A Robotic Pet is Comforting to Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However, dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words. 

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch. 

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.  We support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky; and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Please visit our website for contact information. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about the finest senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

The Move-In Process at MorningStar

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to be one of the finest retirement communities Glendale offers, with an extensive range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.  Located in a popular residential neighborhood on the north side of the city, our beautiful community was designed by the nationally renowned firm of Thoma-Holec Design, the award-winning specialist in senior living interiors.

 When a loved one needs more care than they can get in their own home, it may be time to start thinking about a move to assisted living.  If your family is new to the concept of senior living and all it means, please know that MorningStar will work with you each step of the way to help you make informed decisions, and make the eventual move-in process easier.  

To start with, we understand that for your parent or elderly relative, the move is a major lifestyle transition, which is why we approach each move-in with great sensitivity.  One way we do this is to try and nurture a relationship from the start that reinforces the positive aspects of community life and tries to help the person envision the many possibilities of a new adventure.  

Once your family puts down a deposit to secure a chosen suite, our “House to Home” plan goes into full swing.  This starts by collecting pertinent information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move-in including a medical assessment and physician’s care plan for each new assisted living and memory care resident.     

On a more practical level, we offer packing tips including what items are most important to bring such as furnishings and personal belongings that are most significant emotionally, nostalgically as well as functionally.  We want the resident’s new “home” to bring them comfort and joy, which is why we suggest if possible, furnishings should be arranged similar to their prior residence.  Keep in mind; it is especially helpful to those with low vision or cognitive impairment.     

This is just a start of the on-going support we extend to new residents and their families.  We are ready to answers any questions you may have and direct you to our website for contact information as well as other pertinent details.  MorningStar at Arrowhead’s entire team is engaged in finding ways to build a true family, one loving relationship at a time. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Research Suggests Not Getting Enough Sleep May Increase Your Risk for Dementia

Research suggests sleeping less than five hours a night can increase our risk for dementia. The journal Aging published a study done over a period of five years that supported earlier research by finding people who slept less than five hours a day were at greater risk for dementia. The study looked at the sleep patterns of 2,600 people over the age of 65. 

Participants who slept less than five hours a night had almost double the risk of being diagnosed with dementia over the course of the study from those who slept seven to nine hours a day. Another risk factor was poor quality of sleep or taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. There was also a greater risk of dying for the poor sleepers. 

While this study involved people over 65 years of age and took place over a handful of years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently published a study involving people in their 50s and 60s. It found those who slept six hours or less per night were more likely to develop dementia later in life. Participants were interviewed on six occasions between 1985 and 2016 about how many hours they slept each night. For accuracy, some participants “wore accelerometers to objectively measure sleep time. Over the course of the study, 521 participants were diagnosed with dementia, at an average age of 77.” Other studies report the risk for dementia is increased in people who sleep more than nine hours a night. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, we specialize in providing memory care assisted living for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Our home has 48 suites in a variety of floor plans; and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We know having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is difficult and want you to know we are here to help. Visit our website to learn more our beautiful community, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

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 care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: 

nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lack-sleep-middle-age-may-increase-dementia-risk

Tips to Defuse Emotion-driven Anger and Stress

Intense reactive moments of anger and stress often lead to feelings of helplessness, fear and anxiety; however experts say it is important to remember those thoughts are typically created in our minds. Albert Ellis, the developer of the ABCDE method, a classic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) technique, explains its purpose is to provide individuals a clear framework in which to examine and control internal emotions in a healthier way. 

To understand the ABCDE method, start by analyzing an event you strongly reacted to, and now upon reflection, wish you had responded to in a more controlled emotional manner. Focusing on anger management, experts say you need to identify the triggers that caused the meltdown. Starting with the “A” in the ABCDE method is the activating event. This includes recognizing what event occurred right before you lost control of your emotions and gives you the information you need to pay attention the next time the situation happens.   

The “B” is the belief. This means critically thinking about what you believed happened. Is it based on faulty or incomplete information? The “C” is consequences and includes challenging your belief to see if it is actually right. This includes asking yourself how you would you handle the situation if you were calmer.

The “D” involves disputing inaccurate or harmful emotions, asking yourself if your belief aligns with reality as well as letting go of unhelpful thoughts. Finally the “E” stands for explore your options. Once you step away from unhelpful feelings, what would be more helpful? Do you need to create another way of thinking based on more reasonable beliefs? 

At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, we provide area seniors with trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community is a true home and built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in our team. We encourage you to visit our website for more details on our availability of cottages and suites and to learn more information regarding our wide range of amenities and services.  

