We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one in four Americans age 65 years and older fall each year. They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”
However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home. The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall. Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise. In addition, older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles. Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling. There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen. Also vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.” It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our 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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care unit in Boise, ID.
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As we reach our senior years, research indicates socialization is more important than ever. In fact, a Harvard University study shows that “elderly individuals, who had active social lives, were happier, healthier and more likely to live longer, than elderly people who did not have an active social life.” Results suggest that “loneliness can deter an elderly person’s life, while socializing can enrich it.”
Seniors who regularly socialize are less likely to become depressed and are better-equipped to get help if they experience mental health problems. Also older adults with a variety of social support are more likely to regularly exercise, which has been shown to keep the mind active and help slow down memory loss as well as improve overall health. In addition, strong social support can help maintain a senior’s self-esteem and sense of worth. As we socialize, our brains are mentally engaged, which improves our cognitive functions and may prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Activities we do with friends can be fun and stimulate our mind such as playing cards, Bingo, and word or trivia games as well as something as simple as carrying on a conversation. MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 private assisted living suites and 28 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our beautiful community has plenty of common areas to sit and relax or enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friend. To keep residents entertained or as busy as they want to be, our monthly calendar is loaded with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including daily exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. If you are looking for senior living Fountain Hills, AZ area, please visit our website to learn more. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents. Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Sources: www.negeriatrics.com/blog/how-socialization-can-benefit-the-elderly Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.
The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine. The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death. This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults. Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine. Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus. Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies. The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season. MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area. We are busy completing the finishing touches to MorningStar of Rio Rancho, which will be opening soon. MorningStar’s new community has 51 bright suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our goal is to be the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer, providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.
We understand that the name MorningStar may be new to you so we are ready to answer any and all questions you have through a phone call or by visiting our Information Center (on the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road). In the meantime, we encourage you to browse through our website and read about the exceptional care and resources we offer. One good place for general information is at our Family Resources section that offers a whole range of answers to FAQs. It is here you will find that MorningStar was founded in 2003 in Denver and that we are not just a family of senior living communities, but of senior loving homes. We consider our residents the heroes and recognize it is our “privilege to serve and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.” And while we are rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths in our residents and team members. Other questions that get answered include information about our age requirements. It is 62 years or older for our independent suites, assisted living and memory care. And in case you wondered, of course couples are welcome and a suite can also be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. While pricing is discussed, we encourage you to contact us for more precise information. As a general overview, our apartment suites’ monthly rental fee is based on square footage, location within the building and views. If you or your family member will be in an assisted living suite, we offer five levels of care that are established after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. Medical and non-medical auxiliary services are priced a la carte. Memory care is all-inclusive and residents are charged one package price. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening soon, we invite you to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers. As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we are committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families.
Moreover, we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data. Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more. MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans. In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer. MorningStar of Rio Rancho is getting ready to open its doors to our residents. As the area’s newest assisted living and memory care community, we will fill a well-needed niche for senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM; a fast growing suburb of Albuquerque. Our community has 51 private assisted living suites, and another 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.
If you or a loved one is considering a move to assisted living and are wondering how your costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline. Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs. Even before you even move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan. Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed. You monthly fee is based on a couple of things including your choice of apartment (we offer spacious studios and one-and two bedrooms suites) and its location within the building and views. In addition we offer five levels of care for assisted living, and your level will be determined by your care plan. MorningStar also offer a range of auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, which are priced a la carte. Seniors who do not currently required assistance with ADLs but love the idea of living in a compassionate community with predictable budgeting, built-in socializing, lots of activities, and tasty meals are also welcome. MorningStar of Rio Rancho is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website for more information. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening over the next few months, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about one of the area’s top assisted living facilities. For many of us around the country, it is a welcome relief to finally be able to get outside and enjoy the milder weather. One of the best forms of exercising for seniors is walking, and experts says offers benefits ranging from controlling blood sugar, supporting bone and heart health to improving sleep. However there are a few precautions you should take before starting your walk.
As many older adults have balance issues, a loss of feeling in their legs and feet, or feet that routinely swell, you need to wear supportive and comfortable walking shoes to help reduce the risk of a fall. Shoes should be wide-mouthed so they are easy to put on and have laces that allow them to be adjusted to fit. In addition an orthopedic insert can provide ergonomic support to the feet and ankle without being uncomfortable. When buying shoes, be sure to look for a hard, slip-resistant sole that firmly grips the surface, even in wet, slippery conditions. A shock-absorbing and light-weight sole will offer a softer impact on the ankles and the heels. Additionally your shoes should not increase pain in the feet or cause blisters or sores. Another tip is to not wear worn-out shoes, flip flops or other open shoes as they do not give enough support to the ankle and make it easier to fall. Experts also recommend buying shoes in a wider width as they offer better stability and can accommodate your feet if they tend to swell. Remember also to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to serious complications including increasing the risk of falls. At MorningStar of Boulder, our residents have plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather as we have a fireside patio and all-season porches. We also take special trips to the best spots in Boulder and the surrounding area and many of our residents walk together. Please contact us to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities. Surprisingly, preventing falls can be as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time. Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study regarding safe footwear for seniors. Her research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries.
The study involved 185 men and women over the age of 55. With participants 65 or older, shoes were often to blame for falls. Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are dangerous on wet surfaces.'' Of the group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or was too slippery. Her recommendation is for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of shoe they should wear. When buying footwear, seniors should select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support. A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support. Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls. Other things to keep in mind are to avoid loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth leather or plastic soles. A beveled heel helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the ground. Also shoes with laces hold the shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. Sources: nytimes.com/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others. The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease. They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake.
A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision. Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars. Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done. Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough. Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy. It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good. Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills. You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidences of accidents that almost happen. The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors: Planning before you leave: · Plan to drive on streets you know. · Limit your trips to places that are easy to get to and close to home. · Take routes that let you avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns. · Add extra time for travel if driving conditions are bad. · Don't drive when you are stressed or tired. While you are driving: · Always wear your seat belt. · Stay off the cell phone. · Avoid distractions such as listening to the radio or having conversations. · Leave a big space, at least two car lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If you are driving at higher speeds or if the weather is bad, leave even more space between you and the next car. · Make sure there is enough space behind you. (Hint: if someone follows you too closely, slow down so that the person will pass you.) · Use your rear window defroster to keep the back window clear at all times. · Keep your headlights on at all times. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one-quarter of Americans age 65 years and older fall each year. They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”
However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home. The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall. Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise. In addition, older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles. Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling. There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen. Also, vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.” It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. Sources: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/ nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/causesandriskfactors/01.html |
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