Prevent Potential Health Hazards With Medication Management

Experts say medication management is an important preventive measure to avoid potential serious health hazards for seniors. As many older adults take multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements to treat different symptoms and health conditions, they are at a greater risk for medication mix-ups. Researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year due to adverse, or harmful, drug events. While these episodes are usually preventable, doctors acknowledge it can be confusing keeping track of daily dosages and special instructions such as to take with or without food or the time of day, etc.

If an elderly parent or grandparent is taking several medications, healthcare providers say it is a good idea to inquiry about their medication management. One sign they may not be organized is if they have medications stored in different locations throughout the house, and old, outdated prescriptions are mixed in with current ones. You can start by gathering all medications in one place, remember it is best to store them in a cool, dry location, and set aside any outdated medications for proper disposal. Write down the names of the drugs, dosages, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Also, include herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. Bring the list to the next visit to their primary care physician and ask why mom or dad is taking it, how long they will be on it, and do any medications present a dangerous interaction with another drug they are on.

For exceptional senior living, Santa Fe, NM’s MorningStar community provides 56 stylish suites for assisted living along with 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and wellbeing. Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. Please see our website to learn more about MorningStar of Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe, NM offers.

Learn More About Mobility Aids

If you or a loved one is starting to feel less steady on your feet and at risk of falling, a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However, before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs.

As AgingCure.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise.” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If they recognize a need for a mobility aid, they may refer you to an occupational or physical therapist.

The following are a couple of basic guidelines to know before you get started. A cane can help provide balance and stability and is ideal for someone who needs to support no more than 25% of their body weight. It is most useful for those minimally impaired or with weakness in one leg. Walkers are available in a variety of models but regardless of the style a “correct height of a walker is measured from the floor to the wrist, and the elbows should be flexed in a range of 15 to 20 degrees.” Experts also say the walker must be large enough to provide front and side support for the user.

A motorized scooter may be the answer for someone who has lost the ability to walk any distance but still has an adequate amount of strength in their arms and upper body to stay upright as well as drive the scooter. Again there are a variety of models including indoor and outdoor ones as well. Keep in mind though that most insurance companies and Medicare Part B typically only cover scooters for in-house use.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our mission is to provide the best senior living in Albuquerque, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents. Located on the popular northeast side of town, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services. Our community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit.

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 offers.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/expert-advice-how-to-choose-a-mobility-aid-190138.htm

Healthier Choices for Tasty Sweet Desserts

The U.S. News and World Report published an article on tasty treats designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a healthier alternative to more sugar laden desserts. One suggestion from board-certified oncology dietitian, Kailey Proctor, of the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, is to grill pineapple, banana, apple or pear slices. Grilling concentrates flavors by reducing the water content, and further sweetens the fruit as natural sugars are caramelized by the heat.

Dark chocolate is a known powerful source of antioxidants as research shows it can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and raise HDLs, reducing your risk for heart disease. One healthy, easy-to-make dessert is to melt dark chocolate and spread it over parchment paper. Then sprinkle dried cherries, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds over it; refrigerate for five minutes and cut into small pieces. Another variation is to dip fresh strawberries or other fruit into melted dark chocolate.

Yogurt parfaits are fun to put-together and can be customized to your taste. Using a parfait dish or small bowl, add granola, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter or seeds, layering with yogurt. To cut down on fat, use nonfat or low-fat yogurt as it still provides a good source of protein without the calories.

How about banana ice cream made from frozen pureed bananas mixed with almond milk? If you like, add in peanut butter and nuts. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top, which is “thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.”

For exceptional senior living, Albuquerque area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar. Our many services include meals designed by our Executive Chef and made largely from scratch with the freshest of ingredients. We also use “BrainWise Foods” known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque.

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 to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/healthy-dessertsand-theyre-tasty-too

Find Assisted Living for Seniors that Maintains Independence and Privacy at MorningStar

For many seniors, leaving the home they love and moving into an assisted living community can be daunting, and often a difficult conversation to have as a child of a senior. Your parents in need of assisted living may worry about losing their independence, their privacy, and their sense of autonomy. However, for those considering an assisted living arrangement at MorningStar of Sparks, there is good news. MorningStar offers the most personalized assisted living Nevada has to offer. This senior living community dedicates its time and attention to ensuring that each resident receives the support they need while maintaining their independence, privacy, and autonomy.

