Caring for an Elderly Loved One Can Impact Physical and Mental Health

Caregiver burnout is a real thing. Experts estimate 61 percent of the country’s 48 million caregivers are working outside jobs along with acting as a caregiver. In a report titled “Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated,” from AARP and S&P Global, two-thirds of respondents said they had at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.

The survey reports 84% of respondents said caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Another 27% of working caregivers said due to their workload “they were forced to go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours.” Others complained their employers seemed to be more understanding of child care leave than they were to employees who had to take time off to care for a parent or other elderly family member.

Respondents said beyond holding down a job, they were putting in at least six hours a week of caregiving for a loved one. Tasks include everything from assisting with the actual physical care of a loved one to taking the person to doctor visits, grocery shopping, and serving as an advocate for the person to ensure they are getting the proper care.

Other studies support the findings of the AARP survey as they too found participants reported difficulty in balancing work and caregiving; and the negative impact it can have on physical and mental health. In 2023, a study found almost half of all caregivers spent between 10 to 29 hours a week caregiving. More concerning is that many caregivers are neglecting their own health stating they have no time to exercise and are not keeping up with their routine annual physical and screenings. In fact, forty-one percent of caregivers report low overall well-being, which is 32% more than non-caregivers.

This is why assisted living can be a lifesaver for both the elderly person and the family caregiver. Not only do residents have their care needs met but they can also take advantage of all the benefits community living offers. Now when family members visit, they can just enjoy each other’s company.

At MorningStar of Billings, we strive to be the best independent living and senior living in the area, and we take the well-being of our residents very seriously. Our all-inclusive community offers all the amenities, services and enrichment programs to help residents live life to the fullest. For those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have suites devoted to individualized, compassionate memory care. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar takes 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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.


Sources:
aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2024/working-caregivers-report.html
guardianlife.com/reports/caregiving-in-america

Prediabetes Can Be Reversed or Managed With Lifestyle Changes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans, and every year more than a million people are diagnosed with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports in 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes. Of that number 2 million had type 1 diabetes, which includes more than 300,000 children and adolescents.

Seniors aged 65 years and older make up a large percentage of Americans with the disease at 29.2% or 16.5 million seniors (diagnosed and undiagnosed). Diabetes can be deadly and was the 8th leading cause of death in 2021. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of vision problems, heart attacks, nerve damage and stroke. In 2022, the CDC estimated the cost of diabetes was $412.9 billion.

Prediabetes is another huge problem and numbers from 2021 report 97.6 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected. It is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. While it carries an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it isn’t inevitable. Studies show prediabetes can be reversed or the risk mitigated with lifestyle changes such as diet, medications, and early detection.

Yale Medicine endocrinologist, Anika Anam, MD, explains, “Prediabetes goes hand in hand with metabolic syndrome, the term for a condition that includes hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol.” She adds each of those conditions raises the risk for serious issues including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

The CDC’s national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), finds “people with prediabetes who lost a modest amount of weight—5 to 7% (10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds, for example)—with the help of a structured lifestyle-change program cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.” In addition, experts say at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can not only improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, but aid in weight loss. Cutting out added sugars, eating more complex carbs (vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains), and increasing protein are other recommended lifestyle changes as is reducing stress.

For luxury independent or assisted living, MorningStar of Billings is sure to please. Our community provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities designed to promote physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. For more information about our wide range of amenities and services, please visit our website.

MorningStar’s 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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings Montana. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Source: yalemedicine.org/news/prediabetes

Couples are Welcome at MorningStar of Billings

When a couple’s health experiences are different, and one is healthier than the other, that person may assume the role of caregiver. As time evolves, the needs of the chronically ill spouse may become more complex and require daily care. This can be difficult for the healthier spouse, and even impact his/her own health and well-being.

To ensure both parties have an opportunity for the best quality of life; an assisted living community may be the answer. While leaving a family home and transitioning to community life is a big change, the transition is easier for the person with a spouse or partner by their side. Marissa Kirby, NHA, CHC, CHPC, and vice president of compliance at NEWGEN HEALTH, LLC, explains, “In many cases, particularly when a couple has been married for many years, the ability to live together can make or break their decision on whether or not to move to an assisted living facility.”

