Fall Prevention Strategies

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes.   

Experts explain there are several reasons the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs.  Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed.  Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning.   

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane.  Also ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative.  Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes.   

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we proudly provide area seniors with the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability.  We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  As one of the area’s top senior living communities, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Looking for a New Doctor?

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to have a great team of doctors on your side.  This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you.  Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.   

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference.  Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist.  In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed.   

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Glendale offers, and we understand that the best care comes from the heart.  Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services.  These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits.  

Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Glendale AZ has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider?slide=6

Seniors Sure have Seen a Lot During Their Lifetime!

Many of us are lucky to have family or friends that are well into their 90s or even a 100 + years old.   They are not alone as in 2014, the CDC reported there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older. Also according to 2017 projections from the Social Security Administration, it reads, “For those who are 65 today, a man has a 3% chance of living to 100, a woman a 5.9% chance, and at least one member of a couple an 8.7%.”   

When we take the time to think about the many changes that has occurred over the last hundred years, it is incredible to think we know someone who has lived through much of it.  During the 1920s, most Americans lived in rural settings or in small towns, and all members of the families worked in one form or another including children who had routine duties around the farm or in the house.  Imagine the Ford Model T, which was considered to be the first affordable car that our grandparents may have rode in as children and the cars they drive today.  In addition they were old enough to be captivated by the first transatlantic airplane flight made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.  

Our parents or grandparents have lived through world wars and world depressions, saw airline travel become an everyday convenience and men land on the moon.  They saw the start of the computer age and witnessed the impact of the worldwide web.  Together these are some of the reasons why MorningStar of Billings believes seniors are heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials.   Moreover it is why we believe if anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. 

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our intention is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about Billing’s exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about an independent & assisted living community with heart.

Are You Caring for a Loved One With Dementia?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.      

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is entirely devoted to memory care and staffed by a team of caring individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.   

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating.  Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications.  Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.  

So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do.  Please contact MorningStar of Bear Creek to learn more about our compassionate memory care.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.

Lifestyle Changes May Help to Hold Off or Slow Down the Onset of Dementia

While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk.  Presented last July at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us.  

The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking.  In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these habits.” 

Another study from the University of California San Francisco reports that people who smoked had twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment as compared to non-smokers or to someone who had kicked the habit.  Also a study out of the UK found that even those with an increased risk for cognitive decline who followed a healthier lifestyle had a 32% lower risk.  

So isn’t it time we all make an effort for better cognitive health as well as improve our overall health?  At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we understand that a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of your age and we do our best to help our residents enjoy life on all levels.  We are also blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by big hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Please contact us to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living and assisted living.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living & independent living.  

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441

The Benefits of Robotic Pets

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. 

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags it tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact, New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.”  

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek provides compassionate assisted living for dementia patients, and we could not agree more about the benefits of pets, live or robotic. Our beautiful Colorado Springs community has 48 suites and was designed from the ground up to provide a safe, supportive and loving environment.  Please see our website for more information.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Protect Your Bones with Healthy Habits

It is estimated that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.  People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms.  While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a bone due to the disease.  Furthermore, injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery.  Many others require long-term care.   

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones.  One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D.  Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.  Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.  

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented.  A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density.  It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc.  In addition, common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis.    

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.  Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/

Easy Things to Do to Improve Your Health

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health.   One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly.  While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits.  It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices.  

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed.  Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid.  Also fresh fruit fills you up more than juice.  Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar.  

Also experts advise watching the fat in your diet.  Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet.  Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart.  

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress.  Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure.   Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving.  

At MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we are honored to provide seniors the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in the area.  We provide healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years.  In addition residents and their families get peace of mind knowing others are around to help in the event of an emergency.   Please visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to visit our website where we have put together a virtual tour of our assisted living and independent living community.     

Once You Have Made the Decision to Move a Loved One to Memory Care

After a careful search for the best memory care for a parent or spouse, your next step is to support them through the transition phase.  Dementia care specialists caution that everyone is different and to factor into the process the person’s personality and unique needs.  Also, remember most memory care communities are dedicated to providing the best care for the person and do so by including the person’s family into all aspects of decision making.    

Experts recommend avoiding trying to explain to the person that “they need more help” as by the time you are looking into 24-hour care, they most likely do not fully understand their situation.  Moreover, even though the care provided by the community will most likely improve their quality of life, recognize that it will be a challenging process.  In addition, while it may seem counterintuitive, experts advise to not include the person in any of the moving decisions as it will only add to their confusion.  Also, schedule the person’s move-in at the time of day when they are typically at their best.   

Other things to do to ease the transition include not bringing too much stuff.  A person with dementia gets easily confused and having too many clothes and other items around them is not comforting.  Also, stay in touch with the home’s management team and ask to be alerted to any troubling behaviors or needs of your loved one.  

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we want you to know that we understand our residents’ families are still the most important person in their life and that our care services are in conjunction with their wishes.  We are proud to provide compassionate assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs; and our holistic approach to memory care is individualized, specialized and encompasses the whole person. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Source:seniorlink.com/blog/50-tips-on-transitioning-a-loved-one-to-memory-dementia-or-alzheimers-careyour-blog-post-title-here

A Practical Tip for Wearing a Mask with Glasses

If you have started wearing a mask during the COVID-19 outbreak and also wear glasses, you may have experienced the inconvenience of having them fog up.  While you can wipe them off, this is only a temporary solution at best.

Now the medical journal, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has published a tip from two doctors who themselves are familiar with the problem.  They explain that the lenses of your eyeglasses fog up as a result of your breathe traveling upward while you have a mask on; and while bothersome, the doctors say the fix is simple.  

Start by thoroughly washing your hand with soap and water (remember the 20 second rule).  Then wet your glasses and lather some soap right on the lenses rubbing gently but thoroughly until you feel the lenses have been completely soaped up and cleaned.  Now take your time and rinse off all of the soap, and then dry with a clean towel.  

The doctors say the reason this prevents your eyeglasses from fogging up is the soap and water “act like a cloak that reduces surface tension on the lenses.”  The water molecules from your breath distribute evenly and your lenses stay clear.  

We hope this is useful, and remember a mask does help to prevent the disease from spreading.  MorningStar of Billings is a senior living community that offers area seniors a wide range of services and amenities.  Our community includes 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites for independent living, 70 for assisted living, and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our spacious campus is on the west side of Billings and situated within a beautiful, park-like neighborhood that offers spectaculars views of the Rockies. 

Visit our website for contact information or for more on availability and pricing.  Our intention is to cast on a new light on Senior Living and to deliver service with sincerity, warmth, and depth of purpose.  We look forward to hearing from you.   

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the many services we provide and our various floor plans for independent living & assisted living.   

Source: 

cnn.com/2020/05/05/health/how-to-de-fog-glasses-wearing-mask-wellness-trnd/index.html

Learn More About High Blood Pressure

While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high?  Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) lowered the guidelines in November 2017.  Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure.  

However, the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range.  If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk.  Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it.  

Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic.  Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body.   The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120.  The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety.   Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention.

There are several things you can do to reduce your BP.  While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume.  

If you are looking for trusted dementia care in the Colorado Springs area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek.    Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents.  Visit our website for a virtual tour and contact info for availability and pricing.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.   

Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health

Great Leadership is More Important than Ever

Navigating through the myriad worries and concerns of today’s world, the MorningStar Senior Living Company believes that loving, caring leadership is more important than ever.  From the top down, we have been fortunate to be led by men and women who feel called to serve and understand the importance of servant-leadership when it comes to leading our dedicated team and ensuring the best care for our remarkable residents.  

At MorningStar of Billing’s independent living and assisted living community, we are lucky to have Stacie Kautzman serve as our Executive Director.  Stacie has been with Billings for over six years as well as brought with her years of experience in senior living.  She says it is a honor to serve the residents of MorningStar and loves being in a position where she can give back to our elders who have given us so much through their lives.  She also feels fortunate to be in a job she loves and wants everyone who comes to our community “to feel the joy we have each and every day in being together.”

