Pets are Good Companions for Seniors

Many studies have discovered that pets can be very beneficial for the elderly.  For example the various tasks that goes along with caring for a dog such as taking them for a walk offers good cardiovascular exercise for seniors.  Additionally petting, grooming and feeding a pet help to keep seniors engaged in life and give them a sense of purpose. 

Pets also offer unconditional love and their loyal companionship can help alleviant loneliness.  Research points to evidence that pet and human interactions can help to lower cholesterol levels, fight depression, and reduce stress, which is why it is so beneficial to the elderly. In fact researchers report that “15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.”

It used to be that when someone moved into a retirement community they had to give up their pet.  Now more and more senior living communities have recognized the benefits of pets and allow seniors to bring them.  Pets can even be beneficial to others living in the community and help draw out residents that may not be very communicative.      

At MorningStar of Billings, we could not agree more about the benefits of pets.  Our community is pet friendly and we even have a community pet.  Grace, a Golden Doodle, joined our MorningStar family in 2015 and we all think that she is the cutest dog on the planet.  If no one is around to cuddle with Grace, she is content to sit quietly in her corner and chew on her rawhide rope. 

Please visit our website to learn about the best senior living community in the west end of Billings.  While we offer a country setting, our community is located near shopping centers and medical facilities. Our community has independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

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. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living     

Cataracts are a Common Problem for Seniors

As we age, it is more important than ever to get regular eye exams.  The American Optometric Association recommends that every person over the age of 60 have an annual eye examination.  They also advise that if you notice any changes in your vision, see an eye doctor immediately. 

Cataracts are a common eye problem in older adults and develop as the tissue in the eye’s lens breaks down and clumps together causing cloudy or opaque areas.  Aging or an eye injury can cause cataracts as well as other conditions such as diabetes and the long-term use of steroid medications.

The size and location of the cataract determines how much it interferes with your vision.  If the cataract is only affecting a small part of the eye, you may not even know you have one.  Noticeable symptoms occur as the cataract grows and starts clouding more of the lens and distorting the way light passes through the lens. 

The Mayo Clinic says that cataract symptoms include:

·         Clouded, blurred or dim vision

·         Increasing difficulty with vision at night

·         Sensitivity to light and glare

·         Need for brighter light for reading and other activities

·         Seeing "halos" around lights

·         Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

·         Fading or yellowing of colors

·         Double vision in a single eye

Once a person cannot clear their vision with prescription glasses and the cataract is interfering with normal daily activities including driving at night and reading, surgery is the only effect treatment.  The procedure involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which becomes a permanent part of the eye.

The surgery is done on an outpatient basis and the person experiences a few days of discomfort.  The complete healing process takes about eight weeks.  If a patient needs surgery on both eyes, the second one is done once the first eye has healed.

This post is for informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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 firsthand our exceptional memory care in Colorado Springs.

Sources:

aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/dxc-20215129

MorningStar’s WellStar Program Focuses on the Body and the Mind

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, we lovingly provide our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel right at home.  We also will provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar programs consisting of five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy.  Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the programs integrates different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind. 

Introduced by our Life Enrichment coordinator, the activities 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 prepares the tasty meals that are served in our beautiful dining rooms restaurant style.   

You will find the one thing that sets MorningStar at Arrowhead apart from other senior living 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 about our community.

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. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our exceptional community.

Learn More About MorningStar at Bear Creek’s Memory Care

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is a senior living community devoted to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  At Bear Creek, we are set up to care for those from the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

Our team has been specially trained in our unique, holistic approach to memory care that begins by treating each resident with the utmost respect and compassion.  We use a variety of techniques to calm and awaken memories, support capabilities and affirm the person’s dignity and value including aromatherapy, music and art.  Even the physical structure of our building is designed to accommodate individuals with memory loss and gives residents the freedom to move safely about and explore their surroundings.

We bring a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to our care and recognize that the essence of the person still exists – our job is to find ways to connect with that essence regardless of the level of memory loss.  Before a person moves in, we meet with them and their family to learn everything we can about the person’s history including their vocation, talents and interests.  This information helps us to develop a trust with the person and create an individualized care plan.  

Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care community.  MorningStar at Bear Creek has 48 suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.  If you like what you see, we encourage you to schedule a visit to get a firsthand look at our compassionate, loving community. 

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 firsthand our exceptional memory care in Colorado Springs.

What Does Quality Assisted Living Offer?

At MorningStar of Billings, we understand that families are often confused by the term “assisted living” and just what type of services it includes.  If you take a look at our website, you will get a good idea of what we can provide for you or your loved one. 

To start with, our senior living community offers 70 assisted living suites that range in a variety of configurations and floor plans from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom units.  Each suite has wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds, high ceiling and lots of overhead lighting.  And yes, MorningStar of Billings is pet friendly.

In terms of services provided for our assisted living residents, we do just about whatever it takes to ensure the comfort and safety of each individual.  Before you move in, our Wellness Director will sit down and talk with you and your family to learn more about your medical history and discuss the types of services you will require.  From there, we create a care plan with your approval, which is periodically reviewed and updated if needed.

MorningStar offers five levels of care (each with an attending monthly fee) and you will be placed within one of those levels.  However regardless of the level of care, you will have around-the-clock Care Managers on site to meet your every need.

Some of the services available to you include a licensed nurse on call 24/7; a CPR-trained team member on every shift, certified Med Care Managers, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, diabetic management, transportation to medical appointments and pharmacy services.   We also offer palliative and hospice care when required.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Billings and to read the entire list of Wellness Services available.       

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.      

Learn More about Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes (or that goes away and comes back). They describe it like an “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.”  Signs can also include discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.  Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.  As heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the U.S. as well as globally, it is important to know the facts and a great resource for up-to-date information is the American Heart Association’s website.   

