There are some legal problems unique to older adults that many attorneys are not equipped to provide accurate advice about such as Medicaid, Social Security or disability claims, trusts or estate planning, or issues regarding long term care. When an elderly person requires the services of an attorney to protect their financial interests or to solve legal issues, experts recommend hiring an elder law attorney who specializes in advocating for the elderly and their loved ones.
The FindLaw website explains, “Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.” However, remember that as with all attorneys, elder law attorneys also specialize in specific areas of the law so look for one that has the expertise you need. Many families find it makes good sense to hire an elder attorney to protect and preserve their loved one’s assets when they sell their home to move into an assisted living or memory care community. This is a case where you would want to find one that specializes in financial and estate planning. The elder attorney also can assist with legal issues that arise with the actual care of the senior including helping to sort out supplemental and long-term health insurance problems. An elder attorney can draw up a durable power of attorney as well as draft a living will, living trust or other advance directives, or set up conservatorships and guardianships. They can help answer questions regarding nursing home resident rights and other patient rights, To find an elder law attorney, experts recommend asking friends, family members or other business connections for referrals. Findlaw.com says you can check online and read through websites or use their online attorney directory. MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional memory care. Source: elder.findlaw.com/what-is-elder-law/what-does-an-elder-law-attorney-do-.html
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We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one in four Americans age 65 years and older fall each year. They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”
However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home. The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall. Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise. In addition, older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles. Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling. There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen. Also vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.” It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care unit in Boise, ID. The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.8 million Americans with the disease. They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease. Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Experts also predict that as we continue to live longer, the number of those age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s will grow to 13.8 million by 2050. Right now, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured.
These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally. Their studies show that close to 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers “rate their stress level as high or very high.” Approximately 40 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression and required healthcare services related to the emotional and physical toll of their caregiving. Experts recommend that if you are family caregiver that you reach out for help from a variety of sources including relatives, friends, and local community organizations. Caregiver support groups can also be helpful as you can connect with other who are dealing with the same problems. Respite care and day care centers can also give you some relief from the responsibility and difficulties of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Another solution is to consider Alzheimer’s care homes such as MorningStar at Englefield Green who provide experienced and compassionate memory care. Our community is devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our holistic care is designed to affirm the dignity and value of the person within a supportive, loving atmosphere. Please see our website for more information. The mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself the finest memory care in Boise. Sources: alz.org/facts/overview.asp#prevalence familydoctor.org/caring-for-a-relative-who-has-dementia/ A large study out of Europe found a link between older adults who take blood pressure-lowering drugs and a lower risk of developing dementia. Medical News Today explains that while researchers are still unclear as to what causes dementia, much work is being done to improve prevention strategies. By studying “potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of this condition,” scientists say they hope to learn more about connections between certain health conditions and higher rates of dementia.
Another study published last year in the journal, Neurology, found that patients with hypertension had a higher risk of experiencing brain lesions related to dementia. In this newest study from the University of Leipzig in Germany, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in France, and the Frankfurt, Germany branch of IQVIA, researchers had access to a large database that collects and stores health information on millions of people. Using the Disease Analyzer database, researchers looked at 12,405 people, aged 60 and older, with or without dementia. They compared those who took antihypertensive drugs with those who had for periods of time or had never taken the drugs. Results showed that those who took “certain antihypertensive drugs — including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers — seemed to have a lower risk of dementia.” The study authors warn that antihypertensive drugs do not guarantee a person will not develop dementia. They say rather it highlights the benefits of such drugs. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, an assisted living and memory care community, we offer comprehensive care services including 24-hour care managers, medication care managers, routine Health & Wellness Evaluations, and much more. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents. Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325393.php Many people mistakenly assume that “assisted living” is just another term for nursing homes. In fact, nursing homes are intended for people that require long-term, around-the-clock medical care and supervision and should not be confused with assisted living, which provides residents support for daily care activities. At an assisted living community, you will receive the care you need to live comfortably and safely while still retaining your privacy and as much independence as possible.
