World Alzheimer’s Month Awareness

The month of September is dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and challenging its stigma. The initiative was originally launched in 2012. The goal is to unite opinion leaders, people with dementia, caregivers and family, medical professionals, researchers and the media. This campaign provides opportunity for Alzheimer’s associations internationally to gain recognition and credibility for the work they do, but it’s also an excellent occasion to have some fun and participate.

World Alzheimer's Month

The stigma and misinformation surrounding dementia continues to be a problem globally. This year’s campaign theme is “Remember Me.” The campaign encourages us to learn how to spot the signs of dementia, but also to not forget about loved ones living with dementia, or who have passed.

Many of our residents at Paradise Living Centers live with dementia and our team is fully qualified to address the needs of those residents. We pride ourselves on being able to offer care that makes a difference in not only the residents’ lives but their families too. Our Care Manager, Kristie Chadwick is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She is actively involved with the Alzheimer’s Association’s dementia division and has participated in several of their Walk to End Alzheimer’s events.

At Paradise Living Centers, we help our residents and their loved ones learn about dementia but many have little or no understanding of the condition. In this blog we are taking this year’s campaign message, “Remember Me” to heart and highlighting some of the stats and facts that represent the global impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are just some of the numbers that you may not be aware of:

While there are just a few days left in the month of September, we encourage you to share what you’ve learned about Alzheimer’s with a colleague, friend or family member to spread the campaign message. It is up to us to remember for those who cannot.

 

 

Healthy Aging Month

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It’s that time of year again! September marks the arrival of Healthy Aging Month, “an annual obser­vance month designed to focus national atten­tion on the pos­i­tive aspects of growing older.”

 

Growing older and aging healthily isn’t all about infallible wisdom and grace, it also has a lot to do with keeping up the different aspects of one’s personal health – be they physical, mental, emotional, or financial. Knowing how to better address these aspects in a positive manner is what healthy aging is all about.

 

Another tenant of Healthy Aging Month is the stress on personal responsibility for healthier aging. Everyone has a choice to take good care of themselves or not. While easier said than done, starting with small changes is a good way to develop new and better habits. There are also many external support systems you can access and take advantage of – but only you as an individual can ultimately decide to make a change for the better.

 

Feeling lethargic? Get outside and start moving! Even a short walk increases circulation and vitality. Are you lonely? Make plans with a friend, become a volunteer, or sign up for a class at your local community center. These activities and others like them can quickly counter negative feelings and unhealthy habits.

 

The phrase ‘you’re only as old as you feel’ is a mantra to adopt – especially during Healthy Aging Month. No matter what your age is on paper, staying active, socializing with others and keeping a positive outlook can work wonders on your mental and emotional health.

 

Last but not least, it is vital to speak to loved ones about your financial health and to plan for the long term. Doing so not only helps ensure you have the funds you need beyond retirement, it can offer a great deal of peace of mind. What better time to discuss these concerns than Healthy Aging Month?

 

At Paradise Living Centers, we’re 100 percent committed to ensuring that your loved one ages with care and dignity. Click the link and give us a call for further information.

Top Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

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Caregivers tasked with ensuring the vitality of their ailing or elderly charges are arguably some of the most selfless people around. The responsibilities they take on can become daunting – and the extra work it takes in maintaining the health and safety of another person can certainly take an emotional and psychological toll on an individual.

For preservation it’s incredibly important that anyone who serves as a caregiver to a senior takes the necessary steps to create boundaries, and safeguard their sense of personal self worth.

According to Becky Feola, author of The Eldercare Consultant, signs of caregiver burnout include “feeling resentful, thinking it is hopeless or that you are helpless, [and] losing emotional control and overreacting.”

Feola goes on to note that one of the most heartbreaking aspects of eldercare burnout is that a caregiver who was once “positive and caring” can very quickly become “negative and uncaring” due to a “dramatic change of attitude.”

Understandably, the signs are reminiscent of anyone dealing with a lot of stress, and as such, the remedies are also very similar.

If you’re worried about caregiver burnout, consider the following steps for self-care:

  1. Take advantage of further support – Just because you happen to be the senior’s first line of care, doesn’t mean you must be the only one. Utilize other helpful resources to give yourself a break. Enlisting the support of the elder’s other friends and family when you need personal time is a great way to take a step back without having to worry about the elder’s wellbeing. If you’re feeling alone in your struggle, various organizations exist that provide resources and advocate for caregivers, like CareFlash and Family Caregiver Alliance. Also, there may be assisted care or group homes in your area that offer respite care, so you can get away for a few days.
  2. Know your own capabilities – Making sense of the newfound responsibilities you encounter when caring for a loved one can be difficult, but it’s important that one doesn’t lose sight of their own responsibilities and commitments. Oftentimes, caregivers bite off more than they can chew and become embroiled in a burnout further down the line. If an individual plans ahead, recognizes their own strengths, takes inventory of personal commitments, and learns when they need to draw the line, chances of burnout are far less likely.
  3. Don’t be afraid of validation – While many don’t choose to become caregivers, it’s important they learn to receive some level of credit. The job they’re performing deserves Not only are you keeping another person safe, you’re doing so while also maintaining your own livelihood.

If you’re concerned about the feasibility of providing long-term care or you are caring for a loved one and may be in need of respite care, give Paradise Living Centers a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Benefits of an Omega-3 Diet

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As we age it is paramount that we eat the right foods to properly fuel our bodies. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are prominent in seniors.  When the body ages carrying extra fat on the frame can take its toll, and we often make the mistake of cutting fat out of our diets altogether, but there are some fats that we cannot simply live without. One of these is omega-3.

Omega-3 is the good fat we get from foods such as oily fish, and it is the one type of fat we don’t want to scrimp on. The two crucial omega-3 fatty acids normally found in fish are EPA and DHA. Our body needs these acids to function, along with ALA (found primarily in nuts and seeds).  These acids deliver some big health perks:

According to research omega-3 deficiency causes 96,000 US deaths per year, making it the sixth biggest killer of Americans.

On average, Americans are consuming far too many omega-6 fats in their diet. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Many medical professionals believe this is why we have high incidences of heart disease, as omega-6 predominately contribute to inflammation in the body. Whenever possible try to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements. If you’re not a fan of fish, add other sources of omega-3 – flaxseed oil contains 55 percent omega-3 fats. The current recommendation calls for two servings of DHA and EPA rich fish per week. If this is too much to stomach you may want to consult with your physician to ensure your body is getting the right ratio.

The Myths and Facts Surrounding Cognitive Aging

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You leave the house to buy groceries, or to head to work – but you’ve forgotten your wallet. Or your keys. Or phone.

Mental missteps are commonplace – everyone has gone through this scenario. Substitute the destination and forgotten item with different factors but the situation is the same. As these forgetful instances become more and more frequent while we age, the stigma and personal worry that results can be especially damaging.

However – it is important to note that while cognitive aging can be somewhat distressing, there is nothing abnormal about it. Though less frequent, we experience the same forgetfulness in our youth as we do in our elder years. From the moment we are born, we progress through different stages of cognitive aging.

Cognitive aging is not a disease – nor is it as debilitating as real neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, “wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while speed of processing, decision-making, and some types of memory may decline. Cognitive aging may affect daily tasks such as paying bills, driving, following recipes, and adhering to medication schedules.”

There are many different ways to inhibit the negative side effects of cognitive aging. Remaining physically active, managing cardiovascular disease risks, and keeping an open channel of communication with your health care professional can all help mitigate the aging process.

While it may seem obvious, staying engaged intellectually and socially with those around you has also been cited as a way to combat forgetfulness. If a friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms of cognitive aging, lessen the stigma through minimizing your reaction. Making a big deal out of a simple mistake like those listed above is not a helpful response for anyone involved.

Cognitive aging can be a difficult period of decline for anyone experiencing the signs, but if you’re worried about someone living through it independently contact Paradise Living Centers to discuss your options: 602-550-1247.

 

 

Keeping up With Paradise Living Centers

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Greetings, friends and family! It’s been a fun and busy summer for us and, believe it or not, we’re just getting started. We know sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all of the exciting things happening at Paradise Living Centers, so here are the highlights from the past few weeks, plus some of the events and projects we’re looking forward to in the future:

Butterfly Wonderland

On June 24, we had the pleasure of visiting Butterfly Wonderland, America’s largest butterfly atrium. Our residents and volunteers loved it, and it was a wonderful way to cap off our “spring fling” events program!

July 3 Barbecue

To officially kick off the summer celebrations, we held an Independence Day barbecue on July 3. The traditional American-style barbecue was the perfect way to set the tone for the 4th and the coming months.

Music Program Inspired by Alive Inside

Alive Inside—a documentary about social worker Dan Cohen using music to heal and combat memory loss—has inspired us to try something similar at Paradise Living Centers. With help from volunteers and loved ones, we are building personalized playlists for each resident. If you have any music devices you aren’t using that you would like to donate for this developing program, or any information that you think would be helpful, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are overjoyed about this project and will make sure to keep you updated as it unfolds.

Thank You!

We want to give a special thanks to our summer volunteers, Grace and Cole, for all of their help this summer. In addition, we want to thank Linda and the other family members who have helped build our new music program.

