Written by Brian B

Is Memory Care Considered Skilled Nursing?

Is Memory Care Considered Skilled Nursing

Yes, memory care is considered skilled nursing. Learn more about this level of senior care below!

Is Memory Care Regarded As Skilled Nursing?

Many people may wonder what the differences and similarities are between memory care and skilled nursing. As mentioned above, memory care is regarded as skilled nursing and it can be administered by a personal care provider, as well. While the primary goal of skilled nursing is to rehabilitate a patient’s needs, memory care communities are set up for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Memory Care Vs Skilled Nursing Differences

Memory care services are specifically designed to help people suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Residents in memory care will have daily structured activities to keep them on a routine and ultimately lessen stress levels. The majority of these activities aim to improve cognitive stimulation.

Memory care communities offer more supervision of patients than most other care levels. This is mainly due to the fact that many people with memory-related problems have a tendency to wander around. Memory care communities are much safer because most doors and elevators are locked or protected with alarms. Outdoor recreation areas are generally locked and gated to keep each and every resident safe and accounted for.

Memory Care Basics

Alzheimer’s and dementia are common types of memory loss conditions that are included in memory care. This specialized care goes through a lot of various services that depend on the severity of the symptoms such as requiring secure settings to prevent wandering.

Memory care goes beyond what is normally offered for assisted living. Meal prep, laundry services, and housekeeping are provided but the level of assistance with daily activities will be increased. Often times, the daily activities are made just to allow the person to reconnect with their favorite hobbies and even interests.

When it comes to recognizing care challenges for those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, these communities may only provide memory care or for some continuing care communities will have neighborhoods just for memory care. Often times, these communities will have design elements that has shown to lower stress for those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.

These elements could include circular neighborhood designs that allow safe wandering, natural lighting, and memory boxes outside of the room. 6 out of 10 people that have Alzheimer’s will start to wander around, and the community will be designed to lower risks of wandering and that could be adding security alarms on doors or safety checks.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

One important thing to consider, of course, will be overall cost. Location and living space will definitely add up the costs, but due to the extensive attention provided 24/7, memory care will be more expensive. On average in the United States, residents can expect to pay over $5,000 per month for memory care and around $4,000 per month for assisted living. While you simply want the best care for your loved ones, cost will undoubtedly play a role in the final decision.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Written by webtechs

Balance Exercises For The Elderly

Balance Exercises for the Elderly

When we are younger, we take staying straight for granted. Most of us aren’t really concerned about falling over—it usually doesn’t even cross our minds. But as we age, things change. Our body’s systems that recognize gravity, identify precise body positioning any time, and promote stability and balance become less productive. Actually, according to a report from the CDC, an elderly adult falls every single second of every single day in the US. That is why balance exercises for the elderly are so important

  1. Foot Taps

This balance exercise strengthens your core muscles that assists in stabilizing your spine.

How to do it:

  1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart in front of a step (the bottom step of a staircase is perfect) or even a couple of books or footstool.
  2. When needed, hold on to a wall or a solid piece of furniture to balance you. As you get stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto.
  3. From here, gradually raise your right or left foot (whichever you like) to tap your step in front of you, and then gradually return it to the floor.
  4. Carry out fifteen to twenty taps, then repeating using the opposite leg.
  1. Head Rotations

This balance exercise improves the mobility in your neck, which in turn aids with good balance and posture.

How to do it: 

  1. Stand tall having your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. When needed, hold on to a wall or a solid piece of furniture to balance. As you get stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto.
  3. From here, gradually move your head from left to right then up and down at the same time keeping your body as still as you can.
  4. Carry this out for thirty seconds, then repeat. Should you get dizzy, pause and move your head more gradually.
  5. When you are still dizzy, discontinue.
  1. Standing Marches

This core-strengthening exercise aids in reinforcing the muscles that support your spine.

