The Best Memory Care for Your Loved One

Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades.  In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.   Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Our community has secure outdoor space reserved for our memory care residents and we provide assistance in whatever way your loved one needs us including eating and daily personal care activities.  Right from the start, we interview the family so we may become familiar with the resident’s personal preferences, background, and hobbies, and then design a care plan suited around their needs.     

Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value.  We strive to make each day as special as possible for our memory care residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar of Sparks’ quality memory care.  

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Annual Eye Exams are Important for Seniors

Eye problems are a common complaint among the elderly.  The American Optometric Association advises that older adults need to be aware of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems as they can cause loss of vision.  Also since some eye diseases have no early symptoms, they recommend annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.  It is important to remember that while many eye conditions are easily treated, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to serious eye problems. 

One almost universal vision change experienced by older adults is Presbyopia, which is the gradual, age-related loss of the eyes' ability to focus clearly on nearby objects.   Typically the condition is not treated with any intervention other than a pair of reading glasses.  

Floaters are another problem seniors experience and appear as tiny specks or spots that seem to float across your field of vision.  The Mayo Clinic says that most eye floaters are caused by “age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump and can cast tiny shadows on your retina, which appear to you as floaters.”  It is important to have the condition checked by an eye doctor as it can also be a sign of more serious eye problems including retinal detachment.   

Dry eyes are also common in seniors and can cause itching, burning and even loss of vision.  Treatment includes nutritional supplements, medications to reduce inflammation, or eye drops that simulate real tears.  On the other side some older adults can have too many tears that may result from temperature changes or sensitivity to light.  Taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses can help but you should be checked by your doctor as it could signal an infection or blocked tear duct.     

In addition cataracts and glaucoma are frequent problems affecting older adults.  In the case of cataracts, once they begin to affect your eyesight they can usually be removed by surgery.  Glaucoma is not curable but it is treatable, and without treatment, it can eventually lead to permanent blindness.   

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 of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources:aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y    nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113

How to Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment

Who of us has not left the doctor’s office and thought about all of the questions we meant to ask?  It is an easy thing to do and this is why it helps to take some time to prepare before your next appointment.  Here are some simple steps you can do to ensure this does not happen again.

First, you should stop and think about all of the concerns and questions you may have before you leave home.  Think back to your last doctor visit and make a note if anything has changed in your health since then.  Include any symptoms you are experiencing such as aches, pains, lack of sleep, weight loss or gain, and any mood changes.  Be specific with your symptoms as to how often they occur and the severity.  Write down everything you can think of that is relevant to these concerns.

Now go over all the medications you are currently taking and write down the names and the dosage.  Some doctors will even ask that you bring all of your medications in their containers so they can go over them.  You should include any over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies along with vitamins and eye drops.  Be sure to list any allergies to drugs that you may have.

Add to your list any other questions that have not been addressed up to this point.  Mention any life changes you may have had since your last visit and be ready to answer questions about your diet, are you still driving, physical exercise, social activities, etc. 

Remember this is your health and take ownership.  You and your doctor are a team working together to make sure you get the best medical care.  Do not hesitate to ask for the reassurance and guidance you need to make the best decisions regarding your medical treatment.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

It is Important for Seniors to Exercise Their Brains Daily

Experts agree that it is important for aging adults to exercise their brains daily.  Mind games, puzzles and memory games are an enjoyable way to help seniors stay sharp.  For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory; however, puzzles, crosswords, and board and card games do the same thing. 

Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance.  In fact a study that monitored brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest, cognitive exercises, and playing their instrument showed their brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than resting.”  It also found the musicians’ heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing.Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out.  Additionally most board games, including chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making.  Furthermore, playing games that require at least two people offers the added benefit of socializing.    

Reading is another great activity and opens doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to as well as heightens imagination and introduces new ideas.  Book clubs also offer the opportunity for socializing and an exchange of ideas.  

Other things that boost brain activity include gardening, which was found to increase serotonin levels that are a natural anti-depressant.  Physical exercise also increases brain activity by moving nutrients, blood, and oxygen throughout the body.  In addition it “helps reduce sugars and cortisol: both implicated for worsening Alzheimer’s and dementia.”  

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source: mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/

What Sets Our Memory Care Apart from Others?

For everyone involved, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease is heart wrenching.  As a family, you are faced with many difficult decisions and that includes deciding what type of living arrangements will best suit your loved one.   

In our Reflections Neighborhood at Morning Senior Living of Sparks, we offer families one of the best memory care communities in the area.  So what is it that sets us apart from other senior living memory care communities?  At MorningStar of Sparks, we use a resident-directed approach to memory care with multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, as a way to calm and awaken memories, and support capabilities.  We also understand the importance of recreational and purposeful activities such as art, music, entertainment and exercise, all of which we integrate into our memory care. 

In addition our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and a secure courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care patients.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. 

When people visit us for the first time, they are impressed with the atmosphere of our community.  However beyond all of our beautiful well-designed surroundings, MorningStar of Sparks is most proud of our caring and loving staff.  Our mission is to affirm the dignity and value of our most tender residents and provide an environment where they feel truly at home.  

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.