Another key member of our leadership team is Sean Pearson who acts as our Director of Community Relations.  He has a simple rule by which he leads his life: “To do everything as if in the ‘light of day.’ ” To him this means that he would never do something or say anything that he would not say in the bright light of day. Sean explains, “I govern my actions as if my grandmother was looking over my shoulder, and I would not want to embarrass her.” 

Please visit our website for more information regarding the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.  While you are there, use our online link to inquire about availability and pricing or to read some of the testimonials from families of residents regarding our care of their loved ones.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living.

Update on Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  For example, the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s disease easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future.  

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition, the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men.  

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.   

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is a Colorado Springs community devoted to assisted living for dementia patients.  Confident in our protocols in the fight against COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

The Unforgettable Series - Navigating the Journey of Dementia

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we work hard to provide the best senior living Glendale has to offer, and we want area families to be empowered as they deal with the challenging journey of dementia.  We know that in spite of everything else that is going on in these unprecedented times, many families are struggling with their own personal stories of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  

One way we feel we can help is by bringing back The Unforgettable Series – Navigating the Journey of Dementia.  For the safety of all involved, we will be hosting the event via a Zoom Video Chat, and just ask that all interested parties pre-register if they wish to attend.  The dementia education will take place over the course of three engaging sessions and be led by MorningStar experts.  

The first in the series is:  Communications 101 – The Art of Communication Under a Lavender Sky.  This will meet on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30 -7:00 PM.  The next in the series is: Taking Care of the Caregiver and will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 - 7:00 PM.  Our finally video chat is called: Expressions and will take place on Tuesday, June 30 also from 6:30 – 7:00 PM.  Again you must register in order to join the group.  Information regarding registration is on the MorningStar at Arrowhead website.

Our beautiful, vibrant community offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within its warm and inviting common areas and well-designed suites.  In addition to assisted living, we provide compassionate, holistic memory care for our most tender residents.  Currently our community is safely accepting new residents and we are doing the utmost to ensure the safety of all those beneath our roof.   Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.

A Sweet-smelling Story of How One Son Demonstrates His Love

When one of MorningStar of Billings’ residents moved to our community in 2018, she brought along her custom of receiving monthly flowers for the last 28 years from her son.  Dode’s son, Tim, realized when he was in high school and had sent mom a bouquet in celebration of his parent’s anniversary, how much she enjoyed them.  She had thought at first thought they were from her husband until Tim confessed that they were from him.  

Tim, a retired ER doctor living in another state admits that through the years, he did not have a lot of time to visit his mom, which is why he started the tradition of sending her a flower arrangement every month beginning in 1992.  Dode says while she looks forward to seeing what the flowers will look like each month, most importantly they have been a way to keep him close to her.     

While this is an unusual story, the team at MorningStar of Billings is happy to say that we see touching examples of love and caring from our residents’ families every day.  Also it has not stopped in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak but rather built more steam.  Our community residents are showered with a show of support in the form of cards, gifts, and families gathered at the windows with posters and signs expressing their love.  

As one of the area’s top senior living communities, MorningStar of Billings provides the area with independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Even during the pandemic, we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our ability to keep those under our roof safe.  Please contact us to learn more about suite configurations and pricing.     

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living and independent living.   

Source: news/local/son-has-sent-his-billings-mom-flowers-every-month-since-1992/article_395c2660-2f45-5d1d-844a-5348edf8f7e5.html

Why is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Seniors?

We are told COVID-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease.  One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free.  

Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some more vulnerable.  One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as immunosenescence.  

Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate."

Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter.  In addition, research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthening our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weigh, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations.  Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.”

During the COVID-19 outbreak, MorningStar at Bear Creek’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members. Our loving dementia care community in Colorado Springs is still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols.  Please visit our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep MorningStar communities safe during this hard time.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.   

Source: 

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

Is Your Loved One Managing Medications Correctly?

It is no wonder that some elderly adults get confused with their medications and often miss doses or take too much of a medication. According to 2010 statistics, “medication usage among elderly patients in the US is eye-opening: more than one-third of prescriptions drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills).”  In addition the average elderly patient takes more than five prescription medications; and the average nursing home patient takes seven medications.

If your elderly parent is on several medications, do you know if they are managing dosages appropriately?  A quick look in their medicine cabinet or wherever they keep their medications should give you a good idea.  If they have outdated bottles of pills mixed in with current prescriptions or un-opened bags from the pharmacy, chances are they are not doing a good job.  

Experts warn it can be a sensitive topic to broach with your loved one, but if you start slowly, you should be able to help them get things sorted out and organized.  Begin by listing all of the current medications they take including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. Your list should include medicine they take every day and things they use occasionally. 

Now take the list to their pharmacist to see if the combination of what they are taking is safe to do so.  Many drugs can poorly interact with one another or be redundant. Check with their doctor to see if they still need to take a particular drug or is it just getting refilled over and over again.  If it helps, get a new pillbox that better fits their need. There are many choices including color coded and multiple holders. If medication management continues to be a problem, you may need to look into getting more help for your parent.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our goal is to provide one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ has to offer.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. Please visit our website to learn more and while you are there inquiry about our pricing and availability.   

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a loving environment withexceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour of one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers.

The Transition to an Assisted Living Community

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers, which includes helping make the transition to our community a smooth one.  

MorningStar understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life.  For some seniors, moving into assisted living can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them. Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches.     

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change.  We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose.  Also while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of assisted living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones.   Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community.  

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance.  Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community.  After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home.   Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful, loving community.       

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour of one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers.

Does Mom or Dad Need More Help?

If your elderly parent lives alone, you may have wondered if they have an adequate support system to ensure their safety and comfort.  We encourage you to read some advice from the experts to determine if your parent needs more help to not just survive but to thrive!

Some of the things to find out are if they have had any recent falls or driving mishaps.  Do you have any reason to suspect they may be endangering their safety by forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances?  Do you see signs that they are having difficulty bathing and attending to personal daily care activities? Does their house look unusually unkempt with dirty dishes lying around and mail stacking up?  Are there signs of spoiled food or an empty refrigerator?   

Also consider if your parent has health conditions that are making it more difficult for them to care for themselves.  Poor balance and failing eyesight can increase the likelihood of a fall and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if your parent no longer drives, they may be having a hard time getting out to the grocery store or to doctor appointments as well as becoming too socially isolated.   

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision.  MorningStar at Arcadia was named one of top five best luxury Phoenix assisted living communities by Seniorly.com. Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and are proud to call MorningStar “home.” Please give us a call or email us with questions or to set up a tour to see our beautiful community in person.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional Phoenix assisted living community. 

Reduce Your Risk of Falling

Falls are one of the most common reasons why elderly adults seek emergency care.  In fact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports. “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.”  Moreover they add that the risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age.  However, they say this is no reason to avoid being active, and there are a few things you can do to help prevent a fall.  

Seniors need to try and stay physically active and to follow an appropriate exercise plan.  Regular exercise can increase your strength, and improve your muscle tone (be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise).  Even mild weight-bearing exercises such as climbing stairs or walking can help to slow down osteoporosis (bone loss).  

Another way to reduce your risk of a fall is limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes.  Also use a walker or cane if you are unsteady on your feet. In addition, be sure to wear the proper footwear - non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled or lace-up shoes.   Take extra care when walking on wet or icy surfaces.  

Do keep in mind several health conditions including diabetes and heart disease as well as problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance and increase your risk of a fall.  The same warning applies to medications that cause you to feel dizzy or to experience periods of sleepiness.

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our team considers seniors to be heroes who deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.  Our gorgeous community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as safety. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ has to offer.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour of one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers.