Paradise Living Center Blog

We’re embracing the New Year and introducing some exciting experiences at Paradise Living Center. In 2015 we’re taking trips outside the home, hosting special dinners and implementing better ways of connecting with loved ones. At Paradise Living Center, we aim to enhance the experience of the residents living at our home. With this goal in mind, we have a lot in store:   Outings and Celebrations: This year, we will be hosting an activity or excursion for our residents each month. Outings and special meals on our calendar facilitate social interaction for our residents, which can help to prolong a...

Vitamin D provides a variety of health benefits, especially for the elderly. It helps strengthen bones, which, in turn, helps prevent falls and fractures, two things that can wreck havoc on a senior’s quality of life. Vitamin D strengthens bones by promoting the absorption of calcium. It can also lower the risk for developing osteoporosis or osteomalacia, diabetes or high blood pressure. Vitamin D can be taken as a daily supplement or through a diet rich in nutrients. To increase vitamin D levels consider the following: Eat fortified foods or drink fortified milk. Vitamin D can be found in foods...

Sundowners Syndrome generally affects sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The syndrome received its name because the symptoms are exhibited after “sundown.” However, not all those who suffer from dementia exhibit the symptoms. Sundowners largely remains a mystery to medical science, but there are a number of theories as to why the symptoms present themselves at night. Some believe it is the culmination of all the sensory stimulation that occurs throughout daily routine that overwhelms and causes stress. The syndrome may prevent sufferers from settling in during the night and getting a much needed good night’s sleep. This can make...

As the aging population increases, the number of elderly Americans who fall and suffer serious and even fatal injuries is mounting. Falls are in fact the leading cause of injury related deaths in adults over the age of 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the number of people over 65 years who died after a fall reached nearly 24,000 in 2012, the most recent year for which fatality numbers are available – almost doubling the number of those reported 10 years ago. Seniors aged 75 years and older who fall are at least four times...

The holidays are a joyous time of year full of celebrations that bring family and friends together. Between all the parties, dinners, and get-togethers, you may be pressed for time and stressed about choosing the right gift for your grandkids. Though they’re bound to love and appreciate any gift they receive, here are some tips and ideas to help you select something they will enjoy:   Start a tradition: Pick something that you can add to every year. . For granddaughters, consider a charm bracelet or add-a-pearl necklace. . For grandsons, you could start a coin collection or a train...

  More than 29 percent of the U.S. population provides care for a chronically ill or aging family member or friend. On average, these caregivers spend approximately 20 hours per week providing care to their loved one. Caregiving is a demanding job that can take a toll physically, psychologically, and financially. November is National Caregiver Appreciation Month, a time to recognize those who dedicate their time and compassion to taking care of others. Here are some ways you can give back to the caregivers in your life: Offer to cook Thanksgiving dinner: Caregivers spend the majority of their time caring...

  Paradise Living Centers would like to cordially invite you to attend our pre-holiday luncheon, Attitude of Gratitude. We will be serving a homemade feast of Paella prepared and cooked by our onsite chef. Our luncheon will be held at our home in Paradise Valley on Wednesday, November 19 from 12p.m.  – 1p.m. Please RSVP your attendance to our host and care manager Kristie Chadwick: kristie@paradiselivingcenters.com.

Keeping physically active as an older adult is extremely important to your overall health and well-being. Exercising puts a spring in your step, both physically and emotionally, while keeping many diseases at bay, including dementia. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends four types of exercise for seniors to help retain independence and combat health issues through the aging process.   Strength training: Lifting weights or doing light weight repetitions helps keep both weight and blood sugar in check, builds muscle and helps increase metabolism. In addition, strength training can help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic illnesses,...

There is extensive research that shows seniors benefit from owning a pet, but this is not always possible for those living in an assisted living facility.  At Paradise Living Centers, we partner with Hospice of the Valley pet therapy services, which brings trained and certified dogs to interact with the residents at least once a week. On these visits, residents have an opportunity to spend time with the dogs and enjoy their company. Interaction with pets is known to have a number of therapeutic and health benefits including: Lower blood pressure Help overcoming grief and loneliness Aids in weight management...

As a senior, how many times have you had to wait for a family member to mail you pictures or wanted to feel more connected to family and friends living far away? For many seniors, going online is a faster and more effective way to stay in touch. Social media allows users to go online to different websites, such as Facebook or Twitter, and share content with other users. Facebook is becoming more and more popular, and according to Pew Research Center, 46 percent of seniors now use social media. Facebook is a great social media platform to get started...