Assisted Living for Couples

In many instances as a couple ages, they have wildly different health challenges. One partner may have several chronic conditions while the other is generally healthy. When this happens, the healthier of the two typically takes over the role of caregiver. However, if the person’s health needs continue to increase, it can take a toll on the person who is in charge of managing their loved one’s care.

Even if only one person in the couple needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and things like medication management, moving into a senior living community together may be a good plan as well as make the transition easier. According to the AgingCare website, a good rule of thumb is that the spouse who needs the higher level of care should determine which type of senior living facility can best accommodate the couple. Moreover, Marissa Kirby, NHA, CHC, CHPC, and vice president of compliance at NEWGEN HEALTH, LLC., says, “When a couple has been married for many years, the ability to live together can make or break their decision on whether or not to move to an assisted living facility.”

There are many benefits for both partners in an assisted living community including helping the couple stay together longer when one of them requires more care. The US News & World Report says It also alleviates the full burden of care from the caregiver, which improves that partner's health and potentially improves the relationship. Both of the couple enjoy perks such as increased social interaction and ready access to preventive health care.

Many assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton welcome couples and have various plans available such as residing in the same suite, in separate units in different wings, or in separate semi-private rooms to help ensure they get the personal space they need while maintaining their relationship. In this scenario each person receives and pays for the level of care they need.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s integrated senior living model, seamlessly combines Independent and assisted living under one roof to promote smooth transitions and allow residents to age in place with confidence. Our 66 smartly-designed suites come in a variety of spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 38 all-inclusive memory care suites for individualized, compassionate care. All residents enjoy peace of mind, personalized support, and a vibrant community designed to meet their changing needs. Contact us to learn about one of the finest retirement communities in Beaverton.

It’s Never Too Late to Follow a Budget

As we age, many of us worry about whether we will have enough money to provide for our future needs. Rather than spending time worrying about it, experts say even if you have never followed a monthly budget it is not too late to create and follow one. It will give you a sense of where you stand and the confidence to make any needed adjustments along the way.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston found American adults have a financial literacy rate of around 50%, and many feel anxious when thinking about their financial situation. However, they want seniors to know money management is not as complicated as it sounds and a budget allows you to get a good picture of where you stand now and how you will fare in the future. Medicare expert Brandy Bauer, former Director of NCOA's MIPPA Resource Center, says, “being educated on how money management works—and learning how to implement strategies for managing debt, saving more money, and stretching the dollars they have—is so important, especially for seniors on a fixed income.”

To get started, be sure to get information from trusted sources to help you build good money and debt management skills. NCOA offers tips such as using a budget calendar to track spending. This allows you to more easily understand your monthly income versus expenditures; and seeing it on paper lets you discover strategies on where you may be able to reduce expenses.

Money saving tips include looking into special discounts designed for seniors. While some are intended for those on a lower income such as heating allowances and reduced prescription drug prices; other things like cheaper phone plans to public transportation and private entertainment venues are available to most seniors.

If you are a homeowner, you may want to meet with a financial advisor to see how you can leverage the value of your home to increase your monthly income. Managing monthly expenses should also include making plans on how you want to distribute your money after your demise.

MorningStar of Beaverton offers an integrated senior living model that seamlessly combines independent living and assisted living under one roof to allow residents to age in place with confidence. We offer 66 beautifully appointed private suites in a variety of spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations to meet most needs. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 38 all-inclusive memory care suites for individualized, compassionate care. Visit our website to learn more about one of the top retirement communities in Beaverton.

Help in Diagnosing Fatigue Symptoms

If you are feeling an overwhelming sense of tiredness or lack of energy that is zapping your ability to enjoy life to its fullest, it may be time to figure out what is causing your problem. Experts say fatigue that lasts for several weeks should be looked into as it may be a signal of a more serious mental or physical condition.

One of your first steps is to have a thorough examination by your healthcare provider to rule out medical conditions and issues that may be the root of the problem. For instance, the Harvard Medical School website says fatigue can be the predominant symptom in depression. Other common things to look at include medications known to cause drowsiness.

Health conditions such as infections, anemia, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, neurological conditions, and autoimmune conditions can be factors. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is underactive and produces inadequate levels of thyroid hormone, also causes extreme tiredness. The condition is more common in women and increases with age.

When fatigue does not appear to be from a medical condition, it is the time to look at lifestyle habits. One red light is chronic stress. In fact, there is an actual physical component that occurs when stress levels go up, which causes a hormone called cortisol to rise. This in turn, triggers problems with sleep and feelings of anxiety and other symptoms.

Hormonal changes due to menopause can also increase fatigue. Symptoms like hot flashes may occur at night and result in an interrupted night’s sleep. Another cause of fatigue can be dietary and result in a person not getting adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. Finally, doctors say poor sleep habits such as drinking caffeine and alcohol late in the day, sleeping in a room with too many distractions, inconsistent sleep times and not enough daily exercise, can result in fatigue.

The MorningStar of Beaverton retirement communities seamlessly blends independent living and assisted living to provide carefree retirement years to ensure residents can fully engage in life. Our 66 suites are available in a choice of floorplans and configurations (some as large as 974 square feet); and deliver style, comfort, services, amenities and location. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, we offer 38 memory care suites. Visit our website to learn more about desirable senior living in Beaverton.