Memory Care Assisted Living

Healthy Living Tips for Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities

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Getting old can be a challenge, particularly in keeping up with daily activities of day-to-day living. Thankfully, assisted living facilities create a healthy and supportive environment to help seniors keep a healthy mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Moving into a new environment like assisted living does not mean seniors need to stop enjoying the healthy lifestyle they used to have. With a stress-free environment, maintaining a healthy life is achievable.

Nutrition Advice for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

 

As we age, maintaining optimal health is important. Eating healthy and strengthening your physical and mental health contribute to an enhanced overall quality of life.

For loved ones in assisted living, it is never too late to practice healthy habits to live a healthier and longer life.

Choose food with less sugar, less sodium, and saturated fats. Always go for meals rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meat as these foods will provide the essential nutrients and minerals needed for your body to function well. In addition, eating healthy will prevent unwanted health gain or keep a healthy weight.

Calcium and Vitamin D are important for bone health, which can be acquired through eating dairy products, fish, and leafy greens. Other than supplements, sun exposure is a natural source of Vitamin D.

Eat slowly and savor the flavor to help prevent overeating. Slow eating enhances the eating experience and allows the digestive system to absorb nutrients from food more effectively.

Also, consider your individual needs and meet your medical or health condition.  Lastly, stay hydrated. Make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day. However, this does not include beverages with too much sugar or sodium.

Get Plenty of Rest and Sleep

Quality sleep is vital for keeping healthy and in top condition. Getting enough sleep enhances the immune system’s ability to fight illnesses and infections. Adequate sleep also aids in better stress management. With good rest and hours of sleep, the risks of chronic illnesses are reduced.

Gentle Exercise Routines for Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities

Given the physical limitations that come with aging, older seniors find it hard to keep an active lifestyle. But with careful consideration, there are light exercises that help maintain mobility and improve balance.

Seated exercises for example are great for seniors in assisted living facilities with limited mobility. In a stable chair on a flat surface, do gentle upper body twists, gentle arm lifts, and foot and ankle stretches.

Standing exercises on the other hand are great for improving blood flow, strength, and balance. Do gentle side steps, sideways bend, or gentle bicep curls.

And if able, do slow walking exercises. Have a little walk around your room which is beneficial in reducing pain and aches. Incorporating small walks into your daily routine helps improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, increase energy levels, and release happy hormones.

Mental Health and Mindfulness Practices

Keeping these mindful practices positively impacts mental health.

Enjoy the simple pleasures to shift away the attention from stressors. Appreciating the simple things that bring joy also contributes to better mental health.

Self-acceptance is beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression while at the same time fostering a positive self-image and self-worth.

When faced with challenges, take a slow deep breath to counteract the negative effects of stress. Deep breathing also increases oxygen flow to the brain for better mental clarity.

Incorporating good nutrition, exercise, and mindful practices in seniors’ daily routines in assisted living facilities is great for maintaining a healthy life.

 

Looking for excellent senior communities in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Asssted Living!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

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Cervical Health Awareness Month in Assisted Living

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Diseases of the Cervix can impose serious health complications in reproductive health. Cervical Cancer for one is the fourth most common cancer in women affecting millions of women worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 4,000 women die each year because of this disease. As we welcome Cervical Health Awareness Month, it is important to learn more about the disease for cure and most of all, to stop it before it starts. The annual activity is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness in assisted living and other women’s communities about Cervical Cancer.

Understanding Cervical Health in Seniors in Assisted Living

Cervical cancer is most common in young women, but this does not mean senior women are safe from getting the disease. However, researchers from the Washington University of Medicine found that 25% of the new diagnoses are found in women 65 and up.

With that, seniors in assisted living should still be informed about the causes of cervical disease and how to protect themselves from getting the disease. With heightened awareness, it is now easier for senior women to detect the disease early, allowing them to live a fulfilling life.

Signs and Symptoms

Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse is a common sign of cervical cancer.

Persistent pain the in pelvic area is another symptom of cervical disease.

Pain or discomfort

Difficulty in bowel or urinary movement is another sign of cervical cancer.

Persistent fatigue is indicative of advanced cervical cancer.

Sudden or unexplained weight loss is not linked to a change in lifestyle.

Prevention

Women experiencing any or most of these symptoms must consult with their primary care provider as soon as possible. Being diagnosed with the disease can be scary and shocking at the same time. But if detected early, this is treatable.

Screening is one of the easiest ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Vaccination of Cervix and Gardasil is another way to protect women from HPV infection.

Common Types of Treatment

  • Surgery
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Cervical Health Education in Assisted Living Communities

Cervical Health education must be ensured in assisted living communities for the well-being of senior women. Educational programs tailored to their unique needs must be made available for implementation and dissemination. This includes the importance of regular screening, vaccination, and early detection of cervical issues.
These tailored programs would empower senior women with knowledge, preventive measures, and available resources. In addition, promoting cervical health awareness fosters a supportive environment and proactive health engagement, allowing women residents to make informed decisions that will positively impact their cervical health and well-being.

Tips for Cervical Health Maintenance | Assisted Living

Women experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms or diagnosed with cervical health issues must talk and keep in touch with their healthcare team.

  • Schedule a regular Papsmear and HPV screenings
  • Get the HPV vaccine.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle like getting regular exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet.
  • Stay informed about cervical health.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Managing stress as chronic stress can negatively affect your immune system.

Looking for an excellent senior care facility? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper