The staff and residents of Park Place Assisted Living would like to wish you and your family a very happy Easter holiday!

Did you know that as a veteran of the United States military you and your surviving spouse may qualify for financial assistance to pay for an assisted living facility or in-home care? The Aid and Assistance Pension is only offered to veterans and their spouses who are in need of daily assistance with simple tasks such as dressing, bathing, and preparing food.

The following are a few requirements to be considered to receive this funding:

• Veterans must have served one day during an active war and had no less than a 90 day service.
• Surviving spouses must still have been married to the veteran when they passed.
• You must have a doctor’s order insisting you need the aid and attendance of another every day.
• You must have less then $80,000 in checking and savings even less if you are applying as a single (not including your home or vehicles). If you have IRAs and CDs, they are included as income.
• You must have received an honorable discharge or general discharge.
• You can choose where you want to live as long as it is a credible facility or community/ home care company.

This is an extremely underutilized opportunity due to limited exposure. For more information about how to apply for this assistance and how much funding you can receive, visit the Veteran Aid website. You can also contact the Park Place Assisted Living staff for help in researching this opportunity.

Dietary supplements may be necessary as we age to help maintain our overall metabolic health. While supplements such as fish oil and glucosamine are popular additions to many people’s routines for maintaining muscle mass and joint health, other vitamins and minerals may be required due to certain medical conditions. Calcium, iron, and folic acid are three common supplements that many seniors should take daily.

Calcium is a vital mineral for the development and maintenance of our teeth and bones. Dairy products and leafy green vegetables are two common sources of calcium that we get in our everyday diets. However, women especially may require calcium pills to consume an adequate amount on a daily basis.

Calcium deficiency can lead to medical complications such as osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, in senior adults. Because of their tendency to require more calcium than men, women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

Iron supplements help to combat iron deficient anemia, a common condition suffered by seniors. Anemia is caused by a lower amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced number of red blood cells. When this occurs, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty breathing can effect the individual. Aging can be a factor in the development of iron deficient anemia and should be monitored with regular blood testing. Increasing the amount of iron in the bone marrow helps to regenerate these red blood cells, which helps to resolve the symptoms.

Folic Acid, a B vitamin, aids in cell regeneration. Folate deficiency, or a lack of folic acid, can lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia, which means that the red blood cells in the body are larger in size than is typically considered normal. Like other forms of anemia, symptoms can include fatigue and weakness.

Foods that contain folic acid include leafy greens, nuts, peas, dried beans, and fruits. However, folic acid supplements can also be taken if these foods are not a common staple in your diet.

Before including any kind of supplement in your diet it is important to talk to your doctor about a reasonable dose. Certain dietary changes may be required while taking supplements and common side effects should be discussed before taking them. For more information on dietary supplements click here.

A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that seniors suffering from Parkinson’s Disease who practice the ancient art of Tai Chi twice a week have improved their balance and mobility.

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease of the brain that tends to develop slowly over time and currently affects more than 1 million people in the United States. Some of the most debilitating symptoms of this disease include tremors, instability, and muscle stiffness.

According to this study, Tai Chi, when compared to other forms of exercise such as resisting training and stretching, was found to improve overall postural stability, balance, and walking ability. This ancient art form relies on a combination of stretching and gentle physical exercise in slow fluid movements with the aim of improving concentration and awareness of the environment.

Though this is a relatively low energy form of exercise, it is still important for patients with Parkinson’s Disease to meet with their doctor before engaging in Tai Chi to determine if they are safe to participate.

For more information on Parkinson’s Disease, click here to visit the National Parkinson Foundation website.

Experiencing age-related changes to our bodies and minds are to be expected the older we get. According to the National Institute of Health there are a few common areas that seniors typically experience the most change, both physically and mentally.

1. Digestive: One common change to our digestive system that can result in frequent acid reflux is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This occurs when the stomach contents leaks from the stomach back into the esophagus. Though everyone can experience symptoms of GERD, seniors are a large part of the population that suffer. Reducing the intake of spicy foods, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are all ways of managing acid reflux.

