Is There a Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Homes?

If you are new to senior living options, you may feel uncertain about what each option offers. You want to make the right choice for your loved one. To be sure you’re looking into the best-assisted living care, you should first familiarize yourself with the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing homes. Keep reading to understand what sets assisted living apart from skilled nursing.

What is Skilled Nursing?

You may have heard of a nursing home before, these facilities are otherwise known as skilled nursing facilities. Skilled nursing homes is an inpatient medical center that has readily available medical professionals around the clock.

Skilled nursing often resembles that of hospitals, with a more sterile environment and less of an emphasis on community and independence. These facilities have limited social services and amenities, but they can provide more intensive care to those dealing with deteriorating health conditions that require continual intervention.

The Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living can still provide a pretty high level of care for seniors who require regular supervision and evaluation. Assisted living can best be described as a community environment for retired seniors who are looking for an active lifestyle that supports independence while still being able to provide help with daily tasks and periodic medical assistance.

If you are considering assisted living for your loved one, consider what level of care they currently require and may need in the near future. Knowing what a senior needs is the first step to finding them the right senior living home to meet their needs.

Find the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Why You Should Consider the Relationship Between Food and Cognitive Health

It’s no secret that what we eat has a lot to do with our health. But did you know that eating certain foods can impact our brain health and memory? It is especially important for anyone age 55 and up to start taking your cognitive health seriously. Keep reading to understand why assisted living communities are highly considering the relationship between food and cognitive health. Senior living executive chefs can also offer which foods are best to support brain function and memory as you age. 

Omega 3’s and Brain Health

Omega 3’ fatty acids are said to be one of the most important nutrients for brain health. Since humans cannot naturally make omega 3’s, we have to obtain this through the foods we eat. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are some of the best foods for those with Alzheimer's. These types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved brain health and cognitive function. These essential fatty acids play a vital role in building and maintaining brain cell membranes and may even reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

For those that don’t eat fish, there are some other food choices that contain omega 3’s. Walnuts, flax seed meal, chia seeds, and soy milk are other great sources of omega 3’s and can offer even more added benefits for seniors, like added fiber and protein.

Reducing Inflammation

Berries are another essential food group for those wishing to improve their brain health. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants that protect the brain from damage and inflammation. These powerful antioxidants help to remove toxins from the brain, which may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Find the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

The Benefits of an Assisted Living Community

Way too often people have misconceptions about assisted living communities. They think of the nursing facility where their grandparents may have spent their last years and don’t want to put themselves or an older loved one into something like that. After all, haven’t we all earned a happy retirement?

Today’s assisted living communities are just that – a community. They provide a productive lifestyle with social interactions, safety and the proper support a person needs to help maintain their independence. Many also offer resort-style amenities like all-day, restaurant –style dining; housekeeping, fitness centers, salons, bistros and in-house theatres and chapels to give seniors a vibrant community to safely age in place.

Furthermore, many older adults living alone say they feel socially isolated and lonely, which can put them at an increased risk for depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. When seniors move to an assisted living community such as MorningStar of Albuquerque, they have opportunities to engage in wellness programs, activities and special events. Examples from MorningStar’s monthly calendar include Stretch and Strength, Let’s Get Moving, Baking Club, Flower Arranging, Pictionary, Music Trivia, Zoo Outing and more. Seniors also find it easier to eat healthily as they no longer need to shop, prepare, cook and clean-up meals.

Another reason assisted living can make sense is seniors find their current home requires expensive modifications to make it safe for them. Throughout MorningStar’s community, the physical environment is designed to help residents stay safe and prevent falls. Suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24/7 emergency call systems; and have lots of lighting and large windows. Dedicated care managers are available around-the-clock to lend a hand when needed, and provide compassionate daily help with the ADLs (activities of daily living).

To learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living in Albuquerque, NM and whether it is the right decision for you or a loved one, we encourage you to contact us to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Meeting the Needs of a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person’s needs change and it is important to recognize and address those changes with appropriate care. Along with meeting basic needs, experts say care providers should treat the whole person by creating an environment that allows them to feel independent and safe. The Alzheimer’s Association says determining the best care options can be tough and offers some advice on how to ensure the person has the services, programs, and caregivers in place for the best possible quality of life.

The first step to any decision regarding care is to honestly evaluate your loved one’s needs. Also, to whatever degree possible, it is recommended you include them in any decisions. Another thing to remember is during the early stages of the disease the person may be able to live independently but in the middle stages, 24-hour supervision is needed. Additionally, around-the-clock care is much more demanding in the later and end stages.

