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AltaVita Senior Residences is a dream come to fulfillment for the Macy Family. The longtime Longmont locals desired a way to give back to the community in which they grew up. And what better way to deliver on that commitment than to provide a multigenerational housing opportunity for Colorado families: three levels of continuing senior care on one campus in an unmatched, upscale environment. Filling a niche for older folks who want a place to call home for years to come, AltaVita has thought of every lifestyle element that seniors desire and deserve in an adult living community. Here a foundation for a brighter future is built on a unifying philosophy: Always put the resident first. This means providing for all aspects of the aging process 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. People are living longer and healthier lifestyles, and theyre remaining active, says Linda Berens, the campus Executive Director. Because of that many are looking for a multi-tiered campus offering continuing care within the familiar lifestyle. From involving family members in each residents life to creating a secure residence for those with advanced memory-related illnesses, AltaVitas well-designed campus and comprehensive services are built from the ground up to address and enhance every moment of daily living. One AltaVita residents family member said it best recently: I cant truly convey the appreciation I have for all that you have done. You have all been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The AltaVita team holds one another to a higher standard, which honors the important work they do, assisting the people who need them most. Enrich and enhance the lives of everyone we serve with respect and excellence: the AltaVita mission is confirmed daily by all the smiling faces. Three levels of care on one campus AltaVitas Longmont campus consists of the Memory Care Community, which opened in 2012; the Assisted Living Community, which followed in 2016; and the Independent Senior Living Community, which opened in June 2019. By building the community in three phases, planners have been able to thoughtfully design each building with residents in mind, taking into consideration the type of care they need and the amenities that will best suit them, explains Don Macy, owner.Memory Care Dr. Haleh Nekoorad-Long, M.D., a certified geriatric psychiatrist, is the medical director of AltaVita Senior Residences and works primarily with aging adults and issues regarding dementia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Recognized by the Alzheimers Association as a Leader in Dementia Care, the AltaVita Memory Care Centre is setting a new standard in Colorado for exceptional care for people with memory-related issues. AltaVita Memory Care Centre runs an adult day program, with respite services in suites specially designed for residents with Alzheimers and dementia. Additionally, care is customized for every residents level of dementia, ranging from acute medication management to the sense of freedom that comes with visiting AltaVitas beautiful garden patios and spacious, secure courtyard.Assisted Living With access to the same welcoming outdoor landscape, the AltaVita Assisted Living Community offers an upscale service focused intention. On the main level a great room welcomes visitors with a cozy fireplace, tavern, bistro and ice-cream parlor, and plentiful seating areas. The second floor overlooks the great room and features a large community room for varied activities as well as a comfortable lounge. Inclusive to the Assisted Living lifestyle are three meals every day, housekeeping and laundry services, social and recreational activities, 24-hour staffing, medical transportation, and emergency and nurse call systems. Independent Senior Living This is AltaVitas newest addition to the campus, a community for active adults who would like the enrichment of community life free of the responsibilities of home repairs. This maintenance-free lifestyle, including housekeeping, dining and transportation services, is designed to maximize that freedom and minimize those pesky daily duties. The new three-story building contains 84 stylish apartments with nine different floor-plan designs ranging from one bedroom, one bath to two bedrooms plus den and two baths. All include full kitchens, walk-in closets, large showers, washers and dryers, and private patios. The independent lifestyle program includes top-notch services and amenities like a full-service salon, fitness center, wellness programs, Tai chi classes, bistro and bar, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining room. And when the outdoors beckons there is easy access to hiking, biking, and walking trails. On behalf of the family, we wish to extend our gratitude to such an excellent place for Vern to live, report family members of the experience of their loved one at AltaVita. The friendliness of the staff is beyond compare. We are very impressed with the quality and freshness of the food; the execution of meals; the presentation of such meals.Whole-life WellnessAltaVita believes one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental and physical health among an aging population is lifestyle. And thats where AltaVita really shines. Supporting every part of the individual, AltaVita subscribes to Whole-Life Wellness. The methodology is envisioned to enhance residents health through seven critical aspects of wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, vocational, physical, and intellectual. For more information on AltaVitas progressive approach to maximizing the lifestyle of seniors, visit altavitaliving.com or call 888.745.8268 to schedule a free tour. 

As we age, maintaining cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Research shows that engaging in stimulating activities can help preserve mental acuity and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline. 1,2Brain Training Strategies - Keeping your brain active involves a multifaceted approach:Cognitive Exercises Play challenging games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and chess Try memory-building activities like memorizing to-do lists Learn a new language or musical instrument Take classes at local community centers1 Lifestyle Modifications Change routine activities to challenge your brain Read instructional books Try new hobbies and crafts Engage in creative activities2 The Science Behind Brain HealthResearchers emphasize that brain training is not a guaranteed prevention for dementia, but it can be beneficial. The Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study demonstrated that targeted brain training can help seniors maintain mental skills.2Physical Activity and Cognitive Function - Physical exercise plays a crucial role in brain health. Studies have shown that:         Regular physical activity can benefit cognition across the lifespan3         Older adults with higher levels of physical activity experience slower cognitive decline4Holistic Approach to Brain Health - Experts recommend a comprehensive strategy:         Maintain a healthy diet         Get adequate sleep         Manage stress         Stay socially active         Follow medical advice for existing conditions1 Promising ResearchOngoing studies are exploring "cognitive super-agers" - individuals in their 80s and 90s who maintain exceptional mental performance. Researchers hope to uncover strategies that can help others prevent age-related cognitive decline4 Key TakeawayWhile there's no guaranteed method to prevent all forms of cognitive decline, staying mentally and physically active can significantly contribute to maintaining brain health as we age. The most important factor is to remain engaged, curious, and proactive about your cognitive well-being.References:1 - Brain Training for Seniors - familydoctor.org2 - Brain Exercises: Can They Help Older Adults? 3 - Physical Activity, Aging and Brain Health4 - How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking | National Institute onAging Editors Note: This article was submitted by Craig Luzinski, CEO of Hover Senior Living Community. For more information, please call Hover Senior Living Community at 303-772-9292.

