    

However most importantly of all, our team knows our residents well and is on high alert for any signs of respiratory illness, and has plans in place to address this including protocols for quarantine and relocation, as needed.  We invite you to visit our website to read our full coronavirus COVID-19 update.   

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers 48 well-designed, comfortable assisted living suites with options that include spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans, some as large as 700+ square feet.  We also have 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.