Learn the Facts About Arthritis

In an article in Medical News Today experts discuss some of the common myths and facts regarding arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two main types of arthritis, and a national survey found nearly half of adults 65 years and older have been diagnosed with arthritis. OA, the most common form and leading cause of disability in older adults, is the result of cartilage between the bones in a joint wearing down. 

Many people believe arthritis is only a disease of the elderly but RA, while not as common as OA, typically starts in individuals as young as 20 to 40 years old. People also mistakenly think if a joint hurts, it must be arthritis. Doctors say there are several reasons a person may experience pain in and around joints including old injuries, bursitis, and tendinitis. 

Another myth is you shouldn’t exercise if you have arthritis; however, studies show exercise can actually help with range of motion and strength in the joint (consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or activity). The American College of Rheumatology says, “Exercise and arthritis can and should coexist. People with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, improved sleep, and better day-to-day function.”

Then there is the debate on whether heat is better than ice for sore joints. The Guy’s and St Thomas’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in the UK, explains, “Used in the right way, heat can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Cold application can help reduce joint inflammation and swelling.” Moreover, experts say believing arthritis is unpreventable is only partially true as there are things people can do to mitigate risk or slow down the progression such as maintaining a healthy body weight. 

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be the place for you. Casa Sandoval is a vibrant 55+ community that provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Please visit our website for a full list of amenities about our assisted living communities, suite plans and to inquire about availability and pricing.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-arthritis

Seniors Lose Billions Each Year to Financial Scams

Each year millions of elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. The national council on Aging (NCOA) estimates older adults lose an estimated $3 billion each year to financial scams. The sad part is that it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgment and decision-making skills.   

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.  

NCOA updates the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, look at the information and discuss the various schemes used with them.  One scam frequently used is for a thief to call unsuspecting victims and pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They have many angles such as saying the individual has unpaid taxes or their Social Security or Medicare benefits are in danger of being cut off.  They then demand payment (in the case of unpaid taxes) or ask for personal identifying information, which is then used to commit fraud. These impersonators often “spoof” the actual phone numbers of the government agency, or call from the same area code for Washington, DC, tricking the victim into believing the call is legitimate.

The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor.  In addition, never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people.  Also, do not give out personal PIN numbers, or Medicare and other financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person.  

Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure sales persons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes.  Experts say it is most likely a hoax.  Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases.  

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. If you are looking for exceptional assisted or independent living, Hayward’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

Source: https://ncoa.org/article/top-10-financial-scams-targeting-seniors

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make her life easier and more interesting, most mothers are happy to get them.

If mom lives alone, there are several smartly-designed dressing aids to make it easier for her and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for a bracelet fastener or magnetic necklace fastener, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary. 

For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs create a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who like showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender.

Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. Why not put on a fancy brunch with many of mom’s favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize her home or help her write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. 

Casa Sandoval is a vibrant 55+ community in the East Bay region just 25 miles south of San Francisco. Our beautiful home has 233 apartments in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need.  For independent living and assisted living Hayward seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider Casa Sandoval, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

As You Age, Maintain Your Independence with Exercise

As we grow older, many people begin to slow down. However, we know a lack of exercise and activity can cause reduced muscle strength and flexibility, and lead to health problems that make beginning exercise that much more difficult. In fact, a recent government study estimated “nearly 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, with adults 65 and older being the least likely to engage in a regular exercise routine.” 

This is why experts recommend older adults make a plan to stay more active and commit to it. Before you begin any new exercise or activity, talk to your doctor as your health challenges may make some physical activities not possible. Guidance from your healthcare providers can help develop a plan most effective in achieving overall conditioning despite any limited endurance.    

Areas to focus on include strengthening leg muscles to improve mobility and balance, which is part of maintaining your independence as strong legs support so many basic everyday activities, such as sitting down, standing up, and walking. In addition, safe upper body exercises are important in giving a person the strength to get up from an armchair or carrying and lifting items as part of performing routine household activities. Exercises focusing on maintaining or improving balance are also important in reducing a person’s risk for a fall. 

For exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward, CA seniors are encouraged to consider Casa Sandoval, a true destination for successful aging. We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef, a wide range of floor plans to meet residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services for stress-free retirement years. Please contact us for information on our community as well as pricing and availability.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

Source: hurusa.com/5-of-the-best-strength-exercises-for-senior-independence

Short Stays at Casa Sandoval

Casa Sandoval is a 55+ community offering high-quality independent living and assisted living. Additionally we are pleased to offer respite care (short recuperative stays), or trial stays, which are a great way to sample our community and see if we are a good fit. They can extend from a week to a full month depending on availability. 

Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are newly discharged from a hospital stay and recovering from surgery or an illness that still requires some day-to-day support services. Casa Sandoval expertly and compassionately provides just such care including bathing, dressing, and other personal tasks. We also provide recuperating seniors tasty, nutritional meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef, 24-hour care, medication management, and opportunities for socialization and meaningful activities.   

Casa Sandoval’s respite residents are provided a quiet suite and the individualized care needed to comfortably recover their health. Another common use of respite care is to give caregivers a much needed break or when they are busy with other priorities. During your stay, you will have peace of mind knowing help is available 24/7 and that each suite offers safety features such as emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. We also offer companionship and community, which we think is just as important to the healing process. Our short-term stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you; but please contact us to inquire about availability. 

Community amenities include: all-day, restaurant-style dining; a private dining room; salon; theater/chapel; life enrichment room, billiards lounge, fitness center, ice cream parlor; card room, general store, scheduled transportation and more. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information to learn more about our respite care, trial stays as well as availability and pricing for the area’s finest assisted living and independent living in Hayward, CA. We look forward to hearing from you.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living communities and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Are You Looking for a New Companion?

Over the last decade, there have been many studies done regarding the various benefits of pets for seniors including providing loyal companionship and unconditional love. They can help keep a senior active as even if you don’t want to go for a walk, you know your dog needs one. In fact, studies show seniors with dogs are more physically active than other older adults without pets. Another thing about taking a dog out for a walk is it is a great way to meet new friends. 

However, before you rush out to get a dog or cat, veterinarians caution seniors (and their well-intentioned family members), to remember some animals are better suited to the energy level and temperament of older adults. They recommend several breeds of dogs that have a good disposition and are easy to care for. One breed making the list is the French Bulldog as they are known as reliable companions and good walking partners. Poodles and Schipperkes are both loyal and intelligent and also easy to care for. Veterinarians say a Maltese has a reputation for being an attentive dog to its owner. For a more active senior, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi makes a loving partner.  

Experts say there are some breeds of cats that typically make better companions for seniors. The Birman cat is one. It is moderately active, affectionate, gentle, and a faithful companion known for its quiet air of dignity. Russian Blue cats also make the list as they are quiet, gentle, genteel cats and make very loyal friends. Persian cats are known as very affectionate. The Ragdoll cat is another good choice as it is known for its docile, placid temperament and affectionate nature.

At Casa Sandoval, we recognize the importance of pets to their owners, which is why our community is pet friendly. Our community offers 233 apartments in a range of configurations and floorplans.  Residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, all-day dining, and a community of friends. For exceptional assisted living or independent living, Hayward, CA seniors are encouraged to consider Casa Sandoval. 

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

What are Advance Care Directives?

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.    

Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators. 

A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions. 

The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover, refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents.

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer. We offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting.  Our beautiful home has 233 suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need.  Please see our website for more information.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

Assisted Living May be a Healthier, Safer Option for Seniors

A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.  

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. Casa Sandoval’s emergency call systems in each suite mean immediate help is at hand.     

Casa Sandoval also offers seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal recently published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-compliant” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs.

Casa Sandoval’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Hayward’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.  Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

Sources:  

aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medication-management