Legal Documents for Financial and Medical Care Planning

Especially if you are an older adult, you should have a will or trust drawn up as well as a power-of-attorney and an advanced directive.   The difference between a will and a trust is a will is a legal document that goes into effect after the person dies while a trust goes into effect as soon as it is created.  The trustor (the creator of that trust) can name others to be in charge of the trust when she or he becomes incapacitated or dies.

A living will, also known as a Health Care Directive, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health care if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.  The person named as the health care authority has the power to make medical decisions and sees to it that the wishes of the person is carried out. 

Another legal document many seniors find is a good idea to have is a Durable Power Of Attorney (DPOA).  The document is used if the person (the principal) ever becomes mentally incapacitated and covers both financial and medical decisions.   The attorney-in-fact or agent in effect becomes a legal guardian for the disabled principal.

These types of documents should be drawn up before a person becomes incapacitated.  If someone has a diminished capacity due to Alzheimer’s disease or another medical condition and needs someone to handle their medical and financial decisions, a person can pursue a legal Guardianship status for them.  Legal guardianship is granted by the courts and typically continues throughout the remainder of the person’s life.  Please refer to your financial consultant or attorney for more information. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers.

To Thrive and Lead Fulfilling Lives, Seniors Need to Socialize

In order to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, people need to socialize with one another, and seniors are no different.  In fact studies show loneliness can have a detrimental effect on the elderly while socializing can help to enhance and enrich seniors’ lives.

An article in the US News & World Report discusses a study on seniors’ social interactions conducted by the Rush Memory and Aging Project and funded by the National Institute on Aging.  The study found that the most socially active seniors experienced one-fourth the rate of cognitive decline as seniors with the lowest levels of social activity.  The results were independent of other factors that may influence cognitive decline including physical activity, general health, and age.    

During a five year period, the Rush University project followed 1,138 adults with an average age of 80.  Their research discovered that “elderly people with the highest levels of social activity -- doing things such as visiting friends, going to parties or attending church -- showed much lower levels of cognitive decline than those who were the least socially active.” 

MorningStar of Sparks is committed to provide the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer. We strongly believe we need to address our residents’ overall health and wellbeing through physical, intellectual and spiritual activities as well as to help them engage socially. 

Our life enrichment programs present creative ways for residents to stay active and productive for both companionship and pure fun.  Our programs tap into residents’ unique talents and experiences as well as allow them to find new avenues of interest.  In addition to our in-house activities, we take group trips to cultural destinations, parks, shopping, museums, and restaurants in and around Sparks, Reno and the surrounding areas.

Please visit our website to see what is happening at MorningStar of Sparks.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a visit.  We look forward to meeting you.

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 the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers.

Making the Move to an Assisted Living Community

MorningStar of Sparks’ goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers, which includes helping our assisted living residents make the transition to our community a smooth one. 

MorningStar understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life.  For some seniors, moving into assisted living can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them.  Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches.    

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change.  We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose.  Also, while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of senior living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones.   Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community. 

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance.  Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community.  After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home.   Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen.   Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.     

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 learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno/Sparks has to offer.

Options at Senior Living Communities

The population of aging adults continues to grow and so does the demand for quality housing solutions and services.   To make it easier for people to find senior housing that best meets their needs, the following is an explanation of the terms you will come across while shopping for a new home for you or your loved one.  

One popular senior living option is referred to as “independent living.” These are apartments or suites designed specifically for older adults who want the advantages associated with senior living communities, but do not require any assistance.   Residents benefit from the amenities, activities and companionship of community living.  While each community differs, services may include light housekeeping and laundry as well as on-site beauty shops and spas, exercise rooms and wellness classes.  Some communities also provide emergency response at night.  

Another term used to describe senior living is “assisted living.”  Many people mistakenly assume that “assisted living” is just another term for nursing homes.  In fact, nursing homes are intended for people that require long-term, around-the-clock medical care and supervision and should not be confused with assisted living, which provides residents support for daily care activities.  At an assisted living community, you will receive the care you need to live comfortably and safely while still retaining your privacy and as much independence as possible.  Most communities offer daily meals, wellness programs, social activities, housekeeping services, 24-hour care, scheduled transportation and more. 

