Archive for year: 2024

American Heart Month in Facilities for Alzheimer’s holds deep significance as it addresses the mutual relationship between cardiovascular health and dementia care. That is because individuals with Alzheimer’s face increased vulnerability to heart-related issues.

 

This emphasizes the importance of integrated health strategies, highlighting heart-healthy practices within facilities for Alzheimer’s. By fostering a holistic approach, caregivers can enhance the overall well-being of residents, acknowledging the connection between heart health and cognitive function in pursuing comprehensive care.

 

American Heart Month in Facilities for Alzheimer’s

 

American Heart Month is a celebration dedicated to motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. This focuses on the importance of heart health since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

 

Severe illnesses can be avoided as well if you prioritize your heart. The practice of self-care is a good way to keep the heart healthy. This can be achieved by being physically active, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress.

 

Understanding the Link between Heart Health and Alzheimer’s

 

It is very important to understand the connection between heart health and brain health. That is because the brain is nourished by one of the richest networks of blood vessels in the human body. So, a lot of factors that damage the blood vessels or the heart may also damage the brain.

 

Some of the factors that put brain health at risk include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking. The good thing is that you can control cardiovascular risk factors to protect brain health. One of the effective ways to improve cognitive function and protect the brain against dementia is through physical activity.

 

Specialized Heart-Healthy Activities for Facilities for Alzheimer’s Residents

 

There are many ways to enjoy a good quality of life for people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Specialized heart-healthy activities can help Alzheimer’s residents so they can have fun, relax, and have a wonderful time.

 

However, it is also important to know the person with dementia to understand how to develop activities suitable for them. This includes his or her former lifestyle, hobbies, recreational and social interests, past travel experience, and work history, among others.

 

You should not overstimulate the person with dementia by being selective with outings, avoiding crowds, or keeping away from constant movement and noise that can be overwhelming for people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s.

 

For instance, a person with dementia loves outings. They can also enjoy simple and unhurried activities which give them the time and space necessary to do as much as possible. When giving activities, you can communicate one instruction at a time by breaking down activities into simple and manageable steps.

 

Sensory experiences suitable for a person with dementia

 

• Brushing their hair
• Smelling fresh flowers
• Hand, neck, or foot massage
• Visiting a flower show or an herb farm

 

Regular exercise can also benefit people living in facilities for Alzheimer’s. Such would include better sleep, improved mood, maintenance of motor skills, and improved memory. However, before getting started in an exercise program, it is essential to talk with the person’s doctor or physiotherapist to discuss the best option for the person with dementia.

 

Looking for excellent memory care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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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

As the New Year approaches, there is no stopping technology from innovating and transforming the lives of humanity including the senior residents in senior housing. With technological advancements, these have made the lives of everyone more convenient, comfortable, and connected to the world.

This New Year, let us explore the best technology available for everyone to benefit from ranging from personal use to healthcare use including for senior housing and the residents.

Overview of User-friendly Tech Gadgets and Apps in  Senior Housing

Like the famous Mark Twain quote, aging is a privilege denied to many, thus, senior adults and their families are comfortable with the idea of staying in senior housing facilities for safety and assistance in getting around.

And with the help of technology, creating a user-tech-friendly environment for seniors without sacrificing accessibility and functionality is easier. Here’s a list of easy-to-use gadgets, apps, and services that can help seniors stay connected to family and friends.

Applications

Apps for services and communication are incredibly helpful for seniors for medication management, communication, health monitoring, emergency assistance, entertainment, navigation, transportation, food and grocery services, and so much more.

Medication reminder apps help loved ones never miss their medication schedules, ensuring they take the right medication on schedule.

Communication apps enable seniors to stay connected with family and friends even from afar, reducing feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.

Meanwhile, health monitoring apps for smartphones or watches are convenient for physical activity, vital signs, and other health-related monitoring promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Emergency assistance apps are crucial for medical emergencies like the common slip and fall case, for seniors to quickly call for help.

Video and music apps have given old forms of entertainment a modern touch. With these, seniors can easily access movies or music for mental stimulation, reduce anxiety, and stimulate creativity. Providing a variety of entertainment options in senior housing increases their joy and their ability to be socially active.

Tools

These apps will not work without the gadgets that play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of seniors. Today, there is an array of options like smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, e-readers, and smart home devices.

Other than these mobile devices, a reliable Internet connection is a must for these gadgets to work. Look for an Internet Service Provider that has a great deal and decent Internet speed. However, bear in mind states do not have the same service options.

How Technology Can Enhance Communication with Family and Friends in Senior Housing

Technology is continuously evolving, making it a powerful tool in today’s interconnected world. Technology bridged geographical gaps through instant messaging and video calling apps. These apps enable quick messaging and real-time connections allowing families to stay connected regardless of the time zone differences.

Social media platforms facilitate the sharing of important life updates for everyone to stay engaged. The availability of smart assistants, online calendars, and other digital tools also streamline the process of completing tasks, setting reminders, and sending messages.

Overall, technology has given access to instant connectivity and enhanced the depth of communication.

 

Looking for excellent care in Nebraska? Click here to learn more about Fallbrook Assisted Living!

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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

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!

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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