It’s Smart to Plan Ahead for Your Later Years

While many of us dread being unable to care for ourselves as we reach old age, statistics show there is a good likelihood of it happening. Starting at age 65, Harvard Publishing says there is a 70 percent chance a person will need long-term care at some point during their remaining years. Such an unsettling concept is not something people apparently want to think about as financial planners report many of their clients have not planned for it.

Experts say as individuals get further into their retirement years, many face higher than planned recurring costs for things like drugs that exceed their Medicare and private insurance coverage. Other unexpected events are a person’s rapid decline in their physical or mental health that requires a change in their lifestyle.

When long-term caregiving is necessary and there is not a financial plan in place to pay for it, families are forced to do a lot of last-minute scrambling. This may include things like having to quickly get the person’s home ready for sale, and figuring out how to stretch savings and retirement accounts.

If an elderly parent is capable of making decisions and would welcome a family member to handle their finances, that person will need to get a power of attorney to enable them to make legal decisions and act on the parent’s behalf. It is also helpful to consult with an elder financial planner as they have expertise to help families manage retirement income, and to plan for healthcare expenses and financial security in later life.

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community can aid families in finding funds to pay for assisted living or memory care beyond retirement savings and investments. To help you explore options, we have partnered with a recognized leader in financial services, whose agents can offer education on the resources potentially open to you in paying for assisted living or memory care. This can even include a flexible line of credit for those who need support while they wait for benefits to begin or for the proceeds of a home sale.

MorningStar of Arvada’s 112 bright independent and assisted living suites are designed for comfort and privacy. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities, trusted senior care and hospitality services, and wellness programs and activities to comfortably and securely age in place. For memory care Arvada, CO families turn to for their loved ones, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all-inclusive care with its own common rooms and enclosed courtyard. Contact us to learn more about the area’s top senior living.

Is an OTC Hearing Aid Effective?

It seems as if the internet is filled with ads regarding over-the-counter hearing aids with some of them being incredibly inexpensive. This leads to the following questions: are they worthwhile and who is a good candidate for one?

The consensus appears to be that OTC hearing aids can be effective for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, and is a cost-effective alternative to prescription hearing aids. However, it is important to take into account they have limitations in terms of loudness and features; and are probably not appropriate for those with severe hearing loss or for complex listening situations.

It is estimated 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss with more than 90% of these cases falling into the category of mild to moderate hearing loss. Due to the high costs of hearing aids and the fact the majority of cases are mild to moderate, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in 2022 as a way to more affordably serve those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

A recent article in Forbes magazine takes on the topic of OTC hearing aids, listing some of the best and things you should know. For example, they say you should know OTC hearing aids are not the same as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which are used to amplify sounds in certain environments and are not subject to FDA regulation. Also to see if you would be a good candidate for an OTC hearing aid, Michele Michaels, a hearing health care program manager at the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing in Phoenix, recommends consulting with a hearing health professional or your primary care physician. Your hearing loss could be as simple as a build-up of earwax or from other causes, which could be detected through an ear exam and/or a hearing screening.

Michaels talks about common hearing problems that could be addressed with an OTC hearing aid such as not hearing the first letter of a word. For instance, hearing the word tool or school in the sentence, “Let’s go to the pool.” Other signs of a hearing loss are if you have to ask people to repeat themselves or have trouble understanding when someone whispers to you. You may routinely confuse something like 15 minutes from 50 minutes in a conversation or need to sit closer to hear properly. To get started with better hearing, talk to your healthcare provider.

At MorningStar of Arvada, our contemporary senior living community has it all with beautifully-appointed private suites, senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Additionally, residents appreciate predictable budgeting, maintenance-free living, the ease of social interactions, and peace of mind knowing someone is always around. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia -related diseases, we provide compassionate retirement communities Avada, CO families trust for their loved ones. Visit our website to set up an in-person tour of our assisted living and memory care community.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/health/l/best-otc-hearing-aids-v2/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18820391433&accountid=3144749603&utm_content=162655465375&utm_term=kwd-52468599492&network=g&device=c&placement=&location_physical

The Advantages of Stretching Exercises

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or having difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.

The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you.

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn us not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a 55+ community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona. Residents enjoy a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living communities.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors in assisted living has earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

The Power of Music

The Harvard Health Publishing journal reported on a study focused on the effectiveness of music therapy. The study found listening to music, singing and other forms of music therapy “can create significant improvements in mental health and smaller improvements in physical health–related quality of life.” Researchers sum it up by saying music offers a positive impact on the psychological quality of life; and is an easy way to raise spirits and help us feel better.

So if we feel music makes us happier and more relaxed, it is not our imagination. AARP quotes Laurie Keough, a clinical associate professor of music therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, who explains, “Music is processed all throughout the brain;” which is why it is applicable in so many different situations.

Music therapy is an established form of therapy with a lot of evidence of the benefits. These include improving health care goals like decreasing anxiety, improving mood and decreasing pain perception among others. Since listening to music is one of the best ways to get the benefits; it is easy for all of us to do.

Researchers say as we listen to music, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that's part of the brain's reward system, making us feel happier. It can also distract from negative thoughts and help us focus on more pleasurable emotions. A soothing playlist can be used to quiet the mind to help transition to sleep. Moreover, as music is known to bridge social connections, many senior living communities hold group sing-a-longs, which are not only fun but support studies showing singing improves language, memory and processing of information.

