Health & Well-Being

Managing pain—especially after surgery or an injury—can be challenging, and many people worry about the risks of opioid medications. This concern is even greater for older adults, who may be more vulnerable to side effects and complications. Now, there’s a new option: Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication recently approved by the FDA.

What Is Journavx?

Journavx (suzetrigine) is a newly approved pain medication that works differently than traditional opioids. It belongs to a new class of pain medicine, the first of its kind in more than 20 years.

  • What it does: Treats moderate to severe acute pain, such as pain after surgery or injury.
  • How it works: Targets sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
  • Why it’s different: Unlike opioids, it does not carry the risk of addiction or overdose.

How It Benefits Seniors

For older adults, pain management can be complex due to potential side effects and interactions. Journavx offers several benefits for seniors: Continue reading A New Non-Opioid Pain Medication: What You Should Know About Journavx

Read more

Moving into assisted living can be a great step toward preserving independence, comfort, and support. However, challenges like urinary incontinence can sometimes lead to an early transition to a nursing home.

Research shows that residents with urinary incontinence are 14% more likely to be moved to a nursing home—but the good news is that early action can help your loved one stay in assisted living longer.

What You Need to Know

A national study published in JAMDA – The Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association analyzed Medicare data from over 247,000 assisted living residents. It found that 20.45% of residents experience urinary incontinence, and those with the condition are 14% more likely to be moved to a nursing home. More than an inconvenience, it’s associated with other chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s, heart failure, depression, and pressure ulcers, which may require more intensive care. Continue reading Help Your Loved One Remain in Assisted Living: Why Early Action Matters

Read more

Minnesota’s Role in a Groundbreaking Medical Advance
Imagine being one of the first people in the country to try a treatment that could change the course of Alzheimer’s disease. For Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi, MN, this isn’t just a possibility—it’s her reality.

Diagnosed at just 59, Kathy is one of the first Americans to receive Kisunla, a newly FDA-approved treatment. Now on her fourth monthly infusion, she remains hopeful the drug will slow the disease’s progression, giving her and her family more time to create lasting memories. Continue reading Minnesota Woman Among the First in U.S. to Receive Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Treatment

Read more

Nearly 42% of people over 55 may develop dementia—a risk that’s hard to ignore and rising. For those with certain health conditions, the likelihood doubles. While this may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic. You have more control over your brain health than you think, and taking simple steps today can make a big difference.

A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine found that dementia risk has increased, particularly among people with heart-related diseases. However, experts stress that risk is not destiny—many people with these risk factors never develop dementia.

The study also found that Black individuals face a sharper rise in risk starting at age 75. For women, the risk surpasses men’s around age 85, primarily because women tend to live longer. Continue reading Worried About Dementia? The Risk is Rising—Here’s How You Can Take Action

Read more

While the holiday season often brings images of joy and togetherness, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation for many older adults during the holidays and afterwards. If you’re experiencing these emotions, you’re not alone. At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and your local ABHM community, we understand the unique challenges that seniors may face during this time, and we are here to offer support. By exploring simple, manageable strategies, seniors can rediscover connection, joy, and purpose this season—and beyond.

Understanding Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just an emotional feeling—it’s a growing concern for many older adults, especially during the holidays. Factors like the loss of loved ones, limited mobility, geographic distance, and health issues can make this time of year particularly challenging. According to the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 43% of seniors report feeling lonely regularly, with numbers increasing during the holidays. Dr. Amit Shah, a Mayo Clinic geriatrician, has emphasized that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption, linking it to serious health risks like cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Continue reading Combating Loneliness: Tips for the Holiday Season and Beyond

Read more

When a loved one has dementia, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges. What if we told you that people living with dementia have unique insights into what helps them live better, more fulfilling lives? A recent study published in The Gerontologist found that those with dementia often prioritize joy, purpose, and connection—elements that can significantly improve well-being.

At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM), here’s how our communities put these insights into action for your loved one’s care: Continue reading A Fresh Look at Well-Being in Memory Care: Key Insights for Families

Read more