4 Benefits of Living in a Retirement Community

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

As a person gets older, it may not be possible for them to remain in their home or “age in place”. If this is the case with one’s family member, it’s important to know that there are numerous benefits to living in a retirement community. These benefits include things like ongoing activities, additional security at night, and available healthcare on demand. They make it easier for older adults to live on their own and stay as independent and healthy as possible.

These benefits are extensive, but the list includes the following:

Additional Security

Often, as one ages, they become more concerned about being able to protect themselves. This can be especially important to them if they live in a difficult part of town. Individuals who are worried about living alone and their own personal safety may find that they are very comforted by the additional security provided by living in a retirement community. Often these communities have security guards and foot patrols, so the individuals who move in can feel safe and protected.

Planned Activities

If one is used to living alone, it’s easy to feel bored when there isn’t a lot going on. At a place like Memory Care in National City, one can instead enjoy a variety of activities that are planned throughout the week and month. Whether one prefers to have their hair done on a regular basis, to play a low impact sport, or to enjoy a favorite board game, they’re sure to have quite a bit of fun with the numerous activities that are scheduled.

Ongoing Companionship

Companionship is a vital part of life, and of staying happy and healthy. An individual who dislikes being alone may find that they very much enjoy the ongoing friendships that they’re able to develop while living in a retirement community. These locations are designed to foster close relationships and build bonds, and most people find that they very much enjoy living near to so many like-minded people with similar interests.

Healthcare if Necessary

On occasion, healthcare becomes necessary. If this becomes necessary while one is living at Memory Care in National City, the highly qualified staff are more than happy to assist. They can either refer the resident out, or they can help them with some medical care on site. This care will help ensure that the resident is well cared for and that all of their healthcare needs are met.

If it’s time to make the move to retirement care, be sure that the senior involved is aware of the many benefits of these communities, as well. Pondering a move like this can be stressful, and it’s important that everyone involved knows about the positive aspects.

How to Find a Retirement Community to Suit an Active Lifestyle

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

When it’s time to consider moving to a retirement community, but one still has an active, vibrant lifestyle, it’s easy to feel slightly overwhelmed by the possibilities available. Luckily, there are numerous options available for organized communities that are designed to support an active life.

For the best possible fit, consider senior care services in National City that offer the following options:

Organized Activities

Organized activities on site, such as scheduled times to play board games, watch movies, play golf, or do other specific things, are a great time to meet other residents in the community and form bonds. These events can be especially helpful for those who are new to the area or who are relocating from another area. To be the most comfortable in a new location, one should seek out a community that arranges activities on a regular basis.

Scheduled Trips

Another thing to search for when one is looking for a retirement community that’s an excellent fit is to find one that offers regularly scheduled trips to local destinations. These outings can be a lot of fun, and may include things like local zoos, tourist destinations, museums, or landmarks. In some situations, a community will book a trip to a location that’s a little farther away. These scheduled outings can be quite fun and provide a lot of variety from the day to day routine that an individual may have become accustomed to.

Companionship and Variety

Ideally, the perfect location will offer numerous ways for individuals to build strong friendships in a variety of ways. Like anything else in life, variety is key. As one searches for a destination to move into, consider the opportunities that are available to meet new companions and build strong friendships. It’s crucial that one not feel alone on a day to day basis; and building fun friendships will help make sure that this is the case. Enjoyable activities are a good way to do that, so an individual should keep an eye out for things that they like to do as they assess the literature and websites for various destinations. This will help them to determine if each specific place is a good fit, and if they are a good fit for the place.

Over time, it’s easier to acclimate to a new location when one feels at home. This can be accomplished by making new friends and settling in to the living space. Settle in to a new location for senior care services in National City by going on scheduled trips and enjoying organized activities.

When Memories Fade

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

Aging adults face a wide range of challenges as they age. One of the most difficult and troublesome for any person occurs when memories begin to fade. The sense of losing control or watching the world go on without them can be scary for some older adults who deal with memory loss. As people age, other health problems may be treated more effectively and easily, but memory care is still an emerging aspect of total care services in San Diego.

Many caregivers and patients fear Alzheimer’s Disease. However, a variety of other health issues can affect memory loss and senior care. The most commonly discussed form of dementia comes with Alzheimer’s. Often a misunderstood and frustrating disease, Alzheimer’s can take a toll on a senior’s health, family, and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive and irreversible disease, Alzheimer’s is disabling and can have side effects that reach family and friends. Watching the decline of a loved one is difficult and makes people feel powerless. Senior care services can help an entire family face the disease together.

Forms of Dementia

Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases can cause a decline in memory function. Both diseases manifest in confusion and a lack of cognitive functioning as well as motor skills impairment. After Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s is the leading cause of disabling dementia among seniors. These diseases can begin as early as a person’s 30s and progress as adults age. By the time they reach their senior years, some adults with Parkinson’s or Huntington’s may have difficulty understanding language, completing daily tasks, or remembering familiar faces of loved ones.

Substance Abuse

A history of substance abuse can take a toll on an aging mind. Seniors with a history of alcoholism or drug use face an increased risk of some form of memory impairment — from simple forgetfulness to disabled cognitive reasoning. Drugs and alcohol alter how the brain functions and can lead to increased problems later in life.

Depression

A person’s mood may have a chemical impact on the brain and cause memory problems to develop as they age. The side effects of depression can lead to dementia, loneliness, and loss of interest in physical activity that generates further decline.

Medications

Some common medications can affect brain function. Sometimes the combination of drugs and supplements can also cause memory issues.

More than 5 million seniors in the United States live with Alzheimer’s and related memory loss. Millions more have some other kind of medical condition that leads to dementia, disability, and loss of cognitive function. For them, daily life is a struggle, but senior care services in San Diego can keep patients safe and healthy.

Changing Demographics Affect Care Standards

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

Over the next decades, southern California will experience a dramatic change in population. In the coming years, the number of seniors in the region will increase. The rise in older adults — some of whom may be in need of specialized senior care — in San Diego and surrounding communities will require a shift in resources.

Home to a wide range of care facilities and housing, San Diego is quickly adapting to the needs of a changing population. Though they may be aging, many seniors continue to enjoy active lifestyles and demand access to communities with amenities, social activities, and modern conveniences.

Senior care no longer means an old-fashioned nursing home. Instead, it encompasses a range of open communities, housing options, and community-based professionals who stand ready to provide any services that older adults may require. Living independent and fulfilling lives, many seniors remain focused on independence, enjoyment, and quality of life. Helping them achieve those goals is the new standard in senior care.

What Seniors Want

As involved and able consumers, an increasing number of seniors appreciate a lifestyle that allows them the opportunities to be active in their own care decisions and futures. More often, seniors are looking for care and housing that provide affordable and comfortable options to traditional care solutions.

One of the largest obstacles that will face senior care in San Diego is overcoming the negative stereotypes that typically accompany care and housing options. “Senior care” is a term that conjures up images of stark, sterile nursing homes that are outdated. In addition to changing the preconceived ideas about senior care, providers are focused on meeting the new needs of aging adults with stronger expectations that include:

The ability to age in place. Seniors no longer want to be moved to different facilities to receive care. They want to remain in their own homes where they can be comfortable, visit with family, and maintain a sense of independence.

Unique and distinctive amenities. Staying active longer and enjoying the freedom of aging means that seniors want amenities that they can participate in and appreciate. They want social interaction, outdoor events, pools, spas, and in-home features like Wi-Fi and accessibility.

Access to the Community. In addition to being safe and cared for in their homes, seniors expect new levels of care that maintain their involvement in the surrounding community. Transportation services are the new standards that enable every active senior the ability to shop, dine, and enjoy everything that a city like San Diego has to offer.

In San Diego, a changing population demographic is driving how communities and families look at senior care. With an emphasis on independence and activity, more older adults are enjoying their Golden Years in safe and comfortable environments.

Holding on to Memories

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

Older adults face a variety of health challenges. From mobility to heart and lung problems, every ailment, illness, and age-related impairment can contribute to care considerations. Among the most difficult conditions to address, cognitive disorders are the most stressful and misunderstood. As loved ones age, families may discover that memory care that is close to home in the San Diego area is an essential resource.

There are many disorders and illnesses that can contribute to cognitive decline. Often difficult to diagnose and treat, caring for an older adult with memory problems presents a variety of unique challenges. Family caregivers are often unaware and unprepared for the many complications and crises that accompany memory dysfunction. Turning for help to out-of-home resources becomes increasingly necessary as symptoms develop and progress.

The medical community is still learning about cognitive disorders and the function of an aging brain. A recent area of medicine, memory dysfunction in the elderly is not always understood, and treatments not always successful or promising. Senior memory care services and facilities provide the essential resources and support that many families need to cope with changing circumstances at home.

Making Advances

As elderly family members suffer from cognitive decline, caregivers are often unsure of how to address forgetfulness, outbursts, and loss of memory. Caring for a loved one with these issues demands a high level of patience, special training, and some specific medical considerations. Relying on memory care professionals is often the solution to providing care that family is not prepared to render.

Declining Memory Requires Special Care

A senior with progressively declining memory problems may require special care. Older patients who cannot remember to take medications may also forget to do other things, like eat, maintain personal hygiene, or even use the toilet. As their condition worsens, they may have frequent injuries, falls, or sores from not washing or compulsively picking at skin.

Safety Issues

Sometimes, elderly patients with memory problems do not understand appropriate behavior. They may get up in the middle of the night or forget how to find their bed. Disorientation is a major concern among caregivers. Becoming lost, suffering a catastrophic fall, or acting aggressively are each side-effects of memory decline. Knowing how to contain and protect elderly patients is an essential skill that family may not be prepared to provide.

