Importance Of Staying Hydrated During The Summer

Importance Of Staying Hydrated During The Summer

/in /by

Everyone knows that staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your body healthy. During the summer, this can be especially challenging with the heat and extra time spent outside. For the elderly especially, it is important to be aware of how much water is being consumed to avoid dehydration during the summer time. In this article, we will explore ways to look for signs of dehydration as well as ways to stay hydrated.

Signs of Dehydration

Many of the signs of dehydration can be confused with signs of other health problems. Here is a list of signs and symptoms to look for.

  • Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee.
  • Very dry skin.
  • Feeling dizzy.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability.
  • Fainting.
  • Thirst
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Not peeing very much
  • Dark yellow pee
  • Dry, cool skin
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps

If you or anyone you know experiences some of these signs, it is best to get them fluids as quickly as possible. If symptoms are severe, take them to the nearest hospital. Older adults are more at risk for dehydration, because they can be more likely to forget to drink water. Also, with other underlying health issues, some of these symptoms may not be as obvious. Make sure you are paying close attention to notice the signs and symptoms as soon as possible.

Ways To Stay Hydrated

A common misconception about hydration is that water consumption is the only way to hydrate. While drinking water is great for you, it is not the only way to get an adequate source of fluid. Here are other ways you can work on getting the water you need for your body.

  • Eat your vegetables.
  • Take advantage of summer fruit.
  • Grab an iced coffee.
  • Make a cold soup.
  • Start your day with oatmeal.
  • Try coconut water.
  • Sample different flavors of juice
  • Buy a water bottle that is fun to drink from.
  • Track the amount of water you are consuming.
  •  Order water when you are out to eat.

Hydration is key to staying healthy and alert. Seniors are at greater risk for dehydration because of how body composition changes with age. Water is necessary for nearly every bodily function, from lubricating joints to regulating body temperature and pumping blood to the muscles. So not getting enough of it can have serious health consequences.

Orchard at Brookhaven is a luxury assisted living community in Atlanta Georgia. We offer a wide range of outdoor and indoor physical activities for our residents, and know the importance of staying hydrated. Please contact us to learn more about our community and activity programs.

Benefits Of Swimming For Seniors

Benefits Of Swimming For Seniors

/in /by

It’s summer! Who wouldn’t want to be lounging by the pool all day? During this season, many families find themselves spending the day splashing in the water and soaking up some rays. This activity is great for the eldery too! Spending time in and around the pool has many benefits for the aging.

6 Benefits Of Swimming For Seniors

  1. Low-Impact Exercise – Being in the water is one way to exercise with low-impact and not bearing any weight. There is no pressure on critical parts of your body. The weightless feeling you have in the water is a result of gravity which can reduce pressure in strained areas. Swimming can be specifically helpful for an individual if they have arthritis or fibromyalgia. Swimming can relieve pain and it’s just plain fun!
  2. Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion – The buoyancy of water helps in other ways, too. By reducing the ordinary strain on joints, swimmers are able to move their limbs and joints through the full range of motion more easily in the water. Using the full range of motion regularly helps to keep joints supple and improves flexibility, an important factor for older adults’ health and well-being. For seniors with a limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water is a good way to improve flexibility.
  3. Improves Stability – Because swimming can work so many of the major muscle groups, it helps build endurance in the body. Building strength and endurance is a great way to improve posture and stability. This reduces the risk of falling. One study conducted in Australia evaluated 1,700 men age 70 and older and found that those who swam were 33% less likely to fall compared to men who did not swim.
  4. Promotes Cardio-vascular Health – Swimming for just 30 minutes a day, can vastly reduce the risk of coronary as well as type 2 diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise, such as swimming, reduces blood pressure and helps to raise good cholesterol levels.
  5. Improves Sleep – It is a proven fact that physical activity leads to better sleep. The exhaustion from the day can quickly catch up with you at night. Because swimming is a demanding exercise that burns a lot of calories and works all the major muscle groups, older adults will feel physically tired after a swim. Many people also say that swimming leaves them feeling relaxed, which is also a necessary ingredient for a good night’s sleep.
  6. Encourages Socialization – The pool is usually a place to meet other people. It’s a great place to strike up a conversation with new people. Senior swimming programs or group water exercise classes provide opportunities for seniors to socialize and meet new people. Because it’s easier for seniors with conditions such as arthritis to participate in swimming compared to other exercises, older adults may be more likely to stick with group swimming lessons.

Swimming can have many benefits for those who are older. It seems like the perfect summer activity to do! Orchard at Brookhaven is a luxury senior living community in Atlanta that offers a multitude of physical activities for our residents. Please contact us to get more information about our activity programs.

Dementia Money Management

Dementia & Money Management

/in , /by

Encountering financial issues is not something that can be avoided for people who have dementia. It is important to learn how to help and support those who may be going through this hardship. One of the most common ways that people with dementia can lose their money is by scams. In fact, scammers will target the elderly, because they know how susceptible they can be to false promises. 

Dementia & Signs Of Money Issues

At first, managing money is still possible for those with dementia. Paying bills, balancing checkbooks, or keeping up with bank services will become increasingly more difficult as the disease progresses. There are some signs that a person is starting to struggle with managing their money such as:

  • Unpaid bill statements in the mail 
  • Multiple calls from bill collectors or the bank
  • Trouble counting change
  • Forgetting to tip at a restaurant
  • Miscalculations when balancing a checkbook 
  • Multiple purchases on a credit card 
  • Strange, new merchandise 

Families should consider designating one person to check in on a person’s finances to ensure that the person with dementia is taking care of their money and finances. This can help prevent the person from becoming a victim of financial abuse or fraud. 

Helping Someone With Dementia Manage Their Money

Money can be a difficult topic to discuss with someone- especially someone you love. However, it is best to be as upfront and honest in your conversations as possible. The clearer the conversations, the better you or someone else is able to protect a person dealing with brain disease. In order to help someone maintain their sense of independence in this matter some things to consider are:

  • Giving him or her small amounts of cash or voided checks to have on hand
  • Minimizing the spending limit on credit cards or having the cards cancelled
  • Telling the person that it is important to learn about finances, with his or her help
  • Notifying the person when changes are made or have occurred 

Tips for Money Management

  1. Have open and honest discussions about money with a family member or friend that you trust. 
  2. Organize important documents and keep them in a place that is easy to find. 
  3. Set up a trust for all financial assets. 
  4. Set up an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) that will allow you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. 
  5. Seek extra support from local bank managers. 

Overall, managing money can be quite involved. When someone is diagnosed with dementia, this task becomes increasingly difficult. It is better to be proactive than reactive in this situation so that a person’s finances are fully taken care of. 

At Orchard Brookhaven, we take pride in being able to care for our residents well. We want our residents and the families of our residents to feel safe when they are here. We offer a variety of services to our residents that help to keep them independent and help them feel like they are still in control of their lives. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our senior living community.

Preventing Scams Fraud Seniors

Preventing Scams & Fraud For Seniors

/in /by

It is not uncommon for the elderly to be targets of fraud or scams. Sometimes, the person behind the scam is a person that the victim knows. It is easier to take advantage of an elderly person with dementia because they are more likely to not fully understand the situation, therefore making it easy for someone else to manipulate them. Telephone, e-mail, or in-person scams can look different and come in many ways.

Types of Scams

Below are some of the most common types of scams on the elderly.

  • Identity theft
  • Get-rich-quick offers
  • Phony offers of prizes or home or auto repairs
  • Insurance scams
  • Health scams such as ads for unproven memory aids
  • Threats

Common Signs of Financial Fraud

Look for signs that the person with dementia may be a victim of financial abuse or fraud:

  • Fake signatures 
  • A change to a person’s will.
  • Possessions or properties are being sold 
  • The person has signed legal papers (such as a will, power of attorney, or joint deed to a house) without knowing what the papers mean.
  • Things that belong to you or the person with Alzheimer’s, such as clothes or jewelry, are missing from the home.

