Seniors, Don’t Ignore Your Physical Pain

 

Most of us accept that aches and pains are a normal part of aging. Arthritis, for example, is a very common condition among independent seniors that causes pain if it isn’t managed correctly. It’s one thing to sleep “wrong” one night and have a little neck pain for the first hour of the day, but it’s a whole other thing to have unusual symptoms that last or are recurring. Our recommendation is to not wave off any symptoms you’ve never experienced before. If you’re not sure what’s unusual or not, here are some symptoms all seniors need to be aware of, as they can be a sign of a serious health issue.

Pain and symptoms seniors should not ignore

1. Shortness of breath. If you feel pressure in your chest, have difficulty catching your breath, tightness in your lungs, or dizziness, it’s nothing you should ignore. These can be symptoms of a partial or complete blockage in your coronary artery, which can cause a heart attack. For women, this combined with flu-like symptoms (even over a few days) can even be a sign of a heart attack in progress. It could also be a sign of asthma, fluid around the heart, pneumonia, fluid around the lungs, or lung disease, so have your doctor check you out as soon as possible.
2. Post-menopausal bleeding. Having bleeding after menopause is a symptom that you should see your gynecologist about. It may not be anything to worry about, but it could also be a symptom of certain gynecological cancers.
3. Blood in your stool. If you see traces of blood in your stool or your stool appears black, it’s time for a check-up. While some medications and supplements can change your stool color (for example, Pepto-Bismol can darken your stool), it’s best to have a doctor make sure it’s not blood. Blood in your stool can indicate colorectal cancer, bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, an ulcer, hemorrhoids, or diverticulitis.
4. Skin lesions. Risks of skin cancer increase as we age, so painful or unusual patches of skin or moles should be checked out. Often, these lesions appear as flat lesions, brown scar-like lesions, crusty lesions, or lesions with uneven shapes with blue, white, red, or dark brown specks. They may also appear as red nodules or waxy bumps. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early, so it’s worth the doctor’s visit.
5. Painful breast tissue. If your breast tissue feels swollen, painful, or has a lump, it’s definitely time to see the doctor. These are common signs of breast cancer, which is treatable when detected early. Although it predominantly affects women, men can have breast cancer too, so don’t ignore your discomfort if you notice anything unusual. Although many lumps are benign, it’s always beneficial to have a doctor examine you.
6. Lower back pain and fever. If you have pain around your hips on one or both sides, especially if you also have a fever or feel nauseous, it could be a sign of a kidney infection. These are treatable but can be life-threatening or cause lasting kidney damage if you don’t get the right treatment quickly, especially if you have diabetes. These symptoms can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection, a weakened immune system, or a urinary tract blockage.
7. Calf or thigh pain. Are you feeling a throbbing or cramping pain in one of your calf or thigh muscles? This could be deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in your leg. Other symptoms include reddened, hot-feeling skin where the pain is located and swollen veins. Seniors are at risk for DVT if they sit for a long time, have cancer or heart failure, have varicose veins, or are dehydrated. This is a potentially life-threatening health condition, so it’s important to get early treatment. This usually includes an anticoagulant to thin the blood, or a surgeon may have to remove the clot if it doesn’t respond to the medication.
8. Pain in your big toe. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals and it causes searing pain in joints, most commonly first occurring in the big toe. One of the most common risk factors is a diet of red meat, alcohol, and high-fructose corn syrup products, but it can happen to anyone. It’s very painful, but can be treated by your doctor with medication. Without treatment, you’re put at high risk for kidney stones and kidney failure, so it’s essential to get treatment.

Bristol Glen is a leading assisted living community in Sussex County, NJ. We offer a beautiful and welcoming space for seniors who need additional care and assistance to live a full and abundant life. Our long-term care team is compassionate, fully trained, and ready to assist seniors with their health, including managing dementia, diabetes, and other medical conditions.

For more information on UMC at Bristol Glen and how we can effectively manage chronic health conditions in seniors, please contact us today or visit our website at:https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/seniors-dont-ignore-your-physical-pain/

Is it time to make the move to Assisted Living?

Trying to decide when to help your parent make the transition to assisted living is often difficult and stressful, especially if mom or dad has reservations about the idea. As it turns out, a good amount of people still have negative connotations about senior communities. Outdated stereotypes, such as being confined to a small, clinical-looking room with minimal interaction, are all too common. Fortunately, they are very far from the truth! Modern assisted living communities, especially progressive organizations like UMC, prioritize all areas of wellness for their residents by constantly updating their services and extracurricular activities offered on-site. Full-service UMC communities have the bandwidth to provide high-level care like that of a nursing home, but without the stereotypical “nursing home” feel. With that being said, the main thing to keep in mind is that not moving mom or dad into assisted living when it’s needed can put their health and quality of life at risk!

If you’re not sure if it’s time for mom or dad to make a change, here are some strong indicators that show it’s time to have a conversation about moving into assisted living.

#1 – Increasing health complications

Around 80% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic health condition, and many have multiple health concerns to maintain. These can become very difficult to manage independently or even with the help of a family member. Increased care needs are better managed by professionals who are not only able to supply the help they need now, but are trained to watch for other health concerns, monitor medication, and act quickly in an emergency situation. In assisted living, all residents have 24/7 access to a care team who is experienced in treating chronic illnesses, nursing care, medication management, and much more.

#2 – Neglected hygiene

One of the first signs that an older adult is struggling is neglect in their hygiene and personal care. In the ill and elderly, bathing, grooming, and taking care of everyday hygiene can be difficult and exhausting, or they may even be unaware that they are forgetting to take care of themselves. Signs of neglect include bad body odor, unkempt and dirty hair, dirty nails that are too long, and clothing that appears too small, damaged or unwashed. Poor hygiene can lead to health complications and a poor quality of life, but it can be addressed and reversed with the help of knowledgeable, trained associates in an assisted living community.

#3 – Safety issues

Home can easily become an unsafe space as we get older and experience changes in mobility. Falls in the home are the leading cause of emergency room visits, severe injuries, and even injury-related deaths in senior adults. Furthermore, senior forgetfulness can cause wandering, fires, and dangerous use of medication when unsupervised for long periods of time. In an assisted living community, apartments are designed to optimize safety. In addition, associates who are on-site all day, every day are trained to help residents move safely around campus to prevent falls. Should a resident find themselves in a sticky situation, they can activate their 24-hour alert pendant and receive advanced medical care almost immediately if needed.

#4 – Isolation

As we’ve seen during the pandemic, isolation has a very powerful impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. For elderly people who are less mobile, restricted by health conditions, or unable to travel independently, isolation can be devastating to manage. It’s a primary cause of depression and anxiety in seniors and can lead to severe mental and physical decline. Assisted living communities are much more than medical and housing facilities and are actually a great source of support for seniors. With an event-filled social calendar, clubs of all varieties, and plenty of neighbors to socialize with, a good assisted living community helps seniors to reconnect with the outside world and alleviate loneliness.

Find the best assisted living community in Sussex County

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Community network, a collection of assisted living communities in New Jersey dedicated to supporting abundant and independent living for all seniors. Our apartment-style living, dedicated care teams, wide range of personal care services, vibrant social calendar, and beautiful grounds are just some of the reasons why we earned a place on the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Lists!

If you want to find out more about our approach to assisted living in New Jersey, then please get in touch today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/bristol-glen/is-it-time-to-make-the-move-to-assisted-living/

How Seniors Can Stay Active in the Winter

Cold weather combined with the fear of falling on icy surfaces can make it understandably difficult for anyone – never mind seniors – to stay active in the wintertime. However, this is perhaps the most important time of year for seniors to keep moving. It’s tempting to stay all wrapped up in blankets on the couch, but succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle during the cold months can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. That’s why our care teams at UMC have put together a few exercise and lifestyle tips for older adults that can make it easier to keep active and manage the obstacles that come with winter.

#1 – Research fun virtual classes

There are some fantastic classes available on YouTube that cover every kind of activity, age range, and ability you can imagine – and they can all be performed in the comfort and warmth of your own home. Look for senior yoga, senior fitness exercises, and senior pilates for a start, and try out some different instructors to find someone you like. Some instructors also offer live classes where you can join via Skype or Zoom, which can be very helpful if you are a beginner, need a little extra guidance, or simply find it more motivating to work out in a group.

#2 – Check out those indoor pools

Most gyms and community centers have warm indoor pools and a schedule of activities aimed at all ages. You can try out different classes for swimming, aqua-fit, or water aerobics right the way through winter, with the bonus of getting some warm, summer-like activities in while it’s cold outside! Swimming has some great benefits, including improved muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness, giving you a full-body workout without stressing your joints.

#3 – Dance around the house

Everyone loves a dance party, and it’s the perfect way to get a little fit when you’re snowed in! Put on your favorite music, make sure you have a clear area where you can boogie, and dance your way through your day. Dancing works up a surprising sweat and it’s enjoyable too, improving coordination and balance, uplifting your mood, and boosting cardiovascular health – especially if you sing along too.