How to perform it: 

  1. Standing tall having your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. When required, hold on to a wall or a solid piece of furniture to balance you. When getting stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto.
  3. From there, raise your right or left knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground (or close to parallel as you can) while trying to keep your torso straight and trying not to lean.
  4. Take a small break, then gradually return your foot to the ground.
  5. Carry out twenty marches, changing legs with each march.
  1. Sit-to-Stands

This balance exercise not only reinforces your core muscles, but is a good option to squats when you have knee issues.

How to do it: 

  1. Standing tall having your back facing a solid chair with your feet shoulder-width separate.
  2. If you need to, hold on a wall or a solid piece of furniture for balance. As you get stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto.
  3. From there, sit back and gradually lower your hips on to the chair as smoothly as you can.
  4. Pause, and avoiding swinging your torso, pushing through with your heels for standing.
  5. Carry out ten repetitions.
  1. Single-Leg Stands

This is a perfect balance exercise to perform whenever you like, like when you’re waiting for your cup of joe.

How to do it: 

  1. Standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. If you need to, hold on to the wall or a solid piece of furniture to balance. As you get stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto.
  3. From there, raise one foot about an inch off the ground at the same time keeping your torso straight and avoiding leaning toward your planted foot.
  4. Hold for ten to fifteen seconds, then gradually return your foot to the ground.
  5. Repeat for your opposite leg.
  6. Carry-out five stands on each leg.
  1. Over Shoulder Walking

This balance exercise requires your body and brain to work in unison to stay upright while carrying out two different tasks at once.

How to do it: 

  1. Standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart at one area of a room or hallway.
  2. If you need to, hold on to the wall to balance you. As you get stronger, carry out the move with nothing to hold onto. From there, glance behind you over one (right or left) of your shoulders.
  3. Keeping this gaze, take five to six steps forward.
  4. After that, glance over your other shoulder, and take five to six more steps forward.
  5. Carry out five repetitions for each side.

Chaparral Winds Offers Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is a retirement community located in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility contact SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

Written by Brian B

Average Length Of Stay In Memory Care Unit

Average Length Of Stay In Memory Care Unit

The average length of stay for an individual in memory care is two to three years. However, based on several key factors, the length of stay can vary widely.

Length Of Memory Care Stays

Figuring out an exact timeline for a stay in memory care can prove to be difficult. While some seniors may stay in memory care for more than ten years, others may spend just a few months in the community. Of course, the same holds true for assisted and independent living residents, but a typical memory care stay is between 2-3 years, nonetheless. The timeline tends to drop drastically whenever an individual enters memory care after receiving some sort of at-home care. A memory care stay may only last up to a year at that point.

Factors Impacting Length Of Stay

Length of stay for an individual in a memory care unit is impacted by the following factors:

  • Overall Health.
  • Unit Availability.
  • Type Of Impairment.
  • Family Support.

When To Go To Memory Care

If your loved one gives off any of these indicators below, it may be time to consider moving them into a memory care unit.

1. Changes In Behavior

Anyone who suffers from dementia will likely start acting differently. While some behavioral changes may be hard to notice, others will be obvious. Make sure to closely monitor any differences in behavior, motor skills or isolation. It’s no secret that individuals with dementia can become anxious, agitated and confused.

2. Physical Health Declining

Physical changes can be the most noticeable indicator of either Alzheimer’s or dementia. At some point, the individual may become obviously thin. Physical conditions can certainly worsen if the individual forgets to take medications regularly.

3. Constant Confusion

Dementia causes confusion and disorientation. Individuals may get confused or lost often.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Written by Brian B

Memory Care Near Me

Memory Care Near Me

If you are searching for “memory care facilities near me” or “memory care near me” in Arizona, we’re here to help!

This article will highlight five memory care facilities in some of the most popular retirement destinations in the state, including SedonaMesaYoungtownPeoria and Surprise.

Memory Care In Mesa, AZ

Canyon Winds is a Senior Living Services Community located in Mesa, Arizona. This facility offers plenty of choices for senior citizens of varying needs. One can find more than just assisted living at Canyon Winds, as they also offer independent and memory care services. This resort-style facility is breathtaking, with spacious floor plans and dining areas. A full activity program and fitness center await future residents. Looking to bring a small cat or dog to your new home? Not a problem at all, as every SLS Community is pet friendly!

