Is There a Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?

To help those dealing with end-of-life issues, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains some of the myths associated with palliative and hospice care including sorting out the difference between the two terms. They explain while they are similar, they do differ in a couple of significant ways.

Palliative care is defined as providing specialized care for those living with a serious illness. Myths linked to palliative care include the person no longer being able to receive care for their disease. The fact is care can be provided for the illness along with curative care. Another myth is the person will no longer be able to see their primary doctor but will only be treated by specialists. NIA says in many cases, the person’s primary provider will work hand-in-hand with specialists.

The intention of palliative care is to improve quality of life as well as provide care to improve help with symptoms. It also helps the patient understand their choices for medical treatment. A palliative care team may be made up of specialized nurses and doctors along with social workers, nutritionists and chaplains. If a time comes when the person’s care team decides treatment is no longer working, palliative care could transition to hospice care if the doctor believes the person is likely to die within six months.  Another option is the palliative team would continue to help with the emphasis on providing comfort care. 

The NIA explains hospice care provides comfort and quality of life for a person with a serious illness who is facing end of life. The myth surrounding hospice care is the person cannot receive any medications. The truth is a person will receive medications to help manage symptoms but not to treat the disease. Many people think hospice care can only be done in a hospital or nursing facility but experts say it can also be done at home. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is designed to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents suffering from memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our care is designed around the needs of residents through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s signature philosophy and approach to dementia care, which incorporates Montessori-based therapies to help elevate and celebrate life. For more information about MorningStar’s assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

How Senior Living Improves Health and Well-Being

Socialization becomes increasingly more important as we age. For many seniors, it becomes difficult to meet up with friends or visit with family. Senior living communities have surprising benefits that can actually improve senior’s health and well-being. Keep reading to understand how to experience the best Retirement Homes Glendale has to offer. 

Promoting Physical and Mental Health

Regularly participating in social activities can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline. Humans are social beings. When we interact with people we enjoy, our bodies release positive hormones that reduce stress and boost the immune system. Group workout classes, like yoga, water aerobics, and low-impact workouts encourage seniors to socialize while remaining active. You can find the most active retirement communities Glendale has to offer for seniors looking to maintain a healthy body weight and improve their overall health and fitness. 

Find Your Purpose and Meaning

For seniors who are deeply in touch with their religion, finding a senior living community that gives them spiritual support is necessary. Retirement homes that encourage seniors to participate in their religious affiliations through praise, worship, outside events, volunteerism, and group activities are beneficial for senior health. While MorningStar is founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews among our team members and residents. Our preeminent goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, all of which contribute to creating a comfortable home and offering truly compassionate care.

Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar Retirement Homes Glendale

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

MorningStar’s Memory Care in Colorado Springs

At MorningStar at Bear Creek we offer all-inclusive, holistic care to those with memory impairment and provide residents all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need.   While a secure building, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. 

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. 

Our approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  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, all team members attend eight hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s 48 suites include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans; and our home is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is difficult, and we want you to know we are here to help. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, 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 the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Why are Senior Living Apartments So Popular?

Senior living apartments are becoming more popular these days than in previous years. With built-in community, all-inclusive amenities and assuring safety features, it’s obvious why seniors are seeking out the best senior living Glendale has to offer. However, there may be some lesser-known advantages to retirement homes and apartments that you may be unfamiliar with. Keep reading to understand what senior living apartments are and why they are becoming so popular. 

What are Independent Living Apartments? 

In specialized retirement homes, seniors have the option to live independently within their senior living community. Independent living apartments are exactly what it sounds like. For seniors, they can now live in apartments designed specifically with what seniors need and want. Often, independent living includes age restrictions to encourage seniors to comfortably explore and experience the community around them. Independent living, such as MorningStar Senior Living Glendale includes many mindful perks, such as laundry and housekeeping services, onsite spas, fitness centers, salons, and much more. At MorningStar Retirement Living in Glendale, you can find the following reasons why independent living apartments are so popular amongst seniors. 

Regaining Independence 

Seniors can actually experience more independence in senior living apartments and condos. In older age, seniors often live alone, experience more loneliness, and feel disconnected from their families, friends, and neighbors. Senior living communities offer seniors easy-to-navigate communities with easily accessible amenities and activities. This means seniors who struggle with mobility or experience social anxiety can experience life again as they once did. 

Financially smart and flexible retirement living

Keeping up with a home, car, and errands can be extremely burdensome for seniors and their families. When you factor in the all-inclusive amenities, activities, dining options, and safety, senior apartments at MorningStar can often be more cost-effective than maintaining a private residence. 

Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar Retirement Homes Glendale

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the Most Common Form of Dementia

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.    

It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. 

To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing.      

MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs provides memory care assisted living to those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate professionals who feel privileged to care for our special residents. We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved. Contact us or visit our website for availability, pricing information and to schedule a tour.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

At MorningStar, Assisted Living Residents Receive a Customized Care Plan

MorningStar of Billings wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if their loved one moves into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need.  Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences.  In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.  

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly.  If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services.  We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.  

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly.  Or you may worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day.  We have an answer to both problems as our five-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents.  To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure they have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. 

Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 70 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations that provide residents privacy, comfort, and security.  You will find our suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes with refrigerator and microwave, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  All that is missing to make it feel like home are your own furnishings and personal items.  Also, you will not need to leave behind a beloved family member as we are pet friendly! 

For more information about the finest assisted living in Billings, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our beautiful community. We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Gift Ideas for a Loved One with Dementia

If you want to get something special for mom or dad or another loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it can be challenging to figure out a good gift. This is where the Internet can lend a hand with a range of items designed to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. 

Dementia care specialists say it can take a little more time and some creativity but there are many great gift ideas. One idea is personalized gifts or memory-filled ones. A photo album filled with pictures of the person surrounded by people important to them, or a picture book from a place they loved to visit. A coffee mug personalized with a photo or a cozy throw filled with favorite family pictures are also good ideas. 

Music from their younger years, show tunes and old movies are sure to make them smile and can be a good way to spend an afternoon together listening to their new gifts. Coloring books filled with pictures of things they love such as animals or flowers, and a set of new markers or crayons, and easy-to-do crafts are also fun to do together.  

Another item targeted to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is therapy stuffed animals.  Designed to meet their special needs, one example is a teddy bear that comes with a few classic songs but has room to load a person’s favorite tunes (up to a 1,000 songs). Cuddly robotic cat and dog stuffed animals have a calming, soothing effect on people in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows they can help the person remember a time in their life when their purpose included caring for others.  

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings provides compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents, allowing them as much independence as possible.   Our specially-trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss, and will strive every day to connect with and nurture that essence. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Arizona’s Most Trusted Choice in Assisted Living for Seniors

MorningStar offers seniors some of the best senior living Glendale has to offer based on these three reasons. 

Are you looking for a senior living community in Arizona that you can trust to provide personalized care for your parents or loved ones? When looking for the best assisted living, find a retirement community full of dedicated team members who make it their mission to ensure every resident receives the individualized attention they deserve. Keep reading to explore the benefits of Arizona’s most trusted choice in assisted living based on these three factors.  

1. Personalized Care. One of the things that set good senior living communities apart from other retirement homes in Nevada by prioritizing personalized care for seniors. At MorningStar, every senior is unique with distinctive needs, preferences, and goals. Personalized assisted living is designed to meet seniors’ individual needs and help them achieve their goals. Upon initial consultation, the best personalized senior living care plan is created and can forever change, expand, or shrink depending on changing needs over time.

2. Dedicated Team Members. An assisted living facility’s care providers are a main factor in proper care and treatment. When considering senior living communities, seek retirement homes that employ caregivers who go above and beyond to ensure that each resident feels supported, cared for, and valued. Whether it's helping with daily tasks like bathing and dressing or providing emotional support and companionship, the team members at MorningStar are there to make a difference in the lives of their residents.

3. Activities and Amenities. Many people think seniors in assisted living experience less than those living at home or with a family member. While there are some routine adjustments, seniors in assisted living experience a full and happy life in trusted senior living facilities. MorningStar offers a wide range of amenities and services designed to help seniors live life to the fullest. From delicious  meals prepared by executive chefs to a variety of engaging activities and events, seniors at MorningStar Assisted Living have everything they need to stay healthy, active, and engaged

Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar Retirement Homes Glendale

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Find the 3 Best Options for Senior Living Glendale AZ has to Offer

Dedicated to making your retirement years carefree, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead provides seniors with the finest assisted living Glendale or Peoria has to offer. Generally, there are three popular senior living options for retirement living. Depending on what care a senior requires, picking a senior living community with the ability to seamlessly move seniors through every stage of life is a great way to plan for the future. At MorningStar Retirement Homes in Glendale Az, seniors and their families can explore retirement living options through independent living, assisted living and memory care.

What is Independent Living? 