Common Signs of Scamming

 

While there is no sure way to determine if someone is being scammed without proper investigation, there are a few signs that you can be aware of that would serve as red flags. 

  1. Someone is requesting that you wire them money. 
  2. Emails promising money to someone
  3. Offers to buy with payment methods other than secured online or cash. 
  4. Handling payments for someone else
  5. Exaggerated threats i.e “If you don’t do this, you’ll go to jail” 
  6. Unsecured websites 
  7. Emails that look off 

If you encounter any of these signals, do not entertain the scammer at all. If you are unsure of being scammed, it’s best to investigate the situation more. You can look for information on the person or company that is contacting you. If you think you have already been scammed, you should contact the police department for help. 

All in all, financial scams and fraud can easily happen to anyone. It’s important to know the signs to look out for. You can be vigilant with a loved one to help ensure that they are being taken care of in every way.

Creating A Safe Environment for Seniors

/in /by

After someone is diagnosed with dementia, they find themselves having to make several adjustments to their life. One of these is creating safe environments in the home. One of the first areas that you should check is the bedroom. People tend to spend a lot of time in their bedroom, so you want to make sure it’s safe. The next place to modify is the kitchen. While the home does not seem like it could be dangerous, there are many things you might not think of when it comes to taking safety precautions.

How Occupational Therapists Can Help With Home Safety

One way to get some help with changes in the home is by seeking help from an Occupational Therapist. These therapists can advise on how to arrange the room so that it is functional and simple to navigate. Not all changes that you make have to be expensive, some can be free. It is important to remember that dementia is a progression and changes made to a room may need to progress with an individual with dementia worsens.

Home Modifications or Adjustments For Dementia

Once you have gotten some input from an Occupational Therapist, here are a few other steps to take in the home.

  • Create a first-floor laundry room
  • Make sure hallways are heavily lit
  • Consider smart home locks and alarm systems
  • Get rid of clutter
  • Consider installing wheelchair ramps
  • Ensure there are handrails in every stairwell
  • Widen doorways
  • Make flooring slip resistant
  • Create a barrier-free bathroom
  • Secure all chords
  • Eliminate low furniture
  • Make sure all entryways are clear

Home safety can play a large role in ensuring that a person with dementia is cared for. These are not all the ways that you can make a home more safe, but it is certainly a start.

Orchard at Brookhaven is a luxury senior living facility in Atlanta. Safety is at the top of our priority list. We take many precautions to ensure that our residents live in a danger-free environment. If you are looking for a senior living facility to ensure your loved one has a safe environment to live in, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet For Seniors

Benefits Of Mediterranean Diet For Seniors

/in /by

In recent studies on eye diseases, scientists have found that people who eat a diet heavy with Mediterranean foods can be related to increased cognitive function. These diets are high in vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil. Research has also shown that consumption of these foods play a role in slowing cognitive decline.

Olive Oil Benefits For Seniors

Some research on the Mediterranean diet suggested red wine was a major contributor to the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet because it contains a compound called resveratrol, which is known to increase lifespan and prevent aging-related diseases. However, other studies suggest that it is the fat in olive oil, another component of the Mediterranean diet, that is actually activating this pathway. Olive oil has many health benefits. Below are listed a few.

  1. High in monounsaturated fats
  2. High in antioxidants
  3. Strong anti-inflammatory properties
  4. Might prevent strokes
  5. Protective against heart disease
  6. May reduce risk of type 2 diabetes

Mediterranean Food Benefits For Seniors

The Mediterranean diet is simple, but full of flavor. Listed are some of the foods that would be included in this diet. Under the list, you can find several links for preparing Mediterranean food.

  • Vegetables: Tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, etc.
  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches, etc.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
  • Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils, pulses, peanuts, chickpeas, etc.
  • Tubers: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, yams, etc.
  • Whole grains: Whole oats, brown rice, rye, barley, corn, buckwheat, whole wheat, whole-grain bread and pasta.
  • Fish and seafood: Salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, oysters, clams, crab, mussels, etc.
  • Poultry: Chicken, duck, turkey, etc.
  • Eggs: Chicken, quail and duck eggs.
  • Dairy: Cheese, yogurt, Greek yogurt, etc.
  • Herbs and spices: Garlic, basil, mint, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper, etc.
  • Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil, olives, avocados and avocado oil.

Top Mediterranean Recipes of 2018

21 Authentic Mediterranean Recipes 

Mediterranean Diet Recipes 

55 Easy Mediterranean Meals 

As you can see, the Mediterranean diet offers a variety of food choices. Orchard at Brookhaven is proud to offer many of these choices to our residents. If you would like more information about our dining choices and experience, please contact us and speak with someone.

Benefit of Ketones and Coconut Oil

Benefit Of Ketones & Coconut Oil For Dementia

/in /by

As you may already know, once someone is diagnosed with dementia, there are many changes that take place. One of the major shifts that takes place is diet. Certain foods are no longer safe to eat, and on the other hand, certain foods can increase cognitive ability. While there is no universal solution to dieting, there is a certain type of food to eat that is very beneficial for brain function. In this article we’ll discuss the benefit of Ketones and coconut oil for dementia.

What Are Ketones?

Ketones are chemicals that the liver produces in the body. Ketones are thought to reduce the amount of activity that the neurons are doing in the early stages of dementia. Ketones contain a specific protein that help reduce and decrease the death of neurons throughout the progression of dementia as well. 

Ways To Consume More Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains ketones and can therefore help with brain function. Coconut oil can be consumed directly or mixed with other ingredients when cooking. Some ways to increase your consumption of coconut oil are:

  1. Cook with it 
  2. Bake with it
  3. Fry food with it
  4. Take softgels
  5. Consume it directly 
  6. Mix it with tea/coffee/oatmeal or yogurt 

Foods Specific to Ketones

Not all foods are Ketone heavy. Some foods (usually high in fat and low in starch) contain a high amount of Ketones. Some examples of these foods are 

  • Cheese
  • Avocados
  • Eggs
  • Red meat 
  • Nuts
  • Chia Seeds
  • Sesame
  • Olives 
  • Dark colored berries 

Increasing the amount of Ketones that a person consumes is one minor way to help with cognitive activity and ability. Orchard at Brookhaven offers a variety of food options. Our dinning hall provides a wide selection of foods for each meal and we are also able to create a menu with dietary restrictions upon request. Please contact us to learn more about our community.

10 Tips To Build Immunity With Age

10 Tips To Build Immunity With Age

/in /by

As we age, there are many aspects of our physical body that change. Our immune system is one of those things. In light of the recent events, it is important to remain focused on taking care of our physical selves. There are several practices that you can take on to make sure you are staying healthy and happy.

10 Tips To Build Immunity With Age

  1. Wash your hands– any time you are potentially in high contact with germs, it is best practice to wash your hands.
  2. Get the flu shot– this vaccine could help your system fight off a deadly virus and can help your body develop bacteria that will keep you healthy.
  3. Reduce your stress– try to limit yourself from being exposed to things that make you worry.
  4. Eat well balanced meals– make sure you eat all your veggies! It is important to ensure that each meal is made with  plenty of vitamins and nutrients that are good for your body.
  5. Stay active– Even if you are just walking around the neighborhood, do something active every day.
  6. Connect with others– Spend time socializing and talking to people you know or love.
  7. Stay hydrated– Water is a great way to keep your system clean and running well.
  8. Lessen your intake of alcohol– Too much drinking could make you vulnerable to infection in your body.
  9. Get good rest– Not enough sleep could mean that your body is underprepared for fighting off anything that may make you sick.
  10. Quit smoking– Not only does smoking hinder your ability to fight off known viruses, but you also could become more susceptible to other health issues.

These 10 habits can really help you to stay healthy. There are many steps you can take to make sure your body is in tip top shape. At Orchard at Brookhaven, our residents’ health is one of our top priorities. We pride ourselves in being able to provide an environment that fosters a healthy mind, body and spirit. If you would like more information on the programs we have to offer, please contact us.

Building A Community Environment For Seniors

Building A Community Environment For Seniors

/in /by

As humans, we spend our lives making connections with other people. Much of what we do is driven by the need for human interaction and relationships. It is not surprising that even in the last stages of life, community is so important for the aging. A sense of community helps people who are fighting dementia feel as though they are not alone in their struggles. It also helps to exercise their minds and keep them active!

Building A Community Environment For Seniors

Below are some ways to build community that can be impactful in senior living facilities. Seniors can participate in any of the mentioned ways to build a stronger community with those around them.

  • Have a common area. This provides space and opportunity for people to connect with one another whether it is through a conversation or a game they are playing.
  • Initiate discussions. This can be in the form of someone giving a talk to an audience or small group discussions about what may be going on in the lives of the residents’.
  • Host events. When a living facility gives people something to do, it is likely that they will participate with other people. This can create shared experiences and stronger connections with people.
  • Create a newsletter. A newsletter or webpage that catalogues the different events going on in a particular facility is a great way to keep people in the loop about what is happening around them.
  • Health and wellness offerings. Senior living facilities should offer many opportunities for the residents to get up and moving. This keeps their minds and bodies healthier for longer.
  • Spaces for specific activities. For example, you might have a room that is just for family visits, or a place outside for yoga. There could be a game room, a movie theater, etc. Creating spaces like these can foster a sense of community by making residents feel as though they are still living a purposeful life.

Importance of Community During Trying Times

Feeling a sense of community doesn’t have to mean being engaged in similar activities or conversing with others. Just being around other people can have a big impact. When people are going through a difficult time, it is important that they feel as if they are not alone. This connectedness is a support system that develops to carry people through their challenges. When community and relationships are in place, people tend to have more energy, a sense of hope and better mental and physical health.

Orchard at Brookhaven understands that community is an important factor of senior living. Our facilities include floor plans that foster a sense of community and connectedness. The variety of activities that we plan for our residents each month give them a plethora of opportunities to engage with other residents. If you want to learn more about our community, click here.

Importance of Sunlight For Elderly

Benefits of Sunlight For Seniors

/in /by

As we grow old, there are many precautions we can take to preserve our health. There are also many things we can proactively do to maintain our health. One of the ways to get vitamin D in our bodies is through sunlight. In this article we’ll discuss how sunlight can benefit seniors.

Benefits Of Sunlight For Seniors

Sunlight has been connected to a multitude of health benefits, some of which are particularly important for seniors. Most of these benefits are linked to vitamin D. Human beings are only able to produce Vitamin D naturally through exposure to the sun.Vitamin D helps generate the production of other vitamins that our body needs. Some of the many benefits of sunlight for seniors are:

  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Improved mood
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Stronger bones
  • Improved mental capacity
  • Reduced risk of influenza
  • Reduced risk of diabetes

The medical recommendation is that seniors receive 5-10 minutes of sunlight 2-3 times a week. This is the amount that is needed to produce healthy levels of vitamin D. It’s also low enough that the increased risk of skin cancer is typically minimal.

Ideas To Get Recommended Sunlight Exposure

In order for seniors to get the Vitamin D they need, they have to go outside! Being outside can involve a number of activities. Here are some suggestions for what to do outside.

  • Take a walk
  • Paint
  • Talk on the phone
  • Listen to music
  • Write a letter
  • Visit with a friend

Precautions For Getting Too Much Sunlight

While being in the sun can be beneficial for seniors in many ways, we cannot forget the dangers that too much sun poses. These include heat stroke, skin cancer, and burns. It is important to take the necessary measures to protect ourselves from the sun’s direct rays. Some precautions to take are using good sunscreen, wearing wide-brim hats, and wearing sunglasses. These are all essential for the elderly to get the benefits of sunlight while minimizing the risk of sun damage.

Getting adequate sunlight is just one aspect of caring for seniors. Orchard at Brookhaven is a senior living community in Atlanta with many outdoor areas to help our residents get the sunlight they need. Please contact us if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour of our community.