 Moving a loved one into assisted living is never an easy decision. We often grow very close bonds with our senior family members that experiencing them move to a new location can feel devastating. Readjusting to senior living is a tough experience for everyone involved. If you are focused on staying in touch with your loved one this blog will outline some creative ways to keep the connection strong and flourishing.
Pick a Senior Living Community Close to Home Many families consider great assisted living options near them when looking for living arrangements for their loved one. Many families like to remain in close proximity. With over 30 senior living communities across the U.S., MorningStar Senior Living is a great option for families looking to remain close to their parents or grandparents. Schedule Regular Phone Calls with Intention It is true that we all have such busy lives. Sometimes it’s hard to always carve out time for long talks. Your loved one in assisted living looks forward to hearing from their loved knees. Regular phone calls and video calls are great, but if you’re looking for more intentional ways to remind your loved one how much you care about them, try the creative method of sending a phone call invitation by mail or through email with a personalized touch. This way they know you are thinking of them and making an active effort to stay in touch. Plan Trips with Meaning Sometimes life pulls us in different directions and we can’t always live close to our loved ones. If this is your reality, try to schedule trips to visit and create an itinerary of things to do in that area with the family. Many MorningStar are in major cities, so they are surrounded by a ton of fun things to experience with your loved one. Find Assisted Living Options Near You MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.
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 Normal aging brings about a decline in our physical abilities that affect strength, stamina and speed – all associated with declining muscle mass. Harvard Health Publishing explains that there is not much decline in our muscles between the ages of 20 and 40; after age 40 there can be a decline of up to 1% to 2% per year in lean body mass and 1.5% to 5% per year in strength.
Mobility is key to protecting our independence. Along with losing muscle mass, other common problems in older adults include poor reflexes and balance, and loss of flexibility. Fortunately there are things we can do to encourage a healthier, safer aging process. One of the first things is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. One prevailing myth many older adults believe is physical activity will lead to injury or a fall. Experts say the actual truth is too much sitting causes muscle loss and decreased flexibility. For older adults, it is more important to exercise regularly to compensate for bodily changes in hormones and other factors that occur with aging. Strength exercises using light weights or bands can help protect bones, build muscle and improve flexibility and balance along with aerobics, stretching and special balance exercises. These include things such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or cardio classes. To help build strength, balance, and flexibility, consider a class in yoga, tai chi, Pilates or isometric weightlifting. Additionally regularly exercising not only helps maintain our mobility but is associated with a stronger heart and less occurrence of cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider or a physical therapist regarding the best exercises for your needs. The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. The contemporary MorningStar of Littleton senior living community offers 65 assisted living suites along with 20 suites devoted to Alzheimer’s care in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Floorplans include a choice of studios or one- and two-bedrooms and are equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and kitchenettes. MorningStar’s meaningful wellness programs and activities are designed to enhance quality of life as well as provide fun and entertainment. Contact us to schedule a personalized tour of the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers.  Moving into assisted living is a major life step. Seniors moving into an assisted living community want to create a space that feels like home. Since this is a new path, many families may wonder what is best or necessary to pack when moving into a senior living apartment. Keep reading to see a fail-safe list on what to pack when moving to MorningStar in Des Moines, Iowa.
Furniture Many senior living communities are actually non-furnished. This is true at MorningStar Senior Living. Seniors should be able to feel like they’re curating a space that feels special to them. Moving into a blank space also allows room for seniors to bring some of their favorite pieces of furniture that reminds them of home or other heart-warming memories. When planning to move to senior living, take stock of the bulky furniture you or your loved one plans to bring into their new spacious senior living apartment. Sentimental Keepsakes The joys of moving into an un-furnished senior living apartment is that you get to decorate it whichever way you want! Family photos, decorative items, curtains, and other knick-knacks are all great things to consider when moving into assisted living. These items will bring comfort and familiarity to your loved one. Hobbies Packing board games, books, art projects, and any other hobbies is a great way to get your loved one acclimated to senior living and to start feeling comfortable in their home. These activities will help them relax and stay engaged during quiet moments or down-time. Find Assisted Living Options Near You MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.  Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease and can become a serious problem if allowed to go untreated. The disease attacks the tissue at the base of the teeth, called gingival tissue, and causes swelling and inflammation. It occurs when food particles and other substances are left on the gum line where sticky plaque and hard tartar forms at and below the gums.
