Leslie Newlife

Details You Should Go Through Before Deciding on Senior Living

Senior living is some residential care for the elderly. The senior living arrangement is constructed and designed specifically and exclusively for older adults. Most families with older adults prefer putting them in these homes once they cannot take care of themselves by doing simple daily activities. However, some people are against the idea of senior living arrangements and prefer to take care of older adults in their homes rather than get them into a nursing home. Nonetheless, situations are different and depending on the intensity of the current condition, you can choose whether senior living is best for you and the older adult you are catering to. As much as senior living options are essential and seem simple, you should consider a few aspects before choosing a specific option.

The Different Types

Senior living comes with different types, making it easier to choose which one best suits the older adult you want to put in a home. Knowing the different types helps you determine what needs are met and at what intensity. The different senior living options cater to different categories of older adults, so it would be best to identify what category the older adult is in; then, you can figure out what plan is best for them. The senior living options include; age-restricted communities, independent living, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities.

The Pricing

Senior living is not necessarily cheap and can cost a lot if you have yet to plan for it beforehand. You must note the health and general condition of the older adults in your family, then talk about it with other family members and whether you would like them to be placed under senior living after some time. Suppose the older adult you plan on placing under senior living can fit into any category mentioned. In that case, you can compare the cost of living for seniors in different categories and see which one best fits your budget.

The Location

The senior living home you choose should be at an ideal location. It should be at a point that you can visit whenever you have free tie to check on the older adult you have placed there. It would help if you also put plans into consideration. Is your family considering moving to a different state in a couple of months? Consider what would be best, enrolling the older adult in the new state or enrolling the older adult in a plan in the current state, then transferring them later onwards, or withholding senior living till everything is settled. The choice is all yours.

The Community You Choose

Is the community friendly and welcoming? Is it a safe space for everyone? It is essential that older adult sticks to a community they feel loved, appreciated, and well taken care of. The community’s choice makes senior living bearable and fun for older adults. It is also essential to analyze what amenities and services are offered in the senior living arrangement to ensure that all is up to your taste and preference.

Suppose you are torn between caring for an older adult or putting them under a senior living plan. In that case, you can compare the cost of living for seniors living with their families and those living at senior homes and see which suits your budget most.

How Is Physical Fitness Important to Reduce Dementia Risk?

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms associated with a progressive decline in cognitive functioning that affects a person’s ability to perform the activities that make up daily life. Mild memory loss to severe intellectual and physical disabilities are all possible.

People with Dementia have difficulty with communication, decision-making, and even mobility. Memory problems are the most common symptom of Dementia. Still, there are other signs, such as changes in personalities or behaviors, difficulties carrying out everyday tasks, and confusion in familiar surroundings.

Even though no cure exists, there are treatments and therapies which can help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.

Why Does Dementia Occur?

Dementia may be brought on by several conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which may be the root cause in up to 70% of cases.

Injuries to the head from falls or accidents, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) are some additional potential causes.

In some cases, Dementia may also be caused by lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition or alcohol abuse.

Dementia Types

Let’s look at some of the most common forms of Dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease 

The most prevalent type of Dementia, accounting for up to 70% of cases, is Alzheimer’s disease. It is brought on by a buildup of amyloid plaques and tangles, which are proteins that result in the death of brain cells.

Symptoms include difficulty remembering recent events, confusion about time and place, changes in personality or behavior, trouble communicating, and problems completing everyday tasks.

Treatment focuses on symptom management and quality of life enhancement through physical activity, social interaction, stress reduction, and prescription drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is brought on by a reduction in blood flow to the brain due to stroke- or blood vessel-related damage in the brain.

It generally affects people over age 65 and can cause memory loss, confusion, difficulty thinking logically or planning, and difficulty walking or speaking typically.

Treatment focuses on controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and managing symptoms with medications such as antidepressants or cholinesterase inhibitors.

For people with balance issues brought on by vascular Dementia, physical therapy may be advised.

Lewy Body Disease

Lewy body disease occurs when abnormal deposits called Lewy bodies to form in areas of the brain responsible for movement, mood regulation, behavior control, sleep patterns, memory formation, and thinking processes.

It can lead to cognitive difficulties, including visual hallucinations; sleep disturbances; rigid muscles; tremors; impaired movements; changes in alertness; difficulty speaking; depression; anxiety; paranoia; delusions; agitation; aggression; addiction issues, and increased risk for falls.

Treatment typically includes medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors or dopamine agonists, along with counseling from psychiatrists or psychologists specializing in treating people with Lewy body disease.

How Physical Activity Lowers the Risk of Dementia

Numerous studies have shown that people who regularly exercise are less likely to develop Dementia. Read on to find out how.

Increased Cognitive Function

Physical activity has been shown to increase cognitive function in older adults. Studies have found that individuals who exercised regularly had better scores on tests related to attention, memory, and executive functioning than those who were significantly less active.

In addition, according to one study published in the journal Neurology, regular exercise was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults over 75. Exercise may support maintaining brain health as you age.

Better Blood Flow

Exercise also helps improve blood flow throughout the body. This improved circulation increases oxygen levels in the brain, which can help boost cognitive performance and reduce the risk of Dementia.

Regular exercise can also aid in keeping cholesterol levels in check, which in turn helps to improve blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the brain. Even spending a few minutes daily on a recumbent bike can make a big difference.

Lowered Stress Levels

An increased risk of developing Dementia later in life has been linked to high levels of stress. Exercise has been shown to lower stress levels by increasing endorphin levels in the body, elevating mood generally, and promoting relaxation.

Exercise also works as a distraction from everyday worries or anxieties, which can help reduce overall stress levels and combat potential mental health issues like anxiety or depression that could contribute to dementia risk factors down the line.

Conclusion

Your risk of developing Dementia later in life can be significantly decreased by staying physically fit. Regular exercise boosts cognitive performance while providing other mental health benefits, such as reducing stress levels through improved blood flow and endorphin release into your system.

Incorporating regular exercises for dementia prevention into your daily routine is vital when it comes to maintaining optimal brain health and reducing the likelihood of developing the disease over time. Now get out there and start moving.

4 Ways Caregivers Can Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

It is the role of caregivers to ensure that the seniors they care for live comfortably. While these caregivers are most likely doing a good job, there are ways to improve their work. These methods will help seniors have a better quality of life and feel more content in their old age.

Create Activities for Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is an important part of life to keep your mind sharp. Seniors will have a better lifestyle when they have mental stimulation and tasks to focus on. The mental stimulation may also provide fun activities for them to build their knowledge base and find new interests.

Caregivers can spend time playing a game of chess or dominoes with the senior in their care to provide enjoyable mental stimulation. The activity will also create a bond between them, improving the senior’s quality of life and building better relationships.

Give Them Company

The company of other people is helpful when going through a challenging time. Some seniors may face physical, mental, or emotional difficulties that may worsen when left alone.

Caregivers will help a senior’s quality of life by sitting down and conversing with them. Conversations about current events or memories of the past may help uplift their spirits and make for an interesting conversation that will help put their minds at ease.

Make Cleanliness a Priority

As we get older, daily hygiene practices become more difficult to maintain, and it’s easy for messes to pile up. The caregiver’s job is to ensure the seniors they care for have a living space that doesn’t present health or safety hazards, such as clutter. A dirty or cluttered living space will cause discomfort to a senior and may cause anxiety and depression.

Keeping areas of the home or living space tidy will leave room for seniors to feel joy, as a clean room is always a pleasure to look at. Ensuring the senior is clean is also an important part of caregiving, especially if they are incontinent. Consistently cleaning the senior’s body will help prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis. The feeling of being clean will also help them feel invigorated and healthy.

Mitigate Causes of Depression

Depression is a looming threat for many, and seniors are one of the most susceptible groups to its effects. Physical illness, loneliness, and retirement are a few things that can lead to anxiety and depression in seniors.

Caregivers should do what they can to remove the causes of depression and help seniors feel more hopeful about improving their quality of life. The methods listed above are only a few ways to help seniors feel less depressed.

Improving a senior’s quality of life is important in ensuring they have a better time in their old age. Caregivers may use these tips to help the seniors they care for feel better about their lives and make more room for happiness.

Why There Are More Slip and Fall Accidents Among Seniors

Getting older can be dangerous, but aging isn’t the reason senior citizens fall. Aging people are indeed more prone to losing their balance, though there are other factors behind these types of accidents.

According to Jacksonville personal injury lawyers, serious falls can leave senior citizens dependent on caregivers for the rest of their lives. Since these accidents are the main cause of injury to adults aged 65 and older, it is important to watch out for your aging loved ones.

 

The CDC estimates that around 36 million falls are reported every year for older adults. While many of these slip-and-fall accidents happen at home, there are a number of them that happen in other places. Helping your loved ones as they age can prevent these accidents, which in many cases can be fatal.

What Causes Senior Slip and Fall Accidents?

The majority of all slip and fall accidents are preventable since many have to do with the environment. If your elderly loved one lives on a property that they do not own, it may be the landlord’s responsibility to upkeep their residence.

When light bulbs burn out and make it hard for aging eyes to see, flooring is worn down to the point it becomes slippery. If handrails are loose on staircases, these things can be dangerous.

In your loved one’s home, you can do your part by ensuring there are anti-skid mats around and that the environment is easy to navigate. But if the landlord has left things in a state of disrepair or repeatedly ignores repair requests, it might be time to speak to a personal injury lawyer.

All too often, these slips and falls happen after circumstances like these. They could have been prevented by making the right adjustments promptly. Instead, your loved one is left injured and in need of round-the-clock care.

Other Reasons Elderly People Slip and Fall

Through the process of aging, body parts wear out and aren’t as finely tuned as they once were. This means eyesight starts failing, muscles become weaker, and balance is more challenging.

Additionally, seniors with arthritis are more likely to fall as well as suffer serious injuries from those falls. Even if they have a cane or other support apparatus, it may not prevent falls in public places that should be properly maintained. As such, your loved one may be in the hospital for a while recovering from injuries that shouldn’t have happened.

Medications may also impair the elderly, especially if they are taking multiple prescriptions. Side effects like blurred vision or dizziness can make falls more likely. It is important to get involved with their medical care to ensure all medications are necessary and aren’t causing danger.

What Hazardous Conditions Make Seniors Fall?

If you have an aging person in your life, you will want to do everything you can to help them prevent slip and fall accidents. While it is easier to control these things when they come to your home or when you visit theirs, it is far more difficult in public places.

The things that can lead your loved one to suffer a slip and fall outside the home may be wet flooring in stores without signage to warn store patrons, loose rugs in shops, wobbly railings, and lack of adequate lighting.

Property owners have a duty to ensure that the conditions they keep are safe for everyone. If it was found that they were negligent in the upkeep, they could be at fault for your loved one’s slip and fall accident.

What to Do If Your Aging Relative Suffers a Slip and Fall Accident

Since slips and falls can come with severe injuries and deadly consequences, you will want to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case. Even though health conditions do deteriorate with age and can’t be prevented, many accidents can be avoided by simply taking care to ensure that properties are safe for everyone.

If you or a loved one has had a slip and fall accident, sit down for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer to review the facts surrounding your incident. In the event this was due to a negligent property owner, you can file a lawsuit for compensation to cover the medical bills and other damages incurred by this accident.

Decorating Tips for Seniors with Home Care

Decorations are an aesthetically pleasing way to make a space look more personal. As a senior, decorating may be difficult since it requires a lot of energy, which is why it helps to have an in-home caregiver help you. Luckily, these tips will help you and your caregiver customize your home into a picturesque place.

Consider the End Result Before You Start

It’s important to envision how you want your house to look when you decorate it. Having an image of what you want the result to look like will make it easier to find the right placement for everything.

Consider the amount of space you have and what you may do with the decorations. If you have recently moved in, planning is essential in creative processes. The final product is an important thing to consider when personalizing your new home if you want to save time and energy.

Check and Remove Safety Hazards

Numerous hazards may cause you to fall or stumble, and if you’re a senior with home care decorating your home, it’s important to remove the hazards to make decorating safer. Ask your in-home caregiver to remove these hazards and clean up anything that may become an obstacle, such as loose cords or clutter on the floor.

Your caregiver will also need to take care of anything that may fall onto the ground and potentially create tripping hazards, such as a box of items on a high shelf that could fall and lose its contents on the floor. While you may not have as much mobility as your caregiver, you could offer to move light objects around to begin making room for decorations.

Put Decorations Eye-Level or Lower

Some decorations, such as lanterns and plant pots, look better in higher places. But if you’re a senior with home care, you may not be able to reach those heights, even if you have a step ladder.

It’s best for you and your caregiver if decorations are eye-level so that you can adjust them when needed. The reasonable height will make it easier to take the decorations down and minimize the risk of falling.

Color Adds Life to a Space

One of the best ways to decorate a home is by using color. Color gives a space vitality and creates a positive atmosphere that will give you and anyone else who enters a good feeling.

Your color arrangement would be enhanced by adding fresh flowers. A vibrant and blossoming home can spruce up your living space. In addition, picking some vases filled with seasonal flowers will also bring the beauty of nature indoors. With an online flower delivery service, you can receive the freshest flowers anytime.

Adding color to the walls is a great way to decorate a prefab contemporary home. Consider having someone paint the home’s walls to accompany the various decorations for an enhanced color scheme. Decorating is an important part of having a comfortable home. Using these tips will fill your surroundings with great visuals and give you a sense of enjoyment.

Six Simple Steps to Prepare for Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Retirement is a time in life when most of us look forward to enjoying the fruits of our labor, taking a break from work, and having more time to relax and enjoy life. But, the reality of retirement is that many financial considerations need to be considered to enjoy those golden years. 

One of the most important of these considerations is how to plan for medical expenses in retirement. Medical expenses in retirement can be a major source of stress and worry, especially for those living on a fixed income.

According to a recent Employee Benefit Research Institute survey, nearly one-third of Americans aged 55 and older are concerned about being able to afford health care in retirement. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to plan for medical expenses in retirement. 

Here are a few tips to get you started:  

  1. Understand your health insurance options. 

One of the most important steps in planning for medical expenses in retirement is to understand your health insurance options. If you are already retired, you may be eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older. If you are not yet 65, you can get coverage through your employer or the Affordable Care Act. It is important to understand the different types of coverage available and the costs associated with each option to make an informed decision.   

  1. Consider long-term care insurance. 

Long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of assisted living, nursing home care, and other types of long-term care services. When planning retirement, weighing long-term care insurance’s costs and benefits is crucial. 

  1. Look into supplemental health plans. 

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, a variety of supplemental plans like the Alignment Health Plan are available to help cover additional costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans can provide extra financial security in retirement and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses you would otherwise need to pay.

  1. Prepare a retirement budget. 

Planning for medical expenses in retirement is easier when you have a plan. Start by creating a retirement budget that includes your estimated medical costs and other expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. This will help you to determine how much money you need to save and invest to cover your medical costs in retirement. 

  1. Save and invest in medical expenses. 

According to a study by HealthView Services, a healthcare cost projection software provider, the average 65-year-old couple can expect to spend over $400,000 on medical expenses throughout their retirement. This number does not include long-term care expenses, such as nursing home or assisted living costs, which can add an additional $150,000 or more to the total. Retirement savings accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, can help you save and invest in medical expenses in retirement. Consider setting aside a portion of your monthly income to go towards these accounts and talk to a financial advisor about how to best invest the money you have saved. 

  1. Make sure you have enough savings. 

It is important to make sure that you have enough savings to cover any unexpected medical expenses in retirement. Consider setting aside a portion of your income for an emergency fund and review your budget regularly to ensure you are on track. 

It is essential to take the time to plan ahead and understand the various health insurance and long-term care insurance options available to ensure a stress-free retirement. Creating a retirement budget can help manage medical expenses and reduce the financial insecurity that often accompanies retirement. With the proper preparation, you can have peace of mind knowing you are financially secure in your golden years.

Signs That Your Aging Parent May Need More Help

As people age, their physical and mental functioning may shift and change over time. Older individuals who are having difficulty completing daily tasks on their own can benefit from additional assistance. If you have elderly parents, it’s helpful to watch out for the warning signs that they are struggling. Here are some signs that your aging parent may need more help.

House in Disarray

The first sign that your aging parent may need more help is that their house is in disarray. As people get older, their mobility can decrease, making it more difficult for them to clean and tidy up their homes. If you notice that your parent’s house and yard are messier than usual, it may be a telltale sign that they’re struggling to take care of these things on their own. You might notice clutter and piles of unpaid bills. Other examples include laundry not getting done, trash not getting taken out, etc.

Changes in Weight

Weight changes can also signify that your elderly parent may need more assistance. Some fluctuations in weight can be normal, but if you notice that your parent has lost or gained a significant amount of weight, this can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Pay attention to see if your parent’s diet or appetite has changed. If they are having trouble preparing meals for themselves or getting to the grocery store to purchase food, it could be beneficial for them to have some extra care and assistance.

Changes in Behavior

If you notice any changes in your parent’s behavior, this can also indicate that they need help. Behavior says a lot about a person’s physical and mental condition. Suppose your parent is experiencing significant mood changes and a lack of interest in hobbies or activities they usually enjoy. In that case, this can be a significant sign of an underlying issue. One of the mistakes to avoid as a family caregiver is letting these signs go unnoticed. When your parent starts exhibiting these shifts in behavior, it may be a suitable time to discuss alternative care options.

Becoming Forgetful

Becoming forgetful also suggests that an older parent may benefit from extra care. Forgetfulness is common in older adults. However, a certain level of forgetfulness may require additional assistance for your loved one. For example, suppose your parent forgets to take medications, pay the bills, groom themself, eat regularly, or is struggling to remember who people are. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to consider available care options. There are all kinds of tips to find the best care for your aging parents.

Now that you know the signs your elderly parent needs assistance, you can start thinking about your options. In-home care can be an excellent solution for older individuals experiencing these struggles.

Selecting an Assisted Living Facility for Elderly Family Members

There comes a time in most people’s lives when they can no longer live independently and care for themselves effectively. Is your family member no longer able to live at home on their own?

Deciding to put your loved one into a care facility isn’t easy, but you can follow some best practices to ensure they are comfortable, cared for, and safe during their stay.

Keep reading as we discuss the best tips and practices when selecting an assisted living facility for elderly family members.

Ability For Visitors To Check In Easily

Your loved one’s stay won’t be comfortable unless you feel comfortable visiting them regularly. For this reason, you should select a facility close to where you live that you can easily commute to every week, ensuring your loved one feels loved and does not feel lonely or ‘abandoned’, during their residency.

Another way to ensure your visits are straightforward is to look for a facility with a simple and easy-to-use visitor management system. If the visitor management process takes less time, you will grow impatient and dread your visits.

So, looking for a facility that employs cloud-based access control and visitor management software is best. Visitor management software is an integration tool for access control that automates the visitor management process. 

Instead of checking in using a log book or waiting to be seen by an attendant at the facility, you can quickly check in on your mobile device. You can fill out a form, providing details, your relation to the resident, and who you’re here to see. 

Once you have provided these details, the system will allow you to download temporary access credentials – like a digital keycard – to your mobile device to enter the building quickly. Once you leave the building, the system will sign you out. You won’t be able to re-enter without registering again. 

Since assisted living facilities can be busy, you should wait a while to gain entry and be given a visitor pass to see your loved one. However, with automated visitor management, you can see your loved one on your own time without waiting for a staff member to become available to help you.

Open Areas With Natural Barriers For Patients

When your loved one is staying in an assisted living facility, you need assurance that they can spend time outdoors safely and independently. If they decide to bring their beloved pet to stay with them, keep in mind the facility’s pet policies and prepare the necessary documents.

To ensure your loved one can access fresh air and outdoor time whenever they like, it’s best to look for a secure open area facility. Gated barriers should prevent intruders from entering these areas, and they should also prevent your loved one from leaving the property – they could become confused, leave the site, and get lost.

There should be gated access control to allow authorized visitors and personnel to enter. Still, there should be a completely secure perimeter so your loved one stays in the facility where they will be safe.

