Seniors Need to Socialize to Lead Fulfilling Lives

In order to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, people need to socialize with one another, and seniors are no different.  In fact studies show loneliness can have a detrimental effect on the elderly while socializing can help to enhance and enrich seniors’ lives.

An article in the US News & World Report discusses a study on seniors’ social interactions conducted by the Rush Memory and Aging Project and funded by the National Institute on Aging.  The study found that the most socially active seniors experienced one-fourth the rate of cognitive decline as seniors with the lowest levels of social activity.  The results were independent of other factors that may influence cognitive decline including physical activity, general health, and age.    

During a five year period, the Rush University project followed 1,138 adults with an average age of 80.  Their research discovered that “elderly people with the highest levels of social activity -- doing things such as visiting friends, going to parties or attending church -- showed much lower levels of cognitive decline than those who were the least socially active.” 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we strongly believe we need to address our residents’ overall health and wellbeing through physical, intellectual and spiritual activities as well as to help them engage socially.  Our life enrichment programs present creative ways for residents to stay active and productive for both companionship and pure fun.  Our programs tap into residents’ unique talents and experiences as well as allow them to find new avenues of interest.  In addition to our in-house activities, we take group trips to a variety of places such as cultural destinations, parks, area malls, museums, and restaurants.

Please visit our website to see what is happening at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  Our Glendale senior living community offers 60 private assisted living suites along with 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest Glendale senior living.

Sources: usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/05/04/socializing-may-keep-elderly-minds-sharp,livestrong.com/article/543831-the-importance-of-elderly-exercise-socialization-programs/ 

The Risk of Falling is Greater for Those with Dementia

A report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted that while falls are extremely common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are at an even greater risk.  Statistics show that approximately one in three seniors fall each year.  The rate is more than doubled in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, in fact 70% of those with dementia fall at least once each year.

Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Another reason for a fall is certain medications that can cause drowsiness.  Whatever the reason, falling can be a big problem for seniors who live alone and have cognition issues as they may not have access to help when they need it.

  

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our loving assisted living dementia care is designed to address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort.  Furthermore, as one of the area’s leading dementia care specialists, our community was designed from the ground up to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life.

Our community offers 48 secure suites, and includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.  We are also equipped to provide compassionate dementia care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and all of the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.    

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

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

WellStar Program at MorningStar of Fort Collins

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins we lovingly provide our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel at home. We also provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar program consisting of five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy. Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the program offers opportunities to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and build social connections.

Introduced by our Life Enrichment coordinator, the activities will tap into the unique talents and experiences of our residents and includes encouraging residents to start and lead special interest clubs themselves. Along with recognizing a range of capabilities and a variety of interests, the goal of our activities is to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain, and help them to rely less on medications. 

We know that physical exercise is imperative to seniors’ health and we offer a variety of activities for our residents’ enjoyment. In addition, meeting the spiritual needs of our residents is also important to their wellbeing, which is why a chapel, open to all faiths, is an integral part of our community. We also offer intellectual wellness with entertaining daily doses of challenging brain games designed to practice cognitive skills and introduce new ideas. In addition to all of this, is a natural, welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and helps to strengthen the bonds of our community. 

Last but not least our wellness program includes serving residents healthy, nutritional food. This is why we have an Executive Chef on staff who will be preparing the tasty meals that are served in our beautiful dining rooms restaurant style. 

You will find the one thing that sets MorningStar of Fort Collins apart from other senior care communities is the fact that our entire team is working to build a true community and our WellStar programs exemplify that philosophy. Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover the finest senior care in the area.

Socialization is Important to Our Health & Wellbeing

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections. 

The National Institute on Aging recently reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. 

As one of Billings Montana’s top senior living facilities, the MorningStar of Billings’ community offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit and find ways to learn and contribute.  Please visit our website to learn why our independent living, assisted living and memory care facility is such a great place to call home.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to setup a tour to experience firsthand the loving atmosphere of one of the area’s top senior living facilities.    

Source:

nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

Tips for Touring an Assisted Living Community

Just as MorningStar at Arrowhead encourages anyone interested in our community to schedule a tour, so do most other assisted living communities.   This is because you cannot really get an idea of what a community looks like or feels like without seeing it in person. 

In addition to wanting your loved one to be happy in their new “home,” your priorities most likely include finding a community that is well run, clean, and within your price range.   Experts recommend your first step should be to do some research over the Internet and on the phone.  Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to a pharmacy, medical facilities and shopping.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.   

Senior support network Caring.com has a great checklist (it is even printable) of tips to consider for when touring an assisted living community.  To start with, they say you should always listen to your gut instincts.   From the moment you walk through the door, do you get a good feeling?  Regardless of how beautifully decorated, does it feel welcoming and have a home-like atmosphere?  If they offer the service, eat lunch with the residents as it will help to give you a more complete picture of the community.

 

As the best assisted living Peoria AZ has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead in nearby Glendale is proud of each and every aspect of our community.  Not only is our community beautifully decorated and designed for residents’ every comfort and need, but we have a staff that is committed to serving seniors and come to work each day with a smile on their face.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Arrowhead’s foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, all directed at creating a true home for our residents. Contact us to schedule a tour to fully experience the finest assisted living Peoria AZ area offers.

Source: caring.com/articles/assisted-living-facilities-choosing-the-right-one#research

Touring an Assisted Living Community

Looking for Alzheimer homes in the Colorado Springs area?  At A Place for Mom’s website, the largest assisted living referral service, they offer tips for touring a senior community.  During the tour make sure you think about you or your loved one actually living at the community.   Look around and see if you notice a general feeling of uncleanliness and/or unpleasant odors?  Do staff members seem friendly and are they making eye contact and appear to be listening to residents?  

Be sure to ask about the ratio of staff to residents and what type of training they receive as well as security measures and safety accommodations.    Don’t forget to take the time to meet with the management team and ask them about the community’s mission.  Its also recommended to eat a meal at the community as it will give you a chance to share leisurely time with the residents.  In addition, you get to experience for yourself the community’s cuisine.          

We would like to invite you to set up a tour of MorningStar at Bear Creek in order to experience our beautiful, loving community in person.  As dementia care specialists, our community is set up to provide care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other type of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  We feel honored to walk alongside and support each resident and their family as they go through this difficult journey. 

On our website, you will find a convenient link to schedule a tour or give us a call.  As we tailor the tour to your priorities, we recommend you allow at least 45 minutes so you can get a good look at our entire community.  We also invite you to join us for lunch (just let us know when you set up your tour).  If you do want to join us, please set aside at least 90 minutes. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in Alzheimer homes and dementia care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to memory care.  

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers the Groundbreaking iN2L Technology

Residents of the MorningStar at Arrowhead community have the opportunity to participate in a variety of wellness programs and activities as well as receive resort-style amenities.  Along with an on-site chapel/theatre, bistro, salon, fitness room, and more, residents are provided with three daily meals served restaurant style and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We also have a library that includes a computer available for our residents. 

Another new technology we are proud to offer residents is the groundbreaking “It’s Never 2 Late” (iN2L) computer program that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive picture-based software.  The user-friendly technology components are designed so residents can enjoy using a computer regardless of their past experience or physical or intellectual limitations. Offering a library with over 3,000 selections, iN2L users are provided intellectual and physical stimulation, social and spiritual connections, emotional support and vocational interests.  Seniors can easily navigate the web, read online newspapers, play trivia and brain fitness games, take quizzes and virtual tours, participate in Skype web chats and much more.  

In addition each resident can personalize a “My Page” and set it up with their history and email address as well as web and entertainment preferences.  The My Page feature also makes it easy for family members to share their latest photos and news.   We encourage you to come in and ask for a demonstration to experience firsthand the scope of the program.   

The best senior living Peoria AZ area has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead is nestled on the north side of nearby Glendale in the popular residential neighborhood of Arrowhead.  Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional community and for contact information, pricing and availability.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Arrowhead’s foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, all directed at creating a true home for our residents. Contact us to schedule a tour to fully experience the finest senior living Peoria AZ area offers.