Assisted living is ideal for anyone who does not require 24-hour skilled medical care but rather just needs more personal care than they can get at home or at an independent living retirement community. Meals and transportation are provided, and if needed, residents can get help with activities such as showering dressing, and etc. For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it. Many assisted living communities offer the privacy of individual suites, while also providing their residents with the security and safety of 24-hour support and quick access to care. In addition, communities generally provide residents the opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities along with wellness programs. Residents usually eat their meals in a communal dining room and have housekeeping and laundry services available. If you are looking for the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers, we invite you to take a look at the gorgeous MorningStar of Rio Rancho. Our community provides various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family. For all of our residents, MorningStar’s around-the-clock Care Managers are there to meet needs and to ensure the utmost safety. MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers. Now that we are in mid-summer and outside temperatures are soaring, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.
There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age. This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration. Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink. Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time. The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to see to the needs of our residents. Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more. MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care. MorningStar at Englefield Green provides individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our holistic care is designed to affirm the dignity and value of the person within a supportive, loving atmosphere.
MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore. To aid us in this quest, our Life Enrichment team provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities that help to connect with and nurture the essence of the person regardless of the level of memory loss. Our monthly calendar includes a variety of exercise classes appropriate for our residents’ level of fitness. The classes start with Sunday Strong, to Monday Movements, Tuesday Workout, Wednesday Workout, Aerobic Thursday, Friday Fitness, and Saturday Strong. Residents are encouraged to participate in whatever capacity they are most comfortable with. Additionally, Englefield Green residents enjoy a range of activities and games that not only use cognitive skills but are fun for staff and residents alike. Examples include Brain Games, Craft Corner, Bingo, Trivia Time, Baking Buddies and much more. Furthermore, each month we have special events and programs such as the sounds of Cowboy Andres, Dan Costello on guitar, and an Apple Pie Social while enjoying Rachel play the harp. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about our specialized memory care and to set up a tour. From the moment you walk through the door, you will see why our community is a true home. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia care in Boise. Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it can also be stressful especially when it is a long-term arrangement and there is no cure for what ails your loved one. If you are a regular caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you need to take a break from time to time for your own wellbeing. One of the tips experts suggest to get the caregiving help you need is to look into respite care.
At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we offer caregivers the chance to feel comfortable about taking a well-deserved break by providing your loved one with a warm and loving temporary home. Our entire community is devoted to providing holistic dementia care that is designed to nurture the essence of the individual and reaffirm their dignity and value. In addition, we are set up to care for those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. As a short-term respite care resident, your loved one will get all of the amenities and services we provide for our permanent residents. This includes three daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef that are geared toward encouraging the appetite of those with dementia. In addition, all of our respite care residents participate in our wellness programs and activities, special events and scheduled outings. To ensure the comfort and safety of your loved one, we provide 24-hour care, medication management and group transportation. Furthermore, our respite care suite (subject to availability) is fully furnished so all you need to do is bring your loved one’s personal items. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and for contact information on respite care. You deserve a break from your 24/7 caregiving responsibilities. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia care in Boise. While beautiful, summers in Rio Rancho are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the upper-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated. As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 years old.”
Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature. When people over the age of 65 heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features. Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun. Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness. Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out. Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems. Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease. Diet can also play a role in becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided. If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks. MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and our residents enjoy a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need. Our deliciously prepared meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage. Please visit our website for more details and contact information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM. As people grow older, their needs change and many require help with daily personal care activities. This can present a dilemma in families as some elderly seniors firmly state that they do not want to move into assisted living. However when the pressure to assume caretaking responsibilities continues to grow for family members and even safety is a concern, they may have to look into alternatives.
It is important to know that research shows assisted living can be a healthier lifestyle for seniors than living alone. They have access to 24/7 care as well as the benefits that come from socializing with others. In addition keep in mind that your parent’s home may need costly modifications to make it safe for them to continue to live there while assisted living communities are designed to address those needs. Moreover along with the assistance they need with daily personal care, communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho provide a range of wellness programs and activities that support residents’ mental, physical, spiritual, and social connections. In addition, wholesome, nutritional daily meals as well as housekeeping and laundry services mean your parent will have their basic needs met seamlessly. Lastly something often overlooked regarding assisted living is that with the proper assistance, rather than your parent’s fear of losing their independence becoming true, they will actually get it back. Also by getting the needed assistance from the staff, it allows families to just enjoy spending time together without the added responsibility of being caregivers. MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer 51 assisted living private suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we will offer 26 secure suites. While our community is new, MorningStar Senior Living has assisted living facilities across the country, including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Rio Rancho or come out and visit us at our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. We invite you to visit our Information Center and to speak to our team about unsurpassed senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. |
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