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Geriatric Care Management

A new program with real answers from the experts on aging at The Senior Source

Looking for solutions to ensure the highest quality of life for an elderly parent or family member? Our new fee-based for older adults and their caregivers.

Another common physical concern after the age of 50 is hearing loss. “Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to dementia, depression, anxiety and a reduced quality of life,” says Total Hearing Care owner Debbie Schirico, MCD CCC-A. Schirico notes that people often don’t think much of not being able to hear as well as they used to, especially in situations with background noise, but that the body should be able to go beyond that. “If you don’t seek help early, your hearing loss can begin to affect your relationships because communication is affected,” says Schirico. “If you suspect you are having hearing problems, have a hearing test performed and get a prescription; the sooner you have it corrected, the less of an adjustment it will be.”

Seniors must also stay vigilant when it comes to dental health. “We now know that oral health directly affects overall heath,” says Rosa C. Lopez, D.D.S. of Rosa Lopez Family Dentistry. “The mouth is the window to all systems.” Seeing a dentist regularly is of the utmost importance in one’s 40s and 50s. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and eating a diet that’s low in sugar and carbs (linked sugars) is vital to keeping your bacteria count low. “There are two things people must start doing, and the earlier the better,” says Lopez. “Use an electric toothbrush (it removes more plaque), and drink fluoridated water. Too often, people only drink bottled water, but they are missing all of the benefits of fluoridated tap water.” mean different for different g round. of the statistic practice for mental and physi director of the RSVP volunte

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When it comes to balanced mental health, the journey can mean different paths for different people, but there is some common ground. “All of the statistics point to volunteerism as a good practice for mental and physical health,” says Diane Maguire, director of the RSVP volunteer program at The Senior Source. “The spiritual aspects of giving of yourself can be very beneficial.”The RSVP program at The Senior Source, a Dallasbased nonprofit for aging services, matches seniors with volun-

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• Well-balanced diet

• Low-impact activity: Biking, swimming, walking, elliptical, Stairmaster

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• Cross-training

• Balanced strength program

• Good stretching program teer opportunities at 200 area nonprofits including the American Red Cross and Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Our seniors come together as strangers and end up forming support groups of friends,” says Maguire.

According to Ann McKinley, vice president of marketing for Presbyterian Village North senior living community, maintaining a sense of purpose is vital to mental wellness at 50 and beyond. “Our residents thrive on being plugged into the community,” says McKinley. “You shouldn’t have to change who you are just because you have moved into a senior living community. If you were a C.E.O., we help you find ways to use those skills, ensuring a sense of purpose. Our goal is to keep residents as independent as possible and to empower them to live their lives to the fullest.”

Fulfilling one’s sense of purpose well into the later years is a viable option nowadays with the many opportunities and activities offered at local senior living communities. Everything from iPAD and line dancing classes to newsletter staffs and volunteer opportunities show that growing old doesn’t have to mean hanging up your hat. But when is the proper time to start exploring these future living arrangements? The sooner, the better.

“Come early, don’t wait until you perceive you need it,” says McKinley. Janelle Parsons of Parsons House Preston Hollow retirement community adds, “Start the conversation early. Communicate with your children and all parties involved, and make sure everyone is aware of what you want. If you wait, you don’t get to choose. Of course, home is the best option, but it may not be practical.”

You want to live life your way. That’s the beauty of Presbyterian Village North. With a full continuum of services, you can enjoy the independence of your own home within our beautiful 63-acre community. You’re free to pursue your interests, take part in a wide variety of activities and get involved in a vibrant community of friends, knowing that enriched care is available when and if you need it. Your needs may change, but your neighborhood doesn’t have to. Visit us at PresbyterianVillageNorth.org or call us at 214.355.9015 to learn more.

To C.C.Young sales and marketing director Kevin Maloney, choosing a senior living community is all about the individual. “The right community for each individual is a very personal choice,” says Maloney. “I often hear residents say that they just felt as if this was going to be their home.” Maloney also points out the benefits of moving to a continuing-care campus. “The benefit of the continuum campus is familiarity with staff and residents. Also, couples who are in different stages of their lives (i.e. independent living v. assisted living) are able to live in the same community and each get what he or she needs.”

When exploring communities, it is important to know what to ask. “Make sure to understand the full array of services that will be made available to you,” says Judy McCombs, marketing manager for Juliette Fowler Homes. “Have a meal with the residents and get a feeling for who lives there.You want to see a progressive level of activities offered and a responsive activities director. They should keep you stimulated and interested.”

When the Boomer generation starts moving in, will the piped-in music from Glen Miller soon be replaced with that of Jimi Hendrix? McCombs explains, “The level of expectations is different for every generation. You have to look forward to what each generation is going to want: barber shop, amenities, off-campus activities, food, entertainment, etc. The Boomers expect to be much healthier for much longer,” says McCombs.

By adopting a well-balanced diet and fitness routine, maintaining a sense of purpose and staying focused on the future, today’s seniors are able to make their next 50 years the best yet.