The Advantages of Senior Living

Today’s senior living communities are designed to offer older adults carefree retirement years, and many seniors report they prefer community-style living to living alone.  This is probably due to the fact that today’s senior living communities are tailored to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. 

If an older adult is still a homeowner, a senior living community provides the opportunity to say goodbye to never-ending yard work, home maintenance and housekeeping chores.  After all who wants to spend their precious retirement years mowing the lawn or shoveling snow when you can use the time for more fulfilling activities? 

Another benefit senior living offers is it helps to eliminate the loneliness or isolation many seniors experience after they retire.  At MorningStar we offer all kinds of entertaining and meaningful activities that provide seniors a way to stay engaged and continue to grow.  Socializing at MorningStar is as easy as going to our beautiful dining room for a meal or participating in a morning exercise class.  Even if you are the type of person who values privacy, senior living offers the reassurance of having people around when you need them.  

Predictable budgeting is yet one more benefit of senior living as most of your living expenses will be included in your monthly fee.  At MorningStar that includes basic cable TV and utilities, daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, fitness room, salon, onsite theatre, bistro, and more. 

Furthermore, if you start out in one of our suites or cottages for independent living, and down the road, require help with daily personal care or memory care, you get priority placement and will not pay an internal transfer fee.  We consider this just one of the many advantages to living in a community with more than one neighborhood under our roof.  

For luxury assisted or senior independent living, MorningStar of Billings is sure to impress.  We are a safe, comfortable community with resort-style amenities, meaningful activities and a staff who is honored to serve seniors.  Please contact us regarding availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Billings offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Eye Exam Guidelines for Older Adults

As we age, so do our eyes.  Starting in our late thirties or forties, it is common for people to develop Presbyopia, a normal condition that causes our eyes to gradually lose their ability to see things clearly up close.  Even the word "presbyopia" means "old eye" in Greek.  According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are several conditions and diseases that occur more commonly in older eyes, which is why they recommend eye exam guidelines specifically for older adults.

To start, they advise all adults to have a comprehensive baseline eye evaluation by an ophthalmologist at age 40.  For people age 40 to mid-fifties without risk factors, the recommendation is to have one every 2 to 4 years.  At 55 to 64, eye exams should be done every 1 to 3 years.  From age 65 and older, adults without risk factors should be examined every 1 to 2 years.    

Routine eye exams for seniors are important as many age-related eye diseases do not exhibit symptoms early.  Also, any one with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and even certain medications as well as environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking can cause eye-related problems.  

Senior eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions.  Women are more likely than men to have glaucoma and somewhat more likely to have cataracts.  In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants seniors to know that vision problems are not a normal part of aging and may indicate a problem.  Also remember to keep your ophthalmologist apprised of any new health conditions.     

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Residents are offered a wide range of care services including transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite diagnostics, pharmaceutical, and much more. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about our experienced, compassionate Alzheimer’s care.  

For informational purposes only, please consult your eye care or health care professional if you notice any problems with your vision. 

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Source: aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/seniors-vision-develop

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar at Arrowhead is committed to provide the best senior living Peoria and Glendale offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.   

MorningStar’s approach to memory care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.  

Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident.  In addition, it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation.  We also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies.    

You will find our Reflections Neighborhood is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents.  We offer security and comfort with a choice of floorplans as well as a secure courtyard for memory care residents.  Furthermore, MorningStar at Arrowhead has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, regular health monitoring, and is a pet friendly community.  We also offer assistance if needed with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals.

Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand.  We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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, we invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer.

Learn More About MorningStar at Bear Creek

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers the Colorado Springs area individualized, compassionate memory care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership.  We feel extremely blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by their hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  They are the kind of people that do the right thing even when no one is looking and willingly go the extra mile to help our residents. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s care is guided through “Radiance,” our proprietary program, which celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light.  It forms the framework for how our service is delivered – with warmth, sincerity and depth!  Additionally our Radiance program provides a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.

Once a team member is hired, they are trained in Radiance. and it is reiterated and strengthened each day during our daily “Huddle.”   We feel Radiance is lived out in a variety of ways throughout our community, and helps us to create an atmosphere of love, compassion and care as well as service professionalism.

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s loving Alzheimer’s care is designed to address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort.  Furthermore, as one of the area’s leading dementia care specialists, our community was designed from the ground up to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life.

Our community offers 48 secure suites, and includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.  We are also equipped to provide care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and all of the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.    

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Likes to Have Fun!

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead is dedicated to provide the best senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer.  Our community is specifically designed for seniors who value their independence but need a little assistance.   We provide a “true home” for our residents and strive to create a family-like atmosphere that is supportive and loving.  In addition to our wide range of wellness and fun activities and outings, we host special celebrations and events throughout the year.

Looking at the “Life Around Our House” section on our website, you will see an assortment of pictures from some of our special events at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  These activities range from a delightful Grandparent's Day full of friends, family and all-around fun to residents and team members having a rootin’ tootin’ good time at the MorningStar at Arrowhead hoedown.

We also encourage you to look at the picture of MorningStar at Arrowhead resident Bruce, who is a Co-Founder of Sun Country Corvette Club, when he received a special surprise. Nineteen Corvettes, ranging from old to new, were driven to our community to honor Bruce and make his wish come true. ​Along with events like the Labor Day White Out, when residents and team members dressed in white to celebrate the holiday, pumpkin carving, special birthday celebrations, a Beach Party Cookout and more, we always seem to have a good time!

Our community has 60 private assisted living suites along with 25 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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, we invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer.

Loneliness in Aging Adults Can Impact Their Health and Wellbeing

A study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that loneliness in aging adults can impact their health and wellbeing and be responsible for accelerating seniors’ decline and death.  They cite that “people 60-years-old and older who reported feeling lonely saw a 45 percent increase in their risk for death.  Isolated elders also had a 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline than their more social counterparts.”

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 28 percent of people 65 years and older (11 million at the time of the census) lived alone.  In addition to living alone, there are several reasons seniors feel lonesome including losing a spouse.   Furthermore, the AARP reports that more and more seniors do not have children, which means fewer family members available to provide companionship and care.  As many elderly people stop driving, they may not have a convenient way to get around and this can contribute to more feelings of isolation. 

Researchers also discovered that isolated seniors often behave in ways that make others less likely to want to spend time with them.  Not only do the seniors resist the efforts of those who want to reach out but actually push them away.

If you have an elderly parent or know someone who is living alone, there are some easy things you can do to make them feel cared about.  One way is to really engage them in conversation and ask questions and listen to their stories about the past.  Another thing you can do is to help them find a hobby they will enjoy or rekindle an interest in something they used to do.   If you live a distance from an elderly parent, call frequently and send greeting cards or small gifts that let them know you are thinking of them. 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Peoria area MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.  We provide an ideal place to socialize and form bonds with both residents and staff and all the comforts of a real home.  Please visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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, we invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer.

Source: agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm

Independent Living at MorningStar of Billings

MorningStar of Billings’ goal is to provide the best senior living in Billings and we invite you to take a closer look at the many benefits of moving into an independent living community. While some seniors feel strongly about remaining in their homes after retirement, other seniors are very happy to have discovered the advantages of community living.

A senior living community provides the opportunity to say goodbye to never-ending yard work, home maintenance and housekeeping chores.  After all who wants to spend precious retirement years mowing the lawn or shoveling snow when you can use the time for more fulfilling activities?  MorningStar of Billings provides residents with activities and programming that ensure you are never bored.  Whether you want to attend an exercise class, take a swim, play cards or a board game, get a haircut, or catch a movie, independent living gives you the chance to do it all on-site. 

