It's Common for Those with Dementia to Wander

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn More About Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn More About MorningStar at Arrowhead

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

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

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

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

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

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

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Exceptional Assisted Living

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Worried About Your Parent Living Alone?

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living care, which focuses on providing residents the daily help they need to retain as much independence as possible.       

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So, find out if the assisted living home you are thinking about has limitations in terms of how much care the community provides should their needs change.  

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs.  

While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and senior living communities, MorningStar of Fort Collins wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the coronavirus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   MorningStar of Fort Collins is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You May Want to Rethink the Documents You Carry with You

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 

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

Making Difficult Decisions for a Loved One with Dementia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fall Prevention Strategies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a New Doctor?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seniors Sure have Seen a Lot During Their Lifetime!

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Caring for a Loved One With Dementia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Benefits of Robotic Pets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protect Your Bones with Healthy Habits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy Things to Do to Improve Your Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Practical Tip for Wearing a Mask with Glasses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 

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