Does Your Parent Need More Help?

Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several signs to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad. 

The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness? 

Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be?  It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them.  An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance.  

Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship.  Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own.  Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others.  We encourage you to plan a visit to MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks to discover the carefree lifestyle we offer. 

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:helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living

A Holistic Approach to Memory Care

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. 

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our 32 suite Reflection Neighborhood is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Our secure and loving neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required. 

We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease.  The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.

Our team works every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents.  Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our MorningStar of Sparks independent and assisted living communities. 

  

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.

Respite Care Available at MorningStar

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we provide high-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services.  In addition communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.  

As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can just as important in the healing process.  Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you.  Of course since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future. 

Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a much needed vacation or is busy with other priorities.  However regardless of why you have come to temporarily join our community; we will make you feel right at home. 

Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management.  In addition you are invited to take advantage of MorningStar of Sparks’ on-going activities, entertainment and scheduled outings. 

We have our own onsite library, theatre, fitness center, outdoor strolling paths and courtyards as well as provide housekeeping and laundry services and group transportation.  For an additional charge, you can enjoy a private massage or visit our salon.  Contact us to learn more about our respite care services and how they can help you or your loved one to make a speedy recovery.   

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.

Discover our Broad Range of Special Events and Activities

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our goal is to provide seniors a true home where they can enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible.  As such, our community offers all kinds of activities and entertainment in an atmosphere that fosters companionship, socialization, and just pure fun.  

For example, by taking a quick look at the special events and activities that were held in June, you can see our residents had an opportunity to thoroughly enjoy themselves.  Early-on in the month, a group took a trip to the South Tahoe’s Historical Society. A few days later, residents joined the MorningStar team to participate in the annual Optimism Walk around Virginia Lake, sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association’s (APDA). 

Mid-month our community was visited by a local master falconer, Marie Gaspari-Crawford, who adeptly demonstrated to the delight of residents and staff alike, her birds various abilities.  She also provided us with an interesting insight into the ancient history behind the art of falconry. 

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that our participation in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day event on June 20^th was a success.  As a part of the day’s activities, we released purple balloons into the sky to honor our memory-impaired residents and listened to music by Colin Ross.

Another special day for our MorningStar residents was an exciting trip to the rodeo.  We all had fun watching the extraordinary activities, which included barrel racing, bull riding, roping and much, much more.  

This is just a sampling of some of the special events that are in addition to our regularly scheduled activities that take place every month at MorningStar of Sparks.  We invite you and your family to schedule a tour to come and experience firsthand our gorgeous community and discover why so many seniors are glad to call it 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.

The Top Healthcare Concerns for Seniors

The good news is that today’s seniors are living longer than ever before.  New data suggests that if you reach the age of 65 years old, you can expect to live on average another 20 years.  Another encouraging survey reports that as many as 41 percent of people over age 65 say that they are in very good or excellent health. 

However, experts want to remind seniors that by making some lifestyle changes, they can make their senior years even better.  Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, notes that, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet." She further adds that individuals must “make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.”  Furthermore, doctors recommend that if you are a senior coping with a chronic medical condition that a geriatrician may help you to better manage your disease and improve your quality of life. 

Arthritis, heart disease, and cancer are the three most common diseases facing seniors.  Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, reports that arthritis affects almost 50 percent of those 65 and over.  Also while the severity of the disease varies, for some seniors the condition and associated pain lowers their quality of life.  If you have arthritis, experts suggest that you work closely with your doctor to develop an activity and treatment plan.    

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading killer of adults over age 65, and that 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Dr. Bernard advises those with heart disease to “exercise, eat well, and get a good night’s rest.”  In addition she recommends maintaining a healthy weight.

The third most common disease among seniors is cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in individuals over 65.  The CDC reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer.  They recommend that seniors get routine screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, as many cancers detected early are treatable. 

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.

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/