#4 – Get a personal trainer

Personal trainers aren’t just for A-list celebrities, but they’ll certainly make you look and feel like one! Look for a personal trainer in your area who has experience dealing with any health concerns you may have, whether it’s an aching knee, diabetes, or weight management. They’ll either be able to set you up at their gym for training or even be able to come to your house to help you work out right at home. Personal trainers are great because they can give you advice based on your exact concerns and needs, which means you get healthy and fit faster and in a much more enjoyable way!

#5 – Work out with the weather

Too much routine can get a little boring and demotivating, so mix up your physical activity. If it’s a slightly warmer winter day, call up a neighbor or friend for a walk outdoors in the fresh air. If the weather is turning, hit the gym for a relaxing swim in the warm water, and fit in dance classes, home-based personal training, and online classes as you like. This will help give you a much more well-rounded level of fitness, improving mobility and strength, while giving you entertainment and opportunities to socialize, an outlet for stress, and improving your sleep.

Healthy senior living in Sussex County, NJ

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Community network, a collection of senior living and assisted living communities in New Jersey dedicated to supporting abundant, independent living. We’re proud to say that our CCRC in Sussex County earned a place on the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Lists, reflecting our dedication to our residents and the state of their health!

If you want to find out more about our approach to assisted living in New Jersey, then please get in touch today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/how-seniors-can-stay-active-in-the-winter/

 

4 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s with Your Senior Parents

New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate with the ones you love. If you’re fortunate enough to have your senior parents in your life, New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to bond over last year’s memories and have fun ringing in the new year. If mom or dad is usually in bed before the ball drops, don’t worry! Our assisted living team in Sussex County has put together a list of ideas on how to celebrate with your senior loved one at any time of day. 

#1 – Champagne brunch to ring in the New Year at noon

Who doesn’t love brunch? Cooking up a storm and serving everyone’s favorite breakfast foods is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022. Invite friends, family, and neighbors – especially those that are elderly or who don’t have a family event to go to – to share in the cheer of ringing in the New Year. You can have a countdown to noon, complete with champagne, noisemakers, and silly hats! Any leftovers can go home with guests to enjoy later, and you can even make fun care packages filled with treats and goodies to start the year off on the right foot.

#2 – Dance the night away through the decades

Line up a playlist of all your loved one’s favorite bands from their best years and get ready to dance through the decades. Have all your guests dress up to fit the theme, make a signature cocktail to enjoy, and start dancing. You can even have a dance competition or invite a dance teacher to host some lessons!

#3 – Oh no, there’s been a murder!

Murder mystery evenings are so much fun, and they work for all ages and fitness levels. While you can plan your own party, there are also plenty of pre-made murder mystery kits available to purchase if you don’t have a ton of time to get a story and props together for your event. These kits are usually themed, so look for something that your loved one will really enjoy – maybe one that connects with their favorite books, decade, or hobbies. We’ve found a  classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, a Great Gatsby-themed mystery, and even one themed around golf.

#4 – Adopt traditions from around the world

Every country has its own interesting and fun New Year’s Eve tradition, so why not try a few out? Every hour, you can ring in the New Year with a different twist. For example, ‘first footing’ is a Scottish tradition that’s part of Hogmanay celebrations where you visit a neighbor and bring a small gift for good luck through the New Year. In Spain, the tradition is to try eating 12 grapes as quickly as possible and making one wish for each month of the year before the clock stops striking 12. Whoever wins gets the most luck!

Fun-filled family events for celebrating the New Year in assisted living

Bristol Glen is a part of the United Methodist Communities network of senior living communities across New Jersey. And because we’re supporters of a full and abundant life for seniors, we’re brimming with plans for celebrating New Year’s at our community in Sussex County! With a vibrant calendar of events, enthusiastic associate members, and an active set of seniors, we’re ready to welcome your loved one into our assisted living community in the new year.

To find out more about us, contact us today or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/4-ways-to-celebrate-new-years-with-your-senior-parents/

4 Fun Halloween Crafts for Seniors to DIY

Who says that Halloween is just for kids? Halloween is an opportunity for everyone, both young and old, to have fun and get in touch with their spooky side. One great way to do this, besides having a costume, is to create Halloween decorations from scratch. Crafting is a chance to get the whole family together to bond and celebrate the fun of this holiday. If you’re looking for inspiration, our assisted living caregivers at Bristol Glen put together 4 fun Halloween crafts for seniors to take part in with their families.

#1 – Mummy jars

So simple and easy to make, mummy jars are a great place to start your Halloween crafts! All you need is:

• Mason jars
• Bandages
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Wrap the jars in a layer of bandage, leaving the top of the jar open. Use the glue to secure the bandages, keeping in mind that some mummies prefer a messier look. Then, stick the googly eye onto the outside of the jar – done!

