How to Help Prevent Age-Related Muscle Loss

Maintaining muscle is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health as you age. Similar to bone density loss, muscle loss is often a natural part of aging, and can have a detrimental effect on posture, energy levels, mobility, and balance, to name a few. 

The medical term for age-related muscle loss is sarcopenia. Before middle age, bodies usually regulate the signals for muscle growth and muscle teardown, keeping them in equal balance. But as we age, our bodies become more resistant to the growth signals, making it easier and more common for muscle loss to occur. While for most people muscle loss begins around the age of 50, certain things can exacerbate its speed:

A sedentary lifestyle. When you don’t use your muscles they atrophy more quickly, leaving you feeling weakened and more fatigued. This can trap you in a cycle of decreased activity, because feeling tired and weak makes it difficult to get up and get active. 

Not getting enough daily protein or calories. Muscles require protein to function and to grow, but many people don’t consume enough protein every day to keep their muscles strong and healthy.

Chronic injuries. Injuries are extremely common; nearly all of us have experienced at least one major injury making a lasting impact on our physical health and mobility. For some, it’s a recurring knee injury or chronic back pain negatively affecting our daily lives and interfering with our ability to exercise. When pain from an injury leaves you unable to move how you would normally move, your muscles may begin to deteriorate more rapidly, especially after middle age. 

3 steps you can take to help prevent age-related muscle loss: 

Diet is key. Many younger people don’t spend much time thinking about their diet, but as you age, nutrition becomes crucial to your health. Ensure you’re consuming enough grams of protein daily, and for added health benefits, you can also enjoy calcium-rich foods like yogurt. If you’re unsure about what a healthy diet looks like for someone your age, consult with a nutritionist who can help you feel your best.

Go on regular walks. It seems so simple, yet walking is one of the best ways to keep your muscles strong as you age, and it also has great cardiovascular benefits. Whether you prefer to walk alone or with a group of friends, try and make a daily walk part of your routine – your muscles will thank you.

Do weight-resistance training. This doesn’t mean going to the gym and lifting hundreds of pounds. Rather, start with two to four pound dumbbells and build up your stamina three to four times a week. Most gyms have personal trainers who can help you establish a training routine. YouTube offers free workout plans for people of all levels and abilities.

Combating muscle loss in assisted living

For assisted living residents who want to combat age-related muscle loss, working with an in-house physical therapist is a wonderful way to regain your strength and improve your physical health. Physical therapists can also ensure you aren’t aggravating any existing injuries and recommend alternative activities if traditional exercise isn’t available.

For more information about our assisted living center in Gloucester County, please contact our team today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-help-prevent-age-related-muscle-loss/

 

4 Tactics for Discussing the Benefits of Senior Living with Parents

If you have aging parents, then you know that conversations about their health and well-being may be a challenge. When was the last time you talked to your elderly parent about going to their doctor for a check-up, or had to coax them into getting routine blood work done?

If you’re thinking that your parents might benefit from living in a senior community like Bristol Glen’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), the thought of this conversation with them might feel overwhelming! Commonly, aging parents can be more than a bit resistant when it comes time to discuss the possibility of senior living. However, for the benefit of their health, safety, and happiness, these conversations are important and absolutely worth having.

What should you do when you want to discuss senior living with your elderly parents and they just won’t listen?

• Observe and listen. You may think you know what your parents need, but there’s a chance that you might not be offering the right solution. Everyone wants what is best for their parents’ safety, but before you can offer your opinion on what that is, you need to fully understand their day-to-day struggles. Offering suggestions without listening to what they want will put parents off and make them even more resistant to change.
  Instead, do your best to observe their day-to-day routine and note where their struggles occur. This way, your parents will appreciate the fact that you’ve taken an interest in their side of the story, and you’ll build trust.
  
  
• Recalculate the risk. It’s easy to immediately think of worst-case scenarios and to let yourself feel anxious, worried, and nervous about your aging parents. Instead of allowing your imagination to get the best of you, assess the current risks and have an honest discussion with your parents about available options. Perhaps a home health aide who visits a few hours a day is a better option, or perhaps your parents require around-the-clock care – it’s a decision you must make together.
  
  
• This is a process. As one of New Jersey’s premier senior living and care organizations, UMC associates talk to thousands of concerned children every year about how to approach these conversations. Don’t expect that it’s a “one and done” type deal. Often these conversations happen dozens of times and often the decision takes months of repeated conversations.
  
  
• Frame your suggestions carefully. It’s crucial to be sensitive when discussing senior living with your parents, and it’s necessary to look at it from their point of view. Their independence is important to them and your suggestions may be seen as a threat.
  
  
• Be honest. If you find the ideal CCRC for your parents, be aware that they may not share your enthusiasm. Discuss the positive aspects with them but also make it clear that you’re willing to discuss the details they find not-so-positive. Only highlighting the good may make them feel like you aren’t taking their concerns seriously.
  
  

Help them make the transition to senior living

We understand the difficulties people face when having discussions with their elderly parents about their health and their living circumstances. If you’re struggling to get through to your parent, we’ve created a helpful video entitled Having the conversation that offers some support and guidance. It can take some time for older adults to get over their initial fears, which commonly include loss of independence, a change of environment, and having their routines changed entirely.

If you feel it’s time for your parents to consider a CCRC or assisted living but they aren’t receptive to hearing what you have to say, it may be beneficial to involve a professional. Our staff is experienced in diplomatically discussing sensitive topics such as this.

Giving back to your parents in their older years is a privilege and we want to support you in your ongoing conversations about their safety, and wellbeing. If you need assistance having these difficult conversations, please call a UMC associate today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/4-tactics-for-discussing-the-benefits-of-senior-living-with-parents/

3 Non-Medical Therapies That Support Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Not all therapies for memory related illness like Alzheimer’s involve administering medication. There are many non-medical Alzheimer’s therapies that can be done ㅡ they just require time and consistency. People with Alzheimer’s disease often benefit from doing the same set of actions or activities over and over, as repetition and regularity creates familiarity and can provide comfort.

Non-medical therapies often used for people with Alzheimer’s include:

Talking therapy – While talking might seem like a trivial activity that simply passes the time, talking therapy can be very beneficial when customized to each person, giving them a chance to discuss their thoughts and feelings openly and candidly. It’s very important that both people establish a sense of trust, so they truly feel the benefit of a safe space and feel free to work through their thoughts and feelings.

Talking therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, and provide clarity to people with Alzheimer’s.

Person-centered care – This non-medical therapy focuses on understanding the person fully: their hobbies, likes, dislikes, lifestyle, culture, and preferences, and strives to view all situations from their point of view.

It also emphasizes giving the person the chance to try new things and develop new interests in order to keep their mind active. Person-centered care benefits greatly from the input of family members who are close to the person, and they are usually asked to contribute to developing a care plan for their loved ones.

Art therapy – Many people with Alzheimer’s enjoy art therapy as part of their everyday lives and the choices are plenty. Painting, drawing, sculpting, and knitting can help ease anxiety, eliminate stress, and give the person something positive to focus on.

Learn about Memory Care at United Methodist Communities in Camden County NJ

Non-medical therapies can help people with dementia related illness, but sadly there is no cure. Once a loved one receives the diagnosis it’s a matter of doing whatever you can to make their life as comfortable as possible and slowing the progression of the disease. Advanced memory loss can require around-the-clock care by professionals as the condition progresses.

You’ve heard the expression “it takes a village,” and this is especially relevant for people with Alzheimer’s. UMC at Collingswood, through our “Tapestries” Memory Care program, is fully equipped to maximize the comfort and safety of residents. Our staff is specifically trained to care for people with various neurocognitive disorders.

Technology like nurse call and wander systems are employed as appropriate. Apartments are laid out and equipped for safe living and medication and other therapies are supervised. Life Enrichment Team Specialists build personal relationships with both residents and their families. Associates are familiar with each resident’s history, preferences, culture, and needs. The entire UMC Tapestries team works as a village to foster and empower residents to live their lives fully and safely.

Making the decision to place a loved one into permanent care is never easy. We’re here to provide compassion and advice to ensure you make the best decision for your family. To learn more about Tapestries Memory Care in beautiful Collingswood NJ, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-non-medical-therapies-that-support-seniors-with-alzheimers/

What is a Patient Advocate and 4 Ways They Can Help You

For people in hospice care, having a patient advocate can ensure they receive the best care. A patient advocate is someone who helps guide your loved one through their end-of-life journey. This includes everything from attending doctors’ appointments, to talking with pharmacists, to going to specialist visits, and much more. Patient advocates are experts at helping people communicate their healthcare needs and interpreting information from health care providers. They ensure your loved one has all the necessary information required to make the best decisions for themselves.

Here are 4 ways in which patient advocates can help:

1. They maximize doctors’ visits. Most of us are familiar with the system – you often get a limited amount of time with your doctor and you can easily run out of time before discussing everything on your mind. For patients with complicated medical histories, this time limit can be even more stressful. Patient advocates help by going into to each doctor’s appointment with a plan, and ensuring all concerns are addressed and questions are answered.
   
   
2. Patient advocates help the patient get all the information they need about their care. Doctors’ visits can be intimidating, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with the amount of information received. Working with a patient advocate ensures that there are no knowledge gaps or critical information that has been miscommunicated or misunderstood.
   
   
3. They reduce stress and provide comfort. It’s very common to feel stressed and anxious when attending doctors’ appointments. For people who have serious medical conditions and require multiple visits to multiple doctors, this stress can be bad for their health. Patient advocates step up to deal with the most confusing and frustrating parts of doctors’ visits, offering much-needed relief to the patient.
   
   
4. Patient advocates help patients navigate the health insurance system. After several doctors’ visits, the last thing a patient wants to do is deal with complicated insurance paperwork. Patient advocates ensure that the patient was billed correctly and can help reduce costs, while completing the necessary forms on the patient’s behalf.
   

In assisted living, there are ‘built in’ patient advocates

Making the transition into hospice care is a journey that the entire family takes together, . Bridges at The Shores is a premier hospice, and we’re committed to providing a serene, peaceful environment for our residents. We’re proud to be the go-to hospice for so many people in our community. We believe that the needs, desires, comfort, dignity, and quality of life of all our residents is of the utmost importance, which is why our onsite team includes a registered nurse, social worker, chaplain, certified nursing aide, and other specialists who concentrate on care, including pain management and emotional support.

Creating and maintaining an environment that allows our residents to enjoy a meaningful transition into hospice care is something we are passionate about at Bridges at The Shores. Our hospice is designed with consideration for every possible need our residents may have, and we are fully equipped to provide care, medication assistance, physical therapy, and often-needed comfort and support.

We understand the decision to place a loved one in hospice can be difficult, and we do everything possible to ease the transition for your loved one and your entire family. To learn more about hospice care at Bridges, please contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-is-a-patient-advocate-and-4-ways-they-can-help-you-2/