Talking to a Loved One About Assisted Living

 Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice.  While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.  

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids.  After all, to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do.  That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary.  This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place.  Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed.  Once you do calmly tell them your concerns, give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen.  Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.  

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive, not controlling.  In fact, you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.   

At MorningStar, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website provides useful resources to help families through the process.  We also encourage you to contact us to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. 

If you are looking at assisted living facilities in Fort Collins, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fort Collins … far from a “facility,” MorningStar is a true home.  Our community is designed to give residents the opportunity to maintain their independence while providing access to the assistance they need.  In addition, they get the benefit of built-in companionship as well as a range of meaningful wellness programs and activities.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above ordinary senior assisted living facilities.

A Different Way to Look at Alzheimer’s Disease

 

 

While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink our attitude toward the disease. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he call “the tragedy narrative.” Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive.

Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease. Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.”

One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engage them with empathy, humor, and improvisation. Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.”

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment. Our holistic approach is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/

Are You Concerned About Memory Loss?

 

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that anyone worried about memory loss to make an appointment with their health care provider. While we all know it is scary just thinking about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of reasons why it is to your advantage to know.

The process for getting a diagnosis starts with a full evaluation with a healthcare provider that includes your medical history and any medications you are taking as well as a series of mental status tests. If the initial evaluation indicates problems, your doctor will recommend further physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging.

One of the top reasons to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s is your symptoms may be from another treatable cause. If it is determined you have Alzheimer’s, experts explain while there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment options that can lessen the symptoms including memory loss and confusion for a limited time. Also, they say an early diagnosis gives you a better chance of benefiting from treatment.

An early diagnosis also means you may be eligible for clinical trials that could provide some medical benefit. In addition, recent research suggests that certain lifestyle changes such as “controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active, may help preserve cognitive function.”

Perhaps most importantly you will have more time to plan for your future and to do things now, rather than wait. Planning for the future also helps family members know what your wishes are and prevents future feelings of guilt or arguments over your care. The Alzheimer’s Association adds that an early diagnosis can save your family and the U.S. Government money spent on care.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we offer loving memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Centennial, CO community is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

Finding a Memory Care Community for a Loved One

 

 

Are you considering memory care assisted living for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about a community offering memory care is whether or not they are up to the task of caring for your loved one. Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road? A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need.

Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one. Do they have a tendency to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors? Do they require help with eating and drinking? Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker? Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes?

Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one, now ask your questions including how experienced is the staff; and do they have any special training. If so, is it on-going? Will your loved one have an individualized care plan? Also what is the staff-ratio during the day and at night?

Inquire about safety protocols starting with secured doors, courtyards, and grounds as well as an emergency call system. Are hallways color-coded as this makes it easier for residents to navigate about more independently? Is there a nurse on duty, and how extensive are medical services? Also ask about the type of memory care activities and treatments available. After you have learned what you can, experts say the final decision will most likely come down to your peace of mind.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we offer individualized, specialized dementia care for those at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages. Our holistic approach to care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. Beginning with compassionate caregivers to activities, programs and meal services tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/memory-care-facility-checklist

Are You Worried About Your Parent’s Memory?

 

If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time. Medical experts recommend to do some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is. You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parent.

Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms. This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with you parent about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam.

Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm. Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask. Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing. However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to be one of the best retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers; which includes 25 secure suites for those suffering from memory impairment. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia. If you are looking for trusted memory care, please give us a call.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: alzheimers.net/how-to-talk-with-a-parent-about-dementia-symptoms

Start the New Year on a Positive Note!

 

As we begin a new year, let us embrace the quote, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream," which some attribute to author and theologian, C. S. Lewis.

While 2020 was a challenging year, we need to think ahead of what the coming year will bring and to focus on positive changes in our lives rather than on the negative.

The best news is that seniors may have the chance to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as late winter or spring. However medical experts caution that it will not mean an end to mask wearing just yet. While vaccines have shown to be very effective at preventing symptomatic illness and severe disease, doctors are not sure whether a vaccinated person could still spread the disease. They explain that although you will be protected against getting ill and ending up in the hospital, you may still be able to pass the virus on to an unvaccinated person.

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, says that, “It's estimated that about 70% of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination. That's the point where enough people have the immune protection that the virus won't spread anymore.” Experts say to get to the 70%, 230 million Americans must be vaccinated, and they predict that should happen by late spring to early summer!

So dream a new dream or set a new goal as 2021 will be the year we can really get back to living our lives and creating new adventures. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our independent living and assisted living offers comfort, wellness and security. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have 36 secure suites in our memory care wing that provide professional, compassionate care.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. As one of the best senior living facilities in the Billings area, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: abc7news.com/covid-vaccine-masks-mask-wearing-pfizer/9139874/

Each Year Millions of Elderly Seniors Fall Prey to Fraudulent Schemes

 

 

Each year millions of elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. The sad part it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills.

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting. Our elderly population was typically raised be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) updates the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, take a look at the info and discuss the various schemes used with them. One scam frequently used recently is a phone call, email or in-person approach to collect money for disaster relief. Thieves also scam those who have been the victim of a disaster by trying to collect personal information under the guise of providing some sort of financial relief.

The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor. In addition, never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people. Also do not give out personal PIN #s, or Medicare and other financial info over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person.

Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure sales persons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes. Experts say it is most likely a hoax. Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/protection-from-scams/