Source: mindfulnessmuse.com/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/gaining-control-is-as-easy-as-a-b-c-d-e

Some Findings of Dementia Research

In a recent article from Medical News Today, experts explain the various areas dementia research is focused on including: “understanding how the condition works, why it develops, and how it might be treated. Importantly, there is also a focus on how we can improve the lives of people with dementia.” 

Dr. Kellyn Lee, a chartered psychologist and research fellow in aging and dementia at the University of Southampton, in the U.K., is one researcher focused on trying to improve the lives of those suffering from dementia. Her program, called the “Material Citizenship Framework Project,” is being used to demonstrate to staff working with dementia patients just how important patients’ possessions and identities are to their wellbeing. Dr. Lee says in one case an Alzheimer’s patient was distressed at not recognizing herself. It turns out before her illness; she dyed her hair and didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror with gray hair. Personal possessions can help people to connect with and help maintain their identity. Dr. Lee explains, “Losing access to frequently used possessions can cause disempowerment and confusion. To observers, this confusion can sometimes seem like dementia progression.”

Another group of researchers are working to improve the lives of people in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s with the development of HUG comforters. These soft blankets have weighted limbs, a heartbeat and the ability to play the person’s favorite music. Studies show a HUG can help reduce anxiety and agitation, and embrace the person in a soft hug. 

In the on-going race for effective treatments for Alzheimer’s, some researchers are looking at repurposing certain drugs. One example is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin has shown to improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients in a small clinical trial but more studies need to be done. Others are studying the connection between cardiac disease and Alzheimer’s and how decreased blood flow adversely impacts our brains.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we specialize in serving those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our community is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, they deserve the best memory care in Colorado Springs. Please 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.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-research-whats-exciting-the-experts#2

Want to be More of a “Morning Person?”

While everyone’s internal clock runs on its own pace to a degree, it is influenced by age, gender and genes, along with ambient light, the time of day we take our meals and other outside factors. If you are tired of hearing stories about morning people being more productive, and know your job and other commitments would be easier to accomplish if you were more alert during the morning hours, experts say there are things you can do to change. 

Dr. Doha Ayish, neurologist at Houston Methodist, explains being a morning person has many benefits beginning with the fact it is the natural tendency of the human brain. He says, "Morning people are those who rise from sleep fairly easily and are most productive and/or active in the mornings." While they effectively get work and chores done in the early hours of the day, it can have a downside if the person stays up too late and still rises at their regular morning time. Sleep experts say this is why it is important to keep a regular sleep schedule for optimal performance. 

If you are a night owl, experts say you can reverse your internal clock to an extent with the following suggestions. The first step is to work on modifying your circadian rhythm (internal clock) with exposure to morning sunlight. This could include taking a walk first thing in the morning or sitting near a window exposed to sunlight. A change in your circadian rhythm might result in you not even needing an alarm clock to wake up in the morning. 

Another suggestion includes avoiding blue light at night an hour or two before bedtime. This is due to the fact blue light inhibits the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleepiness. Following a regular meal schedule will also help regulate your circadian rhythm and help you to become a more enthusiastic morning person as will sticking to a regular bedtime. Other tips include exercising regularly, limiting your caffeine intake and making sure your bedroom is dark at night.

At MorningStar of Billings, we provide the area with independent living, assisted living and memory care. To learn more about our floor plans, amenities and services as well as pricing and availability, please visit our website. 

Source: houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/oct/so-youre-a-morning-person-is-that-good/

Memory Care Communities Offer an Environment to Improve Quality of Life

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

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

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

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

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

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:

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

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Too often seniors mistakenly believe that moving into assisted living means an end to their independence and their life as they knew it. We want to reassure you that at today’s assisted living communities like MorningStar at Arrowhead; nothing could be further from the truth.

Aging.com explains that while changes in a person’s ability to care for themselves can be caused by underlying medical conditions, studies show the importance of seniors receiving the assistance they need with the ADLs (activities of daily living). “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.”

Another benefit of getting the help you need when you need it, is it actually gives the person a renewed sense of independence and lets them feel like they are once again in control of their life. Independence promotes a sense of achievement as well as a sense of self-worth and purpose. It inspires achievement, and reminds seniors that they still have a lot to contribute to their families, their communities and the world as a whole.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, one important part of our mission statement includes “valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” Thus, our entire community is focused on physical, intellectual, spiritual and social activities that present creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive each day. Residents may also tap into their own unique talents and experiences by leading special interest clubs.

Our beautiful home has 60 assisted living suites to meet a variety of needs from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom floorplans. While enjoying their stylish private suites, assisted living residents have peace of mind knowing that help is readily available when they need it. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For one of the area’s finest retirement communities, Glendale seniors are encouraged to contact us for more information.

