Welcome to the Hart Heritage Estates Blog


 

Controlling Sweet and Salty Cravings in Seniors

The tongue's taste buds detect four tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. As we get older, the fewer taste buds we have and the less sensitive they become. In our prime, we have between 10,000 and 15,000 taste buds. By age 70, many seniors have lost two out of three, so the sense of taste declines... Read More
Controlling Sweet and Salty Cravings in Seniors

Seniors and Skin Health

Preventing serious skin conditions in the elderly It is very important that the elderly take care of their skin because they are more susceptible to skin infection and skin disease due to the changes that take place to skin as we age. It becomes less supple, thinner and dryer. It injures easier and... Read More
Seniors and Skin Health

Am I Too Old for Yoga? 6 Yoga Poses That Age Well

You can do yoga at any age -- really! It's just a matter of picking what type of yoga you do and working within your abilities. It might even help you age better, keeping you flexible and building strength through low impact moves. “We lose about a half-pound of muscle per year for each year we’... Read More
Am I Too Old for Yoga? 6 Yoga Poses That Age Well

Assisted Living Homes vs. Home Care: How to Decide – Part 2

Tips to Help You Choose Even if you thoroughly understand the details of how assisted living homes and in-home care work, that does not mean this is an easy decision. This is an important step in your life or the life of your loved one, and you want to make sure you make the right choice. These tip... Read More
Assisted Living Homes vs. Home Care: How to Decide – Part 2

Assisted Living Homes vs. Home Care: How to Decide – Part 1

Can you receive proper care in your home or would it be best to move into an assisted living home that can meet your long-term care needs? This is a question that many of us will be asking ourselves as we get older. Whether it is having to move around your home or making it around town to doctor’s... Read More
Assisted Living Homes vs. Home Care: How to Decide – Part 1

19 Mind-Blowing Medical Advances in the Past 8 Years – Part 2

11. Treatment for cluster headaches Cluster headaches – commonly known as “suicide headaches” – are chronically painful headaches which can last up to several weeks. Fortunately, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic may be close to an effective, practicable treatment for the condition. ... Read More
19 Mind-Blowing Medical Advances in the Past 8 Years – Part 2

19 Mind-Blowing Medical Advances in the Past 8 Years – Part 1

  Driverless cars, artificial intelligence, smart watches – the future is truly upon us. With science and technology developing so quickly, medical breakthroughs continue to be made every day around the world. But what are some of the most profound advancements in recent years and how can ... Read More
19 Mind-Blowing Medical Advances in the Past 8 Years – Part 1

Top Benefits of Boxing for Seniors

You feel tired, exhausted. Your back hurts, your shoulders slump, and you can’t resist that second piece of chocolate cake. Day in and day out, you feel your physical health start to disintegrate. You know you need to get moving. You know you need to take better care of your body, and mind.... Read More
Top Benefits of Boxing for Seniors

Brain Training for Seniors

“Use it or lose it” commonly refers to the importance of exercising your body and staying fit. Exercising your brain is just as important. Your brain needs a regular workout, especially as you age. After the age of 65, your risk of developing dementia doubles approximately every five years. D... Read More
Brain Training for Seniors

Tips and Tricks for the Senior Gardner

Gardening is America’s favorite leisure outdoor activity, enjoyed by more than 78 million people, according to the National Gardening Association. For most of us, gardening provides a welcome sojourn in the natural world, a sanctuary that promises relief from the challenges of life. Yet many feel ... Read More
Tips and Tricks for the Senior Gardner

Senior Exercise Routines and Their Benefits

The benefits of physical activity for people of all ages are often touted, but is it safe for seniors to exercise? According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, almost all older people can benefit from more physical activity. In fact, regular exercise prevents chronic disease, improves moo... Read More
Senior Exercise Routines and Their Benefits

Joint Replacement an Option for Elderly

Study Shows Hip, Knee Replacement May Help Elderly Patients with Osteoarthritis Knee or hip replacement surgery may be a viable option for relieving the pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis among the elderly. A new study shows older adults who have hip or knee replacement surgery for sev... Read More
Joint Replacement an Option for Elderly

