The Importance of the Caregiver / Patient Relationship

Caregiver / Patient Relationship

Being a caregiver to seniors or people with illnesses or injuries that require assistance means more than taking care of medical-related tasks and helping out around the house. It is a relationship that can have a significant influence on the patient’s quality of life. Finding someone to care for you or your loved one should involve careful consideration and thorough research. And while extensive experience and glowing references are valuable, the right choice in caregiver comes down to their ability to forge a strong relationship with the patient. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Trust and security

Some patients are not thrilled with the idea of assistance even if they know it’s needed, so they might accept the bare minimum of help, especially when it comes to personal care needs such as dressing or bathing. But when a patient develops trust in their caregiver, they are usually more receptive to receiving the help they need. Additionally, stress and discomfort can negatively affect recovery efforts and quality of life, so it’s vital that seniors and patients feel safe and secure in their surroundings.

2. Social stimulation

If a senior or patient is confined to home or a care facility, socialization can be limited. A positive relationship with a caregiver can make a huge difference in a patient’s companionship needs, and not just from an emotional standpoint. Talking, playing cards or board games, making crafts, and other activities provide important mental stimulation, especially for seniors.

3. Open communication

For various reasons—including shyness, fear, denial, or a private personality—some seniors or patients might be hesitant to share health or other concerns with their caregiver. A strong relationship with a caregiver can open up lines of communication so the patient is more willing to discuss concerns that could lead to further health complications or emotional distress if not addressed. This aspect of the caregiver relationship is especially crucial if the senior or patient doesn’t have close relationships with family members or isn’t particularly communicative with their doctor.

4. Health benefits

It’s well known that patients who need short-term care due to an injury or illness can recover faster if they are not burdened by stress, emotional discomfort, or social isolation. But beyond that, researchers have found that patients with dementia score better on functional and cognitive tests when they receive personalized, positive care. So while compassionate caregivers aren’t quite cures for disease, they might be the next best thing.

Compassionate caregiving is our top priority

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we understand the importance of strong caregiver relationships, and our staff is skilled and experienced in the art of love. We make it a point to get to know our patients, to spend time with them, and to create healthy bonds that support recovery and a high quality of life. We offer both top-notch medical care and stimulating socialization to meet the needs of all our patients and residents. If you have questions about the services we provide or you want to schedule a tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility, call (619) 399-7920 today.

Can Your Diet Affect Cardiovascular Health?

Diet & Cardiovascular Health

It’s a common misconception that only people who are overweight or prone to weight gain need to worry about their diet. A slim figure doesn’t automatically mean healthy, and what you eat can have as much of a negative effect on your health as how much you eat. It’s important to understand the impact that different types of foods have on the crucial functions of your body. This is especially important for the cardiovascular system, considering that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US. 

Due to advancements in medical research, diet recommendations are constantly being updated. In order to keep your heart healthy and strong, check out the latest suggestions from the federal government’s Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee:

Say yes to fats

High cholesterol is still linked to coronary artery disease, but recent studies show that dietary cholesterol from fatty foods is only responsible for about 15 to 20 percent of blood cholesterol. That means you don’t necessarily need to banish all fats from your diet, especially the “good” fats. 

You probably already know about all the health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6, the essential fatty acids found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, and other unsaturated fats. But saturated fats, found in butter, bacon and other animal sources, can also be enjoyed in moderation. The only fats you should still stay far away from are trans fats, also known as hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are found in fast food, commercially processed food, and other junk food.

Pass the saltshaker

Another dietary relationship that’s not as strong as previously thought, according to new research, is the link between sodium and high blood pressure. A recent study found that salt intake has less of an effect on high blood pressure than body mass index. Sodium-rich foods are usually part of an overall poor diet that leads to weight gain and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. While you don’t need to give up salt completely, excessive consumption can result in fluid retention and increase your risk of kidney stones. So moderation, as always, is key.

