Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into memory care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change. This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one.
While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change. However, please remember you did your homework and wisely selected the community you thought was the best option. You also recognize the community is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one. So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice. First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem. Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help. Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them. If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia. Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change. While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary. In addition, you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the community. And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move. Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own. MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s mission is to provide the best senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines has to offer, which includes loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases. Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents. We consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and we are here for them as well. Visit our website for contact information. MorningStar at Jordan Creek represents the best in assisted living and memory care with a unique 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. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.
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MorningStar at Mountain Shadows wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need. Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director, who is also a registered nurse, will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences. In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.
As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly. If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services. We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages. Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly. Or it may be you worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day. We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents. To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure their have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. Within our 45 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. You will find all of our suites have high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items. Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly! Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar and our Mountain Shadows community. While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 message from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 learn more about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer. We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.
Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking. The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get. They also make great gifts for seniors. We want you to know that MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Our community provides 45 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. We also have 19 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for the best assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar at Mountain Shadows 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 for more information about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/ It is sometimes difficult for adult children to realize their parent needs more care in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing. This is why MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers a Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process of making the move to senior living, especially assisted living, which is a relatively new paradigm in wellness and engagement.
Some of the typical signs that indicate your parent needs more help include falling, driving mishaps, and forgetting significant things such as leaving the stove-top on. Also, really take a look at how they are living. Does their home seem a lot more cluttered and less tidy? Is unopened mail piling up? Does your parent suffer from failing eyesight, poor balance or forgetfulness? Another sign your parent is not doing well on their own is if they look less groomed or appear to be wearing the same clothes for days at a time. When you put all of this together, it probably means your loved one is not able to care for themselves as they once did, and it is time to begin discussing alternatives to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Start by gathering your family together in a relaxed atmosphere and approach the conversation slowly. Remember your first conversation is just a starting point and the decision will most likely be made in stages. During the conversation it should be noted that getting the care your loved one needs will benefit the whole family. You may even be pleasantly surprised to learn your parent has started to think they need a change. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 45 private assisted living suites along with 19 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. During the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents, their families and staff. We are still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. What would happen if you or a loved one had a medical emergency that required immediate attention? Could you or another family member relay the person’s medical history to hospital personnel as well as provide an up-to-date record of their medications? Remember it needs to be right as this is important information for doctors to know before the person goes into surgery or receives treatment.
The John Hopkins Medicine website reports that keeping accurate medical records may also result in better healthcare. A study found that senior cardiac patients “who kept a personal health record enjoyed better health—perhaps because they and their caregivers could better see their health picture.” For suggestions on how to efficiently organize yours or a loved one’s medical records, take a look at some of the following tips experts share. According to geriatric medicine physician Alicia Arbaje, M.D., M.P.H., the first step is to create a doctor directory for each family member. Include all of the various doctors they see as well as contact info and the role they play in the care team. The next step is to put together the person’s medical history and current health information categorically and chronologically. Medical history should include pertinent health info on parents, siblings and grandparents. While medical records over a year old can be filed away, the current file needs to include information on past medical treatments, surgeries, accidents and hospitalizations. In addition the file should have a record of the current year’s doctor visits and hospital discharge summaries as well as pharmacy printouts of prescribed medications. Don’t forget to list any over-the-counter medications taken. Add to your file test results from MRIs, cancer screenings, X-rays, and other routine blood tests, etc. Keep a list of known allergies, and if the person had an adverse reaction to a drug, record the name and dosage that they were taking at the time. If they suffer from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, keep a record of those readings as well as recurring symptoms. Another thing to keep in the file is a copy of the person’s living will and medical power of attorney. You should also give a copy of the person’s advance directives to their primary healthcare provider. To save work, take advantage of the doctors’ electronic patient charts to access test results, doctor notes and other pertinent medical details. Lastly remember your medical records are only as good as the information so keep it up-to-date. MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 the finest memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/medical-records-getting-organized If you are new to the name MorningStar allow us to introduce ourselves. MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger whose intention was to create senior housing that felt like the loving atmosphere of his grandmother’s Mid-west home. We now have 25+ senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US including MorningStar at Jordan Creek, a Des Moines area assisted living and memory care home.
We sincerely believe our astounding success is attributed to a mission statement of honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing in our team’s ability to serve well. MorningStar communities are also deliberate in the type of culture we strive to create, which is why it is important for us to hire individuals that believe residents are to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers 56 bright suites for assisted living, and each of our stylish apartments is a true home designed to provide residents privacy, comfort, and security. We also have a whole range of resort-style amenities such as an onsite theatre/ chapel, bistro, fitness room, library, salon and more. For residents’ convenience, we have scheduled transportation, and offer beautifully prepared meals under the direction of our Executive Chef. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide compassionate, loving care to our most tender residents. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 the finest memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the AHA says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show one in four US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts now believe as many as 80% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work harder, which in turn, increases the likelihood of blood clots. Also if you are diabetic, you need to manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than someone without the disease. Exercise is another way to lower your risk. Doctors say 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, like a brisk walk, yoga or dancing are beneficial. Moreover, if you are overweight, try to lose weight as obesity puts you at risk for any number of health issues including stroke. And don’t forget to get your cholesterol checked. The AHA recommends everyone 20 years of age and over should have it done at least every 5 years. Check with your healthcare provider regarding other risks for stroke. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we approach senior living holistically to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. We offer 45 well-designed suites for assisted living and another 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for residents suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. MorningStar of Littleton is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place. By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit. Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.
We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families. For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family. Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services. These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others. MorningStar of Littleton has 65 bright suites for assisted living including a range of floor plans starting with spacious studio and one-bedroom units all the way to large two-bedroom floor plans. If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 20 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For more information about all-inclusive senior living in Littleton, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability. Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 learn more about the finest assisted living Littleton has to offer. If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time. Medical experts recommend to do some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is. You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parent.
Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms. This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with you parent about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam. Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm. Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask. Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing. However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia. If you are looking for trusted senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO, please give us a call. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: alzheimers.net/how-to-talk-with-a-parent-about-dementia-symptoms Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.
Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future. Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away. Another perk of MorningStar at Jordan Creek is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands. Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and both natural and overhead lighting. In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required. Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on. We have 56 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Des Moines offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 the finest senior living Des Moines - West Des Moines has to offer. |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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