The Brant Senior Living

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN THE WINTER & OLDER PEOPLE  One of the most critical aspects of remaining healthy for older people is ensuring that they get the vitamins and nutrients that their bodies need. Vitamins have many health benefits for seniors, leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle.An extremely important vitamin to take during the winter is vitamin D. People get less Vitamin D during the colder months, as the result of not being outside as often with the drop in temperature and challenging weather conditions.Lets take a closer look at vitamin D, its benefits, signs of not getting enough of it, and ways seniors can avoid a deficiency.WHAT IS VITAMIN D?According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D, also referred to as Calciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced when the Suns ultraviolet (UV) rays strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Good food sources for vitamin D include shrimp, salmon, egg yolk, yogurt, and fortified cereal.THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D FOR SENIORS  There are a number of great benefits for seniors who regularly ingest vitamin D, including: Helps to reducing inflammation. Regulates mood and improves symptoms of depression.Promotes cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism. Decreases the chance of heart disease.Supports immune health.

Can a Person Shrink in Height?For some seniors, one of the effects of getting older is they can shrink in height. While this is not necessarily a sign of poor health, it is important to understand why it happens, and what can be done to keep older peoples bodies as strong as possible. If you have a loved one who is experiencing height loss as they age, there are ways you can help them maintain their spine and bone health.Why Do Some Seniors Lose Height?There are multiple reasons older people lose height as they age, including compression of the vertebrae or discs, curvature of the spine, and loss of bone density due to conditions such as osteoporosis. In addition, loss of torso muscle mass, and flattening of the feel can contribute to shorter heights. Metabolic changes in the body can also be the cause of a persons height decreasing.5 Ways Seniors Can Maintain Skeletal HealthLets look at 5 great ways a senior can keep their bones and spine as healthy as possible.Preserve Bone DensitySimply put, the denser human bones are, the stronger they remain. A persons bone density can be greatly affected by diet and exercise. Encourage your loved one to eat foods rich in calcium, such as leafy greens and seafood. Taking Vitamin D is also very helpful, as it aids in the bodys ability to absorb calcium into the bloodstream.Keeping Spinal Discs HydratedDrinking plenty of water will help keep your loved ones intervertebral disks hydrated, so they do not shrink. Its also important to move regularly, up to ones physical ability. This combination of adequate hydration and movement (which helps the disks absorb water) is a great way to minimize the potential for more serious back problems down the road.

PERSONAL FUNDS Utilizing personal funds to pay for a move to a Senior Living Community is an uncomplicated option for some people. Whether it be through savings, liquidating certain assets, or drawing upon investment income, this strategy provides seniors with a payment method that they have the most direct control over. Working with a financial advisor to plan for this is often beneficial. In addition, many Senior Living Communities have special team members who are experienced in financial matters and can offer assistance as well. SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE   Social Security payments can be used to help pay for the costs of living in a Senior Community. However, the amount it would cover will depend on the recipients monthly benefit.  According to U.S. News and World Report, the current average benefit paid is $1,657 each month. It is important to understand that while Medicare does not cover the actual costs of living in an Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care Community, it does help pay for other critical needs, such as prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment and  other health care related expenses. LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE & LIFE INSURANCE Long Term Care insurance (LTC) is a special type of policy that helps pay the expenses of home care or a Senior Living Community. The amount of benefit available from a LTC policy can vary by such factors as the amount of the monthly payment, as well as the duration of the benefit.  Some life insurance policies can be cashed in for a lump sum payment while the insured is still living under what is known as a Life Settlement arrangement. Policy holders should review their life insurance contracts to see if this feature is available to them.    VETERANS BENEFITS If you or a loved one served in the military, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs that can help pay for certain Senior Living services. While these dont pay for direct housing expenses, the VAs Aid and Attendance benefit is available to veterans that meet certain income requirements and also have difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, eating, bathing, using the restroom, or moving about.  REAL ESTATE ASSETS If the person thinking about moving into a Senior Community is a homeowner, their house can be a good revenue source. Selling the home, renting it out, or arranging for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) are all ways to help pay for living expenses at the new residence. If you have any questions, call us today at 402-819-0669.