Dr. Tien Jiang, assistant professor in oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says with the correct oral care gingivitis can be controlled with proper teeth brushing and routine dental cleanings. If left untreated, inflammation from gingivitis can lead to an irreversible form of gum disease called periodontitis, and damage the tissue and bones supporting the teeth. If your dentist suspects periodontitis, they can use x-rays to see how far the disease has advanced. Studies have linked inflammation of the gums to a higher risk of many serious diseases including heart, stroke and dementia. Poor dental hygiene like not flossing, smoking, misaligned teeth, diabetes that is not well-managed, and infections in other parts of the body can put you at higher risks for gum disease. While early gum disease usually does not cause symptoms, as the disease progresses; signs include sore, red, sensitive, or swollen gums. Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed, mouth sores and bad breath are other symptoms. Dr. Jiang says prevention and treatment begins with home care and should include twice a daily brushing and once a day flossing. Pay attention to areas where plaque tends to grow such as between the teeth and at the gum line. If your dentist visits show lots of plaque buildup, they may recommend using anti-plaque or anti-tartar toothpastes or mouth rinses. At the dentist office, your dentist or dental hygienist is equipped to remove plaque deposits before gingivitis can cause more serious problems. For cases where inflammation is below the gum line, they have special tools to clean the area. Your dentist office is also a good place to learn how to properly care for your teeth. The fashionable MorningStar of Littleton provides trusted senior living Littleton, CO families rely on. For assisted living, our 65 smartly-designed suites are available in spacious studios as well as one-and-two-bedrooms floorplans. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities such as a fireside patio; massage room, spa bath and bistro. Daily wellness programs and activities bring meaning and good, old-fashion fun to residents. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 20 suites for all-inclusive, specialized Alzheimer’s care. Contact us to schedule an in-person tour of our beautiful senior living community. Source: health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gingivitis-reversing-and-preventing-early-gum-disease  Staying active in our senior years is important. This is especially true for seniors who may have mobility concerns or deal with medical issues or flare-ups. While relaxing is nice, it’s also great to move our bodies in meaningful ways. If you’re curious how you can stay active in senior living, or if you want to help a friend or loved one, keep reading to know what some of the best exercises are for seniors in assisted living communities.
The Important Benefits of Exercise for Seniors Regular exercise provides a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors in assisted living. Seniors who move their bodies experience better moods and feel healthier overall. Healthy weight management is strongly correlated to exercise. Gentle exercise, or low-impact exercise, includes a range of chair yoga, stretching, walking, and mobility exercises that are easy on joints and require less muscle strain. Being healthy and active doesn’t have to include pushing your body to its limit. Sometimes, all seniors need to be active is intentional stretching and regular movement to feel good and keep their bodies healthy. Yoga Stretching is a gentle, low-impact way for seniors to stay active. Yoga is a versatile exercise because it can be easily adapted to different ability levels. Simple stretches and breathwork can help the body feel good and improve flexibility. Walks Brief walks throughout the day support overall wellness. Just 10 minutes outdoors can boost mood, metabolism, and relaxation. Always choose safe, shaded paths and walk with a buddy if possible. Water Aerobics Water aerobics is ideal for seniors with joint pain or mobility issues. The water’s support reduces strain while still offering a full-body workout. It’s a great way to stay active with conditions like arthritis or poor circulation. Find Assisted Living Options Near You MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’sretirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking assisted living in Des Moines, IA.  Statistics from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and other sources estimate Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to fraud, errors, and abuse. Experts caution anyone on Medicare is at risk for fraudulent charges and examples include:
Experts say fraudulent schemes are growing and there aren’t enough agents to keep up. The Office of Inspector General (OIG), which investigates Medicare fraud, works with a staff of approximately 450 agents for the whole country. If you are on Medicare, you can help prevent some of the fraud as many schemes target beneficiaries directly by stealing their identities or enlisting them as unwitting accomplices. Medicare.gov advises seniors to start by protecting their Medicare card like they would a credit card. This includes not giving out the number to anyone other than your healthcare provider or other people you know should have it. In addition, they say it is important to check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it could be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE. MorningStar of Littleton provides the finest senior living Littleton, CO families rely on. Our community has 65 spacious assisted living suites across three-stories in a choice of studio and one-and-two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all-inclusive Alzheimer’s care with 20 suites. Contact us to set up a personalized tour to see firsthand the most trusted senior living Littleton, CO offers.  The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.
