Utah

What AMG Senior Medical Group Delivers:We provide a clinic visit in the comfort of your own home, whether that be in an assisted or independent living facility, or even in your residential home.We coordinate provider visits and can work directly with your Primary Care Physician to make a cohesive team.Our medical group approach rotates call coverage among our providers; you can call us 24/7/365.We provide scheduled times and will make appointment reminder calls to you and your family.We provide you and your family with access to our online patient portal, here you can view visit notes, message your provider, request medication refills and even pay your bill.What you can receive by using AMG Senior Medical Group:Increased patient and family satisfaction.Increased care and communication between the patient and provider more personalized visits.Increased continuity of medication management.Increased patient quality of life including being happier and staying longer at home.We provide you and your family with access to our online patient portal, here you can view visit notes, message your provider, request medication refills and even pay your bill.Decreased transportation scheduling.Less stress and confusion for the patient and family members with the continuum of care, which means keeping the same practitioner if transitioned to home health or hospice.

The winter months can be especially difficult for seniors. With snow and ice on the ground, slipping and falling is a real danger, resulting in serious injury or even hospitalization. Luckily, there are some practical steps that caregivers and seniors can take to keep safe during the winter months.Keeping Walkways Clear of Snow & IceThe most important step in preventing falls is keeping outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice. This includes not only your driveway and sidewalks, but also any areas where you may need to pass such as entryways to buildings or public transportation stops. Investing in a reliable snow shovel or snow blower will make it easier to keep these areas clear, although many services offer snow removal at an affordable price so you dont have to do it yourself. Its also important to use rock salt or kitty litter on icy patches; these items provide better traction and help prevent slips.Dress AppropriatelyProper clothing is essential for staying warm while outdoors during the winter months, but it can also help protect against falls. Shoes should have non-slip soles that provide additional grip on slippery surfaces; boots with treads are ideal for this purpose. Additionally, garments such as hats and gloves should fit snugly so they dont get caught on anything when walking outside. Lastly, dressing in layers helps retain body heat while still allowing for movement without feeling weighed down by bulky clothing.Get Help When NecessaryIts important to recognize when assistance is needed while out in the cold weather; getting help from a friend or family member can be invaluable when navigating slippery surfaces. Additionally, using assistive devices such as walkers or canes provides support when walking outside and helps reduce stress on joints that could otherwise lead to falls. For extreme conditions, it may be best to limit outdoor activities until warmer weather arrives; if this isn't possible, then look into using transportation services like ride-sharing apps or buses that allow you to stay off your feet entirely until you reach your destination safely.As we head into winter months with colder temperatures and snowy conditions all around us, it's essential for seniorsespecially those who live aloneto stay aware of their surroundings and take precautions against slipping or falling on icy surfaces outside their homes. Clearing pathways of snow and ice combined with proper clothing outfits for warmth will go a long way toward ensuring safety during these treacherous times of yearbut don't forget about reaching out for help when necessary! With just a few simple steps taken ahead of time, seniors can enjoy their winter days knowing they're doing everything they can do remain safe while outdoors in cold weather conditions! Stay safe and warm this winter! Your Friends at Seniors Blue Book Utah

Alzheimer's disease is the Sixth-Leading cause of death in the United States. March 11, 2013 will be Advocate for Alzheimer's Day at the Utah State Capitol. This will be our second year to take this important cause to our Legislators. This year the focus will be on assuring that our State Senators and Representatives truly understand the urgency in supporting now and in the future, the State Alzheimer's plan with the dollars that are needed to keep the momentum going. There are many of you out there who are experiencing firsthand the devastating effects of this disease. Whether you are caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed, a professional who works with people who have the disease or a friend or neighbor of someone whose family is struggling to navigate the process of living with someone with Alzheimer's. The time has come for our voices to be heard! Utah is #2 in the United States for diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related Dementia and we are projected to be #1 by 2025. Unless we can get continued support from our legislature, the cost of Alzheimer's disease care will bankrupt our state.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Kimberly Ware. Kimberly is an Administrator with Dignity Home Health & Hospice and may be reached at 801-934-6279 or by email at kware@dignityhlth.com

Do you feel frustrated when you can't follow conversations?Do you feel your personal or social life is limited?Do you feel left out of conversations because you can't hear clearly what's said?YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Hearing loss is the third most common chronic disease (behind arthritis and heart disease) to impact aging adults. Sadly, hearing loss often causes people to draw the wrong conclusion about why a loved one may be confused, unresponsive to everyday noises like the doorbell, less social, or even more irritable. While approximately two in three people over the age of 70 have difficulty hearing, many may not want to admit they're having trouble. Getting help isn't just about rejoining conversations with ease studies show that those with hearing loss have a greater chance of developing dementia.What's the Connection? Brain Health.Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and cognitive decline that can impair daily life and independent function. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is growing evidence that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits such as exercise, continued learning, and joining activities that make them a part of a community. However, many of those suggestions falter among seniors who have difficulty hearing. Instead, many with hearing loss become socially disengaged, intellectually under stimulated, at risk for depression, and three times more at risk for falls. What's more, brain strain caused by trying to hear can negatively impact memory and thinking systems."Hear" to Help!That's why MBK Senior Living and Eversound have joined forces to fight the cognitive decline in seniors and enhance their day-to-day living. Eversound's wireless listening system is designed specifically for seniors with hearing impairment or concentration issues. The Eversound headphone systems can be used in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one interactions. In addition to improving seniors' quality of life, Eversound technology helps break down communication barriers between others, aids residents in feeling connected, and supports social, educational, and physical endeavors."Residents who avoided activities because they couldn't hear instructions clearly or participate in conversations can now join in with ease using the Eversound headphones," said Christy Van Der Westhuizen, vice president of sales and marketing for MBK Senior Living.According to Van Der Westhuizen, resident wellness has long been a component of MBK Senior Living's approach to care but utilizing the latest technology helps to elevate the offerings and benefits to residents. MBK's Mind+Body Wellness program offers a robust calendar of social, spiritual, physical, and educational opportunities daily. Those with a thirst for knowledge, or simply a curiosity to try something new, enjoy the variety of activities and outings and now are not limited by what they can hear."While we're in the initial roll-out stage at 34 of our communities, what we're hearing from our Resident Enrichment Directors is music to our ears," said Van Der Westhuizen. "Already there is an increase in resident participation and engagement, residents are happier, more connected and enjoying more activities that lead to heart and brain health.""Improving seniors' quality of life is a driving force behind Eversound technology," said Matt Reiners, co-found of Eversound. "Partnering with MBK amplifies the number of lives we can touch and experiences we can impact."