How do you know when to move from assisted living to a nursing home? There is no specific timeframe that applies to each person, but in every case, it is critical to determine what type of care you need.  An assisted living community offers the opportunity to maintain independence while receiving support to meet most of your daily needs. A nursing home may be necessary when complex health issues require 24-hour nursing care and continuous medical supervision. Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care and intravenous (IV) therapy.Nursing home services differ significantly from those provided by assisted living communities. But what exactly are these differences, and how do they impact the level and type of care you may need?What Is an Assisted Living Community? Assisted living is a residential community that provides a non-institutional environment for people who can provide for many of their own needs. Some locations may offer some support, such as aiding in managing diet and nutritional needs. Some also help with incontinence. Some help with the highest levels of care including feeding, transferring, and behaviors. Additionally, many will offer medical care in addition to custodial care and have nurses on staff to oversee residents care. The assisted living level of care is for older adults who could be frail but do not need 24-hour medical nursing care. Residents may also benefit from having some of their medical needs addressed by a home health service that will come into the community. Assisted living helps with activities of daily living such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring. The average assisted-living resident is 84 years old and needs help with two or three of the activities mentioned above. Assisted Living has a vibrant and social appeal as there are numerous offerings to stay active and engaged in life enrichment activities.Some older adults move into assisted living because living alone may not be safe for them due to the risk of falling, memory difficulty, or the risk of taking the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. Moving into assisted living provides you with the support you need now, and that may delay your need for more advanced care until sometime in the future if you do not need that level of care right now.A licensed nurse may be available to provide individualized care. Staff may be on site 24 hours a day, depending on the communitys rules and regulations for that state. However, in some communities, the assisted living medical team is not available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that each community sets its own objectives, based on specific state regulations. You should always clarify what is expected. While intense memory care for those who have end-stage Alzheimers disease or dementia, some assisted living communities will incorporate a memory care element to them. This will allow your family members to have the type and level of help they need right now, with the ability to step up care over time as their condition changes. Assisted living communities handle many of the more difficult tasks for those who are older. That could include light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation for grocery shopping or medical appointments, and other tasks.   What Is a Nursing Home? A nursing home provides a higher level of care with nursing support. This means your loved one will receive around-the-clock assistance from nurses and other medical professionals. Nursing homes have a more clinical environment and can address medical needs, such as wound care, intravenous therapies, and ventilation care. While you may assume skilled care is necessary, many assisted living communities can offer a much higher level of support than you might realize.In a nursing home, your loved one will likely reside in a semi-private or private room, depending on their preference, budget, and availability. They may visit the dining room for meals and participate in activities in various areas. However, if they need to eat in their room, assistance is readily available.The most important difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home is that a nursing home is regulated by federal mandates and typically offers short term acute rehabilitative care offered 24 hours a day by a team of licensed professionals which are funded by medicare. While most people will use skilled nursing for short-term needs, your loved one may require medical treatment that cannot be managed at home or in an assisted living community.Intravenous therapyVentilation careHourly monitory of vital signs or blood sugarsInjections of medicationsWound carePost-surgery careSome care settings may be better suited for your loved one if they have complex medical conditions that you cannot manage properly around the clock. Many facilities also offer specialized memory care units for end-of-life needs. The nursing home setting is designed to meet both the needs of the residents and the specialized care they require, which can sometimes feel more institutional. You may find supportive solutions for therapy, such as specific functional rehabilitation services, infusion therapy, or wound care treatments. Options for providing separate rooms for older adults with infections or illnesses might also be available. However, even in nursing homes, intensive care is not typically provided, and your loved one may be transferred to a hospital to receive the highest level of care when necessary.Frequently Asked Questions What is the average length of stay at an assisted living community? Many people live in assisted living for 2 to 3 years. They often then move to nursing homes that can better meet their ongoing needs due to worsening health conditions, limited mobility, memory care needs, or more support.  What is the main difference between assisted living and nursing homes? The difference in nursing home care is the level of medical care and support you receive. Skilled care means more licensed nurses and staff available to provide ongoing care. What are signs to know its time to move? Senior living options are extensive, but there are a few signs to monitor for to know when its time to move: You need extensive care for daily living You are leaving a hospital stay without the ability to manage most of your own personal care Your well-being is dependent on skilled care around-the-clock Changes in mental cognition can also play a role in this need Assisted living facilities cannot meet any specific care needs you have CarePatrol Can Help You Determine When to Move from Assisted Living to a Nursing Homeand Which one to Choose CarePatrol has local senior care advisors nationwide who are ready to help you determine when its time to move to a nursing home and find the best senior care solution. Also, if care needs change in the future, your local senior care advisor will help you find the right community.We partner with over 20,000 senior care communities across the nation and take families on tours of the communities so you can view the accommodations and feel confident in your decision.  To get started, find a CarePatrol location nearest you, or learn more about care options and request more information online.