fbpx

New Haven

Assisted Living & Memory Care

Courtney Schwartz

How Eating Healthy Can Help You Live Your Best Life in Your Golden Years

As you get older, you may become less concerned with having six-pack abs or toned legs. But eating healthy is still important nonetheless in this phase of life. This is because what you eat can impact the health of your body from the inside out. Not to mention, managing your weight and consuming enough nutrients like calcium can impact mobility.

If your bones or muscles are weak, then it may be harder for you to complete daily tasks. You may then have to depend on others for help and not be able to enjoy life as much as you would like. Therefore, read below for tips on how to improve the health of your diet so you can enjoy your best life during your golden years.

What is eating healthy?

Depending on who you talk to, eating healthy can mean something a bit different for everyone. In general, though, eating healthy is when you consume enough nutrients daily for your body to function at its best. This type of diet would be balanced with the three macronutrients: fat, carbohydrate, and protein. It would also include plenty of gut-healthy fiber and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.

What does a balanced diet look like?

A balanced diet contains plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as protein-rich foods like beef, chicken, seafood, or beans. It also has some healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, fatty fish like salmon, or plant-based oils. Depending on your health status, you may need different amounts of each nutrient than your neighbor.

What nutrients are most important for seniors?

Seniors require special nutrient needs than other adults. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, such vital nutrients for seniors include (1,2,3,4):

  • Calcium: Older adults need more calcium to maintain healthy bones. Calcium is found in milk and milk products, fortified plant-based milks and cereals, as well as dark, green leafy vegetables. Such leafy greens include spinach, kale, and broccoli.
  • Vitamin D: Calcium needs vitamin D to fully aid bone health. This is because vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from exposing your skin to the sunlight each day, taking a supplement of about 600 IU daily, or eating vitamin D rich foods. Such foods include egg yolks, saltwater fish like tuna, liver, and fortified milk. You may need to take more vitamin D if you have low levels in your blood. Be sure to have your doctor check your vitamin D levels each year.
  • Vitamin B12: Older adults are at higher risk than other adults of being low in vitamin B12 since their body has more trouble absorbing it. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to red blood cell health, which can lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia. This condition can make a person very tired and can also cause shortness of breath, muscle weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite. You can consume B12 in animal products like beef, poultry, seafood, pork, eggs, and dairy products as well as fortified cereals.
  • Fiber: Older adults need fiber, just like all adults do, to maintain gut health and heart health. You can find fiber in fruits, vegetables, whole grains like rice, breads, and pasta, as well as beans and lentils. Most adults need about 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day for their best health.
  • Potassium: Eating plenty of potassium in the diet, about 3500 milligrams daily, can help lower one’s risk of high blood pressure. You can find potassium in foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans.

Can I take a dietary supplement instead of eating food with these nutrients?

You can certainly take a dietary supplement instead of eating nutrient-rich foods. However, you would miss out on the diverse array of health benefits in whole foods. Therefore, it’s important to just take those nutrients in supplement form that you feel you cannot eat enough of in your daily diet. A multivitamin made just for seniors could be the right fit for you.

But make sure to eat plenty of the foods listed above to reap the benefits of whole food intake. Rich protein sources like milk, yogurt, and plant-based milks can provide not only calcium, but also protein. And eating a rainbow of brightly colored vegetables and fruits each day

How do I start eating healthier today?

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to eating healthier, meeting with a registered dietitian can help. This type of healthcare professional is trained to help you look at your current eating plan and health needs and figure out where you can improve.

They can help you plan easy to prepare meals that contain all the nutrients you need to be your healthiest. You can call your insurance provider to see if dietitian services are covered under your medical plan.

