The good news is that today’s seniors are living longer than ever before. New data suggests that if you reach the age of 65 years old, you can expect to live on average another 20 years. Another encouraging survey reports that as many as 41 percent of people over age 65 say that they are in very good or excellent health.
However, experts want to remind seniors that by making some lifestyle changes, they can make their senior years even better. Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, notes that, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet." She further adds that individuals must “make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.” Furthermore, doctors recommend that if you are a senior coping with a chronic medical condition that a geriatrician may help you to better manage your disease and improve your quality of life. Arthritis, heart disease, and cancer are the three most common diseases facing seniors. Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, reports that arthritis affects almost 50 percent of those 65 and over. Also while the severity of the disease varies, for some seniors the condition and associated pain lowers their quality of life. If you have arthritis, experts suggest that you work closely with your doctor to develop an activity and treatment plan. The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading killer of adults over age 65, and that 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older are afflicted with chronic heart disease. Dr. Bernard advises those with heart disease to “exercise, eat well, and get a good night’s rest.” In addition she recommends maintaining a healthy weight. The third most common disease among seniors is cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in individuals over 65. The CDC reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer. They recommend that seniors get routine screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, as many cancers detected early are treatable. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar 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: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/
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Among our many residents, MorningStar of Sparks is proud to counts 58 veterans as part of our community. In fact, honoring our local vets during last year’s Veterans Day ceremony was quite an affair as every veteran received a token of thanks in the form of a certificate and a patriotic Christmas ornament. Throughout all of MorningStar’s communities, we are privileged to have veterans from all five branches of military service call us home.
Whenever we hear that veterans or families of vets are interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to local resources that can help to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance”. This is a monthly benefit payment allocated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities. Additional qualifications for the vets include having served at least 90 days of active duty, of which at least one day was spent serving during a period of a foreign war. Also, the vet must not have been dishonorably discharged. The Aid & Attendance benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired from the military. For surviving spouses to be eligible for the benefit, they must have been married to the vet at the time of their death and never remarried. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about applying for the benefit. MorningStar of Sparks offers the area’s best independent living, assisted living and memory care with the goal to make your retirement years as carefree as possible. Visit our website to set up a tour of our beautiful community. 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. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed. We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease. Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.
Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications. Also even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and prevent the onset. The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes. Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Know your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your doctor. In addition make the appropriate changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your risk for heart disease. Another important part of living with diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal ranges. Many of the same lifestyle changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure. The ADA advises that “people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 140/80, but check with your health care professional about what target is best for you.” Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising. You can also manage your diabetes better if you stop smoking. We recognize that smoking is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes. Finally if you increase your physical activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Ridgegate, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living. Sources:diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/?referrer=https://www.google.com/ diabetesstopshere.org/seniors-with-diabetes-take-control-of-your-health/ While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.
The Family Doctor website also offers some commonsense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and eat food that is enriched with fiber. By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and in the event you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. Another benefit to daily physical activity is that your brain also benefits. The article cites studies that indicate people who regularly exercise are better able to make decisions. Furthermore, even if you have never exercised on a regular basis, the experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury. By daily exercising, you can help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts recommend breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into two or three increments. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or do 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. Lastly the article suggests increasing the fiber in your diet; it can improve your health in a number of ways. Fiber gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition it may help to lower cholesterol levels. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Ridgegate, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living. Sources: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html,familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our goal is to provide seniors a true home where they can enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible. As such, our community offers all kinds of activities and entertainment in an atmosphere that fosters companionship, socialization, and just pure fun.
For example, by taking a quick look at the special events and activities that were held in June, you can see our residents had an opportunity to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Early-on in the month, a group took a trip to the South Tahoe’s Historical Society. A few days later, residents joined the MorningStar team to participate in the annual Optimism Walk around Virginia Lake, sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA). Mid-month our community was visited by a local master falconer, Marie Gaspari-Crawford, who adeptly demonstrated to the delight of residents and staff alike, her birds various abilities. She also provided us with an interesting insight into the ancient history behind the art of falconry. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that our participation in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day event on June 20th was a success. As a part of the day’s activities, we released purple balloons into the sky to honor our memory-impaired residents and listened to music by Colin Ross. Another special day for our MorningStar residents was an exciting trip to the rodeo. We all had fun watching the extraordinary activities, which included barrel racing, bull riding, roping and much, much more. This is just a sampling of some of the special events that are in addition to our regularly scheduled activities that take place every month at MorningStar of Sparks. We invite you and your family to schedule a tour to come and experience firsthand our gorgeous community and discover why so many seniors are glad to call it home. 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. The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) recommends that seniors age 60 and older get a hearing test every two years and warn that hearing loss is difficult to detect without a professional assessment. Additionally the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) explains that hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting elderly adults. Their statistics show, “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”
If you suspect that you are experiencing hearing loss, the NIDCD recommends that you start by talking to your health care provider. He or she may refer you to an otolaryngologist who will attempt to diagnose why you are experiencing hearing loss. From there you may be sent to an audiologist to be fitted for a hearing aid. Hearing aids are primarily used for hearing loss from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, known as hair cells, and referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss may be caused by disease or injury, loud noises, or aging, which is known as Presbycusis and hearing aids are just one course of treatment. In the case of severe hearing loss a small electronic device known as a cochlear implant is surgically implanted in the inner ear. Other solutions include amplifying devices and closed circuit systems. The NIDCD advises that having trouble hearing can make it difficult to understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms. In addition loss of hearing can make it difficult to join in conversations with family and friends. The NIDCD’s website has a helpful checklist to help you determine if it is time to consult your doctor regarding your hearing. Our post is only for information purpose. If you have any medical problems, please seek the medical advice of your health care provider. 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: aihhp.org/your-hearing/routine-hearing-checks-how-often/ nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/older.aspx As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community. In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities. As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.
When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities. Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores. Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves. This is something that is not a problem in senior living communities. While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone. For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior living communities usually offer some form of transportation. In addition many communities routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping malls or other events. We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well. In some cases, preparing food has become more difficult as well as grocery shopping. Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals. This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated. Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own. This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again. Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to parent their parent as the senior is getting needs meet at their “new home.” Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age. Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around. If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand for residents at an assisted living community. At MorningStar at Ridgegate, we offer residents a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy our many amenities and activities. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar’s senior community “home”. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Ridgegate, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living. Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/ Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort. According to the experts, there are several signs to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad.
The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required. Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia? Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness? Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be? It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them. An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance. Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship. Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own. Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others. We encourage you to plan a visit to MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks to discover the carefree lifestyle we offer. 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:helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we provide high-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as respite care. Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services. In addition communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.
As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can just as important in the healing process. Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you. Of course since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future. Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a much needed vacation or is busy with other priorities. However regardless of why you have come to temporarily join our community; we will make you feel right at home. Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management. In addition you are invited to take advantage of MorningStar of Sparks’ on-going activities, entertainment and scheduled outings. We have our own onsite library, theatre, fitness center, outdoor strolling paths and courtyards as well as provide housekeeping and laundry services and group transportation. For an additional charge, you can enjoy a private massage or visit our salon. Contact us to learn more about our respite care services and how they can help you or your loved one to make a speedy recovery. 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. For everyone involved, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease is heart wrenching. As a family, you are faced with many difficult decisions and that includes deciding what type of living arrangements will best suit your loved one.
At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our 32 suite Reflection Neighborhood is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our secure and loving neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required. We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease. The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident. We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff. To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value. Our team works every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents. Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our MorningStar of Sparks independent and assisted living communities. 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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