Art Therapy – An Effective Way to Help Those with Alzheimer’s

Research shows that art therapy can be an effective tool when caring for those with Alzheimer’s.  While the disease robs people of many of their faculties, studies indicate that artistic ability is not one of them, and in fact, may help to stimulate the brain.  Experts suggest that creative expression can revive memories and be used to encourage a form of communication that is especially important for those who have lost their ability to speak. 

The website, Medical Daily, published an article that explains how art therapy can be used to offer Alzheimer’s patients a new way to communicate.  They quote Dr. Daniel Potts, a neurologist and dementia specialist in Alabama, who states that, “Art therapy is helpful for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients because it enables an individual who is having trouble communicating to bypass the language problems they may be having and communicate and express themselves in a different way.”  Dr. Potts adds that art therapy can help to “reroute” communication pathways away from traditional means and may even bypass some of the other problems of dementia by drawing on different regions of the brain.  

At MorningStar Memory Care at BearCreek, we understand the importance of art in the lives of our residents, and as such, part of our team includes an art therapist.  Debbie Wilson specializes in working with and drawing out those with cognitive impairment.  As Debbie so aptly puts it, “it is pure joy for me to bring back the light in their eyes.”  Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community and programs. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source: medicaldaily.com/art-therapy-and-dementia-how-creativity-helps-unlock-alzheimers-patients-thoughts-and-fears-254301



Seniors Enjoy the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community.  In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.   

When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores. 

Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior living communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.   

For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior living communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition many communities routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping malls or other events. 

We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, preparing food has become more difficult as well as grocery shopping.  Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals.  This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated. 

Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own.  This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again.  Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to parent their parent as the senior is getting needs meet at their “new home.”

Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand for residents at an assisted living community.     

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arrowhead, we offer residents a safe and secure place to age in place and to enjoy our many amenities and activities.  Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar’s senior community “home”.

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 our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/



Tips for Living with Type 2 Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.   We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease.  Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.     

Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications.  Also even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and prevent the onset. 

The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes.  Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.  Know your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your doctor.  In addition make the appropriate changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your risk for heart disease.

Another important part of living with diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal ranges.  Many of the same lifestyle changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure.  The ADA advises that “people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 140/80, but check with your health care professional about what target is best for you.”  Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising. 

You can also manage your diabetes better if you stop smoking.  We recognize that smoking is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes.  Finally if you increase your physical activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure.  

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions.

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 our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources:diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

diabetesstopshere.org/2013/09/06/seniors-with-diabetes-take-control-of-your-health/

What Sets Our Community Apart from Others?

For everyone involved, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease is heart wrenching.  As a family, you are faced with many difficult decisions and that includes deciding what type of living arrangements will best suit your loved one.

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we offer families one of the best memory care communities in the country.  So what is it that sets us apart from other senior living memory care communities?  To start with Bear Creek was specifically designed to serve the needs of those suffering from memory impairment diseases.  Set amongst the picturesque foothills of the Rockies, our community is built to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings while at the same time ensuring their safety. 

When people visit Bear Creek for the first time, they are impressed with the homey, comfortable atmosphere of our community.  Unlike many facilities that consist of a series of long sterile hallways, our community is designed to preserve the freedom of residents and adeptly addresses the dispositions and behaviors of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Our large 38,000 square feet facility is built on a figure-eight plan that lets residents freely wonder about while ensuring they always find their way back to an inviting, common area.  In addition our community includes a gorgeous gathering area complete with a vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and a double-sided hearth.

However beyond all of our beautiful well-designed surroundings, Bear Creek is most proud of our caring and loving staff.  Our mission is to provide an environment where our residents feel truly at home. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

The Importance of Seniors Staying Hydrated

According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among one of the groups of people that are more susceptible to dehydration.  They cite the following reasons for this including the fact that a senior’s ability to conserve water is lessened while at the same time they experience a diminished sense of thirst.  Furthermore, a senior’s capacity to respond to changes in temperature is reduced and many do not adept well to extremely hot or cold weather.  These issues are often compounded by the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, dementia and kidney problems.  There are even certain medications that can contribute to the elderly being more susceptible to dehydration. 

As we age our kidneys’ lose some of their ability to concentrate urine and retain water during episodes of fluid deprivation.  Also a reduced sensation of thirst means that many seniors forget to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Moreover disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia can create swallowing problems that make it more difficult to drink.  Other factors that can contribute to dehydration include a decrease in mobility and incontinence.     

The dangers of dehydration are many and often results in emergency visits and hospitalization and have even been associated with increased mortality rates in the elderly.  Additionally it is related to a range of health issues such as falling, constipation, and impaired cognition and confusion.   

So what steps should you take to ensure you or your loved one stays hydrated?  Experts advise that every time you take a pill to drink a full glass of water.  Also have healthy fluids readily available throughout the day and avoid sugar-laden drinks as well as salty foods. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056

aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-7-18-elderly-dehydration/   





Assisted Living Offers Comfort and Security to Seniors

Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and is built on a European social model.  It is designed for seniors who do not require 24-hour nursing care but rather just need a little assistance with daily living.  An assisted living community provides a secure and comfortable environment that lets you or your loved one age in place.  Furthermore, it gives family members peace of mind knowing that their elderly parent or relative is receiving the care they need.   

Many communities offer a range of amenities that include private suites, libraries, theater, fitness centers as well as creative and wellness programs.  Some of the services typically provided by assisted living communities are daily meals, medication management, help with bathing and dressing and transportation.  With a home-like atmosphere, seniors have the opportunity for companionship and to develop new friendships and interests.

Assisted living can also provide a safer option for many seniors than living alone as help is much closer at hand.  According to the National Institute of Health, “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age.”   In fact, over 1.6 million U.S. seniors go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year.  

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arrowhead, we think seniors are a national treasure and they deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 60 well-appointed, private assisted living suites on two levels.  In addition our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Please give us a call so we can help you find your new home.    

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 our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/01.html

The Area’s Leader in Dementia Care



It is currently estimated that 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and researchers are working hard to try to understand the disease.  In fact according to the Alzheimer’s Association, “ninety percent of what we know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the last 15 years.”  A clearer understanding of the disease offers a path to better treatments and care for those afflicted.  

 

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, our program provides exceptional care to our residents, and as such, has been designated by the Alzheimer’s Association for “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.”  To receive this honor, a senior living community must have at least 75% of its staff complete eight-hours of training.  Topics in the program include brain pathology and communication techniques as well as methods to help lessen agitation without the use of drugs.  The Colorado Alzheimer’s Association is the only chapter in the country thus far to offer the program, and we are proud to be recognized for our expertise.   

 

In addition to the exceptional program we provide for our special residents, Bear Creek is a leading resource in dementia care for the Colorado Springs area.  Both professionals and families are pleased to have the opportunity to take part in our eight-hour dementia care course.  The program is sanctioned by the Alzheimer’s Association and is offered free of charge (others charge as much as $1500 for similar training).  In recognition of our outreach and support to the community, we have received the “Alzheimer’s Association Leader in Dementia Care” award.    

 

Our gorgeous and serene Bear Creek community provides individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We have 48 suites with a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. 

 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source:alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp



How to Find the Best Assisted Living Community

Searching for an assisted living community for yourself or a parent can feel like an overwhelming task.  We know you want to make the best choice and there are a couple of things you may want to consider before you take such an important step. 

First, you will want to research the various options in your preferred area.  The Internet is an efficient and easy way to discover what is out there, and you will find several websites that offer a search directory of facilities.  Also you can check with your health care provider for any recommendations they may have. 

Once you have narrowed down your list to several communities in your target location, give them a call to set up a tour.  While on the phone, have a list of questions handy such as are there immediate openings available, and if not, how long is the wait, the price range and what will you see on the tour as well as how much time it will take. 

A community tour is your best opportunity to get a real feel for the place.  You want your future home to have a caring and warm staff and residents that are friendly.  If you are looking for assisted living for a family member that is not very mobile, you can tour a few and narrow down the selections so they only tour the top choices.  The Caring.com website has a checklist available for researching and touring a community that you may find helpful. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arrowhead, the thing we brag the most about is our atmosphere of love and community that is built on one relationship at a time.  We are conveniently located on the north side of Glendale, just northeast of Sun City in the northwestern part of the Phoenix Valley, and offer a choice of 60 private assisted living suites on two levels.  Our Reflection Neighborhood has secure 25 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Please call us for more details. 

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 our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

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

 

Experienced, Compassionate Memory Care

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.  MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is committed do just that.  Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional care to our residents, and give families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care available.

Morningstar at Bear Creek’s one-story building with 48 suites is completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our 38,000 sq. ft. community was designed to provide a secure setting, yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. The figure-eight floor plan allows residents to explore yet find their way back to an open, inviting area.

We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents.  One of the important aspects of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise.  To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include WellStar, our signature preventative wellness program, as well as secure courtyards, patios and strolling paths.

Also bear in mind that 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.  As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  In fact one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.