Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.
There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health. HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness. Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.” All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one. You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities. This post is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice. 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Sources:webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm
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While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care. MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is committed to do just that. Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional care to our residents, and give families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care available.
Our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. One of the important aspects of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise. To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care residents. Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy. Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual. In fact one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident. 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks emphatically agrees with the Alzheimer’s Association about the importance of visiting your loved one in a memory care community. While it can be hard to see your parent or family member struggling with memory loss, many times they are aware that they have a visitor even if they do not know your name.
The Alzheimer’s Association wants you to remember that you are an important link to your loved one’s identity and to keep in mind that there is more to them than just their memory. They recommend keeping visits simple and to try to limit distractions and excess noise. In addition they remind visitors that they may have to adjust their expectations and to not take it personally if your loved one becomes angry or upset with you. It is also helpful to know as much about the disease as you can as it will help you to better understand the struggles of memory loss. Jolene Brackey also shares some tips from her book, Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease, to help family members when visiting. She suggests you begin your visit by introducing yourself, and to use their given name rather than calling them “mom” or “dad” as they may have forgotten that their kids are already grown. If your loved one has a familiar nickname, you can use that. Ms. Brackey also recommends that you visit “one on one” or in small groups, and to bring the conversation around to pleasant memories from their past. If you do get them talking, give them plenty of time to respond to a question or to follow directions. MorningStar of Sparks reminds family members that a new voice is always a welcome change and a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers can lift the spirits of someone struggling with dementia. Your friendly, loving visit can have a positive effect on your loved one for the rest of the day. 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source: alz.org/stl/documents/Visiting_Your_Loved_One.pdf Many of us get anxious when looking toward a medical procedure that will require hospitalization. There is preparation you can do beforehand for yourself or your loved one to make things easier. We have provided some tips to relieve the worry and stress associated with hospitalization and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Important steps to take to insure your safety and well-being while in the hospital:
Also remember to leave your valuables at home. Pack items such as reading glasses and hearing aids and anything else that will ensure your comfort during your stay. Be sure and check with the hospital to see what their cell phone policy is. Many hospitals allow patients to use their own cell phones while on the premises. 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 schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. |
AuthorAt 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 team works diligently to give residents a quality of life eclipsing that of other senior living communities. Archives
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