How to Talk to Your Kids about Alzheimer’s Disease

When a grandparent or another close family member or friend suffers from Alzheimer’s, it can be difficult for children to understand especially if they are very close to the person.  Most likely they have questions and concerns regarding the disease and may be struggling with a range of emotions including sadness and confusion. They may not know how to act around the person anymore or be frightened by the “strange behavior.”

Having grandma or grandpa call you by mom or dad’s name or asking the same question again and again are just some of the strange things kids see happening to a beloved grandparent. They may worry Alzheimer’s is contagious and it is important they know it isn’t but rather a degenerative disease that happens in the brain. If the person lives with them, teenagers may be embarrassed to have friends around due to the person’s behavior, and sometimes children withdraw from the person or lose patience.  

The Alzheimer’s Association suggests sitting down with your child and telling them while the person may forget your name, they can still feel your love. Encourage questions and provide honest answers, and perhaps together you can learn more about the disease. The experts offer ideas on things kids can do and consider this as alzheimers care with the person with alzheimers as listening to music, setting the table, working on a puzzle, reading a book or looking at family photos. As the person’s Alzheimer’s disease progresses, make sure your kids feel comfortable asking more questions. Regardless of how old we are, losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease is challenging for everyone.   

At MorningStar at West Valley, our alzheimers home facility is entirely committed to caring for seniors suffering from memory impairment diseases. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community, and to contact our team with any questions you may have regarding our holistic memory care. Our community opens in the last quarter of 2022, and we look forward to helping you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”  

Source: https://www.alz.org/documents/national/brochure_childrenteens.pdf

Commonsense Precautions to Help Prevent Another Fall

Many of us have heard about or know a senior who has had a fall that leads to a serious injury. Each year statistics report one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury; and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. Annually, falls result in 32,000 senior deaths. 

The Harvard Medical School reports the highest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. While a senior may have fallen or tripped and not thought much about it, as they only twisted an ankle or didn’t sustain a serious injury, the event may be a precursor to another fall. 

There are things seniors can do to protect themselves from a fall and it starts by being aware of any risk factors you may have including vision and hearing problems, which can make a fall more likely. Experts say stiff joints can hamper your gait and balance and make it easier to fall, as do certain medications for blood pressure and antihistamines. As a deficiency in vitamin D decreases a person’s bone mineral density and strength of the bones, it too can cause instability and raise the risk for a fall. Experts report even something as unrelated as a head cold or the flu can cause dizziness and increase your risk.  

To help boost core strength and improve balance, talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of exercises to do. Other steps to decrease the likelihood of a fall are to keep moving to loosen stiff joints and help build strength, wear sensible shoes and remove home hazards. Finally make sure your home has plenty of good lighting.  

MorningStar at Observatory Park is one of MorningStar’s newest retirement communities offering our unique brand of assisted living with all of the services, amenities, and wellness programs needed to enhance quality of life for our residents. In addition we provide holistic alzheimers care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We open in the last quarter of 2022 and are happy to help you reserve your select suite today. Please ask about our “Move-in Specials.”

Dementia may be Confused with Depression

Experts report as people age, dementia and depression are both common conditions and may be confused with one another. Additionally, one may lead to the other as depression is linked to a higher risk for dementia, and dementia can cause depression. 

The Harvard Medical School explains depression in the elderly can lead to a “phenomenon called pseudodementia—an apparent intellectual decline that stems from a lack of energy or effort.” They say individuals with this problem are often forgetful, move slowly, exhibit low motivation and signs of slowing mental prowess. If a loved one experiences these types of symptoms, their doctor may treat it with the same medications used to treat depression. As the person’s mood improves, they typically begin to function at their previous level. 

Professionals share a few ways depression and dementia differs to help families and healthcare providers determine what is going on. One important difference is the time span of the decline.  A person with depression typically shows a faster decline in mental functioning than those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Also, Alzheimer’s disease causes confusion and disorientation as well as problems with short-term memory. Depression causes problems with concentration. 

People suffering from depression do not have more than the usual difficulties with writing, speaking and motor skills, and are more aware of any memory problems they are experiencing. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease seem indifferent to those types of changes. However, to determine the cause of the problem, it is important to make an appointment with the person’s healthcare provider.  

If it does turn out to be Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, MorningStar Memory Care at North Ridge is ready to help. Our Albuquerque community provides compassionate, comprehensive alzheimers care to those with memory impairment.  Along with 24-hour care, residents receive daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care in Albuquerque.

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/understanding-depression

Loneliness is Linked to Poor Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others. 

AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among participants who said their health was poor, 55 percent reported feeling lonely. The CDC also says studies find social isolation or loneliness is linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke as well as a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Everett WA’s MorningStar at Silver Lake may be your answer. We provide everything seniors need to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives. Our Life Enrichment team will present creative ways to stay active and comes with the benefit of not just camaraderie and fun, but some accountability (for you will be truly missed if you don’t show up).

For the most active seniors, our independent living suites offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with predictable budgeting and built-in companionship.  If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (the activities of daily living), we offer assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Everett, WA offers.

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

Studies Show a Healthy Diet May Help Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. 

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

MorningStar at North Ridge provides specialized memory care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our 38 suites include studio and one-bedroom floor plans; and our home is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Each resident receives an individualized service plan to provide the care, programs, and activities they need as well as specially prepared, nutritious meals. Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please visit our website for more information about exceptional dementia care in Albuquerque.

Short Stays at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake

MorningStar at Silver Lake is a 55+ community offering high-quality independent living and assisted living. Additionally we are pleased to offer respite care (short recuperative stays), or trial stays, which are a great way to sample our community and see if we are a good fit. They can extend from a week to a full month depending on availability. 

Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are newly discharged from a hospital stay and recovering from surgery or an illness that still requires some day-to-day support services. MorningStar at Silver Lake expertly and compassionately provides just such care including bathing, dressing, and other personal tasks. We also provide recuperating seniors tasty, nutritional meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef, 24-hour care, medication management, and opportunities for socialization and meaningful activities.   

MorningStar’s respite residents are provided a quiet suite and the individualized care needed to comfortably recover their health. Another common use of respite care is to give caregivers a much needed break or when they are busy with other priorities. During your stay, you will have peace of mind knowing help is available 24/7 and that each suite offers safety features such as emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. We also offer companionship and community, which we think is just as important to the healing process. Our short-term stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you; but please contact us to inquire about availability. 

Community amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; a private dining room; bistro; theatre/chapel; life enrichment room; billiards lounge; fitness center; libraries; strolling paths; scheduled transportation and more. For more information on the finest senior housing Everett, WA offers, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar at Silver Lake provides 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 an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us for more information about the finest senior housing Everett, WA has to offer.

Memory Care Provides another Level of Senior Living

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, at some point, you may require professional help. Dementia care’s first priority is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. 

Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks.  

Our memory care facility are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia as well as provide meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most facilities, the staff receives extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat and understand residents. 

At West San Jose’s newest memory care community, MorningStar at West Valley offers a holistic approach to memory care for the utmost comfort, safety and well-being of the individual. Once a family decides to entrust the care of their loved one to MorningStar, we create a Personalized Service Plan to provide the care, people, programs, and activities they need. Residents receive healthy, specially prepared meals to make eating less stressful along with daily health monitoring, 24/7 care from a well-trained staff, access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Our memory care facility’s 42 suites offer a choice of studio or companion floorplans. We are scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2022 and look forward to reserving a select suite for your loved one. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our compassionate memory care community; and be sure to ask about “Founders Club Specials.” 

Get the Help You Need to Live Life to the Fullest

Anticipation is growing as we get closer to opening our doors to residents at MorningStar’s newest Denver area senior living community. MorningStar at Observatory Park in South Denver offers seniors trusted assisted living and memory care. 

As one of the area’s top retirement communities, we offer compassionate care services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities to enhance residents’ quality of life and allow them to comfortably age in place. Assisted living residents receive a Personalized Care Plan to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party providers. 

As each team member plays a huge role in creating an atmosphere of love and respect throughout our community, our first requirement is to have a big heart. Our distinguished staff recognizes it is a privilege to serve and strives to nurture connections between residents, families and fellow team members. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park’s stylish features include an elevated courtyard, outdoor dining area, spa and a wellness center. Our rooftop terrace offers a garden with a shade trellis and causal seating as well as dining tables to give residents the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 23 memory care suites. All MorningStar’s dementia care specialists complete thorough training including our signature program, Lavender Sky, to help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love.

