Does Your Elderly Parent Love Cats or Dogs?

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 feelings 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 its 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.”

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale AZ’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Along with 60 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers 25 secure suites dedicated to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are now accepting new residents and are confident in our COVID-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.

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

Two Interesting Studies from the 2020 Alzheimer’s Association Conference

Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s. This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.

The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot. Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health. Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%.

The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older. In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.”

While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories. One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage. Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s.

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:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows

Communication is Key to a Better Doctor / Patient Relationship

Surveys have shown over and over again that people feel better about their doctor when they are feel they are really listened to. While it may be easy to blame your doctor for the lack of communication, experts suggest very often both parties are at fault. Doctors are under pressure to keep a tight schedule and patients come in unprepared to get answers to their questions.

The following suggestion can show you how to do your part as a patient to use the valuable time you have with your doctor better. First, take notes in between visits as things come up, and right before your appointment, go over your notes. Write down the most important issues you wish to discuss with the doctor. Try and keep it to two or three as there is not time to discuss much more (if you need, set up another appointment).

From the moment the doctor walks into the room, let them know you have a couple of things you wish to discuss. If your visit includes talking about treatment plans, ask questions about the risks involved and/or options available. Remember no question is too stupid, and if you and the doctor agree on a plan, make sure you understand it. At the end of the appointment, repeat back your understanding of what was decided during the visit. Before you leave the office, get a printed copy of any prescriptions and referrals.

The MorningStar of Billings senior living community has 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites for independent living; 70 suites for assisted living; and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community through a wide range of care services, amenities and enrichment programs.

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 the area’s top-rated assisted living & independent living.

When a Loved One with Dementia No Longer Recognizes You

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you. This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless. When we take time to go visit a family member with dementia in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.

However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how can we be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way? Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand? In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level. At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.

Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parent or spouse. If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture. Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present.

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on. It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we are dementia care specialists who provide both compassionate and professional care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care. Visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting. Visit our website for more information about our exceptional community.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Compassionate, Loving Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists. Unlike many other senior communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ needs in mind and are as good to look at as they are to eat.

Along with memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers 60 assisted living suites in a range of floorplans for those needing help with the activities of daily living. Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.

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

Using Heat or Ice to Lessen Pain & Inflammation

If you are like many of us, you may be confused whether you should use heat or cold to treat pain and/or inflammation. Medical experts explain that heat “boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body,” and that “cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain.” Thus heat is best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before excise. Cold can be used for short-term pain such as a sprain or strain. If you suffer from common ailments such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, or neck pain, doctors say you can treat it with either heat or cold.

Short-term relief can include the use of a gel pack either microwaved or frozen, a heating pad, or something as simple as a bag of frozen vegetable. You can also use a wash cloth held under hot or cold water and wrung out.

Doctors say whether you use heat or cold be sure to wrap a towel around the item to protect your skin. Apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times each day; however, be sure to let your skin return to its normal color and temperature before applying more heat or ice.

A warm shower or a soak in a warm tub is a good way to ease pain and loosen up muscles and joints; however, if you have heart problems and are over 70, please check with your doctor on whether it is safe for you. After exercise, soothe anyway aches and stiffness with a cool shower.

If you wake up each morning with pain and stiffness, try giving your clothes a few spins in the dryer and putting them on while they are still warm. Another idea is to use a melted paraffin and mineral oil wrap, which is available at most drugstores. Following the instructions, safely melt the mixture and dip the affected body part into the solution several times. Do not try this on skin with cuts or sores.

At MorningStar of Billings, we offer area seniors trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our wide range of services and amenities include among other things a fitness room and a spa bath. While situated in a residential neighborhood that offers spectacular views of the Rockies, our spacious campus is convenient to shopping, medical facilities, restaurants and more. Visit our website for 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. Please visit our website to learn why we are the first choice of area seniors for independent living and assisted living.

Moving a Parent into a Dementia Care Community

Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into dementia care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change. This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one.

While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change. However, please remember you did your homework and wisely chose the community you thought was the best option. You also recognize the community is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one. So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice.

First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem. Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help. Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them.

If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia. Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change. While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary.

In addition, you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the community. And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move. Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own.

If you are looking for memory care in Colorado Springs, please consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents. Moreover, you will be pleased to know that we consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and that we are here to help. Visit our website for contact information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting. Visit our website for more information about our exceptional community.

