When Is It Time to Move a Parent to Memory Care?

Dementia is a complicated disease that requires specialized care from trained, experienced, and dedicated staff. Despite the best intentions of family members, sometimes they are simply not equipped to provide the extensive care needed. 

Memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors with dementia and Alzheimers. But how do you know when it is time to transfer your loved one to memory care? These signs are strong signals that it is time to make the transition.

Safety Becomes a Concern

When seniors with dementia begin to experience symptoms daily, their safety can be in jeopardy. They may forget things like locking doors, turning off the stove, or taking medication. 

If you notice your loved one forgets these important things, it is time to consider moving to a senior living community that can ensure their safety. Senior communities have dedicated staff that looks after residents to ensure they are out of harm's way. 

Neglecting Personal Care

A telltale sign that your loved one with dementia requires more care is neglecting personal care. Unwashed clothes, body odor, or other personal hygiene issues can mean that your loved one forgets to care for themselves daily or has simply forgotten how to perform these tasks. 

In a memory care community, your loved one will receive the daily assistance needed to ensure their personal care needs are met.

Neglecting Finances

We all may forget to pay a bill here and there at some point. But if your loved one is regularly late on bills or is receiving collection notices, it can put their financial stability at risk. In addition to issues with creditors, neglecting finances can mean that they are more susceptible to financial scams and fraud. 

You Can No Longer Provide Adequate Care

It is common for family members to take on the role of caregiver for parents or loved ones with dementia. While this is a noble effort that can work in the short term, it is difficult for most people to provide adequate caregiving for the long term. 

If you find yourself exhausted, neglecting yourself, or dropping the ball on caregiving duties, it is time to transition your loved one to a senior living community that can cater to their needs.

Your Loved One Is Lonely or Isolated

Seniors with dementia are more likely to develop feelings of loneliness or isolation which can make their symptoms worse and lead to feelings of depression. Loneliness and depression can also translate to negative physical symptoms.

Transitioning a loved one to a senior community will ensure that they have daily social interactions and access to activities that cater to seniors with dementia.

MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green

MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green embodies the highest standards of senior living. Our mission statement is “to honor, to serve, to invest.” This sets us apart from other senior living communities. 

We’ve built a foundation on valuing seniors and investing in our staff. We offer unique and loving care in a home-like setting. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.

5 Simple and Engaging Activities for Dementia Patients

Dementia patients and their families may go through tough times as they navigate the symptoms of the disease. However, that does not mean that seniors with dementia cannot live fulfilling lives. Activities are a good way to keep them engaged and stimulated while in senior living. 

Appropriate activities are a fun way to spend time with loved ones, stay active, and even help mitigate some Dementia symptoms. Here are five simple and engaging activities for dementia patients:

1. Crafts

Crafts are a simple activity that can cater to all dementia patients, no matter how advanced the disease is. Simple crafts like molding clay or paper mache do not require any new skill-building or require seniors to draw on their memory. 

Through crafts, seniors in memory care can benefit from the tactile stimulation and unleash the creative side of their brain. Crafts are also affordable and don’t require a lot of setup or takedown.

2. Create Collages

Collages are a fun way to produce something unique and keep seniors with dementia active and interested. Cutting out images from magazines, newspapers, or even old books and making them into something new is a stimulating activity that doesn’t take a lot of effort or commitment.

For seniors with advanced dementia, selecting the photos without cutting or gluing can give them a sense of independence and autonomy. Collage creation can be done independently or with the help of a caregiver or family member.

3. Looking Through Old Photos

Not all activities with dementia patients need to involve creating. Looking through old photos in photo albums, yearbooks, or even old magazines is an easy way to reminisce about old times while making new memories. Sometimes old photos can trigger a memory or lead to stories that are fun for everyone involved.

4. Explore the World Through Technology

Seniors with dementia often lose the ability to travel like they used to. But that doesn’t mean they can’t explore new places. Landmarks and unique facilities around the world offer live streaming options that allow anyone with an internet connection to explore. 

Zoos, nature preserves, aquariums, and even art museums offer live streaming as well as live tours. Watching this content can be a fun way to spend time with others in senior living communities. 

5. Puzzles

Puzzles are a common and recommended activity for seniors in memory care. Simple puzzles like matching shapes and colors are intuitive and don’t require seniors to draw on their memory. Completing puzzles can build a senior’s confidence and keep them motivated and engaged.

MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green

MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green represents the very best in assisted living and high-quality memory care. Our compassionate communities have a caring atmosphere with resort-style amenities and a team of dedicated staff. 

We provide seniors with Alzheimers and dementia a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community that includes access to activities of all types. Get in touch with us today for more information about the exceptional memory care, boise idaho at MorningStar.

Dining at MorningStar of Happy Valley

A move to senior living can mean a lot of changes for a person. Our job at MorningStar of Happy Valley is to make sure that experience is full of positive changes. One of the things we feel showcases our home is an outstanding food service, which is under the direction of our own Executive Chef.  

As an assisted living resident, you will be treated to a variety of seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible, or even from our own resident-gardens. You will also enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining in our beautifully designed, relaxing dining room. For those times you wish to have an intimate dinner with friends or family, go ahead and reserve our private dining room. 

Our Chef is specifically trained in culinary skills and menu creations that appeal to seniors and knows how to modify recipes to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies as well as changing needs. A variety of nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Along with five-star dining, other amenities include a general store, massage room, library, fitness room, and a full-service salon.  We also offer a 24-hour bistro, as well as a theatre/chapel, outdoor courtyards with barbecue and fire pit, strolling paths, and more. And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

While under our roof, residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and join a variety of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to meet your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Learn More About Shingles

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for getting shingles sometime in your life. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. 

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. 

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone the chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a wash cloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a true home where residents can comfortably and safely age in place. We have 61 suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more about our broad range of amenities, wellness programs, and care services.     

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

Looking for Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, NM?

MorningStar of Rio Rancho wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need.  Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences.  In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.  

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly.  If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services.  We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.  

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly.  Or you may worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day.  We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents.  To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure they have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. 

Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 51 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations that provide residents privacy, comfort, and security.  You will find our suites have high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds. All that is missing to make it feel like home are your own furnishings and personal items.  Also, you will not need to leave behind a beloved family member as we are pet friendly!   

For more information about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. 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. 

Those with Dementia Benefit from a Daily Routine and Meaningful Activities

The Alzheimer’s Association explains a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia don’t have to give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. 

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.   

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry, and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers specialized care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  

MorningStar’s compassionate caregivers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, dance, music, exercise and life skills. Please see our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Happy Valley, OR.     

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan

Not All Memory Problems are Caused by Alzheimer’s Disease

Many of us have been embarrassed by forgetting someone’s name when we unexpectedly run into them or missing an appointment. The Medical News Today (MNT) describes short-term memory as the brain systems involved in storing information for short periods, usually up to about 30 seconds. Short-term memory typically holds about seven pieces of information at a time. Our long-term memory is where old memories are stored. 

Experts remind seniors not all problems with memory loss are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia but rather some are age-related or caused by outside factors. One example is sleep as research shows lack of sleep interferes with short-term memory and is vital to memory consolidation, which is the process of preserving key memories and discarding excessive or irrelevant information. Drinking too much alcohol and using recreational drugs also interfere with memory consolation; and overtime can cause irreversible damage to both short and long-term memory. 

Other issues that cause memory loss can be medications (check with your doctor), infections such as Lyme disease, urinary tract infections (UTI), and organ failure, such as liver failure. Even a small amount of hearing or vision loss can interfere with a person’s ability to take in and process new information. Experts say once the problem is solved such as with hearing aids, memory problems should improve. 

Chronic cardiovascular problems like hypertension and high cholesterol impair blood flow to the brain, leading to a condition called vascular dementia. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder additionally have the potential to cause memory problems but typically go away once the underlying problems are resolved. For any of these various reasons, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are having memory problems as it could be treatable.  

At MorningStar, our goal is to provide the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, NM, which includes specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood caters to our most tender residents with purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Visit our website for more information about our loving home, our team and our company’s approach to care. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other seniors living in Rio Rancho, NM. 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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/memory-loss#memory-loss-causes