Upcoming Events

We have plans to visit the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in August and are excited for our residents to enjoy the more than 6,000 instruments the museum holds. Stay tuned for information on transportation and cost as we draw closer to the date.

On Sunday, September 13, we will host a family meal at 5:00 p.m. We hope everyone in town is able to join us!

Birthday Celebrations!

We always like to recognize our staff and residents at Paradise Living Centers on their birthdays. We recently celebrated our caregiver Danielle’s birthday, and we will celebrated three other birthdays in August – our resident’s Dorothy and Murry and our chef Luis.

If you would like to stay up to date with all the happenings at Paradise Living Centers, please subscribe to our newsletter.

Independent vs. Assisted Living

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When it comes down to where a person will be living in one’s older years, a single question is asked more than any other – Will it be more beneficial to live at home, or move to a community or home that provides care and assistance?

 

The answer always comes down to the individual, of course, based on their lifestyle and goals for their sunset years, their family situation and their health. Has this person always lived comfortably in independence and solitary pursuits? Or, would they prefer the more consistent surrounding of peers and activities?

 

A large factor that must be brought into account is financial ability. How the elder has prepared for retirement and their later years greatly influences their position regarding assisted or independent living. Those in circumstances that require someone to assist in a nursing capacity may prefer a live-in nurse or caregiver at home, if they are in a position to pay for personal, round-the-clock care.

 

However, many are also drawn to the social aspect of assisted living, regardless of finances. Group activities, shared meals, social interaction and the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with peers hold great benefits for some. It can be a lot easier to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in one’s senior years when surrounded by others who are doing the same thing.

 

An article by Nancy Walsh on Medpage Today stated that those who were physically active over the age of 75 live almost five and a half years longer than their unhealthier counterparts, according to Laura Fratiglioni, MD, PhD, and colleagues from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. No one is denying the asset that is activity. Even in youth, exercising with peers keeps one accountable, on track, and, at the right times, distracted. This drive stays just as crucial to success as one gets older.

 

When it comes down to it, the decision between independent living and assisted living must also be a fit with the individual’s personality. Many people thrive in assisted living environments, but it’s not for everyone. Talking things (including expectations and ideas about assisted living) through with family and friends always adds perspective from the people care about the person most.

 

If you or a loved one are considering the prospect of assisted living, contact Paradise Living Center today to make an appointment.

Saving Money after Retirement

The cost of living during retirement is a serious concern for many older adults. Financial experts warn of the cost of retirement, but we don’t need as much as the experts would make us believe. After retiring expenses often decrease, as retirees can actually eliminate many costs they had while working.

Here are just some of the ways to save money after retirement, without affecting lifestyle choices:

If you are approaching retirement, and would like to kickback sooner rather than later it is worth sitting down and assessing your options. If you’re interested in learning what your retirement options may be there’s a neat quiz on the blog Sightings Over 60 that we encourage you to take. Remember retirement is your time to truly enjoy your life, after all you’ve worked for it!

Tips for Managing Diabetes for Seniors

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Did you know that 29.1 million people in the U.S. have diabetes? The disease is most prevalent in seniors age 65 or older and stands at 25.9 percent. That means an estimated 11.8 million seniors in the U.S. have diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed). In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and in 2012 and the cost of diagnosed diabetes totaled $245 billion. The statistics alone indicate it is more important than ever to know how to manage diabetes for seniors and older adults.

There are two kinds of diabetes that can occur at any age but type 1 is most common in children and young adults.  If you suffer from type 2 diabetes it is important to manage with diet, exercise and medication when necessary, as it can affect many parts of the body, and make you a prime candidate for stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Seniors with type 2 are also at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Managing diabetes

When diet and exercise are not enough, medication is an important factor in managing type 2 diabetes. A physician will prescribe the best medication for you based on a number of factors, including other health concerns or diseases, as well as taking into account everyday routine.  In addition to taking medication as directed, keeping diabetes in check can be best managed with the following

As you age it is important that you also keep in mind the following to best manage your diabetes:

To learn more about diabetes as a sufferer or caregiver visit www.diabetes.org or speak with your healthcare practitioner and take control of your health today.

Get Into the Act: Older Americans Month

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In 1963, May was given the label of Senior Citizens Month, which was later changed to Older Americans Month. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), at the time that President Kennedy made the determination, “only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday.” With that, however, nearly a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and all faced a dismal shortage of social programs and government assistance.

That began to change with Older Americans Month. People were encouraged to value the contributions of their community’s current and past senior citizens, and each year May plays host to a different theme.

This year’s Older Americans Month has been given the theme: Get Into The Act. The purpose, according to the ACL, is “to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Here are just some of the ways you can engage seniors in your home or community to “Get Into the Act”:

In addition, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Older Americans Act. The ACL notes that “the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more.”