Why Go it Alone?

We know it can be a difficult decision to move from your family home but admit it, now that the kids are all living on their own, doesn’t it feel like there’s a lot of empty space? While a 2017 survey found that 20 percent of seniors over 80 wish to remain in their current home, approximately 40 percent would like to move somewhere they can safely age in place. Half of those respondents said they would love a place in an urban setting with easy access to the city’s offerings.

Especially given the danger that COVID-19 presents to older adults, senior living communities can be a safe bubble and provide seniors with the knowledge that they are not alone. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our focus it to keep all those beneath our roof safe, while at the same time, provide a range of services that makes life just that much easier for residents.

For instance, our excellent food service is under the direction of Executive Chef, Jim Carlson, who has been passionately feeding our residents delicious, nutritional meals for almost 6 years. Jim‘s menus offer independent and assisted living residents foods they are accustomed to as well as comforted by…the traditional fare of their generation. Also a daily meal service means as a resident, you will no longer have to prepare and cook your own meals or get out and shop for the ingredients.

As an assisted living resident, you will be provided with a range of care services designed to help you maintain your independence. In addition we provide our own scheduled transportation service, which means if you have stopped driving, you will no longer have to rely on public transportation. MorningStar of Billings residents know they will not have to miss an important doctor’s appointment or be unable to take care of errands.

Moreover our community offers wellness programs and activities (some may be curtailed due to COVID) that help residents keep in shape physically as well as mentally, spiritually and socially. Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website for more information on the area’s top-rated independent living, assisted living and memory care. Come join our family!

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

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Extensive Care Services

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

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

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

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

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

For the area’s finest assisted living, Glendale AZ area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead. Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO regarding 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 Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

A Good Night’s Sleep is Essential to Every Aspect of our Lives

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being. In fact doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as is regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into most every aspect of our lives.

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite.

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance. A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed. Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health. A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression. Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.”

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to. Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.

If you are looking for a relaxing, carefree lifestyle, and a comfy new home to lay your head in each night, we invite you to take a look at our beautiful senior living community. Located in the west end of Billings, the largest city in Montana, MorningStar of Billings is situated in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood that offers spectaculars views of the Rockies but is still near to shopping and medical facilities. We offer 32 cottages and another 72 bright suites for independent living as well as 70 suites for assisted living. We also provide 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Visit our website to learn more about why residents say our community is so special.

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 visitour website to learn more about Billings’ first choice for assisted living and independent living.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

Many Seniors Suffer from Chronic Foot Pain

As we age, many seniors suffer from chronic foot pain that includes stress fractures, tendonitis, fat pad atrophy, plantar fasciitis, acute and chronic osteoarthritis and more. Sometimes the problem can be the result of old injuries, or in the case of women, wearing high heels or shoes with too small of a toe box. Other foot problems may be caused by systematic diseases like diabetes, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Stress fractures are more commonly found in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis but men can also suffer from them. If you are at risk, experts recommend strengthening your bones by exercising, and if you are overweight, by dieting. They also say to talk to your doctor to ask if you should be on a medication.

While osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the mechanical wear and tear on joints and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, both can cause tenderness, pain, or stiffness and swelling in the feet, and make mobility more difficult. Sometimes RA even causes alignment changes that result in foot deformities.

Another common problem especially for seniors is fat pad atrophy. Even if you have put on a few extra pounds with age, the one place you do not want to lose fat or a cushioned padding is on the bottom of your feet. Fat pad atrophy causes pain in the ball of your foot and heel and can be eased by extra cushioning or custom-made foam shoe inserts. In the most extreme cases, filler injections are used to replace the fat pad.

Also the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons report that approximately 2 million patients each year are treated for plantar fasciitis that occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is typically the result of repetitive stain to the ligament of the sole of the foot and is caused by walking, running, jumping, or poor footwear. Treatments include icing to reduce pain and inflammation, stretching exercises, and shoe inserts.

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.

An Easy Exercise with Many Benefits

The Arthritis Foundation says that walking is an excellent aerobic exercise that is easy on the joints and easy to do.  There is no need to drive to the gym or to buy special equipment but rather just lace up your most supportive walking shoes and hit the road.

Experts say that walking offers several benefits such as improving the heart rate, lowing blood pressure and strengthening the heart.  A study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that “women who walk 30 minutes a day may reduce their risk of stroke by 20% and by 40% when they step up their pace.”  They also found that post-menopausal women who walk one to two miles a day can lower their blood pressure by nearly 11 points in 24 weeks.    

If you have started walking as a way to help you lose weight and don’t see results yet, keep in mind that walking at a brisk pace burns approximately 200 calories in just 30 minutes, and that adds up over time.  In fact, a study out of the University of Tennessee found that women who walk had less body fat than their counterparts who didn’t walk. 

Walking especially offers benefits for seniors such as strengthening muscles, which in turn support the joints.  Stronger muscles in the legs and abdomen reduce the stress we put on our joints, and also helps with balance thus reducing our risk for falls.  Movement such as walking circulates the joint fluid and sends nutrients and oxygen to the joint cartilage.

Another bonus of walking according to Michael A. Schwartz, MD, of Plancher Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in New York, is it can stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis.  In post-menopausal women, just 30 minutes of walking each day reduced the risk of hip fractures by 40%.  Other benefits of walking for older adults appear to include a slowing of cognitive decline, improved sleep and a longer life. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

Source: arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking

Send a Gift Basket to Your Elderly Loved One

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, MorningStar of Fort Collins may be your answer.  Our beautiful community has 55 stylish assisted living care suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 24 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

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.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, We Offer a True Home

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, MorningStar at Arrowhead is committed to providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness with a care team that feels honored to serve seniors.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 60 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.

While the country slowly gets back to normal and continues to reopen, we want you to know that MorningStar at Arrowhead will still be closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  This includes prohibiting 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 personal protective equipment. 

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.” 

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Glendale AZ’s MorningStar at Arrowhead encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving home.

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

Learn More About MorningStar at Bear Creek

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek has earned a reputation for trusted dementia care, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to walk along our residents (and their families) on this unexpected journey.   If you are new to the name MorningStar allow us to introduce ourselves.  MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger whose intention was to create senior housing that felt like the loving atmosphere of his grandmother’s Mid-west home.  We now have 25+ senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US. 

We sincerely believe our astounding success is attributed to a mission statement of honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing in our team’s ability to serve well.  MorningStar communities are also deliberate in the type of culture we strive to create, which is why it is important for us to hire individuals that believe residents are to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.  

When a family comes to MorningStar at Bear Creek looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help.  Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences.  We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation.

Also, we use a reimagined philosophy and approach we call “Lavender Sky,” which we consider to be the next logical step to what MorningStar has always believed and aspired to be as dementia care specialists.  The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, team members are asked to attend eight-hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, MorningStar at Bear Creek’s 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 still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. 

Visit the World from the Comfort of Your Living Room

While many of us are not vacationing at the present, there are still ways to safely “travel” the world. We all know virtual trips may not be as exciting as being there firsthand, but with the right attitude, they can be fun and informative.  Also let’s face it, we can visit many more places via our tablet or computer than most of us will ever visit in person, and it sure is easier on our pocketbook.  

One quick google search on your tablet will bring up a whole host of virtual tours of some of the world’s most famous museums, landmarks, national parks, and other attractions.  Also if you were an Anthony Bourdain fan, you can access old episode on Amazon Prime or watch all kinds of travel shows through your cable provider. 

We all know the Louvre in Paris houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but taking their virtual tour also walks you through several other masterpieces including the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Virgin of the Rocks, and The Coronation of Napoleon among others.  In addition you can explore their large collection of Egyptian Antiquities, the remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the Galerie d’Apollon, known for its high vaulted ceiling with elaborate painted decorations.

If ancient indigenous artifacts is more your thing, we encourage you to take a tour of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, Mexico.  Filled with archaeological and historic artifacts of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage, you can browse through 23 exhibit rooms that include items from the Mayan civilization.

Or have you always wanted to take a trip to Yellowstone National Park?  A virtual tour of the park features information on the geological formations, including Old Faithful as well as pictures of wildlife and breathtaking scenery.  Other wonders of the world found on the Internet include places like the Great Wall of China, Buckingham Palace, the Roman Colosseum, and the White House so pack your virtual bags and begin your adventure!

At the MorningStar of Billings’ independent living, assisted living and memory care community, our highest priority is the wellbeing and comfort of our residents.  Visit our website to learn more about our amenities, our services, and our company’s philosophy toward senior living.  We look forward to hearing from you and your family. 