Assisted living and memory care suites are available in a variety of floor plans ranging from 400 to 959 square feet, and offer large handicap-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems, high-end finishes and sweeping views from oversized windows. Please contact us today for more information and to reserve your select suite. Be sure to inquire about our Move-in Specials. We open in the last quarter of 2022.

Support Your Heart Health by Getting Enough Sleep

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. The Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. 

In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. 

One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night's sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” 

Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is similar to being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more in an effort to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. 

Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. 

Excitement is growing as one of the most desirable retirement communities in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver is preparing to open. MorningStar at Observatory Park offers 60 assisted living suites from studio to one- and two-bedroom floorplans and 23 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and look forward to helping you reserve your select suite. 

Source: 

heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-with-tech-tweaks

The Positive Effects of Humor and Music for Those with Dementia

People with Alzheimer’s disease often appear to lose the ability to laugh or smile but researchers say most individuals still retain some sense of humor. It is a good thing as a study from Australia reports humor may enable Alzheimer’s patients to better cope. The University of New South Wales study shows humor therapy can be as effective as some drugs in managing agitation in dementia patients. 

Researchers studied the effectiveness of professional humor therapists, known as Elder Clowns, who work with trained nursing home staff called Laughter Bosses. The group performed weekly humor sessions to nursing home patients or individuals using techniques similar to Clown Doctors, who work in children’s hospitals. An additional study from Osaka University in Japan reinforced the Australian research finding the positive effects of humor can last for weeks after a therapy session. 

Other areas of research have discovered positive behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s patients when listening to a personalized playlist. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease reports on a study showing music with a particular meaning to a person “can activate regions of the brain typically untouched by early Alzheimer’s disease and may offer a new way to approach anxiety, depression and agitation in patients.”

Jeff Anderson, M.D., a contributing author of the study and an associate professor of radiology at the University of Utah Health, explains the study was inspired by the “Alive Inside” documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. He adds music-brain connection research is just getting started. 

Albuquerque’s MorningStar Memory Care at North Ridge is designed from the ground up to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach to Alzheimer’s care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities that leverages the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort. We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of the memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it.    Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please visit our website for more information about exceptional Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

Sources: 

aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2018/humor-alzheimers-dementia-caregiving

aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2018/music-therapy-alzheimers-symptoms

Senior Living Communities Offer Many Benefits

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community.  In part, that may be since many of today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.  Here are some of the many benefits: 

• When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns and other housekeeping chores.  

• Seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also, as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.    

• For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition, many routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping or other events.  

• We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing food has become difficult.  Many senior communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and offer choices such as low sodium, no sugar added etc.  

• As an assisted living resident, you will receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services senior communities provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs.

• Finally, we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand.

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we provide all this and more. Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day dining, bistro, libraries, fitness center, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA has to offer.  

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 independent and assisted living Everett, WA offers.

Research Discoveries Offer Optimism and Hope for Alzheimer’s Patients

Recently John C. Morris, MD, Director of the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis and member of the ABF research advisory committee, said there are several reasons to have hope and optimism for the future regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Involved in Alzheimer’s research since 1983, he explained for the first time he believes “there is now a great opportunity to develop effective therapies, including drugs currently under evaluation for treatment.” He said advances also include an important tool for diagnosing the disease.

One of the reasons for optimism was the announcement of the pharmaceutical company Biogen’s controversial new drug, which purportedly is designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease and not just the symptoms. The drug, aducanumab, was approved for patient use on June 7, 2021. However, doctors say it is important to know the FDA’s approval is only for the drug’s ability to reduce the amount of amyloid plaques in the brains of people given the drug. They state it is still unknown whether the removal of the plaque offers benefits to the patients. To be eligible to receive the drug, patients need to have a firm diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  

In the year 2020, we also heard the news about a ground-breaking new blood test at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers say the new test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and results have been far more accurate than several other biomarkers currently being tested. This is good news as doctors say earlier testing will lead to earlier interventions. The test received a Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA in October 2021.

Along with assisted living, the new MorningStar of San Jose will offer 34 suites devoted to the compassionate, loving care of those with memory impairment.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  For more information about trusted memory care at MorningStar, please contact us or visit our website.

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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 residents exceptional assisted living facilities and memory care.

Source: americanbrainfoundation.org/research-in-dementia-2022/

Link between Gum Disease & Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at Tuft University recently reported a link between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and periodontal disease, to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection within the soft tissue of the mouth, and “about 47.2% of U.S. adults over 30 and 70% over 65 have gum disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The study, which was done with mice, discovered the correlation, but researchers hope the findings can be used to someday help reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors cite Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a bacterium that causes gum disease and is already linked to kidney disease, diabetes and coronary problems to be the problem. 

The lead author, Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine explains the purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the association of induced periodontal disease with Alzheimer’s disease. He says as F. nucleatum generates “inflammation both locally and systemically, it affects the Alzheimer’s disease phenotype, as Alzheimer’s itself is an inflammatory disease.” Additionally since the bacteria migrate and penetrate the brain, it can worsen the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Researchers plan further studies in humans and say although there is not a proven link yet; good oral health benefits our overall health. They also say to decrease our risk for Alzheimer’s, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.  

As Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases progress, a loved one may need more care than they can get living at home. When the time comes for memory care, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar at West Valley, a community with alzheimers homes committed to caring for individuals with memory impairment diseases. Our holistic dementia care is guided by our signature program, Lavender Sky, and we help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love. MorningStar’s memory care facility opens to residents in the last quarter of 2022, and we invite you to visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one. Additionally, ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”  

Source: 

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bacteria-that-cause-gum-disease-may-increase-risk-of-alzheimers#Inflammation-and-Alzheimers-disease

Should You Sell a Parent’s Home before They Move to Assisted Living?

We all know moving has its challenges but it can be especially difficult when it is prudent for an elderly person to change their living situation. Many times a move to assisted living is triggered by an emergency medical event such as an injury due to a fall or a substantial decline in the person’s health. The senior may not only feel threatened by the change in their health and lifestyle but leaving a home they may have lived in for decades. 

Often families are faced with a decision of whether to sell the home before the parent moves or to wait until after they have left and are settled into their new community. Since a person’s home is typically their biggest asset, one thing to consider is if they will need the proceeds from the sale to help finance their home? 

However experts caution selling an occupied house can be tricky as you want potential buyers to view the home in the best light. It should be free of clutter and personal belongings, which makes keeping it ready for unexpected showings difficult. 

Selling a home without an occupant allows you to have it showcase ready at all times. If need be, hire a company to come in and stage it. Most importantly, it is a lot easier on mom or dad to not have the added stress of strangers coming in and looking at their beloved home with a critical eye. If proceeds from the home are needed to fund their move, many experts recommend taking out a bridge loan on the money expected from the sale.    

South Denver’s newest senior living community is a few blocks from the iconic Observatory Park. MorningStar at Observatory Park is a contemporary 5-story building offering 60 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides the safety, security, people and programs to help preserve the individual’s dignity and self-worth. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and look forward to helping you reserve a select suite today. Please ask about our Move-in Specials.

Satisfying, Healthy Snacks

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating a pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

Currently under construction, MorningStar of San Jose is scheduled to open in June 2023. Our beautiful new community will provide assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar’s warm, loving environment includes exceptional architecture, alzheimers care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our five-star dining service, which will include meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. Please contact us for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living 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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in San Jose.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

It is Important to Stay Involved in Your Medical Care

We have all heard horror stories of someone getting the wrong treatment or a botched surgical procedure, or other examples of outright poor medical care. Doctors say one way to help reduce medical errors is to be an active partner in your care, be it at the doctor’s office, the hospital or pharmacy. If you think your chances of a misdiagnosis, unnecessary surgery, or being given the wrong medication are slim, read the following. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” A 2021 StatPearls reports, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”  

The danger of a misdiagnosis is it results in delayed treatment for the real problem and perhaps a round of the wrong medications. However, before you lay all the blame on the medical profession, experts say many misdiagnoses can be the fault of the patient. Too often a person fails to disclose important facts regarding their medical history, symptoms or honestly report lifestyle habits including alcohol consumption, smoking and diet. 

