Texas - Greater Dallas

Food. The REAL Way!March 1, 2024 | Lorna Towers Sanders, Clinical Nutrition ManagerIts National Nutrition Month once again. This years theme is , Beyond The Table. This theme will highlight the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition and address the various ways and places we eat-both at home and on the go.Happy Registered Dietitians Day to all of my fellow dietitians! (March 13, 2024)According to studies, almost 75% of Americans consume insufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and healthy fats. This deficiency explains the high incidence of obesity in the United State. Bad eating habits are connected to several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dental decay, osteoporosis, elevated cholesterol, and certain types of cancer. Luckily, farm-to-table eating boasts a full slate of health benefits.There are five health benefits noted from eating from scratch foods, and cooking at home.1) Its About More than Calories.Different foods contain different nutrients, and that leads to a healthier you. A diverse diet full of vitamins and minerals lowers the risk of being susceptible to health issues, which occurs when we dont obtain enough nutrients from our food. Remember, calories arent the only important thing in what we eat.You want to eat a variety of foods from all food groups. Your plate should be packed with color so that you are getting all of the vitamins/minerals from the food groups.2) No Additives, No PreservativesEvery 10 percent increase in consumption of highly processed foods corresponds to a 12 percent rise in cancer risk. Ultra-processed foods have harmful amounts of added sugar, salt, and fat. These and other synthetic additives enhance the flavor of what we eat, but consuming too much of them can result in significant health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. On the other hand, farm-to-table eating avoids all additives and preservatives.3) Nutritionally Dense FoodsFarm fresh produce is more nutrient-dense than anything at a grocery store. Locally grown food is harvested at the peak of ripeness. Most produce sold in supermarkets arrives before it is ripe. Farmers harvest them early, so they wont spoil in transit. A products nutritional content also decreases through air exposure, artificial lighting, and temperature changes. Local food avoids all this because of its short travel from crops to table.4) More Satisfying than Grocery Store FareAccording to studies, meals prepared at home typically have fewer calories than meals from restaurants or ordering takeout. When you prepare your own food, you also control how much sugar and fat goes into it. Nutrient-packed meals make you feel full more quickly and you tend to consume fewer calories. So, try a farm-to-table restaurant sometimes, and you will come away feeling satisfied.5) No Need For The Deep FreezeProcessing facilities often blanch and freeze fruits and vegetables to keep them from spoiling in transit. Although these techniques are generally helpful for keeping much of their nutrition intact, specific vitamins are lost during blanching, particularly Vitamin C.  Since there is no travel time, it is not essential to freeze or otherwise preserve farm-to-table foods. Therefore, you will enjoy the best taste and absorb all the vitamins nature intended. CC Young has partnered with Thomas Cuisine in creating nutritious meals for residents and staff. Thomas Cuisine is known to be a from scratch kitchen. All our foods are made from scratch. We use Real Foods, and the freshest ingredients to provide delicious meals to those we serve.Our acronym for REAL means:Robust flavorOur skilled chefs work to enhance the natural qualities of the foods we serve.We do made from scratch soups that are broth based. We have made to order selections to provide a variety of food options for our residents. We use different spices & herbs to season our food, so that the natural taste and flavor comes through with every bite.Exceptional ingredientsBetter ingredients provide great taste and foster good health. We use extra virgin olive oil when cooking; and we purchase grass-fed meats and locally sourced fruits and vegetables when possible. We use lean cuts of meat, have fiber rich legumes, and provide whole grains as healthy options.Avoiding additivesReal food comes from ingredients that are grown, not made. Our focus is on hormone free and antibiotic free meats. We limit processed foods and artificial flavors. We do not have trans-fat in our foods.Loaded with nutrientsWe cook with passion to nourish your body & soul. The love that we have for our jobs shows in every plate provided to our residents.We want to nourish the body through healthy eating, and that starts with what we eat. I hope you all love what we do at Thomas Cuisine and continue to give us feedback. We hope you love us as much as we all love serving you all.

In observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the spotlight is now turning toward a previously overlooked demographic: seniors. While mental health has gained significant attention in recent years, researchers are uncovering the unique challenges faced by older adults. As we strive to pave the way for healthy seniors, its crucial to value the importance of a positive mental health mindset and habits.The psychology of aging is changing. As they start to retire, baby boomers are changing the way we think about senior citizens and mental health awareness. According to a study from the Institute on Medicine, approximately 1 in 5 older adults in the United States has a mental illness, substance abuse disorder or both.Researchers who have studied mental wellness over a lifespan noticed that older adults with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, are more likely to experience depression as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that for seniors, doctors may dismiss concerns of depression or loneliness, and seniors are left misdiagnosed or undertreated. In fact, due to the longtime cultural stigma around mental health issues, seniors may be more reluctant to seek help, or they may dismiss their own concerns because they do not believe that they need assistance to feel better. Reasons Why Seniors Struggle with Mental HealthThere are various reasons that seniors often struggle with mental health concerns, and while there are no set causes, research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of mental illness but do not necessarily cause it:    Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer    Genes people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk    Stress, including caregiver stress    Sleep problems    Social isolation and loneliness    Lack of exercise or physical activity    Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult    Addiction and/or alcoholism Life transitions related to the environment and changes in circumstances can also trigger periods of mental health disturbance. Transitioning from a lengthy career, experiencing family relocation or adjusting to life in a senior living community can evoke feelings of anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy seniors. During these times of transition, team members at Anthology Senior Living communities are equipped with the resources to aid residents. Dont be afraid to seek out mental health programs for older adults and encourage mental health improvement activities, such as exercising and meditation. Moving for SeniorsSome life events, such as a big move, can trigger more emotional changes in seniors. When moving into a senior living community, treat the transition with care. There are several emotional stages of moving, and some seniors could become depressed after moving to a new home. If emotions about moving arise, it can cause psychological challenges in older adults. To ensure quality of life for seniors who are moving, pay attention to any emotions or feelings your loved one might have, and help them process each consideration to help mitigate the emotional challenges that may come up.Talk to your loved one about the benefits of living in a retirement community, and if necessary, encourage conversations and utilize community and Anthology Senior Living support to gather resources about mental health services for seniors. Social Connections Are Essential for Healthy SeniorsAnother benefit of living in an Anthology Senior Living community is the opportunity to meet new people and create new social connections, which can ease the stress from moving. Communities like Anthology of Blue Ash help welcome new residents by introducing them to fellow neighbors and inviting them to dine with their new friends. Social connections are essential for not only surviving but also thriving. However, as individuals age, they frequently discover themselves spending increasing amounts of time in solitude. Research indicates that loneliness and social isolation are correlated with elevated levels of depression.

Aging WellDesign your retirement exactly as you wish.The welcome transformation of retirement living continues, and examples of this new and improved way to live life during your senior years can be found in sought-after communities throughout Dallas. The demand for luxury living is high, so its never too early to start planning and touring to explore everything offeredfrom cocktail hours and pickleball games to continuing education and daily chef-crafted meals. On the long list of things to check off in life, enjoying a nice retirement is usually at the top. What far too often keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list is saving money to fund this goal. At the beginning of ones career, retirement seems so far away that its difficult to envision, which means big-ticket items often take priority over saving for retirementpaying off student loans, weddings, traveling, buying a home, and building the kids college funds among them. Those in good health who have managed to plan and save for retirement in between lifes milestones have a good shot at the opportunity to design and enjoy their retirement exactly as they wish. For those who are behind, its never too late to start saving, but financial planners advise to begin today. There is much to love about todays retirement living options, making it even more imperative to work with a financial planner and remain committed to a plan so that retirement is something to look forward tonot to fear.By the year 2034, the U.S. census projects that older adults will outnumber children for the first time in our historythats a significant transition, says Russell Crews, president and CEO of Dallas CC Young senior living community. And from 2024 to 2039, the population in the U.S. of those age 75 and older will increase from 20 million to 45 million. These demographics are almost