What do you do when a king cobra strolls into your yard and steals your chicken? Well, according to The Bluffs of Flagstaff Senior Living Executive Director Janet Mars, who once lived in Nigeria, West Africa, you chase it. “I was totally oblivious to the danger, but I do believe the snake was more scared than I was,” said Mars. “The cobra was on its tail end and all puffed up, slithering down a hill with the chicken in its mouth.” If that wasn’t enough, Mars also remembered the baboons … [Read more...] about World Traveler Making Flagstaff Home for Seniors
The Peaks
Understanding Multiple Levels of Assisted Living Care
In senior living communities, there are popular buzzwords you should be aware of when doing your research before you consider settling on a community. Many communities talk about their services using the phrases “aging in place” or “continuum of care.” You may be wondering what these mean, and why these services are important when deciding on the best place for you or your loved one to spend their golden years. Let’s start with the definitions of “aging in place” and “continuum of care.” … [Read more...] about Understanding Multiple Levels of Assisted Living Care
Medication Management
As we age, it seems we see more physicians, specialists and get more tests done, which often lead to an increase and frequent changes in prescribed medications. Adults 65 and older use more medicine daily than any other age group in the United States, accounting for 34 percent of all prescription medication, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education. In addition, the council reports that between 40 and 75 percent of older adults do not take their medications … [Read more...] about Medication Management
Helping A Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living
You’ve talked with your loved one about making the transition to an assisted living facility. Now what? Once you and your aging parent or parents have decided that moving to an assisted living facility is the best choice for them, it is important to fully understand the changes involved with helping them feel comfortable in their new home. For the transition to be successful, the senior's family and/or caregiver, their doctor and the assisted living staff should work as a team. Ask for … [Read more...] about Helping A Loved One Adjust to Assisted Living
How Caregivers Find Support, Information
I have been a nurse for 22 years and worn many hats in the health care profession. However, it was not until a recent personal experience that I learned the importance of the patient and family. My mom was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, and as her disease progressed, so did my responsibilities to ensure that all her care needs were being met. I often found myself exhausted to the point that I felt overwhelmed when making the simplest decisions. During this time, I was able to use my nursing … [Read more...] about How Caregivers Find Support, Information