Many senior living communities like MorningStar of Billings welcome couples; where we not only expertly and compassionately address the needs of a person living with a chronic illness or disability but also the needs of the healthier spouse. MorningStar’s assisted living provides the maintenance-free environment of independent living with the addition of care services for the ADLs (activities of daily living) tailored to the resident. We offer an array of floor plans starting with studios and one-bedroom options to larger two-bedroom, 2 bath suites. Suites feature a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, handicap-accessible bathroom, emergency call system and include weekly housekeeping. Moreover, MorningStar of Billings welcomes your four-footed furry family member.

Senior-friendly activities, resort-style amenities and built-in companionship can be a winning combination for many couples. Please contact MorningStar of Billings to learn more. In addition to assisted living, we also offer independent living and specialized memory care at our beautiful community.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, Montana.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/couples-living-together-assisted-living-144938.htm

Using Creative Writing as a Tool for Reflection and Joy

There’s something deeply satisfying about putting thoughts into words. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be shared. Sometimes it’s just for you. Around here, we’ve seen how a quiet moment with a notebook can lift a mood, unlock an old memory, or bring a sense of peace that lasts all day.

Creative writing in assisted living is not about being a poet or a novelist. It’s about expression, reflection, and connection. Everyone has stories, and writing gives those stories somewhere to go.

Start small

You don’t need a plan. Begin with a sentence. A line about the weather. A description of a smell from your childhood kitchen. A few honest words can turn into something beautiful. The goal isn’t length or structure. It’s simply showing up on the page.

Try a prompt if you feel stuck

Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started.

Here are a few ideas to get your pen moving:

• Write about a moment you never wanted to end.
• Describe a room from your childhood home.
• What advice would you give your younger self?

Let the answers be whatever they are. There are no wrong directions.

Let go of the rules

This is your space. Spelling doesn’t matter. Grammar doesn’t matter. What matters is that it feels like yours. Some people write letters. Some make up characters. Others keep a running list of memories or one-line thoughts each day.

Make it a ritual

Try setting aside ten minutes after breakfast or just before bed. Keep your notebook and pen somewhere visible so it feels like an invitation instead of a task. It’s not about pressure. It’s about presence.

Share if you want to, but you don’t have to

Some people find joy in reading their writing aloud. Others keep it entirely private. Both are valid. If you do choose to share, even with one trusted person, it can open the door to connection and conversation.

At communities like assisted living Fort Collins, we’ve seen writing become a quiet form of therapy. And in programs that support Alzheimers care Fort Collins, even a few words can help someone feel more grounded and heard. Stories bring us closer to who we are, and writing gives us the chance to hold those stories in our hands.

How to Manage Cholesterol Through Simple Diet Tweaks

Managing cholesterol doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods or start eating like a rabbit. Around here, we know that the most lasting changes often come from small, steady tweaks. One or two adjustments to your routine can help you take better care of your heart without making life feel restrictive.

Let’s walk through some simple ways to start in Alzheimers care Fort Collins.

Swap out saturated fats

You don’t need to give up flavor to make heart-friendly choices. Instead of butter, try olive oil for cooking. Choose lean meats like chicken or turkey instead of sausage or fatty beef. If you enjoy dairy, go for lower-fat versions of milk, yogurt, or cheese. While in alzheimers care, these small swaps make a difference over time.

Add more fiber to your day

Foods rich in soluble fiber help block cholesterol from being absorbed into your bloodstream. Think oats, lentils, beans, apples, pears, and barley. A bowl of oatmeal with fruit in the morning is a great way to start. Even adding a side of black beans at lunch can help increase your daily fiber without a big shift in meals.

Include heart-healthy fats

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for supporting cardiovascular health. Fatty fish like salmon and trout are solid options. If fish isn’t your thing, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds are easy to add to smoothies, cereals, or salads. These healthy fats help lower triglycerides and support better overall cholesterol balance.

Cut back on added sugars

This one surprises people. Sugar might not directly raise cholesterol, but it contributes to weight gain and inflammation, which can affect heart health. Check food labels for sneaky added sugars in things like salad dressings, condiments, and flavored yogurts.

Lean into plant-based meals now and then

You don’t need to give up meat. Just try mixing in more plant-based meals a couple of times a week. Roasted vegetables, hearty grain bowls, or lentil-based soups are filling, flavorful, and great for your heart.

Ease into the changes

No need to flip your whole routine overnight. Start with one habit, like choosing whole grain bread or adding fruit to breakfast. Once it becomes second nature, layer in another. The best habits are the ones that feel doable for the long haul.

In communities like assisted living Fort Collins, heart health is part of everyday conversation. Residents swap recipes, ask questions, and cheer each other on. Eating well isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making a few good choices each day that keep you feeling strong, steady, and ready for whatever the day brings.

