James McPeak Reminds Everyone to Thank all Those Who Care for Our Loved Ones on February 17 in Honor of National Caregivers Day

James McPeak, Owner, McPeak’s Assisted Living, is reminding everyone that February 17 is National Caregivers Day and is urging everyone to thank those who take care of our elderly and infirm family members every day and recognize them for the hard work they do.

National Caregivers Day, which is held on the third Friday in February every year, honors these healthcare professionals who give their time and energy providing care to those who may require long-term care. Expert caregivers are trained to provide services around the clock in safe environments; this allows the family members to focus on the loved one’s healing process.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), there are 53 million caregivers nationwide. Of that number, 19% are unpaid. However, many of the paid caregivers wind up leaving their jobs. The National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP poll found that 23% of the healthcare professionals experienced a decline in their health. Other reasons why they quit, according to Sandata, include poor communication, long hours, lack of recognition, long commutes, poor training and low pay.

“On this day, we should take time out and recognize those who take care of our loved ones when we aren’t able to,” Mr. McPeak says. “Their job is a demanding job and many of them work through the day without receiving even as much as a ‘thank you.’ On February 17, let’s take some time to show our heartfelt gratitude for them and the work they do.”

For more information about McPeak’s Assisted Living, call (631) 475-0445 or visit www.mcpeaks.com.

McPeak’s Offers Memory Care Programs for Its Residents

As age increases, so does memory loss. According to the National Library of Medicine, about 40 percent of people aged 65 or older have memory impairment in the United States; this accounts for about 16 million people.

At McPeak’s Assisted Living, there are numerous memory care programs to help those with cognitive impairments. These programs implement the latest techniques to provide activities and therapies for those experiencing memory loss. This aids in slowing down cognitive decline, and can sometimes improve their conditions.

For those with memory loss, getting lost is common, especially among people with Alzheimer’s disease or other disorders causing dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about six in 10 people with dementia will go astray or in the wrong direction at least once; however, many do so repeatedly. It can be frightening when the location of a loved one becomes unknown. In order to bring peace of mind to caregivers and family members, McPeak’s Assisted Living has begun using Wanderguard, a discreet tracking device.

Wanderguard uses a monitoring system that activates an alarm when the device is worn by a patient that walks into unpermitted areas. The technology helps residents maintain freedom of movement while also making sure they’re safe. 

McPeak’s Assisted Living strives to provide the utmost care for loved ones while ensuring they maintain a safe and secure environment.

April Showers Bring May Flowers, Which May Bring Allergies

People are glad the cold weather is behind them, which means they can expect warmer weather and enjoy more time outdoors. However, taking time to smell the flowers may mean spending time with allergies.

Senior citizens should be especially careful in the event they have an allergic reaction. Allergies occur when their immune system “reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

When someone has an allergy, the immune system creates antibodies, which misidentifies a particular antigen as harmful. That person then comes into contact with that “harmful” antigen, which can result in inflammation of the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive tracts. While some allergic reactions are harmless and may only result in skin rashes, others may be more life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis, which results in a drop in blood pressure, constriction of the airways and the inability to breathe. When not treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Older people can have a fatal allergic reaction if they have a heart condition. Antihistamines are usually ideal for people suffering from allergies, but seniors should avoid them at all costs due to the side effects usually associated with them (among them sleepiness, dry mouth, bladder issues. etc.) Rather, they should ask their doctor if they can offer some other types of medications. 

For those looking for a more holistic treatment, nutritionists recommend eating more foods that fight inflammation, such as apples, flax seed, ginger, green leafy vegetables, and walnuts. They also recommend that seniors increase their intake of Vitamin C.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle right here in Suffolk County, Long Island near downtown Patchogue. The facility serves three nutritious meals a day, restaurant style, in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Meals planned for special dietary needs are carried out under the supervision of registered dietitians.

With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live life to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit https://www.mcpeaks.com/

 

RESOURCES:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468

Seasonal Allergies and Seniors (medicalalertadvice.com)

8 Antihistamine Side Effects You Should Know | SELF

Seniors Need to Continue Eating Fruits and Vegetables

Adults tell children to eat their fruits and vegetables, but, as they age, they may not practice what they preach. It would be beneficial to their health if senior citizens followed the same guidelines.

A study conducted by Emily J. Nicklett, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, found a positive relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and health outcomes over older people’s lifespans. This includes the prevention and management of “chronic illness, disease-specific mortality, and general mortality.”

