Looking for Assisted Living for Your Parent in the Reno Area?

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options. One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence. 

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad. To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes). They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs. So find out if the home you are thinking about will be somewhere they can "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides. 

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations. For instance, at MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life. In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. 

If you are considering assisted living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community. We are a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.

While we know there are a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among senior living communities, MorningStar of Sparks wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority. To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents. 

MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique 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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers.

Too Much TV Watching is Not Healthy for Seniors

While it may feel relaxing to sit and watch TV right before bed, several studies have shown that watching too much TV before sleep can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Instead of winding us down like we think it is doing, it turns out too much TV ends up stimulating brain activity and firing up the brain causing a restless, interrupted night’s sleep. Moreover a restless night can result in getting less than the prescribed 7 or 8 hours recommended by doctors and leave us in a sleep deficit, which is especially bad for seniors. 

Researchers have discovered other problems with older adults watching too much TV. According to the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, developed by the National Cancer Institute, it found a correlation between seniors who watched 5 or more hours of TV a day and a loss of mobility. The study was comprised of 340,000 men and 226,000 women between the ages of 50 and 71 from six states and two US metropolitan areas. “After performing a multivariable logistic regression analysis and adjusting for factors known to increase the risk of mobility disability, the researchers found that ‘greater TV time was significantly related to increased disability within all levels of physical activity’.” Another negative linked to watching 3.5 hours or more of TV each day was a decrease in verbal memory.

Both of these problems could be due to a number of reasons including the fact that if someone is watching that much TV every day they are not doing other healthier activities. Researchers explain the TV in itself may not be that bad but the sedentary nature of TV watching and the fact that the person is not doing other things like playing board games; reading, socializing with friends, or engaging in a hobby may be just as problematic. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ 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 visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Reno. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319170

Comfortable Independent Living at MorningStar of Sparks

Isn’t it about time you got a break from the never-ending chores and headaches of home ownership? If you are like most homeowners, just about when you think you have fixed or replaced anything that can go wrong, something else breaks. Also wouldn’t it be nice to no longer have to worry about lawn care, snow shoveling and raking all those leaves? MorningStar of Sparks offers a break from all of that with carefree independent living in a quiet neighborhood that is convenient to shopping and other services.

For luxury senior living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks is sure to please. Our independent living community is designed for seniors who seek a lifestyle free of the responsibility of private home ownership, but without the need of any care services. We offer seniors a beautiful community where they can enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, security and wellness in their retirement years. 

As an independent living resident, you will enjoy predictable budgeting as all utilities including cable TV are in your monthly fee as well as three delicious daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef. Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. For your safety, suites have full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. In addition, as a resident of the community you have access to all onsite amenities including a bistro, fitness room, and chapel/theater. 

Along with independent living, MorningStar of Sparks also offers assisted living and memory care; and we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community, our philosophy and our commitment to serving others. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, our mission statement includes honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well. 

We also want you to know that during the coronavirus pandemic, MorningStar of Sparks’ highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer.

Be More Effective Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia

If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them. While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective. 

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly. For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person. Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?” Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple. Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes. Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc. Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing. 

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help. Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract. Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together. Above all avoid criticizing or arguing. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we offer unsurpassed senior living in Phoenix with 80 beautiful, well-designed assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, we have 30 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which are staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Ways to Stay Connected to Your Grandchildren

Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year.  While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity. 

There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as facetime or skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories.  Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones.  If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen. 

Another way to stay connected is to start a family facebook page.  This is an easy, inexpensive way for any family member to post current pictures and to share day-to-day news as well as significant events.  It also lets other members add comments.  Also do not forget about snail mail.  Kids love receiving mail and answering you back is a good way to get them to practice the art of letter writing. 
For grandkids who live close by and were used to seeing you several times a week, they may be wondering when they will see you again in person now that you are social distancing.  Experts suggest you talk honestly to your grandchildren about the separation and keep reminding them it is only temporary.   Tell them you have not forgotten them and that you will keep calling and they can keep calling you. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  For more details on the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, MN, please visit our website.  

You're Never Too Old for Sun Protection

If you are an older adult, you may feel like you are past the point of worrying about a few new wrinkles and think you no longer need to protect your skin with sunscreen. The medical profession wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth as seniors are actually more sensitive to sunlight and of getting sunburnt in a shorter period of time than when they were younger. This is due to a couple of reasons including as we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses its protective fat, and medications commonly taken by seniors including antibiotics, NSAIDs, oral diabetes drugs, and diuretics may increase photosensitivity. 

Doctors recommend that seniors avoid exposure to the sun during peak times (from 10 am to 4 pm) and to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still potent even on cloudy days. Also be sure to wear sunscreen choosing a cream or lotion that is broad spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 every day. If you plan to be at the beach or to play golf, wear SPF of 50 or higher. Be sure to reapply every 1½ to two hours.

You also need to wear a hat and protective clothing. The brim of your hat should be at least 3” and cover your neck and ears, and long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts that are loose and light-weight. Don’t forget to wear good sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays. Finally, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, we provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful community offers 80 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations, including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans, to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs. We provide another 30 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly 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 amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.

