Gift Ideas for an Elderly Parent or Grandparent

Now that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have just past, you may have realized it can be difficult buying gifts for a parent, grandparent or a relative living in a senior living community.  Not only is mom, dad or grandma no longer running their own home but most likely they have a limited amount of space (they probably had to get rid of a lot before they moved).  In addition they have already received a lifetime of gifts, so there is not much they haven’t gotten at one time or another.

One meaningful thing you can do is personalize a gift.  For example if mom is always feeling chilly, you could give her a cozy throw with pictures of the grandkids or your family tree on it?  Check the Internet as there are several companies that specialize in making them. Another thoughtful gift is a talking photo album that creates memories with both family pictures and voices.  

Giving your time is also something special your parent or grandparent is sure to appreciate.  It can be as simple as taking them on a trip to the local park or an ice cream parlor. Even a scenic drive on a beautiful day provides the chance for a cozy, uninterrupted chat.  Additionally if their eyesight is failing, they may enjoy being read to.   

A lap desk is also a nice gift as it doesn’t take up much space and makes it easy to write a letter or read a book from the comfort of a chair.  Adult coloring books illustrated with places your loved one has traveled to or pictures of animals for animal lovers, flowers for gardeners, famous landmarks, etc., also make thoughtful gifts.  Add to that a set of colored pencils and markers to complete the gift. Puzzles and crossword books are another option.  

Furthermore, many elderly adults have trouble getting out so a personalized gift basket filled with their favorite soaps, hand creams and lotions or delicious edible treats such as chocolates or cookies are fun to get.  Or fill a basket with grippy socks, slippers and new pajamas. Whatever gift you chose, you want your elderly parent or grandparent to know you are thinking of them. 

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

MorningStar Senior Living’s Mission

A highly respected senior living company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents.  In addition, we are a company committed to investing our time and talents in charitable projects close to home and around the world. 

MorningStar Senior Living recently celebrated our 15th anniversary and we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership.  Right from the beginning, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger began MorningStar based on the following three mission statements:

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

At MorningStar of Sparks, our goal is to be one of the best Greater Reno retirement communities, and we recognize our mission is advanced by team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life.   

Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a variety of floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment.  Visit our website to learn more about the many amenities and services offered by MorningStar of Sparks.

  

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 community.

Dementia Care Specialists at MorningStar of Sparks

MorningStar of Sparks’ provides 32 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, in addition to our independent and assisted living suites.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to encourage and support residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized memory care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires. 

At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our reimagined philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together.  By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope. 

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow.  When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Sparks, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.  We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members.

As you can see, memory care at MorningStar springs from a deep understanding of dementia and is offered with the utmost love and compassion.  Our dedicated staff are trained to assist those at the onset of the disease, as well as those in the more advanced stages. Visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve—all within a gorgeous setting. Please call or schedule a tour to discover more about the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Fall Prevention

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.”  They report one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms annually, and result in over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths. 

However they say falls do not have to be an inevitable result of aging.  Rather with some practical lifestyle adjustments as well as public campaigns on how to reduce the problem from the NCOA and other organizations, the number of yearly falls can be reduced.  The NCOA’s evidence-based Falls Free® National Action Plan was updated in 2015, and includes “goals, strategies and action steps to increase physical mobility, reduce the impact of medications as a falls risk factor, and improve home and environmental safety.”

The National Institute on Aging explains some of the steps seniors can take to help protect themselves from a fall.  The first thing is to stay physically active.  Weight-bearing exercises such as walking or climbing stairs improves muscle strength and keeps joints, tendons, and ligaments more flexible.  Another fall-prevention tip is to have your eyes and hearing tested.  If you need glasses, wear them, and if you have a hearing aid, wear it.   

In addition ask your healthcare provider if your medications have side effects that can make you dizzy or sleepy.   It is also important to get enough sleep and to limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance.   

Stand up slowly, and have your blood pressure checked if you feel dizzy.  If you feel wobbly when walking, use an assistive device such as a cane or walker.  A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose the right device and teach you how to safely use it.

