Learn More About High Blood Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MorningStar of Fort Collins is Staying Strong

Despite the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country and the world, MorningStar of Fort Collins residents and team members are staying strong. While we have temporarily closed our community to all non-essential visitors and vendors for the safety of all inside our home, we are cheered by the incredibly encouraging support from residents’ families and our surrounding community.  Each homemade poster held up to the window, every thoughtful email sent in the wee hours, and calls of faith and courage do much to sustain us in the fight against COVID-19 and help keep up the spirits of residents and team members alike.

We have no higher responsibility than that of the Safety and Security of our residents, families and team members, and have implemented protocols and procedures following guidelines –and in some cases exceeding them- from the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  This includes checking staff temperatures at the start and the close of their shift, having unwell team members stay home, and conducting mandatory training for all team members on infection control with a heightened emphasis on hand sanitation.  

In terms of community cleaning, we have ordered extra inventory of disinfectant and related cleaning supplies.  In addition, for the time being, we have eliminated communal dining and assisted living residents receive meals in their suite (there are a few exceptions) and memory care residents eat as usual but spaced apart from one another.  

The MorningStar of Fort Collins team understands the worry of our residents and their families, which is why we send regular updates whenever new developments or protocols dictate.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our COVID-19 protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe.  Our community offers 55 suites for assisted living care and 24 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers residents the best assisted living home in the area.

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Loving Memory Care

Committed to be the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  With 25 memory care suites, MorningStar at Arrowhead is equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings. 

In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

Along with memory care, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers exceptional assisted living.   Please visit our website for more information about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. 

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

Great Leadership is More Important than Ever

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

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

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

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

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

Update on Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Unforgettable Series - Navigating the Journey of Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

Legal & Financial Planning After a Diagnose of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you and your family will need to take steps to plan for your/their future.  Experts advise families that along with discussing dementia care options, they financially and legally plan for the future. 

The National Institute on Aging advises the person to examine and update their financial and healthcare arrangements as soon as possible. By having legal and financial documents in place, such as a will, a living trust, and advance directives, it ensures the person’s late-stage or end-of-life healthcare and financial decisions are carried out.      

The NIA suggests having a lawyer draw up and maintain the documents as they understand State law and can help update changes to a person’s circumstances such as divorce or a death in the family, and other applicable changes.  These documents should include Advance Directives for Health Care: 

A living will expresses the person’s wishes in regard to medical treatment near the end of life when they can no longer make known their decisions regarding healthcare.  In addition, some people have a Do Not Resuscitate Order signed by a doctor, placed in their medical file that instructs healthcare professionals to not perform CPR in the event they stop breathing or their heart stops.  

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that specifically designates a person (sometimes known as an agent or proxy) to make healthcare decisions for the individual when they no longer have the capacity to do so.  This document applies to all healthcare decisions and for all types of medical conditions. 

Advance Directives for Financial and Estate Management must be done while a person still has the legal capacity to make decisions and includes a durable power of attorney for finances.  This designates a person of your choosing to manage and make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with exceptional memory care, we provide the best assisted living Glendale AZ offers.  Please visit our website for more information.

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

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Seniors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 

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

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Holistic View of Healthcare

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Glendale offers, which includes a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for senior living in the area. 

To start with, all assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more).  Also they have access to a licensed nurse onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock; and every shift has an employee who is CPR certified.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically do Care Plan reviews and update residents’ care plans as needed.  

Our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system ensures accurate records of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system maintains accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents as well as enhances privacy and security of the data. 

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services. 

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof.

For more information, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at our Care Services page as well as the message from our CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 AZ has to offer.

Take a Virtual Tour of MorningStar at Arrowhead

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.  We you to know that we are accepting new assisted living and memory care residents, and that we have every confidence in the safety protocols we are taking in our aggressive defense against the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

During normal times, interested seniors and their families are encouraged to set up in-person tours of our beautiful home.  However, as we have temporarily suspended all non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community for the safety of our residents and team members during the coronavirus outbreak, we invite you to visit our website and take a virtual tour.

Here you will get a good look at some of our open common areas including dining rooms library, theater, salon and more.  You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. 

We think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense of every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves.  MorningStar is following closely—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. 

To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the letters MorningStar has received from our families.  They write, “Although, it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  

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

Take Precautions as Summer Heats Up

Now that summer is near it is important for seniors, and those that care for them, to remember to take precautions as outdoor temperatures begin to heat up.  Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity, and even temperatures less than 100 degrees can cause a heat-related illness. Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia (a body temperature greatly above normal) are over 50 years old, and health problems can put you at greater risk.