Relying on a qualified and reputable memory care facility in the San Diego area is often the best alternative for both family caregivers and patients who suffer from memory decline. Cognitive failure and dysfunction are among the most difficult illnesses to treat and care for among elderly patients. Professional help ensures that patients continue to live the highest quality life and receive the best treatment and support.

A Place to Save Memories

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

Baby boomers are facing a rising challenge as they age. One in eight reports some kind of memory decline, including memory loss, episodes of dementia, and disorientation. Coping with memory decline is a new focus for senior care services.

As an emerging need for aging adults, memory care is a priority for those in National City and around the country. Losing memories involves more than minor consequences,As like forgetting a family trip from childhood, or remembering the name of a new grandchild. Memory decline can have a negative effect on the quality of life and even create safety issues. Treating and prolonging memory health is a priority for any baby boomer who begins to experience early signs and symptoms of later complications.

Recognizing the Signs of Memory Loss

Sometimes it is difficult to recognize the signs of memory decline in older adults. Changes that happen slowly over time are both challenging to notice and often overlooked. However, as they occur more frequently, family members and caregivers may be surprised by what they perceive as a ‘sudden’ change in the patient’s condition.

Knowing what to look for can help with an early diagnosis of memory problems. The sooner the problem is identified, the quicker patients can be provided with active memory care that can mitigate the effects of memory decline.

Five signs to look for include:

1. Easy Confusion with Time and Location

When a senior adult begins to miss appointments, confuse one store for another, or forget which day of the week it is, it may be an early sign of memory problems.

2. Lost Personal Items

Misplacing and losing items is frustrating, but it is also a sign that something is not working. Frequently lost keys, misplaced phones, and other items can indicate that an older adult is struggling with forgetfulness and loss of memory.

3. Changes in Mood

Sudden outbursts, anger, depression, sadness, and even exuberance can be indicators of serious memory issues.

4. Inability to Complete Normal Tasks

Not being able to do something today that was habit yesterday might be more serious than just confusion. Seniors who forget how to make a favorite recipe, tie a shoe, or complete other daily tasks, exhibit signs of memory loss that can affect their health and safety.

5. Disruptions in Daily Life

When senior adults cannot care for themselves, it may be time to talk to a health care professional about memory care.

As baby boomers begin to face increasing challenges, memory care for those who live in National City is a significant focus. Relying on trained professionals, the latest research, and competent health care advice gives aging seniors a better chance to keep their memories strong for years of future enjoyment.

Strengthening Family Relationships

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Paradise Village

Caring for elderly family members demands time and commitment. Some seniors also require specialized treatment and attention that family is not always able to provide. In those instances, an increasing number of families are turning to quality senior care services in the National City area. Close to home, and offering a level of care that everyone’s loved ones deserve, families are discovering the many benefits of independent and assisted living arrangements.

Being a family caregiver is challenging and frequently involves adopting or learning a new set of skills and responsibilities. Over 30 million adults in the United States have provided some kind unpaid care to a senior family member. As the nation’s population ages, that number is likely to increase.

Relying on senior care services can help alleviate some of the demands of being a caregiver. It has benefits for both parties and can result in a stronger and healthier partnership in care between parent and child or other family members.

A Labor of Love

Choosing to be a family caregiver entails a wide-range of responsibilities that not everyone is prepared for. Many adult children feel it is their obligation to care for a parent, but they soon discover that they have no idea what they are doing or how to handle difficult and delicate situations.

Family caregivers often find themselves in the midst of personal care crises, uncomfortable discussions, and other new territory like:

providing support during bathing and relief activities
cleaning up after episodes of incontinence
reacting emotionally to daily conflicts and behavior
not having the confidence to make decisions and choices
being frustrated and conflicted about how a family member is acting
not understanding or being unprepared for the complications associated with aging and health decline

Family caregivers are not professionals. They frequently lack any medical training or qualifications. In addition, they may not have ever faced a medical or personal family crisis and may not know how to act in an emergency. Providing care and support when they are confused or flustered may be especially difficult.

Relying on senior care services in the National City area can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that many family caregivers suffer from. Taking advantage of professional support and expert care frees up time and resources so that family can spend more quality time with their senior loved ones. Not being the primary or only caregiver alters the personal dynamics between family members. When caregivers have more time to devote to focusing on a senior family member and not their specific essential needs, they can enjoy a more fulfilling relationship.

Care Services One May Not Know About

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Paradise Village

When it comes to senior care services in San Diego, most individuals know that there are different types of housings available, such as independent or assisted living, or nursing homes and memory care. However, they may not be aware of other kinds that may work for them as well.

Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes are the type of housing offering senior care services in San Diego for those individuals who need assistance with aspects such as dressing and bathing. Usually, in this sort of setup, there are private homes made for residents who live together with one another, while receiving care from caretakers that live with them. Nursing services and amenities differ greatly between communities, so one should make sure to ask about what is offered when touring the place. They are also known as adult family homes, board and care homes or group homes.

Respite Care

Another form of housing offering senior care services in San Diego is respite care, which is made to offer a temporary break for caregivers. In this case, a resident is allowed a short-term stay, while the community cares for their specific needs. The time a resident usually spends in such programs varies from a week to a month, and this is dependent on their situation. This type of care may also be used as a get-acquainted period for the individual, to see whether they like the community and would consider moving in for a longer term. They may also be called adult day care or short-term stay programs.

Home Care

For elderly who prefer to remain in their homes but can’t manage on their own, there is home care available, which offers assistance while keeping them independent. Usually, assistance is offered for activities like dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. Further help may be provided for making appointments, transportation, or paying bills. These services vary depending on the specific needs of the individual and range from once per week to 24 hours a day. One may also find these types of services as home health care, in-home personal care or home care aid.

Being aware of all the different types of services available for seniors is extremely important, as it makes the final decision of what to choose better informed. Helping a senior stay independent for as long as possible becomes easier and more manageable when one picks the right sort of help.

Explanation of Senior Housing

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Paradise Village

Those thinking of looking for senior care in San Diego may feel overwhelmed with the many options and terms that they’re probably unfamiliar with. In order to avoid getting confused, it’s a good idea to obtain a basic understanding of the different types of housing available. This will make it much more likely that one’s final choice will be a proper one.

Independent Living

Independent living communities come with lots of other names, like congregate care, retirement communities or villages, senior apartments, or 55+ communities. They usually work well for seniors who are independent and have few medical problems, and they offer fully equipped private apartments. There are typically several different types of apartments provided, going from studios to two-bedroom layouts. There may be social events one may be able to attend.

Assisted Living

These communities offer senior care in San Diego for those individuals who can no longer care for themselves in a safe manner, while not being in need of constant attention. As such, these communities offer assistance with things like housekeeping, meals and medications. Usually, residents live in private apartments, and have a range of social activities to choose from. They are also known as personal care homes or assisted care communities.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide senior care in San Diego for elderly who are in need of a high level of assistance and medical care. As such, there are skilled nurses available twenty-four hours every day. In addition, there are short-term rehabilitation services available for those seniors recovering from an injury or surgery. Usually, residents share a room, and receive meals in a central dining area, excepting those who are too ill to take part in them. These services are known also as a long-term care facility, nursing center, skilled nursing or convalescent care.

Memory Care

Memory care is offered especially for patients suffering from dementia. As such, all programs and care are specialized for these individuals, taking special care that residents won’t wander off grounds, which is something very typically seen in those suffering from this illness. Typically, residents live in semi-private apartments and are provided with structured activities to keep them active. This type of housing is also known as Alzheimer’s or dementia care.

These are the main types of communities offered for seniors, though there are other services one may be able to use, depending on each specific case. Having a good understanding of the types of housing offered is crucial in choosing the right one for yourself or your loved one.

What to Look for When Choosing Memory Care

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Paradise Village

Choosing a residential care facility is usually a hard task, but picking a unit for memory care in San Diego can prove to be even harder, simply because there are more things to consider. As such, it is important not only to do research, but to also visit the facility at least once, in order to get a good sense of how things are run

Basics

One of the first things one should ask about memory care in San Diego is whether the facility can accommodate individuals with all levels of dementia or only some. This is important even if the patient is at a level the unit is able to receive, as it is likely that they will reach a more advanced level at some point in the future, and if the unit is no longer able to meet his or her needs, then another unit will have to be located. In addition, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the rules in place, and what sort of factors may lead to a resident being removed from the facility. Not only this, but one should try to be aware of who is responsible for assessing the health and cognitive functioning of the residents, and how often the assessment is repeated.

Safety

When visiting a unit providing memory care in San Diego, one should ask about things like whether the floor surface is non-slip in all rooms, as this is an important factor in preventing slips and falls that could be serious. In addition, the interior and exterior of the facility should be secure, and there should be methods in place to keep tabs on all residents, in order to make sure that they do not wander off grounds.

Staff

It is important for staff members to be trained in giving specific care, so one should ask what kind of training the staff received. Another important point is the staff-to-resident ratio, as too many residents and too few staff members may indicate a low level of care. A factor indicating the level of care given to residents is whether the staff know each resident by name, background and personality.

There are many things one should consider when picking a memory care unit, and as such, one should be prepared with a checklist of questions to ask the managers. As previously mentioned, one should also make sure to visit the facility more than one time, in order to get a better grasp of how it operates, and a better understanding of the state and well-being of its residents.