Looking for a Gift 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 a 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.  

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, which includes 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 at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Start the New Year on a Positive Note!

As we begin a new year, let us embrace the quote, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream," which some attribute to author and theologian, C. S. Lewis. While 2020 was a challenging year, we need to think ahead of what the coming year will bring and to focus on positive changes in our lives rather than on the negative.

The best news is that seniors may have the chance to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as late winter or spring. However medical experts caution that it will not mean an end to mask wearing just yet. While vaccines have shown to be very effective at preventing symptomatic illness and severe disease, doctors are not sure whether a vaccinated person could still spread the disease. They explain that although you will be protected against getting ill and ending up in the hospital, you may still be able to pass the virus on to an unvaccinated person.

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, says that, “It's estimated that about 70% of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination. That's the point where enough people have the immune protection that the virus won't spread anymore.” Experts say to get to the 70%, 230 million Americans must be vaccinated, and they predict that should happen by late spring to early summer!

So dream a new dream or set a new goal as 2021 will be the year we can really get back to living our lives and creating new adventures. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our independent living and assisted living offers comfort, wellness and security. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have 36 secure suites in our memory care wing that provide professional, compassionate care.

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

Source: abc7news.com/covid-vaccine-masks-mask-wearing-pfizer/9139874/

For More Effective Fall Prevention, Include Balance Exercises

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

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

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

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

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

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

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please visit our website to request a tour, for availability and pricing, or to ask a question regarding independent living or assisted living.        

Sources:

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

Age Comfortably and Safely at MorningStar of Fort Collins

MorningStar of Fort Collins, an assisted living and memory care community, is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place.  By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit.  Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.  

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families.  For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family.  

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services.  These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins offers 55 stylish, private suites for assisted living care along with 24 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Our graciously-appointed community is on the southeast side of Fort Collins, and convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping, and other services.

For more information about all-inclusive senior living in Fort Collins, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Recently, added to our rigorous protocols, is an emergent weapon in the fight to protect. Ask us about our Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers residents the best assisted living home in the area.

Enjoy Your Senior Years at MorningStar

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of wellness, comfort and community.  By offering beautiful surroundings, a dedicated care team and a host of amenities and services, our residents enjoy carefree retirement years and have the time to pursue interests both new and old. 

Our first-class amenities start with delicious meals largely prepared from scratch and served restaurant style in our charming dining room.  We also have our own bistro, a fitness room, a general store, and an in-house salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures.  If you are looking for a massage, we can accommodate you.  In addition, we have a chapel/theatre and a private dining room for intimate dinners. 

Each day, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that are designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connections.  Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have a fireside patio and porches, and our memory care residents have a secure courtyard where they too can safely enjoy the outdoors.  Along with scheduled transportation, we routinely take road trips to a variety of cultural destinations, shopping, restaurants, parks and more.  

We encourage you to visit our website for more details about our remarkable senior living community.  Our property has 60 assisted living suites, in a choice of spacious studios or one and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  If this all sounds good, please schedule a tour!

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Fort Collins’s Compassionate and Professional Senior Care

MorningStar of Fort Collins is a beautiful senior care community that offers the area assisted living as well as memory care.  Our exceptional team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a recent National Institute of Health study.  It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications.  Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents.  

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms.  In addition, all 55 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 24 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings.  

To encourage residents to stay active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially, we offer wellness programs and activities.  For comfort and convenience, we provide a wide range of luxury amenities. Visit our website for availability and pricing of unsurpassed senior care in Fort Collins.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins offers the very best in senior care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for more details about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Does Mom or Dad Need More Help?

If your elderly parent lives alone, you may have wondered if they have an adequate support system to ensure their safety and comfort.  We encourage you to read some advice from the experts to determine if your parent needs more help to not just survive but to thrive!

Some of the things to find out are if they have had any recent falls or driving mishaps.  Do you have any reason to suspect they may be endangering their safety by forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances?  Do you see signs that they are having difficulty bathing and attending to personal daily care activities? Does their house look unusually unkempt with dirty dishes lying around and mail stacking up?  Are there signs of spoiled food or an empty refrigerator?   

Also consider if your parent has health conditions that are making it more difficult for them to care for themselves.  Poor balance and failing eyesight can increase the likelihood of a fall and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if your parent no longer drives, they may be having a hard time getting out to the grocery store or to doctor appointments as well as becoming too socially isolated.   

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision.  MorningStar at Arcadia was named one of top five best luxury Phoenix assisted living communities by Seniorly.com. Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and are proud to call MorningStar “home.” Please give us a call or email us with questions or to set up a tour to see our beautiful community in person.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional Phoenix assisted living community. 

WellStar – MorningStar at Arcadia’s Signature Wellness Program

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with lots of amenities and services, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, our residents benefit from WellStar, our signature wellness program. 

Every day MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team presents our community with ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.  Our programs are designed to enhance your health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage social connections that allow you to continue learning and contributing.  The breath and scope of our wellness programs tap into a wide range of various interests, hobbies and talents and provide seniors with the chance to explore a range of topics.  Furthermore, if our programs do not address a special interest, residents are invited to start a club themselves. 

To get an idea of what goes on around our community, we invite you to visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website and take a peek at our “Upcoming Events” or “Life Around our House.”  You will find our residents not only stay engaged with daily activities within the community but also enjoy fun outings such as our trip to the ballpark to cheer on the Diamondbacks.  MorningStar also supports and participants in activities that raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s each year.  

Please visit our website to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.  Nestled on the in the popular neighborhood of Arcadia, our location is convenient for residents as well as visiting family members as it is close to banks, hospitals, shopping, churches, grocery stores and restaurants.  

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a tour of our exceptional community.