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Most people know that physical activity is good for them. Often, they don’t like exercising but do their best to stick to a routine. Keeping active is an important key to staying healthy and fit.As people age, movement can become painful and sometimes dangerous. Their quality of life decreases and they no longer engage in activities they used to enjoy. They can end up sedentary and depressed.Senior living facilities recognize that their residents need to enjoy physical activities. Their recreational therapists plan stimulating physical and mental activities designed to help residents stay happy and healthy. The therapists coordinate with other staff members to meet individual needs.
Humans have long known that good health includes a strong mind. Researchers have confirmed that “fitness in an older adult population can have substantial benefits to brain health". Their experiments showed that connections in certain parts of the brain were stronger in fit people.Residents in senior living facilities choose from a variety of activities that make staying fit fun. They also have opportunities to learn how to do new things, which is a proven way to improve cognition. Activities are designed to present a challenge while remaining enjoyable.Staying active helps individuals continue doing the things they’ve enjoyed in the past, as well as slowing mental decline. Active people are also able to keep or regain a degree of independence. Staff members supervise activities to minimize the risk of injury. Various studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercises that improve balance prevents many falls and injuries. Movement helps to reduce stress, and less stress is essential for maintaining good health.
People often think of exercise as boring and can’t find the motivation to stay with it. Motivation isn’t a problem when a person is having fun. Recreational therapists know this and make sure to create activities that seniors enjoy.Exercise is structured and repetitive movement. Physical activity varies. It can be something like taking a walk one day and dancing the next day. Each type has benefits, and residents in senior facilities can choose from a selection of both types.
Living in senior living facilities means that seniors can choose from a variety of activities that make staying healthy and fit fun. Activities include:
Physical and craft projects can be in groups or solo, depending on the resident’s wishes.
Activity directors organize a variety of social recreation. These can include, but are not limited to:
Participation is always up to the resident. Although everyone is encouraged to take part, no one is ever forced or made to feel guilty about their choice.
Senior living facilities also offer a variety of physical activities for residents to enjoy. There can include such things as:
The American Academy of Family Physicians says that “Regular exercise prevents chronic disease, improves mood and lowers chances of injury.” Recreational therapists ensure that exercise and physical activities are fun events that motivate residents to stay active.
Almost every individual has a hobby or craft they enjoy. Living in a facility doesn’t mean they can’t continue doing it. They may also teach another person their special skills, creating a win/win situation for both.Senior living facilities include spaces where residents can have fun with crafts like quilting, painting, and knitting. Classes and workshops are available to learn a new skill or refresh an old one. Computer rooms allow residents to keep in touch with others or surf the internet.
Activity directors and therapists recognize that lack of movement leads to loss of muscle mass. That, in turn, decreases strength and endurance. They strive to develop activities that match each individual’s physical and mental abilities.They consider a resident’s special needs, then carefully instruct and guide the individual. Each resident will be encouraged to do as much as they can to improve their health and fitness. Trained staff at Lincoln Park senior living facilities always balance safety with a resident’s dignity.Experts say that “Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefits and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.” They’ve proved that even the least amount of movement can change how a person feels physically and help reduce depression.Mature adults often aren’t able to live as independently as they once did. Senior living facilities employ professionals dedicated to the physical and mental health of residents. Call today to learn more about how Senior Living Experts help seniors reduce their dependence by improving their health and fitness.
On Thursday, February 8, 2006 Harbor House at Wheeling is presenting a montly education program for the community.
Fran Hankin who is the Director of Community Education and Family Services for the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter is going to make a fun and interactive presentation called "Mind Your Memory."
Are you concerned that your memory is not as good as it used to be? Wondering what you can do about it? Fran will address normal memory changes we all experience with age, myths and facts about memory and the brain, how memory works, and the difference in normal memory changes and serious memory loss.
Don't sweat misplaced car keys or walking into a romm and forgetting what you were looking for! Come learn where to draw the line, when to be concerned, and how to understand the in-between.
Reservations are limited, call Harbor House to save a spot. Tell them Lisa from Senior Living Experts sent you.
Harbor House at
760 McHenry Road
Wheeling, il 60090
847-465-1100
Feb 8, 2006
8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Harbor House hosts a Monthly educational breakfast the second Thursday of every month!
