How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost?
The average cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is $248 per day, $7,441 per month, and $89,297 per year in the US in 2020, according to SeniorLiving.
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Common Elderly Health Issues
Are you searching for “common senior health issues”? If you are, you may be wondering what your loved one may face as they get up in age. Today, people in the U.S. can look forward to living longer than they ever have. Once you or loved one reach the age of 65, evidence suggests that you can conceivably live an additional 19 years, on average, according to the CDC.
Common Elderly Health Issues
Getting older can seem disheartening—wrinkles, forgetting where you put your keys, graying hair. Aging can bring about distinctive health issues. With the elderly accounting for around 12% of the world’s population and will quickly increase to over 22% by the year 2050–it’s essential to understand the issues faced by people as they grow older, and realize that there are preemptive actions that can place yourself (or a loved one) on a course to healthful aging.
Constant Health Conditions
According to the National Council on Aging, about 92% of the elderly have at least 1 chronic disease and around 77% have at least 2. Stroke, heart disease, types of cancer, and diabetes are among the most prevalent and pricey chronic health conditions causing 2/3 of deaths each year. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion advises getting in touch with a physician for an yearly checkup, managing a healthy diet and exercising regularly to help manage or hamper chronic diseases. Obesity is a developing problem among seniors and engaging in these lifestyle behaviors can help decrease obesity and related conditions.
Cognitive health
Cognitive health is concentrated on a person’s capability to think, learn and remember. The most common cognitive health problem facing today’s seniors is dementia. Approximately 5.5 million people in the U.S. have dementia. The most familiar type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, other chronic health problems and diseases can escalate the risk of developing dementia, like substance abuse, high blood pressure, diabetes, bouts of depression, HIV and smoking cigarettes. Even though there are no cures for dementia, physicians and doctors can devise a treatment plan and medications to closely regulate the disease.
Mental Health
The World Health Organization reports that over 15% of adults over the age of 60 experience some type of mental disorder. One of the mental disorders among seniors is depression, occurring in 7% of the elderly population. Sadly, this mental disorder is sometimes under diagnosed and under treated. Older adults make up over 18% of suicide deaths in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, promoting a lifestyle of healthy living such as improvement of living conditions and social reinforcement from family, friends or support groups can help care for depression.
Physical Injury
Every 15 seconds, a senior is admitted to the emergency room for some type of fall. A senior dies from a fall every 29 minutes, making it the main cause of injury among seniors. As a result of aging, bones weaken and muscle begins to lose strength and resilience. As a result, seniors are more prone to losing their balance, injury and fracturing a bone. There are two diseases that that are responsible for frailty, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. But, falls are and can be prevented. In a lot of cases, they can be avoided through education, more physical activity and practical alterations within the home.
HIV/AIDS and other STD’s
In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 21% of AIDS cases happened to seniors over the age of 50 in the U.S., and 37% of deaths that same year were seniors over 55 years of age. Even though sexual needs and capability may change as people get older, their sexual desire doesn’t go away entirely. Seniors most likely will not use condoms, which, when combined with a weak immune system, makes the elderly more vulnerable to contracting an STD. Delayed diagnosis of HIV is typical among older adults because the symptoms of HIV are comparable to those of normal aging, making it harder to treat and prevent additional damage to the immune system.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition in seniors is often under diagnosed and can lead to other elderly health problems, such as a weak immune system and muscle deficiency. The causes of malnutrition can come from other health issues (seniors experiencing dementia sometimes may forget to eat), bouts of depression, alcoholism, dietary limitations, decreased social contact and a restricted income. Changes in their diet, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing consumption of saturated fats and salt, can help nutrition concerns in the elderly. There are food services readily available for seniors who can’t afford food themselves or have a hard time with food preparation.
