Best Care Practices for Memory Care

Over the last several decades, there has been an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Along with efforts to develop medications to treat or to cure the disease, there has also been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease. 

In a recent publication from the Alzheimer’s Association titled the “Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes,” they explore ways that professional caregiving can be more effective.  Their first recommendation is to make sure a resident is receiving proper food and fluid consumption.  They note that “Inadequate consumption or inappropriate food and fluid choices can contribute directly to a decline in a resident’s health and well-being.” 

The next point they discuss is pain management.  They cite the fact that many times people with dementia have trouble communicating pain so it is often overlooked and not treated.  However, the problem with not managing pain appropriately is that it can “result in behavioral symptoms and lead to unnecessary use of psychotropic medications.” 

Another important practice recommendation from the report is that assisted living facilities provide social engagement and meaningful activities for memory care residents.  By engaging in activities, it helps residents to retain their functional abilities and thus provides a better quality of life.   These interactions should be designed to do with residents, not to or for them. 

If you are a family member searching for quality memory care for your loved one, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Sparks’ Reflection Neighborhood.  We have 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Set within a gentle, loving environment, our care takes a resident-directed approach that utilizes multi-sensory cues to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and, above all, to affirm dignity and value.   

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:alz.org/national/documents/brochure_DCPRphases1n2.pdf

Software Helps Seniors Stay Active & Connected

As part of MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks resident-directed care, we are pleased to be able to offer our residents the user-friendly, interactive software called “It’s Never Too Late” ® (iN2L).  This unique, person-centered technology makes it easy for anyone to use a computer, regardless of prior experience or abilities, and is designed specifically for the continuing entertainment and education of seniors.   

Simply to use, iN2L provides customized activities that are based on a person’s interest and background, which are used to enhance cognitive function, socialization and quality of life.  Also a Wii-like functionality offers interactive physical as well as cognitive activities. The personalized program allows each resident to have his or hers own “page” on the system, and is setup to display their photos, videos, stories, music, games and even websites.  The resident’s page can even be customized remotely through a family portal to give family members an opportunity to add personal updates, information and current pictures. 

With over 3,000 application and content items, the highly adaptable nature of the system makes it easy to adjust activities and content to a resident’s unique abilities and interests. 

Along with an array of brain exercises, educational and travel videos, interactive games, puzzles, word games, history, news topics and trivia, the iN2L software also offers safe and easy Internet access, email, and Skype.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, we offer 80 assisted living suites as well as 128 independent living suites designed for seniors without the need of any care services. In addition our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Please see our website or contact us to schedule a tour to understand why our residents are happy to call MorningStar of Sparks “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.

Source: in2l.com/ 

Hearing Loss in Elderly Adults

One of the most common conditions affecting elderly adults is hearing loss, known as presbycusis, and gradually occurs to nearly everyone.  Statistics indicate that one-third of all Americans between the ages of 65 to 74 have some hearing loss, and almost half of seniors older than 75 have difficulty hearing.   

Presbycusis typically affects both ears equally and many seniors are unaware of the fact that they have experienced hearing loss as it happens so gradually.  One primary reason for elderly hearing loss is the cumulative effect that results from the deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves. 

In some cases, health conditions more common among the elderly such as high blood pressure and diabetes can adversely affect hearing.  Furthermore, certain medications including some kinds of chemotherapy drugs also cause hearing loss. 

Another cause of hearing loss affecting individuals of any age is long-term exposure to loud noise.  In this situation, the sensory hair cells in the ear that allow us to hear are damaged, and do no grow back.  It is one of the most common occupational hazards and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that 10 million Americans suffer from irreversible hearing damage due to noise. 

NIDCD also states that hearing problems are serious and it is important to have your hearing tested by a doctor if you are experiencing problems.  Start with your primary care physician as he/she can refer you to a specialist.  Your care may include seeing an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  After consultation and testing by an otolaryngologist, you may be referred to an audiologist.  They specialize in identifying and measuring the type and degree of hearing loss.  Finally they, or a hearing aid specialist, may fit you for a hearing aid if it is determined you need one. 

This post is for informational purposes and should not be used in place of the advice of your health care provider.  For any health issues, please consult your doctor. 

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: nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss

Depression in Older Adults

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens.  According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.”  They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.  

There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation.  People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms.  Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. 

Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health.  HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness.  Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems.  In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.” 

All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one.  You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle.  Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities.  

This post is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice. 

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:webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly

helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm

A Trusted Choice for Memory Care

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.  MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is committed to do just that.  Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional care to our residents, and give families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care available.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. 

One of the important aspects of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise.  To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care residents. 

Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  In fact one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident. 

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.

 

MorningStar’s Signature WellStar Program

All of our MorningStar communities, including MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, provide our residents with our signature wellness program, WellStar.  Offering an array of creative and enriching ways to stay active and productive, our programs integrate different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind.  WellStar has five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy. 

One thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is that our entire team works together to build a true community and our WellStar programs exemplify that philosophy.  Each day, our Wellness and Life Enrichment team offers purposeful activities that are aimed to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain and to help them rely less on medications.    

Our daily assortment of physical wellness activities are designed to meet a range of capabilities as well as a variety of interests.  We also recognize meeting the spiritual needs of our seniors is vital to their wellbeing, and as such, our chapel is open to all faiths.  MorningStar also offers non-denominational services on a regular basis along with bible study, hymn singing and group prayer.      

In terms of intellectual wellness, we understand that it is important for seniors to continue to stimulate their brains, and we offer a daily dose of brain calisthenics designed to introduce new ideas and practice cognitive skills.  Furthermore, we do not neglect the importance of social wellness.  Almost everything we do at MorningStar of Sparks enriches our community and advances our goal of building a family for life.  Socializing comes in the form of organized events and activities or just informal gatherings discussing the day’s topics. 

We also do not forget the philosophy that healthy, nutritious food is the centerpiece of wellness and it becomes even more critical as we age.  Our daily meals include the addition of foods that new research finds has tremendous healing power such as: berries, chocolate high in cocoa mass, Omega 3 fats, turmeric, and dark leafy greens.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.   

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 visitto learn more about our exceptional senior living.

 

Tips for a Hospital Stay

Many of us get anxious when looking toward a medical procedure that will require hospitalization.  There is preparation you can do beforehand for yourself or your loved one to make things easier.  We have provided some tips to relieve the worry and stress associated with hospitalization and allows you to focus on your recovery. 

Important steps to take to insure your safety and well-being while in the hospital:

• Bring with you a list of all your medications including vitamins, information regarding any food or drug allergies, and records of past surgeries or treatments.  Include a copy of your living will.
• Have a family member or friend act as your health advocate and have them available 24 hours a day.  Make sure they have access to your medical information while you are in the hospital.
• Keep notes and ask questions in regards to medications you are given and treatment plans you are directed to follow. Since the nurses are given your daily schedule, discuss with them as well as your doctor any concerns you may have.
• Identify which doctor is in charge of your care.  Ask when he/she does rounds and how can you get a hold of them at other times if you need. 
• Make sure you know what your discharge instructions are and what your home care will require.  Fill prescriptions immediately upon release and discuss with your doctor whether you should continue taking your previous medications.

Also remember to leave your valuables at home.  Pack items such as reading glasses and hearing aids and anything else that will ensure your comfort during your stay.  Be sure and check with the hospital to see what their cell phone policy is.  Many hospitals allow patients to use their own cell phones while on the premises.

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.