Rethink red meat and eggs

Eggs were once portrayed as a cholesterol-boosting bad guy, followed later by a re-branding campaign after dietary sentiment shifted. But along with red meat, eggs aren’t quite off the hook when it comes to heart heath, despite new studies of fats. The new culprit under the microscope is the byproduct that occurs when bacteria digest substances found in red meat and egg yolks. Those metabolic products are linked to the development of plaque in the arteries and heart failure, so it might be a good idea to save that steak-and-egg breakfast for a special occasion.

Load up on fruits and veggies

Vegetables are not only chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but they’re also low in calories and contain plant-based substances that have been known to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Fruits have all the same benefits, which balance out the higher levels of naturally occurring sugar. Too much sugar and processed sugars can lead to weight gain and associated heart risks, but filling up on a bowl of fresh berries or crunchy vegetables can also help you eat fewer unhealthy snacks.

Say cheers to wine

Excessive alcohol consumption has negative health effects on your heart and the rest of your body, but moderate consumption has been known to boost your heart health. The benefits of antioxidant-rich red wine are widely publicized, including reduced blood clot formation and lowered risk of heart attack and stroke, but beer and liquor in small amounts can have similar effects. 

We care about your health

At Bella Vista Health Center, we take a comprehensive approach to health and recovery, and that means providing our guests with nutritious and balanced meals, customized to each individual’s specific health needs. You can rest assured that we’ll take good care of you or your loved one.  

If you’re on the lookout for a skilled nursing facility, we invite you to come visit our recently remodeled, top-notch facility in Lemon Grove. Give us a call to schedule your visit today.

Animal Therapy in San Diego

Animal Therapy in San Diego

If you had a pet growing up or have spent any amount of time around animals, you know how much having a furry friend can improve your quality of life. Coming home to a wagging tail or an affectionate purr is often enough to melt the day’s stress away in an instant. Some call it unconditional love, but owning a pet goes beyond the mushy, gushy stuff to provide you with a number of surprising health benefits. 

Health benefits of interacting with pets

For nearly 25 years, research has shown that interacting with animals on a regular basis has a positive impact on humans’ emotional and physical health. But the benefits don’t stop there. New studies show that having a pet promotes social interaction, too. Here’s a closer look: 

Emotional benefits
Like any enjoyable activity, snuggling or playing with a pet causes a rush of serotonin and dopamine – the “feel good” neurotransmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming effects. It also causes oxytocin (the “cuddle chemical”) to surge through your body, which is linked to emotional bonding. 

Physical benefits
The benefits of interacting with pets extend far beyond the emotional realm. Pets can actually lower your heart rate and drop your blood pressure, which is good for your cardiovascular health. Having a pet can also keep you physically fit. After all, talking a walk is much more fun with a furry companion trotting along next to you. 

Social benefits
Anyone who has a pet will tell you that dogs can be social magnets. Having a pet by your side is a natural conversation starter, which may help you ease out of shyness or social isolation. Plus, research has shown that people who care for pets are more likely to be involved in their communities.

Animal therapy in San Diego

You don’t have to own a cat or dog to reap the emotional, physical, and social benefits of interacting with pets. Listed below are a few of the wonderful animal therapy programs in San Diego designed to provide comfort and companionship to those in nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, or anyone who could benefit from the affection of a furry friend.

San Diego Humane Society
In the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet-Assisted Therapy program, volunteers bring animals to those living in nursing homes, mental health centers, and other facilities. And, as part of the P-AT program, the Welcome Waggin’ provides the love and companionship of a dog to people in their own homes throughout San Diego County. 

Paws 4 Healing
Paws 4 Healing is a non-profit organization that provides animal therapy services to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, children’s centers, and abused women’s shelters. In addition to scheduled facility visits, Paws 4 Healing also goes to expos, conferences, fairs, and parades to spread the word about animal therapy.

Love on a Leash
At Love on a Leash, therapy animals and their owners visit residents in assisted living homes, hospitals, and hospice care facilities with a goal of bringing a smile to someone’s face and making their day a little brighter. As a new service, volunteers now travel to college campuses to provide stress relief to students during finals.

We welcome your pet!