Before you go to your next doctor visit, doctors say taking the time to prepare for the visit helps you use your time most effectively. Remember the actual time you see the doctor is short so you may want to write down the points you wish to discuss. For help, the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore offers a QuestionBuilder app. It is available from AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store and can be used to help you prepare.  

Tips to make the most of your visit include bringing a list of your current medications and the dosage as well as how long you have been on it and why you take it. If you worry you may forget something the doctor said, bring a family member or trusted friend. Experts say don’t feel awkward about seeking a second opinion; and if your problem is not getting any better, be persistent. 

MorningStar of San Jose is a new assisted living and memory care community offering all the luxury amenities, care services, and wellness programs residents need to comfortably and safely age in place. Our 5-story building offers 69 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans with kitchenettes, handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. For those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care designed to enhance quality of life for our most tender residents. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in San Jose.

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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 residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.

At MorningStar, Dining Together Helps to Bond Us as Family and Friends

MorningStar of San Jose is slated to become one of the premier assisted living and memory care communities in the area when it opens in the second quarter of 2023.  We are one of six MorningStar Senior Living communities either operating or under construction in California.

As a MorningStar resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services including a five-star dining experience.  All residents are treated to three daily meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.  We also know food always tastes better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bond us as a family and as friends.  

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions.  At each meal, residents will have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat dishes.  

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus, as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens.

Our community will offer 69 private assisted living suites as well as 34 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s  or other dementia-related diseases.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community will also have inviting common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  Please contact us for more information.      

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 exceptional senior living in San Jose.

Help Prevent Falls with Balance Exercises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year.  Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and the number of falls will continue to increase as America’s baby boomers grow older.

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life.  

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere.  The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability.  They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises.  To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor.  Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.  Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.   

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot.  Your heel and toes should be touching.  Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk.  Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps.  Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

Along with resort-style amenities and care services (Alzheimer care, memory care), MorningStar of San Jose will offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility.  Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful new senior living community opening in June 2023.

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises.  
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 exceptional retirement communities and senior living in San Jose.

Healthy Gift Ideas for a Senior Loved One

We all want our loved ones to lead long, healthy lives so why not include some healthy gift ideas in mind for future birthdays and other gift-giving opportunities. One suggestion is to buy a loved one a fitness watch. The marketplace has a wide assortment of watches as well as sensor devices to measure your daily footsteps and help keep you moving. Moreover, they come in many price points and offer a variety of features. 

Research shows measuring your daily activity improves your fitness level and can help people with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease boost physical activity levels.  JAMA Network Open published a finding which reviewed 38 randomized clinical trials with 4,203 participants.  They stated that “interventions with wearable fitness trackers were associated with significantly increased physical activity levels after approximately 15 weeks. Devices such as pedometers or trackers that count steps were associated with greater levels of physical activity in about 70 percent of the studies examined.”

Another healthy gift idea is a massage gun. Known as a self-myofascial release tool or SMR, they help overworked muscles recover and heal. Foam rollers additionally provide much of the same benefit at a much lower price point. However, experts caution before treating an injury or other medical problems including bone fractures, blood clotting issues, sensory deficits or wounds you need to consult with a physician or licensed physical therapist. 

Other healthy gift ideas include an electric kettle with a selection of antioxidants teas. As we know sleep is important to our overall well being, how about a sound machine to help your loved one get a more restful night’s sleep? Nutritionists suggest an air fryer is a good gift as it can cook almost anything quicker and easier and uses a lot less fat. 

Looking for exceptional senior housing in Everett, WA?  At MorningStar at Silver Lake we offer a broad range of luxury amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Wellness programs, a fitness center and landscaped grounds with strolling paths make it easy to keep moving.  In addition, residents enjoy healthy, delicious Chef designed meals that are largely prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients, locally sourced when possible. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in independent living and senior living with our unique mission statement “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 Everett, WA offers.

Sources:

healthline.com/health-news/want-to-increase-your-physical-activity-fitness-trackers-may-be-the-best-way

health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/10-healthy-holiday-gift-ideas

Social Connections Have an Impact on Overall Health

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar of San Jose, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. In addition, we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. 

Our new senior living community in San Jose offers 69 assisted living suites and 34 suites devoted to Alzheimer’s Care and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our Founders Club Specials. We open to residents in the second quarter of 2023. 

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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 residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.