Monday, January 30, 2017

Planning Your Doctor Visit




Who of us has not left the doctor’s office and thought about all of the questions we meant to ask?  It is an easy thing to do and this is why it helps to take some time to prepare before your next appointment.  Here are some simple steps you can do to ensure this does not happen again.
First, you should stop and think about all of the concerns and questions you may have before you leave home.  Think back to your last doctor visit and make a note if anything has changed in your health since then.  Include any symptoms you are experiencing such as aches, pains, lack of sleep, weight loss or gain, and any mood changes.  Be specific with your symptoms as to how often they occur and the severity.  Write down everything you can think of that is relevant to these concerns.

Now go over all the medications you are currently taking and write down the names and the dosage.  Some doctors will even ask that you bring all of your medications in their containers so they can go over them.  You should include any over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies along with vitamins and eye drops.  Be sure to list any allergies to drugs that you may have.
Add to your list any other questions that have not been addressed up to this point.  Mention any life changes you may have had since your last visit and be ready to answer questions about your diet, are you still driving, physical exercise, social activities, etc.  

Remember this is your health and take ownership.  You and your doctor are a team working together to make sure you get the best medical care.  Do not hesitate to ask for the reassurance and guidance you need to make the best decisions regarding your medical treatment. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.     
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Friday, January 27, 2017

Independent Living at Billings – Designed for Your Every Comfort


At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, we offer a variety of floorplans to ensure that our residents are able to find accommodations that meet their needs.  To start with, our main building has 70 assisted living suites, 36 secure suites for residents with memory impairments, and 72 bright independent living suites.  We also have 32 independent living cottages that provide residents plenty of privacy as well as the added benefit of living in a community setting.
Regardless of what floorplan you have, all of our suites have wall-to-wall carpeting and are equipped with lighting, 9ft.-high ceilings, large windows, and mini blinds.  Our cottages are small patio homes with a one-car garage and available in 1,215 or 1,102 sq. ft. two-bedroom, two bathroom configurations.  At our main building, independent units are available in one bedroom, one bathroom; two bedrooms, one bathroom; and two bedrooms, two bath units in a variety of sizes and configurations.
In addition our independent living units all have a complete kitchen with full-size appliances and a private patio at our cottages or a balcony at the main building.  Each unit includes handicap-accessible bathrooms, a 24-hour Emergency Call System, and private heating and air conditioning.  Your unit incudes cable TV and utilities, and we offer weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services as well as daily trash removal and spot cleaning.  Our cottages also include a fireplace and ceiling fan.
Our 70 assisted living suites are available in a studio; one bedroom, one bath; and two bedroom, two bath configurations.  Each unit includes a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave and have available the same level of services and amenities as our independent units.  For our memory care residents, we offer a choice of a 348 square foot studio or a 412 square foot shared unit.  Please visit our website to learn more or give us a call!
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 schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.      

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Flu Season


Even though we are well into flu season, it is not too late to get a flu vaccination if you have not done so already.  While the flu season is from October to May, most incidences occur in late December to early March.  Doctors recommend getting the vaccination once it becomes available, which is usually sometime in September, but say if you haven’t done it yet, do it now.  The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to work so you would still be protected during the worst of the season. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.   For this flu season, they advise you get a flu shot, not the nasal spray flu vaccine because of concerns regarding its effectiveness.  Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, aches, and fatigue, and among those that get it, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized every year.  Figures on how many people die each year from the flu varies and the CDC reports that “influenza-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of 12,000 (during 2011-2012) to a high of 56,000 (during 2012-2013).” 

We know that people are contagious for up to a day before they begin to experience any symptoms, which is why the disease is so easily spread.  However at MorningStar, we take steps to protect the health of our residents.  Since complete containment of the illness is next to impossible, especially in community living, we strongly urge our resident’s families to have their loved one immunized.   

In addition we advise that when visiting and spending time with a senior, that you practice good hygiene habits such as avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, or if it is you, keep your distance.  Also stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.        

 

Source: cdc.gov/flu/pdf/matte/nivw-vaccination.pdf

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Exceptional Leadership Makes a Difference!



The MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fort Collins’ community appreciates having our extraordinary leadership team.  While Executive Director, Cheryl Davis is celebrating her one-year anniversary with MorningStar, she is no stranger to senior living.  Her resume includes serving twenty years as an operations and sales leader in the senior living industry, specializing in hospitality, customer service, and servant leadership.  Her work ethic includes embracing a standard of delivering unprecedented hospitality to each guest’s experience as well as the desire to build deep, authentic relationships with residents, their loved ones and associates.  We are pleased to have Cheryl lead our community in MorningStar’s fundamental philosophy to serve with kindness, honesty, love and humility.   

Our Wellness Director, Mary Coleman, understands that when we honor and care for seniors, we are serving God as well.  Her first experience of loving seniors unconditionally was her grandparents who helped to teach her the meaning of faith, family and gratefulness.  Working with seniors gives her the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and to perhaps change a dismal day into a bright one.  Mary has an extensive background in nursing, healthcare management and patient education.   

Another important member of our leadership team is Melanie Davidson, our Direct of Community Relations.  One of the first seniors that Melanie loved was her inspiring grandmother.  Melanie felt the call to work with seniors after receiving tremendous support and compassion while helping her mother through a very devastating illness and is honored to serve MorningStar families in the same way. 

Visit our website to learn more about our beautiful, loving community.  MorningStar of Fort Collins offers 55 private assisted living suites along with 23 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins provides the very best in senior living 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 in a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top senior living communities.  

Friday, January 20, 2017

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease



Parkinson’s Disease (PD) most often occurs in people age 50 years and older (the average age of onset is 60) and is a progressive, neurodegenerative, movement disorder.  The symptoms manifest differently from one person to another and often early symptoms go unnoticed.  The progression of the disease also varies with each individual.     

If you suspect you have PD, you will need to see a specialist for a thorough examination as there is no specific test to diagnosis the disease and it can easily be misdiagnosed.  While there is currently no cure for PD, there are several medications that can help manage your symptoms.  Additionally some people undergo surgical therapies that regulate certain regions of the brain and help to ease symptoms.

Parkinson’s can affect an individual’s balance, movement, breathing, and heart functions.  It usually starts on one side of the body but over time it moves to other side, however, the disease is typically worse on the first side affected.  The Michael J. Fox Foundation lists the common motor symptoms associated with PD known as "cardinal" symptoms.  These include:

·         Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) -- slowing down and loss of spontaneous and voluntary movement

·         Rigidity -- unusual stiffness in a limb or other body part

·         Resting tremor -- an uncontrollable movement that affects a limb when it is at rest and stops for the duration of a voluntary movement

·         Postural instability -- problems with standing or walking, or impaired balance and coordination
·         Other physical symptoms, such as gait problems and reduced facial expression, may also occur due to the same disruption of movement that causes the better-known tremor and slowness

Today doctors recognize that PD also causes other symptoms known as "non-motor symptoms" or "dopamine-non-responsive."  They include cognitive impairment, mood disorders, constipation and problems with swallowing and speech as well as sleeping.  

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, 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:michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?symptoms&navid=symptoms   

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Senior Living Designed for the Utmost Comfort


MorningStar at Jordan provides a “true home” for our residents offering 55 private assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment. Our graciously-appointed home is in historic Centennial, CO and is conveniently located to banks, hospitals, shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores.  

As a resident of MorningStar senior living community, you will be treated to three nutritional, delicious meals prepared by our very own Certified Executive Chef.  Our meals are served restaurant-style our two lovely dining rooms.  You will also be able to participate in a variety of wellness programs and activities as well as have resort-style amenities such as a bistro, chapel, theatre (including Wii), library (including multiple computers and newspapers), game room, and salon available for your use.   

Furthermore, MorningStar at Jordan is proud to offer our residents the technology to enable those with hearing aids to receive audio directly to their instruments and eliminating reverberation or background noise.  Installed in our Life Enrichment Room and Theatre, the “hearing loop” does not require a headset and works with most hearing aids.  We have found this new system makes it much easier for residents to understand and participate. 

Another new technology we offer residents is the “It’s Never 2 Late” computer program.   Combining touchscreen computers with intuitive picture-based software, iN2L has a library containing a selection of 3,000 choices for social and spiritual connections, intellectual and physical stimulations, emotional support and vocational interests.  It is designed so seniors can easily navigate the web, play trivia and brain fitness games, read online newspapers, take quizzes and virtual tours, do web chats through Skype, and much more.   Residents can also personalize a “My Page,” which gives them the opportunity to add their own history, preferences, email, and family photos.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.      

Sunday, January 15, 2017

One Example of the MorningStar Difference







One thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is that our entire team works together to build a true community and our signature wellness program, WellStar, exemplifies that philosophy.  Each day, our Wellness and Life Enrichment team offers purposeful activities that are aimed to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain and to help them rely less on medications. 

All of our MorningStar communities, including MorningStar at Arrowhead, provide our residents with our WellStar programs.  Offering an array of creative and enriching ways to stay active and productive, our programs integrate different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind.  WellStar has five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy. 

Our daily assortment of physical wellness activities are designed to meet a range of capabilities as well as a variety of interests.  We also recognize meeting the spiritual needs of our seniors is vital to their wellbeing, and as such, our chapel is open to all faiths.  MorningStar also offers non-denominational services on a regular basis along with bible study, hymn singing and group prayer.     

In terms of intellectual wellness, we understand that it is important for seniors to continue to stimulate their brains, and we offer a daily dose of brain calisthenics designed to introduce new ideas and practice cognitive skills.  Furthermore, we do not neglect the importance of social wellness.  Almost everything we do at MorningStar at Arrowhead enriches our community and advances our goal of building a family for life.  Socializing comes in the form of organized events and activities or just informal gatherings discussing the day’s topics. 

We also do not forget the philosophy that healthy, nutritious food is the centerpiece of wellness and it becomes even more critical as we age.  Our daily meals include the addition of foods that new research finds has tremendous healing power such as: berries, chocolate high in cocoa mass, Omega 3 fats, turmeric, and dark leafy greens.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, 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.