Gift Ideas for Your Elderly Loved Ones

While we want to let an elderly person in our life know we love and appreciate them, it is tough to find the right gift especially for a loved one in a senior living community where many of their needs are provided for and may have limited space.  The goal thereby is to find something that is thoughtful, entertaining, useful, decorative and/or connects them to the family. 

Simplifying things can be a good place to start.  For many seniors, their eyesight is not what it used to be and replacing a remote that both simplifies things by reducing button clutter and makes those buttons larger and easy to read can be a winner. The same goes for digital clocks with a large readout that includes the time, day and month along with simple user instructions is generally a winner. The same goes for a mobile phone as one with less buttons and speed dial access to family can make it easier for those not as technically inclined. 

A new blanket to use on the couch or on their lap when in a wheelchair can help fight off chills. Look for one that is not too heavy and easy to wash. The same goes for cardigan sweaters as they are easy to put on and take off. Even if they already have a pair, new slippers with fall resistant bottoms and memory foam inserts are usually welcomed. A neck pillow is another idea and along with providing support and comfort, can help with posture.

Another good idea is to make up a care basket full of things they will like and use. Since most seniors have dry skin, they will surely appreciate a mild, fragrance-free lotion to help soothe and hydrate. Look for formulas with aloe or oatmeal. Add to that a mild body wash, fancy shampoo and conditioner. Cracked or dry lips can be painful so throw in an unflavored lip balm for quick relief. Choose tubes over pots for easier application and hygiene.

Ideas to keep them entertained include things like classic movies on DVDs as well as audible and music CDs.  New coloring books with fresh markers; art paper and paints; and crossword and jigsaw puzzles make good gifts. Also long remembered gifts include doing things with the person such as lunch out once a month, sharing a spa day, or just coming over and watching a favorite family Christmas movie. 

At MorningStar of Littleton, we offer a level of senior living second to none. Our 65 assisted living suites are available in a choice of studio, or one- and two-bedroomfloorplans equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems, and weekly housekeeping, laundry & linen services. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 20 memory care suites. Community services include dedicated care managers, medication managers, access to licensed nurses, and many other support services. Contact us to set up a personalized tour to see our loving assisted living facilities firsthand. 

Do Anti-snoring Products Really Work?

Snoring occurs when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. The blockage causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce the sound we call snoring. Various factors can narrow the airway, including relaxed throat muscles or a backward-slipping tongue. Almost everyone snores at one time or another but for some it can be a chronic problem as well as a problem for their partner. Sometimes it can indicate a serious health issue like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to reduce disruptive snoring. 

Snoring not caused by OSA can be helped with lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, and sleeping on your side rather than your back. Mouth anatomy can also make snoring more likely including a low, thick soft palate that narrows the airway; chronic nasal congestion or a crooked partition between the nostrils (deviated nasal septum).

Possible fixes are a line of anti-snoring products. These include oral appliances and positional aids; and most often work by opening the airways during sleep and reducing the vibrations responsible for snoring.

 Positional aids range from specially designed pillows and vests, alarms and tennis balls sewn into the back of sleepwear to prompt the body to change position. The object is to help the person maintain a side-sleeping position.

Oral appliances are designed to keep the airway open during sleep and typically fit over the teeth like a retainer. The idea behind them is to help reposition the jaw and/or hold the tongue forward to prevent airway obstruction. They can be prescribed by your doctor and fitted by your dentist; or purchased over-the-counter and requires the person to mold the piece to fit.

Recently the FDA approved a device to reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. Called eXciteOSA, it is used while awake and worn in the mouth for 20 minutes for six weeks, and then followed by monthly maintenance sessions to continue to strengthen tongue muscles. Clinical trials showed improvement in sleep apnea and snoring; however, some participants reported side effects such as excessive salivation, gagging and tongue discomfort.  

The MorningStar of Littleton provides the finest assisted living facilities and memory care in the area. Every aspect of our community is designed for carefree retirement years and includes a myriad of hospitality and senior care services, luxury amenities, and signature wellness programs and activities. Our 65 spacious assisted living suites are across three-storiesand available in studio and one-and-two-bedroom configurations. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 20 memory care suites in a choice of studio or companion floorplans with access to open and inviting common areas. Contact us to learn more about Littleton’s finest senior living. 

We are Proud to Make Life a Little Easier for Seniors

At MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, we value seniors and are honored to make their lives a little easier with assisted living and memory care area seniors and their families can count on. As one of the distinguishing hallmarks of MorningStar, we believe humility and kindness are key to healthy relationships—including with our team members, residents and their families. The guiding principles we use to dispense services are embodied in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. Rather it is a mindset of service excellence we use to build a culture of high character, and is taught to all MorningStar team members. 

MorningStar’s mission is founded on the principles to honor God in our business practices and relationships, value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. While we believe senior care is reason enough to be inspired and motivated; at MorningStar, we are committed to doing more. We wish to create a legacy of benevolence and changed lives within our communities as well as around the world. 