Sensory Impairments
Often neglected, oral health care is one of the most high priority issues for the elderly. The CDC’s Division of Oral Health has discovered that about 25% of adults over 65 do not have their natural teeth. Oral issues such as tooth decay and cavities can make it difficult to manage a healthy diet, a lower self-esteem, and other health issues. Oral health symptoms in older adults are dry mouth, gum disease and some types of mouth cancer. These conditions can be managed by making routine dental visits. Oral health, however, can be challenging for seniors to gain access to due to losing dental insurance after retiring or economical difficulties.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, usually drug-related or alcohol addiction is more common among seniors than previously thought. According to the National Council on Aging, the total number of seniors with substance abuse problems is predicted to double to five million by the year 2020. Because a lot of people don’t usually connect substance abuse with the elderly, it’s often unnoticed in medical check-ups. Furthermore older adults are frequently prescribed numerous prescriptions to be used continually. The National Institute on Drugs discovered that substance abuse sometimes results from someone suffering mental issues or taking another patient’s medication due to their inability to pay for their own.
Bladder Control And Constipation
Urinary incontinence and constipation are both typical as people age, and can have an effect on a senior’s quality of life. These may be related to some of the issues discussed above, such as not eating a healthy diet and having the misfortune of chronic health issues. Keeping a healthy weight, managing a healthy diet and having an exercise routine will help avoid these elderly health issues. There are usually effective medical treatments, and senior should not be ashamed to discuss with their doctors.
Senior Living Communities Arizona
This list may seem frightening, but with the proper medical care, better lifestyle decisions, and support from friends, family and health care consultants, today’s senior’s can enjoy a longer, better quality of life. To schedule a tour of one of our senior living facilities, visit SLS Communities or for more information please call us today at 623-400-1468.
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What is Arthritis?
Are you searching “what is arthritis?” This post can help you to further understand what arthritis is, and what steps you can take to help prevent or slow the onset of arthritis. Treatments can vary depending on what type of arthritis it is. The main goal of arthritis treatments is to cut down symptoms and enhanced quality of life.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not that uncommon but is not fully understood. Clearly, “arthritis” is not a single disease; it is a straightforward way of referring to joint disease or joint pain. There are more than 100 individual types of arthritis and accompanying conditions. People of all races, ages and sexes can and do have arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United Sates. At least 50 million adults and around 300,000 children have some sort of arthritis. It is typically common among women and occurs more often as people age.
Some common arthritis symptoms include joint swelling, pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness. These symptoms may come and go. They can range from mild or moderate and in some cases severe. They may be constant for years, but may progress or worsen over time. Acute arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do day to day activities and make it challenging to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can also cause long lasting joint changes. These changes can be visible, such as distorted finger joints, but more often the damage can only be seen by X-ray. Some types of arthritis can also affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and skin as well as the joints.
There Are Various Types Of Arthritis:
Degenerative Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage between the bones wears down, bone rubs against bone, causing swelling, stiffness and pain. Over time, joints lose their strength and pain can become chronic. Some risk factors can include excess weight, family history, age or a previous injury (ACL tear, for example).
When the joint symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild or moderate, they can be handled by:
- Balancing activities with rest
- Using hot and cold therapy
- Regular physical activities
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Strengthening the muscles around the joints
- Using devices for assistance
- Taking OTC pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines
- Avoiding excessive repeated movements
If joint symptoms become severe, causing limited mobility and more importantly, affecting quality of life, some of the above strategies may be helpful, but joint replacement may also be necessary.
Osteoarthritis can hindered by staying active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and avoiding injury and repetitive movements.
Inflammatory Arthritis
A strong, healthy immune system is very protective. It produces internal inflammation to get rid of infection and hamper disease. But sometimes the immune system can go wonky, erroneously attacking the joints with rampant inflammation, possibly causing joint erosion and may even damage internal organs, the eyes and some other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are some cases of inflammatory arthritis. Researchers believe that a mixture of genetics and environmental elements can cause autoimmunity. Smoking cigarettes is a good example of an environmental risk factor that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with particular genetics.
With autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis, earlier diagnosis and aggressive treatment are very important factors. Hindering disease activity can help decrease or even prevent permanent joint damage from happening. Remission is the objective and may be attained through the use of one or more medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs. The main goal of treatment is to decrease pain, increase function, and prevent additional joint damage.
Infectious Arthritis
Bacteria, virus or fungus can intrude the joint and trigger inflammation. Some examples of organisms that can infect joints are salmonella and shigella (food poisoning or food contamination), Chlamydia and gonorrhea (STDs) and hepatitis C (a blood to blood infection, usually through shared needles or blood transfusions). In some cases, prompt treatment with antibiotics may clear up the joint infection, but sometimes the arthritis can become chronic.
Metabolic Arthritis
Uric acid is created as the body breaks down purines, a substance found in human cells and also in many foods. Some people have higher levels of uric acid because they naturally generates more than what is needed or the body can’t get rid of the uric acid fast enough. In some people, the uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joint, resulting in sudden spikes of severe joint pain, or a gout bombardment. Gout can come and go in bouts or, if the uric acid levels aren’t decreased, it can become chronic, causing continuing pain and disability.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Arthritis diagnosis generally begins with a primary care physician, who will perform a physical examination, blood tests and imaging scans to help decide what type of arthritis it is. An arthritis specialist, or rheumatologist, should be involved if the diagnosis is undetermined or if the arthritis may be inflammatory. Rheumatologists generally manage ongoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis, gout and other complex cases. Orthopedic surgeons can perform joint surgery, as well as joint replacements. When the arthritis involves other body parts or systems, other specialists, such as dermatologists, ophthalmologists, or dentists, will also be added into the health care team.
What Can Be Done About Arthritis?
There are many steps that can be taken to maintain joint function, mobility and quality of life. Learning more about the disease and treatment options, making time for physical activity and continuing a healthy weight is essential. Arthritis is a generally misunderstood disease. The Arthritis Foundation is the only non-profit organization committed to aiding all people with arthritis.
Retirement Communities Arizona
If it is time for a change, contact us at SLS Communities about what location is best for your loved one. Give us a call today at 623-400-1468 or schedule a free tour at our facility.
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What is Independent Living?
If you are searching for “What Is Independent Living?” while trying to understand the differences between the different types of retirement homes, this article should definitely help!
No doubt about it, we all will age and when it starts to happen it is time to maybe start thinking about changing our living arrangements. Sometimes responsibilities can become a little too much, and it could mean that our loved ones are alone and without a way to get around. Then there is the loneliness, which implies that they could use some friendship with those who are their own age. An independent living facility may be the answer but, depending on your loved ones circumstances, a retirement home may be better.
In order to deal with the stress that comes with the changes that they will encounter, you need to ensure that they can continue with their independence while the settle into a new home. It is a good idea to think ahead and begin your planning. This gives you and your loved one the time and space to deal with it.
What Exactly Does Independent Living Consist Of?
Independent living is plainly a housing arrangement for seniors who are the age of 55 or older. Housing for seniors will vary in types such as free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, and they are designed to let seniors get around more easily and all landscape and/or maintenance is done for them.
Typically, communities for independent living will offer its residents numerous activities and programs, other services as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other seniors. Independent living may also have community participation in movie nights, arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, and other types of activities.
The community may also have facilities like fitness centers, swimming pools, golf courses, a variety of clubs and groups. There are other services such as on-site spas, daily meals, housekeeping, laundry services and barber or beauty shops.
After all, independent living facilities are focused on those individuals who are 55 and older and are designed and created to give an atmosphere of independent living, but with assistance available when it is needed. Hiring in-home aids is also a good option for those who feel that they may need it.
How Is Independent Living Any Different Than Other Senior Living?
The main difference between other senior housing and independent living is the level that a resident may need assistance in. If the resident needs around the clock assistance with activities such as bathing, using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, or have certain medical needs.
Independent Living, Is It Right For Me?
Whenever a senior has to make a change in their living arrangements, it may feel as if their world is caving in, like they are losing all of their independence. Nevertheless, independent living is just that, it is all about making it that much more easy to stay independent. Knowing your loved ones limitations are keeping them from leading a regular life and facing that they could have quality life with a little help will allow them to be independent longer.
To Help You Out, Answer These 4 Questions:
Is your loved one keeping their home up as good, as I use to or is it getting harder for them to do?
Keeping their home up and running is part of their pride, but when age sets in it can become a little overwhelming, becoming more of a burden. For example, they may have a home that has a yard that needs constant attention or extra rooms that aren’t needed but still have to be dusted and cleaned every now and then. There may be an issue accessing their home because of stairs or steep inclines like driveways, which keeps them from getting out as much as they want, which leaves your loved ones the feeling of isolation.
There may even be the possibility that their neighborhood isn’t as safe as it used to be, which prevents them from walking like they did before, or prevents them from getting out entirely. They could eradicate some of these issues by hiring help or by remodeling. If they are looking for independent living without all the stress of upkeep, then they may need an independent living facility.
Have they been connecting with their friends and family as much as they would like too?
Those individuals who are isolated will have a greater risk of depression and/or mental health issues. This could happen for different reasons, like becoming mobile which making getting around harder and/or not being able to drive themselves as much as they used to.
Maybe their neighbors and/or friends don’t have time to come around anymore, or they just don’t feel safe in their neighborhood. Even though being able to send messages and chat using the internet is convenient, it will never replace face-to-face contact.
Independent living facilities will give them a network of peers that their social life has lacked, as well as provide activities like arts & crafts, field trips, sports and more.
Is getting around getting harder for your loved one?
Your loved one is in a home that is located where driving is harder for them to get out and socialize or visiting family and friends. If driving is troublesome and they have to use public transportation or it is hard for friends and family to get to their home. Maybe even have trouble getting to their doctor’s appointments.
Independent living facilities will have on-site amenities and most will offer options for transportation for outside activities.
Is their health declining (and/or their spouses)?
Take into consideration their health condition and understand what their health may be like in the future is a vital measure that will need to be taken into account. If the current condition of their health can let them know what to expect down the road, like a condition that will over time.
These conditions allow for planning in advance which is a wise thing to do. It isn’t just their health to take into consideration about either, their spouse will need the same thing and you should plan out their living arrangements together for the future.
Ask Yourselves The Following Questions:
- Do they both still manage their daily living activities such as laundry, bathing, cooking meals, etc?
- Do you both or one of your loved ones have the ability to manage their finances?
- Do they both manage their medications and keep up with doctor’s appointments?
Independent living is for those who just need a little assistance with daily living. Understanding what your loved ones need will help to determine what is best for them and their future.
Independent Living In Peoria, Arizona
There will be a time in our lives where having a little help when we need it will give us peace of mind. Having peace of mind isn’t just for your loved ones, it is for your friends and family knowing that your loved ones have trained staff to help with what they need. Having their own apartment with trained and experienced staff around makes retirement years enhanced with socialization and activities.
If it is time for a change, contact us at SLS Communities about what location is best for your loved one. Give us a call today at 623-400-1468 or schedule a free tour of our independent living facility in Peoria, Arizona. Make sure you download our independent living checklist.
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Assisted Living Checklist: What To Ask & What To Look For
If you’re looking for a checklist for assisted living that will help you in learning what you need to look for in an assisted living facility, read below!
When you are deciding on an assisted living facility, it’s important that you ready yourself. There are subtle differences between every assisted living community, they are never similar.
To stay ahead of the game, you need to be organized, below is a small checklist you can print and take with you. Make sure you always compare the differences between different communities; ask questions which will help you in deciding which assisted living community is right for you or your loved one.
Assisted Living Checklist
Below is an assisted living checklist you can use when you go for a visit or call an assisted living facility. Simply print out our Assisted Living Checklist to insure you ask the more important questions like:
- Are their staff members allowed to administer medications?
- Do their staff members have experience with diagnosing a recipient’s condition?
- How much staff does your night shift have?
- Are there nurses staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
- What is their staff to resident ratio?
- What types of apartments do you have available?
- What type of experience and training does your staff have?
- Are evaluations conducted prior to admission?
- Can you describe your residents?
- What is the monthly cost for your different types of apartments?
- What is their policy on payment and billing?
- How does their discharge process work?
