Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results.
For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare for your appointment by bringing your prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs you use including vitamins and dietary or herbal supplements. When discussing a possible medical procedure, AHRQ says questions should include: why do I need this procedure; how do I prepare; when will I get the results; and how will I feel afterward? If surgery is recommended, ask if there are alternative treatments available that are just as effective; possible complications; and recovery period. AHRQ says if you are given a new medication, ask how the new drug will interact with other drugs you are taking, how long you will be on it, and common side effects. Before you leave your appointment, make sure you understand your instructions. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community in Colorado Springs offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, if a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 luxury amenities, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care. Source: ahrq.gov/questions/be-engaged/index.html
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Many families fear placing their loved one into a retirement home because of the perceived idea that there will be a lack of communication and family involvement in their loved one’s care. While there are certainly red flags to be wary of when it comes to finding the right living arrangement for your family member, Alzheimer’s care is most successful when there is open collaboration between families and care providers.
Fostering collaboration and trust between families and memory care staff enhances the quality of Alzheimer’s care in multiple ways. Keep reading to understand why open communication is valued at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Understanding Leads to Consistency and Trust Alzheimer’s care managers should value what input a family can provide about their loved one before creating a treatment plan. Experienced memory care managers can voice valuable insight and guidance about what may be a good course of action for successful Alzheimer’s care, but families ultimately know their loved one’s needs and abilities best. MorningStar Memory Care and Senior Living Littleton Co takes a personal approach to Alzheimer’s care. By interviewing the family on the senior’s full history, we discover core motivators, abilities, and preferences that help to create the best Alzheimer’s care for them. This personalized plan can also be readjusted at any time. Having open and continuous communication with family, medical providers, and the senior in care leads to better consistency in care. Trusted Alzheimer’s is easy to find at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Named the “Alzheimer’s Association Leader in Dementia Care,” MorningStar is a senior living community that has enrolled more than 75% of its staff in an eight-hour training that encompasses brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals in memory care. Colorado is the only Alzheimer’s Association chapter in the country offering this special Alzheimer’s care program. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado. When an older adult trips and falls, it can be life changing. Consequences include serious head injuries, hip fractures and broken bones, and in the worst cases, fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Furthermore, more problems can arise as many seniors need several months to recover, which can cause a decline in strength and mobility as well as mental agility. It can also lead to the loss of independence and isolation.
Statistics show most falls happen for a handful of reasons and being forewarned may help prevent one. The environment, especially the person’s home and surrounding outdoor area is one of the biggest culprits. Danger spots include slippery bathtubs, high mattresses, steep stairs, poorly lit hallways, loose rugs, obstacles in walkways and clutter. Experts say a little bit of time spent addressing these problems with things like non-slip bath mats and grab bars, more lighting, removing clutter, etc. can help prevent a fall. Another risk factor for a fall is chronic health conditions that affect balance and mobility. Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure can mean a person might experience dizziness or be unable to control muscles to stop a fall. Growing older also puts us at risk for diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, which in turn, leads to more accidents. Solutions include having yearly eye exams and making sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date. Experts say it is important for seniors to stay as fit as possible as aging affects muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. Check with your doctor for information on balance and strength exercises. If a medication is making you dizzy or drowsy, talk to your doctor about it. There may be another drug just as effective that doesn’t have the same side effects. At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows, we offer residents comfort, security, and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home in Colorado Springs has suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, activities and care services. Our residents’ safety is important to us, and each apartment is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar takes pride in the reputation our senior living communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/5-biggest-causes-seniors-falling/ Change is difficult for seniors, especially if they are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some senior living communities are not equipped to handle the changing needs that come with cognitive decline from dementia and they may recommend a resident to relocate. While finding the best memory care possible is important, constantly adjusting living situations may cause more harm than good.
Picking a senior living community that offers a continuum of care is beneficial for seniors in need of memory care Families shouldn’t have to worry about their loved ones needing to relocate or re adjust to new surroundings because of their changing medical needs. Instead, MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia continuity of care that is made to change with their needs. Keep reading to further understand the importance of continuity of memory care in senior living communities. Staff has established relationships and familiarity with residents If your loved one is transitioning from assisted living to memory care, senior living communities with a continuum of care are already aware of the challenges your loved one is facing, making these needs easily communicated to the next department or care staff. Senior living with a continuum of care prioritizes tracking medical records and changing needs so that all residents’ files are up-to-date. Not only this, but the community is familiar with your loved one’s personality, likes, dislikes, and passions. Continuity of care instills confidence that your loved one will be better understood and their needs more easily met by caretakers and staff who have established relationships and familiarity with them. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado. We all applaud the numerous life-saving medications that help many people enjoy a higher quality of life than they may have experienced without these wonder drugs. In the US, the FDA is in charge of approving the medications that come to market in our country and ensuring they are safe and effective.
While each new prescription drug is carefully looked at by the experts at the FDA before it is granted approval, over the last ten years statistics show there were more than 14,000 drugs recalled. This adds up to an average of almost four recalls a day. Experts say although the numbers sound alarming, in most cases, the FDA is aware of any side effects and risks the drug has before it is made available to the public. According to an article from the Harvard Medical School, there are several explanations as to why things are missed after approval, and a drug is deemed unsafe and recalled. The most likely reason is drug clinical trials are typically done with at most a couple of thousand people. After a drug is widely used by tens of thousands, rare reactions may turn up. Secondly, clinical trial participants are generally healthy in order to produce better trial results. Once the general public is using the drug, it may not work like it did during trials. Problems can also crop up because people are using other medications as well. Other complications resulting in a drug being recalled include poor manufacturing processes including bacterial contamination or problems with mislabeling and storage. In some cases, incidences of recalls are due to manufacturers adding additional drugs that were never in the original medication. Thankfully most recalls are not life-threatening or dangerous to the user. Only 6 percent of recalls are Class I. This is where the drug is deemed dangerous and poses a serious health risk. The majority of recalls fall into the Class II category where a drug may present a less serious health risk or a temporary one. Many times it is a matter of a drug being improperly stored such as a too hot location. To safeguard yourself, you can sign up for texts or emails from the FDA regarding safety alerts and recalls on drugs. Additionally, pharmacists advise patients to carefully examine their new prescription for the correct color and broken or crumbling pills. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your medications. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our well-designed suites come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Amenities include chef-inspired meals, restaurant-style dining, fitness room, salon, theater, fireside patio and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually engaged. To learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living in Colorado Springs, please visit our website. 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 assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/drug-recalls-are-common-202303292907 As the understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia evolves, so too does the approach to care. Many memory care communities are heading in the direction of creating personalized memory care plans for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The best memory care communities understand that senior care should be tailored to each individual, prioritizing their set of unique challenges, health concerns, and personality. If you are new to the world of Alzheimer’s, you may be unfamiliar with the idea of personalized Alzheimer’s care. This is why MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co wants families to better understand the benefits of personalized memory care for seniors.
Individualized Memory Care that can be Adjusted at Any Time Memory care at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co provides individualized care that is personalized to each resident. This individualized memory care is dependent on their health needs, mobility, age, wants, current abilities, and much more. Personalized care plans ensure that each senior is receiving the correct level of care for themselves, allowing them to experience their life to the fullest while remaining safe and cared for. With the help of healthcare providers, family members, and care managers, we can agree on what level of care will be best for your loved one. By providing individualized care, seniors at MorningStar Senior Living Portland experience more independence and autonomy while being supported to do the things they love in retirement. A More Successful Approach to Alzheimer’s Care Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches to memory care, personalized Alzheimer’s care can be a more successful approach to treating dementia because the treatment plan recognizes the individuality of each senior and what their personal needs are. Tailoring care to the unique needs of each resident enhances the overall quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and can encourage improvement in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reminds older adults mild forgetfulness is more often a normal part of aging and not a serious memory problem. They explain serious problems generally involving things like the person asking the same question over and over again and getting lost in places they know well. They may also have trouble following recipes or directions and find themselves confused about people, places and time.
If you are someone who is forgetting things, there are some steps you can take to feel more confident. These involve several simple things you can do, which will benefit your whole being like getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night), not drinking a lot of alcohol; and exercising and eating well. Managing high blood pressure is also important. Other more practical tips to help with forgetfulness are putting your wallet or purse, keys, glasses and phone in the same place each day. Instead of assuming you will remember, write out shopping and need to-do lists and use a calendar or take notes. NIA says to get involved in activities that focus on using the mind and body and stay socially involved. If you feel depressed for weeks at a time, talk to your doctor. Strategies to improve forgetfulness include challenging our brains by learning new things as well as using all our senses. For example, prepare a new recipe that requires lots of spices. If you are eating out, try to identify the flavors and seasonings used in the meal. To help remember new information better such as names, places, etc., try repeating it out loud or writing it down as this reinforces the memory. For example, if you want to remember a new neighbor’s name, say it out loud back to them, like “hi Jack.” Then an hour or so later say the new neighbor’s name out loud again. At MorningStar Mountain Shadows we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has 45 well-designed assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 19 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Colorado Springs. 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 memory care in Colorado Springs. How many times have you eaten breakfast, and after an hour or two, you start to feel hungry? Many breakfast options involve foods such as cereals, breads and granola bars that are high in refined grains and sugar. To solve the problem, nutritionists say you should add protein to every meal including your breakfast.
When you eat a breakfast with protein, you feel fuller for a longer period and less apt to reach for high-calorie snacks mid-day. Registered dietician, Lisa Jones, explains an adult’s daily intake of protein should be between 10% and 35% of the calories consumed. She adds, “For example, if your nutritional needs call for 2,000 calories daily, you should get 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams.” One suggestion for an easy-to-do, protein-rich breakfast is avocado and fried egg on a bagel or enriched whole-grain slice of toast. Omelets are also fairly easy and can be assembled with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, spinach and bacon. You can increase the protein in a bowl of oatmeal by adding a scoop of protein powder and topping it with almond milk and berries. Try other creative options such as smoked salmon on a toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with cream cheese, or a Greek yogurt parfait layered with granola, nuts, and fruit. Nutritionists say another incentive for eating protein in the morning is it may help you lose weight as you feel more satisfied for a longer period. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a luxury 55+ community with 45 assisted living suites for residents who need help with the activities of daily living. In addition, we have 19 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for those suffering with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years. We are committed to providing exceptional senior living in Colorado Springs, and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful 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 to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/high-protein-breakfast Memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia greatly limit a person’s ability to participate in the world the same way they once had. This is especially true for seniors with Alzheimer’s who may already face added difficulties, like immobility or health care concerns. While it is not wise to let a senior with a memory loss disease navigate the outside world alone, there are probably still times when they want to leave the home to experience life, go to doctor appointments, hair salons, or the grocery store.
If your loved one has just received a memory loss diagnosis, you may be looking for Alzheimer’s care solutions in your area that provide the highest level of care available. Life doesn’t end just because of a diagnosis. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers families transportation solutions for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Some of these solutions include: Easily Accessible Amenities and Infrastructure MorningStar’s senior living and memory care communities incorporate easily accessible infrastructure into their communities. This means making the things seniors love to do easily within their reach without having to worry about transportation or safety worries. Even seniors with mobility concerns can experience on-site amenities like attending movies in the movie theatre, getting their hair done at the staffed salon, and sharing coffee with a friend at the bistro. Community Transportation Vehicles There are some things senior living communities cannot provide within their walls. Doctor’s appointments, family visits, large grocery stores, and other shopping are sadly more difficult for seniors to get to from their care community. Senior transportation vehicles help make it possible for residents to run errands in the community without driving themselves and with a staff chaperone. Campus-wide Events and Celebrations Of course, there will be some seniors who really struggle to experience life outside of senior care. This is why senior living communities advocate bringing events and celebrations in side the building for residents to enjoy. Most, if not all, holidays are celebrated, but there are other events that staff love to plan for residents that help promote socialization and overall happiness. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado. We all know how it feels to not get a full night of rest. Not sleeping enough makes us groggy, grouchy, and less suited to take on the day. If missing out on sleep impairs our cognitive capabilities, imagine what sleep disturbances can cause for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The Importance of Healthy Sleep Habits in Alzheimer’s Care Sleep, and its quality, plays a huge role in the health of seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors with memory impairment often struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, which poses a huge risk for their health. Adequate sleep not only helps seniors feel well-rested, but it promotes full-body healing in a multitude of ways. If you are looking for Alzheimer’s care in Littleton, Colorado, consider a senior living community that values healthy sleep habits for the following reasons: Emotional Regulation Sleep encourages mood stability and this is essential for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Symptoms of memory loss diseases often make individuals more irritable and less responsive. Throwing a lack of sleep into the mix can increase difficult moods and behaviors. Brain Health Once we fall asleep, the brain undergoes necessary processes to repair itself. Sleep triggers the brain to begin strengthening important neural pathways, encouraging learning and memory advancement and recall. The brain also cleans out toxins and waste while we sleep, removing proteins and byproducts that can potentially cause harm if too much sleep is impacted. Physical Well-being If Alzheimer’s or dementia impacts sleep too much, it can actually begin to impact other areas of a senior’s health. The lack of sleep can lead to weakened immunity, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado. |
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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