Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. The World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”
Furthermore, studies show the most harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnoses resulted in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong drugs prescribed. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all of the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption. Medical professionals say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment. Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it. If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend. Also ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable. Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better; remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. We offer stylish suites for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers. 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, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s an estimated 13.8 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse as many seniors self-isolated from family and friends.
Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.” The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.” Senior living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, bingo, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join. Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during week days and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. 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 to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer. Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.
Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to provide the best assisted living Des Moines or West Des Moines has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please see our website to learn more. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers. 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, MorningStar at Jordan Creek provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/ The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned on ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weight-lifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).” Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 56 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “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. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html If you or a loved one is starting to feel less steady on your feet and at risk of falling, a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However, before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs.
As AgingCure.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise.” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If they recognize a need for a mobility aid, they may refer you to an occupational or physical therapist. The following are a couple of basic guidelines to know before you get started. A cane can help provide balance and stability and is ideal for someone who needs to support no more than 25% of their body weight. It is most useful for those minimally impaired or with weakness in one leg. Walkers are available in a variety of models but regardless of the style a “correct height of a walker is measured from the floor to the wrist, and the elbows should be flexed in a range of 15 to 20 degrees.” Experts also say the walker must be large enough to provide front and side support for the user. A motorized scooter may be the answer for someone who has lost the ability to walk any distance but still has an adequate amount of strength in their arms and upper body to stay upright as well as drive the scooter. Again there are a variety of models including indoor and outdoor ones as well. Keep in mind though that most insurance companies and Medicare Part B typically only cover scooters for in-house use. MorningStar at Jordan Creek represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers. Source: agingcare.com/articles/expert-advice-how-to-choose-a-mobility-aid-190138.htm There are many examples of how the power of positive thinking has changed people’s lives for the better. When we take a positive attitude, it helps us to be more successful in most every aspect of our lives; and experts say it can be even more important as we age.
Tom Caklos, founder of the www.positivecreators.com website, explains that positive thinking “is a critical ingredient for the well-being and health when a person is on the last leg of his or her life after completing all responsibilities and fulfilling all goals.” He adds it is an important tool to help the elderly transform their lives and fill it with passion, energy and joy.” So how can a senior who may be experiencing the loss of independence or a loved one, challenging health problems, and/or chronic pain cultivate positive thinking? Experts suggest getting into the habit of using positive affirmation to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. Moreover, when we focus on the changes we wish to make in our lives, it can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Positive affirmations can be simple and include things like giving thanks each day for your longevity and for all of the people in your life who you love and who love you. Be grateful for the wisdom you have learned in life and recognize your ability to contribute. Affirm that these are the best years of your life, that you have the right to good health, and the right to live with joy and purpose. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. We have 56 stylish assisted living suites, with another 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with memory impairment. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers and why residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “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 senior living Des Moines has to offer. Source: seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/the-hidden-power-of-positive-affirmations/ Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton offer to residents. One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living community. These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc. At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.
One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager. The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee. Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved. For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service. Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.” Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems. Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.” He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.” Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s extensive care services, wellness programs and resort-style amenities. With 65 assisted living suites and 20 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floor plans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments. MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct 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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers. Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/ Whenever we suffer from a bout of the flu or another illness for a couple of weeks, we quickly remember that good health is a blessing. So, consider how tough it is for some people forced to deal with the consequences of long-term medical conditions that impact their lives every day. Many of these debilitating, persistent conditions cause pain, fatigue and other life-altering symptoms.
Experts recommend if you are one of these people that you give yourself what you need whether it is food, sleep or down time and get into the habit of listening to your body and honoring its limitations. The MedlinePlus website explains it is important to support yourself as well as to let go of expectations, and if you need more support, know where to go to get it. Also, learn as much as you can about your condition as people typically cope better once they how to take care of themselves. In addition, they say let go of blame. Your medical condition may be a result of your family history or just something that happened. Another thing experts want people to know is over time, they will adapt; and that “you will feel like yourself again as you learn how to fit your illness into your life.” If you are dealing with anxiety, try taking a walk, reading a book, or watching a movie. Other coping mechanisms include yoga, tai chi, or mediation as well as learning to play an instrument or taking an art class. Moreover, don’t neglect family and friends, give them a call to see how they are doing. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, our care team will provide the assistance you need in order to maintain your independence. MorningStar’s care services include help with dressing, bathing, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services and more. Please contact us for more information. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living Des Moines offers. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also, during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.
The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood. Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses. Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need? For the area’s finest senior living, Colorado Springs area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a true destination for successful aging. We understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. Our gorgeous community has 45 assisted living suites, and another 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of our services and amenities. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in senior living 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 memory care or assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows may be your answer. Do you celebrate Christmas each year with a large family get-together on Christmas Eve, host an annual family reunion with a barbeque and baseball game, or take yearly family vacations to new places? Most families have traditions that are unique to them, and experts say this is important as they help us feel connected and teach values. Traditions are rituals that can be big or small but are done with a sense of purpose and an awareness that something special is going on.
While forming the bonds of family togetherness can sometimes be hard to do in today’s busy world, the rewards are great. Family rituals provide a sense of home, security and identity that kids and the older generation need. They shape our holidays and birthday celebrations, bedtime routines, meals and more. As family expert, Meg Cox defines in her newly updated guide, The Book of New Family Traditions; family rituals are “any activity you purposefully repeat together as a family that includes heightened attentiveness and something extra that lifts it above the ordinary ruts.” If you wish to create new traditions for your family, start by thinking about the things you did that shaped your own childhood or that of your parents, and try to apply it to your own family’s rituals and celebrations. They can be things we do frequently or just at special times; but if they have value, they may still be around for future generations. The holidays are easy times to create family-oriented traditions and memories. At Christmas, have an annual ornament-making party, bake batches of Christmas cookies, or make and send out Christmas cards. Another idea is to bury a time capsule and have family members write a note and/or put in something that characterizes their interest at the time. If your family loves playing games, set up a weekly or monthly game night. At the same time, you can make it extra yummy by having everyone make their own sundaes, or cook up a big batch of popcorn or nachos. In the fall, organize a trip to a local orchard to pick apples and then bring them home and have everyone help make pies or sauces. Instead of buying Halloween pumpkins at the supermarket, make a day of it and take the family to a pumpkin patch. Remember to honor your family’s heritage by including traditional foods in your celebrations. And don’t forget about including religious and cultural traditions that shape our values, our memories and the very people we become. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinctmission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built onhonoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve tocreate a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for the most trustedsenior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer. Source: artofmanliness.com/articles/creating-a-positive-family-culture-the-importance-of-establishing-family-traditions/ |
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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