Studies indicate that not only is it beneficial for children when their grandparents are involved in their lives but it is good for grandparents as well. Dr. Karl Pillemer of Cornell University suggests that the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is “second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child.” He reports that, “9 out of 10 adult grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their values and behaviors,” and that, “grandparents transmit to their grandchildren the values and norms of social order.” Furthermore, the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead states that, “Connections between the generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.”
In another study from Sara M. Moorman, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and the Institute on Aging at Boston College, she found that “grandparents and grandchildren have real, measurable effects on each other's psychological well-being long into grandchildren's adulthood.” She adds that fewer symptoms of depression are associated for either generations when a close emotional relationship exists between grandchildren and their grandparents. Being a grandparent means you have the freedom to unconditionally love your grandchild without the stress and worry that parents experience in the day-to-day raising of the child. Grandparents can just enjoy the child and accept them for who they are. Also with so many children now being raised in two-career or single parent households, grandparents can help to relieve some of the stress parents are faced with. Another benefit of grandparents is that they bring a different perspective to a child’s life based on their own life experiences. Grandparents’ interactions with their grandchildren are influenced by factors such as culture, ethnicity, gender, race, family traditions, and personal history. Researchers have even identified various styles of grandparenting that include: family historian/living ancestor, the nurturer, the mentor, the role model, the playmate, the wizard, and the hero. However regardless of the type of grandparent you are, we know it is as good for your wellbeing as it is for your grandchild. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Sources:cceoneida.com/about-us/news/10-reasons-grandparents-matter-more-than-ever/,eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-08/asa-sgg080613.php,a-better-child.org/page/888950 The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.” This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome.
In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence. The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation. Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark. Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night. Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems. The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome. One of the suggestions is to keep their living space well-lit during the evening hours. They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes. If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day. Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening. MorningStar at Arrowhead has 25 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We take a holistic approach to dementia care that supports choice and independence and, above all, affirms individual dignity and value. See our website for more information. For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Source: agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm It can be difficult to find the right gift for an elderly parent, grandparent or relative living in an assisted living community. We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.
The A Place for Mom website has a few suggestions for gifts that are sure to please. One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold. However if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos. A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair. You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift. A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes. You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks. Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use. If your loved one is not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items. It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family. Include with the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems. MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/12-18-2012-top-gifts-for-seniors/ Often a family is not sure whether it would be better for mom or dad to move into a senior living community. Making the decision more difficult is the fact that many seniors can be resistant to moving, and they do not like the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them. However the most important thing to consider is whether your parent’s current living situation meets their overall health and medical needs, their physical needs, and safety. If it doesn’t, it is time to start a conversation about making a change.
Your parents or senior loved ones may no longer be safe at home if they are having falls. The National Council on Aging reports that one in four adults over the age of 65 have a fall each year and those statistics are higher in older seniors. In fact every 11 seconds a senior is treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall. Other mobility factors that may comprise their safety include struggling to go up and down stairs as well as difficulty getting up from a chair or their bed. Another indication your parent may not be functioning well on their own is if you find they are looking disheveled and neglecting their appearance. You probably will also want to take a look around the house and see if they are keeping it up or is it untidy and disorganized. Furthermore, are they taking their medications as prescribed and are they eating well? The staff at MorningStar at Arrowhead knows how to take care of these needs as well as to provide a warm, comfy atmosphere to make sure all of our residents feel right at home. Our beautiful community offers both assisted living suites and memory care. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. As we age, it is more important than ever to get regular eye exams. The American Optometric Association recommends that every person over the age of 60 have an annual eye examination. They also advise that if you notice any changes in your vision, see an eye doctor immediately.
Cataracts are a common eye problem in older adults and develop as the tissue in the eye’s lens breaks down and clumps together causing cloudy or opaque areas. Aging or an eye injury can cause cataracts as well as other conditions such as diabetes and the long-term use of steroid medications. The size and location of the cataract determines how much it interferes with your vision. If the cataract is only affecting a small part of the eye, you may not even know you have one. Noticeable symptoms occur as the cataract grows and starts clouding more of the lens and distorting the way light passes through the lens. The Mayo Clinic says that cataract symptoms include:
Once a person cannot clear their vision with prescription glasses and the cataract is interfering with normal daily activities including driving at night and reading, surgery is the only effect treatment. The procedure involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which becomes a permanent part of the eye. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis and the person experiences a few days of discomfort. The complete healing process takes about eight weeks. If a patient needs surgery on both eyes, the second one is done once the first eye has healed. This post is for informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we represent the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to schedule a tour. Sources: aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/dxc-20215129 Senior living communities such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder are a popular option for many older adults and offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting.
Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offer various levels of assistance with daily living activities and are tailored to meet individual needs. Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family. Also as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved ones will get the attention they need. Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases. MorningStar’s memory care is delivered with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual. We use alternative natural therapies whenever possible, and try to replace medications with patience, attention and love. MorningStar residents are provided with a warm and inviting place and are proud to call it “home.” Our community offers seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as a place to learn new things or just have fun with our variety of meaningful activities. In addition if you are someone who values their privacy, you will have that at MorningStar as our spacious suites are designed to give you your privacy while offering the comfort of knowing people are around. Our community is just over a year old and is located in the southeast part of Boulder. We offer 48 assisted living suites in addition to our Reflections Neighborhood that has 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. These injuries often lead to serious complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care.
The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most commonly in the hip, wrist or spine. They explain that our bones are made up of living tissues that is “constantly being broken down and replaced.” The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with the removal of old bone. As we age, bone replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can recreate it. The bones of people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point that a mild fall may cause a broken bone. In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even movements such as coughing or bending over. The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk. There are a number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis. These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors. A painless test is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones. To treat osteoporosis, patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of medications. For others at a lower risk, they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in weight-bearing exercises. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before you begin any physical exercise, please contact your health care provider. MorningStar of Fort Collins provides the very best in senior living 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 in a beautiful setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top senior living communities. Sources: nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/ mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808 Surprisingly, preventing falls can be as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time. Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study regarding safe footwear for seniors. Her research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries.
The study involved 185 men and women over the age of 55. With participants 65 or older, shoes were often to blame for falls. Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are dangerous on wet surfaces.'' Of the group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or was too slippery. Her recommendation is for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of shoe they should wear. When buying footwear, seniors should select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support. A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support. Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls. Other things to keep in mind are to avoid loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth leather or plastic soles. A beveled heel helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the ground. Also shoes with laces hold the shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping. This post is for informational purposes and should not be used in place of the advice of your health care provider. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Sources: nytimes.com/1998/02/24/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html ,caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in four adults age 65 years and older falls each year. Any time a senior falls, it can be extremely serious and is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for the elderly. Statistics show that 2.8 million older adults are treated in an emergency department each year for nonfatal falls, and 800,000 are hospitalized.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises that seniors “fall proof” both the inside and outside of their homes. Every room should have clear pathways that are free of clutter and other obstacles that could cause a fall. All carpets should be securely attached to floors and stairways, and rather than throw rugs, use non-slip rugs or apply non-slip strips. Another suggestion from the NIH is to have good lighting throughout your home including well-lit hallways, entrances, and stairwells. Also have a lamp close to your bed that is easy to turn on to avoid stumbling around in the dark when getting in and out of bed. In addition wearing the proper shoes is also an important part of preventing falls. Shoes should fit well and have low heels, non-slip soles and completely surround your foot. Other safety tips include installing handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. At MorningStar at Jordan, our beautiful community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations. All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse. In addition residents are offered weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal. We invite you to schedule a visit to see firsthand the best senior living community in Centennial CO. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we represent the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to schedule a tour. Sources:cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/homesafety/01.html As the number one killer for both men and women, it is important that we know the facts about heart disease. The American Heart Association’s website contains useful information about heart disease and the many problems related to atherosclerosis, which is the condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. When this buildup narrows the arteries, it more difficult for blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that goes into the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot. The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the heart attack, but for most, medications and lifestyle changes are prescribed. The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke and happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (usually from a blood clot). Uncontrolled hypertension can result in what is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain burst. The AHA states that heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for adults 65 years and older. Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should and the body’s blood and oxygen needs are not being met. Left untreated it can worsen, and individuals with the disease need to be diligent in following doctor’s orders. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. Other types of cardiovascular disease are arrhythmia and heart valve problems. Arrhythmia is the abnormal rhythm of the heart that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast or irregularly. Stenosis is when the heart valves do not open enough to allow blood to flow through, and regurgitation is what happens when the heart valves do not close properly and allow blood to leak through. Finally mitral valve prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. This post is for informational purposes and should not be used in place of the advice of your health care provider. For any health issues, please consult your doctor. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Sources:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp# |
AuthorMorningStar Senior Living’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Archives
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