We believe these values are practiced in day-to-day life at MorningStar of Littleton. As an assisted living facilities resident, you will receive support with the activities of daily living. Around-the-clock Care Managers are at the ready to ensure your comfort and safety as the team meets expressed (and unexpressed) needs. Fine, all-day restaurant-style dining provides residents delicious healthy meals and the opportunity to share a harmonious meal with others in the community. 

Life Enrichment programs and activities present creative ways to stay active and productive and include a wide scope of interests and hobbies. Our robust activity calendar is loaded with opportunities to grow and learn through fun games, crafts, group meals, and celebrations. We also encourage residents with special interests we are not addressing to start a club themselves. 

MorningStar of Littleton offers a choice of studio, or one- and two-bedroom floorplans equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems, and weekly housekeeping, laundry & linen services. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 20 all-inclusive memory care suites. Contact us for more information regarding availability and to schedule a tour of our gorgeous senior living community.  

Vascular Dementia

Next to Alzhemier’s disease, the second most common type of dementia is vascular dementia. It occurs when there is damage to the brain that causes reduced blood flow such as a stroke. However, other causes such as damaged or narrowed blood vessels that reduce the flow of blood to the brain; and risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and atherosclerosis. A history of heart attack or stroke also puts a person at higher risk for vascular dementia.

Experts say vascular dementia accounts for 20 percent of dementia cases and the risk for the condition increases with age. Like symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, it often affects memory, reasoning, and other thought processes with effects ranging from mild to severe. Available treatments may help slow or in some cases, prevent the progression of the condition. 

While diagnosing vascular dementia is straightforward when it occurs after a stroke; it can be less obvious in many as the condition may come on slowly. Moreover, there is no test for vascular dementia and is typically diagnosed after ruling out other medical conditions and causes. 

Tests a healthcare provider might do to determine the condition include neurocognitive tests to examine a person’s cognitive abilities like memory, judgement, and planning skills. Blood tests to check blood sugar levels and cholesterol may be done as well as checking for vitamin deficiencies, anemia and thyroid disorders. Imaging tests like MRIs are used to get detailed images of the brain and look for change that may have occurred from a stroke or blood vessel problems. CT scans can show visible changes in the brain or blood vessels and an ultrasound may be done to check the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries leading to the brain.

While there is currently no cure to reverse the damage to the brain, once a person is diagnosed with vascular dementia; their healthcare provider will lay out a plan to help prevent further damage. This includes managing the condition and controlling other risk factors. Treatment includes medications to control cardiovascular diseases and help prevent strokes, medication to help with memory problems, and adopting a healthier lifestyle. 

The MorningStar of Littleton senior living community offers the area’s most trusted assisted living and memory care with all of the services needed to safely and comfortably age in place. Our 65 assisted living suites provide the services to help maintain your independence and live life to the fullest. Purposeful activities, 5-star dining and resort-style amenities allow residents the freedom to pursue new interests and friendships. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care designed to celebrate and elevate life. To learn more about our senior living community, contact us for availability and to set up a personalized tour of our beautiful assisted living facilities.  

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vascular-dementia?

A Hobby May Help Keep Your Brain Sharp

Vonetta Dotson, PhD, chief of neuropsychology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, author of Keep Your Wits About You: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age and founder and CEO of CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health, says, “engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy,”  A hobby like painting or drawing, playing an instrument or doing crosswords puzzle can help strengthen our brain’s ability to adapt and build new connections. 

Moreover, as one of the pillars of aging health is to manage stress, hobbies are good at that. People can relax, feel happier, and as studies show, reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, which contributes to anxiety and perhaps even cognitive decline. A pleasurable hobby releases brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin that are linked to feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Retirement is a great time to learn new hobbies as well. Margaret Rice, PhD, professor in the departments of neurosurgery and neuroscience at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains, “Learning something new is stimulating and rewarding. Many studies have shown that novel, positive experiences promote the release of dopamine, which reinforces the actions involved in the positive experience.” She adds, any activity that stimulates a given brain circuit strengthens that circuit and leads to stronger connections, which is a key component underlying learning and memory.

Research involving physical hobbies includes one study that found participants in their 50s and older engaged in vigorous activities improved cognitive function regardless of their cognitive status. At the top of the list for seniors was brisk walking or hiking. Dancing was another fun activity with the added benefit of socializing, which is also good for seniors’ cognitive health. 

Formal volunteering is an activity that allows people to feel a connection and sense of purpose as well as get out and socialize. Experts say it is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning over time, especially working memory and processing.

The contemporary MorningStar of Littleton senior living community offers the finest assisted living in Littleton for carefree retirement years with its array of hospitality and senior care services, resort-style amenities, and signature wellness programs and activities. Our 65 spacious private suites are throughout three-stories and available in studio, and one-and-two-bedroom floorplans. Reflections Neighborhood is our distinct memory care with 20 all-inclusive suites designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. Contact us to set up an in-person tour of assisted living facilities. 

Source: goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g65903434/hobbies-good-for-your-brain/