Memory Care Communities Offer an Environment to Improve Quality of Life

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families must fact the question of what the future will hold. For many a specifically designed assisted living dementia care community will be the answer as it offers an environment focused on improving quality of life and keeping the resident safe. 

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral website and information service, explains dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior care communities and features services such as 24-hour care, trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, physical layouts that reduce confusion, a secure environment, and more. Moreover, as Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, a memory care home is equipped to care for a person from the onset to the most advanced stages.

Many of the behaviors and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses such as disorientation, confusion and aggression can be difficult for families to handle on their own. At memory care communities, the staff is experienced in managing these types of behaviors and uses specialized techniques to calm or stimulate as situations call for. In addition, a move to a memory community can reduce stress for family caregivers as caring for a loved one with dementia is often a full-time job and family members generally have other responsibilities.    

Another benefit of memory care homes is the controlled environment which helps reduce confusion and disorientation for residents with proper lightening, clearly marked hallways, and a décor to encourage calmness and familiarity. Also, outside doors are locked to prevent wandering, allowing the inside atmosphere to safely encourage independence.      

MorningStar at Bear Creek is honored to offer this type of comprehensive memory care in Colorado Springs, CO. We provide support to our residents and their families with the kind of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us to learn more about our loving community. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our 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. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care

Study Finds Areas of Cognitive Health that Didn’t Decline with Age

While research appears to suggest older adults reach a point where their cognitive functioning stops progressing and actually begins to decline, a new study challenges the long-held belief that cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. The journal, Nature Human Behaviour, recently published the study from the Department of Neuroscience of Georgetown University Medical Center’s Brain and Language Lab in Washington, D.C., which tested 702 people age 58 to 98 for alertness, orienting and executive inhibition. The senior study author, Dr. Michael T. Ullman, said rather than finding cognitive decline across the board, they discovered older adults demonstrated improvements in some domains.  

Areas of progress include orienting and executive functioning, and researchers say additional brain training may even further enhance cognitive function. Study authors define executive functioning as the “the critical set of processes that allow us to focus on selective aspects of information in a goal-directed manner while ignoring irrelevant information. This set of functions is crucial for everyday life and supports numerous higher-level cognitive capacities.”

Researchers explain older adults can improve cognitive functioning with certain activities such as learning to play a musical instrument, learning to speak a new language or taking a course. Social interactions may also play a role in strengthening cognitive abilities along with targeted training.   

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our mission statement includes valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals as well as believing the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. Along with a broad range of amenities, hospitality services and care services, we offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to engage residents’ mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. 

For independent living, we offer 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites within our main building. We have 70 suites for assisted living, and 36 secure memory care suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community as well as to inquiry about pricing and availability.  

Source:

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/do-some-cognitive-functions-improve-with-age#Cognitive-functioning

Talking to a Loved One About Assisted Living

Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice.  While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.  

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids.  After all, to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do.  That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary.  This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place.  Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed.  Once you do calmly tell them your concerns, give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen.  Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.  

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive, not controlling.  In fact, you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.   

At MorningStar, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website provides useful resources to help families through the process.  We also encourage you to contact us to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. 

If you are looking at assisted living facilities in Fort Collins, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fort Collins … far from a “facility,” MorningStar is a true home.  Our community is designed to give residents the opportunity to maintain their independence while providing access to the assistance they need.  In addition, they get the benefit of built-in companionship as well as a range of meaningful wellness programs and activities.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above ordinary senior assisted living facilities.

Dining in Our Reflections Neighborhood

Along with 55 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Fort Collins has another 24 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.  

Many individuals suffering from dementia have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many assisted living facilities serve finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and french fries to memory care residents.  The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety.    

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional.  Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat.  

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents.  Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.  As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Visit our website for contact information and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a beautiful setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar of Fort Collins Improves Quality of Life in a Variety of Ways

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, senior assisted living facilities such as MorningStar of Fort Collins help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways.  Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.  

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat.  Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion.  Services also include housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.  

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar of Fort Collins feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar offers loving memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Even now, we are safely accepting new residents and adhering to the changing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regulatory authorities to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.  Please visit our website for more information about loving senior living in Fort Collins, CO.

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide a true home for residents.