The Power of Routine for Seniors with Dementia

There’s something deeply comforting about knowing what’s coming next. For people living with dementia in assisted living Fort Collins, that sense of predictability can be a game changer. Routine doesn’t just help them remember tasks. It helps reduce stress, creates stability, and provides little moments of confidence throughout the day.

We’ve seen it firsthand: when someone with memory loss has a rhythm they can rely on, the entire day tends to go smoother for them and for the people supporting them.

Why routine matters

When memory starts to fade, the world can feel unpredictable. That unpredictability causes anxiety, which can lead to frustration or restlessness. A familiar routine offers structure. It reduces the number of decisions someone has to make and helps keep confusion at bay.

Start with the basics

Keep wake-up times, meals, medications, and bedtime consistent. Having meals at the same table with the same place settings, or brushing teeth after breakfast every morning, can help things “click” in a way that wandering from task to task doesn’t.

Pair tasks with cues

Play calming music while getting dressed or serve tea after dinner to mark the wind-down part of the day. These repeated pairings turn routines into rituals. Over time, they become easier to follow, even if the person can’t recall all the steps in between.

Don’t rush it

Routines work best when they’re gentle, not rigid. Give plenty of time for each part of the day. Avoid jumping from one thing to the next too quickly. Seniors with dementia often need a slower pace and simple instructions to feel calm and supported.

Consistency, not perfection

Things won’t go perfectly every day. That’s okay. What matters most is consistency over time. Repetition helps the brain create patterns, even when short-term memory isn’t reliable. Missed steps or delays don’t undo the progress being made.

Make room for connection

Routine can also create space for meaningful moments. A shared walk after lunch, a phone call in the early evening, or simply sitting together with a cup of coffee can be just as grounding as more structured activities.

In many assisted living communities, we see how much these small, steady habits can help people living with memory challenges. A daily rhythm doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to feel familiar, calming, and full of cues that help someone navigate the day with a little more peace and dignity.

We know from experience that for those receiving Alzheimers care Fort Collins, the most powerful tool is often the simplest: a day that looks and feels the same, built with care, and repeated with love.

How Socializing Helps Keep Your Brain Sharp

When it comes to brain health, most people think about puzzles, reading, or memory exercises.

But one of the most powerful tools for keeping your mind sharp doesn’t come in the form of a crossword—it comes from conversation.

Social interaction challenges your brain in complex, meaningful ways that support cognitive health throughout your life.

Here’s how connecting with others in Alzheimers care Fort Collins can help keep your mind strong.

Conversations Engage Multiple Brain Regions

Talking with someone—especially face-to-face—requires a lot of mental coordination.

You have to:

• Listen and process information

• Read facial expressions and body language

• Think of appropriate responses

• Remember past conversations or shared experiences

All of this stimulates different areas of the brain at once, keeping the mind engaged in real-time problem-solving, memory recall, and emotional regulation.

Socializing Reduces Cognitive Decline

Loneliness and isolation are linked to faster cognitive decline.

On the flip side, people who socialize regularly in assisted living tend to maintain better memory, sharper reasoning skills, and improved verbal fluency.

It’s not about being the life of the party—it’s about having meaningful interactions, even if they’re brief or casual.

Regular engagement with others supports brain plasticity, helping your brain form new connections and stay flexible.

Stress Reduction Supports Brain Health

Chronic stress is hard on the brain.

It increases cortisol levels, shrinks memory-related brain structures, and slows down learning and focus.

Social interaction acts as a buffer against stress by:

• Boosting feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin

• Offering emotional support

• Creating a sense of belonging and stability

When you’re socially connected, you’re more resilient to stress—and your brain benefits as a result.

Social Activities That Stimulate the Mind

You don’t need a packed social calendar to keep your brain sharp.

Even small interactions add up.

Try:

• Attending a book club or discussion group

• Calling a friend for a 10-minute catch-up

• Playing games like cards or trivia

• Joining a walking group or lunch meetup

• Volunteering once a week

Each of these involves listening, responding, remembering details, and adapting to new input—all excellent mental workouts.

Socializing Across Generations

Interacting with people of different ages adds another layer of cognitive challenge.

Older adults benefit from the energy and perspective of younger generations, while younger people learn from their elders’ experience.

Whether it’s helping with homework, telling family stories, or doing a craft together, these moments create lasting value—for everyone involved.

The bottom line?

Staying socially active in assisted living Fort Collins is one of the most enjoyable ways to protect your brain health.

It doesn’t feel like work—and that’s the beauty of it.