Primary points to consider include safety, especially in terms of unsupervised cooking, or if the person has a tenacity to wander or needs help with medications. Does the person have medical conditions that need monitoring such as diabetes or a mobility issue? Other problems that may demand more professional care include a person becoming aggressive or needing help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). Finally, consider if the person would benefit from more social interactions and activities.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque offers care to those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages their independence while keeping them safe. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Albuquerque, NM.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/choosing-care-providers

Belly Fat Raises the Risk for Several Common Diseases

Experts caution belly fat, a visceral fat that surrounds the organs, raises the risk for several common diseases. These include type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, heart attacks and heart disease as well as high cholesterol and liver disease. The journal, Circulation, explains even if your BMI is within normal range, the risks associated with heart attacks and excessive levels of belly fat are higher than normal. The Mayo Clinic defines an unhealthy level of abdominal fat in women to be a waist circumference of 35 inches or higher. For men, it is 40 inches or more.

While it can be hard to lose belly fat, research suggests a multi-faceted approach including a healthy diet and consistent exercise; along with several other lifestyle changes should help make a difference. Your diet should include lean protein from foods like beans, salmon, chicken and turkey, Greek yogurt and nuts. While carbs are always blamed for weight gain, experts explained it has more to do with the type of carbs you consume. Slowly digested, high-fiber carbs can help improve blood sugar management and lower your body’s insulin resistance. Avocado, beans, lentils, oatmeal, quinoa and chickpeas are all good sources.

Exercises should include some cardio as well as resistance training like Pilates, lifting or resistance bands. Core strengthening exercises like the plank or ab crunches are also helpful. Other lifestyle changes include managing stress and getting enough sleep each night and avoiding alcohol. If you have insurance, check to see if you are eligible for a dietitian’s services.

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers a beautiful residential setting to age in place safely and comfortably. Our assisted living provides the level of support seniors need to maintain their independence and live life to the fullest. For families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss, MorningStar provides individualized, specialized care to celebrate and elevate life. We invite you to set up a tour to experience firsthand the finest senior living in Albuquerque, NM.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning new exercises or making changes to your diet.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/best-ways-to-get-rid-of-belly-fat

Memory Care at MorningStar of Albuquerque

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers all-inclusive, holistic care to those with memory impairment and provides all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need. While a secure area, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out.

When a family comes to MorningStar of Albuquerque looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation.

Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families. Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, all team members attend eight hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease.

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s 21 memory care suites are available in studio and one-bedroom floor plans; and our home is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is difficult, and we want you to know we are here to help. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Learn More About Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye, which is normally transparent, and more than 20 million Americans are currently affected by them. They are most common in adults over 40 years old and usually develop over several years. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.

Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports people who smoke are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury.

If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsens, at some point you will most likely need surgery.

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, MorningStar may be your answer. MorningStar of Albuquerque is a vibrant 55+ community with well-designed suites including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide luxury amenities, five-star dining as well as senior care and hospitality services. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care to those with memory impairment. Please visit our website for more information.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your eyesight.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Sources:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510,fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-effects-tobacco-use/how-smoking-can-contribute-vision-loss-and-blindness#3,

MorningStar of Albuquerque Offers Comfort, Wellness, and Community

If you still think assisted living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s senior living communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer a vibrant lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focuses on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health.

Assisted living is designed to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, dressing, and bathing. However, assisted living communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. MorningStar’s services help families by providing transportation to doctor appointments and other errands as well as onsite supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.

MorningStar’s services also include providing housekeeping to ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean. By taking care of meals, we help residents get the daily nutrition they need. Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends. We also help with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications. We solve this by offering medication management services.

Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Albuquerque. Our beautiful community has 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Moving Into Assisted Living as a Couple

Growing older together can make couples feel like they are as familiar with their own needs as they are with their spouse’s. They are used to relying on one another for companionship as well as emotional support, which is why experts say moving into assisted living together can be beneficial on several levels.

To start with, it helps make the transition to community life easier. Alyssa M. Lanzi, a research assistant professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Delaware in Newark, says, “Assisted living communities can be great for couples that are looking to continue to live together while needing some support for daily activities.”

Given the fact many senior living communities offer various levels of care services, even if a couple is on a different health track, their needs can be addressed with separate personalized care plans. It also eliminates the need to fund two homes. Additionally, if one of the partners is in good health, they can always move if their spouse passes away or requires something like specialized memory care.

Studies show in many cases couples who move into assisted living together say they wished they had done it sooner. They report enjoying the community’s social interactions and the peace of mind that comes knowing someone is around to lend a hand when needed. If one of the couple is more physically or cognitively healthy, they can relax knowing their loved one is being taken care of.

Moving earlier rather than later helps to maintain the couple’s quality of life and may provide a healthier lifestyle. Wellness programs, activities, nutritious meals and medication management offered at assisted living communities often help prevent or slow further decline.

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, MorningStar of Albuquerque may be your answer. We are a vibrant 55+ community that provides all the services, luxury amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Please visit our website for a full list of amenities, suite plans and to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/articles/assisted-living-for-couples