Community living also solves another problem many seniors face - loneliness.  As we age, older adults can have difficulty getting out and about, and may be at risk for losing their social ties and more likely to develop health problems that come with loneliness.  An independent living community offers the advantage of a private apartment and the chance to socialize whenever you choose with built-in companionship.  Even if you are the type of person who values privacy, senior living offers the reassurance of having people around when you need them.  

Predictable budgeting is yet one more benefit of senior living as most of your living expenses will be included in your monthly fee.  At MorningStar of Billings that includes basic cable TV and utilities, daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, swimming pool, fitness room, onsite theatre, housekeeping and trash removal, and more.  Please visit our website for more information regarding our senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.  We feel privileged to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Balance Exercises are Easy to Do

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year.  The result is that “each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries; and over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.” 

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life. 

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere.  The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability.  They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises.  To do the standing on one-foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor.  Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite legs.  Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.  

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot.  Your heel and toes should be touching.  Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk.  Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps.  Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.    Along with a monthly calendar full of activities to engage residents, we offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving Alzheimer’s care community.

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises. 

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar of Arrowhead’s “Radiance” Program

One essential thing that sets MorningStar at Arrowhead apart from other senior living communities is our unique approach to service.  At MorningStar, all of our new team members are trained in our proprietary service program known as “Radiance.”  The program is much more than just a way to offer customer service to our residents but rather our brand standard of Service Excellence. 

The very essence of Radiance begins in a deep and sincere place, much like a beam of light, and celebrates an attitude of selflessness.  The program provides us with a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and is the basis for how we dispense service - through warmth, sincerity and depth.  Along with introducing the program to each new team member, we also will be reiterating and strengthening the program’s concepts during daily short meetings called the “Huddle.” 

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community rests in the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s compassionate and caring team always has a ready smile for our residents as well as the time to listen to a story and lend a helping hand where needed.   We invite you to visit our website to learn more about the area’s best assisted living and memory care.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living and memory care in Glendale, AZ.

Do You Need an Attorney that Specializes in Elder Law?

There are some legal problems unique to older adults that many attorneys are not equipped to provide accurate advice about such as Medicaid, Social Security or disability claims, trusts or estate planning, or issues regarding long term care.  When an elderly person requires the services of an attorney to protect their financial interests or to solve legal issues, experts recommend hiring an elder law attorney who specializes in advocating for the elderly and their loved ones.

The FindLaw website explains, “Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.”  However, remember that as with all attorneys, elder law attorneys also specialize in specific areas of the law so look for one that has the expertise you need.

Many families find it makes good sense to hire an elder attorney to protect and preserve their loved one’s assets when they sell their home to move into a senior living community.  This is a case where you would want to find one that specializes in financial and estate planning.  The elder attorney also can assist with legal issues that arise with the actual care of the senior including helping to sort out supplemental and long-term health insurance problems. 

An elder attorney can draw up a durable power of attorney as well as draft a living will, living trust or other advance directives, or set up conservatorships and guardianships.  They can help answer questions regarding nursing home resident rights and other patient rights,

To find an elder law attorney, experts recommend asking friends, family members or other business connections for referrals.  Findlaw.com says you can check online and read through websites or use their online attorney directory. 

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: elder.findlaw.com/what-is-elder-law/what-does-an-elder-law-attorney-do-.html

Join the MorningStar of Billings Family

At MorningStar of Billings, our whole team is committed to being one of the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in the area and to live up to our unique mission statements as follows:

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents    

MorningStar Senior Living’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Sixteen years later, MorningStar has continued to grow and prosper with over 30 communities in 10 states open or under construction.

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Our compassionate community is filled with love and laughter as we aspire to and nurture our core value of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  These are the ways by which we want to offer care and build Family for Life.

We are sure that once you learn more about our community you will agree with us that MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself our loving, home-like community.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a spacious campus in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood and resort-style amenities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Finding the Best Memory Care Community

If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in assisted living for those with memory impairment.  Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need. 

What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease?  The first recommendation is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one.   

In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, make a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair?  Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from?  It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. 