Lastly another form of senior living is “memory care” that is devoted to the specialized care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  The best communities offer their residents comprehensive care that includes recreational and purposeful activities, scheduled outings and daily health monitoring.   

If you are looking for the best senior living Reno–Sparks has to offer, we invite you to consider MorningStar of Sparks.  We have a choice of independent living, assisted living and memory care options.  Our spacious, private suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed community. 

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 see for yourself the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers.

Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Another Dementia Disease

Last year alone, approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia such as frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body disease and others.  Moreover, even though many families have come to suspect a problem and may not be all that surprised to hear the diagnosis, it is still a devastating blow.    

However, please remember if you or a family member is experiencing confusion and/or memory loss that there are other factors that can masquerade as dementia.  For example, lack of sleep and/or depression and anxiety can result in feelings of confusion.  Also certain medications and medical conditions can have side effects that mimic some of the symptoms of dementia. 

The U.S. News & World Report cautions families that if a loved one is not as sharp as they used to be to make sure that they are protected against scams from unscrupulous people.  You may want to have a family member, trusted friend, or a professional financial advisor help to oversee the person’s finances. 

Another thing you can do to help yourself and your family feel more prepared for what the future holds is to investigate the extent of your community’s resources.  This may include looking into options for in-home care as well as senior living communities that specialize in memory care. 

Experts say one of the most important things to avoid doing after getting a diagnosis of dementia is to assume your life is over.  They stress you need to find reasons for hope and to think about ways to bring joy into your life. Tia Powell, M.D. writes that “music is one wonderful avenue for delight. Your brain's capacity for music is unusually sturdy; the ability to sing, play and enjoy music often outlasts many other skills.”

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living community, we devote 30 secure suites to the specialized, individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  As dementia care experts, each day our energies are put toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life. Please contact us with questions. 

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted 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. Call to schedule a tour of our exceptional community.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/questions-to-ask-when-youre-diagnosed-with-dementia

Hearing Loss in Older Adults

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have some difficultly hearing.  This can cause seniors to experience difficulty understanding and following doctor's orders, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.” Hearing loss can leave people feeling isolated as they have problems following and engaging in conversations with family and friends.  

The medical term for hearing loss is presbycusis; and typically starts gradually by affecting the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  A person may feel like the volume is loud enough on the TV but the dialogue is mumbled. Experts explain this is caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Generally age-related hearing loss affect both ears equally. 

High blood pressure and diabetes, both common health conditions in older adults, can also affect the hearing as does some types of chemotherapy drugs.  Furthermore people of all ages are at risk of hearing loss with long-term exposure to loud noise such as on a jobsite. 

If you or a loved one seems to be having trouble hearing, NIDCD has a checklist of questions to answer.  For example, 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? Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?   If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, discuss the problem with your health care provider. They will refer you to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  If a problem is found, you will be referred to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. From there you may be fitted for a hearing aid.

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

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.  We invite you to give us call or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. 

Source: nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#1

MorningStar of Sparks Offers Options for a Variety of Needs

MorningStar of Sparks offers a range of living options that meet the varying needs of seniors.  Our community’s independent living includes 128 bright and spacious suites.  We also have 80 assisted living suites and 32 secure suites dedicated to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

 

MorningStar of Sparks’ independent living is the perfect answer for seniors who wish for a carefree, active lifestyle that provides built-in companionship and predictable budgeting.  As a resident, you will not need to cook but rather can take advantage of three daily, tasty meals prepared by our Executive Chef as well as our vast assortment of activities and wellness programs.  

Also, as a part of our community, you give up having to worry about maintaining a home both inside and out.  Our independent living suites are equipped with everything you need and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items.  And if you enjoy outdoor living, our community has a fireside patio and all-season porches.

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require some assistance on a daily basis.  We offer various levels of support with activities of daily living along with 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse and more to ensure the comfort, well-being and safety of our residents.

In terms of our memory care, we feel privileged to help those suffering from memory loss and our goal is to find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual every day. By learning about a person’s life, history and preferences, we are able to personalize their care and treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

If you are looking for the finest independent or assisted living Reno-Sparks offers, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Sparks. 

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. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer.