ASSISTED LIVING TIPS – HOW TO CARE FOR SENIORS WITH PARKINSON’S

It’s normal to wonder how a new diagnosis will affect a loved one. This is especially true if your loved one has Parkinson’s disease. This is because Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that can cause problems in both mental and physical functioning. This could pose a risk to seniors’ safety at home. People with Parkinson’s can also develop dementia, a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities that can make it more difficult to do certain activities. You may have to modify your home or develop new routines if your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. It’s easier to adapt when you are prepared for these changes. Adaptation can reduce stress and improve the quality of your loved one’s life. This guide gives an overview of important safety measures for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease. This guide also provides information on what to look out for in assisted living communities in Myrtle Beach if your loved ones have Parkinson’s disease.

Room-by-Room Home Modifications For Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

It is important to do a thorough assessment of your home before making modifications. This checklist will help you identify safety concerns in each room.

Parkinson’s disease can have a significant impact on balance and coordination. This increases the likelihood of falling. Between 45% and 68% who suffer from Parkinson’s disease each year experience some form of fall. These falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and other serious consequences. It is also difficult to balance in cluttered spaces, which can lead to tripping over or bumping into objects. Some people with Parkinson’s have trouble cooking because of their shaking or other uncontrollable movements. This increases the chance of injury to knives and burns. Modifications can be made to reduce some of these risks, making your home safer. These are the top safety tips for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease:

Lighting

Parkinson’s disease can cause blurry vision, double vision, and other vision problems in some people. These symptoms may not disappear, but lighting modifications can be made to make it easier for loved ones to see. Use table lamps and floor lamps in rooms with low overhead lighting to brighten the room. To make it easier to see when you are preparing meals and putting dishes away, consider installing LED lights above countertops or inside your kitchen cabinets.

It can be beneficial to install light-switch extensions in every room of the house for seniors who are using wheelchairs or walkers. These extenders allow you to reach existing light switches from a sitting position. This may help reduce the chance of falling. You can add chains or longer cords to overhead lights that don’t have a switch.

Flooring

Parkinson’s disease is known for its common symptom, Parkinsonian gait. This symptom can cause people to shuffle their feet while walking or freeze before they take a step. It may make it more difficult for loved ones to navigate each room because they might be stooped while walking. You can reduce the chance of falling by replacing thick carpeting with hard flooring or thin carpeting. Because people who shuffle often don’t pick their feet up when they walk, deep-pile carpeting is not recommended. This increases the chance of tripping over the thicker surface. Deep-pile carpeting also makes it more difficult to use wheelchairs and walkers.

Furniture

You may need to replace the furniture in your loved one’s home depending on the severity of the disorder. You might consider adding a lift chair recliner in your living room. Because of its comfort and positioning, this type of chair is often used to sleep as the disease progresses. The chair has an internal motor that lifts it up and down. This makes it easier for older people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders to get in and out of the chair.

What to Look for in a Senior Living Facility for a Loved One with Parkinson’s

It is important that you and your loved ones decide on a senior living facility that will provide the best care for those with Parkinson’s disease. Here are some things to look out for:

• There are specialists available: Residents should have the ability to access a neurologist if they don’t live in the same area. In the event that residents have worsening symptoms, it is helpful to have easy access to an imaging center or hospital.
• 24-hour supervision: Although your loved one might not require a staff member to be present in their home at all hours, it is important that they have someone available to help them 24 hours a day. Staff members can help with daily activities, occupational therapy, off-site medical care, or other duties to ensure your loved one is safe.
• Experienced caregivers: These are the best programs that have qualified staff to care for residents and provide support. Senior living communities offer Parkinson’s-specific training for staff to better help residents with this diagnosis. They also provide assistance in recognizing signs and symptoms of disease progression.
• Medication management: Seniors with Parkinson’s disease need to be well managed by their medication. Studies have shown that delays can cause “an immediate rise in symptoms.” Late medication administration can lead to confusion, loss of balance, worsening of tremors, and difficulty communicating. Senior living communities that emphasize timely medication administration are safer for Parkinson’s patients than those that delay medication frequently.
• Personalized care plans: Parkinson’s disease is not the same for everyone. Individualized care is essential to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Because symptoms vary in severity and frequency, personalized care is crucial. Staff members may be able to detect when residents are suffering from worsening symptoms by providing individualized care.