Assisted living is designed for those who need help with one or more activities of daily living. Those are usually defined as bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, and taking medications.
Care is provided by the employees of the community (or outsourced) but not hired by the family.
The buildings themselves are usually much smaller than a typical independent living building and are more home like and less apartment building like. They suites may be private or shared and usually contain a kitchenette with no stove, as 3 meals a day are included in the cost. Having no stove can also be safer as many residents have some memory impairment and have maybe in the past left a stove on at home.
In Illinois, assisted living is regulated by the Department of Public Health.
Nurses – here is where it gets tricky! Nurses are on staff, but some are M-F 9-5, some are 12 hours a day and on call for 24 and some are 24 hours a day. Generally, the more hours a day a nurse is on staff, the more expensive the assisted living will be.
Pricing can be $2,500 - $6,000+ a month. Some communities will bundle or package pricing and some do it a la carte or by a point system. Factors that make up the cost include location of the community, size of suite, location of suite within the community, shared or unshared suite and level of care needed.
Assisted living is not for everyone, but I believe that there are a lot of people in nursing homes who could live in assisted living and would thrive. Many times I get calls from families who think that their parent needs a nursing home because they have never been educated as to what assisted living is. Many seniors would prefer to receive care in a home like facility than an institutional one (traditional nursing home model.) And in many cases the cost is less than private pay nursing.
The assisted living community in cooperation with the potential resident and their doctor must do an assessment. Also, keep in mind that many communities will let you bring services in such as therapy or hospice so that the resident can live there as long as possible. Many never end up going to a nursing home at all.
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"Great opportunites to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday." - Sally Koch
Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels
I received this information from the Alzheimer's Association this week:
The President’s 2008 budget proposes to cut funding for Alzheimer research and eliminate federal support for essential services that assist individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Congress has the power to reject the President’s budget.
Action on Alzheimer issues has moved to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Senate Appropriations Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Subcommittee (LHHS) is now working on a bill that could fund specific federal programs cut in the President’s budget, including Alzheimer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National 24/7 Call Center and the Alzheimer Matching Grants to States program.
The Senate LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee must reject the President’s cuts to Alzheimer programs by including funding for Alzheimer research and care programs in its bill. Senator RichardDurbin is a member of the subcommittee.
The vote on this bill is expected in late June.
TAKE ACTION!
Email Sen. Richard Durbin today! Use our Write Congress tool to send your message now.
Using the link above, you can access our Write Congress tool to preview a sample letter, add a message of your own and send your email. Emails needed by JUNE 15th!
Alzheimer advocates were successful in restoring cuts to Alzheimer research and care programs last year! We can do it again if advocates like you send a strong message today!
We need to make as much noise as possible in order to be successful.
Photo by Anna Shvets/Pexels
Many consumers and caregivers ask dementia care in Lincoln Park: What is Capgras Syndrome and what are some tips to cope with this debilitating condition? Among advice offered is to use empathy, cues, and patience, as well as any available resources. Imagine what it would be like to believe that everyone around you is an imposter? Those experiencing the mysterious condition known as Capgras Syndrome often feel this way. Many Americans live with the symptoms of Capgras- a delusion disorder- and its impacts stretch widely to include family, friends, and caregivers. If someone you love shows the signs of this medical condition, visit Senior Living Experts to find the services, support, and practitioners that you need.Some common questions surrounding this condition include:
Capgras Syndrome is a psychological condition that is also called “imposter syndrome” or “Capgras delusion disorder.” People experiencing this malady hold irrational beliefs that someone or something recognizable has been replaced by an imposter. In some instances, the afflicted individual may believe that a pet, object, or even their house has been replaced by a fraud.
Individuals diagnosed with dementia are most at-risk of developing Capgras symptoms, as are those with Alzheimer’s disease. Any condition that impacts memory and that manifests in altered realities, such as Schizophrenia, could put you at risk of contracting Capgras. Some other factors that can contribute to Capgras Syndrome? Certain types of brain injury- particularly those affecting the right hemisphere of the brain- that results in lesions may also put you at risk. Those with epilepsy can also demonstrate signs and symptoms of this allusive condition. Capgras is more common among females, and in many instances, can impact children, too.