During wet or icy conditions, use extra caution when walking, and always wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes.  Lace-up shoes give you the ability to adjust the amount of support you need, but do not buy shoes with soles that are too thin or too thick.  Around the house, wear shoes or slippers with non-slip bottoms. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ goal is to be one of the best Greater Reno retirement communities, and the safety and comfort of our residents is our highest priority. Please visit our website for more information, availability and pricing. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 community.

Sources: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures

Everyday Tips for Aging Well

As we grow older, experts say there are some relatively simple changes we can do to help make the process smoother, and remind us it is never too late to adopt healthier habits.  They suggest four main areas to focus on that will make a difference in our overall health. 

First, multiple studies have shown that taking care of our emotional health is important.   Many older adults suffer from chronic health conditions (80% have at least one and 50% have two or more) including heart disease or cancer, which can put seniors at risk for depression.  When a person’s emotional health suffers, it can negatively impact other aspects of their health.  In fact research shows a link between depression and social isolation to “digestive problems, heart failure and weakened immune systems.”  Thus it is important for seniors to reach out for help if they feel depressed and to participate in activities that give their lives purpose and maintain or develop social connections.   

The next area to focus on is exercise.  Experts say we should look at exercise as more than a way to get stronger and/or to lose weight.  Exercise provides a whole range of benefits including helping to boost immunity and preventing muscle loss, as well as improving blood flow and strengthening the brain.    

Another suggestion is to take better care of our hair and skin.   Good skin care can help to avoid infections and should include washing with a mild soap while taking care not to “over wash” and moisturizing daily.  Also apply sun screen whenever you go outdoors. 

The last area to focus on for better health is nutrition.  Did you know that millions of seniors suffer from malnutrition?  One of the problems facing the elderly is that as we age, appetites decrease so getting all the nutrients the body requires is challenging.  Seniors need to keep in mind that it is not just about how much you eat but what you eat.  One thing that appears to help seniors eat better is to make eating a social affair. 

At MorningStar of Sparks, a Reno area independent and assisted living community, we make eating healthy easy as residents eat nutritional, tasty meals together in our charming dining room.  We provide seniors plenty of opportunities to socialize by participating in group enrichment activities and wellness programs that stimulate the mind, body and spirit.   Please visit our website for more details.

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 Sparks, NV.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/how-to-make-a-daily-healthy-aging-routine/

Choosing an Assisted Living Community

Moving into assisted living is a life changing decision for an elderly person.  As their adult child, you can help evaluate which of the Greater Reno assisted living communities is most suitable for your parent and your family.  Furthermore, as the transition can be challenging for some seniors under the best of situations, choosing the wrong community may not only be costly but traumatizing for an older adult.  

Mistakes can be avoided or minimized if you do your homework beforehand and learn from others.  The Internet offers many commonsense tips on what to look for and what to avoid when searching for an assisted living community including advice from A Place for Mom, the nation’s largest assisted living referral service. 

As senior living options include independent living, assisted living and memory care, experts say to realistically assess your parent’s health needs and choose a community capable of handling today’s needs as well as future ones.  A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisor, Melissa Pratt explains “Take a look at the health issues that your parent has and ask the doctor what support they will need in the future. It’s better to have a community that can handle those future needs rather than having to move your parent to another community in the near future.”   

After looking over various senior living communities’ websites, narrow down your choice to a couple that seem to best meet your needs.  Then set up a tour.  Senior living advisors remind families to listen to the parent and not base their decision on which community appeals most to them.  If a parent is not up to making a decision, families need to remember what their parent is like and choose a place that fits their personality and preferences.  It is also smart to not make a decision too quickly. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 bright suites for independent living, 80 for assisted living, and 32 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful, loving community.  If you like what you see, we encourage you to set up a tour. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living and independent 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 community.

Learn to Communicate More Effectively with a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.   

Typically in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of the time to answer you back.

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.  
   
In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words.  Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity.

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Santa Fe’s Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  Please call us to learn more about the area’s newest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

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.  Conveniently located on the west side of town, please call for more details on unsurpassed senior housing.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications