Does a Parent or Spouse with Alzheimer’s No Longer Recognize You?

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless.  When we take time to go visit a family member with AD in memory care and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort. 

However a long-term caregiver reminds us how can we be certain the person is not reacting to our presence is some way like the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make you more recognizable to your parent or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture of them from their early days as a couple to the present. 

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person. 

At the MorningStar at Englefield Green memory care community, we are dementia care specialists who provide both compassionate and professional care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  Visit our website for pricing and availability and to learn more. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Falls are Common Among the Elderly

 

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports that more than one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.

Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such as replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs.  Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed.  Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning.   

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane.  Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative.  Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our beautiful assisted living and memory care community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed home.  Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

MorningStar’s Memory Care Residents Enjoy Nutritional and Tasty Meals

 

Along with 63 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Fountain Hills has another 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.  

Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees.  The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety.    

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional.  Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat.  

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents.  Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.  Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, be sure to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community.    

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Fountain Hills, AZ community

 

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into senior living communities offering assisted living.  When you begin your search, please add the beautiful MorningStar of Fountain Hills to the top of your list.  Located east of Scottsdale in the scenic desert community of Fountain Hills, our spacious suites have views of the town’s famous fountain.

Too often a senior worries that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom.  They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions.  

All of this could not be further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar of Fountain Hills has to offer.  Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.  

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging.  In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.  

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members.  Along with our 63 suites for assisted living, our community has 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Suggestions for Managing Chronic Pain

 

Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries.  While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain.  

One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness.  Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial.  If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place.   

Another way to manage pain is through exercise.  However, the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning.  In addition, they caution that “if you have pain from an injury, recent surgery, a physical disability or a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, it's best to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to be sure you can exercise safely and avoid hurting yourself.”

They also say it is important to get enough sleep.  If you are a restless sleeper and have difficulty sleeping through the night, you should talk to your doctor about your pain management medications.  If a medication is a stimulant, ask your doctor about taking it early enough so as to not interfere with your sleep, and if it causes drowsiness, see if you can take it right before bed.  Try using relaxation techniques right before bed and get into the habit of a regular bedtime.   

Also, avoid napping longer than 30 minutes during the day and do not eat a heavy meal too close to bedtime.  Doctors caution against drinking too much alcohol as it can cause sleep problems.  Yet another suggestion helpful to many people suffering from pain is to join a support group.  This puts you in touch with others who understand what you are going through.  However, if you feel you need more personal support, ask your doctor to recommend a mental health professional.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/lifestyle-strategies-for-pain-management/art-20367321

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Virtual Assistant

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our goal is to provide residents with a true home designed for their comfort, wellbeing and security.  Our community offers 63 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options.  We also have 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  In order to effectively reach all families interested in our community in a timely fashion, we have added a Virtual Assistant to our website.  

The Virtual Assistant service lets you learn more about our community’s: Pricing, Request a Tour, Ask a Question, See Our Floor Plans, View Virtual Tour, or make a Job Inquiry.  You can ask if there is anyone available to talk to at the time of your request or just send a message.  If you simply wish to inquire about pricing and availability, you can also use our website link, just give us your name, email address, topic of interest and send along your message.  We will happily get back to you within 24 hours.

To get you started, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions: residents of MorningStar of Fountain Hills must be at least 55 years old, and yes couples are welcome to move in together and share the same suite.  In addition, we welcome Companion Living, which is two unrelated people of the same sex sharing a suite in either assisted living or memory care. The benefits of Companion Living are not only the cost-savings but you can both look out for one another.  

We are often asked if someone can move in who is not in need of assisted living services, and the answer is yes.  MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you no longer need to cook.  We also give you peace of mind knowing that extended care is close by if the need ever arises.  

We want you to know that MorningStar of Fountain Hills is safely accepting new residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Please visit our website to use our new Virtual Assistant or give us a call.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Tips to Helping Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care

Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into memory care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change.  This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one. 

While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change.  However please remember you did your homework and wisely chose the community you thought was the best option from a number of Alzheimer’s care homes.  You also recognize the new home is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one.  So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice. 

First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem.  Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help.  Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them.  

If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia.  Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change.  While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary. 

In addition you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the home.  And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move.  Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own. 

If you are looking for the area’s best memory care, please consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.  Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents.  Moreover you will be pleased to know that we consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and that we are here to help.  Visit our website for contact information, and pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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; your loved one deserves compassionate, experienced memory care.