Heritage Pointe

No one wants to experience a fall, but for those over 55, a fall can lead to serious injury. Thats why learning how to prevent falls is so important for healthy aging.Heres a look at why falls happen, why preventing them is important, and some exercises and activities that can help older adults build balance and stability, while actually being fun and engaging.To help prevent falls, first understand why they happenHere are some common reasons why seniors fall:Changes in visionWeakening hip and leg musclesPoor posture or spinal degenerationStumbling due to the inability to lift your feetSlower reaction time to obstaclesDrug interactions that result in dizziness or poor balanceLightheadedness caused by low blood pressureWhy its so important to prevent fallsAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as a broken bone or head injury.Working on flexibility, stability, stretching and strength are vital when your goal is to prevent falls so you can live a long and healthy life. Many of the movements are simple, and many are fun activities as well. Always remember to take your time, do what feels comfortable, and breathe deeply. Here are just a few suggested exercises to prevent falls.Getting started: activities and exercises to help prevent fallsDanceDancing is a wonderful exercise for aerobic fitness, weight management, muscle and bone strength and endurance. In addition, moving through space in different directions and in different ways improves static and dynamic balance, spatial awareness, coordination, and reaction time. Dancing is also an excellent way to get all the benefits of socializing and interacting with others on a regular basis. And it can be a lot of fun!Tai ChiThe National Council on Aging reports that many studies have shown Tai Chi to be one of the most effective exercises to prevent falls. Tai Chi targets leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes.According to the Tai Chi for Health Institute, with regular practice, Tai Chi improves balance by strengthening muscles and co-ordination; at the same time, it strengthens the mind, thereby improving calmness and confidence in not falling. Thus, both physically and mentally, Tai Chi is an extremely effective exercise when your goal is to prevent falls.YogaYoga is good for so many things that affect healthy aging: reducing stress, treating fatigue, lessening pain, and perhaps most importantly, increasing core strength and balance. This last one can reduce the risk of falling.You dont have to do complicated moves to the benefits. For example, the simple mountain pose can help you improve your posture and body awareness. Stand tall, weight distributed evenly on both feet, keep your knees slightly bent. Draw your shoulder blades together and down your back. Relax your arms and let your palms face forward. Breathe deeply and relax.WalkingNo special equipment required, just a good pair of walking shoes and a place to walk (indoors or outdoors). Add a friend or two and you have a fun way to get a workout that doubles as a balance booster!According to Harvard Health, walking strengthens the muscles in the lower body. It also is a great way to stretch muscles and thus improve your posture, which in turn, can improve your balance. Dont worry about distance, especially if you are beginning a walking program. And dont hesitate to use a cane or walker if you need one. As you feel stronger, add more minutes to your walks. Try to walk at least 150 minutes a week. Wear comfortable clothing, walk with confidence, and breathe deeply.GrapevineHeres an easy move that can help improve your balance. You might begin by being near a wall or a chair to help steady you or hold someones hand if needed. Simply step across in front of your right foot with your left leg. Continue moving across the room sideways, uncrossing the left leg. Repeat. When ready, just reverse direction. Wear smooth-bottomed shoes and concentrate on your movements.At Heritage Communities, we are here to help you live better and live longer.We do this by proactively implementing best-in-class lifestyle enrichments, senior-centric technologies, and the latest approaches to senior care. Our values define how we lead, care, and behave at every community we own. Let us tell you more.We redefine living better. You make it your own. Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-614-5222.

Dementia isnt one specific disease; instead, the term describes a collection of symptoms that a person may experience if they are living with one of a variety of diseases. Here is a look at four of the most common types of dementia. We also explore how joining the right support group could be a huge benefit for a family member or caregiver.Types of dementia and what to expect from eachBelow are some facts from the Mayo Clinic and Alzheimers Association concerning four of the most common types of progressive and non-reversible dementia:Alzheimers diseaseThis is the most common cause of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of all cases. Although not all causes of this disease are known, experts do know that a small percentage are related to changes in three genes. These gene changes can be passed down from parent to child.People with Alzheimers disease have plaques and tangles in their brains. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid. Tangles are fibrous masses made up of tau protein. Its thought that these clumps damage healthy brain cells and the fibers connecting them.Vascular dementiaThis type of dementia is caused by damage to the vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blood vessel problems can cause stroke or affect the brain in other ways, such as by damaging the fibers in the white matter of the brain.The most common symptoms of vascular dementia include problems with problem-solving, slowed thinking, and loss of focus and organization. These changes in thinking skills tend to be more noticeable than memory loss and sometimes occur suddenly after a stroke. Approximately 5-10% of those living with dementia only have vascular dementia. More commonly, vascular dementia is part of mixed dementia.Lewy body dementia (LBD)Lewy bodies are balloon-like clumps of protein. They have been found in the brains of people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease. Common symptoms include acting out dreams in sleep and seeing things that arent there, known as visual hallucinations. Symptoms also include problems with focus and attention, as well as slow movement, tremors, and stiffness, known as parkinsonism.Researchers have not yet identified any specific causes of dementia with Lewy bodies. Most people diagnosed with LBD have no family history of the disorder, and no genes linked to LBD have been conclusively identified.Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)This is a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown of nerve cells and their connections in the brains frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) and the temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears). These areas are associated with personality, behavior and language. Common symptoms affect behavior, personality, thinking, judgment, language, and movement.This type of dementia was once called Picks disease. Most people with FTD are diagnosed in their 40s to early 60s.Getting support from others dealing with the same challengesNo matter which of the types of dementia a loved one is facing, the entire family is affected. Finding a support group with others dealing with the same challenges can be an invaluable source of support for you and your loved ones. In a group, participants share experiences, offer suggestions for caring, and provide an invaluable sounding board.It may take time before you feel completely comfortable sharing in a group. As you begin to realize your problems are not unique though, you most likely will begin to feel at ease discussing your experiences. In addition, it can be easier to speak with those in the same situation than it is with other family members or friends. Be patient as you find the group that is right for you.Memory care communities can be an excellent sourceFor outstanding information, support, and the knowledge that you are not alone, finding a support group in a memory care community is a wise choice. The environment is safe and comfortable, and you will be surrounded by those who can help you improve your coping skills, as well as give you a sense of control over your familys situation.At Heritage Memory Care communities, we know firsthand how difficult it is to care at home for a senior with memory challenges. We also know that helping them transition to living in a long-term care community can be hard on you as well as on them.Heritage Memory Care communities are certified and always adhere to the guidelines of the Alzheimers Association. While ourservices are what you expect and requireof your trusted team of caregivers, we always strive to exceed your expectations. Were here to help. We will listen, support, encourage and provide information.To support ourMemory Carefamily members, we offer:Monthly support group meetings for family membersOne-on-one meetings with an HC social worker or HC care team leaderRegular communications and updates about your loved oneConference calls, Zoom calls, or in-person meetings with important third-party advisors (PCPs, financial planners, attorneys, etc.)Memory Care at Heritage Communities is exceptional in many ways. Wed love to tell you more.We get to know, and love, each of our memory care residents. Download our free guide, The Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-614-522 to learn more or schedule a tour.