Compassionate Memory Care in Glendale Arizona

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover, for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia care specialists, the Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our most tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead is safely accepting new residents and we are very confident in our enhanced protocols for dealing with COVID-19.  To ensure the safety of residents and team members alike, we have temporarily suspended non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our senior living communities, ramped up our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and more.  Please visit our website for additional information.

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.

Living with Chronic Pain

Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries.  While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain.  

One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness.  Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial.  If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place.   

Another way to manage pain is through exercise.  However the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning.  In addition, they caution that “if you have pain from an injury, recent surgery, a physical disability or a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, it's best to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to be sure you can exercise safely and avoid hurting yourself.”

They also say it is important to get enough sleep.  If you are a restless sleeper and have difficulty sleeping through the night, you should talk to your doctor about your pain management medications.  If a medication is a stimulant, ask your doctor about taking it early enough so as to not interfere with your sleep, and if it causes drowsiness, see if you can take it right before bed.  Try using relaxation techniques right before bed and get into the habit of a regular bedtime.   

Also avoid napping longer than 30 minutes during the day and do not eat a heavy meal too close to bedtime.  Doctors caution against drinking too much alcohol as it can cause sleep problems.  Yet another suggestion helpful to many people suffering from pain is to join a support group.  This puts you in touch with others who understand what you are going through.  However, if you feel you need more personal support, ask your doctor to recommend a mental health professional.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/lifestyle-strategies-for-pain-management/art-20367321

It is the Perfect Time to Want to Write Your Life Story

Have you always wanted to write an account of your personal life story?  Now that you are a senior it’s probably the time to do it.  Writing about events from your past can be therapeutic and enlightening and may give you a better understanding of who you are and how you got here.  Also don’t get distracted by your writing style, be authentic and use your voice to tell your own unique story that you know better than anyone else.   

If you are not sure how to begin, the Internet has lots of useful tips.  There are also books that can help you organize your thoughts or offer templates to get your creative juices flowing.  One idea is to write down every year you have been alive and then add events or stories you wish to share from that time.  You can record milestones and significant events starting with your own birth, early school days, college, graduations, your first job, marriage, birth of your children, etc.  Be sure to include unhappy events right along with the happy one.  Put in dates, locations and names of others in the story.   

If your style is more spontaneous and you rather just start by writing down funny and meaningful family stories, that works too.  Don’t worry if it isn’t in chronological order, you can always organize it later.  Keep a notebook handy to write down different anecdotes that come to mind and add details as they occur to you. Talk to your siblings, cousins or other relatives for their viewpoint on a particular incident or event from your childhood.  It also helps to trigger memories by looking through old family photos and mementos.  Most of all keep it fun and remember your kids and grandkids will enjoy learning a lot more about 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.  Visit our website to take a virtual tour of our gorgeous independent living and assisted living community.  

Reducing TV Time May be Good for Your Health

While it may feel relaxing to sit and watch TV right before bed, several studies have shown that watching too much TV before sleep can interfere with a good night’s sleep.  Instead of winding us down like we think it is doing, it turns out too much TV ends up stimulating brain activity and firing up the brain causing a restless, interrupted night’s sleep.  Moreover, a restless night can result in getting less than the prescribed 7 or 8 hours recommended by doctors and leave us in a sleep deficit, which is especially bad for seniors.  

Researchers have discovered other problems with older adults watching too much TV.  According to the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, developed by the National Cancer Institute, it found a correlation between seniors who watched 5 or more hours of TV a day and a loss of mobility.   The study was comprised of 340,000 men and 226,000 women between the ages of 50 and 71 from six states and two US metropolitan areas.  “After performing a multivariable logistic regression analysis and adjusting for factors known to increase the risk of mobility disability, the researchers found that ‘greater TV time was significantly related to increased disability within all levels of physical activity’.”   Another negative linked to watching 3.5 hours or more of TV each day was a decrease in verbal memory.

Both of these problems could be due to a number of reasons including the fact that if someone is watching that much TV every day they are not doing other healthier activities.  Researchers explain the TV in itself may not be that bad but the sedentary nature of TV watching and the fact that the person is not doing other things like playing board games; reading, socializing with friends, or engaging in a hobby may be just as problematic. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319170

Are You or a Loved Being Screened for Cognitive Decline?

Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so.  While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on.  Moreover if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.   

Additionally if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia.  From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination.  However according to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test.  Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor.  Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So what does a cognitive assessment include?  To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently.  If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems.  You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home.  In fact you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed.   

At MorningStar of Billings we offer a holistic approach to memory care that includes creating an individualized, specialized care plan for each of our residents.  In addition our beautiful campus offers independent living with a choice of 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites.  We also have 70 assisted living suites designed to improve quality of life and help you maintain your independence.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

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.  Visit our website for more information regarding the area’s most trusted assisted living and independent living community.   

Regardless of COVID-19, Get the Medical Attention You Need

The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming into the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention.  While most states have come out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care.  

Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help.  Moreover, in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention.  

This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need.  In fact, most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public.  To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation”  

If you are looking for extraordinary senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead offers residents a true “home” with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities.  While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents.  We provide 60 well-appointed suites for assisted living in spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.

It's Common for Those with Dementia to Wander

The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander.  The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home.  Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home.  

Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering.  Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe.  

It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parent or another loved one.  Find out if your area has a ”Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times.  Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas.  

Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and try to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out.  In addition, reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out.  You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone.   

Memory care communities such as MorningStar at Bear Creek are designed with a secure environment that encourages residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Our residents can freely move about our home but we have special security features to prevent them from wandering out of our community.  In addition, our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

Sources:

alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering 

agingcare.com/articles/when-is-it-time-to-place-a-loved-one-with-dementia-188309.htm

Our Community's Protocols are Evolving in Coordination with the State's

At MorningStar of Billings, we are extremely proud of our entire community’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.  Our residents and their families have been highly supportive of our efforts to keep them or their loved ones safe; and our dedicated team members  have stepped up and made it possible for us to protect the health and well-being of all those beneath our roof.  

We understand the stress our families were under and feel honored by the trust they placed in us to keep their mothers and fathers safe.  Our MorningStar team also recognizes that for many families we are the place they have entrusted to give their parents or grandparents the care they need to improve quality of life, and they count on us to continue providing these services.   As one resident’s daughter writes, “I can’t imagine trying to work through this if Mom had still been on her own.”  Another family member says, “My appreciation for everyone at MorningStar has not diminished in any way! According to Mom’s reports, everyone is doing an amazing job of protecting and caring for the residents.”

As Montana is coming out of quarantine and slowly reopening, we are following the guidelines of our state’s phasing and pacing, and will continue to stay abreast of current developments as we evaluate best practices in service to our residents.  Moreover we will share details regarding our own community’s plans with our residents and family members; and if you have questions, please contact our Executive Director, Stacie Kautzman.   

Also we want you to know that MorningStar of Billing is currently accepting new residents.  Our independent living and assisted living community provides residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition we have 36 secure suites devoted to compassionately caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about why our residents’ are proud to call MorningStar home, and use our link for information on pricing and availability.  

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.  We invite you to visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.      

Learn More About Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them.  While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective.  

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly.  For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person.  Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?”  Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple.  Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes.  Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc.  Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing.     

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help.  Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract.  Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together.  Above all avoid criticizing or arguing.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we offer unsurpassed assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. Our entire community is devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and is staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease.  Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community.    

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Foods to Watch Out for if You Want to Avoid Too Much Sugar

We all may be eating and drinking foods we consider to be healthy but they may contain far more sugar than we think they do.  It can even happen with foods we do not necessarily think of as sweet such as ketchup of barbeque sauce.  Also making what we assume is the healthier choice like “low fat” or “light” yogurt may actually contain more sugar than the regular variety.  Some low-fat yogurt has over 30 grams of sugar; and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. For women, the amount is just 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.

Another food we think of as healthy is granola.  While it is true that the main ingredient is rolled oats, which provides protein, healthy fats and fiber, it also can be loaded with lots of sugar and calories.  This is where label reading can help as the Washington Post did a story on granolas and found a single serving can range from one gram of sugar to 14 grams.  Another thing to look for are the words “added sugar” as the sugar from dried fruit is not bad for us (more calories for those watching) as is corn syrup or cane sugar.  However do keep in mind that while honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar may be healthier, they still add empty calories.   

Drinks such as sugared ice teas and flavored coffees also add a lot of sugar to our diets as do some sport drinks and vitamin waters so be sure to read the label.  If you want to avoid empty sugary drinks altogether, make flavored waters by adding fruit or vegetable slices.  Toss in some lime and cucumber slices to your water or a handful of berries, orange slices, or mint leaves; use your imagination.

Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to learn more about our wide variety of amenities and services.  For independent living, we offer 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites.  We have another 70 suites for assisted living and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please contact us for more information.  

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 most trusted assisted living and independent living.  

Learn More About MorningStar at Arrowhead

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways.  Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.  

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat.  Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion.  Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.  

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar at Arrowhead feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars.   

Along with assisted living, Glendale area families trust MorningStar at Arrowhead to compassionately care for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood takes a holistic approach to memory care that supports choice and independence and, above all, affirms individual dignity and value.

We are safely accepting new residents at this time and following all of the guidelines, and in some cases exceeding them, set forth by the CDC, the American Senior Housing Association and the Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.  Please visit our website for more information and to take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. 

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 offers.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Exceptional Assisted Living

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Glendale AZ MorningStar at Arrowhead may be the place for you.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 60 assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of windows, ceiling lights, and mini-blinds.  

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

Why we believe our assisted living to be different from that of other communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are more important than education or experience.  Moreover, many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

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 assisted living Glendale has to offer.

Staying Up-To-Date in Our Approach to COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar at Bear Creek is judiciously following our state’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Bear Creek community to our Executive Director, James Cowley.  

Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time.  In addition, we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage.  In other words, it was a team effort!   

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer exceptional dementia care in Colorado Springs.  Our loving community has 48 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  We provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Currently we are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe.  Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

You May Want to Rethink the Documents You Carry with You

To protect yourself against identity fraud, experts say to think about what you have in your wallet, and if it is not something you need to have with you, leave it home.  While you assume a document is safe with you, you also never planned on having your wallet or purse stolen or lost.   

The Javelin Strategy & Research company, a financial advisory firm specializing in among other things fraud management and cybersecurity, says the best way to prevent unauthorized access to and the use of private information is to leave items such as passports, Medicare  and healthcare insurance cards at home.  Even there, they suggest you keep them locked in a file cabinet or a safe.   

Other items experts recommend keeping safe at home is your Social Security card and that should include your child’s or another family member’s.  It is unnecessary to carry it as it poses the biggest risk of your vital information being stolen, and a thief will use it to create a fraudulent identity with the information.  If it is stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (the number is on their website).  Your birth certificate is also an important document to keep out of the hands of others as someone can use it to establish proof of age, citizenship and identity.  

In addition, while you do need to carry a passport when traveling out of the country, it is advisable to leave it in the hotel safe when you are out sightseeing.  Make a copy of it in case it does get stolen or lost as it will make it easier to report to the U.S. Department of State.  Finally while it may seem harmless, do not carry around a list of what you consider your less important passwords as some of them such as email accounts can be used to reset other accounts.  Experts say the bottom line is – if you don’t need it, don’t carry it.   

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 unparalleled independent living and assisted living.  

Source: 

aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/wallet-protection-identity-theft.html?intcmp=Outbrain&obref=obnetwork      

Making Difficult Decisions for a Loved One with Dementia

Alzheimer’s can be a very difficult disease for families to deal with as we slowly watch our loved ones slip away from us until they do not even know us.  We watch a loving parent or spouse gradually lose their thinking, remembering, and reasoning abilities, until at the very end, they no longer even respond to their name.  

As a person with Alzheimer’s can live for years, we sometimes forget that it is a terminal disease with no cure.  In addition, this may mean that at a certain point the family is faced with difficult end-of-life decisions, and these decisions sometimes have to be made without knowing our loved one’s direct wishes.  

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has published some guidelines to help families traverse through these challenging issues.  One of their foremost recommendations is to have this conversation with mom or dad or a spouse early-on, before the disease takes away their ability to seriously weigh in on their feelings regarding end-of-life decisions.  The article relates a story about a woman in the later stages of Alzheimer’s who ended up with pneumonia.  Without her mother being able to communicate any longer, the daughter did not know what her mother’s wishes were in regards to feeding tubes and antibiotics to treat the illness.   

Other decisions regarding the care of those with Alzheimer’s include whether to continue medications to treat medical conditions or to have surgery in the end stages of the disease or to just provide palliative care.  Thus family members must weigh quality of life with quantity of life.  The NIA reports that the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease include some of the following:  being unable to move around on one’s own, being unable to speak or make oneself understood, and eating problems such as difficulty swallowing.   

If you need memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we invite you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek.  We proudly and lovingly provide compassionate dementia care from the onset of the disease to the very most advanced stages.  Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia