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.

Does Your Elderly Parent Need Help Organizing Their Medications?

 

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “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.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects.  

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. 

Eating Healthy is More Important Than Ever

 

Right now, we are all looking for ways to help keep our families healthy.  In addition to practicing social distancing and washing our hands, experts remind us that eating healthy is more important than ever as it provides our bodies with the key nutrients that boost our immune systems.  This is important as a strong immune system defends us against the viruses that cause colds and flus as well as the coronavirus.  

Foods that are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  One vegetable especially nutrient-rich, readily available, and easy to cook is broccoli. It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as “sulfur compounds that research suggests may boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound. In terms of immune support, glutathione works by attacking free radicals to minimize their potential damage.” 

Another good source of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping our immune systems healthy, is fortified orange juice and just one cup gives us 100% of our required daily dose. Fortified OJ also has vitamin D as do eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms that help make us more resistant to illnesses.  Beans, nuts, cereal and seafood all contain zinc which research has found may shorten the duration of the common cold.  Other foods high in nutrients include spinach, salmon, lean beef, and yogurt.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, we provide a 5-star dining service to our residents that starts with meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Our team is dedicated to providing residents a safe, comfort environment where they can safely enjoy their well-deserved retirement years.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. 

Source: allrecipes.com/article/foods-that-boost-immune-system/