How Important is Hydration As We Age?

Wondering if you should up your water dosage as you’re getting older? Need motivation to stay hydrated? Curious how hydration needs change as you age? 

Hydration is important at any age and is crucial to anyone’s overall health. However, there are some key factors that make hydration more important and tricky as we age, including:

1. Water Loss: as we get older, we lose water more quickly, making frequent hydration more important now, then 10 or 20 years ago. 
2. Decreased Sensitivity: many seniors may not realize they’re less sensitive to their bodies’ needs and may not feel parched until dehydration has already set in. Drinking water regularly can combat this issue. 
3. Mobility Changes: limits in mobility can make getting a glass of water a hassle; having a reusable bottle of water with you can alleviate the burden. If a trip to the restroom is a bit of workout, drinking your fill of water is less rewarding. To address this, make changes to your home for bathroom accessibility. 
4. Memory Trouble: even in our younger years we can get to the end of a day and realize we’ve forgotten to eat or drink anything! Now that we’re older, memory can be a bigger issue. If you often forget to drink water during the day, put yourself on a simple schedule, like drinking water at the beginning of each hour or having a glass before and after every meal. 

Dehydration can range from mild to severe, just like your symptoms which can include headaches, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and confusion. Chronic dehydration can damage the brain and kidneys, leading to irreversible problems. 

Because dehydration is not just a matter of comfort but can be fatal, it’s important to remember your water today and everyday! 

Here are a few tips for easier hydration:

• Carry a reusable water bottle. 
• Eat fruits and veggies with high water content, like apple and cucumber. 
• Avoid salt and caffeine. 
• Drink water before, during, and after a workout, including walks or a round of golf. 
• Maximize your accessibility to a restroom at home. 

Learn more about the importance of hydration for seniors and senior care and give us a call. As experts in senior living and memory care in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is ready to serve you. And remember, at Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with your family. 

De-Clutter: How to Create Space That Matters!

Want to create space in your home that matters but not sure where to start? Feeling the urge to purge and looking for tips? Need motivation before you begin the de-cluttering process?

The longer we live, the more we tend to collect! There are lots of good reasons to hang on to objects and mementos from knick-knacks, to furniture, to documents, and etc. But there can be equally compelling reasons to let things go!

To help you start the process, consider our top three reasons why you might want to de-clutter and three techniques to help you do it.  

Reasons to De-Clutter:

1. Access to what you need: de-cluttering your rooms and storage spaces will give you better access to the things you need and use every day and more space to enjoy them. 
2. Space and safety at home: letting go of a few things will lead to a better flow in your house, which will keep you safer as your mobility changes with age. 
3. Prepare to downsize: reducing your clutter and possessions can help you downsize to a more manageable home or make your current house more comfortable with space for things that matter, like visitors and guests!

Techniques to De-Clutter

1. Don’t save it, scan it: Living with stacks of paperwork you might not need, but may end up needing it a week later? Solve your problem by scanning documents and saving them on a computer. Only hang on to originals of what you really need, like birth certificates. Don’t be afraid to ask your kids or grandkids to help with technology if you need it!
2. Getting over nostalgia: Are you hanging onto things only for the memories they’re tied to? A good technique to get past this is to keep a file of photos of nostalgic items and let the physical item go. Keeping the image will keep the ties to memories, but make more space in your home. 
3. Three box technique: Need a clear process to get you through a room-to-room de-clutter? Try labeling three boxes as keep, sell/donate, and trash. Then start tackling one area at a time. In each area, make sure you consider every item separately and place it in one of the boxes. It’s OK to move slowly and take your time! At the end of the process, you’ll have more space in your home for things that really matter!

It can be a lot to consider, and feel overwhelming to get started, but if you dig in, the process and the result can be rewarding. 

If you’re interested in de-cluttering for downsizing purposes, give us a call today to learn your options. As experts in senior living and memory care in Ann Arbor, we’re here to answer all your questions. At Hillside Terrace our family shares life with your family.

Far-Reaching Effects of Falls on Seniors

Worried about a senior in your life suffering from a fall? Wondering how to help someone recovering from a fall? Trying to prevent falls in your home or in another living space?

Falls are one of the greatest common threats to seniors and often have effects that reach far beyond what we might expect. The physical impact can be immediate and obvious, or more subtle. And the emotional effect is not something to neglect either. Because falls can be very serious, it’s important to understand the effect of a fall and to do what we can to prevent them. 

Physical Effects

A serious fall can leave someone with a broken bone, deep bruises, and long-term pain. Any one of these things can be a lot to deal with for someone who was already struggling with a decline in mobility. If a fall takes you off your feet for a significant period of time, the physical effect can be exacerbated by muscle and bone loss. This is why it’s common for people to suffer additional falls after their first. 

It’s important to get moving and stay active as much as possible after a fall, following medical advice, of course. Although taking a load off is easier, it will cost you in the long run!

Emotional Effect

Many seniors say they lose confidence and are afraid to do things on their own after falling, even if they never tell a doctor about the fall. This emotional burden can contribute to isolation and withdrawal which will likely accelerate mobility loss and increase the risk of falling. 

Talk with your doctor and family members to help make a plan for staying active. Having a support system can help with fear and loss of confidence.