You can get as fun or as spooky as you like, adding a mouth or even some fake blood. Fill the mummy jars with candy, Halloween decorations, or place a small candle inside to create a spooky glow at night.

#2 – Halloween wreath

Don’t let those wreath-making skills go to waste until Thanksgiving or Christmas! Alternatively, if you don’t know how to make a wreath, now is the perfect time to learn. There are so many tutorials online about how to make wreaths, and they can be adapted for any occasion. Here’s are the supplies you’ll need:

• Some vine, floral wire, or a metal wireframe.
• Foliage – we love dry grasses and pumpkins for the fall
• Flowers – Choose Halloween colors, dried flowers, or small painted pinecones
• Decorations – Bats, skulls, and spiders – oh my!
• Glue

Start by wrapping the grasses around the frame to create a continuous circle, gluing it in place. Plan out your flowers and decorative natural elements, gluing them in place or attaching them with floral wire. Finally, add your Halloween decorations for maximum spookiness. If you have bats or ghosts, you can make them ‘fly’ off the wreath by attaching them to a little floral wire.

#3 – No-sew pumpkins

It’s just not Halloween without pumpkins, but that doesn’t mean you need to get carving. Here’s what you really need:

• An old shirt in fall colors
• Twine
• Rubber bands
• Cushion stuffing
• Fabric glue

First, cut off the shirt cuffs, and then cut it off at the shoulder so that you have a tube of material. Turn this inside out.

Cut about 6 equal lengths of twine that are about 5 inches longer than the tube of material. Tie these together about 2-3 inches down. Put the twine inside the shirt sleeve so that the knot sticks out the slightly wider shoulder end.

Secure the tube of material at the knot using a rubber band. Now, turn the sleeve inside out. Fill with the cushion filling and secure the top with another rubber band. Space the long pieces of twine equally around the outside of the stuffed sleeve, pulling them each up to the top, around the sleeve to create those pumpkin sections.

Secure this with a rubber band and wrap twine around the top section that you’ve just secured to create a stalk. You can also add artificial fall leaves.

#4 – Pinecone owls and witches

Perfect for the mantlepiece or windowsill, these are easy and fun to make. All you need are:

• Clean pinecones
• Black, white, and yellow felt
• Glue

With this project, you can get as creative as you’d like! Make simple accessories out of the felt and glue them on to create spooky characters for your Halloween display. We love big, round yellow and black owl eyes with a cute beak, witch and wizard hats, even bats with big scary wings!

Our assisted living team in New Jersey loves Halloween as much as our residents do, and we’re planning to make this year a great one! If you’d like to find out more about our community and the assisted living services we offer in New Jersey, contact us or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/4-fun-halloween-crafts-for-seniors-to-diy/

5 Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

 

Many seniors lose mobility due to conditions like stroke, severe arthritis, or other injuries. However, loss of mobility doesn’t mean that seniors can’t stay active and engaged. There are many ways to have fun, boost mood, and keep active without disrupting or worsening pre-existing conditions. If you or your loved one are looking for some inspiration, check out this list of easy and fun activities our assisted living team in Sussex County has put together.

#1 – Dive into new worlds through reading

We recently wrote about the benefits of reading as a senior, and it really is the perfect activity for anyone with limited mobility. It’s an easy and fun way to explore any topic under the sun, from true crime and science to history and drama…a good book is sure to provide plenty of entertainment! Reading also helps to relieve stress, improve cognitive function, strengthen problem-solving skills, improve sleep, and build social connections through book clubs and discussions.  A lightweight e-reader with adjustable text size or audiobooks is always an option for seniors who may have difficulty with their eyesight or holding heavy paperbacks.

#2 – Put your problem-solving skills to the test with puzzles

When we were all homebound in quarantine, plenty of people rediscovered the fun of puzzles! It’s a great cognitive exercise that’s stimulating, doesn’t require lots of moving around, and can be a solo or group activity. Solving puzzles is remarkably addictive and rewarding, and it doesn’t require much in the way of physical strength to do either. To make it as engaging as possible, it’s best to choose puzzles that connect with your loved one’s life and interests, and that provide a bit of a challenge. You can even have a puzzle custom-made from a beloved family photo as a special present.

#3 – Get active and improve range of motion with a chair or assisted yoga

Yoga can be customized for every age and level of ability, helping to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and improve range of motion. With direction from a qualified therapist, yoga can be performed in a chair or with props that allow your loved ones to work at their level and without exceeding their limitations. These modifications allow seniors to get the physical and mental benefits of yoga without the risks of a fall, injury, or overexertion. Many yoga classes also include a time for mindfulness through meditation, which further helps to ease tension and stress, clear the mind, and reduce blood pressure.