What to Expect from Occupational Therapy

As we age, we can experience health issues such as a stroke or other disabilities that may benefit from the services of an occupational therapist (OTs).  When asked, many people have no idea what an OT does; while others think they help individuals find work.  Actually an OT may be an instrumental part of your healthcare team who will work with you to facilitate your best recovery.  If you are wondering what the difference is between a physical therapist (PT) and an OT, a PT focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion; while an OT works on improving the motor skills you need to perform daily tasks.

If a loved one has suffered from a stroke, they may have lost the ability to perform tasks known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, toileting, dressing, eating grooming, etc.  The job of the OT is to teach the person how to carry out daily, functional activities despite the impairment in order to improve quality of life and maximize independence.

For instance if the stroke caused damage to one side of the body, an OT focuses on therapies that promote motor recovery.  One common intervention is to limit or constrain the person’s movement on the unaffected arm, while having them use the affected arm to do repetitive or functional tasks.  OTs may also recommend special equipment to improve their patients’ lives such as a wheelchair, walker, electric can opener or toothbrush, a special keyboard for the computer, or eating aids and then teach the person to use them.  

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities, and care services to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of our remarkable residents.  In addition if one of our residents requires OT, PT or other auxiliary services, we have trusted partners we will recommend.  Please visit our website for further information, and email us regarding pricing and availability. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about unparalleled senior housing in Santa Fe, NM. 

Do You Want to Improve Your Health?

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health. One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly. While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits. It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices. 

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed. Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. Also, fresh fruit fills you up more than juice. Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar. 

Also, experts advise watching the fat in your diet. Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet. Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart. 

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress. Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure. Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living community, we provide healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years. Please see our website for more information. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly 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 amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.

Offering a Broad Range of Care Services

The MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place.  By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit.  Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.   

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families.  For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family. 

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services.  These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.    

In addition our home provides respite care (short-term care) to area seniors who need a temporary place to recover from surgery or other health issues.  Respite care can also be a great way to “try out” senior living and see if it is a good fit.  Another way respite care is used is to give a caregiver a break from the on-going stress of caregiving.  

To learn more about all-inclusive senior living in Santa Fe, NM, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well as pricing and availability.  In regards to COVID-19, we are confidence in our protocols for accepting new residents and in keeping all those beneath our roof safe.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website or give us a call for more information on luxury senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Seniors are at Higher Risk for Dehydration

Now that summer is here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated as the temperatures warm up.  There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink.  In addition, medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids.  Also, our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger.  Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker.  

Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing.  Furthermore, seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents.   

Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care.  Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more.

To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer.  Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas.          

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide the best memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers, and we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months.  Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Please see our website for more information about our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly 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 amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Tips to Help an Elderly Parent Organize their Medications

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking 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 interaction, an area of special concern for the elderly. 

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room 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 “is it taken with food,” 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. 

Now store the medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense to your parent’s needs. If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system. However if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern. This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents have their medications when they need them, and as we even order meds, there is no danger of them running out. We are currently accepting new residents and offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. Visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ 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 contact us for more information about exceptional independent and assisted living in Reno.

If You're 100 Years Old, You've Seen Many Changes

Many of us are lucky to have family or friends that are well into their 90s or even a 100 + years old. They are not alone as in 2014, the CDC reported there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older. Also, according to 2017 projections from the Social Security Administration, it reads, “For those who are 65 today, a man has a 3% chance of living to 100, a woman a 5.9% chance, and at least one member of a couple an 8.7%.” 

When we take the time to think about the many changes that has occurred over the last hundred years, it is incredible to think we know someone who has lived through much of it. During the 1920s, most Americans lived in rural settings or in small towns, and all members of the families worked in one form or another including children who had routine duties around the farm or in the house. Imagine the Ford Model T, which was considered to be the first affordable car that our grandparents may have rode in as children and the cars they drive today. In addition, they were old enough to be captivated by the first transatlantic airplane flight made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927. 

Our parents or grandparents have lived through world wars and world depressions, saw airline travel become an everyday convenience and men land on the moon. They saw the start of the computer age and witnessed the impact of the worldwide web. Together these are some of the reasons why MorningStar at Arcadia believes seniors are heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials. Moreover, it is why we believe if anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. 

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About MorningStar at Arcadia

MorningStar at Arcadia is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care. Our outstanding team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs. MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance. These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study. It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications. Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents. 

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms. In addition, all 80 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 30 secure suites devoted to caring for those with memory impairment and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings. 

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members. We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Please see our website for more information about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly 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 amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.

Telehealth Doctor Visits

Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers. Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits. 

While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone. Now with the outbreak of COVID-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.” 

First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line. Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smartphone, tablet or computer that allows you to connect visually. Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit. 

Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider. Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?” He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc. Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc. 

If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis. However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit

Staying Abreast of Developing Changes in Our Approach to COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect all those who reside beneath our roofs. To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last three months and have stayed tuned to changing information and recommendations. Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat. 

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Sparks is judiciously following our state’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing. We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Sparks community to our Executive Director, Amanda Jenkins. 

Also we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time. In addition we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage. In other words, it was a team effort! 

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn more about beautiful, vibrant senior living in Reno. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing has 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe, and look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ 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. Contact us for more regarding unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Reno.