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

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

Are You a Senior Who Wants to Start Exercising Again?

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to provide the best senior living Glendale AZ has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please see our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Glendale, AZ offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Community in Glendale, AZ

Today’s assisted living is not just another term for a nursing home, which is intended for people who require skilled, around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Rather assisted living, the most popular and fastest growing long-term care option for older adults in the U.S., is designed for seniors who cannot get the help they need or afford while living at home or in an independent living community. The first community in the U.S. opened in the late 1980s. The concept quickly took hold out of consumers’ distaste for nursing homes and the desire for something offering the services, safety and amenities seniors required while still supporting and encouraging their independence.

Assisted living recognizes seniors as productive, contributing individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover, unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities offer private suites and most are equipped with kitchens for the meals residents wish to cook. At communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead, meals and transportation are provided, and residents can get help with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, toileting, etc. Residents feel comforted having the security and safety of 24-hour support, and families’ rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever their loved one needs it.

Residents of MorningStar appreciate the ease of built-in social connections and predictable budgeting as well as activities designed to engage them physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Amenities include a bistro, general store, fitness room, library, salon and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to be one of the best retirement homes Glendale offers, and we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. If you need a good place to recover from an illness or surgical procedure or would like to see if we are a good fit, we offer short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) and respite care. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.

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

A Soothing Companion for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However, dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words.

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch.

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky. and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Please 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.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

Is Senior Living Right for You?

As more and more seniors watch friends and relatives move into retirement communities, many wonder if it is the right step for them. While obviously a decision of this magnitude should be carefully made, there is data showing the majority of seniors in retirement communities are happy they made the move. In fact studies further indicate seniors in such communities tend to live longer. One report from the United States General Accounting Office (GAO), states “seniors who choose to live in retirement communities live 1.5 to 2 years longer than seniors who choose to retire in their homes.”

Researchers explain many communities offer seniors a higher quality of life with their wide range of activities including physical fitness classes, group games and other entertainment opportunities. Also we all know maintaining a home can be stressful and even more so as we age, while retirement communities provide a virtually carefree lifestyle.

Independent living and assisted living communities seamlessly provide the chance to interact and socialize with like-minded people in the same stage of life, making it easy to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Again studies find “seniors are 22% more likely to live longer and lead more fulfilling lives if they're given the chance to socialize with others.” Moreover researchers say active seniors have better immune systems and a lower risk of dementia; and that loneliness can lead to a greater risk of high blood pressure, depression and early mortality.

At MorningStar of Billings, the wellbeing and comfort of our residents is our highest priority. We are proud to be one of the most trusted senior living facilities in Billings, and offer 32 free-standing cottages as well as 72 bright suites in our main building. For area seniors requiring a little assistance with daily personal care, we have 70 assisted living suites. Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases; and staffed by compassionate dementia care specialist. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living and assisted living in Billings.

Source: retirefearless.com/post/do-people-in-retirement-communities-live-longer

Has a Loved One Been Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease?

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs.

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby.

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is devastating to the family and want you to know we are here to help. Our holistic memory care assisted living supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. Please visit 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 care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about the area’s finest memory care assisted living.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis

Be Prepared to Ask Your Doctor the Right Questions

The National Institute on Aging wants everyone to know asking questions at medical appointments is a good thing but remember, a doctor only has so much time allocated to each patient so come prepared. Their advice includes asking for clarification whenever the doctor uses a term to describe a medical condition you are unfamiliar with. Also be sure you understand how and when to take a new medication. For example if it should be taken with food, does that mean before, during or after a meal?

If your physician wants you to have a test done, find out why and what sort of preparation it will entail. Ask if there are any side effects or danger getting tested, and how long it will take to get the results. You may want to request a copy of the results, and if a specialist is doing the test, make sure they send the results to your physician.

Once results are in, your doctor will most likely make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, your physical exam, lab work and medical tests. Ask your doctor to describe the condition, how serious is it, if it is a long-term disease and/or curable, and what is the best course of treatment. If it includes medications, ask why you are taking it, the side effects and how long you will be on it.

If the doctor recommends surgery, ask why he/she is recommending it, the risks and benefits, and if there are alternatives to surgery. How expensive is the procedure, will you be hospitalized and how long is the recovery period? The Cleveland Clinic explains taking an active role in your medical care has many advantages and ensures you are equipped with the information you need for your utmost health and safety.

MorningStar of Billings is a senior living community offering 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites for independent living. We additionally have 70 suites for assisted living and another 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. Please visit our website to learn more about us. While you are there, use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability, pricing and to request a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.

Source:

nia.nih.gov/health/what-should-i-ask-my-doctor-during-checkup

The Special Relationship between Grandparents & Grandkids

After studying the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, researchers have found it to be mutually beneficial for both parties. Additionally since people are living longer, these relationships become even more important over time as a 2015 Boston College study recently reported. The data, collected over a 19-year period, “found that emotionally close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms for both.”

The study’s authors said one of the advantages for older people close to their grandchildren is they are exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Grandchildren benefit from the wisdom grandparents have gained over a lifetime, and can be more open to advice from grandparents than their own parents. Grandparents also have a lot to share regarding the family history, along with the history of our country and the world.

Another study out of England examining the relationship of children between the ages of 11-16 found children with close relationships to their grandparents had fewer emotional and behavioral problems and fewer difficulties with peers. The bond appears to help lessen the emotional damage children can experience when parents separate or divorce.

Moreover as grandparents are typically not authoritarian figures in their grandchildren’s lives, they often act as confidants in situations where an older child might not wish to confide in a parent. Grandparents can be more objective than a parent and may have more time on their hands to really listen to their grandchildren. Another advantage to grandparenting is it gives a person purpose in their later years; however experts say to remember you are a role model for your grandchildren so make sure you are a good one.

At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, we offer the finest independent living and assisted living as well as memory care. Setting ourselves apart from other senior living community, we have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in our team in order to provide a true home for residents. Visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability.

Source: bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2015/12/13/close-grandparent-grandchild-relationships-have-healthy-benefits/kxL8AnugpVBKknDuzHZDKO/story.html

Learn More About MorningStar at Bear Creek

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers 48 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. We are dedicated to providing the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, and we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss.

As dementia care specialists, MorningStar’s compassionate memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of meaningful activities including arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience.

When people visit MorningStar at Bear Creek for the first time, they are impressed with the home-like, comfortable atmosphere of our community. Unlike many communities that consist of a series of long sterile hallways, our community is designed to provide a secure setting, yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Our large building is built on a figure-eight plan that lets residents freely wonder about while ensuring they always find their way back to an inviting, common area. Our many amenities include a gathering area with a double-sided hearth and aquarium, bistro, salon, massage room, fitness/therapy room, and sensory room. To enjoy the outdoors, we provide secure courtyards, patios, strolling paths, and resident gardening beds. Please visit 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.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Even Healthy Foods Should be Eaten in Moderation

In addition to the types of food we eat, dieticians say it is also important to pay attention to portion size when attempting to shed a few pounds as it will help us reach our goal. When trying to diet, sticking to nutrient-dense, relatively low-calorie foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and poultry are your best choices; but no matter how healthy a food is, you still should not overconsume.

This is where portion control plays a part. Amy Gorin, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats, a collection of curated meal plans, grocery lists and nutrition tip sheets, explains that while foods like almond butter and dark chocolate are good for us, they should be eaten in moderation and in proper portions. In other words, the bottom-line is a large chocolate bar should not be consumed in one sitting.

However, to complicate matters, experts explain that in many cases, strictly following portion sizes suggested on the container would differ from what a registered dietician would recommend. The problem with across-the-board portion sizes is they do not address age group, gender, and activity level of the particular person. Add to that, portion size is a critical component to actually losing weight especially in foods that are higher in calories.

Also eating the right amount of food helps to maintain a balanced gut. The Harvard Health Men’s Watch, suggests “a healthy gut microbiome stimulates the body’s immune system and may shield against an array of chronic diseases, including: cancer, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.”

MorningStar at Arrowhead provides residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful community offers assisted living and memory care with a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Contact us or visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.

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

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/portion-control-what-you-should-know

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers a Lifestyle of Comfort, Wellness, and Community

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s an estimated 13.8 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse as many seniors self-isolated from family and friends.

Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.”

The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.”

Senior living communities like MorningStar at Arrowhead provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on comfort, wellness, and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, bingo, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join.

Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during week days and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis.

MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. If you are looking at retirement communities in Glendale, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts

Trusted, Holistic Memory Care in Colorado Springs

MorningStar at Bear Creek specializes in providing individualized memory care assisted living for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Our community has 48 suites with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans and is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

MorningStar’s holistic care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed.

Our community was designed to provide a secure setting, yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. The figure-eight floor plan allows residents to explore yet find their way back to an open, inviting area. Outdoors we offer a courtyard, fire-side patios, resident garden beds, and strolling paths. Amenities include two dining rooms with family style service, bistro, salon, and fitness room. Residents have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities including a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers.

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care; and we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging path. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to caring for seniors.

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 care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.