Additionally, the University of Kentucky’s Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, conducted a study to determine if a “variety of fruits and vegetables consumed,” along with a short educational program about the benefits of these foods from reputable nutritionists, would ultimately be of use to the elderly. The results showed that, after the senior citizens learned about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables, and had the financial means to do so, they immediately saw an increase in their overall health. However, Nicklett also found older people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds fail to live healthier lifestyles possibly because they cannot afford to purchase produce.

Nicklett suggests that making even a slight change in one’s diet by including foods that are rich in fiber, nutrients, and natural vitamins can ultimately have a positive effect on someone’s entire well-being. Fresh produce can also make people feel more satisfied and not run-down as much.

McPeak’s Assisted Living provides care for your loved ones while ensuring they maintain a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle right here in Suffolk County, Long Island near downtown Patchogue. The facility serves three nutritious meals a day, restaurant style, in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Meals planned for special dietary needs are carried out under the supervision of registered dietitians.

With our affordable prices and excellent standard of care, we have the facilities to accommodate your loved one’s needs and allow them to live life to the fullest. For more information, please call us at (631) 475-0445 or visit https://www.mcpeaks.com/

 

Resources:

https://dhn.ca.uky.edu/

https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/local-doctors-to-give-away-fruits-and-vegetables-for-senior-citizens-monday

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3713183/pdf/nihms-479808.pdf

 

Keeping Your Brain Sharp!

As we get older, it is crucial to not only place an emphasis on maintaining our physical health, but we also have to take care of our cognitive health as well. Cognitive health is essential for performing daily tasks and activities, so here are five ways you can improve your memory and maintain overall brain function:

  1. Play Thinking Games: Your brain is a muscle and, like any other muscle, it needs to be trained to stay strong! Training your brain can help improve memory and keep you sharper for longer periods of time by creating “cognitive reserves.” These reserves may help the brain become more adaptable in some mental functions so it can compensate for age-related brain changes and health conditions that affect the brain.
  2.  Manage Stress: Stress is a natural part of life, but too much can have a negative impact on your physical and cognitive health. Chronic stress can change the brain, affect memory, and increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. To help manage stress, try relaxation techniques, writing in a journal or light exercise.
  3. Challenge Your Memory: Regularly engaging in memory exercises can help improve cognitive performance and boost short- and long-term recall. Try to memorize a list or a popular song and test yourself an hour later to see how much you got right!
  4. Engage in Meaningful Hobbies: Doing what you love isn’t only emotionally beneficial, but it helps your brain function as well! Connecting with others who enjoy the same hobbies as you can keep your brain active and help you feel less isolated and more engaged with the world around you.
  5. Let’s Get Physical!: Taking care of your physical health is crucial to overall brain health. Take a walk outside, do some light yoga, or take a bike ride and release the endorphins that help stimulate old network connections.

As simple as these activities may be, they are all powerful ways to protect your brain, keep the mind active, and may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment and dementia.

Summer Storm Preparation

Summer weather can be unpredictable, which means a sunny day can turn into a storm quicker than you can say, “Did I just feel a raindrop?” Here are some tips for staying safe when the weather turns bad and how you can protect yourself and your home:

  1. If you hear thunder, lightning is close behind. Seek indoor shelter as quickly as possible and stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as metal fences or water. 
  2. Make sure your house is stocked with non-perishable foods, bottled water, flashlights and a first aid kit. It’s a good idea to store these all year round, but when storm season is coming up, check to make sure that you have everything so that you’re the most prepared you can be.
  3. Part of ensuring your safety inside is limiting the amount of potential hazards in your yard. Be sure to trim back dead or old tree branches to avoid breakage, and secure any loose items around the yard that can be uprooted by substantial winds. 
  4. Once the storm has settled, you still need to be aware of potential dangers. Do not drive through any flooded roadways, as you cannot predict how deep the water may be and may end up stranded. Also, be sure to keep clear of areas that have been hit badly by the storm. There is still the risk of falling debris.

One Step Closer to Normalcy: Updated COVID-19 Testing Requirements

There is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to getting tested for COVID-19. On July 1st, 2021, the New York State Department of Health announced that operators and administrators of adult care facilities (ACFs) are no longer required to test or arrange for the routine testing of personnel for COVID-19, including employees, contract staff, medical staff, operators and administrators, irrespective of the individual’s vaccination status. 

According to the Department of Health, facilities should still continue to screen all staff during each shift, each resident daily and all persons entering the facility, including vendors, volunteers, and visitors, for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Unvaccinated individuals should be encouraged to wear a face mask or face covering. 

McPeak’s is committed to the health and well-being of its residents and will continue to adhere to these regulations for COVID safety; however, this update will give us more freedom in allowing visits from families and friends so our residents can continue to experience a fulfilling social life while at our facility. 

What To Look For When Visiting Aging Parents

As the world opens up more and we are able to visit with our families, it’s important to check in on our loved ones’ physical and mental well-being. Here are some things to look out for when visiting parents:

Checking the state of the house
Use your five senses as a checklist for examining the state of a loved one’s home. Are there any usual smells or odors in the house, perhaps from rotting food or if they have pets, are they not cleaning up after them? When you look around, do you notice laundry piling up or dirty dishes overrunning the sink? These are all ways you can begin to determine if there has been a change in behavior.

Personal hygiene
How does your loved one look? Have they bathed, are their clothes clean, do they seem to be taking care of themselves? Oftentimes, aging adults have a fear of falling in the shower, so in that case, you can look into getting a shower chair or having someone come to the house to assist with bathing.

Mobility
While it may not look like much at first, decreased mobility can have serious consequences, such as trips and falls. See if your loved one has trouble getting up from or sitting down in chairs, or if their balance seems off. If that is the case, you can start to take the next steps of how to create a safe environment in the house, in case of a fall, and develop a plan to get them help.

Socialization
Human contact and engagement are so important throughout our lives and especially as we get older. If you are concerned your loved one may be feeling isolated, you can start to look for senior centers nearby that offer programming, trips, even meals where they can sit around others. Seniors can also connect with local charities, churches, or synagogues and participate in volunteer programs.

Driving
For the majority of our lives, driving is a form of independence that is very important to us. However at a certain point, driving may not be the best idea for older loved ones. Look at the car itself and see if there are scratches or little dents that may indicate they are having some trouble driving.

If you find your loved one is struggling to live independently, it may be time to consider assisted living. McPeak’s has strived to preserve the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of the elderly and infirm by providing them with modern comfort, warmth of family, and company of good friends. We are ready to help you make the most of each and every day.

5 Tips for Staying Cool and Safe During the Summer

No one is immune to the sun, and for more vulnerable groups like seniors, excessive heat and sun exposure can be especially dangerous. As you spend more time outside, here are some tips to keep safe and cool during the summer months:

Stay Hydrated
One of the best things we can do for our bodies during the summer is staying hydrated. Remember to drink about eight glasses of water and/or fruit juice during the day to replace the water your body sweats out and increase intake if you are doing any physical activity.

Stay Cool
In extreme heat and high humidity, the body has to work extra hard to maintain a normal body temperature. On days like this, it is better to stay inside in the air conditioning or near a fan. If you are going out, movie theaters, malls, and restaurants are all good options for beating the heat for an hour or two.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Let your body breathe! The best clothing to wear in the summer includes light breathable fabrics like cotton that allow heat to escape your body. Be sure to also wear colors that will reflect the sun such as whites, yellows, light purples and blues.

Know the Early Signs of Heat-Related Illness:
Dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are all very dangerous illnesses that can affect you if the proper precautions are not taken. Signs of these illnesses include disorientation, headache, lethargy, nausea, a flushed face, high body temperature, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion. Take immediate action if you feel any symptoms coming on.

Have Emergency Contacts
Prepare a list of family, friends, or caregivers that can be contacted if you feel yourself being affected by the heat.

Soak Up the Sun with These Outdoor Activities!

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, make sure you are getting outside and enjoying your summer! Here are five summer activities for seniors that will get you moving, socializing, and help you make the most of the day!

Visit the Beach
Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. Taking a walk by the water or simply sitting in a beach chair and soaking up the sun can be very relaxing and has many added health benefits! Increased sunlight lets seniors absorb more vitamin D, which is essential for brain, bone, and muscle function, all while increasing the release of serotonin for mental uplifting.

Take a Fishing Trip
Fishing is a great way to relax and be with nature with a (sometimes) edible reward! For seniors who have limited mobility, fishing is also a great way to socialize without having to move around too much.

Listen to Outdoor Music
There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a warm breeze and listening to your favorite music. See if your town offers outdoor concerts, or visit local restaurants that have live music for a unique dining experience.

Have a Picnic
Picnics are a classic summer activity that provide a great way to connect and relax with family and friends. Pack a bag of your favorite sandwiches, snacks and drinks and enjoy your picnic at the park or beach!

Take Regular Activities Outside
You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy the outdoors. Change up your scenery and take regular day activities such as reading, eating, playing games, or even talking on the phone outdoors!

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