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.

The Benefits of Modern-Day Senior Living Communities

There was a time when the idea of moving into a senior’s residence or “old folk’s home” was an indication that a person had come to the point where they were no longer able to care for themselves, but that is no longer the case. Gone are the days of senior housing being little more than a place for older people to live out their final days. 

Today, senior living communities are a lifestyle choice for many, with a vibrant range of choices that allow the senior to take control and continue living life to the fullest. Here are some benefits of modern-day senior living communities that show just how far they have come. 

For seniors that move into an independent living community, it’s like having the best of living on your own, combined with a carefree lifestyle. You still get to maintain your independence and have a stylish suite of your own, but many of the chores and tasks you don’t like to do are taken care of.  

Depending on the community, you could have beautiful outdoor living spaces without the yard work; nutritious meals served restaurant style, and services such as housekeeping and laundry. This leaves you with a lot of time to enjoy yourself; discover new hobbies, meet new friends and take part in all of the activities the modern day senior living community has to offer.  

One big benefit of modern-day retirement living is the incredible sense of community that is created. There are always activities and events going on that aim to bring together seniors with similar interests, or introduce new activities to their lives. Of course, extra-curricular activities are optional, so those who are less inclined to socialize aren’t required to. But most residents relish the opportunity to have a ready-made social life right there in front of them.  

For MorningStar of Sparks residents, life often feels more like time at a resort than everyday living. We have book clubs, writing clubs, NFL booster parties, live entertainment, and a host of other activities that will keep you busy.  For seniors that are interested in carefree living, but also want to maintain the independence they’ve had up until now, MorningStar of Sparks is a great solution.

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 Heart of Our Community is Our Staff

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we recognize that our wonderful assortment of amenities and our beautiful surroundings are fantastic; however, we know that the real heart of our community rests in our staff.  We have made it a point to hire individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors and understand the magnitude of their contribution when they work at our senior living community.     

The MorningStar staff consists of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members has a smile for the residents and is as quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed. 

In fact as part of MorningStar’s on-going commitment to the well-being and care of our residents, we train all of our new hires as well as reiterate every day with our full staff the principles of our mission.  Our Radiance program teaches and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place like a beam of light and reinforces our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  MorningStar was founded on the premise that we operate with “servants’ hearts” and our Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take service professionalism to the next level. 

We are sure that once you learn more about our community you will agree with us that MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself our loving, home-like 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.

 

 

Use Our Website Start a Live Online Chat or Schedule a Visit

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we are extremely proud of our community and want to encourage area families to schedule a visit to experience firsthand what we are all about.  While our website is extremely comprehensive with lots of useful information and pictures, it is impossible to really experience MorningStar of Sparks’ total ambience without paying us a visit. 

We understand that everyone is busy, which is why we will tailor your tour to address your priorities but we do ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit to get a fair idea of our services and amenities.  In addition we would love to have you join us for lunch (just let us know when you schedule your tour) to not only get a taste of our delicious, nutritional meals but to have a chance to enjoy the company.  If you do want lunch, please plan to be here for about 90 minutes.    

There are two easy ways to schedule a tour.  You can go to our website and open the link to our convenient online form that takes just a few moments to fill out or pick up your phone and give us a call.  Also if you would like, go ahead and initiate a live online chat with our operators and let us know how we can be of service.  You will have the opportunity to ask a few questions and to leave your contact information so we can get back to you promptly. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 graciously appointed independent living suites, as well as 80 beautiful and spacious assisted living suites for those needing some additional help.    Our Reflections Neighborhood for memory care offers 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with memory impairments.  You or your loved one deserves the best senior living community in the Reno/Sparks area!    

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.