Walking Helps Improve Balance

Many seniors are aware of the fact that a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance. 

The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider.  

Whether you are fairly active or living a sedentary lifestyle, experts say to remember minutes are more important than miles. If you are unused to exercise, start at the beginning. Also wear a good walking shoe, and if you use a cane or walker, use it. Again experts say it is safer to walk with a buddy and to bring along a cell phone. Walk in a place with an even surface, and especially in the beginning, stay close to home.  Once you start feeling more confident, add more minutes to your routine. 

For seniors who are already walking, try adding a few more minutes to your routine or a more challenging route. Experts say the overall goal should be to do at least 150 minutes a week. To add strength training exercises and workouts to improve balance, ask your doctor for advice on how to get started. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park is a new senior living community in South Denver’s Observatory Park area and promises to be one of the finest retirement communities in Denver. Our new 85,000-square-foot, 5-story community is designed to promote residents’ independence with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. We offer 60 suites for assisted living residents, and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 23 memory care suites to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We open to residents in spring 2023 and encourage you to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. Our premium suites are filling fast so contact us today to reserve your select suite. 

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia don’t have to give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. 

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.   

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.   

At MorningStar at North Ridge, we offer families trusted, compassionate Alzheimer’s care. After a thorough evaluation, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to address personal needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities.  We feel it is our job 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.  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 value, 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 contact us for more information about exceptional Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan

What to Expect from Assisted Living

For many families, assisted living is a new concept and they don’t know if it would meet their loved one’s needs. While services may depend on where you live, there are similarities regardless of your zip code. The first thing families should understand is assisted living is not skilled nursing care but rather intended for seniors who require a “helping hand” with daily care activities. Seniors need to understand assisted living does not take away their independence but rather enhances it.  

Assisted living communities offer an environment to safely age in place while receiving an array of senior care services, companionship and programs to improve quality of life. Residents enjoy not having to worry about home maintenance and yard work as well as preparing meals and driving. Assisted living communities are maintenance-free and provide meals and scheduled transportation to medical appointments or trips to area malls, restaurants and shops. 

Another big benefit to assisted living is the resident no longer feels like a burden to their family. Now when a son or daughter comes for a visit, it is just that. There isn’t a list of chores to do or the need to help with personal care or meal prep but time can be spent enjoying one another. 

When you are searching for assisted living, one of the services listed should include help with the ADLs (activities of daily). ADLs include things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transference (help getting in and out of bed to wheelchair, walker etc.)  As an incoming resident, your loved one’s level of care will be based on the ADLs to create a Personalized Care Plan.    

At MorningStar at Observatory Park, we provide a full range of senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs to engage residents physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Visit our website for more information about our new assisted living and memory care community in South Denver. Excitement is growing as we will be opening for residents soon.

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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in Denver.

Stretching Exercises Can Increase Flexibility, Improve Balance and Relieve Pain

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do for their independence. If you are unable to get up from a chair or out of bed each morning, you will need assistance. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

For luxury senior living, MorningStar of San Jose is sure to please.  Our new community provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help stay fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. To learn more about our wide range of resort-style alzheimers care amenities and services, please visit our website.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in San Jose.

Why Choose Senior Living?

If you still think senior living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s retirement communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer seniors a vibrant lifestyle of wellness, community and well-being. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focuses on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health. 

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) are designed to assist residents 62 years and older with the activities of daily living (ADLs) within a residential setting. In addition to the ADLs, residents are provided with opportunities for life-long learning with meaningful life-enrichment programs, resort-style amenities, hospitality services and more. Some assisted living communities also provide for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with a distinct, secure neighborhood designed for their special needs.  

Assisted living communities like the new MorningStar at Observatory Park offer residents security and peace-of-mind with 24/7 care managers, emergency call systems, predictable budgeting and a community designed with their safety and comfort in mind. Daily meals, transportation services and inviting common areas inside and out make for relaxing, enjoyable retirement years.  

MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the South Denver’s Observatory Park area. Our contemporary 85,000-square-foot, 5-story community is designed for residents every need; and offers 60 assisted living suites in a choice of studio, and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. Reflections Neighborhood encompasses the entire second floor and is dedicated to caring for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. We open to residents in winter 2022 and invite you to visit our website today to reserve your select suite; and be sure to ask us about our Founders Club Savings. For updates regarding our community and special events, connect with us on Facebook.