LOOK OUT FOR THESE COGNITIVE DECLINE SIGNS

MorningStar at Arcadia is more than just a place for a senior loved one to call home. Our caregivers also provide memory care services, which include being able to recognize the signs of cognitive decline. Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline in the earliest stage allows our caregivers to take steps that help our residents improve their cognitive skills,

Although everyone experiences some form of forgetfulness, a decline in cognitive skills goes well beyond the standard bad day when we forget something. Between 15 and 20 percent of seniors 65 and older live with some form of cognitive impairment. Symptoms of cognitive decline can remain stable or even improve over time. However, some cases of cognitive decline indicate the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s see how the caregivers at our assisted living facility in Phoenix recognize the signs of cognitive decline.

Misplacing Items

Does a senior loved one frequently set an item down, walk a few steps away from the item, and then forget where the item is located? Misplacing things happen most often for common-use items such as room keys and wallets/purses. It can trigger an incredible amount of frustration that eventually morphs into a mental condition such as depression. Not only does misplacing items indicate one of the signs of cognitive decline, but it is also considered an especially worrisome sign when a senior places an item in an inappropriate location.

For example, a senior who typically places the room keys on a coffee table starts placing the keys in strange locations like inside the freezer or under the bed.

Difficulty Completing Ordinary Tasks

It is one thing for a senior to have trouble solving a complex crossword or jigsaw puzzle. It is quite another thing for seniors to have difficulty completing routine daily tasks, such as cooking meals and grooming themselves. A senior loved one showing signs of cognitive decline cannot complete the same tasks they have completed all their lives. This also includes dressing and using the oven for baking.

Speaking Difficulties

One of the most noticeable signs of cognitive decline is when a senior begins to slur speech. Slurred speech indicates a disruption in the transmission of signals inside the brain. Speaking difficulties also include forgetting words and substituting words that have no place in a conversation. Seniors with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also can blurt out words at the most inappropriate times and places.

Disorientation

Another highly visible sign of cognitive decline concerns a senior who has trouble knowing the day of the week or getting lost while at a familiar place. Seniors suffering from cognitive decline can walk on a once familiar street, only to panic when they cannot remember how to return to the place where they started. Disorientation can turn into a dangerous sign of cognitive decline if not detected. A senior loved one can walk outside of an assisted living facility and wander off to a place the senior no longer recognizes.

The MorningStar mission of “To honor, to value, to invest” includes providing the best memory care services. Our caregivers receive extensive training to detect the signs of cognitive decline, as well as implement steps that enhance brain performance. Connect with one of our caregivers to learn more about the highly-rated memory care services provided at our assisted living facility.

EASY HOBBIES TO PICK UP IN A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

One of the many reasons why seniors thrive at our senior living facility in Phoenix is the jam-packed calendar for daily, weekly, and monthly activities. MorningStar at Arcadia operates on the principle that an engaged senior is a senior who enjoys robust mental and physical health, as numerous research studies confirm the connection between an active senior and a healthy senior. Activities also improve resilience, as well as enhance memory and creativity.

The best strategy for staying mentally and physically active while living at a memory care facility in Phoenix involves picking up a hobby or two. According to Dictionary.com, a hobby is “an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure and relaxation.” The key to picking up a hobby is finding one that brings you joy, while at the same time giving you a purpose in life. You have many hobbies to choose from, with the following hobbies representing the easiest ones to pick up.

Swimming

The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that older adults should strive to complete at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activities. When you think of aerobic activities, you probably think of walking, hiking, and cycling. However, swimming is one of the most beneficial aerobic activities for enhancing your mental and physical health. The best part is that at an assisted living facility such as MorningStar at Arcadia, a senior has access to a swimming pool every day.

Gardening

Gardening requires physical exertion, but the most significant benefit of gardening concerns boosting mental health. This hobby has a calming, almost meditative effect that alleviates stress and anxiety. It also teaches seniors how to become more food self-sufficient, as well as eat fruits and vegetables that increase stamina and improve the functioning of the immune system. Gardening also represents a hobby that you can share with other members of our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Genealogy

You probably have watched at least one commercial promoting the services of a genealogy research company that provides the tools to trace a family’s history that goes back as far as several centuries. Learning your family’s roots can help you connect with a long-lost relative, as well as genealogists who can help you dig deeper into your background. All you need to get started with this hobby is Internet access and a keen interest in conducting investigative research.

Birdwatching

Invest in a pair of binoculars and a book that describes the birds native to your region, and you have acquired the essential tools to launch a bird-watching hobby. Discovering when and where seasonal birds migrate helps you establish a location to watch birds leave in fall, as well as come home to roost in spring. Birdwatching also is a great hobby for interacting with your peers and members of your family. You can teach your grandchildren how to watch birds and help them learn more about each species.

Picking up one or more hobbies is an effective strategy for seniors to remain active while staying at the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia facility in Phoenix. Established to build a foundation for honoring God, our senior living facility in Phoenix offers a warm, caring environment for a senior to call home. Learn more about our activities calendar at MorningStar at Arcadia by connecting with one of our staff members.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS YOUR SENIOR LOVED ONE CAN READ TO YOUR CHILDREN

The close relationship between a grandchild and a grandparent leaves behind memories that both cherish for a lifetime. From going on nature walks on sunny days to solving jigsaw puzzles on days when it rains, the bond between grandchildren and their grandparents is as strong of a bond as it gets.

One of the ways a grandparent connects with a grandchild, especially a younger one, involves reading books together. As a parent, you welcome the social and educational benefits that develop from your child reading with a grandparent. Research has discovered that reading to children of all ages enhances the communication skills of kids that they carry with them into adulthood. 

The question is not whether a grandparent should read to your child. Instead, the question is what children’s books can your senior loved one read to your child?

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia in Phoenix, Arizona, we provide our residents with a place to call home that welcomes guests such as grandchildren. With National Grandparents Day only a few months away on September 11, we have compiled a list of children’s books your senior loved can read to your children. A list of great books for kids includes timeless classics such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Pat the Bunny, as well as the entire Sesame Street collection. For our list, the books feature the close bond formed in grandchildren-grandparent relationships.

Here Comes Grandma!

This popular book follows the journey of a grandmother and her small dog that travel by car, horse, train, and even skis to see grandma’s grandchild. Written for grade school-age children, the book playfully highlights the positive trait of perseverance.

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa

Winner of several literary awards in the children’s category, this book describes the special bond forged between grandchildren and grandparents. The book also addresses the issue of separation, as the lead character Emily deals with separation anxiety every time the visits with her grandparents end. Her grandparents explain to Emily how her imagination keeps the relationship close by remembering all the good times they spent together.

Old Bear

During winter when bears hibernate, Old Bear falls asleep and begins to dream of becoming a cub once again. Children enjoy the Old Bear’s vivid dreams and grandparents relate to Old Bear’s memories of his youth and the joy of waking on a beautiful spring day. Old Bear’s description of the four seasons offers an educational moment for your child, while your parent discusses what it is like to grow older.

The Hello, Goodbye Window

Children’s books that are told from a child’s perspective especially capture the attention of children. The young girl in this book tells the story of what happens when her grandparents babysit her. This book is perfect for grandchildren and their grandparents to read aloud together.

Me with You

Told in a simple rhyme, this book captures the close bond established between a granddaughter and her grandfather. It is a book dedicated to the positive influence grandfathers have on their grandchildren that is written in an appealing format for grandchildren of all ages

“To honor, to value, to invest” is the mission statement at our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Our loving home for seniors provides resort-style amenities surrounded by spectacular views of natural splendor. Learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia by connecting with one of our representatives.

5 POPULAR SUMMER DRINKS FOR SENIORS

Summer is the time of year to spend much more time outdoors, but seniors must be careful not to overdo it. According to research, 40 percent of all heat-related deaths occur among seniors at least 65 years old. Seniors are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses for several reasons, including lower body water content and a compromised bodily heat detection system.

Keeping seniors adequately hydrated during the summer months is one of the many healthcare priorities of the caregivers at our senior living facility in Phoenix. Let’s look at five categories of beverages that do a great job of hydrating seniors, and at the same, deliver robust flavors that keep them coming back for more.

Milkshakes

Ice cream stands see lines form early in the day for their delectable selection of milkshakes. With milk and ice cream as the base ingredients, milkshakes come in a wide variety of flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. If a senior is lactose intolerant, our assisted living facility substitutes an ingredient like rice or almond milk. Adding nutritious fruits to a milkshake reduces the need to enhance the flavor profile with processed sugar.

Smoothies

With a consistency similar to milkshakes, smoothies eliminate the dairy component from their recipes. Instead, smoothies consist of much more fresh fruit that delivers crucial nutritional benefits such as vitamins A and C. Smoothies represent a refreshing way to hydrate during summer, especially for active seniors who spend time enjoying outdoor recreational activities like hiking and cycling. They also make ideal breakfast drinks to complement other dishes.