In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night’s sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is like being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our vibrant home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish retirement homes suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other retirement communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior apartments in Wheat Ridge, CO.  Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways. Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth. For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.
Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat. Additionally, our medication care management services seem to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed accurately and on time. Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more. Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year about 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as suites are equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system. In addition, bathrooms are handicapped-accessible and equipped with grab bars. Along with senior apartments, families trust MorningStar to care for their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Each day is filled with activities such as listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, arts and crafts, and the celebration of special events. Residents also receive daily health monitoring, access to a licensed nurse and other supportive third-party services. Located on the north side of Metro Denver in the heart of Wheat Ridge, our community is part of the Kipling Ridge redevelopment project and is close to Lutheran Medical Center, shopping, restaurants and other services. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and retirement communities in Wheat Ridge, CO.  While Mother’s Day and Father’s Day occur in May and June each year, grandparents have their special day in September. To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, Grandparents Day is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. In 2025 it will occur on Sunday, September 7th. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year.
For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids. Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can include the role of caregiver, teacher, playmate and cheering squad depending on where they live; and does not come with the responsibilities of being the parent. Grandparents can uniquely provide the child with a sense of their family history, heritage, and identity. They know great stories about the child’s parents and can help pass on family traditions and life stories. If your child does not have any grandparents, consider adopting an elderly person who does not have grandchildren. If you don’t know any senior citizens personally, call a senior community in your area and ask if they have activities where your child would be welcome. If you missed last year’s Grandparents Day, put it on the calendar and celebrate it with some of your favorite seniors this year. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a top assisted living community in the Denver area with a mission statement to: • Honor God in our business practices and relationships • Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals • Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well Our beautifully designed building offers 45 senior apartments suites in a variety of floor plans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Reflections Neighborhood provides the people, programs and security to enhance quality of life. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in retirement communities and memory care.Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about outstanding senior living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Since it is true our brains may not function as well as they did when we were younger, not all brain changes are a sign of Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. It may simply be a sign that as our bodies move slower with age, so do our brains.
An AARP article highlighted memory problems that can be a part of normal aging as well as problems that should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider. One example discussed was the difference between getting lost or confused in a familiar location as opposed to getting lost the first time you go to a new place. Experts say the former is concerning and could be a sign of a problem as it goes beyond normal aging. Also, if you find yourself forgetting where you are at times or how you got there, tell your doctor. Another worrying sign can be repeating the same story or asking the same questions over and over again. The person probably doesn’t remember repeating themselves; if they did, they wouldn’t do it. This is why if a spouse or friend tells you are constantly repeating yourself, add it to the list to mention to your doctor. Forgetting appointments can be normal when it happens occasionally but concerning if it happens all the time. Moreover, there is a difference between forgetting a planned activity until reminded about it, or forgetting the activity was never planned in the first place. Other signs it could be dementia include not being able to complete tasks you used to do or not being able to multi-task like you once did. Normal forgetfulness includes things like forgetting a person’s name and then remembering it later; or not sure what day it is but later it comes to you that it is Sunday. In addition, as the brain’s processing speed begins to slow down, it is normal to take a longer time to learn something new. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows senior living communities is designed to provide carefree retirement years and includes a myriad of hospitality and senior care services, best-in-class dining and luxury amenities. Our signature wellness programs and activities enhance mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. We offer 45 assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic care for those with memory loss diseases. Contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule a tour. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living facilities and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: stayingsharp.aarp.org/articles/dementia-cause-worry/ |