As a resident of Bella Vista Health Center, your pet is always welcome to visit upon approval. To schedule a one-time stay or repeating cuddle sessions with your furry friend, talk to our staff. Don’t have a pet? Not to worry. The San Diego Humane Society and Love on a Leash regularly visit our facility to provide all patients with the healing benefits of time spent with companion animals.

Give us a call to schedule a private tour of Bella Vista Health Center today. 

Medication Safety 101

Medication Safety 101

If you’re like 10 percent of people in the United States, you regularly take five or more prescription drugs to manage serious health problems. And that’s not even counting over-the-counter medications you might reach for to alleviate minor aches and pains, indigestion, or allergies. Between the different dosages, side effects and other special instructions for each drug, that’s a lot of information to keep straight. 

While you may think you have your daily cocktail under control by using a weekly pill organizer, there’s a lot more you can do to make sure you’re appropriately storing, using, and disposing of the drugs you rely on to stay healthy. To get the most out of your medications and stay safe in the process, brush up on these safety basics. 

Know Your Medications

You can never know too much about the medications you take every day. Can you confidently answer the questions below? If you can’t find the information on the drug label or have trouble understanding it, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. How and when do I take this medication? Know whether you should take each of your medications with or without food, and in the morning or evening. 
2. Is there anything I should avoid while taking this medication? It’s important to know if certain activities, foods or alcohol will interfere with each drug.
3. Should I avoid any other medications with this prescription? When two or more medications react with each other it can cause unexpected side effects.
4. How should I store this medication? Some medications can be stored in a cabinet at room temperature, but others need to be refrigerated.
5. What are the side effects of this medication? Knowing the side effects of each medication will help you determine if and when you need to call your doctor.
6. How long will it take for the medication to start working? Getting a rough estimate of when a medicine should kick in will help you know if it’s working. 

Medication Dos and Don’ts

Medication Dos

• DO talk to your doctor about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.
• DO read the label every time you use a medication. Drug labels may change as new information is discovered.
• DO take each medication exactly as it is prescribed or as stated in the “Directions” section of the label.
• DO call your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about a medication before you start taking it.

Medication Don’ts

• DON’T use medication prescribed for someone else.
• DON’T crush and dissolve pills in water unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• DON’T take medicine that has passed its expiration date.
• DON’T stop taking a drug or change your dosage without talking to your doctor.

Safe Medication Disposal

Before you toss an unused or expired medication in the trash, be sure to mix it with an unpleasant substance. Dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds work perfectly. Then, put the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away in your household garbage can. This will prevent you or someone else from accidentally taking a medication that is no longer effective or even toxic. If you’re disposing of prescription medication, it’s also important to remove the label and/or scribble out any personal information. 

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Lemon Grove Substation also offers a secure drop box to help residents safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. 

We care about your health

At Bella Vista Health Center, we consider it a privilege to help rehabilitate you back to your personal best. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication while in our care, we’ve got you covered. With an internal medical doctor and nurse practitioner on staff 24/7, help is here whenever you need it. 

Contact us today for more information or to schedule a personal tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility. 

Fall Activities for Short-Term Care Facilities

Fall Activities for Short-Term Care Facilities

Fall is here, and while you wouldn’t know it from the San Diego weather, you can still celebrate the idea of the season with pumpkin spice lattes, harvest décor, and cozy sweaters on those rare chilly nights. It’s also a great excuse for fall-themed activities at short-term care facilities, so if you or a loved one is eager to get into the autumn spirit, check out these festive ideas.

Fall Foliage Tour

You might spot a color-changing maple tree or two in most San Diego metro and inland areas, but a field trip just a short drive east will offer plenty of fall foliage and outdoor activities to enjoy. Julian in November is ideal, when vibrant autumn colors are at their peak and there’s an actual crispness in the air. It’s the perfect complement to a steaming cup of the quaint town’s famous apple cider.

Fall Crafts

Whether you collect leaves of deep red, fiery orange, or glorious gold on a fall foliage tour or at the silk flower section of your local craft shop, there are infinite ways to utilize them in festive fall crafts. Leaf wreaths and garlands, leaf-print t-shirts, decorative banners, and more will stir up creativity and promote engagement, which is invaluable to those in short- and long-term care facilities.

Festive Treats

‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything, so if you’re visiting someone in a short-term care facility, you can round up recipes for pumpkin spice cookies, muffins, breads, and pies to share with everyone. And the season doesn’t need to be limited to dessert. Many varieties of squash are available now, perfect for warm and cozy soups and stews.

Apple Pie Bake-Off

Nearly every baker out there has “the best” apple pie recipe, so put those claims to the test! Gather up a selection of apple varieties (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent for pies) and the rest of the basic ingredients for the filling and crust. Judging can be done by a select few or chili-cook-off style where everyone participates. This is a wonderful festive activity for a short-term care facility. And regardless of the outcome, everyone gets delicious homemade apple pie so everyone wins.

Trick or Treating

Obviously this doesn’t mean sending seniors out in costume knocking on doors, but it does mean bringing costumed trick-or-treaters to them. Care facilities often contact a nearby elementary school, preschool, daycare, or recreation center and invite a group of adorable little ghosts and ghouls for a “bonus” trick-or-treat at the facility. Residents get a kick out of handing out candy or small toys to the little ones. For many, it brings back wonderful memories. It also promotes a sense of belonging in the larger community. 

Costume Party

Who says dressing up is reserved for kids? Scour thrift stores for actual Halloween costumes and pieces that can be combined into costumes and let residents pretend they’re something or someone new for a night. Add music, festive treats, and some “witch’s brew” punch, and you’ll have a party everyone will be talking about until Easter.

Classic Monster Movie Night

Horror flicks today are often too scary for most grown adults, but everyone enjoys classic monster movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Scare up a few like Frankenstein, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more—a perfect addition to a costume party.  

Knit Hats and Scarves

It might not be that cold out yet, but as soon as November or December, San Diego will be much nippier at night. Supply yarn for residents who knit (they can also teach others as well) and whip up a batch of cozy hats and scarves for the other residents. As a bonus, they can knit extra to donate to local homeless shelters or schools for disadvantaged kids.

Celebrate the season at Bella Vista

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we understand the importance of offering a variety of activities and opportunities for our guests, and we love to see the joy on their faces when the festivities get underway. 

If you or a loved one is need of a skilled nursing facility, please call us today at (619) 644-1000 or drop by and see us. 

5 Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep

5 Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep

Sleep. It’s one of the most important factors when it comes to your overall health and well being. Getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night provides yourself with endless benefits such as:

• Better moods
• Fewer problems with depression and anxiety
• Healthier skin
• Better brain function
• Fewer problems with migraines and other headaches
• More productive and focused
• Better vision
• Less likely to develop certain kinds of cancer
• More reactive

So, all you have to do it make sure you get enough sleep each and every night. Sounds easy enough, right? 

Unfortunately, for many people this is not as easy as it may sound. In fact, more than 30% of the population suffers from insomnia and strangely enough, women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia as men. There are many factors that can play a role in insomnia such as stress, diet, medications, emotional distress, or an irregular sleep schedule. Whatever the reason is, there are things you can do to help you with these sleep issues.

Catch some more Z’s with these helpful tips to a better night’s sleep:

Allocate Enough Time for the Proper Amount of Sleep

How are you supposed to get the nightly recommended amount of sleep if you only leave yourself 5 hours in between bedtime and your wake up alarm? Sleep is so important so make sure your are planning your schedule and routine around getting a full 7 to 9 hours each night. If you know you have to wake up a couple hours earlier one morning, make sure your are getting to bed a couple hours earlier the night before to make up for the loss. 

Spend More Time Outside During the Day

Exposure to the natural sunlight, especially in the early morning has been proven to actually improve your sleep cycle. So, exercise outdoors every so often, take a nice, leisurely walk around the block a couple afternoons a week, eat your meals in the park nearby. Being outdoors will aid you in getting a better night’s sleep. 

Stay Away From Bright Screens

Whether it’s a bright, flickering television, your cell phone, or your computer screen, being exposed to the light emitted by those devices 1 to 2 hours before your bedtime can cause disruptions in your sleep. Not only that, but you want your body to associate your bed with sleep and relaxation, and these technical activities can cause your brain activity to elevate instead of relax. 

Turn to Exercise

Getting regular exercise is proven to help you fall asleep faster and it helps you stay asleep throughout the night. Also, exercise will help you to feel less sleepy during the day. The more intense exercise you perform, the more you will reap the benefits that it has on the quality of your sleep. 

Choose Wisely About What You Eat and Drink

Believe it or not, what you eat and drink throughout the day plays a huge role in the quality of sleep you get, especially what you consume right before bed. Did you know that drinking caffeine can have negative impacts on your sleep even 10 to 12 hours after consuming it? Also, eating a big meal late in the evening that consists of rich or spicy foods is known to cause stomach issues which will negatively affect your sleep cycle. 

You Need Sleep for the Recovery Process

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we know that the recovery process can be long and frustrating. Sleep is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting you back to your absolute best self. 

Our guests and their health are our number one priority which means that we do everything we can to help with the recovery and rehabilitation process. This includes setting a comfortable and nurturing environment for our residents to achieve the best night’s sleep possible. 

For more information about our nursing services, or to schedule a tour of our 5-star facility, please contact us. 

When is it Time to Seek Speech Therapy?

When is it Time to Seek Speech Therapy?

If you’ve suffered a brain injury, stroke or fall, you might find that it’s a little bit harder to speak than it was before. Or, perhaps you’re in perfect health but you’re getting older and are having trouble chewing and swallowing. In either case, speech therapy can be a wonderful tool for regaining your independence and ability to communicate effectively with doctors, family, and friends. 

Choosing to participate in speech therapy is a personal choice, and the decision isn’t always an easy one. However, admitting you need help is nothing to be ashamed of. The aging process has many effects on the body, and this often includes one’s ability to speak. As you get older, your vocal cords become less elastic and your larynx muscles may weaken. This can make it hard to talk in a manner you’re used to. That’s where speech therapy comes in. A speech language pathologist can help you relearn how to talk using vocal exercises, muscle retraining, compensatory strategies, and use of communication devices.

When to seek help

At Bella Vista Health Center, our speech therapy program is designed around an individual plan of care that addresses your specific needs. While everyone is different, there are a few telltale signs it’s time to seek the help of a speech therapist. You may need to consider speech therapy if you or a loved one:

• Has difficulty requesting items and answering questions spontaneously
• Has trouble swallowing food or water and often coughs before, during or after
• Experiences a change in the pitch, volume, or quality of his or her voice
• Struggles with normal speech flow due to frequent repetition or prolongation of speech sounds, syllables or words
• Has difficulty putting words together to express him or herself in an appropriate manner
• Has trouble saying words correctly to the point that listeners can’t understand what is being said
• Experiences problems remembering words and/or has completely lost his or her ability to speak, read, or write
• Experiences problems remembering things, paying attention, or solving problems

Once you’ve decided to seek the help of a speech therapist, the first thing he or she will do is complete an evaluation. At this appointment, your therapist will perform some basic tests to determine the problem and how to address it. He or she will also talk to you about your goals for regaining your speaking abilities and how you can work together to achieve them.

We’re here for you

If you or a loved is having difficulty communicating, the best thing you can do is seek the help of a professional. At Bella Vista Health Care, our speech therapy program offers a careful balance of treatment, support, and care for those who have difficulties with speaking, cognition, coordinated muscular movements, and swallowing.

Are you in the San Diego area and looking for a safe and comfortable setting where you can recover and rehabilitate? Give us a call to schedule a tour of our 5-star nursing facility in Lemon Grove today. Once you meet our professional and friendly staff, we think you’ll feel right at home. 

Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

Outdoor Activities that are Good for Your Health

It’s no secret that being outdoors in the fresh air is good for your health and overall well-being. Outdoor activities also serve as a great and healthy resource to escape from the day-to-day stresses that consume many individual’s thoughts. 

Many activities that occur outside can require a lot of physical activity that we may no longer be able to achieve as we recover and/or age. Even though hobbies such as surfing or mountain biking may be out of the picture for some of us, there are still plenty of other activities that are a great way for individuals to take advantage of nature and the outdoors. 

Go for a walk

Going for a walk at some point in the day is a great way to get some outdoor exercise. Whether it’s an early morning sunrise walk, a relaxing mid-afternoon stroll, or nice walk through the neighborhood in the evening, it will be very beneficial to your health. Try going for a walk with a friend or two to not only improve your health, but to boost your social life as well. 

Pick up gardening

Gardening is such a rewarding way to spend time in the outdoors. This is especially true if you want to find an activity where you can spend a great amount of your day outside soaking up some Vitamin D. But don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your hard work and devotion blossom into something beautiful and/or delicious. 

Go fish

Fishing is one of the best outside activities for people with physical limitations. Not only do you get to spend time outdoors, but you also get to be near the water. Many people like to use this activity as a way to bond with younger generations in their family and share stories with their children and grandchildren. Not only is the hobby enjoyable, but you may also leave with a delicious meal afterwards.

Organize a picnic

You have to eat right? Why not do it outdoors? Invite some of your friends or family to a local park for a tasty lunch in the sun. Get everyone involved by assigning different courses to different individuals. Changing up the scenery from your usual lunch spot will be an exciting way to get together with the people you care about. 

Paint a picture

Painting is a great way for people to relax and enjoy their surroundings while spending some time outdoors. Like walking, painting can also be used as a therapeutic method for dealing with the stresses that come into our lives. Find a peaceful place to set up your easel and enjoy the many benefits of both painting and the outdoors. 

Spend some time outdoors with us

Here at Bella Vista Health Center, we understand the importance of spending time in the beautiful outdoors. That’s why we provide numerous opportunities each and every day for our guests to enjoy the San Diego air. Along with our multiple organized activities every day, our guest’s are free to enjoy their day soaking up the sun in our recently remodeled courtyard as well. 

Want more information about our 5-star skilled nursing facility? Call us today at (619) 644-1000. 

Tips for Staying in Touch with Long-Distance Family and Friends

Tips for Staying in Touch with Long-Distance Family and Friends

We’ve all had those relationships with either a friend or a family member that has grown apart due to distance. It’s tough to stay connected to another person when they’re hundreds, if not thousands of miles away. Everybody leads their own busy lives and it makes it extremely difficult to try and coordinate your chaotic schedule with someone else’s chaotic schedule just to have a couple moments of catch-up time. 

Nobody wants an important relationship to dwindle just because distance is now an issue that comes into play. Follow these tips for staying in touch and connected with long-distance family members and friends:

#1 Visit Each Other

Take turns visiting each other. If your friend or family member moved to a new city, this will give you the opportunity to see what goes on in their lives on a daily basis. You’ll actually get to physically see and experience the delicious coffee shop on the corner that they’ve talks about all the time instead having to rely on how you pictured it in your head. 

If you’re the one who moved to a new location, visiting your loved one will be a nice way to reconnect with your old town and reminisce about the good memories you shared there together. 

#2 Plan Skype Dates

Sometimes, talking on the phone just doesn’t cut it. Plan a recurring time that works for both of you to sit down and have a Skype session. It makes such a difference being able to physically see the other person and be able to interact with them “face to face”. When choosing a weekly/monthly time to Skype with each other, be conscious of potential time differences and try your hardest to make this virtual encounter a priority every time. 

Being able to actually see facial expressions, hand gestures and overall body language makes it easier for you to feel connected and closer to your long-distant friend or family member. 

#3 Write Each Other Letters

Everyone loves getting mail, right? Even better is when you receive an unexpected letter from a long-distant relative or best friend. This doesn’t have to be a regularly scheduled occurrence. If you’re out and about and come across a card that made you laugh, write a nice message and send it to your friend so they can enjoy it as well.

#4 Keep Up with Each Other’s Daily Lives

When catching up with a long-distance family member or friend, make sure you are catching up on the little things going on in their life, instead of just focusing on the big updates like job offers and new love interests. Keeping up-to-date with the small details of their life such as a new recipe they tried out the other night or a kickboxing studio they’ve been thinking about joining will ensure that your relationship is as strong as ever before. 

#5 Take Trips Together

Not only is it important for you and your friend/relative to visit each other, but taking trips together where you will share adventures is a fun and exciting way to stay connected. This doesn’t have to be some long and extravagant vacation. Even something as simple as a relaxing weekend getaway to Palm Springs or a fun weekend ski trip will do the job. It’s more exciting if you pick a place where neither of you have been, that way you can share the new experience together. 

#6 Send Each Other Care Packages

I’m sure there are many things that your friend or family member are missing that they can’t get in their new town. Or maybe you’re the one in a new place and want to send some goodies to your loved one so they can get a feel for what your place of residence has to offer. Every once in awhile, gather a few of each other’s favorite things and send your friend or family member a thoughtful care package to make your bond even stronger.

Bella Vista Health Center Wants to Help Keep You Connected

Here at Bella Vista Health Center, we offer visiting hours 24/7 so your friends and family can keep connected with you at any time. We also provide multiple social activities on a daily basis so there’s always something fun to do with your visitors while you recover back to your personal best. 

Brain Exercises That Will Keep Your Mind Sharp

Brain Exercises That Will Keep Your Mind Sharp

As you age, sticking to an exercise routine is really important for staying healthy, strong, and flexible. But we’re not only talking about physical fitness; your brain needs regular exercise in order to function at its best, too. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, keeping your brain active not only increases its vitality, it can also protect against Alzheimer’s disease because the brain cells and their connections are stronger.

Of course, your brain isn’t capable of performing the same activities you do in yoga class or at the gym. So, what does “exercising your brain” actually entail? When it comes to keeping your mind healthy and strong, it’s less about physical activity and more about remaining curious, involved, and committed to lifelong learning. 

The good news is you don’t have to go back to school or read a set of Encyclopedias to boost your brainpower. The following brain exercises are great ways to keep your mind sharp as you age.

Be social

Research shows that an active social life may delay memory loss among older adults. To widen your social circle, join a knitting club, participate in yoga classes, or sign up for group outings. By doing things you love, you’ll meet other people with similar interests. The more joys you can share with others, the better quality of life you’ll enjoy well into your golden years.

Get enough exercise

We mentioned earlier that keeping your mind sharp is more about mental stimulation, but there’s a strong link between physical and cognitive health that’s worth mentioning. Yoga is a terrific exercise for aging adults, as it keeps you flexible and builds strength through low-impact moves. You may also choose to develop a personal fitness plan with your primary care physician to keep your mind sharp.

Drink a lot of water

If you’re feeling groggy or tired, it may be because your brain is craving water. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to help boost your energy and keep your mind alert. To make drinking water more enjoyable, we suggest putting your favorite fruits in a pitcher and allowing the flavors to steep in water overnight. The next day, you’ll have beautiful drinking water infused with nutrients.

Learn a new language

If you’re really up for a challenge, consider learning to speak a foreign language. Perhaps you picked up a little bit of French in your younger days and want to refresh your memory. Or, if you’ve always wanted to travel to Spain, teach yourself a few basic words and phrases in Spanish. The process is cognitively challenging for most people, but it can also be rewarding and fun.

We love our guests!

At Bella Vista Health Center, our resident services and programs provide all the mental stimulation you need to keep your mind sharp. From yoga classes, to knitting clubs, to birthday celebrations and everything in between, we offer a variety of activities to raise your spirits in a safe, comfortable setting.

If you’re looking for a skilled nursing facility for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to visit our five-star nursing facility in Lemon Grove. We think you’re going to like what you see.