It is Not Our Imagination, Nature is Soothing to Our Spirit!

 

While there are many different techniques designed to help us relax, one easy thing we can do it is to get outside and enjoy nature.  Watching a sunrise or sunset or just taking a quiet walk through a local park is soothing to our soul, and it isn’t just our imagination.  Studies have shown that for many people simply interacting with nature is one of the best self-improvement tools we have.  

The Harvard Health Publishing website reports that “research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.”  Scientists admit they do not have a clear idea why contact with nature has such a positive effect on people’s outlook, but a 2015 study proved it did.  Comparing the brain activity of healthy people who walked for 90 minutes in either a natural setting or an urban one; researchers found that “those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.”

When we interact with nature, our spirits are calmed by the sounds of birds singing, running water, wind rustling through the trees, and the soothing silence of the outdoors.  Therapeutic benefits can include lowering blood pressure as well as levels of the stress hormone cortisol that calms the body's fight-or-flight response.  To get the calming benefits of nature, you should try to spend about 20 to 30 minutes, at least three days a week out in it.   In addition research has found that even watching nature programs can offer some of the same calming effect as actually being outdoors.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our senior living community prides itself on our stunning views, enclosed courtyards, and peaceful strolling paths.  With relaxing, beautiful common areas both inside and out, we create a true home for our residents.  MorningStar provides both assisted living and memory care in a range of floor plans and strives to meet our residents’ every need.  Please visit our website for contact information and availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style 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.  To learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, please visit our website.   

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

Warm and Welcoming Senior Living in Phoenix

 

If you are considering senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be the answer.   Unlike many other senior communities in the area, our warm and welcoming community was designed from the ground up to serve both assisted living residents as well as our most tender memory care residents. 

MorningStar at Arcadia is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives.  We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes.  Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents.  

A sign that a loved one would do better in senior living includes a person who lives alone and has had a fall (or more than one) over the last six months.  While hopefully they were not seriously injured, please keep in mind how dangerous falls are for seniors.  The CDC reports that, “each year one in four older adults aged 65 and older will fall. Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury.”  In 2017 this resulted in 29 million falls, 3 million emergency department visits, 800,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths.  At MorningStar, every resident has around-the-clock Care Managers and access to full-time Licensed Nurses (on call 24/7).  In addition, each of our private suites has an emergency call system installed.    

Another reason assisted living makes sense for so many seniors right now is the isolation from sheltering at home due to the pandemic.  For elderly adults who live alone, this can be very lonely as many are not able to spend time with their family members including their grandchildren.  While it is great to be able to Skype or Facetime, we all know it is not the same thing.    

While just a few examples of the numerous advantages senior living offers, a community like MorningStar at Arcadia is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of our residents on all levels.  Think about the benefit of no longer having to grocery shop and prepare meals as we offer a 5-star dining service, or worry about getting safely to doctor visits and other important errands as we provide scheduled transportation.  

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. Please visit our website for more information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 Phoenix has to offer.

Seniors are More Susceptible to Dehydration & Over-Hydration

A number of studies show that older adults may be at risk for both dehydration and over-hydration according to a recent article from Medical News Today. It reports this may be due to a number of reasons including the person’s medical conditions, medications they take, loss of muscle mass, a reduction in kidney function, and other factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states while recommendations regarding a person’s daily water intake have changed over the last several decades, the amount of fluid seniors require is not much different than it is for younger people but should be evaluated on a person-to-person basis. Current U.S. Dietary Guidelines do not actually recommend a specific daily water or fluid intake, but rather include the daily amount of water consumed form foods, plain drinking water and other beverages. That being said older adults should typically consume at least 6 to 8 cups of fluids per day, which should be taken throughout the day.

The health benefits of older adults staying hydrated include fewer falls, less constipation, and in men, a lower risk of bladder cancer. On the other hand, dehydration in seniors can lead to everything from urinary infections to confusion, kidney failure and slower wound healing. In addition one study found that “dehydrated people hospitalized with a stroke are more than twice as likely to experience impairment afterward.” Over-hydration can result in mild to life-threatening conditions and include congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema, confusion, high blood pressure, seizure, and more.

At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, we are committed to our residents comfort and wellbeing. Among our many amenities and services, we provide three delicious, nutritional daily meals and additionally have an onsite bistro to serve residents’ needs. Our large community offers 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 assisted living suites. We also have 32 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please 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. Visit our website for pricing and availability regarding the finest senior living Reno offers.

Source:

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306638

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327349

Time to Reschedule those Appointments You Put Off Earlier in the Year

 

Medical professionals are recommending you reschedule all of your medical and dental appointments that were cancelled or postponed earlier this spring and summer when we were sheltering in place to get the coronavirus outbreak under control.  Early-on in the crisis, doctors did not have the procedures and protective measures in place or the personal protective equipment to ensure your safety as well as theirs.  

Moreover as Dr. Carrie A. Horn, a hospitalist and chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, explains, “We did not have the knowledge of what was going on to feel comfortable bringing people into a public setting.”   Now more knowledgeable, medical facilities have the equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns, and the understanding of how long the air turnover is between patient rooms to keep people safe when visiting the doctor.  Also facilities have implemented temperature screening and other symptom checks to help keep sick patients from infecting others.   

Thus healthcare providers are urging those people who have not yet set up their mammograms and other routine cancer screenings to do so as they are an important preventive or diagnostic tool in our wellness.  The sooner a problem is detected, the quicker it can be addressed.  In addition think about scheduling annual physicals, blood pressure checkups, and other non-emergency health care visits. 

Another thing that was put off early in the pandemic was elective surgery, which doctors reminds us, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s optional or unimportant.  In fact many elective surgeries help improve one’s health and quality of life.   

Doctors stress any health conditions that require urgent care should be addressed immediately, and to call 911 if it is life threatening.  Other medical conditions that should be a priority include diabetes management, heart disease, and follow-up visits after urgent or emergency care.   Lastly do not forget to get routine vaccinations including your flu shot!  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 all residents.  Please visit our website for contact info regarding trusted, loving senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-health/how-to-best-seek-medical-treatment-during-the-pandemic?int=hp_coronavirus_health

MorningStar’s Compassionate Memory Care in Albuquerque

 

Caring for a loved one suffering from dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover, for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much. If it becomes time to consider other options, MorningStar of Albuquerque is here to help. 

Our goal is to provide the best assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. Unlike most private homes, the Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is specifically designed to safely and securely care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages.  

As dementia specialists, our team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” This how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

During the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar of Albuquerque’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents, their families and staff. Our community is still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols.  Please visit our website for more information.   

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 offers.

Learn More About Mild Cognitive Impairment

 

If you or a loved one is experiencing some mild memory problems or were recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), you may find yourself wondering what that means for the future.  MCI is defined as the fine line between what we think of as normal memory or thinking and dementia.  Dr. Scott M. McGinnis, an associate neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, clarifies it by explaining, “We diagnose dementia when a person has changes in memory and thinking that significantly interfere with functioning in usual activities.” He cites examples such as getting lost driving to familiar places or having difficulty writing a check.  

MCI is diagnosed when a person has changes in their memory and thinking that goes beyond normal aging but does not qualify as full-blown dementia.  Medical experts explain that MCI may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease but are also quick to add that not all cases of MCI result in Alzheimer’s but rather may increase the person’s risk.  In fact, MCI is caused by other things including medications and infections.  

Doctors suggest one way to cope with MCI is to get into the habit of writing out a list of “to do’s” each day and checking it throughout the day.  Some people want to know more and thus pursue medical tests that can identify if they will develop Alzheimer’s eventually, while others wish to take a more wait and see approach.  Whatever your decision, medical professionals say it may be helpful to learn as much as you can about MCI as a way to help you cope.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling, and privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/5-ways-to-cope-with-mild-cognitive-impairment

Surprise Your Favorite Senior with a Gift Basket

 

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

If you are looking for outstanding memory care or assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar of Albuquerque may be the place for you.  Our beautiful community has 48 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 21 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.