As we age the body does not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes as it did when we were younger.  This can be caused by heart or blood vessel problems, under-active sweat glands and normal age-related changes in the skin.  Another factor is that many elderly people suffer from chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases that can affect normal body responses to heat.   

Also prescription drugs including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and inhibit perspiration.  Other problems that can make seniors more susceptible to heat-related stress are being overweight and drinking alcoholic beverages.   

To avoid the dangers of heat-related illnesses, experts advise seniors to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day, and to stay away from caffeinated drinks.  They also recommend if possible, to remain indoors during the heat of the day and do not engage in strenuous activities.  If you feel too warm, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, dress in lightweight clothing and get into an air-conditioned environment. 

Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider.

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

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Sandwiched Between Caring for Your Elderly Parents & Kids?

If your responsibilities include caring for elderly parents as well as children still living at home, you are not alone and may be a Gen Xers (Americans born between 1965 and 1980).  Psychologist Jonathon Sikorski, director of wellness education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, explains the problem with the following: “You’re balancing the demands of raising and supporting children and worrying about your parents' independence and well-being. It’s tough,”

Researchers report that around half of all U.S. adults in their 40s or 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child.  Also known as the sandwich generation, many of them provide similar care to both their children and senior parents such as bathing, dressing and feeding along with transportation to activities and doctor appointments.  If your parent has a chronic disease like Parkinson’s, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes, your duties may include running errands, grocery shopping, and helping with chores around their home. 

The constant juggling of caregiver duties can be very stressful. Now add in a global pandemic where vulnerable seniors who are most at risk are being asked to stay home and isolate.  This has created a quandary for many who are trying to safely provide support for elderly parents while not bringing illness into their home.  If you have not considered it before, now may be the perfect time to look into senior living communities such as MorningStar of Billings.  We are safely accepting new residents and abiding by guidelines – and in many cases exceeding them – set by the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. 

As a resident in one of our independent living or assisted living suites, or our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, your parent will have 24/7 help available to them.  We provide nutritional daily meals, socialization, and offer medication management and transportation services.  Please visit our website to learn more and for contact 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 for information regarding the area’s most trusted independent living and assisted living. 

The MorningStar Family

MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, first began forming the idea of starting a company from a desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He says his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  This simple but profound concept has driven the overwhelming success of our MorningStar brand.  Now sixteen years later, MorningStar continues to add communities across the Western U.S., including MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our goal is to create a true home for our residents - one that feels like a family.  To help us achieve this, our dedicated team strives to live up to our unique mission statement, which includes honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships and valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.  The last part of our mission statement is to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well, as we know our brand demands committed individuals who will use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve our residents.  

We also aspire to and nurture our core values of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness to help us build our MorningStar family.  As one potential resident’s family member described MorningStar: “Touring MorningStar at Bear Creek was impressive: enlightening as well as welcoming. The staff made sure all our questions and concerns were addressed by appropriate staff experts. The team was helpful, informative and efficient in helping us prepare for move-in. We feel a part of this community already!”

MorningStar at Bear Creek works hard to provide assisted living for dementia patients unmatched by other senior communities in Colorado Springs.   We have 48 suites that include a configuration of floor plans from studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments along with the amenities and services to assure your loved ones’ comfort, safety and wellbeing.  We consider it an honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

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

Common Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease

There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.     

One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over.  In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years.  Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise.  Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain.  As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital.     

People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it.  The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.”  Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly.  While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as their 40s and 50s.

Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease.  Studies have shown no such correlation between the two.  Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable.  

Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider.  Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our 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.  We take a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website for more information.

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

Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer

alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease

Dealing with the New Normal

The fact that people are experiencing increased levels of anxiety is one of the many consequences of living in such uncertain times.  In fact one poll from the Washington Post and ABC News in late March, says that “77 percent of American women and 61 percent of men were reporting personal stress.”  The poll also found that 69% of Americans are worried about family members, and even more worry that the economic impact will be greater or worse than the Great Recession.  

So how do we deal with the new normal?  Experts stress that we need to remember to take care of ourselves, both our bodies and our minds.  As we work from home, take care of our families full-time, and deal with the worries of the world; don’t forget to take the time to check in and listen to what you need.  

Ben Crocker, MD, a medical director for a large primary care practice and a healthy lifestyle advocate, reminds us that it is okay to mourn for what we have lost.  He says it is normal to feel sad about not being able to see family members or friends or unhappy about not being able to attend worship services or a favorite activity or class.  When we acknowledge loss, it helps us to feel more grounded with our reality.  Dr. Crocker suggests we intentionally add some ‘shutdown’ time in our schedule for “meditation and quietude.”

Other tools to help cope with anxiety include eating a nutrient-rich diet and making time to take a walk, ride your bike or exercise at home.  Also remember it is important to get enough sleep each night as well as to connect socially with loved ones.  Finally, don’t get caught up in just focusing on the negative but rather take some time out each day to be grateful for what we do have. 

