How to Help the Grieving

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time.  It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch.  There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process.

It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible.  Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation.  The best thing you can do is to be supportive.  Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly.  Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimizing their loss.

Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss:

Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.

Express your concern. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."

Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."

Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."

Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

*Source: American Cancer Society

Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set time table.  Everyone grieves in their own way, but do keep in mind that there are some warning signs that a person is not adjusting to their new situation.  The loss of the ability to function in their day-to-day life, extreme feelings of anger or guilt, withdrawing, and abuse of alcohol or drugs may be a signal that they need professional help.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source: helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/supporting-a-grieving-person.htm

New Study Suggests Alzheimer’s May Start in Childhood

A new study suggests that some of the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease may be detected as early as childhood.  The research, published in the journal of Neurology, studied 1,187 children and young adults ages 3 to 20.  All of the subjects were tested to see if they carried the APOE-E4 gene that is believed to increase one’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

In the case of the children carrying the AOPE-E4 gene, scientists discovered they tended to have a smaller hippocampus, the part of the brain critical for memory and the first area damaged by Alzheimer’s disease.  In addition other changes were found in the children’s brain typical of Alzheimer’s such as the youngest participants with the gene performed the worst on tests involving thinking, memory and attention.  However by the time the children were 8 to 10 years old, the deficits were no longer noticeable.    

The lead author of the study and the director of neuroscience at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Dr. Linda Chang, states that, “Studying these genes in young children may ultimately give us early indications of who may be at risk for dementia in the future, and possibly even help us develop ways to prevent the disease from occurring or to delay the start of the disease.”

If the results of the study are true and Alzheimer’s is a developmental disorder that starts early in life, it raises the possibility that people with the gene could be treated as young children with noninvasive approaches such as diet and cognitive training.  In addition researchers also stress that it is imperative we learn and understand the underlying cause of the disease as it is most effectively treated in the early stages. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-brain-changes-may-start-early-in-life/

Good News Regarding a Decline in Dementia

An article in the USA Today reports on a study from the University of Michigan that shows a sharp decline in the rate of dementia in recent years.  Dr. Kenneth Langa, a professor of internal medicine at the U of M and one of the co-authors of the study, says that the good news is we can do something to reduce the risk.  He states that, “Even without a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or a new medication, there are things that we can do socially and medically and behaviorally that can significantly reduce the risk.”   

Funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the Health and Retirement Study extensively interviewed and tested over 21,000 people from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds and incomes throughout the country.  Begun in 1992, it reports a drop in dementia rates from 11.6% in 2000 to 8.8% in 2012 in people 65 years and older  (average age of participant was 75).  Furthermore, these findings support other research that also indicates a decline in the rates of dementia in both the U.S. and Europe.    

While researchers are not entirely certain why rates have declined, they suggest the improved brain health of Americans is most likely a combination of higher levels of education and better heart health.  They cite findings that show the average education level among participants in 2012 was 13 years, while in 2000 the average level of education was 12 years.  Another reason may be that doctors can better control conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes that can lead to an increased risk of vascular dementia. 

However, while this is encouraging news, Keith Fargo, director of scientific programs and outreach, medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer's Association, states, “Alzheimer’s is going to remain the public health crisis of our time, even with modestly reduced rates.”   The full study is published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. 

Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.  

Source: usatoday.com/story/news/2016/11/21/dementia-rates-decline/94213036/

Selling the Family Home

The time may be right for you or your parents to move into a senior assisted living community but you are concerned about selling the house.  We are all aware that the housing market has recovered from the poor market of a few years ago but finding the right buyer can often still be a challenge.  

There are some things you can do to give yourself an edge over the competition.  The most important thing is to set the right price as a house priced too high is just not going to sell in any market.  Be sure to take condition of your home into account and sale prices of comparable houses in the area.  Do not assume the price necessarily reflects the assessed value. 

   

If your house has been on the market for a while, re-evaluate what is going on and discuss with your agent any feedback he is getting from prospective buyers.  It may be some repairs and upgrades are advisable and could make a difference.  Ron Phipps, a principal broker with Phipps Realty and Relocation Services in Warwick, R.I., say, “If the house looks 40 years old with 40-year-old paint, 40-year-old appliances and 40-year-old carpet, that's a hard sell”.  Remember that an old house can just look old, or with a few well-placed updates, you can transform it into a classic.

Steps to staging your home to get ready to sell:

·        Clean everything inside and out.  Do not forget windows and steam clean the carpets.  Make sure to eliminate any pet or cigarette odors.  

     Paint walls that are dirty and replace stained or worn out carpet (consider putting in wood or tile floors).  Stick to neutral colors.

·         Fix anything that is broken or damaged.  You could consider having a home inspection done as a buyer will probably do one anyway.  It allows you to take care of repairs beforehand.

·       Get rid of clutter throughout the house and do not forget countertops.  Removing as much as possible will help to give the impression of more room.  

·     Take down anything that could be offensive and put away personal items and mementos.  The idea is to let a prospective buyer picture living there. 

·       Open blinds and windows to give more light and let fresh air in if the weather is cooperative.  Set out a vase of cut flowers.

Sometimes seniors think it is better to modify their current home and postpone moving into a senior living community.  Studies show that making even small modifications can negatively affect home equity down the road when someone wants to sell.  People can feel disconnected to a house that looks like an “old person’s” home.    

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

What You May Not Know about Heart Disease

As the number one killer for both men and women, it is important that we know the facts about heart disease. The American Heart Association’s website contains useful information about heart disease and the many problems related to atherosclerosis, which is the condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.  When this buildup narrows the arteries, it more difficult for blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that goes into the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot.  The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the heart attack, but for most, medications and lifestyle changes are prescribed. 

The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke and happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (usually from a blood clot).  Uncontrolled hypertension can result in what is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain burst. 

The AHA states that heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for  adults 65 years and older.  Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should and the body’s blood and oxygen needs are not being met.  Left untreated it can worsen, and individuals with the disease need to be diligent in following doctor’s orders.  Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. 

Other types of cardiovascular disease are arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Arrhythmia is the abnormal rhythm of the heart that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast or irregularly.   Stenosis is when the heart valves do not open enough to allow blood to flow through, and regurgitation is what happens when the heart valves do not close properly and allow blood to leak through.  Finally mitral valve prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. 

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 at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#