Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades. In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care.
At MorningStar of Sparks, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease. Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well. Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages. Our community has secure outdoor space reserved for our memory care residents and we provide assistance in whatever way your loved one needs us including eating and daily personal care activities. Right from the start, we interview the family so we may become familiar with the resident’s personal preferences, background, and hobbies, and then design a care plan suited around their needs. Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. We strive to make each day as special as possible for our memory care residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar of Sparks’ quality memory care. 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.
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Eye problems are a common complaint among the elderly. The American Optometric Association advises that older adults need to be aware of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems as they can cause loss of vision. Also since some eye diseases have no early symptoms, they recommend annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60. It is important to remember that while many eye conditions are easily treated, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to serious eye problems.
One almost universal vision change experienced by older adults is Presbyopia, which is the gradual, age-related loss of the eyes' ability to focus clearly on nearby objects. Typically the condition is not treated with any intervention other than a pair of reading glasses. Floaters are another problem seniors experience and appear as tiny specks or spots that seem to float across your field of vision. The Mayo Clinic says that most eye floaters are caused by “age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump and can cast tiny shadows on your retina, which appear to you as floaters.” It is important to have the condition checked by an eye doctor as it can also be a sign of more serious eye problems including retinal detachment. Dry eyes are also common in seniors and can cause itching, burning and even loss of vision. Treatment includes nutritional supplements, medications to reduce inflammation, or eye drops that simulate real tears. On the other side some older adults can have too many tears that may result from temperature changes or sensitivity to light. Taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses can help but you should be checked by your doctor as it could signal an infection or blocked tear duct. In addition cataracts and glaucoma are frequent problems affecting older adults. In the case of cataracts, once they begin to affect your eyesight they can usually be removed by surgery. Glaucoma is not curable but it is treatable, and without treatment, it can eventually lead to permanent blindness. 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. Sources:aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113 Who of us has not left the doctor’s office and thought about all of the questions we meant to ask? It is an easy thing to do and this is why it helps to take some time to prepare before your next appointment. Here are some simple steps you can do to ensure this does not happen again.
First, you should stop and think about all of the concerns and questions you may have before you leave home. Think back to your last doctor visit and make a note if anything has changed in your health since then. Include any symptoms you are experiencing such as aches, pains, lack of sleep, weight loss or gain, and any mood changes. Be specific with your symptoms as to how often they occur and the severity. Write down everything you can think of that is relevant to these concerns. Now go over all the medications you are currently taking and write down the names and the dosage. Some doctors will even ask that you bring all of your medications in their containers so they can go over them. You should include any over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies along with vitamins and eye drops. Be sure to list any allergies to drugs that you may have. Add to your list any other questions that have not been addressed up to this point. Mention any life changes you may have had since your last visit and be ready to answer questions about your diet, are you still driving, physical exercise, social activities, etc. Remember this is your health and take ownership. You and your doctor are a team working together to make sure you get the best medical care. Do not hesitate to ask for the reassurance and guidance you need to make the best decisions regarding your medical treatment. 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. Even for older adults, good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle. A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.“
As a part of their findings, they recommend avoiding foods loaded with empty calories such as potato chips, cookies, soda and alcohol to ensure you get your proper amount of daily nutrients. Instead they advise eating wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats. One of the benefits of eating well is that it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and bone loss as well as some types of cancer. In fact if you already suffer from one of those diseases, maintaining a healthy diet along with staying physically active can help you to better manage them. Additionally adopting a healthy diet can help to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. Wholesome, healthy foods help keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and vitamin-rich food can boost immunity and fight against illness-causing toxins. Furthermore, a healthy diet can help you feel better as well as give you more energy. At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we wholeheartedly agree that good nutrition is important for seniors. This is why our residents are served three daily meals that are not only very healthy but also delicious. Each of our meals are served restaurant-style in a beautiful dining room and prepared by our European-Trained Executive Chef, Jacques Cornelis. Please contact us to learn more about our wide range of services and programs offered by MorningStar. *This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions.* MorningStar at Arcadia’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. Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community. Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), “18 percent of seniors live alone, while 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis.” They also found that people 60 years or older who reported being lonely had a 45% increase in a risk of death. Furthermore, seniors who felt isolated had almost a 60% increase in the risk of mental and physical decline than those seniors who had more social contact.