overwhelming to consider. Right now, there are some Baby Boomers at CC Young, but within the next 15 years, the majority will be in this group. One of the biggest challenges for them will be affordability. No one has the answer, but the message is that you cant start planning too soon.All roads lead back to planning. We plan for college, weddings, and buying a home. Planning for retirement is just as important. Russell Crews, CC YoungInflation and continuing discussions about a looming recession have upended the economy, leaving those who are newly retired and soon-to-retire panicked about the losses in their portfoliosthe savings that will fund this life of fun and freedom. Those who are 10 to 15 years away from retirement are also impacted, as there is little time to make up for the losses. A resetting is taking place and as older adults are coming to terms with how much they will need to fund their goals. Retirement living is only going to get more expensive through the years, Crews says. Inflation has created chaos in rates that are needed to support the operations of senior living communities. Historically, most communities have had standard 3% to 4% increases, but we have been seeing 6% to even 15%. When seniors look at that and do the compounding, its easy for them to become distraught. Sadly, inflation has wreaked havoc on senior living cost structures. Of course, funding retirement is only one aspect of long-term planning. Taking the time to reflect on what you want for yourself in retirement is also critical. Staying healthy, active, and engaged with friends and family as well as making the time to pursue interests is just as important as saving money in preparation for retirement so the change in routine isnt such a shock. Financial advisors recommend examining assets and liabilities. Think about downsizing. Tackle debts and limit liabilities, such as financially supporting older children. Work with a financial planner about options for saving, including weighing the pros and cons of purchasing long-term care insurance. Also consider what you can realistically afford after you stop working and try to mimic living that lifestyle now as much as possible to become adjusted to it.Some care expenses can potentially be offset through personal savings, private insurance policies, or government initiative, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and benefits for veterans, says Chad Hubbard, executive director with the Preston of the Park Cities, a Watermark community. For those planning for the future, I recommended starting a dedicated savings plan early and exploring long-term care insurance. Its essential to work with a financial advisor to create a solid financial plan tailored to your unique needs. Jen Grant, a Certified Financial Planner with Perryman Financial Advisory, says many of her clients start becoming more focused on retirement savings once their kids have graduated from college and live on their own. An official empty nest is the signal to think about the next stage of liferetirement.There is a stage of life where you arent ready to retire and still enjoy working, but you are also aware that retirement isnt far off, Grant says. I always tell my clients to really focus on their careers at this point. These are likely the highest income-earning years. Maybe you havent taken a promotion or moved for a better job because you didnt want the changes to affect your kids. With this is no longer an issue, its time to step up.Here, Grant shares her top tips on retirement planning and saving while you are still working. Reevaluate your career. If you arent happy where you are now with your job, find something else where you can really dig in and enjoy your work and makeand saveas much money as you can as you prepare for retirement. These should be your high-income years, so be strategic about your plans.Play catch up. With most employer-sponsored retirement savings accounts, such as a 401-K, this is likely the time you can make catch-up contributions or invest more from your pay. Take every opportunity you can to increase contributions.Pay off debt. This is major, especially if you have co-signed on student loans. Make sure the kids are ready to launch and take over their own student loans. Take your kids off your health insurance, car insurance, and cell phone planseven Netflix subscriptions and Amazon Prime accounts. It all adds up, and there are a lot of areas where you may not realize how much you are paying to support someone elses lifestyle.Live on one salary. If you are in a household with two working people, try to live on one persons salary and sock away that second persons salary. Its a great feeling if you can manage it. If possible, divert that money into a retirement savings account so you arent always fighting with your own personal desire for things once you have a relief point.Its never too late. Having something saved for retirement is better than nothing at all. If you are still 10 to 15 years away from retirement, its time to make some big adjustments. Its easier to spread investments out over a decade rather than a few years. If you wait, youll have fewer options. The next couple of years will feel tighter than they have in the last 20 or so, but having plan now will make life easier for everyone when you are no longer working. The Choice Is YoursTodays retirement communities offer everything you need and want.The primary reasons senior living communities throughout the Dallas area are undergoing change are savvy developers and consumer demand. Todays seniors who are transitioning from their long-time homes to retirement communities want their move to feel like a lifestyle upgradesomething that mimics the resorts where they have been vacationing during the past decade or so. They want to continue with their lives as usualbut without the hassles of home ownership. When weekly happy hours, on-site spa services, front-door meal deliveries, and planned trips and excursions are part of the deal, they know they are home. Senior living community developers often own or manage 20 or more communities. They are committed to keeping up with emerging trends and thinking ahead so that residents can always take advantage of the latest amenities and services. On-site medical clinics, golf simulators, upscale salons that rival what youll find in Uptown Dallas, movie theatres, multiple libraries, and on-site bankstodays senior living perks make it easy for residents to enjoy the best of everything right at home. There is a lot of brain power at work, and developers are constantly thinking about whats next, says John Falldine, executive director of Edgemere. In this industry, there will always be new things coming to the market, and developers and managers listen to and incorporate what their customers want.Approximately 53 million people in the United States are age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2060, this demographic is projected to double in size, meaning that within the next several decades, one in five people will be senior citizens making decisions about where, and how, they want to retire. The next question is when to retire? If savings goals have been met, how do you know when its time to make the move? Hubbard says this decision always varies from person to person. Moving to a retirement community before your physical and mental abilities require you to do so is often the smartest choice.It makes the transition easier, Hubbard says. If you find it challenging to access services or activities that enhance your quality of life, it may be time to consider a move to a community where those amenities are very accessible through assisted living or memory care. Common fears about moving to a retirement community often involve the loss of independence and the unknown. Many seniors worry about leaving their homes and familiar surroundings. However, many are often surprised to discover they gain a newfound sense of independence, social connections, and a vibrant lifestyle due to the emphasis on social connection and community living.Once seniors become more open to the idea of moving to a retirement community, theyll do so with one caveatthe senior living community they choose cant resemble where their grandparents and parents spent their senior years.The Preston of the Park Cities, a Watermark community, offers a vibrant lifestyle with resort-style amenities that arent too far off from those of a luxury hotelgourmet dining options and fitness and wellness programs among them. A concierge medical partnership offering access to in-house physicians and medical treatments, Watermark University for continuing education, multiple dining venues, and high-tech programs like EngageVR that offers the opportunity to explore the worldand outer spaceright from the community are other perks members enjoy. Within most Watermark communities, residents use a key fob for entrance into and throughout the community, and the fob is what they use to charge meals or even order a cocktail in the lounge. Watermark University, or WU, addresses three circles of wellnessMind: Growth, Creativity, Curiosity; Body: Motion, Health, Nutrition; Spirit: Peace, Insight, Wisdom; and Community, Connection, Purpose, Legacy. Students can take classes ranging from guitar lessons and music theory to gardening and tai chi at WU.Communities are devoting square footage to incorporate more opportunities for overall wellnessnot just physical fitness. There is a move toward more holistic care.John Falldine, EdgemereHighland Springs, an Erickson senior living community in North Dallas, recently opened a new clubhouse, a new residential building, and its eighth restaurant on campus so that residents have even more options for living, dining, and entertainment. With three fitness centers, an events space, and a long list of activitiesincluding the resident-requested pickleball and an updated woodworking shopthere is always something going on and plenty of activities to join. The customer for any senior living community today is very different from the customer a decade ago, says Christina Christie, director of sales for Highland Springs. There is a huge emphasis on wellness in our community and we have been proactive in offering opportunities for folks to stay physically active and mentally sharpeverything from outdoor yoga to disc golf. We also recently opened our labyrintha space for residents to take time to reflect and meditate. We want our residents to know that this community can be anything they want it to be, as the majority of our programs are resident driven.By the end of 2023, Anthology of Highland Park will be welcoming to residents to its 11-story boutique community that offers a range of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory careplus an on-site, upscale restaurant that is also open to the public. Homes are designed to mimic what residents are accustomed tojust downsized for an easier lifestyle. Some units offer two bedrooms, and every unit includes a kitchenette and washer and dryerperks not often in found assisted living communities. We refer to the community as an assisted living community because residents can live here and be totally independent and not need any assistance yet, but may need assistance in the future, giving them the ability to stay in their apartment, says Sherye Groebe, director of sales and marketing for Anthology of Highland Park. Having a kitchen and a washer and dryer helps them keep the independence they are used to. There are also one-bedroom and studio units to meet a variety of needs.Crews attributes the spike in demand for more senior living options to seniors wanting more socialization and an easier, stress-free lifestyle. I think in the next five or so years, the ability to tour around North Texas and take your pick of senior living communities may not be as simple as its always been; options are limited as we get into these exploding demographics, he says. Its very important during the early planning process to make sure the senior living community you choose suits your lifestyle and has a culture that supports your values. People tend to think a retirement community is where you just fade awaythats definitely not what happens here.CC Young Senior Living has made it a priority to listen to what their residents truly want to experience, and this includes sophisticated dining options, a full array of life enriching and engaging activities at all levels of care, and new additions to the offerings such as technology and language classes, technology throughout the campus and on-campus technology support. CC Young also offers continuing education classes through the OLLI program at UNT as well as enrichment programming. The Point & Pavilion, CC Youngs 20,000-square-foot enrichment center, serves thousands of visitors each monthresidents and non-residentswho participate in all the programs. The Point includes an art gallery, a meditation area, caf, and more. Seven dining venues, a dedicated move in coordinator, a fitness center, and massage therapy are only a few of the offerings at CC Young.Edgemere recently transitioned from a large entrance fee a to a one-time community fee and monthly rental fee that covers all maintenance, dining, and base utilities. Falldine says Edgemere has incorporated all the latest trends in senior living, including the addition of a more casual caf for residents who want an alternative to formal dining and will soon have an on-site medical clinic and expanded sundry store that also offers Italian desserts and coffees. Overall wellness is a focus at Edgemeresocial, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. One of the most dangerous things for seniors living at home is isolation, Falldine says. At Edgemere, as well as at other senior living communities, residents have much opportunity to stay busy and socialize. Residents are embracing those opportunities and are thriving.Shopping AroundThe first step to finding a retirement home is knowing which type of care you need. Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This is a community that provides all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and healthcare or nursing care (sometimes called skilled nursing) in one community.Independent Living. This is often a choice for those who are active, independent, and dont need any type of health or daily living assistance. Residents typically live in apartments and create their own schedules.Assisted Living. This type of community provides housing options for seniors who may need assistance with daily living tasks, such as dressing, bathing, medications, meals, and activities. Fees vary depending on the level of assistance required. Care can be increased or decreased as needed. Residential Care Home/Group Home. These are private homes that serve residents who live together and receive care from live-in caretakers. Assistance with daily activities is typically provided, and care is customized to each residents needs. Because the resident-to-staff ratio is low, residents get more one-on-one, personalized care.Memory Care/Alzheimers Care. These are secure communities that offer 24-hour support with a specifically trained staff that specializes in caring for patients with dementia or other types of loss of memory or Alzheimers disease. Structured activities and assistance with meals and healthcare and daily tasks are provided. Most communities have private pay and costs vary per month depending on the level of assistance required. Medication management and 24-hour monitoring by licensed nurses and caregivers are typically included in the price.Nursing Care/Skilled Care/Long-Term Care. Nursing care is typically designed for someone who requires a high level of care for a short period of time, such as recovering from a hospital stay or therapy services. Long-term care is for residents who need a high level of care with complex medical conditions who require a licensed nurse for a long period of time. Both levels offer around the-clock care, meals, activities, and rehabilitative service under one roof. By D Partner Studio | November 27, 2023|7:00 amhttps://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2023/december/aging-well/ 

Grandparent Scams and Fraud are on the RISE! Fraud is on the rise, and one of the most popular scams is the Grandparent Scam. This scam hit close to home when my step-father, who lives in Mississippi received an odd call from a man claiming to be my son. The caller had greeted him with, Hi Grandpa, its Chris. Ive been in a car accident, Im bleeding and in jail. I need you to call my lawyer. The caller sounded a bit like my son, but it made no sense that he would be calling his grandpa two states away for help. I checked in on my son, who was sound asleep in his bed and had not been in an accident. My step-father had been the target of a Grandparent Scam! Grandparent Scams involve an imposter posing as a grandchild who is in trouble: theyve been in an accident, or arrested. Once they have the grandparent concerned and ready to help, they hand the phone off to another scammer posing as a police officer or lawyer who then will make arrangements to have the grandparent wire money to them. This scam is on the rise, but you can protect yourself by following these 5 tips: 1) Set privacy settings on your social media accounts. 2) Ask questions that only your grandchild could answer. 3) Tell the caller you will call them back, then call your grandchilds cell number. 4) Contact other family members to verify the story. 5) Trust your gut instinct. Fraud targeting older people should be reported to the FTC at 877-382-4357. Article submitted by Lori Williams with Lori Williams Senior ServicesCLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LORI WILLIAMS SENIOR SERVICES