Medical professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot this year. They worry too many people may assume given the relatively small outbreak last year, it won’t be a problem this season. To illustrate, the CDC reported only 818,939 specimens were tested for influenza from late September 2020 through late May 2021, and only 0.2 percent came back positive as compared to 26 to 30 percent during a normal season.
The concern of experts now is that the few cases last year may actual result in a worse season this year. Clare Rock, an infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the light flu season last year “means some of the natural immunity that would be in the population is not going to be in the population now.” He adds, “We may have more vulnerable people.” It is hard to predict the severity of this year’s flu season as health professionals do not yet know the extent of people who will still practice social distancing and mask wearing due to COVID-19. It is also hard to predict how close this year’s flu shot will address the various strains of flu that turn up. Other good reasons to get a flu shot is many hospitals are filled with COVID patients and the fact kids are physically back at school. Another roadblock to a more accurate prediction of this year’s flu numbers is most years we look at the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere (their flu season is during our summers). Again things are not normal given the amount of COVID currently affecting the area and there are strict mitigation rules in effect in many countries. With all of these unknowns, healthcare providers stress the importance of everyone eligible getting a flu shot. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents and we do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, and luxury amenities. Please feel free to contact us and ask about our Move-in Specials.
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Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis. In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.” Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.
Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state almost 450,000 older adults (65 years old or older) visit the emergency room each year because of adverse, or harmful, drug events. Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects. Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together. Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork. Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs. If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system. However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern. This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out. Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. It is important for family members and caregivers to remember that while a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease may be declining cognitively, they still have some abilities. Encouraging them to stay involved in meaningful activities is a good way to give them a sense of self-worth and purpose. In fact, a published report from the National Institute of Health states, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” It goes on to say it is important for those with dementia to stay as active and engaged as possible and that “it may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.”
As to what kinds of activities are the most effective, studies suggest trying to stimulate all five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell; and the creative arts are a good place to start. Singing is not only enjoyable but several studies have shown it to be one of the last abilities many of those with Alzheimer’s lose. People can often remember the words to a song long after many other memories are gone. Listening to music and dancing are other activities beneficial to those with dementia. Dancing has even been shown to help stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression. Walking and getting outside can also lift spirits, but as gait can be adversely affected by Alzheimer’s, evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our goal is to be one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ offers, which includes compassionate care to those with memory impairment. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, and an enclosed, secure patio and courtyard. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. Please visit our website to learn more our community, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684326 While nutritionists are quick to point out the best diet is to choose healthy options from across all food groups (paying attention to calorie limits), they say superfoods deserve special recognition. This is due to the fact they contain “some very important nutrients that can power-pack your meals and snacks, and further enhance a healthy eating pattern.” Research has shown a healthy diet can lessen our risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers; and superfoods make it that much easier to do.
Superfoods include richly colored, sweet berries high in antioxidants, which are known to help fight off diseases. Experts say frozen berries are as good for us as fresh ones and are a good alternative off-season. Several types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids fall into the superfood category and include salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout and anchovies. Various nuts are on the list but dieticians warn they are calorically dense so don’t eat too many at one time. Almonds, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts are all high in protein as well as monounsaturated fats found to help reduce heart disease. Olive oil is considered a heart healthy oil and is a good source of vitamin E, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fatty acids. Other superfoods are legumes, cruciferous vegetables, and yogurt. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer 61 graciously-appointed suites for assisted living with a choice of floorplans ranging from spacious studios to one- and two bedroom apartments. Our resort-style amenities include a 5-star all-day food service largely prepared from scratch, with daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat making it easy for residents to self-manage their diet. Menus also include super foods such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley provides 27 secure suites for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website and use our Virtual Assistant to obtain more information. If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, MorningStar of Happy Valley is ready to help. We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it and wish to share the burden. Our comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families 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 during this unexpected and challenging journey.
Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. Happy Valley’s Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. With 27 memory care suites, we are equipped to comfort and care for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. For seniors requiring a little help with ADLs (activities of daily living), MorningStar of Happy Valley has 61 private suites available in a range of configurations and floorplans. Conveniently located, we are near Interstate 205, medical facilities, the shopping and entertainment destination of the Clackamas Town Center and the popular Happy Valley food-cart park. Please call or visit our website to learn more. There are many things we can do to improve our overall health and prevent or mitigate our chances of getting certain diseases and scientists say the same is true with our brain health. Doctors report it goes beyond Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions and all of our brains “naturally age with us, leading to effects such as patchy memory and reduced brain mass.”
Over the last several decades, research has discovered a strong connection between heart health and brain health and links damage to the heart and vascular system to damage to the brain. This has led to the American Heart Association to put together a list of seven key factors to look out for when it comes to cardiovascular health. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, level of exercise, diet, body weight and smoking status. Most of these factors can be addressed by changes in our habits and lifestyle and the earlier a person does it the better the outcome is as we age. Dr. Ronald M. Lazar, Ph.D., the Evelyn F. McKnight Endowed Chair for Learning and Memory in Aging and director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, explains, “Many people think of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors as affecting only heart health, yet these very same risk factors affect our brain health.” Researchers say other critical factors affecting cognitive ability over time include depression, social isolation, alcohol use, sleep disorders, insufficient education, and hearing loss. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, our goal is to help seniors live life to the fullest. We believe the ability to contribute and grow is ageless and we know how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. From modern private suites to warm and welcoming common area including scenic outdoor courtyards, residents are sure to feel right at home. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to our community. Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/ Doctors say the public should understand while information on best practices in medical care may change over time and/or in some cases the medical community is not speaking with one voice; it is not necessarily a bad thing. Rather it is often a result of new research and scientific facts surfacing changing the debate and the messaging.
Nowhere have we seen more changes evolve in medical recommendations and advice than over the last year in regard to COVID-19. Experts explain this is an excellent example of new information coming in over a period of time that updated our knowledge of an unknown virus, which had rapidly spread across the globe before we had learned much about it. In a recent article in the U.S. News & World Report, Dr. Neel Anand, M.D., says, “It isn't new or unique to COVID-19. To be honest, debate among scientists and medical experts is precisely how the targeted and most effective therapies and treatments develop.” Medical progress evolves much like other scientific progress, and involves formulating a hypothesis and then setting out to prove or disprove it. Healthy debate helps to move us forward and typically the end result is good for our own medical care. However Dr. Anand cautions if scientific debate is going to be useful in advancing medicine, it requires real experts. For example, he says as a doctor specializing in spinal surgery, he would not consider it fruitful to debate the specifics of spinal surgery from someone who isn’t a qualified physician or researcher in the field. This is why doctors and scientists have often disagreed or changed guidelines on COVID-19 as well as on other medical conditions and illnesses. Doctors say it is an example of how the scientific process works, which allows them to make better decisions regarding care. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us with any questions you may have as we are happy to talk to you about your or a loved one’s care. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/debate-in-medicine-is-good-for-everyone Sometimes a senior has a fall or another medical emergency that precipitates the need for a change in their living circumstances such as a move into an assisted living community. Other times, the situation is not so clear-cut and is more a case of a senior slowly losing the ability to attend to their daily care needs. We know it is upsetting for families to see their loved one decline, which is why experts offer advice to help determine if an assisted living setting would be an improvement in their lifestyle.
One way to decide if assisted living is right for your parent or another loved one is to take an inventory of the things they are having trouble doing for themselves and if assistance would improve their quality of life. For instance, are they having a hard time preparing and cooking meals or need help bathing, toileting, and dressing? Have they stopped driving and spend a lot of time alone? Is your normally tidy parent now letting the household tasks go and/or mail is stacking up unopened and bills not getting paid? Other factors that indicate the need for more help includes recent falls or burns from using water that is too hot or from cooking. Warning signs also include a history of medication mismanagement or worsening chronic health problems, which could all benefit from the care received in an assisted living community. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we offer 63 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ offers. 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. As more and more people are receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, we all are optimistic about life getting back to normal sometime soon. Nonetheless doctors want to remind seniors and anyone with chronic health problems that keeping up with medical checkups as well as some preventative screenings is critical to their continued good health. While much of routine healthcare can be handled by telemedicine, many physicians are deciding on a patient-to-patient basis whether to see the patient in person.
The postponement of many cancer screenings and other preventative tests over the last year for diseases, which if caught early, give patients the best chance of recovery, is a worry to the medical community. The Epic Health Research Network notes just how big of a problem it was in a July 2020 reports that showed from March to June of last year, 63% of breast exams, 64% of colon exams, and 67% of cervical exams were not done based on the number of screenings that would normally be expected in an average year. Other important healthcare for adults 65 years and older is eye exams. Ophthalmologists advise seniors to have a full examination at least every year or two to check for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions. They also say if you notice any changes with your eyes, to call your doctor. Additionally the American Dental Association declared in November that they "firmly believe" dental care can continue to be delivered safely. They state there has been “no documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting.” Hopefully getting vaccinated should make it safer for seniors to resume important medical care but always consult with your healthcare provider. Doctors also warn that for now, everyone should still wear a mask. At the MorningStar of Happy Valley, all new residents will have priority access to the COVID vaccine. Our luxury, three-story community offers 61 private assisted living suites and 27 secure memory care devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for pricing, availability and for answers to your questions. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct 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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley, OR. Source: today.com/health/should-i-go-doctor-coronavirus-covid-19-impact-routine-preventive-t180851 One of the big problems that COVID-19 has caused for seniors is social isolation. By trying to protect themselves against the dangers of the virus, many have stayed away from loved ones and friends, resulting in loneliness, and even in some cases, depression. According to a recent report from the AARP Foundation and the United Health Foundation, the impact of COVID is more pronounced on older adults as more than half of those 50 years and older say they have felt socially isolated during the pandemic.
At assisted living communities like MorningStar of Happy Valley, our remarkable residents and staff have shown great strength and resiliency in dealing with COVID over the last year. Much of this is due to the fact that we know we are all in this together! Through many layers of defenses and tireless efforts, we have been very fortunate in keeping COVID from our door, and like to say the only thing “positive” is our attitude. In fact family members have written to let us know they are so grateful for the care we have provided their loved ones. One family says that, “MorningStar has been a Godsend. The people who work here are ‘earth angels.’ They have nothing but patience and compassion. I didn’t think they could be so incredible 100% of the time, but that truly is the case.” Now our MorningStar communities have started a new campaign we call “#Back2hugs” as both our staff and residents are getting vaccinated against the coronavirus. In addition we want new residents to know that they will have priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine. The MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community is proud to be a true home to residents. With 61 private suites for assisted living, we offer spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans with some as large as 865 sq. ft. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we have 27 secure suites devoted to individualized, specialized care. MorningStar of Happy Valley has now been open for over a year, and while it has been much different than we had expected, we feel blessed beyond words to be a Family for Life. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct 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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us for more information about one of the area’s best assisted living and memory care communities. Source: aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/isolation-survey-coronavirus/ |
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