There really is no treatment for Capgras specifically, but rather addressing the underlying cause or condition that is contributing to the symptoms. For example, someone with schizophrenia that develops Capgras will likely be put on a regimen that attempts to reduce schizophrenic symptoms, which may lessen or reduce the Capgras episodes. Those working or caring for someone with Capgras are encouraged to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for the individual afflicted, and making the person feel safe can reduce their anxiety and angst. Some medications have shown efficacy at reducing Capgras symptoms including drugs that boost the neurotransmitters in the brain which affect memory and impulsivity. Antipsychotics may also be prudent, and in some cases, brain surgery may be warranted.
Caring for someone with Capgras can be challenging, but try to use empathy and put yourself in the individual’s place. Some coping strategies that have been effective at helping those with Capgras Syndrome include these suggestions:
Caregivers working with individuals that have Capgras Syndrome have distinct challenges facing them daily. It merits reaching out for support and resources that could be available to help them preserve their efficacy while preventing burnout. Talk with providers, practitioners, and physicians in the area to find adequate respite and rehabilitation as needed, for both the individual afflicted, as well as the caregiver themselves.Senior Living Experts can help clients, consumers, and caregivers navigate the healthcare world with ease- and from the comfort of their own home! This online resource may also be able to point you toward practitioners that can help you as you continue to provide care for someone living with Capgras Syndrome. Not nearly enough is known about this mysterious and unique condition, and continued research may lead to more tangible treatment modalities or even a cure. Take support from community resources that may lighten the burdens of living with Capgras- as well as those that can provide adequate respite for primary caregivers and loved ones.
Considering senior living in chicago? Identifying signs and evaluating when to stay home and when to seek alternative living arrangements is key though not always easy. It is tough to know when it is time for a loved one to go to assisted living, and seniors may be reticent, reluctant, or even resentful at the thought of losing their independence. When making this difficult decision, let safety be the guide and the benchmark that indicates a need for more support. There could be some informal support systems that can make it possible for seniors to live autonomously, and Senior Living Experts can connect you with the resources and networks that make this a viable option.
A loss of independence or freedom is tough for anyone to give up, especially some seniors that may fear it is the beginning of the end. Don’t let loved ones look at supported or alternative living situations in this way; there are many perks and some seniors may find it surpasses the isolation, costs, and access issues surrounding staying in their own home. The important takeaway for caregivers and loved ones is to give seniors space and respect to make their own decisions, and to have the strength to intervene when safety and well-being are at risk; the integral point for seniors to remember is that needing a bit of assistance or support does not necessarily mean that they are unable to continue living independently.Some signs for caregivers and loved ones to look for that may indicate that it is time for a change in living arrangements include:
Sudden changes in behaviors or habits can be a sign that a senior is struggling. Watch for things like isolation, loss of weight, or difficulty sleeping to indicate that your loved one could use some help.
An inattention to personal hygiene, wearing the same clothes for several days, or poor grooming could also be a sign that a senior is having difficulties. Offer assistance, but don’t beleaguer the point as it could cause to humiliate or embarrass your loved one.
If a senior misses appointments, it could stem from difficulty in transportation. Some seniors simply are not comfortable behind the wheel, while others may have a scary driving experience that has made them reticent. Assistance in getting to-and-from engagements is a welcome reprieve for many older individuals.
Is the refrigerator well-stocked? An empty fridge could be a sign of difficulty, either from getting groceries or in affording them. Ask senior providers about supplemental food sources, if money is an issue.
Falls and injuries should not be taken lightly. It is estimated that every 11-seconds, a senior is treated in the emergency room for an injury stemming from a fall. When you notice a bruise or wound on your loved one, try to ascertain if the living conditions are as safe as they could be and intervene.
When a senior displays difficulty maintaining the home, it could be helpful to bring in some support. Many may prefer to streamline their life, while others may insist on staying-put due to sentimentality or fear of losing autonomy. Many municipalities offer programs to update and refurbish the homes of elderly citizens to make their living conditions safe; ask a case manager for more information.Pay attention to these signs to offer your senior more support and an overall improved quality of life. Some of these situations can exacerbate and result in a risk to your loved one, so keep an eye out for signs that a little support is merited.