Other studies show the power of music to trigger memories in people living with dementia. It can help them feel connected to others, even when verbal communication is difficult as music memories remain in the brain long after other memories fade. Some dementia patients are able to sing or dance to songs from their childhood even after normal forms of communication no longer exist.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Our memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy or animals to heal and comfort. Visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Peoria, Arizona has to offer.

The Cost of Senior Care

An article in the US News & World Report finds moving mom or dad to an assisted living community may be a bargain compared to paying for extensive in-home care. With an average cost of $25 to $27 an hour, in-home care can add up fast. For example, if you want someone with mom or dad while you are at work nine hours a day for five days a week, you are already spending $4,500 or more a month. This still leaves your parents without support on the weekends, and doesn’t include any support for problems which may occur during the evening and overnight.

Assisted living communities include room and board and housekeeping services as well as a variety of wellness programs and activities. They also have 24/7 staffing and suites with emergency call systems, handicapped-accessible bathrooms and other modifications.

If a family feels assisted living would be the best place for a parent but the cost is holding them back, experts say to thoroughly research all available payment options. This can include long-term care insurance and some private health insurance; or social programs such those offered by Veterans Affairs or Social Security Disability Insurance. A San Francisco based executive VP for A Place for Mom, Sue Johansen, suggests families consult with a financial advisor or a trust attorney.

Remember, once you find the assisted living community you want, ask about the difference in pricing regarding room size or floor plan, and/or location in the community (view, balcony, etc.). You will need to factor in annual increases so be sure to ask what those have been over the last couple of years. Also, does the community require a deposit, move-in fee or community fees; and what type of notice does your parent need to give to move out?

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we are happy to answer all your questions. To get you started, our website offers lots of details regarding suites, activities and amenities as well as a whole list of answers to FAQs. If you like what you see, contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community of memory care.

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 to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

What is Health Span?

Studies show more and more people are living over a decade or more in poor physical and mental health, often making it difficult to care for themselves. Since we are living much longer than our ancestors, scientists are looking at ways to help us live a healthier, more active life. An article in National Geographic writes about current research focused on trying to boost a person’s active, disease-free years. The concept, known as “health span,” has researchers looking at ways to “understand the underlying mechanisms of aging, working to identify health-promoting genes, and zeroing in on steps in our daily lives to improve our health span.”

While over the last few years we have seen articles promoting drugs as a way to increase longevity, Sharon Inouye, a Harvard Medical School physician-scientist who looks at aging issues, says prevention may be the clue to a longer health span. Another scientist, Nir Barzilai, associated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York, says, rather than promoting the use of longevity drugs; we need to prioritize exercise, nutrition, sleep and social connectivity to enhance overall health.

If prevention is the answer, then health experts say it would be beneficial for people to start being monitored in their 30s or 40s for baseline health data such as vitamins, hormones, and blood sugar levels. Knowing our future health risks could help us make better decisions about how we live our lives now.

Another important component to a longer healthspan is connecting with other people, which can become difficult as we age. This is why for many older adults senior living communities can be the answer. Within the community, you can connect with a group of peers that share many of your life experiences. Residents additionally enjoy exploring new activities while expanding their group of friends.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers exceptional independent and assisted living in Peoria, Arizona. Our beautiful community promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle with luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs and activities to comfortably and safely age in place. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases designed to enhance quality of life. Please visit our website to learn more, and to set up an in-person tour of our welcoming community.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Dizziness & Older Adults

Doctors say dizziness is a common complaint of older adults. Symptoms may include vertigo (feels like the room is spinning); light-headedness; faintness and weakness; and nausea. While confusing and uncomfortable to sufferers, experts say it’s rarely a sign of anything serious or life-threatening, and is generally treatable. However, if you experience acute, prolonged dizziness, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pains, passing out and/or severe headache; seek immediate medical attention.

Most causes of dizziness are from an inner ear disturbance, motion sickness, medications, or other conditions of poor health. To diagnose the problem, your doctor will want to know how long your dizziness lasts and other symptoms you may be having. Medications with the known side-effect of dizziness include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers.

The Mayo Clinic explains that with inner ear disorders your brain receives signals from the inner ear that aren't consistent with what your eyes and sensory nerves are receiving. Vertigo may result as the brain works to try and sort out the confusion. One common inner ear problem is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The condition comes on with sudden movements of the head that cause vertigo and is treated with certain maneuvers and medications like meclizine (an antihistamine used to treat motion sickness and dizziness).

Meniere’s disease is another inner ear condition and is the result of a fluid built-up in the inner ear. Symptoms include long-term vertigo caused by things like too much salt in the diet, coffee, alcohol and stress, as well as viral infections and congestion. Treatment includes altering your diet and medications to relieve fluid build-up.

Dizziness can also be caused by migraines, neurological conditions, dehydration, low blood sugar and other conditions. It is important to remember that dizziness can increase your risk for a fall. If the condition persists, talk to your doctor who can help narrow down the cause of your dizziness and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides seniors carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar offers a range of programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being. Please visit our website for more information about luxury assisted living in Peoria, Arizona.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, welcoming atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living in Peoria, AZ. Contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/symptoms-causes/syc-20371787