Tuesday, November 28, 2017

“Sundowner’s Syndrome”


Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, it can be especially tough on individuals who suffer from the condition known as sundowner’s syndrome says author Rick Phelps who is afflicted with the condition.  He explains that when we lose so much daylight and are faced with the typically dreary, dark cloudy days of winter, those with sundowner’s can get further confused.  

The Mayo Clinic describes sundowner’s syndrome as “a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night.”  They explain that it is not an actual disease but rather a symptom of Alzheimer's and typically peaks in the middle stage of the disease. 

In fact the Alzheimer’s Association says that, “As many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  Researchers do not understand the exact cause of sundowning but it appears to be triggered by a number of factors including fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  The inability to see well in the dark or hormonal imbalances that occur at night could be the cause of some of the anxiety people experience.   

Furthermore, since many people with the syndrome do not get a good night’s sleep that can trigger behavioral problems.  In addition to anxiety and confusion, the condition can also result in aggression, anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  

Experts offer some tips to better cope with sundowner’s syndrome such as keeping your home well-lit during the evening hours and following a strict schedule for meals and bedtimes.  They recommend that activities be scheduled in the morning or early afternoon to give the person plenty of time to unwind before evening.  Sleep disturbances should be discussed with the person’s health care provider.  We encourage you to read Rick Phelps full article on sundowning that is published in the MorningStar at Bear Creek’s November In Touch newsletter. 

This post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider. 

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: agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

agingcare.com/articles/autumn-and-sundowning-210080.htm

Thursday, November 16, 2017

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month


In 1983, Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, now known as National Alzheimer's Disease and Awareness Month (NADAM) and Family Caregivers Month®.  The Alzheimer’s Association states that back then, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s.  Now in 2017, it is estimated there are around 5.5 million people in the United States afflicted with the disease.  Of that number, one in 10 people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s and nearly half of people over age 85.  

The Alzheimer’s Association Awareness events include honoring a caregiver by sharing a personal tribute message on their website.  We encourage you to take a look as it is heartwarming to read the tributes posted by people who are so grateful for the care given to a loved one from another family member, friend or professional caregiver.    

Another way to honor Alzheimer’s Awareness month is to learn all you can about the disease and then help to educate others.  For instance, did you know that Alzheimer’s is typically diagnosed in the middle to later stages ofthe disease so many people go untreated during the years that treatments are most effective?  Also everyone needs to know that memory loss is not a normal part of aging, and that some of the risk factors for “Alzheimer’s can be actively managed to reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline.”  Finally, we should not lose hope as most certainly breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of the disease are on the horizon.   

If your parent or spouse has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we encourage you to contact MorningStar at Bear Creek.  Our community has 48 suites all devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from dementia, and in addition, we are a resource for families in the Colorado Springs area dealing with Alzheimer’s.  At Bear Creek, we lovingly care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.     

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:.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-awareness-month

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Resident–Directed Memory Care at MorningStar


If you are looking for a Colorado Springs community devoted to care of those with dementia-related diseases, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek.   

At Bear Creek, we take a gentle, resident-directed approach to calm and awaken memories as well as to support capabilities.  Along with using multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, our residents are provided with recreational and meaningful activities including music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercises.     

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself,” and that “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise every morning with programs such as: Chair Exercises, Morning Stretches, and Circle Ball Exercises.  In addition to presenting creative ways to help our residents remain active, each day at Bear Creek is filled with activities that simulate all five senses to feed the whole body and brain. The result is often a noticeable difference in mood and physical well-being. 

One of our unique approaches to memory care includes life skill stations where we incorporate a variety of props that may have played a role in a person’s background to help awaken dormant memories.  When individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases are reminded of their past, they have the opportunity to take joy in the present and feel calm and connected. 

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 all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and we are 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:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Does Your Parent Need More Care?





Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately signals they need more assistance in their daily life.  You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence.  However getting the proper care can actually help make them feel more independent as they know they can live their life without worry and help is available when they need it.   

Experts cite several common signs that may indicate your parent needs more assistance including changes in the way they live.  For incidence if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly.  Significant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals. 

Watch for signs your parent is having trouble walking or appears unsteady and is having difficulty getting up from a seated position.  Other changes are signs of confusion or uncertainty performing familiar tasks.  A dangerous side effect of poor memory can be seniors forgetting to take medications or not following their doctor’s care plan.  Errands can also be difficult to do as many seniors are uncomfortable driving and many stop driving altogether. 

While assisted living was a relatively new concept when it first began around 25 years ago, today it is the fastest growing care option for seniors who are able to live independently but require a little assistance.  At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we provide assistance with “activities of daily living” (ADLs) such as: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and more.  Our community, located in the Denver suburb of Centennial, offers a total of 55 private assisted living suites and 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. 

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.    

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

MorningStar’s Holistic Approach to Memory Care


MorningStar at Bear Creek is a senior living community devoted to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our specially trained staff provides personalized care for residents using a holistic approach to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  

Our 48 suite secure and loving memory care community can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.  

Popular activities with our residents include music memories, trivia, crafts, and movies starring some of the great actors of all time such as John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.  Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of interest, residents are sure to find something they like to do.  Whether it is joining a sing-a-long, jewelry making, or having the opportunity to attend church service, MorningStar is a great place to call home. 

We know a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening, which is why we work closely with our families to help them understand what is happening to their loved one.   MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to be a resource center for Colorado Springs. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Bear Creek including day programs and respite care (short term). 

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 all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and we are 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.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Specialized Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia-related Diseases



At MorningStar Senior Living at Bear Creek, our community is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease. 

The goal of MorningStar’s methods is to affirm dignity and value of each resident and to support choice and independence as much as possible.  By interviewing family members, we gather together a complete history of a resident’s preferences, abilities and idiosyncrasies and use that information to create trust between staff and residents. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers 48 suites in a setting specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Residents of our community have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities which help maintain respect and dignity.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers.  

Our warm and loving community at Bear Creek also offers residents the freedom to safely and securely enjoy the outdoors with an exterior courtyard, fire-side patios and strolling paths.  As we are pet-friendly, our strolling paths are a great place for residents to take their dog for a walk.   Visit our website to learn more about our community. 

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 all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and we are 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.