Check with online resources to find services to assist senior clients in maintaining independence whenever possible. This may include assisted living, residential communities, or acute-nursing care when warranted. It is important for seniors to provide caregivers and family members with information pertaining to their wishes and what to do when they are unable to live on their own. This includes engaging in open communication surrounding the uncertain future, as well as filing an advance directive that will guide and instruct others in the event the senior is unable to express their wishes or make these decisions later-on.
To preserve autonomy while maintaining safety, look at some in-home supports to help the senior client on an everyday basis. This may extend to things like accompanying the client to appointments, giving them rides, cleaning the house, preparing food, or administering medication. It may be that just a little extra support sustains the client in their own home at this time. Other options include respite care, which can give both the senior and their in-home caregivers a break, while also serving as a soft-transition from a hospital, injury, or crisis back to their own home. Respite may involve a few hours, or even a few weeks, and is an option that is widely available, typically offered by assisted living facilities with a physician’s referral or recommendation.Don’t let living arrangements compromise your loved one’s quality of life; reach out to Senior Living Experts online for a needs assessment to determine the best level of care and living situation for your parent, relative, or loved one. The support professionals will connect you with services and resources in the Chicago area that preserve autonomy, maintain safety, and provide solid options for seniors.
This week is National Keep Connected with assisted living Week and there’s no better way to stay connected to your loved ones than utilizing a go-between like Senior Living Experts. This year’s theme is bringing to light the many ways that technology can help you stay connected with loved ones in assisted living facilities.
Staying connected with those you love is very important and technology can be very helpful.
Depending on the level of care your loved one needs, you may need to keep connected with the facilities or caregivers also. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Senior Living Experts offers a variety of services that can help make the choice of where to live easier; but we can also help when it comes to making sure you keep in touch. Remember to keep connected with assisted living residents throughout the year, not just during holidays and special events. Keep Connected with Assisted Living Logo provided by NCAL with Approval
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One of my friends from Virginia (thanks Rodney!!) sent me a link to a very interesting article about a new study regarding Alzheimer's disease. It claims that people who are lonely are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's.
I know there is a lot to be said about socialization in the assisted living model and this study speaks to that a little bit. I see many seniors benefit from participating in all the activites that are at their fingertips once they make a move out of their otherwise isolated home. Activities include anything in my book by the way - sitting in the living room and gossiping, meals, talking to the care aids, hanging by the front desk to check out who is coming and going. Stuff to keep the mind active, however boring they may sound to you and me. If you were at home just sitting in front of the TV you would thrive on the conversations to be had during an ice cream social.
This study talks more about seniors who didn't really have a social support system for a long time before the disease.
I think (and I am not a doctor, and wouldn't even be able to play one on TV..) that socialization and human contact helpful in slowing it down. But that's just what I think. What do you think?
The link to the full article can be found here: BBC News - Lonliness link with Alzheimer's
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This way the checks arrive in your account on time, with no risk of it getting lost or stolen.
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We have all had that salesperson tell us to “act now!” or “buy now!”, and we sort of feel like we’re being pushed along a sales process we may or may not want to be a part of. But, when we get calls at Senior Living Experts from family members explaining their loved ones physical or mental decline, that is definitely a reason to "act now". Often, I have felt that families may interpret my message of not waiting to tour communities as pressure, but in reality, we work to save our clients from pressure in the long run. Getting ahead of a potential health crisis is the best way to go. Once a loved one is diagnosed with something that will inevitably change their health status, it is then to begin looking at senior living options. Educate yourself on the different levels of care, what type of communities can meet your loved ones needs, especially as their diagnosis progresses, and get to know the costs involved. Everything may be status quo at the moment, but I can’t tell you the number of times we have heard the words, “He was just driving three weeks ago…..”. Something drastic happened and now the family is scrambling for what to do. Being prepared is key. If your loved one does have a health status change, and decisions are to be made quickly, if you have done your due diligence along with the help of a Senior Living Expert, than the transition will be much smoother. Don’t wait. Act now!
I saw this in a newsletter that I receive and wanted to pass it along as I do get asked this a lot. This is a minimum as there are also various trusts to consider to prevent your money (or your parents or spouse's money) from getting tied up in probate...
