May is Arthritis Awareness Month

The CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners have all come together to observe Arthritis Awarness during the month of May.  The CDC reports that the widespread disease affects about one in four adults in the U.S., and currently 54 million men and women as well as an etimated 300,000 childern have the disease.

Research has found that while there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis, it can also be a result of envirnomental factors including toxins and viruses or damage due to excessive repetitive motions. Signs you may be developing arthritis include joint pain and swelling, stiffnes or deformity of joints, lumps and bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and warm or red joints.  While there is no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend regular physical actitivity, maintaining a health weight and diet, and using hot and/or cold packs.  Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help, but before taking any medication, please consult with your health care provider.

The CDC says walking can be the best form of exercise for someone suffering from arthritis.  They explain that, “All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.”  If you are unable to walk any distance at one given time, they recommend taking three small 10 minute walks spread out throughout the day.  The CDC reminds everyone  there is no better time to begin a walking program or recommit yourself to a walking routine than during Arthritis Awareness Month.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s assisted living offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our monthly calendar includes programs and activities that encourage residents to get engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care.

This blog is for informational purposes only.  If you have any health concerns, please contact your doctor.

MorningStar at Arcadia’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.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Source:  cdc.gov/features/arthritisawareness/index.html

MorningStar of Santa Fe Opens Later this Year

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe will open in several months and team members are busy getting everything ready to welcome residents to their new home.  All hands on deck are committed to making the transition for our seniors as smooth as possible and look forward to the happy event. 

Once open, we are committed to looking after each and every resident as if they are family and offer an array of services designed to ensure their comfort and safety.  Residents will be provided with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both nutritional and tasty.   Meals are served restaurant style in our dining room and assistance with eating is available if needed.  

Our community has a chapel/theatre that includes Wii, a library, our own salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, strolling paths, two enclosed courtyards and laundry facilities.  MorningStar’s common areas include a fireside living room, spa bath, sun room and a life enrichment room.  Residents can also take advantage of scheduled transportation to get out and about town as well as participate in special outings and planned events. 

MorningStar’s signature wellness program called WellStar is designed to provide activities to enhance health and wellness; stimulate your brain; and encourage connection.  Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, our wellness activities present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

Although the name “MorningStar,” may be new to the area, we have senior living communities in seven states across the country.  Moreover, our Santa Fe home has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other assisted living communities.  Please visit our website for more information, and while you are there, take a look at our video to watch the construction of our community. 

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.  Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye causing blurred or tinted vision, seeing double, impaired night vision, and extra sensitivity to light.  The vision loss from cataracts happens slowly over time and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or with corneal refractive surgery such as Lasik.  Cataracts are typically an age-related disease, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”  

The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and while cataract surgery may sound scary, most people get excellent results.  During surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).  The procedure has been improved over the last several years by the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device, which has resulted in faster healing times and less complications.  

Before you have the surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform tests on your eye to determine if you have any risk factors as well as what size and type of IOL will give you the best outcome.  You will also have input into the type of IOL you want to get that will depend on your needs and personal preferences.  One type of lens is an advanced presbyopia-correcting IOL that improves your reading vision without interfering with your distance vision.   

The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes but you will be there for a couple of hours to get prepped and a small recovery period afterward.  Your doctor may have you wear an eye patch for a short time, and you should expect your vision to be distorted for at least a few days.  Other common issues include feeling as if your eye is dry and itchy but you will be advised to not scratch or rub it.   Doctors also recommend if you choose to wear glasses after surgery, you pick lenses with anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses.    

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery/

 

We are a Step above Other Assisted Living Communities

With an interior design by the award-winning firm of Thoma-Holec in Phoenix, MorningStar at Arcadia has common areas and spacious suites that provide seniors with a lifestyle that is second to none.  Our community offers the highest quality assisted living and respite care as well as compassionate memory care within a warm and loving environment. 

When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our beautiful photo gallery that shows off our spectacular outdoor areas and views along with our beautiful interior spaces.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.  As you can see from the picture, our spacious courtyard was designed to sit and enjoy the cozy fireplace as well as the serenity of the fountain.  Also looking at the stunning pictures, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive dining room eating meals served restaurant-style and expertly prepared by a professional chef or spending a morning getting pampered in our onsite salon?

MorningStar at Arcadia has created the perfect physical setting as well as put together a team of devoted caregivers that feel honored to serve to provide our residents with a “true home.”  Our assisted living gives residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years as we see to it that all of their needs are met. 