Assisted Living Facilities that Offer Parkinson’s Care and Management

Assisted living communities offer support 24 hours a day. They also provide a variety of amenities and services to help people with Parkinson’s disease. Some communities offer specialized Parkinson’s care programs that provide extra support for residents to manage their symptoms and maintain as much neurological function as possible.

Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more about our assisted living community and other services.

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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

There are many assisted living services and amenities. Many communities offer a variety of activities, housekeeping, meals that are healthy, and transportation. Each community is unique in its staff and pricing. This checklist will help you decide which amenities and features are most important to you as you look for the right long-term home. Learn important questions to ask when touring assisted living communities.

Checklist for Assisted Living for Seniors

Consider your personal preferences and your health when you start your search. A smaller Myrtle Beach assisted living community might be the best option if you are unable to walk or use a wheelchair.

Active seniors who love to cook their favorite recipes should ask if the apartment has a kitchen. Ask about the community pet guidelines if you would like to bring your pet.

The ultimate goal of a community is to provide senior citizens with carefree, maintenance-free living. While assisted living amenities and features are intended to make your life easier, it is important to assess how each service can help you. These are the most important assisted living features. Make sure to check out which ones you value the most.

Ask about community engagement or social activities

Most communities share a weekly calendar that includes activities and events for assisted living. Find out which activities are offered and when they happen.

Explore dining options

Assisted living communities in Myrtle Beach typically offer three meals per day that are home-cooked, as well as snacks and beverages. Ask for a sample menu and these questions to find out more about the dining options.

Check out the transportation options available to you

Some seniors want to keep their cars and drive, while others prefer to be free from the burdens of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

Ask about maintenance and housekeeping

Assisted living is all about a maintenance-free lifestyle. Most seniors have had to change lightbulbs for 50 years and shovel snow every year. They are ready for an easy, hands-off lifestyle. Assisted living communities often have scheduled or regular room cleanings. These can include dusting, vacuuming, and providing fresh linens.

Take a look at the community amenities

Are you a gardener or a fitness enthusiast? Do you enjoy playing poker at your weekly game night? Many communities have amenities that cater for all walks of life. Ask about the amenities that are most important to you, whether you’re looking for salon services or swimming laps. assisted

Evaluate essential safety features

Seniors who live independently should be concerned about safety. Ask staff about their plans for different situations such as power outages, natural catastrophes, or medical emergencies.

Assisted living communities do not usually offer medical care. However, they should have safety precautions in place in case of falls or injuries. Standard amenities include walk-in showers and grab bars in the bathrooms. Some assisted living communities might also have motion sensors and fall-detection technology.

Chat with the community staff

Talk to staff during your visit. You’ll likely be in touch with them every day after you move. It is important to understand how leaders and employees work together.

Consider your budget

Three key factors influence the cost of assisted living: location, size, and services. Holiday Retirement, one of the largest assisted living providers in the country, had a monthly average price of $2491 for a senior apartment in 2020. assisted living communities can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 per month.

Know you have found the right place to call your home

You can live a happy, fulfilled, and stress-free life after you move to senior living. After you have toured the communities, it is time to make an informed decision.

We make sure that every individual is at home and at peace. If you’d like to find an assisted living community that cares for your well-being, come and give us a visit. Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to know more!

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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

Assisted Living – Dealing With Aging Parents’ Loneliness

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with others. The internet, social media apps and smartphones have made it easy to reach anyone at any time, from anywhere. Despite all these advancements, research shows that Americans are lonelier than ever. Seniors experience this loneliness at a higher rate than any other age group.

What are the consequences of being lonely?