 

 

 

References:

  1. Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN (May 23, 2018) “Special Nutrient Needs of Older Adults.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/special-nutrient-needs-of-older-adults
  2.  NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center (last reviewed October 2018) “Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age.” https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-every-age
  3. Stover, P.J. (January, 2010) “Vitamin B12 and older adults.” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 13(1):24-7.
  4. Diane Fager, RD (October, 2018) “Menus for Assisted Living Facilities”
    https://www.grovemenus.com/menus-for-assisted-living-facilities
  5. UCSF Health (accessed March 9, 2020) “Increasing Fiber Intake.” https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing-fiber-intake

MARCH 31st UPDATE

UPDATES FOR CORONAVIRUS-19

Our New Haven management team is taking every action to stay connected with our residents and families as we continue to navigate the personal implications of COVID-19 per CDC guidelines. The health and wellbeing of our resident’s, families and staff members are of utmost importance to us. Below is a plan we have put together to ensure that your loved ones are being protected from COVID-19.

Summary of Changes per Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

  • Restricted all visitation except for certain compassionate care, such as end of life situations.
  • Restricted all volunteers and non-essential healthcare personnel (HCP), including non-essential healthcare personnel.
  • Canceled all group activities outside of the community and communal dining.
  • Implemented active screening of residents and health care professionals for fever and respiratory symptoms.
  • Employees with a temperature of 100.0 or greater will be sent home.
  • Residents with a temp of 100.0 or greater will be quarantined to their room.

We are encouraging our physicians to use telemedicine to screen and treat our residents using technology networks to reduce the flow of non-core health care providers from entering into our facilities.

Healthcare providers such as Hospice and Home Health will have limited visits sufficient to allow the resident to stay on services. Hospice caregivers who provide baths for those residents will be allowed into the facility, but visits will be decreased. All outside healthcare providers will be required to complete the

COVID-19 symptom screening and will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) upon entering the facility.

 

Watch for symptoms:

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Relying on the expertise of the CDC and local health officials across the country, we are committed to sharing information as soon as we have it to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, employees and families. At the heart of our core values is you, and the New Haven management team who serve you.  We are here to support your needs and care for your loved one in every way possible.

We know this is a very difficult time for you as visits are restricted due to the CDC protocols and we will continue to go above and beyond to make every effort to allow you to visit with your loved one via Facetime or other sources of telecommunication. Our goal is to reduce the anxiety level of our residents due to the many changes and maintain our compassionate level of care.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Administrator or myself.

 

Tessa Wilson

Director of Clinical Care and Operations

tessa@newhavenassistedliving.com

 

 

Visitation Hours

New Haven has stopped all outside visitors at this time until further notice. All outside providers have been canceled as well unless an emergency otherwise medical visits will be via FaceTime or telecommunications! We understand this is an inconvenience for some but our priorities continue to be the residents. We also encourage taking your loved one out as little as possible. Thank you all for your understanding and helping us put your loved ones first if you have any questions or concerns I am available.

**Please share for your extended family and friends as well**

COVID-19 Update for Precautions and Plan of Action

To our residents and family members:

As most of you are aware the Coronavirus Disease continues to spread within and outside of the United States. As an organization we continue to educate ourselves and our staff on the preparedness if at some point we suspect one of our residents, family members or staff may be infected with the disease. Please see below information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the steps we are required to take along with some information regarding the specifics of the disease.

COVID-19 is the abbreviated name for novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 that first emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.

Illness: COVID-19 illness may be mild to severe.  Symptoms may appear as soon as 2 days and as long as 14 days after exposure.  Symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people who are infected may remain asymptomatic. Up to 80% of infected people recover without any need to seek care. Some will develop severe illness (typically in the second week of illness) and at present it is estimated that around 2% will die. Just as with influenza and other viral infections, older adults and patients with comorbid conditions are at increased risk for more severe illness.

Transmission: COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person by respiratory droplets between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet).  While there is not yet evidence for spread from surfaces or objects (fomites), this may also be a possible mechanism of transmission.  At present, COVID-19 is not felt to be spread through airborne transmission such as seen with tuberculosis or measles.

 

INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Who Should Be Evaluated As A Suspected Case: Currently, people returning from sites where there is ongoing person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, or who have been in close contact with individuals known to be infected with COVID-19 are at greatest risk for COVID-19.  Such individuals have been part of the CDC’s case definition used to determine when to evaluate individuals for COVID19.  On February 26, 2020, the CDC updated its guidance to also consider COVID-19 in individuals with fever and severe lower respiratory failure requiring hospitalization without an alternative diagnosis. The CDC may further expand guidance on who to test and under what circumstances.

  • Our healthcare personnel will use the CDC definitions to guide whether an individual should be evaluated for COVID-19. • We will continue to monitor the CDC website regularly for updates to the case definition.

At present, given the rare presence of COVID-19 in the community, healthcare personnel suspecting a case of COVID-19 will contact their local and/or state public health department for guidance on management.

  • At present and under an abundance of caution, per the CDC recommendation our healthcare employees at each facility will continue to use Standard Precautions, Contact Precautions, Airborne Precautions, and Eye Protection. This means wearing a gown, gloves, facemask, and goggles or a face shield if there is a suspected case in the facility • We will also continue frequent hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water • We have purchased an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant and will perform frequent daily cleaning of commonly touched environmental surfaces to decrease environmental contamination.

Since we do not have airborne isolation rooms (often called negative pressure rooms) we will follow the listed procedures below according to the CDC.

  • If an individual meets the CDC case definition of a suspected case, we will place the individual in a single room with a closed door pending consultation with the local health department.

 

Reducing The Risk Of Introducing COVID-19 In Our Facilities:

Employees: Because healthcare personnel reside in the community and work in facilities, they have the potential to introduce infections into our Assisted Living populations. As with all situations, we have asked all of our healthcare personnel who are ill stay home and seek healthcare advice through their regular provider. Those with mild symptoms are encouraged to call, rather than coming to the community in person.

If there is evidence of community-wide COVID-19 illness, we will screen staff at entry into the facility for respiratory signs, symptoms and fever.

Visitors:  Like healthcare personnel, visitors may also inadvertently foster spread of infections in the Assisted Living setting. Given the unique nature of the Assisted Living setting, it will not likely be possible to prohibit all visitors in the event of community-wide COVID-19 illness. For example, individuals on hospice should be able to visit with family members who are not ill.

 

Consistent with good routine practice, as during flu season we post signs requesting that people with acute respiratory illness refrain from entering the facility. This applies whether or not there is COVID-19 activity in the community. We recommend individuals (regardless of illness presence) who have a known exposure to someone with a COVID-19, or who have recently traveled to areas with COVID-19 transmission, refrain from entering the facility.  If there is community-wide transmission of COVID-19, we will screen visitors at entry to the facility.

 

Planning: As part of our facility’s regular risk assessment, we have a developed plan to prepare for and respond to potential outbreaks and/or pandemics. The plans developed for pandemic influenza is the same model used in addressing the prevention and management of COVID-19.**  Key measures for this include:

  • Calling our State and/or Local Health Department (for testing and guidance) • Social distancing, including suspending group activities including dining and other social events • Consistent staff, in which staff are assigned to the same building on a consistent basis • Daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring for residents and staff • Furlough for staff with respiratory symptoms • Having a plan to bring in temporary staff, perhaps through an agency, when there is insufficient staffing due to illness or increased burden of care.

 

The length of time during which infected individuals shed virus is not yet known.  As symptoms improve, the amount of virus shed by infected individuals should decrease.  Based on COVID-19 in Assisted Living Settings

Experience with similar viruses, people with severe illness will shed more virus and for a longer period of time than those with mild COVID-19 infection.  People with severe illness may continue to shed virus even 12 days after symptom onset.  The decision of when people no longer require isolation precautions will be made on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with our public health officials. Such a decision will take into account the severity of the illness, comorbid conditions, resolution of fever, and clinical status of the resident.