Here they are:
A will with an executor, who is alive and able to fulfill his duties,
A durable power of attorney for financial which gives the power to someone the senior trusts to access her finances when needed
A living will that outlines health directives in case of emergency and end of life with a HIPAA release
A healthcare proxy, a person who has the legal right to carry out the senior’s healthcare wishes
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. The healthcare proxy doesn’t have to invoke it but has the right to make a decision according to the senior’s wishes.
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer’s Disease Center (say that three times fast..) or CNADC is sponsoring a “Buddy Program.”
They match first year medical students with persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The students are asked to spend 4-5 hours a month with their buddy. They can do anything like going out to eat, window shopping, going to a museum or just walking along the lake and talking.
The concept helps both parties. The person with Alzheimer’s is able to enjoy some socialization and companionship (and give the family caregiver a brief respite). The students are able to learn through sharing with the individual and the family more about the disease in a non-clinical setting. It’s a win win for both parties – not to mention the friendships and bonds that can form over time.
Currently they are looking for individuals who would be interested in joining the program. They are especially interested in those who live in the city of Chicago or those with family members who would not mind driving into the city due to the transportation limitations of the medicals students.
For more information and/or to sign up please contact Andrea Skoglund, MSW, LCSW at 312-503-0604 or Darby Morhardt MSW, LCSW 312-908-9432 or click here!
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
Yesterday I went on a website that helps families sort out care for their loved ones. Kind of like what I do but online. So they had this really cool questionnaire and I filled it out with a specific client in mind. She is pretty independent and we are helping her find a retirement community closer to her daughter. She uses a cane occasionally, but other than that has no care needs. She still drives and is sharp as a tack. I know because I talked to her at length on the phone to try to learn as much about her so I can make the best recommendation.
So anyways, back to the online questions. So I am zipping through pretending I am the looking for my friend I just spoke of. I am sure they are going to give me a list of independent living communities when I am done. They are asking me if I need help with dressing, am I still driving, do I have a feeding tube? Questions so good I make a note to write some down. I am always learning.
Then comes the memory or cognitive ability questions. I know she doesn’t have dementia so I answer accordingly. No, there has been no diagnosis. No, she is not wandering away from home. No, she is not having unusual behaviors. But yes, sometimes she forgets to take her medication and remembers in the next couple of hours and takes it then. Doesn’t everyone?? I do!
So my report comes back. It says I need to run, not walk to my doctor and get an official screening for dementia. I need to move into assisted living because I have displayed signs of forgetfulness. I need to consider assisted living especially the ones that have the memory impairment neighborhoods because I am headed there fast.
And all I forgot to do was take my medication? I better not tell them I spent 2 hours trying to recall and old acquaintances’ name or that I sometimes forget where I parked my car.
Photo by Anna Shvets/Pexels.
Lots of people are looking for a great gift idea for mom (or grandmother or auntie!) around this time. And if mom is in a nursing home or assisted living or mom has Alzheimer's its even harder to find the perfect gift. My dear grandmother had more bottles of White Linen then Estee Lauder herself even owned.
When mom is recieving care - what is the perfect gift? Well I think I found it. I met the ladies who started a company called Nice-N-Cozy about a year ago at a caregiver conference. When I saw their product I wished my grandmother was still alive so I could buy her something. They make these wonderful fleece shawls that are easy to get in and out of and even easier to clean. They have big pockets to hold tissues, and are warm. Most seniors I know tend to be a little chilly so its a no brainer.
My degree is actually in fashion design so I am kicking myself for not thinking of this simple but functional and pretty idea. This year the girls have actually put together a mothers day basket that only cost $29.95. It includes a shawl, fuzzy socks, and a lavender scented sachet that comes packaged in a pretty basket. Lavender is very calmin for anyone, but the aromatherapy benefits for those with Alzheimer's is even greater in my opinion.
Check it out if you are still searching for something to get mom. If you do order something, please tell them that I sent you. Here is the link to the Nice-N-Cozy Mother's Day Basket.
Photo by Anna Shvets/Pexels
Assisted living facilities in Schaumburg know that respite care is vital when caring for loved ones with dementia to prevent caregiver burn-out and preserve quality of care. Do you provide care for someone living with dementia? If so, you understand the rigors and strains that this condition causes to the patient, as well as their entire family, caregivers and support system. Respite care is one option to take the caregiver out of the situation for a little while and provide a higher-level of nursing care to those diagnosed with dementia. Senior Living Experts can connect you with resources and assisted living facilities in the region that offer respite care services.
There are many reasons to seek respite care for someone you love with dementia. It can improve prognoses and outcomes when used in chronic care situations, such as with a patient living with Alzheimer’s disease. Some specific ways respite helps include:
Caregivers, paid and unpaid, need a break. Use respite care services to prevent potential caregiver burnout for your loved one with dementia. Caregiver burnout is a type of exhaustion that occurs when caring for someone else and it manifests in physical, mental, and emotional ways. It is often accompanied by an ambivalence or apathy toward those in their care, though there are many other signs of this occurrence to be aware of:
When you don’t address or remedy burnout, the stage is set for compassion fatigue to occur. Compassion Fatigue is often experienced by those that help the distressed. There is a sort of secondary trauma that accompanies bearing witness to suffering, whether the afflicted is an animal or a person. Caregivers may be preoccupied with their duties and in a state of anxiety or tension- these are signs of compassion fatigue. Some other signs of this condition are similar to burnout but chronic and frequently accompanied by isolation, depersonalization, and hopelessness. There is a sense of detachment that comes from compassion fatigue among professional caregivers that could lead many to leave the field indefinitely.
Aside from the caregivers’ needs clients may want to consider rehab and recovery before returning home after an injury or hospitalization which makes respite care a great option for seniors with dementia. This allows services and delivery to be arranged prior to the patient returning to independent living, which can create a smoother transition and more favorable outcomes overall. This also gives providers an opportunity to observe the patient as they ‘step-down’ from acute care in the event a complication or problem should arise.
Utilize respite care to preserve the caregiver-client relationship. The rapport between clients and their caregivers is critical; taking time off from one-another can prevent strains or stresses that can affect this relationship over time. There is an old adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ which seems to sum-up the need to occasionally take a break.
Not surprisingly, there are distinct challenges of working with patients with dementia. The changes in behavior and personality demonstrated by loved ones with dementia can cause angst and frustration among those closest to the senior. Taking time to discover new approaches, craft creative solutions, and practice patience is imperative. How can a caregiver help someone else when their own needs are not being met? Respite provides the time and space to further explore how to best cope with the everyday challenges and obstacles facing their client.
Take advantage of online resources to find appropriate respite services for those living with dementia. Providers may be able to offer referrals, as needed, to gain prompt admission to a respite unit of an assisted living facility to care for the patient while also giving caregivers a well-deserved break. Respite makes sense when helping those in your charge recover from an injury, illness, or hospitalization, giving them immediate and easy-access to their team of providers.Don’t delay in getting caregivers their well-earned break when caring for a loved one living with dementia. Senior Living Experts can help narrow down your search to pinpoint assisted-living facilities in the area that offer respite care for patients with this debilitating condition. A thorough needs assessment will determine the level of care needed to smoothly transition patients with dementia from supportive living environments to assisted-care, and home again, while giving the caregiver the opportunity to rest, recharge, and remember why they provide the important care that they do.
What's included in memory care? As our loved one's age, we may find the need for additional care for them to remain happy and healthy. When looking into next step care here are 5 features that most memory care communities incorporate (don't know what memory care is?).
Memory care communities are specially designed for seniors who suffer with memory impairment diseases. One important goal in designing these communities is that they are easy to navigate for seniors. Clear walkways with lots of natural lighting are crucial, proper signage can also be beneficial for some seniors. Visual stimulation is also important and included in memory care; this can be achieved in many ways including aquariums which have constant visual movement and can be quite relaxing to watch. Many seniors also enjoy colorful wall art. These communities are designed to keep stress and anxiety of seniors to a minimum while also being enjoyable places to live.
You will see a higher staff to resident ratio then you would in assisted living--it usually included comes in memory care. The staff in memory care is also specially trained and have usually undergone additional training before working in a memory unit. This added training really allows staff to understand the memory related diseases like Alzheimer's and be able to recognize progression of the illness. The training also benefits senior's daily life as the staff will learn activities and fit for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia and their special needs.
In memory care safety and happiness of the residents are the priority for staff and they carry out this in a couple of ways. One of the common behaviors those with Alzheimer's or dementia express is wandering. To combat this turning dangerous many communities, have 24/7 surveillance and keep all doors secured. Memory care include an enclosed courtyard where seniors can enjoy the outdoors in a safe way. During the COVID pandemic, memory care communities are taken the safest measures possible.
Enjoyable and meaningful activities are crucial in memory care for both the senior's happiness and for their mental care. Many care facilities include both a variety of leisure and therapeutic activities in the social calendar to entice seniors of all backgrounds. This social and physical stimulation created by activities and hobbies can help lessen behaviors such as wandering, anxiety, and depression (https://seniorlivingexperts.com/depression-in-the-elderly-more-facts/) in seniors. These activities also help seniors to maintain their current cognitive abilities in an enjoyable way.
Every senior is different and so are their care needs. One of the best things about memory care is it caters to both a senior's physical abilities as well as their cognitive ones in a personalized way. There are varying levels of memory care ranging from communities for early dementia to late stage dementia seniors. Person-centered care is a top priority and each resident will have a personalized care plan tailored to their needs. This allows residents to get nothing short of the best care that they need to live out a happy and meaningful life.Regardless of your choice, your mom is good hands. For example, Brookdale, which has a little under 10 communities in Chicagoland, offers a private companion, trained staff 24 horus a day, personal assistance, and so much more. Whether in Barrington, Lake Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Naperville, Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Schaumberg, and the City of Chicago, senior living communities care options for your loved ones. Contact us to get in touch with a certified advisor who knows your area.
It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month and Senior Living Experts is focusing on glaucoma care for seniors. Although glaucoma can occur in anyone, from babies to seniors, our focus is going to be on senior care & facts.
When your vision is impaired it can affect many aspects of your life; creating a very real decline in your overall quality of life. Areas that can be affected by vision impairment include:
If you consider each of these areas that can be affected by vision problems, you can see how your quality of life can be changed forever. Unfortunately glaucoma cannot be fixed and there is no way to repair damage created by glaucoma.
Special conditions, equipment and measures can be taken to make your life easier if you’ve lost vision to glaucoma. Many senior living facilities have access to special computers, large type books, audio books and more; all as a means for making your quality of life better.However, the best option is early detection and proper eye care. This is one of the biggest reasons why glaucoma care for seniors is so important to quality of life.Cited Works & Websites:Bright Focus Foundation WebsiteThe Mayo Clinic – Diseases & Conditions, GlaucomaGlaucoma Research Foundation WebsiteNational Eye Institute (NEI) Website
You don't have to face diabetes alone.We are focusing on seniors with diabetes and how Senior Living Experts can be an excellent resource in helping manage or even help reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month; a perfect time to learn more about the disease.
It’s almost unthinkable that such a leading cause of death, taking our country by such high numbers, could very often be avoided with the following lifestyle changes:
The following amenities can be something to look for if you are pre-diabetic, insulin resistant, diabetic or at an increased risk for becoming diabetic. Remember, we can help you find the right senior living facility and/or caregiving to offer some or all of these amenities.
Senior Living Experts offers free guidance in choosing senior living that can actually help you take charge of your diabetes and risk for diabetes. Let us work with you and your senior loved one in choosing the right type of lifestyle that can help seniors with diabetes live a healthier, happier life.Photo by isakarakus (Pixabay)
Senior Living Experts is celebrating Thyroid Awareness Week with some information about your thyroid health. You may be surprised at how important the thyroid is to your body!
Chicago seniors have the advantage of utilizing the services we offer, combined with the knowledge we provide so YOU can be in charge of aging well. Let’s learn more about the thyroid.
The thyroid is gland. Located in the throat, it is a butterfly shaped gland that secretes hormones into the blood. These hormones help control nearly every organ in your body and more. Your thyroid affects your
It’s easy to see how important your thyroid health is to your overall body health.
There are a number of thyroid issues that can cause health problems. We’re offering this link to a more thorough listing of possible thyroid problems. We will focus on the 2 most common thyroid problems here.
It’s important that you recognize the symptoms listed above. These symptoms can be very subtle; making it difficult to recognize that you could be experiencing thyroid problems.
January is “Thyroid Awareness Month”. In this article, we discuss the function of the thyroid gland and the various thyroid health concerns that can arise, especially for seniors. (Note: “Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month”, which has a focus specifically on one thyroid disorder, thyroid cancer, occurs in September.)Diagnosing thyroid disease in seniors can be difficult because some of the symptoms are also associated with aging or other medical conditions. It might be natural to assume that memory issues, constipation or weight gain are part of the aging process. However, these can also be signs of thyroid disease. Today, some 30 million Americans are affected by thyroid disease. If you think you or a loved one may have a thyroid condition, you should learn about diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.
The thyroid gland is a small organ, which is shaped almost like a butterfly and produces important hormones. The gland is just 2 inches in size and is situated below your Adam's apple and a little above your collarbones. It is responsible for running and maintaining a number of critical processes for a healthy body.The gland is part of the endocrine system, which directly affects almost every single organ. It is responsible for regulating skin integrity, menstrual cycles, calcium levels, and the nervous system, heart and cholesterol levels. In addition, it controls brain development, your body temperature, respiration, metabolism and fat production. Thyroid problems begin to occur when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone or not enough.
January has been dedicated as Thyroid Awareness Month to help draw attention to this serious disease. Most of us have heard about thyroid glands, but we may not realize the importance of the gland or that we may have symptoms of this disease. Health experts hope that publicizing information about thyroid diseases will educate people and encourage them to visit their physician for a simple blood test to determine if they need treatment.
If you think you might be one of the 15 million Americans that have an undiagnosed thyroid condition, you might want to check your neck for lumps, which could be an indication of a thyroid condition.
Hold a hand mirror towards your neck just above your collarbones where you can see the area below your Adam's apple.
To confirm whether there is a thyroid concern, your physician may perform a thyroid-stimulating hormone test. This blood test measures whether the gland is working properly. It is highly recommended to get tested if you are a senior over 60, have family members diagnosed with the disease or believe you have symptoms.
There are several causes, but some common causes can be attributed to autoimmune disease, certain types of medications, thyroid surgery or radiation therapy. Anyone can develop thyroid problems, but women who are 60 years of age or older seem to be more susceptible.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormones. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include increased anxiety or nervousness and emotional instability. You may experience unusual weight loss, a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and diarrhea or irregular menstrual cycles if you're still menstruating. Depending upon your situation, your doctor may prescribe treatments using anti-thyroid medications, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Most of the symptoms resulting from hypothyroidism are the opposite of hyperthyroidism. People with hypo thyroid disease may experience depression, body hair loss, changes in the voice, constipation and muscle aches. They may also notice a slower heart rate, irregular menstrual cycles and weight gain. Hypo conditions are normally treated using a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine, which comes in a pill form and is swallowed.
Thyroid cancer is one of the rarer forms of cancer in the US. In an average year, as many as 45,000 people may be diagnosed with this type of cancer, but most cases are easily treated or cured by surgery.
Although it is true that thyroid cancer is often able to be successfully treated with surgery (typically thyroidectomy), thyroid cancer survivors often report that they resent it when others may make light of the post-surgical issues faced by survivors, including lifelong dependency upon medication and recurring medical exams and ultrasound imaging to check for recurrence. Many survivors also report experiencing lingering anxiety and stress from their awareness that although rare, recurrence is possible for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, many survivors also face long-term problems with muscle cramps related to damage that can occur to their parathyroid glands during thyroidectomies.
Caregivers should carefully monitor and discuss thyroid symptoms and aging complaints with seniors or elderly people in their charge. Professional caregivers provided by in-home care companies are usually trained about the need to take care these concerns. If your senior loved one lives in an assisted living facility, the caregivers in that facility need to be trained on the importance of these matters.
Thyroid prescriptions can usually get symptoms under control. However, it's important that family members and caregivers keep abreast of new symptoms that may warrant a trip to the doctor. Senior Living Experts wants to help you enjoy the best years of your life as you age. Taking control of aging healthy is much easier when you have the knowledge you need. That’s why we take pride in not only helping you find the right place to age but the right information to guide you on aging successfully. Remember that your thyroid health is a very important part of your overall health.
Sources:https://www.thyroidawareness.com/https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/things-to-know-about-thyroid-176292.htmhttps://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:thyroid-problems/info:care-and-treatment/https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-cancer/
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