Enhancing Quality of Life for Individuals With Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show those with Alzheimer’s disease do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease.

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides holistic care for those with memory impairment. Each resident has an individualized care plan which is designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Every day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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 senior apartments Albuquerque has to offer.

Source:
seniorlink.com/blog/helpful-daily-activities-for-dementia-patients-50-expert-tips-and-suggestions-to-keep-your-loved-one-engaged

Common Assisted Living Myths

Assisted living is often misunderstood. In previous years, it was seen as a dark, cold, and distant place where family members droned over the T.V. and bingo. It has certainly changed since those ideas began circulating.

Deciding if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one is never an easy task. Outdated and inaccurate beliefs about assisted living can often reinforce those difficult emotions. Below is a guide on how to debunk three of the most common myths so that you can see what great it can look like.

“Assisted Living Is Just Like a Nursing Home”

Nursing homes and assisted living are actually two different forms of senior care. Assisted living supports daily independence by offering support with medication, mobility, and daily living activities. Nursing homes are best suited for seniors with intense health concerns who need continual supervision and assistance.

Seniors have the opportunity to live in private suites or apartments with the access to modern amenities and programs. MorningStar Senior Living offers seniors a blend of support and autonomy with active communities and experiences.

“Moving to Assisted Living Means Losing Your Independence”

While assisted living can be an adjustment for some seniors who have always lived on their own, many find joy and relaxation in the comforts of modern assisted living communities. All inclusive senior living communities can actually reduce stress in seniors. For those in assisted living, regular home upkeep, errands, and other important chores could have been very difficult to manage. Removing these stressors allows seniors more energy and time to focus on what they actually enjoy.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar 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.

Preparing for a Parent’s Unplanned Hospital Visit

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden.

Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care; it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history. Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be.

Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages.

Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-existing conditions and any recent surgeries or procedures they may have had. Provide the name of their primary care provider; and be sure to let the hospital personnel know if your parent has dementia or any physical limitations.

If the hospital doesn’t already have a copy of your loved one’s advanced directive, also known as a living will, bring one with you. An advanced directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken in end-of-life situations when they cannot speak for themselves. Mom or dad may also have a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order, which is another kind of advance directive. It covers not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person’s heart stops or if they stop breathing.

Other information to give to the hospital regards allergies and dietary restrictions. Additionally, make sure your loved one has their cellphone with them as many hospital rooms do not have phones.

If you are considering assisted living facilities in Albuquerque, NM, MorningStar may be your answer. We are on the northeast side of town with wonderful views and convenient medical facilities, shopping and other services. Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. Please visit our website for more information on senior apartments and to inquire about pricing and availability.

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Understanding Medication Management in Assisted Living

Medication management is a necessity for those in need of assisted living care. It can be hard for these seniors to remember to take their medications and in the correct frequencies. Proper medication management is serious. While most assisted living offers medication management, some senior living communities are more dependable and reassuring than others. Many factors should be considered when looking for senior living with trusted medication management. Below is a guide on how to understand medication management in assisted living.

Why Medication Magament Matters

For many seniors, medication management is critical for keeping up with chronic medical conditions, preventing hospital visits, and maintaining a good quality of life. Managing medication can be overwhelming and confusing to some seniors, and they may need extra help keeping everything correct. Missed doses, incorrect meds, and unsteady frequencies can have serious consequences. If you’re worried about your loved one’s medication management, assisted living options can offer that support.

What to Look For

You always want to make sure your loved one is properly supported, no matter what their needs are. Before deciding on a new senior living home, always schedule an in-person tour to get a feel for the community and to ask questions. Upon arrival, take note on how the staff interacts with residents. Are they patient and attentive? Observe the residents’ overall health and check to see if they look well cared for and comfortable. This is also a chance to ask about typical medication management procedures and what protocols are in place for missed doses, emergency responses, and how often medication routines are reviewed. By studying up on this information, you can make a more informed decision for your loved one’s health and wellbeing. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar 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.

Nearly Twenty Million Americans Have Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Just as the rest of our body ages, so do our eyes. Older adults often complain of dry, teary or tired eyes and may have problems driving at night, experience flashes and floaters or need glasses to read. As we grow older, we are also at a higher risk for serious eye diseases that can impact our vision.

One of the most serious eye diseases is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among people aged 60 and older, affecting nearly 20 million Americans. The risk of developing AMD increases with age and if you are 75 or older, your risk is 1 in 3. Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. Experts say while it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them.

You are at a higher risk of getting AMD if a relative has had it or you are Caucasian, and females are more susceptible to AMD than males. Lifestyle choices also increase your risk for AMD including smoking along with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sun exposure is another risk factor and doctors recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Maintaining a healthy diet by eating foods high in antioxidants like lutein found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are beneficial for our eye health.

Symptoms of AMD include visual distortions and can make straight lines appear bent, reduce central vision in one or both eyes, increase blurriness of printed words, and the need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work. The first signs of AMD are typically discovered by an eye doctor during an annual dilated eye exam.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful senior assisted living is designed to meet every need. Residents enjoy luxury amenities, care and hospitality services, and a range of wellness programs and activities. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living in Albuquerque, NM and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior apartments and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Assisted Living Tips on Making New Friends Later in Life

Making new friends can be intimidating as we age. Especially in our elder years. While it might feel a little harder to make new friends in assisted living, it is also deeply rewarding. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks offers a well-designed community with rich amenities designed to make meaningful connections easier. Whether they’re moving in solo or with a partner, active senior apartments like MorningStar can help your loved one uplift their everyday life through deep bonds and connections.

Explore the Modern Shared Spaces

A new home always feels unfamiliar at first. While the comfort of a personalized private room feels safe, the true heart of MorningStar lies in its vibrant social environment and shared spaces. Engaging in community activities, attending events, and sharing meals with neighbors in our common spaces can help residents feel more at home and feel more confident to make friends. Whether it’s joining a book club, playing cards, or simply chatting with a neighbor, small initial connections build a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Be Open to Invites

At MorningStar, our community is full of kind, friendly, and outgoing seniors who are eager to make new friends and get to know people. We encourage new residents to always say yes to neighborly invites to events or dinner. While they may feel uncertain at first, being open to friendship is the first step to meeting new people. The benefit of living in a community designed for connection is that new opportunities are always around the corner.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best assisted living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar 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.

Luxury Senior Living in Albuquerque

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which takes a unique, holistic approach to its senior living communities. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve; and hold true to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.

Our company has thrived and expanded since its conception in 2003, when Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger started the company with the intention to “cast a new light” on senior living. From there our mission statement reads: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.

Even the name MorningStar has meaning regarding the kind of home we want to offer residents. Mr. Jaeger explains, “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force—even more, a name that spoke to the passion I have to bring loving care to seniors.” The name—MorningStar—comes from a verse where Jesus said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

At the Albuquerque community, we offer assisted living suites in a range of floor plans and configurations. Amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; fitness center; salon; bistro; theater/chapel; fireside patios; scheduled transportation; and more. Services include 24-hour care managers, a full-time licensed nurse (on call 24/7), electronic health records and medication management. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized care to those living with memory impairment.

As a resident, you will have opportunities for new friendships, wellness programs, activities and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Please visit our website for information about MorningStar’s memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM. Browse through our online pictures and then use the link to set up a tour to see our home firsthand. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar’s senior living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and senior apartments Albuquerque, NM offers. Contact us or visit our website for more information.