#4 – Learn a new skill and share your own talents

You’re never too old to learn something new, and seniors have a wealth of experience to share! Whether it’s origami, knitting, crochet, painting, or gardening, there are sure to be other seniors who would love to share their skills and help your loved one learn something new. Dabbling in a new hobby is a great way to stimulate cognitive function and a wonderful way to meet new friends, too.

#5 – Stay young at heart with gaming

Whether it’s video games, board games, card games, or anything else, it’s time to play! In the wide world of gaming, there’s something for every mobility level, age, and interest. Games can be played remotely with friends and family, in person, or solo. Besides trying the classics, get adventurous and challenge your grandchild to Xbox virtual reality gaming and find a gaming space to explore and enjoy together. 

At Bristol Glen, our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey with an assisted living neighborhood, we offer beautiful, spacious apartments that are fully functional for limited mobility residents. 

If you want to find out more about assisted living in New Jersey, you can view our community virtual tours, read about our services, and much more all on our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/5-activities-for-seniors-with-limited-mobility/

The Difference Between OT and PT

While there is some overlap in the tools and techniques that rehabilitation service providers use, occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) have a very different purpose overall and require different practitioner skills.

At United Methodist Communities, licensed occupational and physical therapists work together to bring the highest level of care to residents and those who are here on a short-term basis. Here’s some insight into what these two important therapies are all about.

What is physical therapy?

PT is used to diagnose and treat physical dysfunction that affects movement, mobility and stability caused by injury or illness. If you ever have a sports injury, a knee replacement, suffer whiplash, or hurt your back, it’s highly recommended to see a physiotherapist for treatment. Treatment will be customized to your diagnosis and graded to your ability. In general, the goals of physical therapy are to:

• Support the best levels of physical wellness, activity, mobility, and health
• Help prevent issues from worsening or reoccurring
• Manage health conditions effectively
• Help speed up the healing process after illness, injury or surgery
• Prevent functional decline

To put it simply, it’s all about getting someone moving and to make that movement pain-free. Physiotherapists will ensure their residents move their bodies in a way that supports joints, muscles, and tendons properly.

How do physiotherapists treat you?

Treatment always starts with a thorough assessment in order to develop a program that works best with your particular needs. Physiotherapists develop a program that may consist of mobilization and manipulation techniques (physical adjustments), as well as massage and acupressure.

This program doesn’t just treat your pain — it addresses the source of the pain in order to treat your issue more effectively. These combined treatments will also relieve stress and pain from strained muscles, improve posture and strengthen your weaker areas.

For people who have undergone surgery or a debilitating illness, PT is critical for rebuilding the strength and muscles needed to regain movement, mobility and independence. PT is safe for anyone at any age, and is used extensively to help seniors regain their health faster, speed up healing processes and stay independent for longer.

What is occupational therapy?

OT is an equally important form of therapy. Occupational therapists help people regain basic skills needed in everyday life, from self-care (dressing, eating, and bathing) to speaking, working, studying, or playing sports.

They work with people who have suffered illness or injury that caused them to lose lifelong skills and abilities. For example, many people have suffered strokes, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, orthopedic injuries, and loss of limbs. These events can devastate a person’s quality of life, independence and sense of purpose — and OT can help regain what was lost.

How do occupational therapists treat you?

Due to the nature of these health issues, occupational therapists combine treatment and counselling to help re-engage people with their lives. As with the physiotherapists, they will start by performing a thorough assessment. Not only to get a clear idea of the challenges the person is facing, but also to develop a treatment plan that works with their goals.

This treatment may include OT sessions in which people are advised to:

• Perform basic exercises to help re-educate the brain and body
• Acquire special equipment to help make daily tasks easier
• Make changes to daily life tasks that work better for particular conditions
• Make adjustments in the living space to ensure it is as safe and risk-free as possible.

OT is also critical for reducing health risks, whether it’s improving motor skills to help prevent falls or helping people on ventilators regain their eating skills to prevent choking.

Every person is unique and responds to treatment differently, so OT is very flexible. The therapist will continually evaluate the progress made towards their goals and change therapy as needed to best support their improvement and wellbeing.

OT & PT at Bristol Glen

Ultimately, both physical and occupational therapy share the goal of making a person’s life easier, healthier and just better! At Bristol Glen, our team of therapists are a wonderful resource for permanent and short-term residents, helping people to resume a full and independent life as quickly as possible. If you want to find out more about occupational or physical therapy, contact us today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/short-term-rehab-nj/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/the-difference-between-ot-and-pt/