Understanding Hospice, Getting the Answers

1. “Hospice staff are available by phone any time, day or night.” (TRUE) Families can depend on 24/7 assistance and advice by phone. When a crisis or concern arises while receiving care, hospice should be your first call. If a crisis cannot be handled over the phone, it is common for ... Read More
Understanding Hospice, Getting the Answers

Travel Tips for the Elderly

Senior citizens and older travelers need to exercise some caution when flying, driving long distances or going on a cruise. Rapid changes in the temperature and climate, hours of walking and standing, and the stress of traveling itself can take their toll on an older person's health and well-being. ... Read More
Travel Tips for the Elderly

Harford County Senior Activity Centers Catalog of Classes Spring 2018

Every year, Harford County Dept of Community Services, Office on Aging, provides seniors in our community a plethora of activities to stay fit, learn new skills, try new hobbies and well, have fun! And, as we strive each month to provide our blog readers with interesting and informative articles, th... Read More
Harford County Senior Activity Centers Catalog of Classes Spring 2018

10 Interesting Facts about Senior Citizens

What do you really know about the elderly? How would you describe them as a group? What about as individuals? I asked several random people who were not in direct contact with a senior citizen on a daily basis to answer those questions. Here are few of the responses that I received: The elderly are ... Read More
10 Interesting Facts about Senior Citizens

Great Spices and Herbs for Improved Senior Health

As seniors grow older, their taste buds often don’t work like they used to, making foods taste bland. The good news is that you can add some delicious herbs and spices to foods to boost the flavor for your loved one requiring in-home care. Not only will herbs and spices improve flavor, many of the... Read More
Great Spices and Herbs for Improved Senior Health

6 Reasons Why Visiting Loved Ones Keeps Them Young and Happy

Spending time with family and visiting senior loved ones has huge benefits for health, primarily keeping seniors physically young and emotionally happy. Visiting with your senior loved ones is not only rewarding, but it leads to a myriad of benefits. The obvious upside is the emotional pickup we ... Read More
6 Reasons Why Visiting Loved Ones Keeps Them Young and Happy

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Roughly five percent of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder — and another 10 to 15 percent have a milder variation. Overview Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If... Read More
Seasonal Affective Disorder

Eight Tips for How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Money Scams

Millions of older adults fall prey to financial scams every year. Use these tips from NCOA and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement to protect yourself or an older adult you know. 8 tips to protect yourself 1. Be aware that you are at risk from strangers—and from those closest to you ... Read More
Eight Tips for How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Money Scams

Top 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults

Making New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise, watch your weight, see your healthcare provider regularly, or quit smoking once and for all, can help you get healthier and feel better for many more years to come. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends t... Read More
Top 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for Older Adults

7 Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout That Really Work

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but stressful Caring for a sick or dying loved one can certainly be rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Indeed, nearly half of all family caregivers say they are “somewhat stressed,” and more than a third are “highly stressed,” according to the... Read More
7 Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout That Really Work

A Caregiver’s Guide to Creating a Respite Care Plan

Getting help from family and friends Taking care of an aging or ill family member can be enormously rewarding and, at the same time, exhausting and emotionally draining. As a caregiver, you feed and read, clean up, make meals, change sheets, and offer comfort and good cheer. You manage your own lif... Read More
A Caregiver’s Guide to Creating a Respite Care Plan

What Nursing Home ‘Memory Care’ Means

"Memory care" has a gentle ring to it, a sense of precious keepsakes highly valued and lovingly tended. In the realm of long-term care, memory care refers to specialized settings offering stepped-up services for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Demand is rising for this type of ca... Read More
What Nursing Home ‘Memory Care’ Means

Pneumonia and our Seniors

Pneumonia is a major cause of mortality among seniors. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die each year from pneumonia than from automobile accidents. Despite the prevalence of this disease, many seniors and their caregivers don't know all the fac... Read More
Pneumonia and our Seniors

Fractures/Fall Prevention

It’s never too early or too late to take steps to protect your bones from osteoporosis fracture risk, especially the bones in your spine. Broken bones of the spine are common in people with osteoporosis and often go unnoticed until more serious problems occur. Learn how to recognize the signs and ... Read More
Fractures/Fall Prevention