If you have any further questions regarding New Havens plan of action for the Coronavirus Disease,  please do not hesitate to speak with your administrator or feel free to contact me directly.

 

Tessa Wilson

Cell: 325-227-0535

Director of Operations and Clinical

How To Recognize Its Time For Senior Living

At New Haven we understand that caring for a parent or senior loved one can take a toll on families, caregiver and their loved ones – especially if a senior has been diagnosed with dementia. Many of our New Haven families considered moving their parent into an assisted living community during this period.  We have shared some of those signs in hopes that it will help families determine when it is time for assisted living.

 

6 Signs That It Is Time for Assisted Living

 Alzheimer’s Association reports that more than 16 million Americans devote their unpaid energy and time to caring for a parent or senior loved one with dementia.  Often caregivers find themselves unable to bear the burden of providing home health care without suffering from health issues themselves. This is when the cost of caregiving becomes too high and when it is time to consider moving a loved one into New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care.

                                    www.NewHavenAssistedLiving.com

At New Haven we understand that moving a parent is never an easy decision to make, but there are some signs to look for that will help you recognize when it’s the right time for Assisted Living or Memory Care.

  1. Aggression.

Physical, sexual or violent aggression frequently happens in people with dementia, and caregivers or other family members may begin to feel resentful or stressed.  We often tell the families we are working with that have either just started their search or collecting information, this is a good time to go ahead and consider placement.

  1. Caregiver stress.

Caregiver symptoms like increased stress can be just as telling a sign as the dementia behaviors described above.

  1. Increased care needs.

Ask yourself: “Are the person’s care needs beyond my abilities physically?” or “Is the health of the person with dementia or my health as a caregiver at risk?” If you have answered yes to either of these, we suggest a family conversation to discuss options as New Haven.

  1. Home safety.

Consider your senior loved one’s health and safety and your own abilities to care for them. Is the person with dementia unsafe in their home?

  1. Sundowning.

“Sundowners syndrome” — agitated behavior that becomes more pronounced later in the day — is a common characteristic of those with dementia.  Sundowners can take a heavy toll on caregivers, if sundowners is beginning to severely disrupt routines, we would consider this a sign that the caregiving burden might be too difficult to handle.

  1. Wandering.

In later stages of dementia, the risk posed by increased wandering.  If your senior loved one is wandering even if you just take them to the bathroom, most likely falls, and injuries increase as well.

How Caregiver Stress Might Indicate a Need for Help

With the cost of caregiving and having to make difficult care decisions, some experts are linking the affects to post-traumatic-stress disorder.  Let New Haven provide the care your loved one needs, in order for the caregiver in your family to have some much-needed relief.  Let New Haven take over the caregiver duties, so that your loved one can enjoy quality time with your senior loved one.

Symptoms of Caregiver stress might include:

  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Disabling anxiety
  • Hyper-vigilance
  • Intrusive thoughts and more

The stress and pressure for caring with someone with dementia disrupts normal activities such as eating and sleeping by spending too much time on caregiving.  Stress caused by the brain always being on high alert, several things could happen- lack of nutrition due to poor diet and physical heath suffers.

Caregiving can take a toll emotionally, mentally and physically for spouses of those that need constant care.  One of our family members that joined our New Haven family, shared with us that she was having to call 911 to have them come pick her husband up off the floor after falls, she just couldn’t do it anymore and made the decision to make New Haven home.  Situations like this, should be a clear sign their loved one needs New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care.  We always tell our families, do not let the demands of care become too great where there might be a catastrophic event occur before you decide that New Haven Assisted Living or Memory Care is the right time.

Three Benefits of Early Alzheimer’s or Dementia Diagnosis

Noticing your loved one experiencing odd behaviors or cognitive impairment, like judgment or memory loss, you might wonder if they might possibly have Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is a scary thought, to think about, but it is helpful to face these fears and have your loved one get a thorough doctor’s exam and proper diagnosis. If their dementia-like symptoms are treatable, seniors can receive the proper treatment and regain their lives faster.

Once properly diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it is important to have adequate time to evaluate and receive the proper treatment. Not only is an early diagnosis helpful to your loved one, but it can also be helpful for the family in order to plan for the care that might be needed in the future.

Here are the top 3 benefits of receiving an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia:

  1. Maximizing benefits from available treatments

By receiving an early diagnosis of either Alzheimer’s or dementia, your loved one can begin treatment right away. Whether the treatment be lifestyle changes or medication management, the early detection can delay the onset of more severe symptoms.

  1. Have time to plan for the future

A specific diagnosis allows your loved one to make more decisions for themselves for their future. While still having a good cognitive function, they can make key decisions around financial choices and care needs. New Haven offers monthly support groups and events for seniors that might be looking to make the move into assisted living or memory care.

  1. Get support and resources

If you do not know what might be causing the concerning behaviors of your loved one, it can be helpful to use your supporting resources. New Haven provides a monthly Alzheimer’s Support group, check out our website www.newhavenassistedliving.com  for dates and times.  Our support groups are designed to provide support, resources, and a time for family members to share concerns regarding their loved ones. New Haven understands resources are hard to find and want to provide an open door, as your family is our family.

 

6 Facts About Senior Living That May Surprise You

Senior Living Means Not Having to Compromise Fun for Freedom

New Haven Assisted  Living and Memory Care is all about personalizing your families stay as much as possible. Our caring staff wants you and your loved one to feel all the comforts of home during their stay.  Each community offers a robust Life Enrichment program providing an active environment each day.  Residents have the luxury of planning their own day. They can be as active as they want or as private as they choose.  For some, moving into a senior living community can be very intimidating.  New Haven wants your loved ones move to be as easy and comforting as possible.

Here are 6 facts about Senior Living that may surprise you.

Senior Living Facts at New Haven

Misconception: Senior living is arranged for a one-size-fits-all.

Fact  1: New Haven offers tailored personalized care and services to fit each resident’s unique needs. Due to our size, we are flexible to meet your loved ones needs.

Misconception: Once you move into a community you cannot leave with family or friends.

Fact  2: New Haven encourages residents to enjoy time with family and friends, whether it be within our community or outside of our community.

We encourage family and friends to visit at any time. Your family is our family.

We even allow our residents to go on vacations with families, everyone needs a vacation!

Misconception: You won’t be able to make friends.

Fact 3: Transitioning into senior living can be difficult.  The team at New Haven makes every effort to ensure your loved one is engaged and part of our daily social and recreational activities.

Our residents enjoy companionship over delicious meals, friendship and caring are optimized.  Limiting the number of units keeps our group small. This allows our residents to connect with others quickly and the feeling of insecurity or depression is minimized.

Misconception: There is no reason to move while you are still healthy.

Fact 4: Seniors who transition early into assisted living have a better life. They stay more physically, emotionally and mentally connected as they age, compared to those Seniors who choose to stay at home.

Staying active, eating healthy, sleeping well and taking care of oneself can slow the risk of mortality for seniors as they age.  Seniors that live on their own succumb to bad habits when no one is around to encourage an active lifestyle.

Misconception: It won’t feel like home.

Fact 5: New Haven designed each of our residences to feel like a single-family home. Our small cozy size helps each new resident transition comfortably from their previous home.

New Haven provides very individualized care, robust activity programs and specially designed communities that help seniors continue to thrive with all the comforts of home.

We offer all private bedrooms and private bathrooms, residents can personalize their private apartment space to their liking.  Our goal is for our residents to feel at home the moment they step in the door.

Misconception: It is far too expensive.

Fact 6: Many seniors first concern when looking for a senior living community is cost. However, it is important to examine overall cost of daily living for our seniors.

Consider your budget.  Determine what sort of monthly budget you are able to afford.  Consider financial resources such as VA Aid & Attendance for Veterans, Long Term Care insurance, home equity, personal income and savings or financial support from family.