- Do they have a waiting list? If so, how long is the wait, and what is their policy?
- Do the monthly fees cover all services? If not, what are the costs for the extra services?
Assisted Living Tour Checklist
Below is an assisted living tour checklist to help you in knowing what to look for when taking a tour of the facility.
- Pay close attention to the level of cleanliness.
- Watch a community activity or event.
- Do their staff members appear friendly and approachable?
- Check out the outdoor area or courtyard, is it well kept and maintained?
- Ask their security and staff questions, how do they respond?
- Eat a meal with the residents, does it seem okay?
- Speak with some residents. Do they like the facility?
- Ask some questions about personal care.
- Ask more about the move-in and move-out criteria.
- Follow your gut.
About Desert Winds Assisted Living
Desert Winds Retirement Community is a lot more than just your run of the mill retirement community. At Desert Winds we offer Assisted Living and Memory Care. We are located in Peoria, Arizona. Our Community offers several options to meet all of your needs. We are conveniently located by everything you may need, including wonderful restaurants, awesome shopping, tons of golf courses, cultural centers, sports complexes, and medical offices all within just a few miles.
Desert Winds boasts to be one of the best retirement locations in the West Valley. Our Retirement Community is built for today’s seniors who are looking for a lifestyle that is not only stimulating and active, but also interesting and adjustable.
Find Out More About Assisted Living in Peoria, Arizona
To find out more about give Desert Winds Retirement Community a call today at 623-294-5590.
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Assisted Living El Mirage
If you are searching for “Assisted Living Facility El Mirage”, while looking for assisted living facilities in El Mirage, Arizona, then Desert Winds Assisted Living is the Retirement Community is for you! For More information about our assisted living facility or to schedule a tour, please call 623-294-5590. Gorgeous sunrise, sunset and mountain views are available from all of our apartments.
Assisted living that’s close to El Mirage
Here at Desert Winds we offer Assisted Living, Memory Care, and also Independent Living services. We can be found near the border of El Mirage, Arizona. We also offer several different options for retirement living, which gives us the capability to meet your retirement needs.
Conveniently located close to El Mirage, and we are near great shopping places, good restaurants, sports arenas, golf courses, cultural centers, and even health and medical offices, all of which are within a few mike radius from our facility.
Reasons why we are considered the best assisted living facility:
The community here was built for the seniors of the world today, making it the best choice in El Mirage for assisted living. For those seniors who are interested in living a lifestyle that is going to be stimulating, interesting, and active, one that allows flexibility in their daily routines and schedules. With different types of retirement care to offer, such as assisted living and memory care which also includes independent living as well. Below you can find more to read on the different kinds of retirement facilities available.
Here’s more on our assisted living facility located close to El Mirage
Desert Winds Assisted Living Community is simply gorgeous and located near El Mirage, Arizona, and it is next to everything anyone could need within less than a two-mile radius. We provide spacious and 2-bedroom apartments, as well as studio apartments. All studio’s and apartments offer lots of space to accommodate all the residents’ personal belongings, such as clothing, furniture, and their personal items. The focal point for most of the activities are held in the beautiful courtyard, which also serves as a scenic view from all the apartments. Our courtyard has been designed with a lovely lush garden setting. Another wonderful view that all the apartments has is of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises, as well as the fantastic mountains.
Floor plans for various assisted living apartments
There is a variety of different floor plans offered at Desert Winds. We can provide floor plans for those with assisted living needs and we can also provide floor plans for those what have an independent lifestyle. Seniors will be able to have an active lifestyle at Desert Winds, located near El Mirage, Arizona. Find out which of our facilities floor plans works best for you by clicking on this link.
Our Assisted Living Facility offers tours – schedule yours today!
Searching For Assisted Living In Peoria or Assisted Living In Sun City West? Desert Winds can help! We offer the highest standard of assisted living services in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. For More information about our assisted living facility or to schedule a tour please call 623-294-5590. View our other assisted living facility in El Mirage, Arizona.
Read More about why Desert Winds Retirement Community is the best place to retire in Arizona.
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