Osteoporosis is a Silent Disease

Bone Health Basics: Get the Facts When you think about staying healthy, you probably consider lifestyle changes to prevent conditions like cancer and heart disease. Keeping your bones healthy to prevent osteoporosis may not be at the top of your wellness list. But it should. Bone Basics Some pe... Read More
Osteoporosis is a Silent Disease

Dementia and Communication

  Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. People with dementia from conditions such as Alzheimer’s and related diseases have a progressive biological brain disorder that makes it more and more difficult for them to remember things, think cle... Read More
Dementia and Communication

Living with Dementia-the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease

A diagnosis of dementia can come as a shock not only for the person with dementia, but also for family and friends. You will all need reassurance and support. This article gives information about how you can make life enjoyable and full for everyone living with dementia. The early stage - what to e... Read More
Living with Dementia-the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease

Tips to Help Beat Your Aging Parent’s Loneliness

Is your aging parent lonely? Isolation and loneliness are widespread among our elders.  It may begin with the loss of a spouse.  It may be compounded by physical decline such as loss of driving ability, decreased hearing or vision.  Friends pass away.  There are fewer opportunities for social... Read More
Tips to Help Beat Your Aging Parent’s Loneliness

Music Therapy in Dementia Treatment — Recollection Through Sound

People of all ages relate to and enjoy music, making it a universal language, of sorts. However, its value can go far beyond simple listening. Most people enjoy music, but can it actually make the mind “move”? Absolutely, according to Kimmo Lehtonen, PhD, professor of education at the Univers... Read More
Music Therapy in Dementia Treatment — Recollection Through Sound

Paying for Long-Term Care

It is important to understand the different types of insurance that are available to older people. Many people believe that Medicare will cover long-term care needs. It will not. Medicare Medicare is a Federal health insurance program, which helps defray many of the medical expenses of most Americ... Read More
Paying for Long-Term Care

Eldercare Housing Options

There are many housing options available to the elderly. Choosing the best one will depend on the elderly person's preference, age, health, and financial condition. Aging in Place Options such as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), apartment buildings, condominiums, or cooperatives... Read More
Eldercare Housing Options

When a Lifestyle Change May Be Necessary

Physicians and geriatric social workers warn that there are a number of danger signs that indicate an elderly person needs extra help or a change in living arrangement. Any marked change should be noted; however, no change in lifestyle should be made without discussions with the elderly person, othe... Read More
When a Lifestyle Change May Be Necessary

Communicating With Elderly Parents

Talking with our elderly parents about their living situations and the possible need for change is not always easy. A successful conversation depends to an extent upon the relationship we have with the parent, as well as on the parent's mental, emotional, and physical condition. While many people pu... Read More
Communicating With Elderly Parents

Heat Stress in Older Adults

  Older adults (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons: Older adult man with heat exhaustion. Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a ch... Read More
Heat Stress in Older Adults

Hospice Care Relationships

  While Hart Heritage Estates offers a caring and personalized assisted living experience, we are not a hospice; however, we do help coordinate hospice care for our residents who are approaching the end of life. We have relationships with several local hospice organizations in Harford and Ba... Read More
Hospice Care Relationships

Why is Physical Activity Such a Big Deal

  Regular exercise and physical activity are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. Being physically active can help you continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. Regular physical activity over long periods of ti... Read More
Why is Physical Activity Such a Big Deal

Living with Elderly Parents: Do You Regret the Decision?

You did it, didn't you? You promised, long ago when your dad died, that you'd take care of Mom and she'd never have to go to a nursing home. You promised Mom – after her visit to a nursing home, one of the worst in the state, to visit a friend – which she'd never have to go to a care facility of... Read More
Living with Elderly Parents: Do You Regret the Decision?

Choosing a Nursing Home

Making An Important Life Decision Choosing a nursing home may be one of the most important life decisions you may have to make for yourself, a family member or a friend. Often the decision will need to be made during a crisis or immediately after a serious illness or injury. Learning as much as you... Read More
Choosing a Nursing Home

A Healthy Diet for Seniors

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) adapted its famous food pyramid to recognize the unique nutritional needs of older adults. Hart Heritage Estates Assisted Living uses these guidelines to inform all dietary and menu selections MyPlate ... Read More
A Healthy Diet for Seniors

Exercise Your Mind

No two people face aging in quite the same way. It’s important to be mindful of your body and take proactive steps to live the life you desire and deserve. Fortunately, we know healthy aging care and certain lifestyle choices can add quality to your life like never before. We all tend to lose t... Read More
Exercise Your Mind

Alzheimer’s Disease – Ten Warning Signs

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. It affects an estimated 4 million American adults. AD usually has a gradual onset. Problems remembering recent events and difficulty performing familiar ta... Read More
Alzheimer’s Disease – Ten Warning Signs

Saving for Retirement Should Include Saving for Senior Living

Seniors today, or those approaching retirement age, have hopefully been saving money in a company sponsored 401K, individual IRA or other investment. Social Security benefits only go so far. If you find yourself in your later years unable to care for yourself and unable to remain in your own home... Read More
Saving for Retirement Should Include Saving for Senior Living

Alzheimer’s Research – Why Do More Women Than Men Get the Disease?

Here at Hart Heritage Assisted Living, we have many residents in our dementia care wings who have Alzheimer’s, so we are always interested in hearing what the latest research projects show. Currently, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. 5.2 million of those are over the age of 65. Almost ... Read More
Alzheimer’s Research – Why Do More Women Than Men Get the Disease?

Talking to Your Children About Their Grandparents’ Behavioral Changes

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia take a toll on everyone in the family, from the person with dementia, to their grown children, all the way down to their grandchildren. It can be particularly difficult and confusing for children to see their adoring grandparents become grumpy, even ... Read More

Gardening at Hart Heritage Assisted Living

At Hart Heritage Assisted Living, we provide a wide variety of activities to keep our residents active and entertained. One of these is our garden club, which meets on a regular basis for digging in the dirt, weeding and the best part – harvesting! Gardening has many health and therapeutic bene... Read More

Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assisted Living

Should you consider Assisted Living?  Whether the mail and newspapers are stac ing up, food is spoiling, the pets aren’t being cared for, or something just doesn’t seem quite right, it’s important to be aware of the sign that your elderly parents may need outside help Sometimes age snea... Read More
Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Assisted Living

Memory Care Checklist

If you’re looking for an assisted living facility that provides memory care, there are some specific things you need to consider. Any memory care community, including Hart Heritage Assisted Living, will welcome your questions. You should be satisfied with their answers. In addition to providing... Read More
Memory Care Checklist

Harford County Strong

We are Harford County Strong. With deep respect and admiration for the two fallen officers, Deputy Patrick Daly and Deputy Mark Logsdon. Our prayers and thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow officers of the Harford County Sheriff's Office. God Bless them. Read More
Harford County Strong

Ways Seniors Can Hide Dementia Symptoms

You’re not alone if you have a parent, family member or friend who is experiencing memory loss. Figuring out if it is memory loss associated with aging, or a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia may be the challenge. Read on about the ways the elderly may try to hide cognitive declin... Read More
Ways Seniors Can Hide Dementia Symptoms

Top of the mornin’ to ya!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Biscotti, and Hart Heritage! We are all dressed in green today, are you? Read More
Top of the mornin’ to ya!

How to Pay for Assisted Living

If you’re looking into assisted living for yourself or a loved one, you are probably also thinking about how to pay for assisted living. At Hart Heritage Assisted Living in Street and Forest Hill, we work closely with you ahead of time to ensure you know you’re your assisted living costs will be... Read More
How to Pay for Assisted Living

Encouraging Seniors to Stretch Their Bodies

Spring has sprung, and while the temperatures may not be quite as warm as we would like, the staff and residents here at Hart Heritage Assisted Living are looking to get moving. This is the perfect opportunity for seniors who have been hibernating all winter to get moving. But did you know, that ... Read More
Encouraging Seniors to Stretch Their Bodies

Pet Therapy at Hart Heritage Assisted Living

Through our partnership with Pets on Wheels, Hart Heritage Assisted Living provides pet therapy and pet companionship for our residents several times a month. Many of our residents had to find new homes for their pets when they moved to assisted living, so being able to interact with the Pets on Whe... Read More
Pet Therapy at Hart Heritage Assisted Living