Watching Less TV Shows Health Benefits for Seniors

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults.   A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory.  The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older. 

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV.  Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency.  Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.”   For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time.  The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time.  The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected. 

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults.  One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

At MorningStar of Billings, our residents have a whole lot more to do than just watch TV.  Our independent living, assisted living and memory care provides the services residents’ need as well as a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  Please call or visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php

Luxury Senior Living in Glendale, Arizona

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within its warm and inviting common areas and contemporary décor, which is the work of Thoma-Holec Design, an award-winning specialist in senior living interiors.  From the moment you walk through the front door, you will be met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Once you have a chance to visit our website and browse through the gorgeous interior and exterior pictures on our Gallery page, you will see why senior living communities are not all created equal.  MorningStar at Arrowhead was built on the premise that senior living should accommodate the needs of the residents, while at the same time; offer a serene and loving environment.

Each of our assisted living suites has high-end finishes, handicap-accessible bathrooms, spacious closets, lighting, high ceilings, and large windows.  Suites also include a kitchenette with fridge, 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system.  Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

With 60 bright suites for assisted living, MorningStar at Arrowhead’s floor plans include spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations (some over 600 square feet).  Our Reflections Neighborhood’s 25 memory care suites are also offered in a variety of floor plans and configurations.  Please contact us to learn more about availability and pricing.  We look forward to meeting you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Taking a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease to the Doctor

It is important to schedule routine doctor appointments for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease.  The Mayo Clinic explains that checkups ensure health and behavioral issues are regularly addressed and provides tips for caregivers accompanying the person to help them get the most out of the limited time spent with the doctor.  Also, they suggest that while your loved one is still able, to have them sign a privacy release form at the doctor’s office so their medical condition can be freely shared with you. 

You should try to schedule appointments during the person’s best time of day, and if you can, coordinate it with the doctor’s least busy time.  You should bring along snacks and water as well as an activity you can do together.  If they have been uncooperative about going to the doctor’s office in the past, wait and let them know about the appointment that day.

The Mayo Clinic says the caregiver should prepare a list of things they wish to discuss with the doctor including medication side effects or issues with aggressive behaviors.  Also have a list of medications the person is taking and include over-the-counter medications and other supplements.   If your loved one is in an assisted living community, ask the staff about any concerns they would like you to relay to the doctor. 

If a new medication is prescribed, ask questions about the side effects.  Also be ready to answer questions regarding any changes in their memory and mood as well as their diet and sleep habits.  Write down significant information including recommended follow-up appointments with specialists.  Most importantly, if you feel you need help, your doctor is a good source for referrals to various community resources and care providers. 

As a family member of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences.  MorningStar at Bear Creek recognizes many of our residents’ families need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we are grateful we can provide the support they need.  Please visit our website to learn more about our individualized, holistic Alzheimer’s care. 

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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Making the Most of Your Next Doctor Visit

Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University, wrote an in-depth article for the New York Times detailing the strategies seniors can use to get more out of their next doctor appointment.  She starts by explaining that you should take a few minutes to figure out what you want to get out of the appointment.  Ask yourself if this is just a well visit or do you have something specific you want to discuss with the doctor such as a new symptom or problem.  It might be you wish to discuss changes in your diet or lifestyle or to bring up topics such as end-of-life preference?    

Dr. Ofri stresses that quality is better than quantity and being focused on a couple of things you hope to accomplish from the appointment will probably result in more specific answers.  Also scheduling regular appointments will give you the time to concentrate on your various needs.   

To ensure your doctor has the information he or she needs, write down all the medications and dosages you are taking beforehand, including any herbal supplements and vitamins.  If it is easier, bring all your pill bottles so the staff can go through your medications and daily dosages.   Remember your insurance information, and if it is a new doctor, bring along your health records.   

Another important part of a successful doctor visit is communication.  Always keep in mind you are your own best advocate and want to make sure you are clearly heard.  Experts suggest you keep track of the time to make sure your primary concerns are covered.  Furthermore, do not bring up new problems right at the end of the visit but rather schedule a new appointment to discuss those issues.  Most importantly the experts say to not leave the office until you completely understand your treatment plan.  If you need to, ask one of the nurses to go over the doctor’s instructions with you.  After you leave, go over everything that occurred during the visit including treatment plans and recommendations for any follow-up appointments and write down anything you may forget.

MorningStar at Arrowhead is proud to be one of finest retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area has to offer, and we work hard to create a true “home” for our assisted living and memory care residents.  Their health is our first priority and we provide all of the amenities and services required to accomplish this.  Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area offers.

Source: www.bethesdahealth.org/seniors-can-better-doctors-appointments/

Senior Communities Offer a Comfortable Lifestyle

Many older adults are attracted to the idea of carefree retirement years and have found that senior living communities offer the opportunity for a very comfortable lifestyle.   Much of that is due to the fact that senior living communities like MorningStar of Billings are designed to meet seniors’ social, physical, spiritual and wellness needs.  Senior living communities include independent living and assisted living as well as memory care that specializes in caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. 

The physical upkeep involved in owning a home such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores become harder as we age.  At a senior living community, someone else does the outdoor and indoor maintenance, and communities like MorningStar of Billings offer housekeeping, laundry and other services.  In other words, senior living residents have the freedom to focus on more fulfilling activities like relaxing and enjoying themselves.

Senior living is also a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely.  Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends.  Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation.  Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them.  Also you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.  At MorningStar of Billings, we provide scheduled transportation along with outings to places such as entertainment venues, museums, shopping malls, outdoor parks and more.    

If senior living sounds like something you would like to know more about, please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website.  If you like what you see, please schedule a tour to see why our residents are pleased to call us “home!”  Our community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Statistics show that depression in seniors is common; however, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be treated as such.   Many of the challenges seniors go through in the later stages of their life including the death of love ones, retiring from the workplace, and having one or more serious health problems or disability can result in a person developing depression.  While an estimated 6 million adults age 65 years and older have late-life depression, only 10% of those affected are treated for it. 

Experts say there are several reasons why depression goes untreated in the elderly including the fact that symptoms are displayed differently from those in younger people. For example many seniors do show signs of sadness, the most common symptom of depression, and many are unwilling to share their feelings with anyone.  Seniors with depression often complain of feeling tired, have trouble sleeping and may be grumpy and irritable.  Depression can even cause symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease such as confusion and attention problems. 

In some cases symptoms of depression are misdiagnosed as being the result of medical conditions and/or from the side effects of medicines they take to treat the conditions.  The National Institute on Aging says depression can “co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.” Furthermore, they explain that depression can make these conditions worse and treating the depression can help older adults better manage their other health conditions. 

If you think you have depression or that a loved one is suffering from the condition, you need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.  It can be treated but your doctor needs to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the depression.    Typical treatment for depression includes medication and psychotherapy.

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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Expansive Care Services

If you are looking for one of the best retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area offers, we encourage you consider MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We provide area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing. 

At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change.  In fact we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families. 

To improve care services, we proudly use the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at our Arrowhead community.  It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information on residents.  It offers different modules to monitor various vitals and key health metrics as well as provides enhanced privacy and security of residents’ data. 

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurse—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.  We also offer mechanical lift assistance, weights and vitals monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and much more.  Please visit our website to see the full list of our care services and to read more about our exceptional community

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area has to offer.