2. Dental: Tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental related conditions are relatively common amongst the older population. Poor oral hygiene is often a contributor, however, genetics also play a role in the development of dental disease. Seniors are encouraged to use fluoridated toothpaste and mouth wash products to maintain the appropriate level of fluoride in their system. In addition, regular dental check ups are imperative to ensure good oral health.

3. Eyes and Ears: Deteriorating vision and hearing are to be anticipated in older adults. Ocular diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts can impair vision and at times require specialized procedures to correct. When hearing loss is suspected it is beneficial to utilize tools such as hearing aids to help correct the problem. Approximately one third of the American population between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from hearing impairment.

4. Bones & Joints: The bones that suffer the most damage as we age are referred to as the weight-bearing bones. Overtime conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can begin to develop, which can inhibit mobility and limit independence. While arthritis affects the joints of the body and can make walking difficult, osteoporosis can actually weaken the bones enough to cause them to break. A doctor may recommend a daily multivitamin or bone supplements to help with overall bones health and preservation.

5. Urogenital: Conditions such as urinary incontinence are common in seniors, especially in women. While some may experience mild leaking during the day, others may have full loss of bladder control. Though age is a significant contributor, other factors such as bladder infections, urinary tract disease, and certain medication can all lead to urinary incontinence. In men, prostate enlargement can result in difficulty urinating and general discomfort. Periodic prostate exams are recommended to monitor for growth as well as tumor development and cancer.

6. Skin: Changes to our skin as we age goes beyond the development of wrinkles and liver spots. Conditions such as shingles, skin cancer, and dry skin are relatively common in older adults. Poor diet and hydration, constant exposure to the sun, and smoking, all play a roll in the overall health of our skin. Shingles, which is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, leads to painful blisters and effects the nerves. Even after recovering from a flare up, the potential for having continued problems does not go away. It is most commonly found in older adults over the age of 50 who had the chickenpox as children.

7. Memory: Alzheimer’s Disease is a debilitating disease that effects our memory and causes confusion and can result in a loss of independence. While mild memory loss and forgetfulness are to be expected in older adults, those who have trouble recognizing friends and family, difficulty remembering to take care of themselves, and those that lose large sections of time during the day may be suffering from something more serious.

Being aware of common age-related changes is important. While some require mild lifestyle changes, others may signify more serious problems that need to be addressed. For more information on this topic click here to visit the National Institute for Health website.

Deciding to place a loved one in the care of an assisted living facility can be difficult and emotionally stressful on all parties involved. Guilt is one of the most common emotions felt on the part of the family because they tend to view seeking assistance as a personal failure. However, not everyone is in a position to serve as a caregiver, and allowing a family member or friend to remain in their home under unsafe circumstances is certainly not a better option.

There are a few telling signs that indicate it may be time to consider seeking help for an elderly friend or family member:

1. Can your loved one still accomplish necessary daily activities? Maintaining independence requires that we can still take care of seemingly simply chores without regular assistance from others. Personal hygiene, driving, running errands, doing laundry, and other regular activities can become difficult if not impossible for some seniors. If this individual requires constant supervision and help throughout the day, it may be time to look into assisted living.

2. Is your loved one suffering from regular memory loss? Forgetting where we put our keys is one thing. However, forgetting things such as eating, using the restroom, or taking important medications can become dangerous very quickly. If memory loss becomes progressively worse, it becomes essential to arrange daily help for that individual.

3. Is your loved one able to get themselves up and around? Diseases such as arthritis can make something as simple as getting out of bed almost impossible. Seniors that have had recent surgery, hip or knee replacement, or that suffer from chronic pain may not be able to successful care for themselves throughout the day because of limited mobility. Those individuals that need help sitting, standing, or walking, are good candidates for assisted living.

4. Can your loved one take care of themselves in the event of an emergency? If you are uncertain that your elderly friend or family member would be able to get out of the house in the event of a fire, remember to secure their house safely, or be able to get help in the event of a medical emergency, it may be time to seek help from an assisted living facility. Many professionally run facilities, like Park Place Assisted Living, have emergency buttons throughout their rooms that allow for immediate help in the event of an emergency such as a fall. This ensures that your loved one will be able to get the help they need whenever they may require it.

Though this decision is never easy, it can be necessary to ensure the safety of the person you love. Prior to choosing which facility to place your loved one in, it is important to speak with the staff and tour the facility to make sure you are comfortable with them.

At Park Place Assisted Living we encourage you to visit our beautiful grounds and talk about your concerns with our friendly staff and management team. We are here to help make this transition as easy as possible and put your concerns to rest. If you have further questions, or wish to arrange a tour, please contact us as (775) 746-1188.

Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are commonly associated with younger generations as a way to meet and stay connected with friends. However, in recent years, usage of these sites by older American’s has increased significantly. A study conducted between 2005 and 2010 by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project showed an increase of 47% for seniors aged 50-64, and 26% for those aged 65 and above in the use of social media sites over those 5 years.

It is suggested that this increase is directly related to seniors becoming more computer literate as the years progress. Being more comfortable with the Internet allows them to utilize it in more ways. Sites such as Facebook are becoming more popular because of the ability to reconnect with people from the past and remain active participants in already established relationships with friends and family. In fact, according to the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), out of the top four most commonly used websites by older Americans, Facebook holds the number two spot with over 19 millions seniors using the site as of July 2010.

Twitter, another popular site devoted to staying connected with friends and family by posting status updates, has also grown in popularity with approximately 10% of Internet users over the age of 50 reporting using Twitter or similar sites, according to the Pew Research Center.

Though email still remains the most popular form of communication for seniors with computer access, studies have shown that most senior will continue to use social media sites once they have been introduced to them and have spent some time learning how to operate them.

One distinct benefit of using these sites to stay in touch with loved-ones during retirement is the ability to stem feelings of loneliness and isolation. Rather than feeling cut out of the lives of their friends and family because of distance or disability, seniors are able to communicate and view pictures and videos at the touch of a button whenever the mood strikes. These provides a sense of involvement in the lives of those they love most.

Social media has developed into a world-wide phenomenon that only continues to advance and impress. It’s usability for both business and personal reasons makes it one of the most ingenious tools of in recent generations.

Animal lovers know how heartwarming it is to see your favorite furry friend wag their tail in delight when they see you throughout the day. And studies have shown that owning or having regular contact with animals can actually improve our overall attitude and outlook towards life. Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society in 1999 indicated that seniors that own or have contact with animals tend to be more physically and emotionally healthy than those that do not.

There are many theories for how animals contribute to our well being. One of the most commonly discussed reasons is that they require daily care and commitment from their owner. The act of taking a dog on a walk everyday is good physical exercise for the owner as well, and encourages them to get out of the house and enjoy fresh air. While cats don’t necessarily require regular outdoor activity, they do need social interaction and playtime to keep them amused, which requires effort on the part of their owner.

Establishing this kind of routine is especially beneficial for seniors who would otherwise have very little to do throughout the day. Boredom and lack of contact with others can quickly develop into depression and a reduced quality of life. Even small responsibilities such as feeding, brushing, and petting an animal are significant enough to make a difference in the quality of a person’s day.

Another theory on how animals improve our lives is the simple act of having physical contact and company during the day. Studies have show medical benefits such as lower blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate associated with seniors that interact regularly with animals. Having a sense of companionship and unconditional love are very simple ways of leading a more physically and emotionally sound lifestyle.

Even those that don’t have their own live-in furry companions benefit from having animals in their lives, even in rare instances. Occasional visits from therapy dogs and cats can be enough to impact the overall attitude of an individual. Those that don’t have the means or ability to own an animal can also benefit from visits to local animal shelters or adoption events to enjoy some supervised time around the animals.

Though there is no substitution for human contact, animals can often help to supplement that void by providing company and unconditional love.

When in comes to oral health, older Americans are just as likely, if not more likely, to develop problems with their teeth and gums. The connection between our mouth and the rest of our body is important as dental disease can lead to more serious problems such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.

Visiting a Dentist

Regular dental exams and cleanings are still highly recommended for seniors to monitor the condition of their teeth and gums. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), senior patients are advised to provide their dentists with a list of the following information:

• Information on your primary healthcare providers, including their phone number
• A list of current medications being taken, including vitamins and supplements
• A list of any current medical conditions
• Emergency contact information

Certain medications and medical conditions can aid in the development of dental disease. Conditions such as dry mouth can often be related to the use of specific medications. If these problems can be rectified by altering medications and dosages, your dentist can work with the general practitioner to make the necessary changes.

Brushing

Good oral hygiene starts with diligent home-care. Brushing twice a day with toothpaste approved by the ADA and flossing regularly helps to prevent tooth decay and bacteria from building up in the mouth. Even individuals will few or no teeth left should still brush the gums, palate, and tongue to keep the tissues healthy.

Dentures

Just like real teeth, dentures require regular cleaning and care. Full and partial dentures can trap bacteria in the mouth and should be soaked in specialized cleaning agents daily. Dentists recommend removing dentures at least 4 hours per day to allow the gums to rest and rejuvenate. Ideally, dentures should be removed every night before going to sleep.

For more information on the care and use of dentures, visit the ADA website.

Tobacco Use

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are extremely harmful for the overall health of the body; especially the mouth. Smoking can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, amongst other things. Discontinuing the use of tobacco products reduces the chances of developing these problems as well as certain forms of oral cancer.

Preserving the health of our oral cavity is essential for many reasons. The teeth are not only important for chewing food, but also for speaking, and maintaining the appearance and construct of our face. When good oral hygiene is not practiced it is very likely to loose some or all of our teeth, suffer painful gum disease, and look older than we should.

Visiting the dentist regularly, good brushing and flossing habits, and good nutrition are all ways to maintain good oral hygiene into our golden years.

For more information on dental health, as well as a list of dental healthcare providers in your area, visit the ADA website.

As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease it often falls on you to ask the right questions and gather information when a diagnosis of this magnitude is handed down.

The National Institute of Aging offers a list of tips for making the transition of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient as easy as possible on all those involved.

Immediately after diagnosis:

• Consult with your loved-one’s physician and ask any questions you have regarding the severity and progression of the disease.
• Get into contact with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association for information on classes in your community centered around being a caregiver and any additional information you may need about the disease itself.
• If needed, look into support groups to deal with any concerns or needs you may have as a caregiver. Many groups offer a safe place to discuss fears regarding the disease and can be a resource for help in the future.

Establishing a routine:

• Structure and routine are known to be helpful for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Certain times of the day may prove to be better for the patient in terms of being less confused or irritable. Establishing a working routine may make the day run more smoothly for both of you.
• If the demands of 24 hour care become overwhelming, contact a day nursing service to relieve you for a few hours a day. This will allow for some separation and enable you to get things throughout the day that are otherwise difficult to accomplish, while still knowing your loved-one is safe.

Communication Tips:

• Using simple short sentences is often most effective when speaking to an Alzheimer’s patient. However, avoid talking to them as though they are small children.
• Allow enough time for them to process your question and formulate an answer. Don’t interrupt.
• If they are struggling to come up with a word, gently offer a word to assist them. Patients and understanding is key in keeping communication open.

Long term thoughts:

• It is import to establish legal and financial requests while your loved one is still able to. This will ensure that their wishes are respected later on. Contacting a financial and legal expert can help make this process easier.
• If being a caregiver becomes too much, there is no shame is seeking professional assistance. Many assisting living facilities are equipped with specially trained staff and equipment to offer the safest environment  possible for their residents. Utilizing these resources may be better long term for both of you. Never be afraid to ask for help.

For more tips on being a successful caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s, please visit the National Institute on Aging’s website.