Dementia care specialists say they are often asked when the best time is to place a loved one in memory care. The simple answer is it is different for each person as well as for each family. They add that while there is no definitive answer, there may be a downside to waiting too long and typically there is not a problem moving a person into memory care in the early stages.
Experts recommend families start the search for senior living communities offering specialized memory care once the level of daily care needed has surpassed that of what a family can effectively and safely provide. Caring for a loved one with dementia is both physically and emotionally challenging for family caregivers, and caregiver burnout is a real problem that can impact the caregiver’s health and wellbeing. Placing a person in a community specializing in dementia care allows family members to ease their role as caregiver and instead spend quality time with their loved one. It is important to keep in mind people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s lose a lot of their mobility. A petite woman trying to help her husband with the activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, and dressing is difficult and can result in injuries to both of them. A designated memory care community can handle all of these tasks as they have the training, staff, and equipment to safely assist residents and prevent accidents. Another common problem Alzheimer’s patients have is a tendency to wander. This is again an example of how memory care communities are equipped to handle the problem. They have areas designed for residents to safely move about in but are secure in terms of wandering away from the community and getting lost or hurt. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we provide specialized, compassionate care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to meet the needs of residents from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they deserve the best care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about assisted living or memory care at MorningStar. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.
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As we age, it becomes more important than ever to protect our health but making decisions on how we do it can be confusing at best. One day it seems this diet is better than another and they have lots of initials such as DASH, MIND, TLC or KETO as well as Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets. Adding to the challenge is whether we need a daily multivitamin.
While it is a good idea to get advice from your healthcare provider, it doesn’t hurt to hear what some other experts say. For example, the Harvard School of Public Health says if you eat a healthy diet, a multivitamin may have little or no benefit. A healthy diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, good protein sources and healthy fats. However, the National Academy of Medicine cautions some Americans may not be getting enough of specific vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and vitamin E from food sources alone. Vitamin deficiency can also occur in people with diseases like celiac, ulcerative colitis, or cystic fibrosis, which cause their digestive systems to not function properly. Others who may benefit from the addition of specific vitamins include the elderly or conditions such as pregnancy, alcoholism and taking certain medications including treating high blood pressure. Doctors say even those with diseases such as osteoporosis may only need to increase their intake of nutrients targeted toward maintaining bone health, or if that is not possible to take a supplement. If in doubt, ask your healthcare team if you should consult with a dietician. Remember to let your doctors know about any supplements you are taking in case of drug interactions with prescription medications. MorningStar of Happy Valley is an assisted living and memory care community with beautiful common areas and well-designed suites. Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour. Source: hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/multivitamin/ A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”
Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.” At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. In addition to assisted living and memory care, our beautiful community offers respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us today for more information about outstanding senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/ At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating and we want families to know we are here to help. Our community offers loving, compassionate care to those with memory impairment in our Reflections Neighborhood. The MorningStar Senior Living company brings 20 years of experience to memory care in senior communities across eleven states.
MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, the Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs. Along with memory care, we offer assisted living in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Assisted living residents enjoy amenities including all-day dining, salon, bistro, fitness room, chapel/theater, general store and courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living at MorningStar. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon. Sometimes, it can be difficult to turn off the motor that is the brain. One of the most effective strategies to slow down rapidly forming thoughts is to practice mindful meditation.
What is mindful meditation? It is the mental training routine that teaches you how to slow down fast-moving thoughts. Mindful meditation also can help you lose negative thoughts, as well as calm down your body. At our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, you can master mindful meditation to enhance the quality of your life You can practice different types of mindful meditation techniques, but the core of the routine revolves around deep breathing and an awareness of both mind and body. You do not need to use any props or take time preparing to practice the technique. All you need to start is a comfortable location where you sit and a mind that is free of any judgment. How Do I Practice Mindful Meditation? Although mindful meditation is an easy concept to learn on your own, consider working with a teacher in an individual program to help you master the correct positions and breathing techniques. You first want to get comfortable by sitting in a chair or on the floor. Keep your head, neck, and back straight, but not overly stiff. Wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent any distractions from disrupting your session. A timer with a soft alarm helps you focus on meditation and forget about any time constraints on your schedule. Start by completing short sessions such as five minutes long before increasing the time of each session by five-minute increments. Stay aware of your breathing patterns, especially the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. Once you master a consistent breathing pattern, pay attention to your thoughts by not ignoring or suppressing them. If your thoughts start to overwhelm you, such as feeling negative thoughts like fear and anxiety, return to focusing on just breathing to cycle back to the start of mindful meditation. What Are the Benefits of Mindful Meditation? Practicing mindful meditation by following a regular schedule can help you reap several benefits for the mind and body. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) represents a standard approach to practicing mindful meditation. It helps decrease stress in healthy participants, as well as fends off the development of mental disorders like depression and acute anxiety. Mindful meditation is a proven technique to lower your heart rate, which reduces the likelihood of you developing the symptoms of heart disease. One study indicated that those who practice mindful meditation techniques performed better on tests measuring cardiovascular capacity. Because mindful meditation is a technique that lowers stress, it also can improve sleep patterns by removing the disturbances that cause them. A study completed in 2019 showed participants significantly improved the quality of their sleep by practicing basic mindfulness meditation techniques. Research studies also have proven that mindfulness meditation techniques bolster a body’s resistance to illnesses and diseases. The studies concluded that participants in an eight-week mindfulness meditation course improved their immune function. Enhance Your Mind and Body at MorningStar of Rio Rancho Living at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, NM should help you learn how to take care of your mind and body. Mindfulness meditation is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal. With two lifestyle options of assisted living and memory care, our residents thrive in an environment that focuses on enhancing both mind and body.Find out more by scheduling a tour today. Residents participate in a wide variety of hobbies at our senior housing center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. One of the most popular hobbies requires little effort, but it does require impeccable timing. We are talking about enjoying astronomy on a clear night by stargazing. With Albuquerque experiencing an average of 310 clear to mostly clear days a year, the impeccable timing part of stargazing is easy to achieve.
However, stargazing at our assisted living facility is much more successful if you follow five proven tips. Find a Spot Away From City Lights Like other large cities, Albuquerque lights up at night. Light pollution from cars, buildings, and street lamps diminishes the quality of the views available of the night sky. Even the brightest stars and planets have trouble breaking through light pollution. Because Rio Rancho sits far enough away to decrease the impact of light pollution, you do not have to drive far from our assisted living facility to stargaze. Choose the Right Night Lights are not the only obstacle that limits or even prohibits a view of the stars. You also have to ensure the night sky is free of clouds. Check the forecast for the night you plan to stargaze to prevent going out when the sky fills with clouds. Weather also matters for comfort, as you should dress for the weather by wearing layers if the night air turns chilly. You also want to avoid the rare night when it rains. No Obstructions You can move far enough away from city lights on a night when not a cloud appears in the sky, and still find stargazing to be difficult to achieve. The reason is you have chosen a spot that is full of vision-blocking trees. There are several forests located near our senior housing center in Rio Rancho, NM. Select a spot to stargaze that is not surrounded by trees. One of the large open desert areas nearby is the best spot to set up a stargazing camp. Join an Astronomy Club Other amateur astronomers can be valuable resources to tap into concerning the knowledge they have about what moves across the night sky. Astronomy clubs also are typically led by an expert astronomer who enriches your stargazing experience with plenty of helpful knowledge. Not only do you get to identify various star alignments, but you also discover how long they have been there and the story behind how they formed their amazing configurations. By joining an astronomy club, you should be able to identify the different constellations, as well as each of the eight planets. You also might catch a shooting star and/or a meteor shower. Use Helpful Tools You can observe what is in most of the night sky such as the Milky Way with just your eyes. However, you can dive much deeper into the shapes and colors of objects in the sky by using helpful tools like a telescope and a pair of binoculars. For example, you should be able to see the Moon’s many craters by using a standard pair of binoculars. A telescope is the best tool to use for spotting smaller objects such as planets and galaxies. Stay Busy at MorningStar of Rio Rancho One of the most effective ways to fend off feelings of loneliness and isolation is to stay active. At our assisted living and memory care facility in Rio Rancho, we offer a busy activities calendar that includes virtually every type of popular hobby. Discover what we have to offer at our senior housing center in Rio Rancho by scheduling a tour. When asked, many seniors say they would prefer to age in place in their own home, but at some point, a family may have to consider if there isn’t a better, safer option for them. Assisted living communities are designed for people who are largely independent but require some daily care. They offer residents many benefits such as peace of mind knowing help is there whenever they need it, access to licensed nurses, medication management and transportation to doctor’s appointments.
The range of activities is typically broad with something to appeal to everyone. Whether you are a movie buff who loves classic films, a trivia expert or a budding artist who would love the chance to explore their creative side, assisted living makes it easy to stay involved. Many communities also have fitness centers and exercise classes tailored to seniors as well as large outdoor areas perfect for taking a stroll or sitting out on the patio with friends. Safety and security are important to seniors and living in an assisted community gives you both. Communities are designed to meet the needs of residents dealing with mobility issues, and offer ramps, flat thresholds, wide corridors and hallway hand railings. Handicap accessible bathrooms are another benefit of assisted living. Studies show seniors who are isolated and lack socialization are at risk for dementia, and community living offers a vibrant lifestyle without much effort. Other perks include healthy, balanced meals seniors no longer need to cook. Remember your parents have worked hard all their lives to provide for others and it is time to think about their happiness and well-being. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer seniors the finest assisted living to allow them to live life to the fullest. Along with 61 private, assisted living suites, we offer an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, compassionate care for our most tender residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and contact us to ask about availability and pricing. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon. Alzheimer’s is one of those progressive diseases where needs continue to evolve and change, and it is important to address those changes with the appropriate care. The Alzheimer’s Association advises families that there is not a one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to Alzheimer’s care; but rather to take a close look at your own unique family situation. They also say to recognize decisions regarding care are not easy.
Some of the options families may consider include in-home care, respite care, all-day adult centers, hospice care and long-term care. All these choices require time to explore to ensure they provide the level of care a loved one needs. Experts recommend trying to include the person with Alzheimer’s into the decision making process as much as possible. The Alzheimer’s Association says often a person in the early stages of the disease can live alone but in the middle stages typically 24/7 care is needed. During the most advanced stages, intensive around-the-clock care is required. If it is time for long-term care, you will want the best care possible. Experts say look for a memory care community that treats the whole person and has an environment in which they can feel independent and safe. A Place for Mom, an online senior living referral service, offers questions to help decide when it may be time for a family to consider long term-care in a memory community. Some of those questions include:
Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers comprehensive memory care which supports residents with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege–our calling–to walk alongside residents and their families during this unexpected and challenging journey. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living, designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together.
Assisted living communities like MorningStar of Happy Valley offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities and services as well as the opportunity to make new friends. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, once the family decides to entrust us with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences. Then we create a care plan approved by you and your parents, which is also routinely updated to address any changes in care. Mom or dad will receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. We also offer medication management services. MorningStar’s stylish suites come in a range of floor plans and configurations and each has a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Amenities include a bistro, fitness room, salon, general store, chapel/theatre, courtyards and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Services include scheduled transportation and onsite therapeutic services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal keeps mom or dad’s suite spotless, and linen and laundry services keep life simple. A five-star meal service ensures your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need. For more information about luxury assisted living in Happy Valley, Oregon, please visit our website. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar of Happy Valley we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes.
If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what the future will bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings. Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents. It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as solutions to challenging behaviors. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living at MorningStar. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon. |
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