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 and use our Virtual Assistant to request a tour or info on pricing and availability at the area’s top independent living, assisted living and memory care community. 

Source: globotreks.com/tips/best-virtual-tours-world/

Compassionate, Holistic Dementia Care in Colorado Springs

MorningStar at Bear Creek is unique from many other senior communities as we were built from the ground up to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Starting with our community’s physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  

To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value.  Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. 

Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads.  We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members.  At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better.

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers 48 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short-term stays.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted dementia care as well as to inquire about availability and pricing.  

While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect all those who dwell beneath our roofs, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.  This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease!   

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Visit our website for more information about our exceptional community. 

Lifestyle Habits of People Who Live the Longest

Over the last couple of decades, researchers have become interested in why people in certain areas across the globe have a longer lifespan.  While America’s current average age expectancy is 78 years old, it is much higher in many other places in the world.  Areas such as Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Icaria, Greece count many more centenarians among their population.  These regions are known as “Blue Zones,” and the individuals living well into their 90s and more are typically healthy in both mind and body. 

National Geographic writer, Dan Buettner, spend years studying each culture, and wrote a book about his findings called, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.  In his book, he cites 9 lifestyle habits that all of the groups had in common.

One of the habits he mentions is that the very elderly in these areas continue to move naturally as part of their everyday life and some still work in the fields.  Conversely in our country, many people lead sedentary lifestyles and find it difficult to get enough exercise.  John Day, MD, author of The Longevity Plan, suggests ways to remedy the problem.  He writes, “For example you could take a vow to never use an elevator or escalator again unless the stairs are restricted. Other options include an evening walk or doing everything possible to avoid having to use a car. Even vacations can be scheduled in a way that is physically active, like a vacation centered around skiing, hiking, or cycling.”

Another common trait shared by many of the elderly in the Blue Zones is that they still had a purpose in life.  Many studies support that by reporting the connection between our minds, our health, and our sense of purpose is very powerful and leads to better health outcomes.  Simply said you need to have a reason to get out of bed each morning. 

It is also recommended that we eat until we are only 80 percent full and stick to a “plant-forward diet.”  Along with eating lots of vegetables and whole grains, cut back or eliminate sugar-filled or processed foods from your diet.  Other suggestions for longevity include maintaining strong family ties, having a sense of community and a good social life.   

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Glendale, AZ’s MorningStar at Arrowhead Creek may be the place for you.  Our residents receive nutritional, tasty meals and have access to wellness programs and activities along with a wide range of care services.  Please visit our website to learn why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

Source: wellandgood.com/good-advice/blue-zone-power-9/

Would You Like a Cup of Tea?

Researchers say that something as simple as a cup of tea each day may help put you at a lower risk for cognitive decline.  We have known for a while that green tea, black tea and oolong tea, which all have high amounts of antioxidants, are associated with a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Now a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, reports that tea, and especially green tea, may benefit our brain with a better working memory.   

When compared to adults who rarely drank tea, individuals who drank tea on a regular basis had a 50 percent lower risk of cognitive decline.  Moreover researchers say drinking tea even provided some level of protection for those who have the APOE e4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, by having an 86 percent lower risk of cognitive decline.  

The study, led by Feng Lei from the Department of Psychological Medicine at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, explained that, “Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. The data from our study suggests that a simple and inexpensive lifestyle measure such as daily tea drinking can reduce a person’s risk of developing neurocognitive disorders in late life.”

Communities offering assisted living for dementia patients such as MorningStar at Bear Creek care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Our all-inclusive, holistic approach allows us to provide the amenities and services residents require for their utmost comfort and safety.  MorningStar’s loving community in Colorado Springs has 48 secure suites in a range of floorplans including spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.  Please visit our website for more information about the area’s most trusted memory care as well as availability and pricing. 

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

Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316619#Up-to-86-percent-lower-risk-of-cognitive-decline-for-tea-drinkers

For More Effective Fall Prevention, Include Balance Exercises

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do. 

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.  

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do for 3 times on each side. 

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why we offer a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Our community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care, and is confident in our protocols for protecting our residents against COVID-19.  We are safely accepting new residents.   

***This blog is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider. ***

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 request a tour, for availability and pricing, or to ask a question regarding independent living or assisted living.        

Sources:

healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try