One of the things that set MorningStar of Sparks apart from other assisted living communities is their commitment to exceptional and personalized senior care. Upon move in, every resident receives a personalized care plan that considers their unique needs, preferences, and interests. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it continues to meet the resident's changing needs throughout their stay. This attention to detail should help you remain rest assured that your parent is being properly cared for and kept happy and healthy.

At MorningStar of Sparks, the staff recognizes that every resident is unique and deserves personalized attention and care. This is why they offer a range of services that can be tailored to each resident's individual needs. This personalized care extends far beyond just medical and physical needs. Our caretakers dedicate their time to getting to know each resident, their likes and dislikes, their hobbies and interests, and their personality. This helps us provide personalized social and recreational activities tailored to each resident's needs and preferences.

Contact us today if you want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and memory care Sparks NV has seen. MorningStar Assisted Living Retirement Homes in Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you 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.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Senior Living in Sparks, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see the most exceptional and dependable memory care East Reno, Nevada offers.

Best Spring Activities for Seniors

Springtime is the perfect time to get seniors in the spirit of the new season! With spring comes new plant growth, baby animals, warmer weather and so much more. Winter can be a cold, sometimes boring time of year. However, with the renewal of nature can come a renewal of energy and joy with these spring activities for seniors in assisted living in Phoenix. 

Farmers Market

Farmers markets are a wonderful way for elderly people to enjoy the spring, as well as help support local businesses. Having a day out with friends and family is also a great way to make amazing memories, and even try new things! Farmers markets are often full of delicious foods and drinks, beautiful crafts, one-of-a-kind decor, home-grown produce, and much more. This makes farmers markets a perfect place for seniors to get outside and enjoy the springtime, and browse great local products. 

Painting

Painting is something that doesn’t require any training or experience to be fun. However, it is a great outlet for all the emotions that can come up during springtime. Winter can be a difficult time for the elderly due to seasonal depression; but painting can help process these feelings so they can move on. Use this opportunity to get together with seniors in assisted living, and all paint your favorite things about spring. This is a great way to learn more about everyone, and have a fabulous piece of art for years to come. 

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is another activity that can be great for seniors. It can also be turned into a fun community activity where people trade old things with each other. You can also have a big community yard sale and split or donate the proceeds to a local charity like a pet shelter. Spring cleaning is also important to do so that everyone can get rid of all the things they no longer need. This way, more people can benefit from these items, rather than all of it sitting around being useless. Plus, it is the perfect time to reminisce on sentimental items, and learn about each other’s memories and lives. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Phoenix, AZ has to offer. 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, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Assisted Living Can Be a Healthier Lifestyle for Seniors Than Living Alone

As people grow older, their needs change and many require help with daily personal care activities. This can present a dilemma in families as some elderly seniors firmly state that they do not want to move into assisted living. However, when the pressure to assume caretaking responsibilities continues to grow for family members and even safety is a concern, they may have to investigate alternatives.

It is important to know that research shows assisted living can be a healthier lifestyle for seniors than living alone. They have access to 24/7 care as well as the benefits that come from socializing with others. In addition, keep in mind that your parent’s home may need costly modifications to make it safe for them to continue to live there while assisted living communities are designed to address those needs. Moreover, along with the assistance they need with daily personal care, communities such as MorningStar of Santa Fe provide a range of wellness programs and activities that support residents’ mental, physical, spiritual, and social connections.

In addition, wholesome, nutritional daily meals as well as housekeeping and laundry services mean your parents will have their basic needs met seamlessly. Lastly, something often overlooked regarding assisted living is that with proper assistance, rather than your parent’s fear of losing their independence becoming true, they will actually get it back. Also, by getting the needed assistance from the staff, it allows families to just enjoy spending time together without the added responsibility of being caregivers.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe provides the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Options include 56 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we have 29 secure suites. Located on the city’s west side, near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael, our community has wonderful mountain views and is convenient for shopping and other services. Please contact us for more information.

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 to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Albuquerque provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as grab bars and walk-in showers in the bathroom. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand.

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-compliant” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs.

MorningStar’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. For trusted assisted living Albuquerque, NM seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.