Slushies

Unlike milkshakes and smoothies, slushies consist of an ice base that eventually melts to provide water hydration for seniors. Slushies remain in liquid form by including fruit and non-sugary liquids in the recipe. Because of the significant percentage of ice, slushies withstand the heat of summer much better than the base ingredients of smoothies and milkshakes, which makes them the perfect beverage for serving at outdoor events.

Fruit/Veggie Juice

Freshly squeezed juices represent one of the most popular summer drinks for seniors. Without the need to add sugar or preservatives, juices offer the most nutritional option for hydrating a parched senior. Naturally high fructose fruits such as grapes, apples, and blueberries might require consumption moderation for seniors who live with certain medical conditions like diabetes. As a more savory version of fruit juices, veggie juices work well for seniors who require hydration, as well as enjoy the nutritional benefits offered by vegetables without having to chew them.

Flavored Water

Flavored waters contain the highest percentage of water than any of the other beverages on this list. This type of beverage is the right choice for seniors who want to be thoroughly hydrated, without increasing their calorie intake. For seniors that find fruit and vegetable juices to be too strong, flavored waters deliver the most neutral flavor profile. However, seniors with less sensitive taste buds might find it difficult to taste some of the milder flavors.

Ensuring the strong health of our residents is one of the most important services provided by MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia. This includes providing our residents with the proper amount of hydration to maintain robust health. Phoenix is notorious for its super-hot summers when temperatures frequently soar above 100 degrees. Learn more about our senior living facility in Phoenix by connecting with a staff member.

HELP YOUR SENIOR BE MORE CONNECTED WITH TECHNOLOGY

As we grow older, many of us tend to avoid trying to learn new skills, especially when it comes to technology skills. Seniors and technology mix about as well as oil and water, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, seniors can get a lot out of technology just for completing responsibilities such as paying bills and scheduling healthcare appointments. Technology serves a highly functional purpose in the lives of most seniors.

Yet, the resistance to technology continues to be a problem for seniors.

At the MorningStar at Arcadia assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, technology plays an important role in the lives of our residents. We not only encourage our residents to increase their technical knowledge, but we also offer activities that help them learn new skills. However, family members can help as well by encouraging their seniors to be more connected with technology in the following ways.

Alleviate Security Concerns

In an AARP survey, 85 percent of respondents between the ages of 50 and 64 stated they are concerned about privacy and data protection while using the Internet. Helping your senior be more connected with technology starts by taking steps to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive information. Demonstrate how to create secure passwords that meet the criteria established by multi-factor Authentication (MFA). Help your senior loved one set their privacy information on social media networks to allow just their friends to view profiles.

Emphasize Online Safety

Seniors are the most vulnerable segment of the population to succumbing to financial scams. Before the Internet exploded into the gateway for all communications, seniors fell victim to mail and telephone call scams. Now, seniors must implement measures to prevent falling victim to online scams. Help your senior learn how to separate junk emails from important emails, and then immediately empty the junk email file. Make sure your senior understands the importance of never sending sensitive information via chat, text, and email.

Take Small Steps

For seniors that have been out of the workforce for many years, trying to learn new technology skills triggers stress and frustration. The best way to help your senior be more connected with technology involves starting slowly and interacting during multiple visits to prevent information overload. Taking small steps can include explaining how to upload a favorite photo to a social media profile page or teaching your senior how to maximize the tools offered by live chat options such as Zoom. You must exhibit plenty of patience, which includes allowing your senior to complete each step without assistance.

Access Free Online Resources

You do not always have to be there when your senior loved one wants to learn additional technical skills. Show your senior loved one how to access free online learning resources to help them develop the type of technology skills that they want to develop. The Internet also offers many programs that help seniors access free and low-cost apps and devices to enhance their learning environment.

With a focus on honoring God, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia values our seniors, which is reflected by the compassionate professionals that fulfill the role of caregivers. At our senior living facility in Phoenix, we offer residents access to fast broadband Internet service to help them achieve their goals. Connect with one of our representatives to learn more about what MorningStar at Arcadia has to offer.

Are You Worried About Your Parents Getting the Care They Need?

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need. 

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. 

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of getting them settled into a community and then face another move if their needs can no longer be met. 

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. 

Another important step is to visit (either in person or virtually) the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.    

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

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.

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Albuquerque

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community provides experienced care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other senior communities in that every aspect of our care is designed to accommodate those with memory impairment. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is equipped to care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas including an enclosed courtyard. Suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. 

Care in our Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach.  This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Once a family decides MorningStar is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests.  Contact us for more information about compassionate and loving memory care in Albuquerque.

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 to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.