Memory Care Services:

  • Three meals per day plus snacks.
  • All utilities, including cable TV.
  • 24-Hour care.
  • Daily tidying of your apartment.
  • Weekly deep cleaning.
  • Weekly laundry service.
  • Emergency call system.
  • Bathing and oral care.
  • Rich program of activities.
  • And more!

Memory Care In Sedona, AZ

Sedona is regarded as the most scenic city in all of Arizona. And that reason alone makes it a wonderful place to call home. Sedona Winds, located in the heart of the red rocks, offers stunning courtyard views, along with a 24-hour staff for every need. Settle for this community if you wish to enjoy breathtaking views, daily. General maintenance, weekly laundry and deep cleaning of your apartment, an emergency call system, and a diverse activities program are all included when you choose Sedona Winds.

Memory Care Services:

  • Three meals per day plus snacks.
  • All utilities, including cable TV.
  • 24-Hour care.
  • Daily tidying of your apartment.
  • Weekly deep cleaning.
  • Weekly laundry service.
  • Emergency call system.
  • Bathing and oral care.
  • Rich program of activities.
  • And more!

Memory Care In Sedona

Memory Care In Youngtown, AZ

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Memory Care Services:

  • Three meals per day plus snacks.
  • All utilities, including cable TV.
  • 24-Hour care.
  • Daily tidying of your apartment.
  • Weekly deep cleaning.
  • Weekly laundry service.
  • Emergency call system.
  • Bathing and oral care.
  • Rich program of activities.
  • And more!

Memory Care In Surprise, AZ

If you’ve lived in Surprise your entire life and want to stay close to friends and family, then Chaparral Winds is the assisted living facility for you! As Chaparral Winds’ website states, this is a community designed to keep a relaxing vibe going throughout the day. A pool and hot tub combined with a beautiful dining area make this one of the premier communities in all of Arizona. Great shopping, golf courses, restaurants and medical facilities are all located within a few miles, which is a bonus for visiting family members.

Take a look at what the Chaparral Winds community has to offer:

 

Memory Care Services:

  • Three meals per day plus snacks.
  • All utilities, including cable TV.
  • 24-Hour care.
  • Daily tidying of your apartment.
  • Weekly deep cleaning.
  • Weekly laundry service.
  • Emergency call system.
  • Bathing and oral care.
  • Rich program of activities.
  • And more!

Memory Care In Peoria, AZ

Offering assisted, independent and memory care services, Desert Winds is a top-notch community in the valley. Desert Winds offers three types of floor plans for assisted living residents. Whether a two-bedroom, two-bath or one-bedroom, one-bath is what you desire, Desert Winds has a plan for you. Studio apartments are available as well. All of these floor plans can be toured virtually on Desert Winds’ official website. All apartments come fully equipped with individual heat and AC units, a refrigerator, microwave, window treatments and more.

Memory Care Services:

  • Three meals per day plus snacks.
  • All utilities, including cable TV.
  • 24-Hour care.
  • Daily tidying of your apartment.
  • Weekly deep cleaning.
  • Weekly laundry service.
  • Emergency call system.
  • Bathing and oral care.
  • Rich program of activities.
  • And more!

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

One important thing to consider, of course, will be overall cost. Location and living space will definitely add up the costs, but due to the extensive attention provided 24/7, memory care will be more expensive. On average in the United States, residents can expect to pay over $5,000 per month for memory care and around $4,000 per month for assisted living. While you simply want the best care for your loved ones, cost will undoubtedly play a role in the final decision.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Written by webtechs

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

Memory Care Cost

On average, memory care costs about $5,250 in Surprise, AZ for 2021; average memory care prices range from $1,500 to $9,000.

Memory care facilities are one of the more costly kinds of long-term care. Several factors add to this, including specialized knowledge and training required of staff and increased safeguarding measures. On average, memory care is priced roughly twenty to thirty percent more than an assisted living facility. Taking into account assisted living’s average monthly cost of $4,300 in the US, one can expect to pay around $5,375 each month for memory care.

Prices will be different depending on geographic location, comforts, and care requirement. Whereas many services like meals, management of medication, and community activities are included, others will be optional. As an example, residents could have access to laundry facilities, lunch outings, or beauty services; haircuts and/or manicures, but these could cost extra.

The following are some ways to pay for memory care:

  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgages

Chaparral Winds Offers Memory Care In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering memory care, assisted living, and independent living services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-294-6871.

Written by webtechs

Low Impact Exercises For Seniors

Low Impact Exercises For Seniors

If you looking for low-impact exercises for seniors, this post by Chaparral Winds Retirement can help.

High-impact, gut-wrenching workouts may have been beneficial in your twenties, but exercising for long-term wellness and health means being friendlier to your body. That’s not only true for the estimated 50 million Americans stricken with some type of arthritis; it pertains to everyone.

As the years go by, your bone density and joint support naturally start to decline. This doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy calorie-burning, muscle-building exercises. Here are eight awesome options for staying fit, strong, and healthy without beating up your joints.

TRX Suspension Training

Commonly known as “total-body resistance exercise,” TRX is a strap suspension system that uses your own bodyweight and gravity to enhance your flexibility, balance, and strength.

The rope-like system can be a little intimidating at first, so it’s wise to take a class or work with a trainer when you’re just beginning. When you’re comfortable, you can simply hang a suspension trainer over any solid doorframe and use the connected handles to execute hundreds of exercises.

Swimming

Swimming has been known for a long time as an excellent low-impact workout—and there is a good reason. Moving in water supports your joints and offers great resistance to strengthen your bones and muscles. Both water aerobics and swimming are excellent workouts for your heart health and for increasing your range of motion.

One other perk: You hardly ever feel overheated in water. The downside is that this can make it difficult to notice when you need more fluids, drink plenty of water before you take the dive.

Yoga

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps build up your core, along with improving your balance and muscular stamina. These are all important as we age, so we can decrease the likelihood of serious injury from falls or other potential mishappenings.

Practicing yoga regularly can also strengthen your bone density, according to a 10-year study published in Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. Simply put, 12 minutes of yoga every other day is more than enough to do the trick.

Walking

When it comes down to staying active every day, walking is tough to beat. It gives a constant work to the muscles and connective tissues responsible for steadying your feet, ankles, knees, and hips while at the same time burning calories. The more hills and steps you climb, and the faster you go, the more calories you will burn.

Studies have shown that having a regular walking routine—preferably 30 minutes a day, six days a week—can help hinder constipation and even erectile dysfunction.

Pilates

Pilates is often associated with yoga, but it’s a totally different exercise system. Both are emphasizing gentle movement and flexibility, the mind-body connection, and breathing techniques—all of which can be excellent remedies for creaky joints. But Pilates has a greater emphasis on building up core strength, as yoga and its spiritual associations can turn people of doing yoga, Pilates is free from those associations.

The Elliptical

We apologize, treadmill. The elliptical is the clear winner when it comes to putting less stress on our legs. As the elliptical glides back and forth, it decreases the impact on your legs and lower back due to its ski-like motion. It’s an excellent way to get your heart pumping without putting too much stress your joints.

The elliptical can also put your body in a stationary position that might not be natural for your proper alignment. Over time this can cause hip issues, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or physical therapist before you start using an elliptical.

Tai Chi

Sometimes described as “meditation in motion,” tai chi is an especially effective exercise for improving your strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. There’s increasing evidence that it can help treat or stop a lot of health problems, including depression and high blood pressure.

Tai chi is flexible and safe for people of all ages and periods of health. But it’s particularly beneficial for older individuals who may be limited from aerobic exercise as well as those who have stiff joints or balance issues. A study conducted by the Oregon Research Institute found that doing tai chi at least three times a week can improve your balance and reduces the risk of falling by as much as 55%.

Indoor Cycling

Indoor cycling is an aerobic activity that improves endurance and heart health, lowers blood pressure and your stress levels, and strengthens your hip and leg muscles—all without putting stress your joints.

Many gyms will offer indoor cycling classes specifically meant for seniors, with trained instructors who are familiar with older adults. If you can’t find one near you, it’s not a problem: Any class can (and should) be done to your ability.

Chaparral Winds Offers Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement community located in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility contact SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

Written by webtechs

What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia?

What Are The Early Signs Of Dementia?

Early Signs Of Dementia

Dementia happens when nerve cells in someone’s brain stop working. Even though it usually happens in older people, it is not an unavoidable part of aging. The brain’s natural decline happens to everyone as they get older, but it occurs faster in people with dementia.

A person developing dementia may have a hard time remembering dates or events.

  1. Loss of Memory

Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia.

Someone with dementia can find it difficult to remember information they have recently heard, such as dates, appointments or events.

They might find that they rely on friends and family for keeping track of things.

A lot of people occasionally forget things more often as they age. They can usually recall them later if their memory loss is related to their age and not due to suffering from dementia.

  1. Difficulty Planning Or Addressing Problems

A person with dementia may find it challenging to follow a plan, such as a cooking recipe, or driving directions to the doctor.

Problem-solving may also get more complicated, like when adding up numbers to pay bills.

  1. Trouble Doing Familiar Tasks

Some with dementia can find it hard to complete tasks they usually do, such as changing the settings on a TV, operating a computer, making a cup of coffee, or getting to a familiar place. This difficulty with simple tasks could happen at work or at home.

  1. Time Or Place Confusion

Dementia can make it difficult to determine the passing of time. Dementia sufferers might also forget where they are at any given time.

They can find it hard to comprehend events in the future or the past and may have a hard time with dates.

  1. Difficulty Understanding Visual Information

Visual information can be challenging for someone with dementia. It may be hard to read, judge distances, or work out the difference between colors.

Someone who typically drives or rides a bike may start to find these activities complicated.

  1. Speaking Or Writing Issues

Their handwriting may become less legible as their dementia advances.

Someone suffering from dementia may find it challenging to engage in conversations.

They might forget what they are saying or what somebody else said. Sometimes it can be hard to enter a conversation.

People may also find their grammar, punctuation, and spelling progressively get worse.

Dementia patients handwriting becomes harder to read.

  1. Losing Or Misplacing Things

Someone with dementia might not be able to remember where they leave everyday objects, like the TV remote, cash, or their car keys.

Misplacing possessions can be annoying and might accuse other people of stealing.

  1. Making Poor Decisions

It may be difficult for someone with dementia to understand what is reasonable and what is fair. This may mean they are paying too much for things or sure about purchasing things they don’t need.

Some dementia sufferers may also care less about keeping themselves presentable.

  1. Social Withdrawal

A person with dementia might not want to socialize with other people, in their home life or at their work.

They may become standoffish and not talk to others or seem uninterested when others are speaking to them. They may also stop doing hobbies or group activities that involve others.

  1. Changes In Their Mood Or Personality

Someone suffering from dementia may go through mood swings or changes in their personality. For example, they can become irritable, depressed, scared, or annoyed.

They sometimes can also become more uninhibited or act out.

When To See A Doctor

A person who has any of these symptoms or notices them in a loved one.

As reported by the Alzheimer’s Association, it is a myth that cognitive functioning will get worse as a person gets older. Signs of cognitive decline can be dementia or another illness in which doctors can assist and provide support.

Even though there is no cure for dementia as of today, a doctor can help slow the advancement of the disease, ease their symptoms, and improve a person’s quality of life.

Read more about early signs of dementia right here.

Chaparral Winds Offers Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement community located in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility contact SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

Written by webtechs

Senior Living Surprise

If you are searching for Senior Living in Surprise, Arizona, Chaparral Winds can help. We offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care services.

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community is simply more than just another retirement community. Chaparral Winds Retirement Community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care. We are located in Surprise, Arizona. Our Community offers a lot options to meet or exceed all of your needs. We are closely located next to everything you may need, including sensational shopping, 5 star restaurants, a plethora of golf courses, cultural centers, sports stadiums, and medical offices all within a couple of miles.