For families who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss, MorningStar’s specialized care offers you peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting the best available care.  We invite you to set up a tour as nothing beats seeing our home in person.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’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.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Keep Your Financial and Medical Records Organized

It is especially important for older adults to make sure their paperwork is up-to-date and organized.  This is necessary for not only your own wellbeing but so a family member (be sure to let them know where it is) can access the required documents in the event of an emergency.  Your organization should include all financial and medical records as well as legal documents. 

To help you get started, several websites offer downloadable forms including personal medical history forms.  Update this form as needed to reflect changes in your or your loved one’s health and medications and include a family health history.  Your paperwork should also include information regarding your Social Security benefits and Medicare.   

Financial documents should include information on stocks, bonds, and mutual fund investments.  You will also want to list all bank accounts and safety deposit boxes as well as credit card accounts.  Include in your financial records any mortgage obligations and other liabilities and debts along with the deeds and titles to property you own.  Don’t forget to add property tax information and your most recent tax return.  In addition record the location of all of your valuables.     

Your legal documents should include your Will, a Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive.  These documents cannot be signed by someone who is incapacitated so it is important to do it before the need arises.  An Advance Medical Directive can include a Living Will that allows you to state the type of treatment you may or may not wish to receive if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.  You may want to include a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care that allows you to designate a person to make decisions for you in the event you are unable.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, we offer 128 stylish and spacious suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a wide variety of well-designed floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community and use our online form to setup a tour.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area.

 

Sources: stretcher.com/stories/15/15nov23e.cfm

sageminder.com/Caregiving/CaregivingBasics/OrganizedCaregiver.aspx 

Why Staying Hydrated is So Important

A recent study from the University of Chicago Medical Center reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were in people over age 65.  The Mayo Clinic explains that there are several reasons why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration including “their ability to conserve water is reduced, thirst sensation is less acute, and seniors do not respond to fluctuations in temperature as well as when they were younger.” 

The National Institute on Aging also cites other factors why the elderly do not fare well in extreme heat conditions such as heart and blood vessels problems and less effective sweat glands.  In addition heart, lung, or kidney disease can weaken individuals and often cause fevers.   Medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers and other heart and blood pressure medicines can inhibit the body’s ability to cool by sweating or act as a diuretic.  

At around the age of 50, our body’s kidneys do not conserve fluid as well as they once did, and by age 70, the problem generally worsens.  Also many seniors experience a decrease in appetite and can forgot to drink and eat for long periods of time.  Chronic conditions including dementia and diabetes can also interfere with getting enough fluids as well as being overweight or underweight.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is more important for seniors to be aware of overheating and to stay hydrated.  The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: paleness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, headache, and rapid, shallow breathing.  If you suspect heat exhaustion, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place.  While you wait for medical assistance, have them lie down, remove any heavy or tight-fitting clothing and apply cold water or compresses directly to the skin.   Offer water or juice if they are able to drink.      

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 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.  Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe.   

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056

aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Hearing Loss Affects Most Elderly Adults

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Commucation Disorders (NIDCD) about one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have difficultly hearing.  This can make it hard for seniors to “understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms.”  Difficultly hearing also makes it hard for many elderly people to follow and engage in conversation with their family and friends.   

Known as presbycusis, hearing loss in seniors generally occurs gradually and initially affects the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  The person may notices that while the speech is loud enough, it sounds as if the talker is mumbling.  The condition is commonly caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Age-related hearing loss typically affect both ears equally. 

In some cases, health conditions more common among the elderly such as high blood pressure and diabetes can additionally affect hearing.  Furthermore certain medications including some types of chemotherapy drugs can cause hearing loss. 

The NIDCD has a checklist to help seniors determine if they are experiencing hearing problems.  Questions include: Do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?; Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?; and Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?

Another cause of hearing loss can be the result of long-term exposure to loud noise and is one of the most common occupational hazards.  The exposure damages the sensory hair cells in the ears, which do not grow back.  It is estimated that 10 million Americans have irreversible hearing loss due to long-term exposure to noise.    

Seniors should discuss any hearing problems with their health care provider who will refer them to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  The otolarynogogist will test your hearing, and if a problem is found, will refer you on to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss.   Either they or a hearing aid specialist will fit you for a hearing aid.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For any health issues and concerns, please consult your health care provider.

MorningStar at Arcadia’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.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Source: 

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss