Do You Need to Schedule Senior Health Screenings?

Which Health Screenings Do Seniors in Assisted Living Need?

Managing senior health is essential to longevity and comfort. Older adults who see their doctor regularly are more likely to catch problems before they become difficult to treat. These visits also make it easier to keep up with prescriptions and preexisting medical conditions.

Everyone over the age of 65 should be visiting their primary care physician at least once per year – even if they feel fine. Healthy people also need to monitor their wellness. Symptoms can appear as minor issues that are easily overlooked. 

A developing medical problem may show no symptoms at all at first. That’s why seniors need the support of a medical professional to keep them strong and healthy.

Assisted living can help aging adults manage their daily care needs, but it doesn’t override the need for wellness visits. Residents still need to schedule their annual doctor visits and all recommended health screenings. 

Seniors stay healthy in assisted living with the help of their medical team.

How to Know Which Senior Health Screenings You Need

Knowing which senior health screenings you need starts with the advice of your doctor. There are basic tests that are common for everyone. Additional screenings may be required due to pre-existing conditions and increased risk of disease or injury.

The following list is a good start. You should also consult your primary care provider for a complete list tailored to your health needs.

Mammogram

Women should begin scheduling mammograms at age 40. The U.S. Preventative Services Taskforce recommends screenings every other year until age 74 for women who do not have an elevated breast cancer risk. Women over age 74 may be advised to continue once every two years while those over 75 may reduce it to once every two to three years.

Screening mammograms can save lives. They detect the presence of cancer before any symptoms appear. Women with a family or personal history of breast cancer or those who have had breast problems in the past should talk to their doctor about the ideal schedule for this screening.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Men ages 55 to 69 should talk to their doctor about whether a prostate cancer screening would be beneficial to them. This is done using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Most experts recommend stopping PSA tests after age 70 or after developing a life-limiting medical condition.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer almost always starts as precancerous polyps in the rectum or colon. These abnormal growths may cause no issues, making it impossible to know if you have any without a screening.

Adults ages 45 to 75 are advised to undergo colorectal cancer screenings. These may become optional over age 75 for people who do not have an increased risk of this type of cancer. Factors that elevate risk include Crohn’s disease, family history, Lynch syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis.

Blood Test

Blood tests give us a closer look at what’s happening inside our bodies. They can reveal signs of infection, bleeding or clotting diseases, and diabetes. They also track organ function and can show us how well a medication works.

The blood test is one of the most basic screenings you can get to track general health. Senior citizens in assisted living should schedule at least one blood test per year unless otherwise advised by a doctor. Blood tests are also often prescribed when there are medical issues or before surgeries.

Blood Pressure Check

According to the American Heart Association, adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once annually. Chances are you will have your blood pressure checked more often if you visit doctors multiple times per year.

Blood pressure checks can reveal signs of hypertension and heart disease. Seniors with these health conditions may be advised to check once per month.

Osteoporosis Screening

Osteoporosis prevention for seniors in assisted living starts with screenings. Adults over age 65 should schedule bone density tests. These measure bone strength and can indicate the risk for potential fractures.

A central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is used for this screening. During the process, x-rays with different energy levels are passed through the bone, usually the hip and spine. The image shows bone thickness. It can also be used to see if osteoporosis treatment is working for patients who already have the disease.

Eye Exam

Seniors over age 60 should schedule annual eye exams. An exam will include checks for diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Your eye doctor can also check for diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Catching these conditions early can save your eyesight.

Hearing Test

Hearing loss is a normal part of aging. One in three adults aged 65 and older have some amount of hearing loss. This change can be gradual, making it hard to notice at first. Regular hearing tests will identify changes and help doctors find a solution.

There are three main categories of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear, often caused by abnormal fluid or ear wax. It may be corrected through treatment or surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the auditory nerve or inner ear is damaged. This type is often permanent but can be managed with a hearing aid.

Mixed hearing loss indicates both types are present.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends a hearing test at least once every three years for adults over age 50.

Skin Exam

A dermatologist can perform a skin exam to look for cancer and other conditions. Adults are advised to have a full-body check once per year.

Older adults have an increased risk of skin cancer. Seniors may also experience age-related changes that make them more susceptible to skin damage. This risk is increased if patients have a family history of skin cancer or a history of tanning.

Adults are also advised to perform an at-home self-exam once per month. This can be done in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room. Contact a dermatologist if you notice any changes.

Dental Cleaning and Exam

Everyone should go to their dentist for cleanings and an exam twice a year. The ideal schedule will vary based on several factors, including diet, lifestyle, oral cancer history, and existing dental conditions.

Regular dental cleanings will protect oral hygiene. It also gives your dentist a chance to look for signs of oral cancer.

Seniors who have dentures still need to see a dentist. A dentist can assess oral health, professionally clean dentures, and make sure the dentures fit properly.

Assisted Living Supports Senior Wellness

Arizona assisted living services are about more than housing and daily meals. It’s also about wellness. Good health keeps seniors comfortable, happy, and able to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Many facilities help coordinate care by scheduling doctor appointments and arranging transportation to hospitals and care providers. Find out how assisted living can make managing senior health easier.

Seniors Stay Healthy in Assisted Living

How Assisted Living Supports Healthy Senior Living

Healthy senior living is essential to an older adult’s quality of life. Making good choices about diet, exercise, and doctor’s visits can increase longevity. It also makes those extra years more comfortable and enjoyable.

Our bodies change as we age. Many people face challenges like chronic health problems and frailty. Even those who are otherwise healthy will experience a decline in strength and stamina. That doesn’t mean we can’t live life to the fullest. It just means that we have to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate those new limitations.

Assisted living gives seniors a way to retain as much of their independence as they can while living safely and comfortably.

An Arizona assisted living community could provide the services and support you or your loved one needs to thrive. How does this housing option support healthy senior living?

All of a Senior’s Basic Needs Are Met Every Day

Assisted living addresses all basic needs every day. Seniors have rooms or apartments to live in as well as staff on hand to help them. The level of care provided is based on the needs of the individual. Facilities can provide support with:

• Grooming
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Dining
• Mobility

That means seniors who are still capable of handling most things on their own can continue to do so. They can retain their sense of independence as much as possible. When their care requirements increase someone will be there to provide support, so their basic needs are always met.

Assisted living communities like Vista Living Senior Care also offer dementia care. This service provides more monitoring and structure for seniors with cognitive decline. Memory care improves the lives of seniors with dementia. 

Nutritious Food Keeps Seniors Going as They Age

Food is necessary to sustain life. We must eat every day – it’s something we often take for granted. However, what happens when someone has mobility, dexterity, or health issues and can no longer obtain and prepare food like they used to?

The change may be small at first. It can mean limiting meal options or skipping meals. It can mean choosing quicker and easier but less healthy foods that aren’t good for long-term health.

Assisted living handles meal preparation for residents. Every senior in the community is served three homecooked meals every day, often with snacks when desired.

Recipes are created based on the nutritional needs of seniors. No one goes hungry because they can’t make it to the grocery store or cook like they did when they were younger. Eating well improves physical and mental health. It’s one of the basic building blocks for a healthy life.

Coordinate with Care Providers Outside of Assisted Living

Seniors need to keep in touch with their care providers to maintain their health and wellness. Assisted living is designed to help by coordinating with care providers. Many facilities will make appointments and provide transportation when needed.

Some facilities also have care providers come to them to administer service. Speak to staff to find out what services are provided for check-ups and regular care provider visits. 

Assisted Living Staff Handles the Housework

Aging in place means that a home must be maintained. Consider all the things that need to be done in an average week to keep a household going. There’s dishwashing, laundry, grocery shopping, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and other chores. Then there are the bigger things, like home maintenance and lawn care.

Mobile seniors may be able to handle some of these things now, but over time those chores could become more of a burden. Some tasks can be hazardous and increase the risk of a fall injury.

Assisted living staff handles all housework and maintenance for residents. Someone is there to make sure that the air conditioning and heating work and to keep living spaces clean and hygienic. Seniors can enjoy a hassle-free, chore-free life in assisted living.

Medication Management Prevents Under or Overdosing

Most people find that they need to take more medications as they get older. Following doctor’s orders is important to ensure that medications do what they need to do.

Medication management is a common service found in assisted living facilities. Staff will prepare and administer medications on time for seniors. Don’t worry about whether your loved one missed a dose or took too many because they lost track.

Taking medications as directed is necessary for healthy senior living.

Promotes an Active Senior Lifestyle

Active seniors tend to be fitter, healthier, and happier. Even those who require mobility aids can still stay active. 

Assisted living accommodates the mobility needs of seniors. Many host workout classes that include seated exercises for people who may have an elevated fall risk or who cannot stand on their own.

Unfortunately, more than 80% of adults in the U.S. do not meet the guidelines for physical activity as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And about 40% of people over age 75 are completely inactive. Assisted living can help improve those statistics by giving seniors more motivation to move and engage with the world around them.

Built-in Socializing for Seniors

Humans are social creatures. That doesn’t change as we get older. Seniors also need social interaction to stay mentally healthy. Medical problems and mobility limitations become obstacles between seniors and their social circles.

Assisted living gives residents many opportunities to socialize in a safe environment. They can make friends and join groups of their peers. Most facilities host events, groups, clubs, and classes to encourage socialization.

More than one in 10 seniors experience depression. Social isolation is one of the biggest causes of depression in older adults. Mental health is important on its own, but it is also closely tied to physical wellness. 

The social benefits of living in an assisted living community are many. A move into assisted living could help a loved one overcome social isolation and depression.

Reduces Strain on Family Caregivers

When a parent or grandparent needs support, their families often step in to help. This is a beautiful example of the love shared among family members. 

Caring for a relative can put a lot of strain on those responsible for their wellbeing. It can lead to burnout as family members try to juggle senior care and their jobs, children, and other responsibilities.

Taking care of another person requires significant time and energy. As a person ages, their care needs will likely increase, putting more pressure on loved ones. Most families do not have someone who is professionally trained to handle this type of caregiving, which can make the process even more challenging.

Assisted living alleviates the pressure by supplying daily care in a safe place. Loved ones can handle their personal responsibilities without feeling guilt or worry for an aging family member. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing that reduces stress and improves relationships between seniors and their loved ones.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Seniors

Making Valentine’s Day Extra Special for Your Senior in Assisted Living

Seniors moving into assisted living for the first time are often afraid of being forgotten. This is especially true around holidays. The best way to alleviate those fears and make sure your loved one knows that you care about them is to remember them during these special occasions.

Valentine’s Day is a time for love and companionship. It isn’t limited to romantic relationships, although it’s also a great time to celebrate those bonds as well.

If you have a parent or grandparent in assisted living, make sure you do something fun for them in February. Let them know that you are thinking about them and that they are still an important part of your life.

The social benefits of living in an assisted living community are many, but they don’t override a senior’s need to feel loved by family and friends outside of the facility. Find out what you can do to help make this Valentine’s Day special for your aging loved one.

Plan to Visit on the Holiday or Close to It

Schedule a time to visit your loved one in assisted living on or around Valentine’s Day. Most people do not get a day off work for this holiday, so if you can’t go that day, try to stop by as close as possible. The best thing you can do for your loved one is to be there.

You should also check out the event calendar at the assisted living community to see what activities and gatherings might be scheduled for the day you visit. Some may host special Valentine’s Day luncheons or dinners. Being at these events with your loved one will encourage them to socialize and engage with their senior community. This can be especially important for seniors who recently moved into assisted living.

Decorate Their Room for Valentine’s Day

Help your senior loved one decorate for Valentine’s Day. This can also serve as another reason to stop by for a visit! Bring store-bought decorations or plan an afternoon to get together and craft some of your own.

Valentine’s Day décor is easy to make. You can chain together hearts to make garland or cut out construction paper hearts to hang on windows and doors. Inexpensive silk flowers and embellishments can make your decorations really pop! Sit down with your loved one and create decorations together and then find fun places to hang them up in their assisted living room.

Exchange Valentine’s Day Cards and Candy

Do you remember how much fun it was to make special boxes and exchange Valentine’s Day cards in school? You can do the same with your loved one.

The boxes are optional, but make sure you bring a special card just for them. It’s a meaningful gesture and can spruce up their room for the holiday. You can even turn it into a social activity by giving cards and candy to your loved one’s neighbors.

Buy cards or make them together for each neighbor and then hand them out on Valentine’s Day. It will brighten your loved one’s day as well as those of their fellow seniors in the assisted living community.

Bring Them a Bouquet or a Teddy Bear

Floral bouquets and stuffed animals are among the most common and popular Valentine’s Day gifts. Consider bringing one or both to the senior living home for your loved one.

Ideally, choose something that will fit comfortably in their room. A small room may not be the best place for an oversized teddy bear or enormous bouquet. Make sure they can safely and comfortably display whatever gift you bring so they get the most out of it.

Organize Love-Themed Activities Together

Our luxury assisted living community organizes events through February, but that doesn’t mean you can plan your own activities as well. There are plenty of games and activities for seniors that are easy to enjoy. Some good examples include:

• Bingo
• Card games
• Board games
• Puzzles
• Sudoku

Give whatever you choose a Valentine’s Day twist! You can add hearts to Bingo cards or choose puzzles with love or romantic themed imagery. Gather multiple family members or friends to come and play or invite your loved one’s neighbors to make the activity more exciting and fun!

Watch Their Favorite Movie with a Love Theme

Find a movie that your senior loves and enjoy it with them on Valentine’s Day. While romance flicks are a popular choice for this occasion, not everyone is into that genre. Look for something with any kind of love theme (even if it isn’t the focus of the film) or stick with a movie that you both enjoy.

If you want to take it a step further, bring popcorn and put it in red and white striped boxes like they use in movie theaters.

Ask your loved one for their movie recommendations beforehand. Getting them involved in organizing the occasion will make them feel more included. It will also ensure that you choose something you both will love to watch together!

Host a Valentine’s Day Tea Party

An elegant tea party is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Bring small teacups and saucers and a selection of delicious teas. You can also add finger sandwiches, biscuits, or other small desserts like mini cupcakes or petit fours.

You can both wear your finest for the party. Offer to help your loved one get ready, so they feel dressed up for the occasion.

A Valentine’s Day to Remember in Senior Living

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s a Valentine’s Day to remember for your loved one! Find activities and ideas that appeal to their interests. Also keep in mind that many seniors have lost spouses, friends, and family, which can make it difficult to get into the mood to celebrate. Remember to make time for them and be present, even if they just want company on what may be a difficult day.

Seniors who recently moved into assisted living may also struggle with holidays. Keep this in mind if you notice the 10 signs that your loved one is ready for assisted living and are trying to convince a senior to make the move. Reassure them that you will still be a part of their life and they will be a part of yours, especially during these special occasions.

Not only will this help build confidence and improve their mental and emotional wellness, but it will also bring you closer together as a family.

How to Support a Grieving Senior

How to Support an Elderly Parent Who is Coping with Grief

The loss of a loved one is never easy at any age. Older adults tend to face more losses as they age and friends and family pass away over the years. No matter how many times a person has dealt with this situation, it is still difficult and emotionally taxing.

A close loss, like that of a spouse, can be extremely devastating. You will likely also be navigating grief if the departed was a loved one. Juggling your own emotions and needs as well as those of a parent can be a challenge.

Sometimes, elderly parents face losses that don’t directly affect you. For example, a friend in their assisted living community may pass away. This can also cause a spiral into depression and isolation.

Being supportive of a grieving senior requires patience, understanding, and love.

How to Recognize When a Senior Is Struggling with Grief

Everyone copes with grief in different ways. Some people show it more and some less. Some people will openly discuss what they are going through while others may bottle up emotions.

Healing from a loss takes time. You cannot rush it. However, it’s important to learn to recognize the signs that a senior is struggling with grief. Ignoring the problem can lead to bigger mental and physical health concerns. It can also affect their quality of life and even longevity.

Some of the most common signs that a senior is struggling with grief include:

• Withdrawn behavior and avoiding social interactions
• Not participating in hobbies and activities that they enjoy
• Neglecting personal health
• Poor hygiene and grooming habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs

Seniors who do not live in an assisted living community may also have trouble paying bills on time and keeping their homes maintained. These activities are typically handled for residents in assisted living.

What Can I Do to Be Supportive of a Grieving Parent?

Most adult children want to be supportive of a grieving parent but also don’t want to overstep or push them to heal too fast. What can you do to provide support while protecting your senior loved one’s health, safety, and wellbeing?

• Be Open About Discussing Your Feelings and Theirs

If you are also experiencing a loss along with your senior parent, be open about discussing your feelings as well as theirs. Talking about what you are going through can help your parent open up.

When something triggers a memory of the departed loved one, don’t be afraid to share that memory. Talk about the things that person did or how they made you feel. Sharing will help your elderly parent feel less alone.

It isn’t easy reliving memories and dealing with outbursts of grief, but it is better to get it out into the open. This will bring both of you comfort as you learn to navigate life after a loss.

• Ask Direct Questions That Require Specific Answers

One of the most common questions that are asked when someone experiences a loss is: “How are you?”

It’s a well-meaning question, but it is not easy to answer. The grieving person may not know the appropriate way to respond. Does the person asking really want details or is it only meant as a polite greeting?

Asking direct questions that require specific answers can help a senior parent communicate. You can ask things like if they tend to miss their loved one more during a certain time of day or if a certain season makes grieving harder.

This tells your parent that you truly care and want to be there for them. It also indicates that you are looking for a deeper answer than a polite “I’m fine.”

Some people won’t discuss the loss or anything about the person who passed away to avoid upsetting loved ones. The reality is that, for most people, the loss is always on their minds. Discussing the departed can be beneficial, even if it is accompanied by sadness.

• Be Aware of Sudden Personality Changes

Grief is a powerful emotion that can lead to worrying personality changes. A senior coping with a loss may become more forgetful, disorganized, and have poor concentration.

These changes may remain for weeks or even months after the loss. If you are concerned that something more is going on, make sure your parent sees a medical or mental health professional. In the meantime, be patient and provide support to help get them back on their feet when they are ready.

• Encourage Good Health and Hygiene Habits

Health and hygiene can be affected when a senior is working through grief. Some may neglect self-care and medical needs. This will make them feel worse and can start to have a significant impact on their wellness.

Encourage good health and hygiene habits. If your parent is not receptive to your suggestions or assistance, then it may be time to talk to a professional. Grief counseling can get them in touch with someone who can provide the type of support they need or direct them to other care providers who can.

• Help Your Parent Rebuild Their Social Circle

Isolation is a serious problem for elderly people. Many start to lose friends and family as they go through life, shrinking their support network.

Rebuilding a person’s social circle can become harder as they age. Some develop medical conditions or mobility limitations that make it difficult to go out and meet new people. Many seniors don’t know where to go to meet their peers.

Learning how to build your social circle in assisted living can help a senior cope with grief. New connections provide human interaction and improve mental health.

• Plan Ahead for Gatherings, Events, and Holidays

Gatherings, events, and holidays can be especially difficult for a grieving parent. Not only are these occasions reminders that their loved one is gone, but they can also bring up discussions and questions that are difficult to answer.

Planning ahead can make these events easier. Ask your parent if there is anything they would like to do to honor the departed, like reading a special poem, displaying a photograph, or lighting a candle.

• Acknowledge Important Days Over the Years

The initial loss of a loved one weighs heavy. Learning to do things without them during the first year can feel like climbing a mountain. However, many discover that the second year after a loss is even harder.

This is primarily because others stop discussing the loss. They are putting less or no effort into providing support and comfort. Many people go back to their daily lives and stop checking in as much as they did.

Some people assume that the second year gets easier, which often isn’t the case. They may be more reluctant to ask for help since time has passed since the loss.

Grief also tends to change over time, which means your loved one may need to find different ways to manage it during the second year.

One thing you can do to help them is to continue acknowledging important days, even years after the loss. Taking time to visit, make a phone call, or send a letter or greeting card can make a difference.

• Be Patient and Help Your Parent Form Connections

Be patient and help your parent form connections with those around them. Show support and be prepared to talk about the loss. If your parent lives independently, it may be time to consider senior care. These 5 ways that assisted living helps families of seniors is a good start.

There is no quick and easy way around grief. It’s something we all face, no matter our age. If you are also experiencing a loss, make sure you take care of yourself as well as your parent. Together, you can face the days ahead and rediscover life with joy, happiness, and love.