There are many reasons that seniors attribute to their feelings of loneliness: retirement, death of a spouse and other family members, and a lack of mobility. Another factor leading to isolation for some seniors is that more people are choosing to not have children, which reduces the number of family members with a stake in their well-being. A 2009 report taken from data gathered by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project found that “seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical and/or mental health.” As such, loneliness is also linked to a faster cognitive decline as well as a greater risk for depression. Senior living communities such as MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks offer seniors not only the security and comfort to age in place but also companionship along with a wide assortment of creative, thoughtful activities. A quick look at our monthly calendar shows a steady stream of activities such as exercise options, rosary, Catholic mass, current events, word games and puzzles, tap dancing, Trivia, Bingo, movie night and much, much more. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful home-like atmosphere and the comfort, wellness and community we offer to our residents. 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: aplaceformom.com/blog/10-17-14-facts-about-senior-isolation/ agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm Experts agree that it is important for aging adults to exercise their brains daily. Mind games, puzzles and memory games are an enjoyable way to help seniors stay sharp. For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory; however, puzzles, crosswords, and board and card games do the same thing.
Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance. In fact a study that monitored brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest, cognitive exercises, and playing their instrument showed their brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than resting.” It also found the musicians’ heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out. Additionally most board games, including chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making. Furthermore, playing games that require at least two people offers the added benefit of socializing. Reading is another great activity and opens doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to as well as heightens imagination and introduces new ideas. Book clubs also offer the opportunity for socializing and an exchange of ideas. Other things that boost brain activity include gardening, which was found to increase serotonin levels that are a natural anti-depressant. Physical exercise also increases brain activity by moving nutrients, blood, and oxygen throughout the body. In addition it “helps reduce sugars and cortisol: both implicated for worsening Alzheimer’s and dementia.” We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities. MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and 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. Source: mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/ Over the last couple of years, we have seen some exciting changes in the leadership at the MorningStar of Sparks Senior Living community. One of the changes we made a few years ago was to bring on board Assaad Zeid as our Executive Director. With a background in business administration, Mr. Zeid has more than 7 years of experience as a Senior Level Executive Director in the Senior Living Industry and Hospitality.
While growing up, Zeid was very close to his grandparents and lived with them for over 13 years. He credits his work ethic, respect and ability to survive as some of the lessons they taught him. Living through difficult times in the Lebanon civil war, Zeid’s grandfather showed him the value of giving to those in need. Today, he recognizes that each senior brings a life story of survival and work ethic that teaches us what true character means. Another member of of the MorningStar of Sparks’ team is our Executive Chief. Jacques Cornelis was born in Temse, Belgium, and first entered a professional kitchen at age 14. After working in the finest restaurants in Antwerp, Brussels and Paris, he immigrated to the U.S. at 28 years old. Now with 50 years of experience under his belt, Jacques is accomplished in all types of cuisines and treats our residents to a wonderful array of tasty dishes. These two are but just a few of our many wonderful employees. Please see our website or contact us to schedule a tour to understand why our residents are happy to call MorningStar of Sparks “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. 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.
In our Reflections Neighborhood at Morning Senior Living of Sparks, we offer families one of the best memory care communities in the area. So what is it that sets us apart from other senior living memory care communities? At MorningStar of Sparks, we use a resident-directed approach to memory care with multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, as a way to calm and awaken memories, and support capabilities. We also understand the importance of recreational and purposeful activities such as art, music, entertainment and exercise, all of which we integrate into our memory care. In addition our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and a secure courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care patients. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. When people visit us for the first time, they are impressed with the atmosphere of our community. However beyond all of our beautiful well-designed surroundings, MorningStar of Sparks is most proud of our caring and loving staff. Our mission is to affirm the dignity and value of our most tender residents and provide an environment where they feel truly at 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. Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and is built on a European social model. It is designed for seniors who do not require 24-hour nursing care but rather just need a little assistance with daily living. An assisted living community provides a secure and comfortable environment that lets you or your loved one age in place. Furthermore, it gives family members peace of mind knowing that their elderly parent or relative is receiving the care they need.
Many communities offer a range of amenities that include private suites, libraries, theater, fitness centers as well as creative and wellness programs. Some of the services typically provided by assisted living communities are daily meals, medication management, help with bathing and dressing and transportation. With a home-like atmosphere, seniors have the opportunity for companionship and to develop new friendships and interests. Assisted living can also provide a safer option for many seniors than living alone as help is much closer at hand. According to the National Institute of Health, “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age.” In fact, over 1.6 million U.S. seniors go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year. At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we think seniors are a national treasure and they deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Along with our 80 beautiful assisted living suites, our community offers 128 well-appointed independent living suites designed for seniors without the need of any care services. In addition our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. Please give us a call so we can help you find your new 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. Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/01.html |
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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