Modern Security Technology

In addition to worrying about our loved one’s happiness and quality of life in an assisted living center, we also need to consider their safety.

The elderly are often targets of theft and other crimes due to their vulnerability. If you want your loved one to be happy in their new living situation, you should look for a facility equipped with modern security technologies, such as:

  • Keyless door entry – a facility with a RFID door lock system does not use keycards or fobs and instead uses mobile credentials for access. Using mobile credentials reduces the potential for keycard theft, which is a significant risk to safety in a retirement facility.
  • Rule-based access – not every visitor or employee should be able to access your loved one’s room or medications. So, you need a facility that secures individual residences, ensuring your loved one’s room or home can only be accessed by authorized personnel.
  • Alarm systems – smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and glass break detectors are instrumental for resident safety in an assisted living facility.
  • Security cameras – if a crime does occur on the property, you’ll need evidence to make a claim. So, ensure the facility is equipped with security cameras.
  • Patient monitoring features – you should supervise your loved one and be able to access help 24/7. So, ask the facility about their patient monitoring amenities.

Real-Time Notifications For Security Issues

Most importantly, your facility should have real-time notification features that keep staff updated on security issues at all times. The sooner staff are aware of a security or safety incident, the sooner they will be able to respond and resolve the incident. Opting for a facility with mobile-led and cloud-based solutions will ensure rapid response procedures.

Summary

If you’re looking to place your loved one in an assisted living facility, you need to know that they can access round-the-clock care and can go outdoors at a time of their choosing safely. Looking for these features in an assisted living facility will help you ensure that your loved one is safe during their stay and provide easy access to your loved one for regular visitation.

The Keys to Making Access Controls Simple and Flexible Senior Living Communities

Access control is how a facility limits who can open the doors and gates on the premises.  The goal of access controls is to allow the people who are welcome to enter and to keep out those who are not.  If residents are coping with cognitive or memory issues, it may also be important to ensure that residents who are leaving the building are doing so safely.  The best, most effective access controls are simple to use and flexible to change. This combination gives everyone the most peace of mind, the ease of getting where you need to go without hassle and the comfort of knowing that the facility is safe.

The traditional access control for buildings are keys.  With the advances in technology, we’ve also seen facilities try using keypads, swipe cards, and fobs.  The latest technology, such as Genea building access control, lets residents, staff, and visitors use their phones or tablets for entry into senior living facilities. Here are some considerations for how to think about good quality access controls for senior living centers. 

Changes in Residents and Staff

People don’t stay in the same job forever.  Staff turnover is inevitable in every workplace.  It’s also natural for every place where people live to have changes in its residents. Good access security will be able to accommodate those changes without creating hassle and expense.  Having to make and distribute new keys to staff or residents is expensive, time consuming, and can be a nightmare to manage.  Digital keys, such as key cards or phone apps, allow you to give and access rescind to specific individuals as needed, without disrupting others keys and access.  

Lost Keys and Forgotten Codes

Another truism is that humans make mistakes.  You can be assured that residents, staff, and visitors will lose their physical keys at some point or that they will forget the code to the door.   It’s true for any type of key that people have to physically keep track of, from traditional metal keys, to cards and fobs.  This is so common that facility managers typically have a process ready to correct the problem.  It’s much less of an issue for keys connected through a phone app.  If a resident misplaces their phone or tablet, they can simply reload the app onto their replacement device, using instructions already available to them.  Apps mean there is no need to remember codes.

Key Copying

Metal door keys can be copied.  Even if the key is etched with the phrase “do not copy,” there are unscrupulous locksmiths who will still copy them.  As such, just one disgruntled or scheming employee can undermine a facility’s whole security system if he or she makes copies of keys without the owner’s knowledge or permission.   

Varieties of Levels of Access

Every residential building has spaces for both residential use as well as the mechanical functions of the building and grounds.  In a facility where a large number of people live and work, it can be important for safety and security to limit which people have access to which parts of the place.  Obviously, residents will want to be able to secure their own living spaces, limiting who has access to themselves, their guests, and the staff who are welcome to enter.  This is also true for areas like those used to store supplies, commercial kitchens or laundries, mechanical areas such as where central air conditioners and hot water tanks are kept. 

Residents probably need little to no access to the areas where only staff work.  Staff access should always be limited to those areas where they actually work or take breaks.  For example, the groundskeeper needs access to the storage sheds, staff break room, and perhaps the basement, but not to the kitchen or to residents’ private spaces.  Managers and supervisors need master access keys that allow them entry anywhere and everywhere, in case of an emergency.  

The old fashioned way to handle these access issues was to give people keys for the specific doors they needed to open.  That led to huge key rings and a lot of confusion when trying to find the right key to a door seldom used.  Electronic keys solve that problem more elegantly, since a card, fob, or app can be programmed with the right codes for entry to the exact spaces that are appropriate.

Time Limited Keys

One major advantage of digital keys, that many people may not realize, is that sometimes it’s just as important to limit when people have access to a space as who has access to that space.  For example, if the facility hires an outside contractor, it is much safer to give them access between certain hours of the day via a phone app, than to give them keys that allow them to enter and exit any time.  The same goes for visitors or people accessing an area for a special event.

Diseases of Age: Taking a Closer Look at Sarcopenia

As time passes, things change. It’s inevitable and a natural part of life. These changes can be positive, like developing compassion for others, learning new things, and gaining strength through exercise. These changes can also be negative, like cognitive and physical decline due to age.

The process of aging comprises a variety of changes in the body and the mind. These changes occur across different systems – circulatory, muscular and neurological – and not all occur at the same time. Many age-related changes are under our control, and there are things we can do to slow down, stop or even revert them.

One example of this is a condition called “sarcopenia.” Characterized by a reduction in a person’s existing muscle mass, its onset generally begins by the time a person turns forty and can get progressively worse with advanced age. While it is largely recognized as inevitable, there are in fact ways to help minimize its effects.

What Causes Sarcopenia?

While diminishing muscle mass is a natural part of getting older, certain individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of this disorder. Both biological men and women are equally prone to developing sarcopenia, and up to twenty percent of the adult population will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.

As it stands, one of the most common variables of those facing sarcopenia is a sedentary lifestyle. Staying active through cardiovascular exercise and strength training has been shown to reduce the incidence, but even physically fit people can wind up with sarcopenia if they don’t maintain musculoskeletal stimulation.

Because of this, researchers suspect that other factors may be responsible for this condition. One such hypothesis is a loss in a particular type of nerve cell that sends the message from the brain to keep the musculature engaged. Having a lower amount of certain types of hormones (such as testosterone and IGF-1) can also lead to sarcopenia. 

Finally, diet may also play a considerable role. People who do not consume enough protein in their diet, or only eat low-quality protein sources, may be more likely to develop it. Ensuring intake, as well as highly bioavailable protein, can help offset sarcopenia.

The Common Signs of Sarcopenia

The effects of sarcopenia can be life changing. The leading symptom of this condition is reduced muscle strength and mass which can lead to increased difficulty doing everyday activities. Some of the more prevalent signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include:

  • Poor balance
  • Increased falls
  • Slower gait
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Difficulty in climbing stairs
  • Less stamina

If left untreated, it can be difficult to maintain independence. In turn, not being able to carry out recreational activities can create a significant decline in quality of life. 

If a person has any other comorbidity (such as diabetes or heart disease, obesity, or use of alcohol or tobacco products), it can worsen the condition. 

Treating Sarcopenia

Since sarcopenia is a chronic, degenerative disorder, treatment needs to be equally proactive. One of the first lines of defense in reducing the symptoms of sarcopenia is none other than lifestyle changes. This includes moderating diets and increasing physical activity like resistance training. 

Researchers at Klotho are also working on novel treatment options for sarcopenia by relying upon the body’s own innate defenses against it. The eponymous gene has been shown to be highly correlated with longevity and good health, and administration of it holds the possibility to offset some of the effects of sarcopenia.

Ultimately, sarcopenia does not necessarily need to lead to a reduced quality of life or progressive illness. Through proper lifestyle management – and taking measures to address the symptomatology of this disorder – a healthy and robust life is more than possible.