Advice on How to Keep Your Medical Info Up-to-date

Studies show people who keep good personal health records enjoy better health. Researchers say it may be due to the fact the individual as well as their caregivers have a better understanding of their overall health. Moreover, quick access to a person’s medical history helps care providers make better informed decisions regarding needed care.

John Hopkins Medical explains a good way to start organizing your medical history is to write down the name and contact information of all of your healthcare providers. Be sure to add what role they play in your care.

In terms of paper medical documents, they say paperwork older than a year can be filed away. Current records should be kept where they are easily accessible. These should include a family medical history of grandparents, parents, siblings and other pertinent relatives. Your personal history should include all current medical conditions and how they are being treated. Additionally include past surgeries and procedures as well as hospitalizations and accidents. Doctor summaries and notes should also be in your file.

File copies of test results such as blood work, cholesterol, MRIs, bone density scans, mammograms or prostate screenings. If tests are done regularly, keep copies of past results together to help you track changes from year to year.

Another important piece of information is a list of all medications and herbal supplements you take. The John Hopkins’s article suggests using the pharmacy’s printout from each of your prescriptions as it contains the name, date and dosage of the medication.

Insurance forms should be included in your records. Legal documents like an Advance Will Directive and power of attorney document should be kept with your medical records. Lastly if you are part of a large hospital system, be sure to activate your personal medical chart as it will have information of test results, upcoming appointments, doctors’ notes and more.

MorningStar of Arvada offers the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers to area seniors. Our independent living suites offer active seniors a high-end residential environment with an array of amenities, hospitality services, wellness programs and off-site adventures. MorningStar’s assisted living is designed to keep residents as independent as possible. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers all-inclusive, compassionate care. Contact us to learn more.

Source:
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/medical-records-getting-organized

RA Fatigue can be one of the Disease’s Most Debilitating Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a broad range of symptoms including joint inflammation and swelling as well as pain primarily in the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Another common symptom is fatigued with seven out of ten patients saying they experience a lack of sleep and feelings of fatigue.

Doctors say there are several reasons why people with RA suffer from drowsiness and weakness. One of the main causes is a direct result of the inflammation that disrupts normal bodily functions. Another commonly cited reason reported by patients is a hard time sleeping through the night given the pain and discomfort they feel.

The fatigue related to RA makes it hard to catch up on sleep. Without adequate sleep, people can suffer from a lack of concentration, making it harder to maintain an active lifestyle. Fatigue can also cause irritability and be associated with depression.

However it is important to know that even though fatigue is common, doctors say if your symptoms worsen and/or you have a fever, persistent joint pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your healthcare provider. Experts say this can be a sign of disease progression or medical complications and require immediate attention.

People with RA can help manage fatigue by eating a healthy diet and engaging in low-impact exercises. Practicing good sleep habits like adhering to a regular bedtime and avoiding alcohol and caffeine several hours beforehand can additionally help. There is some data suggesting limiting TV or your exposure to devices emitting blue light a few hours before bedtime can help you sleep better.

Along with adopting good lifestyle habits, talk to your healthcare provider about medications to help reduce pain. Other strategies include learning relaxing techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness and building a strong support network to reduce stress. 

MorningStar of Arvada is a vibrant senior communities offering built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, all-day dining and programs to enhance quality of life. Our stylish suites are available in various floorplans and configurations for plenty of choices. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around individualized needs in an intimate, supportive and loving environment. Contact us to learn more about independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families trust.

Questions Regarding What Medicare Does and Doesn’t Cover?

Many seniors new to Medicare have questions about the scope of what is covered under the program. Experts explain Medicare covers the majority of seniors’ health care needs including hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and prescription drugs. However there are some things not covered and are included in the following.

While Medicare does cover treatment and doctor visits regarding medical problems in the ears; many seniors are surprised to learn it does not cover hearing aids or routine ear exams. Hearing aids are expenses and one solution to defray the cost is to purchase Medicare gap insurance or a membership in a discount plan that helps cover the cost of hearing devices. In 2017 a bill was passed that allows hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter and without a prescription for people with mild to moderate hearing loss; greatly reducing the cost.

Eye exams, glasses and contact lenses are another one of the things not covered under traditional Medicare. Medicare does cover things like cataract surgery and other medical conditions of the eye. If you are concerned about the cost of glasses and exams, vision insurance is available. The same goes for dental care, and there are additional plans out there to help cover the cost of dental work.

If you travel out of the country, you need to know Medicare will not cover any of your medical care. Frequent travelers recommend purchasing a Medigap policy that covers certain overseas medical costs; or check into travel insurance policies offering basic health care. Some seniors opt to pay upfront for emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Other types of services not covered by Medicare are podiatry, massage therapy and chiropractic care. While short-term rehab services are covered, Medicare does not cover long-term care in retirement homes. Looking for vibrant senior living? 

MorningStar of Arvada offers independent living and assisted living designed around the various needs of older adults. Along with senior-friendly activities and built-in companionship, it is a treat to have someone else do the maintenance, cleaning and cooking so you can focus on doing the things you love most in life. For individuals with Alzheimer’s, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate memory care Arvada, CO families have come to trust. Contact us to learn more.

What Information is needed if Mom or Dad is hospitalized?

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden.

Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history so this is one of the things to start gathering. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be.

Now go through the list of medications your parents are taking and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all of their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medicines and dosages the person is taking.

Another thing to gather information on regards your parent’s pre-existing conditions and any recent surgeries or procedures they may have had. Provide the name of their primary care provider; and be sure to let the hospital personnel know if your parent has dementia or any physical limitations.

If the hospital doesn’t already have a copy of your loved one’s advanced directive, also known as living will, bring one with you. An advanced directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken in end-of-life situations when they cannot speak for themselves. Mom or dad may also have a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order, which is another kind of advance directive. It covers not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person’s heart stops or if they stop breathing.

Other information to give to the hospital regards allergies and dietary restrictions. Additionally make sure your loved one has their cell phone with them as many hospital rooms do not have phones.

The MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care families can count on. Our 66 bright suites are offered in a choice of floorplans and configurations (some as large as 974 square feet); and deliver style, comfort, services, amenities and location for a relaxing lifestyle. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, we offer 38 all-inclusive memory care suites.

Mobility Aids & Tech Tools Improve Seniors’ Quality of Life

It seems as if every day the market offers more and more tech devices, gadgets and mobility aids designed to keep seniors moving and give them as independent a lifestyle as possible. Mobility aids include everything from canes and walkers to fall prevention items, wheelchairs, personal scooters, powered wheelchairs, transfer devices and more. The range of products is huge as in the example of walkers. While there are two basic types, standard or rolling (sometimes called rollators); the selection is varied and includes many options and add-ons such as seats and storage baskets.

Technology devices include a variety of products like health monitoring systems and cognitive aids to keep seniors safer and more connected. Today’s SOS alerts systems and fall detectors enable seniors to get help when and where they need it. Amplification devices make it easier to hear the TV, and phones are designed to be easy to use and see. Electronic medication reminders help seniors stay on track with daily meds.

Products such as shower chairs, grab bars and raised toilet seats can make a bathroom safer for seniors and help avoid falls. Ergonomic, adaptive kitchens tools are designed for seniors with arthritis and weak hand grip strength. These include specially designed bottle, cap and jar openers; and scooped plates and bowls to reduce movement.

Adaptive, light-weight tools for gardening enthusiasts also make it easier to dig in the soil and reduce hand and wrist fatigue while weeding. Raised beds and trellises eliminate the need to get down on the ground, and a rolling gardening chair cart makes it easier to get around. Thick kneeling pads are designed to more comfortably knee or sit on the ground, a few even offer cup holders and pockets for tools. Check out the Internet for other useful items.

MorningStar of Arvada’s independent living community offers 112 bright independent living suites that allow seniors to comfortably and securely age in place without giving up any of their freedom or choices. For memory care Arvada, CO families have come to count on; our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is both experienced and compassionate. Ask about MorningStar’s new SafelyYou technology, which allows us to detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Contact us to learn more about the area’s most sought-after independent living.

Preparing for a Move to Senior Living Eases the Transition

Moving can be exhausting and many of us have mixed feelings about the change as we look to a new adventure, while sad to leave our old life behind. Now imagine what your parents may be feeling as they leave a familiar home for an assisted living community. The change can be even more difficult if they are going into memory care.

Experts say there are things family members can do to ease the transition and make it a more positive experience. First, involve your loved one into the decision-making process as much as possible. Discuss the various benefits of each community as regards to suites, amenities, food service and the helpfulness of the staff and administrators. Also read online reviews from other families and residents; and take advantage of in-person tours.

Once the decision is made on a particular community, now help mom or dad decide on what to bring to their new space, keeping in mind it is probably smaller than their current home. Consider an item based on its practicality, footprint, and your loved one’s feelings toward it. Be sure to include personal mementos such as family pictures and a few of their most cherished treasures he/she has collected through the years. Other furniture and items can be given to family members, sold or donated to charity.

Experts advise adult children to play an active role in helping a loved one settle into their new home and to remember it is an emotional adjustment. In-person visits help as do phone calls to let them know you are still thinking of them.

At the MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community, we are experienced in helping residents make a smooth transition by working alongside our residents and their families to listen to concerns and help solve any problems. Our community offers a full range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us to learn more. For the best introduction to our community, our team and our amenities as well as our residents; we encourage you to schedule a tour. If possible, join us for lunch during your tour. We look forward to introducing you to the area’s top senior living.

Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

The Parkinson’s Foundation reports there are almost one million people in the United States living with Parkinson's disease; and that number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. However they say the actual number of people with PD is likely to be higher as many cases go undiagnosed.

The Mayo Clinic explains Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Currently there is no cure but medications can improve symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may also improve symptoms.

Parkinson’s symptoms typically start slowly, and one of the first things a person may notice is a slight tremor in one hand. Called resting tremors, they occur when the person’s hands are at rest, and the first tremors may only be the shaking of one finger. It is important to note that not all tremors are caused by Parkinson’s and you need to consult with your healthcare provider to see if it is Parkinson’s or something else causing the condition.

Stiffness or rigidity, and slowed movement known as bradykinesia are other common symptoms of the disease. Rigidity occurs in the shoulders, trunk, limbs and neck. Bradykinesia includes slowness in everyday movement and tasks such as walking, speech and eating. Another common sign of Parkinson’s is a change in the person’s handwriting. Small handwriting called micrographia occurs because of changes in the parts of the brain that control motor skills. As the disease progresses, people report problems with sleeping, mood swings and changes in cognitive skills as well as problems with vision.

The risk of Parkinson’s increases with age and most cases are diagnosed after the age of 60. Men are more likely to come down with the disease, and there is a small hereditary link. Moreover, ongoing exposure to pesticides and herbicides may increase your risk.

The MorningStar of Arvada is a senior living community offering a full range of options for seniors including independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO seniors can count on. Since our inception in 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Contact us to learn more about our vibrant community.