When you tour the community ask questions regarding the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training the staff receives.  Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the community has a visiting physician.  Also are residents given an individualized plan?  Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents?  Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space?

Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents.  Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy?  Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages?  Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one.     

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist 

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s Extraordinary Team

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s mission is to provide assisted living for dementia patients unmatched by other senior communities in Colorado Springs.  Our holistic care is extended not only for the comfort of our residents but to affirm their dignity and value; and in order for us to deliver on a promise of extraordinary care – it requires the commitment of an extraordinary MorningStar staff.

We are blessed to have assembled a distinguished team starting at the top with Executive Director, Larissa Evans who brings to our community her passion for serving seniors.  She is dedicated to changing the senior living environment for this wonderful and fragile population. She says “seniors have so many valuable life lessons to share. I love learning from their legacies and helping to honor their lives.” She goes on to explain that working at MorningStar whose mission aligns with her personal and professional values is “a dream come true.”

The whole dedicated, hardworking Bear Creek team are the type of people who are at the ready to meet every expressed (and often unexpressed) need as they care for our special residents.  MorningStar’s hiring process starts with heart, and as such, one of the first things we look for is character, kindness and selflessness.  We are committed to hiring individuals with a felt calling to serve and who love the idea of working with seniors.  These are the people residents and families will interact with every day, and we are certain that in no time, they will start to feel like part of your family.    

Every aspect of our memory care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving community.  While you are there, use the link on our home page to setup a tour or to inquire about pricing and availability. 

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Socialization is Beneficial to Seniors’ Health and Wellbeing

Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity.  Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression. 

Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis.  This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age.  A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated. 

Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Billings provide seniors a healthy lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness and community.  Our mission is to care for residents’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a loving, secure setting. MorningStar’s monthly calendar consists of a range of exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, and enjoyable, challenging games.  We also have fun celebrating holidays and hosting special events and outings. 

MorningStar of Billings offers 32 cottages and 72 spacious suites for senior independent living along with 70 assisted living suites for those needing help with daily activities.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  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.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source:

actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Billings

When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through.  It is traumatizing get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family.  As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of care your loved one will need.

At MorningStar of Billings, we want you to know we are here to help.  Our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community is located on the west end of town in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood near shopping, restaurants and medical facilities.   As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages. 

Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors.  All of our 36 memory care suites are in a separate area we call Reflections Neighborhood.  This spacious neighborhood is specifically designed to allow residents the independence to safely explore their surroundings. 

Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the unique needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs and activities and healthy, delicious meals.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information or to set up a tour of our loving community.

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Several Types of Cancer are Now Very Treatable

While it is never good to receive a diagnosis of cancer, today there are several types of cancer that are very treatable.  Research shows that, “The cancers with the highest 5-year relative survival rates include melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and breast, prostate, testicular, cervical, and thyroid cancer.”  However keep in mind that although these cancers are now relatively “curable,” success rates still depends on detection and treatment in the early stages. 

Although hesitant to call a patient cured, doctors say with the proper treatment in many of these cases all signs of the disease can be removed and the patient is considered to be in remission.  Survival rates for cancer are based on a 5-year period where the patient remains free of the cancer. 

One of the common cancers for men is prostate cancer.  Doctors now say if the disease is caught in stage 1 or stage 2, the man has a 99% relative 5-year survival rate.  Prostate cancer can grow very slowly or not at all, so in some cases doctors just monitor the disease.   

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common serious disease in women right after heart disease.  Today survival rates for stage 0 and 1 breast cancer are 99-100%. At stage 1, the cancerous tumors are typically less than 2 cm. in size and have not spread to other parts of the body.   

Another of the cancers on the list is Melanoma, a cancer of the skin.  When caught at stages 1A and 1B respectively, the 5-year survival rate is between 92 to 97%.   To detect problems early, doctors recommend regular checkups and screenings to find skin cancers and other diseases.  If you have any questions or concerns, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead is an assisted living and memory care community located in Glendale, AZ.  We provide the support services and physical environment to help seniors live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  In addition to 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, we do scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead 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 amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.  

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322700.php

The Connection between Alzheimer’s Disease & Diabetes

Studies have suggested a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection.  Moreover while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  

One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline.  However we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.  

Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the damage caused by the other.   With new research, experts hope to get a better understanding of the connection between the two diseases.  “That link may occur as a result of the complex ways that type 2 diabetes affects the ability of the brain and other body tissues to use sugar (glucose) and respond to insulin.”

We also know that diabetes increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may eventually lead to full blown dementia.  In addition, MCI can also appear years earlier in people who later are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer professional, loving dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and our beautiful community was specifically designed to serve the needs of those suffering from memory impairment diseases. As dementia specialists, we recognize that the essence of the person still exists – our job is to find ways to connect with that essence regardless of the level of memory loss. Please contact us for more information.  

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 are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ Extensive Care Services

The MorningStar of Fort Collins senior care community is a true destination for successful aging.  By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and our Wellness Care services complement one other to ensure each resident get the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.     

We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand. It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, a licensed nurse.  Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management.  Furthermore, we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as pharmacy services, onsite dental and podiatry services and more.    

Please visit our website for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Fort Collins, CO.  Our community includes 55 bright suites for assisted living and another 24 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar of Fort Collins offers the very best in senior care with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for more details about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Think You are Too Old to Pump Iron?

Think you are too old to pump iron?  Research shows that for the majority of seniors who still do exercise, their regimen only includes aerobic exercises such as walking, biking, jogging or swimming.  While these types of exercises are important to our overall health, an article published by the U.S. News & World Report explains why seniors can benefit from strength training.  They state that fitness professionals as well as healthcare providers report everyone from 18 to 80 needs to do both cardiovascular and strengthening exercises.

Recent research suggests that the benefits go beyond just building better tone and an improved shape as studies link “not just aerobic exercise but strength training with a reduced risk of death from all causes.”  This is why the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine recommends that even older adults follow their guidelines and do some level of strength training at least two days a week.  As Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, an associate professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine points out “very good evidence [is available] to show that 80-year-olds are just as able to improve their muscle mass as 50-year-olds. And this can be done reliably over a very short period of time – something as short as two to three months."

At MorningStar of Billings, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, and we take our residents wellbeing very seriously.  We have range of wellness programs and activities that support and engage our residents including physical activities, a fitness room and a swimming pool.  One look at our monthly calendar and you will see a variety of exercise classes available along with many other entertaining and meaningful programs. Please visit our website for more information and to set up a tour of our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.   

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source:

health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/2018-06-26/could-pumping-iron-help-you-live-longer

MorningStar of Billings Offers Assisted Living at Its Finest

If you are considering assisted living, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Billings.  Along with beautiful surroundings, we have meticulously seen to it that every detail has been paid to ensure residents the most carefree retirement possible.  In addition, we are proud to have a care team who feels called to serve seniors and help us to create a true home for our residents.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of assisted living, it is built on a European social model, and offers a new paradigm in wellness and engagement for those seniors who need a little support with personal daily care activities.  At MorningStar of Billings, new residents and their families sit down with our Wellness Director to create a care plan designed around their special needs and safety.  The resident will have around-the-clock Care Managers as well the services of our full-time licensed nurses on call 24/7 and onsite 5–7 days/week.  

Among our many services, we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, care planning reviews, and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  All assisted living residents receive three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both tasty and nutritional and served restaurant style in our dining room.  In addition, MorningStar of Billings offers scheduled transportation along with a whole host of enrichment programs to support and entertain residents. If you are wondering, are also pet friendly.   

Along with our assisted living suites, MorningStar of Billings also offers a senior independent living option with free standing two-bedroom cottages and suites with one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has secure suites dedicated to memory care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to learn more about our beautiful senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities. 

MorningStar of Billings offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.