Independent living is ideal for seniors who can live without assistance but are looking for the community and connection that senior living offers. Independent creates hassle-free retirement with added safety and care when necessary. For seniors looking for the best independent living communities Glendale has to offer, MorningStar Senior Living is a rare retirement community that prides itself on modern and resort-style independent living. 

When is it time for Assisted Living?

Assisted living is beneficial for seniors who struggle to care for themselves when alone. If you feel that your parent or loved one is in need of extra care, medication management and other assistance with daily activities, assisted living may be necessary. Assisted living offers seniors looking for community and connection with trusted care and dedicated staff that want to make life easier and more manageable for seniors. 

What are the benefits of Memory Care?

Memory care is generally reserved for seniors who experience symptoms of dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Memory care offers seniors struggling with memory loss empathetic and holistic senior care. MorningStar Senior Living dedicates special living arrangements and activities for these seniors while providing the best memory care assistance.  

Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar Retirement Homes Glendale

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Top 3 Reasons Seniors Consider Retirement Homes in Glendale

Even if you aren’t currently in need of medical attention from nurses or family members, it is never too early to consider senior living options near you. Senior living communities have a wide array of amenities and activities for seniors to participate in during their retirement. At MorningStar, you will find the most active senior living Glendale Az has to offer. When considering your options for retirement, you deserve to have a say in what senior retirement community you live in and what you believe is going to be the most rewarding for you going forward. Below are the top three reasons why seniors consider MorningStar retirement homes in Glendale. 

While it's true that not every senior needs assistance with daily activities and routines as they age, there are still a handful of reasons why a senior might consider a retirement community even if they are independent.

1. Camaraderie and community. Seniors often feel secluded in retirement. With age, close friends and family move away or may have difficulties meeting as often as they once did. Retirement communities in Glendale are designed to give seniors the community and connectedness we all crave and help to build lasting friendships and experiences that make life exciting and fresh. 

2. Convenience and relaxation. Seniors enjoy a stress-free environment and routine at retirement homes in Glendale. Caring for a home, yard duties and daily maintenance can be exhausting and overwhelming for seniors. Senior living communities encourage seniors to explore their hobbies and passions again without focusing on mundane worries or chores. 

3. Maintain your independence. You are able to keep your independence in senior living at MorningStar in Glendale, AZ. Sharing amenities, activities and a supportive atmosphere with like-minded peers will enhance your lifestyle without compromising the freedom you cherish. Find a senior living community near you that encourages you to be the best version of yourself while keeping you safe and secure within a trusted community.

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our senior living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission and what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.  

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 one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ Approach to Memory Care

Along with a variety of well-designed floor plans for assisted living, Fort Collins’ MorningStar community has suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents can move freely about in a safe and secure environment reserved just for them.  We offer three daily meals served in our lovely dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, medication management and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. 

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease, and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainment and exercise as well as our special events and outings. 

Please visit our website for more information about our loving community.  If you like what you see, contact us or use our Community Assistant (in the lower right corner) to set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins, CO offers.

Seniors Benefit From Stretching Exercises

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness. 

The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. 

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins is a senior community with a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living communities.
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MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest assisted living communities in Fort Collins, CO.

MorningStar’s Assisted Living & Memory Care in Fort Collins

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ goal is to be one of the finest assisted living communities in the area. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. 

Our founding principles are based on “casting a new light” on senior living and treating each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily as we care for, inspire and love the residents under our roof. At MorningStar we want seniors to recognize they are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream.

We take great pride in a reputation for excellence and authenticity in both how we serve and why we serve throughout our MorningStar communities in eleven states. Specializing in compassionate care delivered by our distinguished team and guided by our proprietary program “Radiance,” we know the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our talents, time and energy. 

As people are living longer than any other time in history, senior living is quickly becoming a popular option for older adults. Residents appreciate predictable budgeting, luxury amenities and services, companionship and a carefree lifestyle.

Seniors’ wellbeing, comfort and safety are something MorningStar of Fort Collins takes very seriously.  Our beautiful community has 55 assisted living suites as well as 24 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us today to see how we can help support you or a loved one.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted living communities. 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, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care.  

See Your Doctor if You Are Experiencing Memory Problems

If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician.  

To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

• Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors.

• Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment.

• Create a list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

• Write down any vitamins or supplements you’ve added to your medication regimen.

• Make a list of questions you want to ask.

Writing down questions you have beforehand makes sure you don’t forget them, and don’t be reluctant to ask questions if you don’t understand something. The Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, made up of men and women in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, put together a list of questions to help others make the most out of a doctor’s visit. Questions range from asking about the type of tests used to make a diagnosis, what to expect from the disease, and what type of treatments may be used. When seeing a specialist, ask how familiar they are with caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our community is devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our comprehensive care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source: alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-communicating-doctor-health-care-pro-ts.pdf

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Billings

At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, we offer residents a warm and welcoming home to safely age in place with the added benefit of several neighborhoods under one roof. This includes 32 cottages and 72 suites for independent living along with 70 stylish suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Fully equipped, all you need to bring are your furnishings and personal treasures; and yes, we are pet friendly. 

For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, we provide suites and can lovingly care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas including a secure courtyard. For residents’ safety, suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. 

Memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach.  This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Once a family decides MorningStar is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests.  Contact us for more information about compassionate and loving memory care in Billings, MT.

MorningStar of Billings’ foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Memory Care at Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.   At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we provide compassionate memory care assisted living with all the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of residents.  

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  

An important aspect of our program is to provide plenty of recreational activities such as singing and making music, dance, art, and fitness classes.  To ensure our residents’ safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as suites with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems.

Mealtimes at Bear Creek are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.

What Can Cause You to Bruise Easily?

As we age, many seniors discover new bruises on their body but have no memory of how they got there. The Medical News Today (MNT) explains this may be the result of the skin thinning and blood vessels weakening and/or that some people are just more prone to bruising. It can also run in families. Being a frequent, extreme bruiser includes having many bruises without remembering their cause; regularly developing bruises that take many weeks to heal and bleeding for longer than 10 minutes following an injury.

Excessive bruising and bleeding can be from medications, many of which seniors routinely take. These include drugs like warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban and aspirin. Doctors say even certain herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, feverfew, large quantities of garlic, ginger, and willow bark can increase the risk of bleeding or cause a change to blood vessels. The same is true for drugs like corticosteroids and glucocorticoids of which one example is prednisone.  

MNT reports liver disease is also associated with excessive bruising. “As the disease progresses, the liver may stop producing the proteins that help the blood clot. As a result, a person may experience excessive bleeding and easy bruising.” Other blood disorders and diseases such as hemophilia, senile purpura, or even vitamin deficiencies can include bruising as a symptom. Experts say consult your healthcare provider if you suddenly begin bruising more easily, have symptoms such as yellow skin, fever and low energy, taking medication and begin bruising, or getting painful bruises that are slow to heal. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.  Our unique approach to dementia care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Along with individualized care plans, residents receive 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participate in wellness programs and activities tailored to their special needs.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, 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 the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.
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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325525#causes

MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Billings

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into a senior community, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

At MorningStar of Billings, our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with a handicapped-accessible bathroom and emergency call system and is smartly designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents.  Assisted living also includes housekeeping and laundry services, trash removal and full access to all onsite amenities.

Our holistic approach to senior living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassion.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition, many elderly adults who live alone find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living in our beautiful community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover, if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that with scheduled transportation.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers independent living, memory care, respite stays and trial stays to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our team happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Creating a Relaxing and Comfortable Home in Senior Living Communities

You may be feeling anxious to leave your familiar lifestyle and home for a retirement community. Think of this as an exciting new adventure. At MorningStar Senior Living Glendale, you get to bring your furniture, decor, and even pets with you to your new apartment. Moving to an independent senior living community in Glendale Az offers seniors independence, empathetic care and support, nutritious meals, and luxurious living arrangements. 

Make your senior living arrangement feel like home at MorningStar Retirement Community Glendale. Through thoughtful packing, downsizing, and arrangement, your new home is sure to feel comfortable and relaxing. Be patient in adjusting to your new environment, but know that it will feel like home in no time. 

Every aspect of MorningStar at Arrowhead is designed for your comfort and starts with 60 private smartly-designed assisted living suites on two levels in a variety of configurations and floor plans from 328 to 643 sq ft. Graciously appointed common areas include a living room, fireside patio and porches, all-day, restaurant-style dining, and more. Signature wellness programs such as WayFinders, activities, special events, and outings keep residents engaged and productive.

If two seniors are ready to transition to assisted living together, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers seniors living in Glendale with cohabitation. Couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions. Alternatively, suites can be shared by friends who simply enjoy one another’s company and want to enjoy retirement together.

Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Loneliness Can Lead to Poor Physical and Mental Health

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.” 

Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. 

It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. 

To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. 

In addition to memory care and assisted living in Fort Collins, our beautiful community offers respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us today for more information about outstanding senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins has to offer.

Source:seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/