The site has lots of current information on the causes and treatment for atherosclerosis, which is the disease that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries.  Once plaque has built up and narrowed the arteries, it is more difficult for the blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming that can stop blood from flowing altogether.   Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.   

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes and occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (typically from a blood clot).  Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when weakened blood vessels rupture.  There are two types of weakened blood vessels that are typically responsible: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).   

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should, and thus, not meeting the body’s blood and oxygen needs.  It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in adults 65 years and older.  Treatment includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.  If left untreated, the problem can worsen.    

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

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.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our exceptional community.

 

Source:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Defined

There is often confusion between the definition of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease.  Rather it is the overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory and other cognitive skills that reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.   

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, while vascular dementia, which is caused by the damage from a stroke, is the second most common cause.  Other types of dementia may be a result of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and a person may have more than one form of dementia.  Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, medication side effects as well as depression, excessive alcohol us and even infectious diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms; however in these cases, once the problem is correctly diagnosed, it is reversible.  This is why health care providers state the importance of getting a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your or your loved one’s symptoms.    

In addition getting an accurate diagnosis at the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia allows the person to receive the maximum benefit from the available treatments.  Furthermore, it gives the person time to plan for their future.    

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we offer 48 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our specially trained staff provides personalized care for residents using progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy. 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. Visit our website to learn more. 

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 firsthand the best memory care in Colorado Springs.

 

Sources:.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/ask-well-is-dementia-the-same-as-alzheimers-disease/

It is Important Seniors Stay Hydrated

Now that summer is almost here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated.  There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink.  In addition medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids.  Also our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger.  Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker.  

Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing.  Furthermore seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents.    

Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care.  Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more.

To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer.  Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas.           

At MorningStar of Billings, we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months.  Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Billing’s independent living includes 32 cottages and another 72 bright suites in our main building.  We also have 70 assisted living suites and 36 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments.  Please visit our website to schedule a tour of our gorgeous community.

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.      

See Our Website for Family Resources

While MorningStar at Arrowhead’s first priority is to our residents, we also recognize that helping our families accept the transition to senior living is important.  This is why we have a website filled with useful information and resources regarding all aspects of our community.  

We encourage everyone to read the history of MorningStar and about our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger’s mission to start a senior housing company defined by the human touch.  He explains that he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Guided by our Radiance program, you will also learn how we deliver service - with warmth, sincerity and depth. 

Furthermore, we understand that senior living decisions are often precipitated by major changes, which is why we provide a guide that details various retirement options.  One recommendation we offer is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve, and to think about not just next year, but rather the next 5 to 10 years.  We encourage you to read our points to consider for help in determining if assisted living is the best solution for you, your parent or spouse.  In addition you will find some of the troubling signs that could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, however please keep in mind that only a neurologist can make a diagnosis.     

Once you have reached the decision to move to an assisted living or memory care community, we advise you to set up a tour.  Typically the healthier spouse or child of the senior does the initial tour to rule out unsuitable options and narrow down the search.  We recommend not trying to do more than two tours a day as you will get a lot of information to take in and process.  Please contact MorningStar at Arrowhead if we can be of any help or if you have questions or would like to set up a tour of our wonderful community.   

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.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our exceptional community.

 

Staying Physically Active Benefits All Seniors

Being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, so says the National Institute of Health (NIH).  They go on to say that, “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”   

One of the benefits of staying physically active is that it not only provides long-term health benefits, but also can improve the health of older adults who are already suffering from diseases and disabilities.  In fact, researchers have discovered that regular exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.  It can also be beneficial for those dealing with conditions such as high blood pressure, balance problems and walking difficulties. 

The NIH advises that being inactive is in itself risky for your good health.  While you need to consult your health care provider before you begin to exercise, studies show that if seniors take it “too easy” it can impact their ability to do things on their own.  They state that, “lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.”   

Another reason why it is important to exercise regularly is it can help to elevate your mood and relieve stress.  Furthermore, research points to the fact that exercise may help seniors improve or maintain cognitive function.  The NIH says the type of mental activities that improve with exercise is the ability to shift quickly between tasks and an easier time with planning activities.   

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  If you have any medical concerns please consult your health care provider. 

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 firsthand the best memory care in Colorado Springs.

 

Source: nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Seniors Have a Greater Risk of Dehydration

The U.S. News Health Care Report reminds seniors that they need to take extra precautions when it is hot outside.  Ronan Mangcucang Factora, MD, of the Center for Geriatric Medicine, Medicine Institute encourages elderly adults to stay active throughout the year and to spend time outdoors, but explains they need to be aware of the special challenges they face when exposed to hot weather conditions.  Seniors have a greater risk of dehydration, lightheadedness and dizziness, heatstroke and falls.   

As we age, the percentage of water in our bodies is reduced and causes us to lose the ability to regulate our body temperature as effectively as when we were younger. Additionally there are several medical conditions common to older adults that can also affect how well we regulate temperature changes in the body.  The problem is further compounded by the fact that many elderly adults have a reduced capacity to feel thirst so they may not remember to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Medications such as diuretics intended to reduce excessive fluid in the body can also add to the problem.  

Another reason that dehydration and heat-related problems are more common in the elderly is that older adults do not sweat as much as younger people.  This makes it harder for the body to cool down when needed.   

Dr. Factora points out a few commonsense suggestions for avoiding heat-related problems such as drinking fluids throughout the day and to check the color of your urine.  It should be a clear light amber/yellow color if you are getting enough fluids.  Another recommendation is to wear a hat when in the direct sun and to take lots of breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.       

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  If you have any medical concerns please consult your health care provider. 

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 firsthand the best memory care in Colorado Springs.  

 

Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-08-12/warm-weather-safety-for-seniors