Prevention

Many believe there’s not much to do to avoid a fall, but this isn’t true! Some ways to prevent a fall are as easy as picking up clutter in the living space or whenever a senior visits your home. Ridding a space of hazards like loose rugs or floorboards is helpful, too. Making sure a space is well-lit and wearing shoes inside instead of socks will also reduce the risk of falls. 

Staying active and maintaining or improving mobility are also great ways to avoid falls. And when setbacks happen, it’s really important not to let it get you down for too long! 

To learn more about the far-reaching effects of a fall or if you have questions about Assisted Living in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with yours.

Dance Your Way to Health!

When’s the last time you got up just to shake it? Wondering if dancing could be the perfect activity for you? Are you looking for ways to get more exercise into your daily routine?

Nobody’s expecting you to be the next great salsa star, but when you start hearing about all the undeniable health benefits of adding a little dancing to your day, you might be ready to try! Even if you think dancing might be too far out of your comfort zone, read on and see if the rewards can sway you to give it a go!

Fitness 

Research shows low impact dancing is a great way to get in shape and that you’re more likely to stick to it compared to other kinds of exercise classes. 

Relaxation

Dancing offers a great outlet for stress, anxiety, and can even help with insomnia. Add a dance class to your weekly routine, and you’ll likely feel the relaxing benefits in no time!

Mobility

Getting into a dancing class or dancing regularly will help reduce chronic stiffness. One study shows that dancing helped reduce the amount of pain medication seniors used. Increased mobility is always good for maintaining independence. 

Cardio

Regular dancing can replace some of the more monotonous cardiovascular activity you might be recommended to do for a healthy heart and lungs. More cha-cha anyone?

Brain Boost

Dancing really is good for the body and brain! When dancing, you challenge yourself to make split-second decisions. This activates your neurons, reduces the risk of dementia, and keeps you sharp.  

Researchers have studied actual dance classes from salsa to waltz, so you can’t go wrong with any kind of dancing you do to improve your health! Be sure to discuss with your doctor before engaging in a new fitness routine. 

If you have more questions about the health benefits of dancing for seniors or questions about assisted living in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with yours.

6 Questions to Protect Elderly Patients in the Hospital

Are you wondering what the hard questions are that you should ask when you or your parent is in the hospital?

Are you prepared for the unexpected?

Are you worried about you or your parent’s potential risk for memory loss?

Don’t worry! Going to the doctor can be stressful, but we have some information that will be useful for you and your parent’s next visit to the doctor, especially if there’s a hospital stay.

The New York Times asked “three experts their advice when it comes to six questions family members should ask to lower an elderly patient’s risk for hospital delirium:

1. Do the nurses and doctors routinely screen for delirium or identify high-risk patients?
2. How does the hospital deal with agitation or delirium in patients if it develops?
3. What does the hospital do to keep patients from being disoriented?
4. What policies are in place to make sure patients get adequate sleep?
5. If my family member needs a urinary catheter or other bedside interventions, how does the hospital decide when to remove them?
6. Will the physicians and pharmacy staff review my family member’s medications to identify medications that increase delirium risk?”

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour! 

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor.

For more information about hospice care offered at Hillside Terrace, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here!

8 Tips for Exercising Safely as a Senior!

Are you worried about starting an exercise routine?

Do you think you’re too old to exercise?

Did you know a little exercise can go a long way?

Keep your bones strong with a little bit of exercise to help avoid falls and breaks. According to the National Council on Aging, “one-fourth of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.” Don’t let this be you!

If you want to stay young and strong, follow these helpful tips from Senior Advisor to keep your exercise routine safe as you age:

• Talk to your doctor before trying out a new exercise
• Stretch regularly
• Know your limits
• Work with a trainer or instructor if you’re doing something new
• Stick with senior friendly exercises
• Eat plenty of protein
• Drink plenty of water 
• Rest when you need it

We have daily exercise opportunities to help you improve the quality of your health and wellness. These activities include strengthening movements, stretching, volleyball, bocce ball, ring toss, NuStep, and we even have a walking group you can join!

If you’re at all worried about following an exercise program, it’s best to consult your regular physician for medical advice.

Best Elderly Care in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

Is your parent prepared for their end of life care? Discussing moving your parent into assisted living can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the reality of so many in this country. We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands!

At Hillside Terrace, we understand that it can be a challenging time and we want to help you in any way we can to make 

things easier. We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport.

Hillside Terrace Elderly Care Communities

View a virtual tour of our floorplans:
The Heritage & Grace
The Rose-Marie
The Mayflower

For more information about elderly care in Ann Arbor and the other services we provide, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here! Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” Schedule a tour today!

Understanding How Doctors Diagnose Dementia

Does your memory loss interfere with everyday activities?

Are you having a problem with visual perception?

Are you able to communicate well with others?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “while symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:

• Memory 
• Communication and language 
• Ability to focus and pay attention 
• Reasoning and judgment 
• Visual perception

People with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of their neighborhood.

Many dementias are progressive, meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them.” You should make an appointment with a doctors as soon as possible to determine the cause of these type of symptoms.

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour!

Our memory care facility is available for those who suffer from the following memory illnesses: long-term memory loss, short-term memory loss, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury.

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor.

Contact us for more information about memory care offered at Hillside Terrace.