Loneliness is something that can be overcome to a certain extent. You can choose to keep your distance or to make an effort to connect with family and friends. It is more difficult to keep in touch with loved ones due to certain factors. Your social circle shrinks as you age. People move away and friends die, while family members become parents, or start their own families. Even if there are family members and friends in the area, mobility issues, illness, and transportation problems can make it difficult for you to leave the house and visit the people you love.

There are also physical consequences associated with age, including decreased mobility and vision impairments. Embarrassment is another factor. Older adults with vision, hearing, or incontinence problems, as well as those who use assistive devices for mobility, may be anxious or self-conscious enough to avoid social situations. They may become more isolated as a result.

Scientists believe that loneliness can have a similar physiological impact on the body to chronic stress. The body produces stress hormones like cortisol to increase inflammation, impair immunity, and contribute to mental illness, chronic health problems, and diabetes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry suggests that loneliness could be linked to the development of biomarkers within the brain that have been linked with early Alzheimer’s.

Strategies to Overcome Loneliness among Seniors

Loneliness can have severe consequences for seniors’ mental and physical health. You can take action if you’re concerned for your parents, or someone else close to you. Senior loneliness can be combated with simple steps. All it takes to get the wheels turning is one person.

Here are eight ways to help your loved one get over loneliness:

Listen. Listening is sometimes the best thing you could do for someone. Your loved one will feel less isolated if you are there to listen. Engage your loved one by asking questions, engaging in conversation, and encouraging them to speak up. Although it may not be easy at first, it will become easier if you are willing to learn.

Make a plan. Listening is key. You should also take the time to find out about your loved ones’ interests and create a plan to incorporate these into daily life. You can take your loved one to a concert or encourage them to join a local choir if they enjoy music. Even if that seems too difficult, taking an hour to do something with your loved one is a great way to make an impact. You should also discuss the idea of senior care with your parents to give them some perspective early on.

Find a hobby. It is the best way for your brain to stay sharp. As a way to keep active and meet new people, encourage your loved one. You can suggest that they join a book group, start a knitting club, or go to the community center for weekly activities.

Bridge the gap. Finding someone to connect with is not as difficult as you might think for lonely parents or elderly people. It is a great idea to get your loved one in touch with younger relatives. Spending time with grandparents, nieces, and nephews can help them learn a lot. It may also make your loved one feel more involved in family activities.

Take a class or a seminar. Encourage your loved one to attend a class or seminar if they are still mobile. This will allow them to meet new people and get out of their houses. Many community centers and community colleges offer classes free of charge for seniors. Ask around at your library to find out what events are happening.

Teach someone something. Give your loved one the chance to teach you something if taking a class is too difficult. Listen to your loved one, and then ask them to share what they have learned. Even if they only have wisdom or helpful advice to offer, this will bring meaning to the family and help restore some of those child-parent relationships that are sometimes lost when children take over caring for their elderly parents.

Give back. Volunteering offers many benefits to lonely seniors both mental and physical. Volunteering promotes physical activity and keeps the brain active. The National Institute on Aging states that engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of dementia in older adults. It will also get your loved one outside the home and into a social setting.

Adopt a pet. Although an animal is not a substitute for human companionship and love, studies have shown that pet ownership can bring both mental and physical benefits. The brain can respond to having a pet, increasing serotonin and decreasing cortisol levels. A pet can make your home feel more alive and will help you to relax.

Assisted living might be a good option if you’re concerned about the well-being of your loved one. Assisted living communities offer more than just help for the elderly. They also provide social opportunities that aren’t possible elsewhere. It is essential to discuss assisted living with loved ones or parents. They should focus on the benefits, and let them make the decision. It is not what you want for your loved ones to feel that you are trying to take them away.

Aging is part of our daily lives and it is something we cannot escape. There will always be chances to meet new people and to keep in touch with loved ones and family. It is all about making it happen.

For assistance in finding the best assisted living community in Myrtle Beach, call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now.

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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

KEEPING FIT IN ASSISTED LIVING

Summer is here, which means exercise and staying fit are top of mind. This should also apply to older Americans. While it is common to believe that assisted living limits your freedom, the truth shows the exact opposite. Assistive living’s goal is to give you as much freedom as possible. One way we do this is by making it easy and encouraging residents to exercise regularly. We have some tips for you if you or someone you love is having trouble staying fit in assisted living Myrtle Beach.

1) Know Your Limits

Our bodies age and we may not be able to perform certain exercises as often as we used to. To stay fit, you must first recognize your limitations and stop pushing yourself too hard. This can lead to injury. You can create a workout program that suits you once you have established your limits.

2) Explore Your Options

Many assisted living communities provide exercise facilities and equipment for residents. Ask staff members if they have any information that can help you stay fit. You may be amazed at all the options that are available to you. At Stillwater Senior Living, for example, we offer something new every day! We encourage you to explore our beautiful hallways!

3) Find a Workout Buddy

A great benefit of assisted living is its sense of community. It is a great idea to find a buddy to work out with. You can have someone take your dance class, or go for a walk along with you. Working out with someone makes it much more enjoyable and allows you to make connections with other assisted living residents. You are certain to find a friend in any of our classes.

4) Get Outside

The Midwest has very little suitable summer weather so it is important that we take advantage of any good weather. Exercise in nature has been proven to be beneficial for both mental and physical health. Get outside and take in the fresh air and beauty of nature as often as you can. It is also important to keep in mind that summer is often very hot, especially July and August. This means that exercising outside may not be possible. Try to do your exercise first thing in the morning, before it gets too hot.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest ensures all seniors receive proper care including physical activities to keep them fit.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

3 WAYS TO MAKE ASSISTED LIVING EASIER FOR LOVED ONES THIS FALL

The Spooky Season is here and you may prefer horror fiction to your everyday life. However, the idea of moving into assisted living is a frightening prospect for many older Americans. But, of all the scary things in life, we don’t believe that moving into assisted housing should be. Having to live in assisted living is one of the worst nightmares.

We have tips for making the transition to assisted living less frightening, whether you are worried about your own move or those of your loved ones.

Find the right assisted living community for you

It can make the transition easier for you and your loved ones by making sure that you are connected to the right assisted living community. When weighing the pros and con’s of assisted living communities, there are many things you should consider:

• Cost: While money is not the only factor, an assisted living community that can meet all your needs will not be able to help you if your budget doesn’t allow for it. Before you begin looking into assisted living communities, you should first take a hard look at your finances.
• It’s all about location. They may want to relocate to a warmer area or to be near their family. It can help to come up with a list ahead of time so you can check it against your various assisted living options to see which one meets the greatest number of your requirements/preferences.
• Reviews are important in every aspect of life, from dating to business. The reputation of the assisted living facility you choose is no exception. We are always supportive of high-quality assisted living communities but the truth is that not all communities can meet our high standards. It is important not to leave your loved ones’ care to chance. Do your research ahead of time so they are in good hands.

Give it time for reality to set in

It is a great way to convince your loved one to move into assisted living immediately. Don’t wait until your loved one is absolutely in need of assisted living. Give them notice months or even years ahead of the time they will be moving into assisted living. Talk to your loved one about the many benefits that assisted living has. Ask them about their dreams for their golden years, and then suggest ways that assisted living could fit in that vision.

Take them on a tour

Fear of the unknown is what we are most afraid of. Even though there is nothing to fear, it can be a frightening image that we create in our heads. You can prevent your loved one from falling for this trap by taking them along on a tour of the assisted living community. They will be able to see it firsthand and begin to imagine what life would be like. They will soon be more comfortable with the idea of moving there.

We can help you with everything, including a tour and general information about what your loved ones can expect when they move to assisted living. To begin your transition to an assisted living community that is better for you, all you need to do it to reach out.

At Reflections Assisted Living, we do our best to make your loved ones feel at home. Call us today to know more about our assisted living services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living communities.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/