What Is a Memory Care Facility?

The concept of memory care may seem foreign to you, but maybe you have been caring for your aging loved one with memory problems for a while now. Perhaps another family member has taken over after you’ve begun to feel burnt out.

No matter what your dementia care situation is right now, your loved one can benefit from a memory care facility. Let’s find out what one is, exactly, and what it can provide to your beloved family member or friend.

Long-Term Advanced Care

A memory care facility provides long-term, individualized care to aging adults with dementia and other memory problems. In these facilities, adults receive medical, cognitive, and wellness services to improve their quality of life. 

What memory care offers is typically a bit different from that of assisted living. In assisted living communities, residents care for themselves throughout most of the day, often needing less direct medical and cognitive support and supervision than those in a memory care establishment.

There is nothing wrong with choosing a memory care facility for your loved one. In fact, many dementia care residences actively improve the physical and mental health of their residents.

The Benefits of Dementia Care Facilities

Dementia is an all-encompassing and strenuous problem to deal with for both the residents of a memory care facility and their loved ones. Passing caregiving responsibilities to professionals can ease these stressors and improve the quality of life of everyone involved. 

Spend More Quality Time Together 

When you select a high-quality memory care facility for your loved one, you are able to spend more quality time with them. Your visits won’t consist of stressful, negative interactions, as medical professionals will take care of the hard parts, and you can spend time doing things you and your loved one both enjoy. 

Receive More Medical Support

Dementia care is complex and requires some amount of medical knowledge. When you care for an aging adult with memory problems, you might feel as though proper care is out of your range of capability. 
The professionals at memory care facilities have all trained and studied for this job for many years, which means that they can offer the best possible medical advice and care for your loved one and allow their physical and mental health to thrive as a result.

Ease Your Own Stress

As a family caregiver, you might feel stressed and burnt out, but these feelings and responses are totally normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Moving your loved one to a memory care facility can reduce your burden and allow your entire family to enjoy more freedom, all while your loved one is receiving the best possible care!

Safety and Structure

Your loved one might be prone to wandering, getting lost, or other safety hazards. In dementia care facilities, there are plenty of safeguards in place against these problems, meaning your loved one can enjoy a structured, routine-based environment while exploring the hobbies and activities that they love.

The Next Steps: Learn More About Memory Care  

If memory care sounds beneficial for your family member with dementia, chances are it’s the right decision to make. You can continue to gather information and learn how memory care works with no obligation, but don’t be afraid to seek help with caring for your precious loved one.

How to Choose the Right Memory Care Facility for Your Loved One

Choosing to pursue dementia care for your loved one is never easy. There are many different memory care facilities that offer a variety of benefits. With that said, we invite you to keep the following tips in mind to help you choose the best dementia care for the special person in your life. 

Scout Each Facility’s Website 

When you begin the search for the perfect memory care facility for your loved one, the internet is the best place to start. Most, if not all, dementia care facilities have websites that offer extensive information about their communities, amenities, and services. 

You know your loved one best, so look for things that will stand out to them immediately. For example, if your loved one enjoys swimming and water fitness, make sure your prospective facilities have pools for residents. If a memory care facility’s website looks promising, go ahead and schedule a tour. 

Visit in Person: Take a Tour

Dementia care communities offer tours, so you can get a feel for the place your loved one may end up staying. Take advantage of that opportunity, as tours can give you a detailed look into how the facility is managed as well as its general atmosphere. 

When in-person tours are not possible, some communities offer virtual tours, which allow you to scope out the facility from the comfort of your home. 

Lastly, if at all possible, you should bring your loved one along for the tour. Their opinion matters most, and if they are lucid enough to chime in on each facility, let them. 

Ask About Amenities

The features of any memory care facility are essential for your loved one to stay enriched and engaged throughout all stages of their life, but amenities go beyond the basics of memory care. 
Some examples of memory care facility amenities include:

• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Recreation centers

• Dining options

• Outdoor trails and paths

• Group sports 

• Arts and crafts options

• Fitness and wellness centers

• Enjoyable hobbies

These additional qualities of dementia care communities will ensure your loved one has a great quality of life once they move. 

Transportation: Consider the Distance from Family

When selecting a memory care facility, don’t forget to take transportation into account. How will your other family members get there? Is the facility you’re focused on far from your hometown? 

Of course, that last part doesn’t necessarily mean you have to choose a memory care facility that is close to the rest of your family. If you find better dementia care that happens to be farther away, it can still work out well. Just make sure you discuss the transportation options and visiting plans with the rest of the family before committing to any memory care facility. 

Select the Best Possible Care for Those You Love

It’s always difficult to make decisions for your aging family members that need dementia care, but by choosing memory care, you choose to give them the best possible caregiving available. Use our tips to make the best choice for your loved one.

Did the Holidays Make You Aware Mom or Dad May Need More Care?

If so, you are not alone. Senior living experts say the holidays are a common way adult children realize mom or dad are not doing as well as they thought living on their own. Since it is the time of year we typically spend together as well as may have family members living out of state seeing the parent in-person for the first time in a while, it is easier to notice changes. 

If the family is surprised to discover a parent is not doing well living alone, don’t feel bad as many senior living communities report a heightened interest in getting mom or dad into a community after the holidays. Experts say look at the time spent together as just another preventive measure to ensure mom or dad are okay and that they have not experienced a noticeable decline in their physical or mental health.          

In 2020, the Joint Center for Housing Studies reported a list of things family members can look for in terms of the well-being of an older adult who lives alone. They found, “Single older adults living alone, are more likely to report difficulties with mobility (walking or climbing stairs), self-care (bathing, dressing, and getting around the home), and independent living (conducting errands such as shopping or visiting a doctor) than those of the same age living as couples. Other signs mom or dad are not doing well include unintended weight loss or problems taking medications. 

If you do have a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and it is time for more comprehensive care to ensure their safety and well-being, please consider the new MorningStar at West Valley. Our website has a virtual tour of what our memory care facility will look like once it opens to residents in the first quarter of 2023 along with lots of information about our philosophy and mission statement, MorningStar’s history and more. Once you decide to entrust MorningStar with the care of your loved one, we encourage you to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

Finding the Best Care for a Loved One with Memory Impairment

Searching for a memory care facility for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

MorningStar at West Valley is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our residential home is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care facility in San Jose. 
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 true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about our new memory care facility in San Jose.

Separating Fact from Fiction Regarding our Brains

Neuroscientist, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is schooling people on how our brains actually work, and at the same time, dispels many myths surrounding them. Along with being a distinguished professor of psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, she is the author of several books including Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain.   

One of the things we have heard that is incorrect is that one side of our brain controls creative thinking and the other side controls quantitative and analytical thinking. Dr. Barrett explains almost all of our cognitive actions are controlled by the entire brain. While the cerebral cortex is the central part of the brain and consists of two hemispheres, both sides are intricately connected to other parts of the brain. Language is one of the few cognitive skills stronger in the left hemisphere in most individuals but not in all cases. 

Another myth we hear about our brains is cortisol is a “stress” hormone and serotonin is a “happy” hormone; but research shows hormones do not have a specific purpose but rather the chemicals work together. “Cortisol boosts the amount of glucose in your bloodstream to provide a quick burst of energy for your cells when your brain predicts the need, whether you feel stressed or not.” Serotonin’s function in the brain helps “other neurons pass information back and forth as they create your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions.”

While we may think of our brains as filing cabinets that efficiently store memories, the truth is our brains ``reassemble” memories each time we bring them up. They are reconstructed using differ neurons to assemble the memory, which is why eyewitness testimonies so often differ in a later memory of the event.  Another common falsehood is we only use about 10 percent of our brain. However advanced brain imaging shows even during sleep; our entire brain is in use.  

The new MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility offers personalized, holistic care to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Please visit our website to learn about our background, our mission statement and dedication to dementia care. We open to residents in winter 2022 and encourage you to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.  

Source: sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/7-and-a-half-myths-about-your-brain/

How to Improve Focus & Concentration

Do you find your mind wandering when you try to do something? Are you easily distracted? If you are an older adult, you may find it happening more often than it did when you were young.  Dr. Kirk Daffner, a neurologist and director of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains, "Older people tend to have more difficulty filtering out stimuli that are not relevant to the task at hand."

A recent study from the University of California discovered the loss of executive function and ability to focus is related to the locus coeruleus, a region of the brain stem connected to other brain regions. One of its purposes is to help focus attention during times of stress or excitement; and is also an area where researchers have found early signs of tau tangles and amyloids, a hallmark of cognitive decline. 

The good news is scientists say there are things seniors can do to improve concentration such as regularly engaging in physical exercise and activities that stimulate cognitive abilities. Another tip is to quit trying to “multitask.” If you are working amidst distractions like a TV, turn it off. When your task includes using a computer, don’t go on the Internet. Take frequent breaks like grabbing a quick snack or walking around the block. 

Learning something new is a good way to stimulate your brain. Choose something you are interested in but that won’t overwhelm you. Learning to play an instrument or taking a cooking class can be both stimulating as well as relaxing.  

Practicing mindfulness or meditation a few minutes a day is yet another way to improve concentration. Additionally although coffee is a stimulant, too much caffeine can cause agitation and the loss of focus. Watch your sugar intake as it causes drops in blood sugar levels. Get more sleep and try to connect with nature.  

MorningStar at West Valley is completing the finishing touches to our contemporary memory care facility. Opening to residents this winter, our community provides all-inclusive, compassionate care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Unlike many other dementia care communities, we are designed from the ground up to accommodate residents’ every need. We encourage you to reserve a select suite today. Also ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.  

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/tips-to-improve-concentration

The Correlation between Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Medical News Today website, studies find hearing loss may contribute to social isolation, lower quality of life, disability, depression, and dementia. This can be especially problematic for people aged 80 years and older, who tend to have more advanced hearing losses. 

In 2015, researchers reported on a 25-year study, which focused on a link between hearing loss and dementia. At the start of the study, the 3,670 participants were 65 years or older and followed for over 25 years. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive decline, researchers say there appeared to be a correlation between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids did not show a significant cognitive decline, suggesting the use of hearing aids may offer a protective effect.

Experts say hearing loss may adversely impact a person’s ability to socialize as they miss out on vital verbal and emotional information that may directly impair brain structure and function. Or it could be that the person uses more energy to make sense of what they hear; and reduces the energy they have left for memory, language processing and attention.

It is recommended at age 60, all adults get a baseline hearing test and be rechecked every couple of years, regardless of whether they experience symptoms. John Hopkins Medicine reports one in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, but due to a gradual change in their hearing, they may not be aware of it.  

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, include the speech of others sounding muffled or slurred; high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" being hard to distinguish; and having difficulty understanding conversation, especially if there is background noise. The person may notice men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s, because it is lower-pitched. 

MorningStar at West Valley is San Jose’s newest memory care facility designed to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. New residents receive personalized service plans to address special needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities. We are open to residents this winter and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Also ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

What is the Risk for Developing Alzheimer’s?

The Mayo Clinic reports approximately 5.8 million people in the US age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Of those, 80% are aged 75 or older. Of the approximately 50 million people worldwide with dementia, it is estimated 60% to 70% of them have Alzheimer's disease.

The risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as we age. One study reports annually there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74, 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 75 to 84, and 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 85 and older. The Mayo Clinic states if you have a direct family member such as a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s you are at a higher risk. However, even though research has identified rare changes (mutations) in three genes that virtually guarantee a person who inherits one of them will develop Alzheimer's; these mutations account for less than 1% of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Women are at a higher risk than men but it could be because they live longer. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) puts a person at a higher risk and when the primary deficit is memory, the person is likely to transition to Alzheimer's disease. Other risk factors include those who have experienced head trauma, are routinely exposed to poor air quality and consume alcohol excessively. Lifestyle habits including an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise as well as failing to manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

West San Jose’s newest community, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley offers a holistic approach to memory care. Residents receive Personalized Service Plans as well as the people, programs, and activities to ensure their comfort and well-being. Our memory care facility offers 42 suites in a choice of studio or companion suites. We are scheduled to open this winter and invite you to visit our website to reserve a select suite; and ask about our Founders Club Savings for early depositors.  

Source: 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447

Memory Care San Jose: Specialized Through a Lavender Sky

It can be a very difficult day when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Families often question what the future will look like. Not only for them, but for their loved one, as well. Fear is often associated around a memory loss diagnosis, and it can be easy to fall into rumination of worry, distrust, and anxiety. MorningStar Memory Care Facility at West Valley is a specially designed assisted living community that offers an environment focused on dementia care and improving quality of life through a holistic approach called, “Lavender Sky.”

At MorningStar West Valley, our mantra, “Lavender Sky,” is the exploration within a memory loss diagnosis, such as Alzheimer’s. Embracing the diagnosis, instead of being fearful of it, allows caretakers to expand their knowledge and understanding of what it means to have Alzheimer’s and how to better care for our residents. Through a “Lavender Sky,” we vow to be a leading community for memory care and dementia care. In doing so, we connect more with our residents and provide better, personalized care in an extraordinary way.

Using holistic methods such as music, art, dance, aromatherapy, and animals, allows us to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of dementia.  Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life. As a leading memory care facility dedicated to dementia care, we understand that treating the unique person is more beneficial than treating the illness. Everyone handles their diagnosis differently and each resident requires a different level of care or supervision. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission which discusses our exceptional senior living in West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes West San Jose, California has to offer.

Even those with a Sedentary Lifestyle may be Affected by Heat Stroke

Doctors warn the elderly as well as those who care for them should be aware of the dangers of heat-related illnesses. They stress that you do not have to be a marathon runner to suffer from heat stroke. People young and old are at risk for serious complications from heat-related illness. In 2015, the latest year for which such statistics are available, the CDC reports heat stroke claimed 335 lives in the United States. 

Experts explain there are two kind of heat stroke: “exertional, which is associated with vigorous physical activity, and non-exertional.” The elderly or people with chronic health conditions or suffering from obesity are more susceptible to non-exertional heat stroke. The same goes for individuals on blood pressure lowering drugs like beta blockers and diuretics; or taking clozapine, a drug used to treat psychiatric disorders. Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration and also put you at a higher risk for heat-related illness. 

Signs of heat-related illness include fainting, behavior changes, high body temperature (over 104° F), dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse and a slow and weak pulse. The person may no longer be sweating even though it is hot.  

To lessen your risk for heat-related illness, doctors recommend avoiding being outside during the hottest part of the day, staying hydrated and drinking lots of water even if you do not feel thirsty. The National Institute of Health says during a heat wave, if you do not have air conditioning, take a cool shower and wear loose fitting clothes. If you need, take an air conditioning break by going to a mall or an air conditioned community center to cool down.   

At MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a sobering reality and want  area families to know we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. Our new memory care facility in West San Jose was developed by award-winning architects and designers to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents. We invite you to visit our website for more information and to reserve a select suite for your loved one. We open in the last quarter of 2022 and are currently offering Founders Club Specials.  

Source: 

//health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2018-06-21/what-you-need-to-know-about-heat-stroke?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&h_eid=33ff19753588e9ff88a335241c3b8e21caedc878c09582df7ea2d1c7cb6a7d5b&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20Jul%2021%2006:26:25%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health

Gardening can be a Healthy, Enjoyable Hobby for Seniors

Research shows gardening may provide seniors both mental and physical benefits. In addition to enjoying a garden filled with beautiful flowers or homegrown vegetables and herbs, gardening can be an inspirational “mind-body-spirit” experience.  

Experts say before a senior picks up a shovel, it is a good idea to prepare in advance and take a few precautions. Gardening can put a lot of stress on the spine so it is recommended you warm up your body with a few, full body stretches before you start; during your garden session and after you are done. Use garden tools that are sharp and ergonomically-designed to cause less stress to the hands and back. Terraced or raised beds limit the amount of bending and stress on the back. Use a bench or knee pads as much as possible. Take precautions when lifting and limit your load. Use a light-weight wheelbarrow and keep your gardening sessions short.

Remember to stay hydrated and avoid the full heat of the day. Wear sunblock, protective clothing and a hat with a wide brim. Working in the dirt is therapeutic, and studies show the bacteria in dirt are actually good for us as they boost our immune systems.  

Several studies report gardening can provide some protection against dementia as well as slow the progression of dementia; and has the added benefit of being easy to do even when other activities become difficult. Feeling the dirt between your fingers as you tend to your flowers and vegetables is mentally uplifting, and it is highly satisfying to behold the results. There is even a social component when gardening in a community garden or being in your front yard and exchanging pleasantries and gardening tips as neighbors pass by.    

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of memory impairment, we encourage you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley. Through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s holistic approach to Memory Care, we incorporate Montessori-based therapies and create personalized service plans to address the needs of our dementia care residents.  We are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2022 and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one now. Ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/5-health-benefits-of-gardening

Social Media Offers Benefits for Seniors

Statistics estimate approximately 59 percent of seniors 65 years and older use social media and 46 percent are on at least one social media platform. While many say they prefer face-to-face contact, social media can offer physical and mental benefits to older adults. 

Today’s seniors use Facebook and Zoom to stay up-to-date on grandkids’ activities, accomplishments and sporting events; to view the family’s recent vacation photos, and to find and reconnect with long-lost friends and relatives. Regardless of time zones or conflicting schedules, a senior can send a text or post on their Facebook page at their convenience and have it viewed and acknowledged at others’ convenience. 

Moreover social media makes it easy for seniors to learn about a wide range of topics such as scientific breakthroughs as well as local and world events. It is an effective platform for small start-ups to sell products like handmade crafts, promote consulting services or events and freelance. Networking, taking courses online, and reading posts and articles on diverse topics help seniors’ minds stay active. Seniors can post stories about their perspective on past events or help mentor and provide advice to younger people. They can play games on social platforms with friends and family or meet new friends from around the world.   

West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley is designed to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Incoming residents are thoroughly evaluated to create personalized service plans that address their special needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities. Please visit our website for more about our alzheimers care and to contact us regarding any questions. We open to residents in the fourth quarter of 2022 and are happy to help you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Also ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Why We Need Potassium

While many of us know bananas contain potassium, we may not know much more about it or why we need it. Potassium is “a soft, silvery-white mineral found naturally in the earth, and it's critically important to the function of certain processes in the human body.” It also functions as an electrolyte, and is critical to the conduction of electrical signals throughout the body.  

Along with chloride and salt, potassium is an essential, integral part of every cell, making cell growth and nerve signaling possible. It helps generate muscle contractions; regulate the heartbeat; build proteins from amino acids and metabolize carbohydrates for energy. 

Given the importance of potassium, luckily it is water soluble, easily absorbed and found in many foods. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements says adults aged 19 and older should consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium daily. For context, a medium-sized banana contains about 400 mgs of potassium. A whole avocado contains 975 mg and a large white potato has 1,500 mg.  Some other foods containing potassium are leafy greens, peas, pumpkins, oranges, grapefruits, kiwis and melons. Seafood, meats, dairy, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts are other healthy choices.   

Not getting enough potassium can cause a condition known as hypokalemia. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, twitching or cramping (especially at night), or an abnormal or irregular heart rate. Too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia, resulting in weakness and fatigue; numbness and tingling in the limbs and extremities, nausea and chest pain. Potassium-sparing blood pressure medications can elevate your risk of hyperkalemia.

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley. Visit our website to learn more about our community, and to contact our team with questions. We are scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2022 and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one that needs alzheimers care. Also ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/a-potassium-primer

Summer is Here, Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a real concern especially for the elderly, or for anyone who spends time in the sun. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says over 43% of adults do not drink enough water each day. Although the amount of fluid we need differs, Heather Mangieri, a registered dietitian based in Imperial, PA, says on average men should consume 15 cups of fluid a day and women 11 cups.  

Experts say water is the best way to hydrate but for those who find it a chore to drink, there are other healthy alternatives. In fact statistics show 22% of our daily fluid intake is from foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are especially high in fluid. Some of the most moisture-providing vegetables are lettuce and cucumbers containing up to 96% water. Celery, radishes, spinach and cauliflower are other good choices. Some of the most hydrating fruits are tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe.

Despite popular folklore, coffee doesn’t cause fluid loss and does provide hydration, but experts say it is still important to limit your amount of caffeine especially toward evening. Drinking too much alcohol does dehydrate the body and one tip to lessen the effects is to consume a beverage high in electrolytes like coconut water. Cold soups are another way to keep your fluid levels high. Oatmeal with berries is a good choice for breakfast as the oats soak up the water they are cooked in and the berries themselves are hydrating. 

The new MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility is designed to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with 42 suites in a range of floor plans and configurations. Residents receive daily health monitoring and care as well as healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Visit our website for information regarding our services, amenities and availability. We are happy to answer your questions about alzheimers homes and to help you reserve a select suite. MorningStar at West Valley opens in the last quarter of 2022.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/ways-to-stay-hydrated-besides-drinking-water?slide=12

Alzheimer’s can Cause Challenging Behaviors

Individuals with Alzheimer’s can exhibit a variety of behaviors and personality changes, of which some can be quite challenging to deal with and even affect the person’s safety. Changes in your parents or spouse can include irritability, anger, anxiety and other distressing behaviors like wandering or forgetting to turn off the stove.  

Dementia care experts say there are techniques to help deal with these feelings, and it may include adjusting your own attitude toward the changes a person is experiencing. Examples include caregivers over estimating the person’s abilities and expecting more from them then they feel capable of doing. This can cause angry outbursts often motivated by frustration. Experts remind caregivers to remember the person’s abilities are changing and suggest shifting your expectations to fit the new norm. 

Another common problem many suffer from Alzheimer’s is depression. Cindy Steele, RN, nurse scholar for Copper Ridge, a residential care community in Utah, says 40 percent of people with AD develop depression due to a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Anxiety disorders and delusions are also common. In many cases, the person’s doctor can help identify the imbalances and prescribe medications to help relieve these troubling symptoms.  

Negative behaviors can additionally be caused by physical problems such as a headache, illness or fatigue, which the person is unable to communicate. Over-stimulating environments, being too cold or too hot are other reasons for distress or irritability. Experts say caregivers need to try and stay calm and speak directly to the person using short, easily understood sentences. Avoid sounding condescending.      

For trusted memory care, we invite you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley. Our entire home is dedicated to caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and or forms of dementia.  We are scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2022 and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Please ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Tips to Help Families Transition a Loved One to Memory Care

For many suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, there comes a time when they require more professional care. Memory care facilities like MorningStar at West Valley are designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

We all know moving is a chore but for a person suffering from memory loss, leaving a beloved home can be especially trying; and it is natural for families to worry about transitioning mom or dad into a memory care facility. This is where tips from dementia care specialists can ease the way.

Experts say if possible, it is helpful to plan early and discuss future living options while the person is still able to make reasonable decisions. Once the time comes for more care and a memory care community has been decided on, families need to search for one that best fits the person’s needs.

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral company, suggests several things we can do in advance to help smooth the transition including reminding the person they will be moving. If several family members are involved; stick to one script and keep it concise and simple. 

Another tip to help the person not panic is to pack their things at night while they are sleeping or out visiting friends. Decorate their new suite with personal items such as photos, mementos and other treasured objects without the room feeling cluttered. 

They suggest moving during a scheduled activity you know the person will love such as an art class or a game of bingo. It takes their mind away from the actual move and gives them an opportunity to meet other community members and staff. Also remember it may take the person time to settle in, and time and patience is important from everyone involved.   

Once you decide on a particular home, meet the staff to talk about your parent’s background, talents, personal preference, medical history, etc.  At MorningStar of West Valley, we use a query called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” to aid us in creating a daily routine to stimulate or calm in response to the resident’s mood or situation.

MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility will open to residents in the third quarter of 2022 and offer a choice of 42 studio or companion suites within our two-story memory carecommunity. Visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one.

Certain Foods May Help Reduce or Slow Memory Loss

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 also increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

The 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. 

West San Jose’s newest community, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley offers a holistic approach to memory care for the utmost comfort and security. Each resident receives an Individualized Service Plan to provide the care, people, programs, and activities they need as well as specially prepared, nutritious meals designed to make eating less stressful. 

Our memory care facility offers 42 suites in a choice of studio or companion suites and is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2022. Please visit our website for answers to your questions or to reserve a select suite.

A Holistic Approach to Trusted Memory Care

For comprehensive, compassionate memory care your family can trust, we invite you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest community, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley. 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. As a memory care facility, every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted, safe and secure. 

We know it is devastating when a family receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease and we feel called to help by shouldering some of the burden. Our team is made up of the kind of individuals who recognize it is a privilege to serve and is highly trained in our signature “Lavender Sky” program, which uses Montessori-based therapies to calm and stimulate. Regardless of the level of memory loss, we strive each day to foster a nurturing environment for the highest quality of life. 

Our daily, meaningful wellness programs engage residents in a variety of ways including dancing and listening to music, singing, crafting, painting or participating in physical exercise. We also use therapy animals and aromatherapy as well as take residents on outings and hold special events. 

As a resident, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from compassionate, trained care managers and daily health monitoring. In addition they will have access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers.

MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley is due to open in the third quarter of 2022, and we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our holistic memory care. Our staff looks forward to answering all of your questions and can help you reserve a suite once you have made the decision to entrust MorningStar with the care of your loved one.