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Showing posts from March, 2024

Top Mental Wellness and Cognitive Stimulation Activities for Seniors

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Alzheimer’s and dementia are troubling diseases. Regardless of the amount of research, we still feel in the dark about memory loss and how to treat it. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, there is research to suggest that the lifestyle changes we make can improve symptoms of memory loss in seniors with dementia. Whether a person is in an Alzheimer’s care facility or receiving care at home, mentally stimulating activities like the ones below should be done regularly to promote overall health. Keeping Seniors Sharp The following activities enhance the quality of life for seniors struggling with memory loss. Part of being a resident at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton co is being part of an active and vibrant senior community that promotes social engagement and holistic health. Whether caring for a loved one at home or visiting a senior in senior living, incorporating the following activities into Alzheimer’s care improves senior wellness tenfold. Board Games and Puzzle

Safe and Comfortable Assisted Living Options in Des Moines

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When looking for assisted senior living options, there are a few necessities seniors and families have in mind. To experience the finest assisted living des moines has to offer, MorningStar recommends researching senior living communities that have a high reputation for great safety and luxury-style retirement homes. MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines has implemented a range of safety protocols to keep seniors safe and comfortable while they explore the community and experience their retirement to the fullest. Keep reading to better understand how valuable a safe senior living experience is for elders needing assisted senior care in Des Moines. Secure Retirement Homes Seniors want to feel safe where they live, and this is especially true for seniors who may struggle with mobility, hearing difficulties, or other health concerns. It can be hard to find the right balance of assistance and independence in senior care, but MorningStar has been able to balance safety and luxury in their a

Know the Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

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The Medical News Today says too many people do not get diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative diseases until they are in the advanced stages; thereby limiting their prevention and treatment options. Medical professionals say although the disease has typically been categorized as primarily a movement disorder, new research finds executive function may be a major factor in determining its progression. Executive function is defined as a broad group of mental skills enabling people to complete tasks and interact with others. Disordered executive function impairs a person’s ability to organize and manage behavior. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation the top 10 signs of the disease are: Tremors Small handwriting Loss of smell Trouble sleeping Trouble moving or walking Constipation A soft or low voice Masked face (looking depressed or mad) Dizziness or fainting Stooping or hunching over If you have any of these signs, you should see your healthcare provider

Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

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MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of a dementia disease. The path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. In addition to MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s assisted living option, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 19 memory care suites. The area is specifically designed to be secure but still allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings. Also, given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss. As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Holistic Memory Care

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MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers unsurpassed senior living in Colorado Springs. Along with 45 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 suites devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. Our memory care is in a separate area specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our Reflections Neighborhood, we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the p

Seniors Often Experience Balance Problems

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The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other problems such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system problems like strokes or low blood pressure. The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older

Finding a Gift for a Parent or Grandparent in an Assisted Living Community

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It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent or grandparent living in an assisted living community. We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space. One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold. However, if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos. A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair. You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift. A personalized gift bask

The Differences Between Alzheimer’s, Senility and Dementia

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While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, senility and dementia, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. Dementia is typically irreversible but th

Seniors are Often Healthier and Happier in an Assisted Living Community

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Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them. In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone. The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the years especially in terms of care options and amenities. Today’s communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs offer assisted living that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. Also, for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency. For seniors living alone, assisted livi

Alzheimer’s Disease Affects a Person’s Physical Abilities

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Along with changes in the person’s memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s physical abilities. Experts explain dementia symptoms can change everything from the way a person walks, talks, and how their body works. Normal body functions such as going to the bathroom, carrying on a conversation and maintaining balance become more and more difficult. While unfortunately we do not yet know the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, doctors suspect the symptoms are caused by a buildup of harmful proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau, which create clumps called tangles and plaque. These clumps get in the way of normal brain functions and kill healthy cells. Changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease include loss of balance and coordination, which puts a person at a higher risk of a fall. A person’s feet may shuffle or drag along as they walk. Another symptom includes weakened muscles and fatigue that makes it difficult to stand or sit upright in a chair. Trouble contr