The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications.
Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other problems such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system problems like strokes or low blood pressure. The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older person complaining of unsteadiness; the feeling the room is spinning or moving; confusion; blurry vision; and falling. To determine the cause of the symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness as well as the best treatments available, consult with your doctor, and if needed, seek the care of a specialist. Your doctor can provide information regarding exercises targeted to improve balance, strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. The Harvard Medical School reports walking can help build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance and is safe for most people but be sure to check with your healthcare provider. Along with getting medical care for balance issues, experts say avoid walking in dimly lit or dark spaces, wear properly fitted footwear, and use a cane or walker if you need more support. Your home should be modified with handrails in the bathroom and more lights on stairways. Repair loose railings and uneven porch steps; and remove floor mats that affect elevation. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge knows it is important for our residents to stay as active as possible, which is why our monthly calendar includes exercises designed to help residents improve their flexibility, balance and muscle and joint strength. We also have other classes and activities designed to enhance residents’ mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care at MorningStar. 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 and memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
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It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent or grandparent living in an assisted living community. We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.
One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold. However, if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos. A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair. You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift. A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes. You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks. Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use. If your parents are not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items. It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family. Add to the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is proud to offer exceptional senior living in Colorado Springs with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our community offers 45 private assisted living suites and 19 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information about our beautiful community and to set up a tour. 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 and memory care in Colorado Springs. While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, senility and dementia, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions.
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. Dementia is typically irreversible but there are some conditions that can cause symptoms of the disease. These include vitamin deficiency, underactive thyroid gland, depression or stress; and when treated, can reverse the condition. Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease, may also cause symptoms of dementia as can AIDS, Lyme disease and stroke. Senility is another term used to describe the type of memory deterioration associated with the elderly. Experts explain there are two major types of senile dementia: “those due to generalized “atrophy” (Alzheimer’s-type dementia) and those due to vascular problems (mainly, strokes).” Symptoms of senility include a decline in cognitive abilities such as problems recalling information and thinking clearly; and Alzheimer’s is the most common form. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we offer experienced, compassionate care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is unique from many other assisted living communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from memory impairment. We provide our tender residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs, community meals and more. Please contact us for more information about our specialized memory care in Colorado Springs. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/dementia-vs-alzheimers/ Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them. In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone. The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the years especially in terms of care options and amenities.
Today’s communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs offer assisted living that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. Also, for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency. For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions. Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around. Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were. To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as shopping, parks or cultural events. Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals. Please contact us to set up a tour to determine if assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one. 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. Along with changes in the person’s memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s physical abilities. Experts explain dementia symptoms can change everything from the way a person walks, talks, and how their body works. Normal body functions such as going to the bathroom, carrying on a conversation and maintaining balance become more and more difficult.
While unfortunately we do not yet know the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, doctors suspect the symptoms are caused by a buildup of harmful proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau, which create clumps called tangles and plaque. These clumps get in the way of normal brain functions and kill healthy cells. Changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease include loss of balance and coordination, which puts a person at a higher risk of a fall. A person’s feet may shuffle or drag along as they walk. Another symptom includes weakened muscles and fatigue that makes it difficult to stand or sit upright in a chair. Trouble controlling the bladder and bowels as well as seizures and twitches are other common symptoms. While some people experience a slower pace of the disease and live up to 20 years after a diagnosis, the average life expectancy is 4 to 8 years. The most common cause of death in a person with Alzheimer’s is pneumonia, another infection, or a heart attack. In addition to assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers compassionate, loving care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to make residents feel comforted, safe and secure. Please contact us 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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Source: webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-body There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia. This means a memory loss diagnosis can only be treated for the length of the individual’s life. Finding proper memory care takes dedicated time and research to find the community that is right for you and your loved one. 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.
What is Personalized Memory Care? Proper Alzheimer’s care should not be “one-size-fits-all.” Seniors with a memory loss diagnosis should receive the proper amount and type of care they require to support their physical, emotional and social needs. Personalized memory care is designed to meet the seniors where they are at. Specialized memory care plans are designed with help from family, health care providers and personalized care managers at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Memory Care at MorningStar Encourages Independence It’s difficult for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia to experience autonomy and independence in the same way they once did. Many lose mobility, motor function, and experience changes in their communication style. Personalized care plans support a senior’s independence, regardless of their level. While memory care communities still provide ample medication management and help with daily activities, our senior living community works with a memory loss diagnosis to develop activities and routines that promote independence and autonomy. Regular assessments and family meetings allow the memory care team members at MorningStar to update your loved one’s personalized care plan whenever necessary, giving you and your loved one a flexible memory care experience that works. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You 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 Memory Care 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. Seniors need to have emotional support when transitioning to assisted living communities. While some enjoy the change, it can be overwhelming for others. Having a companion like a spouse or best friend nearby provides numerous benefits to seniors in assisted living care. For senior living communities that offer companion living, couples can navigate the changes and milestones of aging together in a safe and exciting environment.
What is Companion Living? Companion living is for senior couples or close friends who want to continue living together in assisted living. Couples can live together in their own suite, surrounded by their treasured possessions and memories. Alternatively, suites can be shared by close friends who simply enjoy one another’s company. Companion living for seniors in assisted living is a great option for those who need a little extra care and attention from those they trust. Companion living in assisted living is a great option for those who are most comfortable living with someone they know and trust. Living with a trustworthy companion helps to keep an eye on one another. These individuals are already used to their loved ones’ needs and habits, which can help the other one to acclimate easier and begin to make their senior living facility their home. A companion can also update care managers and nurses within their senior living facility if routines or completion with activities begin to change. Those closest to us can pick up on things quicker than others sometimes and can notify caregivers when necessary. Within its communities, MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines offers Assisted Living with support at various levels and Around-the-clock Care Managers who are on-site and at the ready to ensure your comfort and safety as you make MorningStar your home. 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 retirement 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 independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA. Excellent Senior Living Found in Littleton Colorado Recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association2/21/2024 With all the memory care options in Littleton, it can be overwhelming to pick the right senior living community for your loved one. When looking for Alzheimers care options, it is important to know if a memory care community will meet the needs of your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, they have developed a certification that recognizes senior living communities that prioritize exemplary assisted living and Alzheimer’s care for seniors. This award brings peace of mind to families looking for the best Alzheimers care Littleton Co has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton and their memory care programs have been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association as a “Recognized Leader in Dementia Care” for these reasons: Innovative Alzheimer’s Care MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co has a unique approach to Alzheimers care. As a facility dealing in the service of memory loss, combats worries surrounding a memory loss diagnosis through a compassionate Alzheimer’s care approach that they call “Lavender Sky.” Under a “Lavender Sky,” memory care providers thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the realm of dementia. Instead of falling into a passive approach toward memory loss, “Lavender Sky” is a holistic approach that accepts the difficult diagnosis while pledging to enter into this new reality with intentional care and empathy. Specialized Memory Care Training An Alzheimer’s Association accreditation requires senior living communities to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and education related to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. MorningStar requires all of our staff (culinary, housekeeping, front desk, and caretakers) to go through Lavender Sky training. This training program ensures that all staff have a deeper understanding of what dementia is and how to properly respond if a resident might require additional support or changes to their memory care plan. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You 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 Memory Care 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 that making healthy food options benefits our bodies, but did you know our food choices impact our brain health, too? Making informed choices about what foods are beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can greatly improve their health and happiness.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that certain foods can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, there are still healthy food choices and eating habits you can make to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Senior living communities that specialize in Alzheimer’s care encourage these food choices for seniors: Nutrient-Rich Foods: MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers Alzheimer’s care options that encourage healthy eating through their “BrainWise” program. “BrainWise” is a lifestyle at MorningStar where we prioritize using ingredients known to support brain health. Superfoods, like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens, supply your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. Natural fats found in SuperFoods are proven to nourish, protect, and enhance the performance of our brain cells. Foods with Cognitive Benefits: Next time you’re dining with your family member at MorningStar, ask our executive chefs for meals with turmeric, broccoli, or pumpkin seeds. These foods are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper and are known to support cognitive health. Are chefs design seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible, to support the health and wellness of our residents in memory care. Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You 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 Memory Care 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. 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 of Wheat Ridge, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s 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 resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: ahrq.gov/questions/be-engaged/index.html |
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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