Assisted Living In Surprise, AZ

Assisted living is for seniors who appreciate their independence, but may need some help with day to day activities like bathing, dressing themselves, transportation to appointments and medication notices. Seniors can live in their own apartments or with an associate and are freed of household duties like laundry, meal preparation, and cleaning.

Learn more about assisted living in Surprise

Independent Living In Surprise, AZ

Independent Living is for seniors who can to live on their own in an apartment or home, but want the benefits of living in a community that provides services and conveniences such as housework, social interactions, dining, and transportation.  Seniors are free to come and go as they please and enjoy a retirement lifestyle they crave without the challenges and obligations of owning a home.

Learn more about independent living in Surprise

Memory Care In Surprise, AZ

Memory Care at Chaparral Winds is committed to those with memory loss. All caregivers are specially trained to provide the individual attention required by that suffering memory loss. Regular, stimulating activities that are designed to improve the quality of life of the residents are provided each day in a caring, safe environment. One of the main objectives of memory care is to help decrease the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia while also letting a senior to feel meaningful, a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment on a day to day basis.

Learn more about memory care in Surprise

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community Is Located In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is located at 16623 NW Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374 near the corner of Bell Rd. and NW Point Pkwy. Get in touch with us to schedule a tour at one of our facilities.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

Written by webtechs

What is Alzheimer’s?

What is Alzheimers?

According to the National Institute on Aging NIA: Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.

An In-Depth Look At Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a kind of dementia that has been found to cause problems with people’s behavior, memory and thought process. Symptoms usually progresses slowly and will worsen over time, becoming serious enough to interfere with day to day tasks. Alzheimer’s disease affects different parts of the patient’s brain causing various symptoms sometimes not diagnosed prior to the later stages of the disease.

What Some Causes of Alzheimer’s?

The cause for some Alzheimer’s cases is still mostly unexplained except for 1 to 5 percent of cases where genetic variations have been recognized.

Family History:

If a person who has Alzheimer’s is a parent or grandparent, they can pass on the disease to their offspring.

Diet:

Keeping a well balanced diet can help protect the brain. Following a heart-healthy diet can decrease future cognitive deterioration by up to 35 percent.

Head Injuries:

Patients that have had certain head injuries early in life run a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The worse the head injury is, the greater the risk.

Genetics:

There are two categories of genes that effect whether a person develops a disease. One is deterministic genes and the other risk genes; Alzheimer’s genes have been located in both of them.

Down Syndrome:

It is unclear but those who have Down Syndrome may develop Alzheimer’s in their 30’s and 40’s.

What Are The Different Phases of Alzheimer’s?

There are different phase your loved one will go through when developing Alzheimer’s. It really comes down to what part of the brain is affected.

1) Normal Behavior

You probably won’t notice any symptoms in your loved one, but taking a test may uncover a problem.

2)  Very Mild Changes

At this phase you will probably pick up on small differences in their behavior, such as misplacing more things that usual, or skipping a word or two.

3) Mild Changes

During this phase you start to notice changes in your loved one reasoning and thinking. They may forget what they just read, forget doctor’s appointments or may ask the same question over and over.

4) Moderate Changes

The changes you saw in phase 3 will be more prominent. You will begin to see new issues appear and may start to stress to your loved one about retiring or stopping driving. You also want to make sure they aren’t getting taken advantage of.

5) Moderately Severe Change

At this point, you loved one may forget what day it is, what season, and may need help with picking out clothes. Even if they can’t remember where they went to school at, they still may be able to tell a story.

6) Severe Change

You loved on may start to get more confused, they remember faces but not names, they may mistake a complete stranger as a good friend. They may want to go to work, but are no longer employed. You may have to assist helping they go to the restroom. It may also start to be difficult to talk.

7) Very Severe Change

Your loved one at this point may be bedridden, they need help eating, can no longer eat solid foods. They may no longer talk or respond to outside stimuli. You loved one is going to need 24 hour assistance.

What Are Some Treatments for Alzheimer’s Patients?

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take to make their lives a little better.  An unwritten rule is to get plenty of exercise and keep and eat a healthy diet.

Medications

Although there are no current medications to cure Alzheimer’s, there are medications that can make your loved ones life a little easier. There are many types of drugs that can aid in brain functionality. Some medications can slow the disease’s process down depending on the stage of progress the effects will lasts for a limited time.

Environmental Readjustment

Changing the environment your loved one lives in can considerably increase their safety and well-being while decreasing their anxiousness. Be sure to inspect each room for hazards, like throw rugs, or under lit rooms. Home alterations for safety include removal of hazardous items that could be used to harm themselves, harmful chemicals. Utilize child-proof items like outlet covers. Door locks may also be used to limit access.

Psychotherapy

Meeting with a therapist can also be beneficial as your loved one struggles to accept, come to terms with, their new diagnosis. As their Alzheimer’s progresses, psychotherapy becomes less useful to the patient as cognitive deterioration occurs and the ability to express themselves is lost.

Alzheimer’s Patient Treatments

Each Alzheimer’s patient is going to be different depending on the progression of the disease. Different patients are going to have different symptoms. These are just some of the treatment options available for your loved one.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

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Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona

If you have been searching for somewhere that you can enjoy retirement, then check out these “top 5 retirement communities located in Arizona. Finding the best memory care, assisted living, or independent living community for yourself or even a loved one is a big step, so check out this list.

Top 5 Retirement Communities in Arizona

Chaparral Winds Retirement Community: Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is on over 12 acres that has plenty of room for residents to enjoy such as the large putting green, pools, courtyards, and even gated entry that is secured. The whole community is active, always busy, and vibrant with activities. All of the residents happen to enjoy the world class meals that are located in fine dining areas as well as cleaning services.

Canyon Winds Retirement Community: Mesa, Arizona

This happens to be a newer retirement community. Canyon Winds has a lot of great amenities. Residents are able to enjoy a beauty salon, chapel, fitness center, theater room, spa and resort style pool, and world class dining as well as housekeeping, laundry and transportation services.

Desert Winds Retirement Community: Peoria, Arizona

Residents here are able to enjoy a community with plenty of activities for an active lifestyle. It has great golfing, quality medical care, and amazing restaurants all close by. The staff handles the cooking, laundry, and cleaning so you can enjoy your retirement without having to have chores.

Sedona Winds Retirement Community: Sedona, Arizona

In one of the most picturesque areas in Arizona, Sedona Winds gives residents access to limitless opportunities for entertainment, interests, and hobbies as well as enjoyment living in red rock. Residents can keep busy while staff handles everything else.

Ventana Winds Retirement Community: Youngtown, Arizona

This retirement community has fine dining, amazing meals, manicured landscaping, elegant décor, and great floor plan options. Plus, the community is close to shopping, fine restaurants, cultural centers and some of the valley’s best golf courses.

Locating a Retirement Community in Arizona

Need some help locating retirement communities located in Arizona?

We have helped a lot of seniors find the best fit for memory care, assisted living and independent living in Arizona. We have 5 locations within Arizona that can help you to find the perfect community for you or a loved one that will provide you with compassionate, highly trained, and welcoming staff and personnel.

Need help picking the type of care?

Whenever a senior or a family member is starting to consider retirement communities then there may be confusion and doubt over what type of care will be needed. We have a highly trained team to help you to decide what type of care is best out of memory care, assisted living and independent living.

Do you need assistance with planning a budget?

Most seniors will be on a fixed income and budgeting will be a huge part of ensuring that seniors will be cared for correctly. Our team will help to find the right type of community to fit every situation so that you can have a wise and balanced budget.

Do you need support while transitioning to a community?

It can be hard for some seniors to move from their home to a retirement community. Our compassionate and talented staff will focus on providing tailored care for your senior that will make them feel welcome and help to make the transition much easier.

Chaparral Winds Offers The Finest Retirement Living In Surprise, Arizona

Chaparral Winds is a retirement facility in Surprise, Arizona offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care services. For more information about our senior living facility, SLS Communities or to schedule a tour, please call us today at 623-471-5086.

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