Heart Disease Patients With Family Support Have Better Outcomes

According to AARP there are things family members can do to help a loved one live their best life with coronary heart disease. They quote Vinoy Prasad, M.D., director of interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute in California, who explains after a crisis like a heart attack, “People who have a lot of support from their family actually recover better, they recover faster, and they do better long term.”

Coronary artery diseases include atherosclerosis, which doctors say is a buildup of plaque in the arteries and is the most common cause of heart disease. Plaque builds up in the arteries over years, and as the condition progresses, it can result in a complete blockage and produce a blood clot. High cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and a family history are linked to the disease. Other less common causes of coronary disease include non-obstructive coronary artery disease that damages artery linings and restricts blood flow without plaque buildup.

Statistics show on-going care for heart patients is more likely to be successful when the patient has an involved caregiver. Lisa Kitko, the co-author of a 2022 Heart Association scientific statement, explains that heart patients with involved caregivers tend to take their medications properly, follow medical instructions and get to appointments.

Kitko says like most things, another set of ears is better than one, so accompanying a patient to their appointments makes it easier to follow instructions as you are both on the same page. Family members are also helpful in providing transport to appointments and to programs such as cardiac rehab and support groups.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we offer the amenities and services to help seniors maintain their best quality of life. Our community provides assisted living with a choice of well-designed suites, and a whole range of activities and programs along with tasty, nutritional meals. For those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care that celebrates and elevates life. Contact us to schedule a personalized tour of our beautiful assisted living communities Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

Source: aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2024/coronary-artery-disease-care-plan/

Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis With Healthy Habits

Many people assume arthritis comes with aging, but experts say that while joint pain is common in older adults, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. The CDC explains arthritis is a group of more than 100 conditions causing inflammation and swelling in the joints or nearby tissues with symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and mostly occurs in older adults (about 70% are 55 years and older). Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are treatments, medications and therapies. In addition, studies find healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as lessen your risk for even getting it. For example, the CDC reports 40% of people with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by being physically active.

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints causing bones to rub against one another resulting in pain and difficulty moving the joint. Experts say millions of cases could be prevented by avoiding excessive weight gain. Exercising regularly and doing resistance training is another way to avoid injury to the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition causing inflammation and swelling in joints. It can misshape, misalign and damage joints; and if it is in one knee or hand, it is typically on the other hand or knee. Recommendations to reduce your risk for RA include avoiding tobacco. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is linked to several health conditions including RA; and prevention includes improving oral health with good hygiene and dental visits.

Gout is another common form of arthritis and occurs when crystals of uric acid are deposited in one or more joints. People with gout experience pain, swelling and redness in the affected joints. Experts say eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, and staying well hydrated are good steps to reduce your risk. If you are overweight, lose weight and if possible avoid diuretics (discuss all medication changes with your doctor). Studies show that regardless of what type of arthritis you have, early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your future joint health.

If you are looking at what assisted living communities offer in the southern Denver suburbs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial. We provide residents outstanding assisted living and memory care with luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 one of the finest assisted living communities in Centennial, CO.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-possible-to-prevent-arthritis

Muscle Loss in Older Adults

The term sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of growing older. However, it also may occur at a faster pace after prolonged periods of inactivity from injury, illness or the pain of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia causes muscle atrophy and brings on problems such as poor balance and greater weakness, which in turn, can result in more inactivity and increased risks for falls.

Seniors with muscle atrophy may have difficulty reaching their arms upward, opening jars, typing on a keyboard or even tying shoes. The Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine reports on a study that found “older men who did eight weeks of strength training lost about 25% of their muscle gains after they stopped training for two weeks.”

Jodi Klein, a physical therapist with Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests a few things you can do if you know you have a surgical procedure ahead of you that could cause muscle atrophy. She says if you are currently active, keep it up; if not, use this time to get started. Klein explains, "The better shape you are in going into surgery, the better shape you will be coming out, and the less chance you have of enduring muscle loss."

Older adults who want to regain muscle strength should talk to their health care provider about the best methods. Experts recommend an exercise routine that builds both upper and lower body strength. This could include weight training with dumbbells and resistance bands in conjunction with walking, swimming, and biking. If it would be helpful, think about turning to an expert to aid you in regaining strength.

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we provide older adults carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar offers a range of programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being. Please visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other assisted living communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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 for more information about one of the finest assisted communities in Centennial, Colorado.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dont-let-muscle-mass-go-to-waste

How Do Patients Feel About AI Generated Medical Advice?

The Harvard Medical School published an article discussing how patients rated AI’s information next to real doctors’ advice in terms of empathy. Following up on findings from the ChatGPT survey showing AI to be more empathetic to patients, the author, Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing, says there is most likely more to consider. Currently AI does tasks such as “drafting doctor's notes, suggesting diagnoses; helping to read x-rays and MRI scans; and monitoring real-time health data including heart rate or oxygen level.”

Shmerling points out while AI’s surveyed responses were longer than the doctors, there is more to it than the “amount” relayed to patients’ including how accurate and up to date the information is. Another thing to consider is the answers AI provided were not tested for fabrication. Therefore, experts advise it is probably premature to rely on AI answers to patients’ questions without solid proof of their accuracy and actual supervision by healthcare providers.

A University of Arizona Health Sciences’ AI study reports more than half of its participants didn’t fully trust AI-powered medical advice, but many more put faith in AI if it’s monitored and guided by human touch. The National Institutes of Health funded study gave participants mock medical conditions and asked if they would prefer to have an AI system or a physical doctor handle their diagnosis and treatment, and under what circumstances. The study’s lead author, Marvin J. Slepian, MD, JD, Regents Professor of Medicine at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson and member of the BIO5 Institute, explains the study has importance for both future and current medical decisions. However, he says, “The onus will be on physicians and others in health care to ensure that information that resides in AI systems is accurate, and to continue to maintain and enhance the accuracy of AI systems as they will play an increasing role in the future of health care.”

At MorningStar at Jordan, our community is designed to promote residents’ health and well-being with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. Our beautiful property has 55 assisted living communities suites for those that need help with the activities of daily living. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 29 memory care suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s assisted living communities in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living communities and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

Sources:
health.harvard.edu/blog/can-ai-answer-medical-questions-better-than-your-doctor-202403273028
healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/would-you-trust-ai-doctor-new-research-shows-patients-are-split

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community

For anyone considering a move to assisted living, choosing the right community is a big decision for families as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care you or a loved one needs to improve quality of life.

After you have a good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus only on assisted living communities. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously, affordability is an important consideration, but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an expert in elder financial consulting. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance may cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.

Other things to consider include the physical characteristics of the community. Does it offer a floor plan that works for you? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, restaurant-style dining, theater, Wi-Fi, etc.?

For outstanding assisted living communities in Centennial, Colorado, we encourage you to learn more MorningStar at Jordan. MorningStar’s senior living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, we offer specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Visit our website today 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 for more information about one of the finest assisted living communities in Centennial, Colorado.

Would Your Needs Be Better Served in a Community Setting?

To safely age in place, seniors need to be somewhere that supports their independence, health, and security whether it is their own home or a senior community which meets their needs. The decision on where and how a person lives depends on a variety of factors including any physical conditions limiting their mobility. Another thing affecting a person’s well-being is living with a disease such as Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

It is beneficial to evaluate your current home to see if it will work for you in the future; or would your needs be better served somewhere like an assisted living community? If you have mobility issues and your present living situation requires modifications to make it safe, keep in mind those changes can be expensive as well as affect the value of the home when you do sell. Problem areas include stairs, narrow doorways and poorly lit areas that increase the risk of a dangerous fall.

Additionally, if you live alone, how far away are family members or friends you can count on if you need help. Are you comfortable with an in-home service to assist you with tasks that are difficult to do on your own such as bathing or preparing food?

Other important considerations of aging in place include the upkeep of a home. Are you responsible for the maintenance inside and out? Also, do you still drive, and how far away is shopping and your medical care?

If you do have chronic health conditions, it makes sense to plan for changing needs. In some cases, a person may choose to move into an assisted living community even if they currently do not need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This way they are already familiar with the residents and staff and have the peace of mind knowing help will be there when they need it. If you live in or around the Centennial, Colorado area, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan, a luxury senior living community offering assisted living and memory care.

Our building was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ needs in beautiful surroundings. Services include help with the ADLs; all-day, restaurant-style dining; resort-style amenities; wellness programs, activities and built-in companionship. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of memory loss, the Reflections Neighborhood provides safety, security, people and programs to help preserve the person’s dignity and self-worth. Please contact us to ask about availability and to set up a tour.

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 one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Assisted Living Offers Support to Enhance Your Independence

For many families, assisted living is a new concept and they don’t know if it would meet their loved one’s needs. While services may depend on where you live, there are similarities regardless of your zip code. The first thing families should understand is assisted living is not skilled nursing care but rather intended for seniors who require a “helping hand” with daily care activities. Seniors need to understand it does not take away their independence but rather enhances it.

Assisted living communities offer an environment to safely age in place while receiving an array of senior care services, companionship and programs to improve quality of life. Residents enjoy not having to worry about home maintenance and yard work as well as preparing meals and driving.They are maintenance-free and provide meals and scheduled transportation to medical appointments or trips to area shopping and restaurants.

Another big benefit to assisted living is the resident no longer feels like a burden to their family. Now when a son or daughter comes for a visit, it is just that. There isn’t a list of chores to do or the need to help with personal care or meal prep but time can be spent enjoying one another.

When you are searching for assisted living, one of the services listed should include help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). ADLs include things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transference (help getting in and out of bed to wheelchair, walker etc.) As an incoming resident, your loved one’s level of care will be based on the ADLs to create a Personalized Care Plan.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we provide a full range of senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs to engage residents physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

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 memory care in Centennial, CO.