If a Spouse would Thrive in Assisted Living, Why Not Consider Joining Them?

If your spouse is in need of the type of services assisted living communities provide, it may make sense for both of you to move into one. Not only does it simplify the problem of not wanting to live apart from one another but it may make good sense for the couple’s well-being and pocket-book especially if they choose to share an apartment.   

Senior living like MorningStar of Parker, welcome couples to move-in together even if one of them requires care for the activities of daily living (ADLs) and the other doesn’t. Our four-story building features 54 private assisted living Parker suites in  a range of floorplans including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom configurations as well as 49 suites for independent living. 

If a couple chooses to share an apartment, they will pay for the cost of one unit and an additional sharing fee for the second occupant. The Aging.com website explains the assisted living resident typically pays for the additional senior care services they require. For example, one resident needs “assistance with medication management, bathing, and dressing, but their partner is still able to do everything independently. They’ll only pay for the first partner’s care services and any other add-ons they both want.

As a resident, you will enjoy all-day restaurant-style dining services and a bistro/pub, rooftop dining deck, outdoor patio, and raised garden beds for avid gardeners who wish to continue their passion. Resident parking and complimentary scheduled transportation makes getting out and about easy. Our contemporary suites have 10’ ceilings, lots of windows, and kitchenettes with a breakfast bar, granite surfaces and stainless-steel fridge & microwave. Community amenities feature an indoor pool & jetted spa (low chlorine with ozone), full salon, and access to the Cherry Creek Trail. A full array of activities and wellness programs include exercise classes, games like trivia and bingo, movie nights, sing-alongs and more. Moreover no need to worry about leaving your furry, four-footed friend behind as we are also pet friendly. 

Obviously all this means even if you are not in need of senior care right now, you will have peace of mind knowing your spouse is getting the care they need to help maintain their independence; as you share the fun and entertainment with them. Please contact us to discuss your needs, and while you are at it, set up a tour of our gorgeous retirement communities. 

Source: agingcare.com/articles/couples-living-together-assisted-living-144938.htm

Preventing Medical Errors

The US News & World Report writes, medical errors are more common than we think; and some of them are life-altering or deadly. Facts show medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. These include mistakes made in health care settings such as incorrect diagnoses, problems in surgery, operating on the wrong part of the body and incorrectly dispensing medications. Another devastating mistake can result in patients acquiring infections during their hospital stay from things like inadequate hand hygiene and improper wound care. 

Dr. Kanwar Kelley, a board-certified otolaryngologist and cofounder and CEO of Side Health, explains, “Most medical errors – regardless if they are diagnostic errors, medication errors or surgical errors – can be linked to issues in medical processes or workflows.”

While most mistakes happen within the healthcare system and it is neither our responsibility or within our reach to prevent many of these errors, there are things we can do to try and protect ourselves. The first thing experts say is to get as informed as possible about your medical problem. This includes asking questions about treatment options, and how long you will be on any new medication you are prescribed. Ask about potential side effects and make sure you know exactly how to take the medication. If you are not happy with what you hear or with the doctor, you are entitled to seek a second opinion. 

Your responsibility includes communicating with your healthcare team about all medications you are taking including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. In addition, provide a comprehensive medical history of diseases, cancers, surgeries and other problems you have had over the years.   

At the MorningStar of Parker retirement communities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our four-story building features 49 suites for independent living and 54 suites for assisted living Parker as large as 1609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses. MorningStar’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to schedule an in-person tour to discover what the area’s finest senior living Parker looks like firsthand. 

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-prevent-medical-errors? 

Routine Hearing Exams are Important for Seniors

A recent Harvard Health Publishing article explains one in three people between the ages of 65 to 74 has some hearing loss. Once seniors are 75 years or older, almost half have some level of difficulty hearing. While there are strategies that help a person manage mild hearing loss; experts warn that after time it could impact a person’s health in a very profound way. 

Too often people with hearing loss avoid going to places such as restaurants, family parties or other gatherings. Typically these events are noisy and make it difficult for a person to hear what is being said within their group’s conversation. Studies show hearing loss not only leads to social isolation but depression and being less active. Researchers say they also have found a connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Researchers say this may be due to how “hearing loss impairs new nerve cell creation in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory region.”  

Age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis and doctors say there are several reasons for the condition. It is impossible to diagnose the problem and its severity without a thorough evaluation from a certified audiologist.  One of the main reasons for presbycusis is the cells in the inner ear grow old, die and are not replaced; making it harder and harder for sound waves to travel to the brain. Another common cause of hearing loss is long-term noise exposure. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends adults have their hearing tested every ten years until the age of 50. After 50, people should be tested every 3 years. The World Health Organization recommends adults should be screened every 5 years up to age 65, and from then on, every 1 to 3 years.

At the MorningStar of Parker senior living community, we offer residents comfort, well-being and security with independent living, assisted living and memory care options. Our four-story building features 49 suites for independent living and 54 suites for assisted living; some as large as 1609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses. MorningStar’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 43 memory care suites. Contact us to set up a tour to our community as well as learn more about our lifestyle options including our assisted living or senior care services, amenities and programs. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/do-you-pass-the-hearing-test

Seniors Need to be Alert to Scammers

The Federal Trade Commission reported in 2023, adults in the U.S. lost a record $10 billion to fraud. They want us to remember scammers are skilled and persuasive, and use tactics designed to catch us off guard. 

A common scam is to phone older adults and pretend to be from organizations like the IRS, Social Security Administration or Medicare. During the call, they ask for personal information, and if the person is reluctant to give it, they threaten to cut off benefits. Once they have your information, they use it to commit identity theft.

Be wary of calls from someone who claims you have won a lottery or prize and the only hitch is you need to send money or gift cards to cover taxes and processing fees. Also don’t be taken in by a popular scam claiming your computer is compromised and you need to pay them to fix it. Especially targeted at seniors is a caller pretending to be a grandchild or relative (or their friend) pleading for money to be wired to get out of jail or other types of trouble.   

To protect yourself, change your passwords often and make sure they are complicated. Use two-step verifications when you have the option. Be careful of giving out any information over the phone, in emails or through texts. Avoid transferring money or purchasing gift cards over the phone. Experts say once you complete such a transaction, the money is typically unrecoverable. Finally if you are targeted by a scam, notify your local police department or reach out to the National Elder Fraud Hotline.  

At the MorningStar of Parker senior living community, we offer premium independent living and assisted living that allows residents to safely and comfortably age in place. Our community has an array of luxury amenities; wellness programs and activities; and tasty, delicious meals served restaurant-style. Residents enjoy the security of predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. 

For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers all-inclusive memory care that is both compassionate and experienced. Contact us to learn more about our community and how we can enhance your quality of life. Also ask about our special offer for “One Month Free” for new assisted living and memory care residents.