For the area’s finest memory care and assisted living, Glendale area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We are still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

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.

Sources:

washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/anxiety-coronavirus-sleep-memory-anger-focus/2020/04/03/61dab1b0-75b9-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html

health.harvard.edu/blog/6-self-care-steps-for-a-pandemic-always-important-now-essential-2020041619563

Know the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

As we age, many of us experience occasional memory loss.  While it may be worrisome, most likely it is just a normal part of growing older.  In the case of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life.  The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and recommends if you or a loved one has any of them, to see your health care provider. 

The first sign that you or a loved one’s memory loss may be a sign of a bigger problem is constantly forgetting new information.  Memory loss may include: needing to have the same information repeated over and over; forgetting important dates and events; and relying more and more on family members or memory aids to handle things.  

Another way memory loss can adversely affect a person’s life is when it becomes difficult to problem solve.  He or she may find it hard to do things they have done well in the past such as keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe.  Some individuals with Alzheimer’s have problems losing their way when traveling familiar routes or keeping track of the month or season of the year.  Also, a person may start putting things away in odd places and not remember where they put them.  We encourage you to read the Alzheimer’s Association’s full list of common signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is committed to provide the best assisted living for dementia patients, and our community was designed from the ground up to provide a safe, supportive and loving environment.  Our compassionate team considers it their calling as well as their privilege to care for our tender residents. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.

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

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

Source:  alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

Billings MT’s Most Trusted Independent & Assisted Living

The MorningStar story began with a vision from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wanted to re-create senior housing that was defined by the human touch and felt much like his grandmother’s house – “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”   Out of this loving concept that focuses on the power of relationships, came three mission statements upon which MorningStar was founded: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals;  and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.   

Following these precepts, the MorningStar of Billings’ independent living and assisted living community is committed to providing the area with a lifestyle of wellness and comfort for carefree retirement years.  To serve the various needs of seniors, we offer 32 free-standing cottages as well as 72 bright suites for independent living.  In addition we have another 70 assisted living suites and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.

While Montana slowly gets back to normal and our state starts begins to reopen, we want you to know that MorningStar of Billings senior living community will still be following the Governor’s guidelines to ensure the safety of our residents and team members.  This includes continuing to prohibit non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community. Also all team members who interact with residents must follow strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection, and we will continue the daily screening of staff for symptoms and prevent those who are ill from coming to work. 

Currently we are safely accepting new residents; however it is being done in conjunction with a thorough screening process.  New residents move directly into their private suite, where they will remain for a 14-day quarantine period; and staff entering the room will wear full PPE. 

Remember our first commitment is to the safety of all those in our care.  Listen to what one resident’s daughter writes about her experience, “Although it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  Please contact us via our website or give us a call to learn more including availability and pricing for trusted independent and assisted living. 

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

MorningStar at Bear Creek Offers Dementia Care that Embraces Hope

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s 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. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our community is dedicated to caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia care specialists, the entire building is designed to accommodate the needs of our tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages. 

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to dementia 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 at Bear Creek’s residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our community 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 Bear Creek 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 communities, ramped up our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and more.  Please visit our website or give us a call for additional information on the most trusted dementia care in Colorado Springs as well as for information about our COVID-19 protocols. 

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

Dietary Recommendations to Help Reduce Inflammation

Medical experts say that while inflammation helps our bodies to fight illness and can be a necessary part of the healing process, there are some people whose immune systems do not work as they should, and they suffer from chronic inflammation.  This condition manifests itself in various diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, asthma and metabolic syndrome (“a collection of conditions that tend to occur together, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease”).

However the good news is researchers have found evidence that shows our diet may help us manage many of the symptoms of these diseases.  They report that, “An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and spices.”  Foods to avoid or to limit consumption of include processed foods, red meats, and alcohol.

Doctors recommend approaching an anti-inflammatory diet as less of a specific regimen but more as a new, healthier style of eating. Two examples of diets that incorporate anti-inflammatory foods are the Mediterranean and DASH diets and favors foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids over those that increase the production of free radicals, which are believed to lead to cell damage. 

Research shows that sugary or processed foods can trigger or worsen inflammation, and that some foods such as those fried in very hot cooking oil can trigger the formation of free radicals.  Other factors that can increase the body’s free radicals include stress and smoking.   

Arthritis Foundation also notes that research has identified foods that can help control inflammation.  These include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards, nuts like almonds and walnuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, and fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.  Please keep in mind that anyone with a chronic health condition involving inflammation should consult their healthcare provider about the best dietary options for them.

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

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320233#takeaway