Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to slow down and spend some quality time with your senior parent. Whether your parents are living independently or in assisted living, holidays are especially important, and Thanksgiving is often a time they look forward to.
If you are planning Thanksgiving this year, take some time to think about the best ways to accommodate everyone in your family. This article will discuss a few things to keep in mind for spending Thanksgiving with your senior parent. Make It Convenient and Comfortable Thanksgiving should be about traditions, enjoying food, and spending time together. There’s no need to overdo it. Aim to create a convenient and comfortable environment so that your senior parent can enjoy themselves the entire day. Thanksgiving should not be a pain or a stressful event, so keep it simple if you can. If your parents are senior living in Rio Rancho, think about moving the meal to them to save them travel time. Carve Out Time for Family With the business of the holiday season, it can be easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done. Don’t let yourself become too busy that you don’t stop to take quality time with the ones you love. Make sure that your Thanksgiving schedule has some downtime, so your senior parent has the time they need to catch up with everyone in the family. Make the Menu Together If you are hosting Thanksgiving, give your senior parent an opportunity to help out. That could mean help with cooking the meal or deciding what to put on the menu. Even seniors with limited mobility or health challenges can contribute to the family meal. Your senior parent has probably attended or hosted many Thanksgivings in their lifetime, so take advantage of their knowledge and wisdom. Don’t Forget About Nutrition Thanksgiving is a meal for indulging, but that doesn’t mean nutrition has to go out the window. Nutrition is especially important for seniors, and every meal should include at least some nutritious food. You can easily incorporate healthy foods like vegetables into your meal. Your senior parent can enjoy all the turkey they want as well as a serving or two of healthy food. Make This Thanksgiving Special The most important part of Thanksgiving is spending time together as a family. For your senior parent in assisted living, there may not be many holidays each year where everyone comes together, so make the most of it. Ensure that your senior parent is included in the planning and that they have ample time to spend with the family. With a bit of thoughtfulness, you can make this Thanksgiving special for your senior parent.
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We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for getting shingles sometime in your life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone the chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a wash cloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others. MorningStar of Happy Valley is a true home where residents can comfortably and safely age in place. We have 61 suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more about our broad range of amenities, wellness programs, and care services. 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 assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to meet the needs of our residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to comfortably and safely age in place with an array of luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs and activities.
Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience characterized by diverse dishes showcasing creativity and personal tastes, and inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. MorningStar of Happy Valley provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For contact information and to learn more, please see our website and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. 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 Rio Rancho 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 handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand. MorningStar of Rio Rancho 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 exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho, NM seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. 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 of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Sources: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/ aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medication-management Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results.
For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare for your appointment by bringing your prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs you use including vitamins and dietary or herbal supplements. When discussing a possible medical procedure, AHRQ says questions should include: why do I need this procedure; how do I prepare; when will I get the results; and how will I feel afterward? If surgery is recommended, ask if there are alternative treatments available that are just as effective; possible complications; and recovery period. AHRQ says if you are given a new medication, ask how the new drug will interact with other drugs you are taking, how long you will be on it, and common side effects. Before you leave your appointment, make sure you understand your instructions. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Our community is honored to create a true “home” for residents with 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Happy Valley and ask about our Move-in Specials. Source: ahrq.gov/questions/be-engaged/index.html Ageism is defined as a prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group, especially the elderly; and can have detrimental impact on seniors so reports a 2002 Yale University study. In fact researchers found “age discrimination actually has the potential power to shorten senior’s lives.” Study participants were 50 years and older and periodically interviewed regarding their views on aging. Participants with more positive views on aging lived 7.5 years longer than the group who viewed themselves as burdens to others and felt their life was less valuable. Researchers say a negative attitude on aging increases a senior’s risk for depression and social isolation.
Another study done in 2019 found positive thinking leads to an 11-15% longer lifespan and a greater chance of living to age 85 and older. Researchers say the results remained consistent after age, gender and income as well as depression and health status were taken into consideration. Positive attitudes on aging may even improve people’s resiliency toward illness and give them a greater will to live. One way to improve your outlook on life and develop a more positive attitude is to practice positive affirmations. It is recommended you keep an affirmation based in reality and repeat it several times each day. It can be something as simple as repeating “you can handle whatever life brings your way,” or a more loving-kindness meditation such as “I am happy.” Other studies show it is important to surround yourself with positive thinkers as negativity can be catchy. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our welcoming senior living community was designed from the ground up to be a place where residents are proud to call it “home.” The three-story building offers 61 assisted living suites in a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans from 324 sq. ft. to as large as 928 sq. ft. In addition we have 27 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information, to see our floor plans, discover our many amenities and learn about our care services. Source: verywellmind.com/positive-thinking-and-aging-2224134 Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so. While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on. Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.
Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia. From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination. However, according to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test. Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor. Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” So what does a cognitive assessment include? To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently. If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems. You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home. In fact, you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our senior living community includes 28 secure memory care suites offering individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understand the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website or contact us for more information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities Fountain Hills, 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 of Fountain Hills provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. The moment you step inside the MorningStar of Happy Valley’s gorgeous assisted living and memory care community you are sure to feel right at home. In fact we have gotten used to hearing the surprise in visitors’ voices as they express their delight with our warm, welcoming atmosphere. Moreover while you are sure to be impressed with our architectural design, we can guarantee that once you meet our staff, you will be most impressed with their kindness and compassion.
From the top down, MorningStar of Happy Valley is run by a team of individuals who lead by example. Starting with Executive Director, Tiana Jackson, who has been with Happy Valley since our opening just a little over a year ago, she has demonstrated true grit, determination and a loving spirit in helping our community get through the pandemic. Ms. Jackson has worn many hats during the last year as she has stepped in where there was a need in a role as Nail Technician, Hairstylist and Dog Walker during these uncertain times. Tiana cites her former colleague Dee as the person who has most influenced her during her long career in senior care. She explains that Dee’s passion, respect, model of servant-leadership has not only motivated her but shaped her. She adds that she has also met “many spectacular seniors who have taught me many life lessons through their stories.” Tsering Yandon, who serves as our Wellness Director, explains that she cared for her Popo (“lovely grandfather”) who suffered from dementia for five years. She states that as tough as that was, it brought her tremendous joy. Tsering adds, “To have been able to serve him until the end of his life is something I cherish. And it contributes to my call to serve other seniors as well.” Director of Community Relations, Shannon Calles explains that seniors have taught her by example with their 50-, 60-, 75-year marriages, that she needs to work at being in the ‘No Matter What’ club with her husband. Shannon says, “The storm always passes and there I want us to be, together in the end. That’s the story I want in my book.” Our beautiful community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet). In our Reflections Neighborhood, we offer 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving home. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it. Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better. Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.
Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger. Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.” In addition, while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep. Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them. If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances. Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident. The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts. And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better. Finally, researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote. This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique 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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises The MorningStar story began with a vision from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wanted to re-create senior housing that was defined by the human touch and felt much like his grandmother’s house – “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” Out of this loving concept that focuses on the power of relationships, came three mission statements upon which MorningStar was founded: 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.
Following these precepts, MorningStar of Happy Valley is committed to providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness with a care team that feels honored to serve seniors. Our beautiful community offers a choice of 61 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. While the country slowly gets back to normal and continues to reopen, we want you to know that MorningStar of Happy Valley will still be closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government. This includes prohibiting non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community. Also all team members who interact with residents must follow strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection, and we will continue the daily screening of staff for symptoms and prevent those who are ill from coming to work. Currently we are safely accepting new residents; however it is being done in conjunction with a thorough screening process. New residents move directly into their private suite, where they will remain for a 14-day quarantine period; and staff entering the room will wear full personal protective equipment. Remember our first commitment is to the safety of all those in our care. Listen to what one resident’s daughter writes about her experience, “Although it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.” MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior care within a beautiful, serene setting. 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 assisted living and memory care community. |
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