Companion Living Can Help Make Senior Living More Affordable

MorningStar of Billings recognizes that for some, senior living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable.  One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.”  This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in independent living, assisted living or memory care.

Obviously it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them.  However we know that option is not always available so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you. 

We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interest as that provides a good basis for building a friendship.  With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split.  In addition given the variety of floor plans and configurations we offer such as one bathroom designed as a Jack and Jill or two bathrooms, you will be able to find an apartment that fits your needs.  

Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community.  The presence of a roommate can encourage more confident socialization with the broader community, and having someone around who knows the ropes is always helpful.  Also you can look out for one another’s interests and most likely be the first one to notice a change in the other’s health or abilities.  Also we all know, when a friend is present, everything else suddenly feels that much better.

We encourage you to visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to learn more about companion living within our independent and assisted living or memory care.  While you are there, set up a tour to visit us in person. 

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.      

When is Memory Loss a Sign of a Bigger Problem?

As we age, many of us experience occasional memory loss.  While it may be worrisome, most likely it is just a normal part of growing older.  In the case of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life.  The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and recommends if you or a loved one has any of them, to see your health care provider. 

The first sign that you or a loved one’s memory loss may be a sign of a bigger problem is constantly forgetting new information.  Memory loss may include: needing to have the same information repeated over and over; forgetting important dates and events; and relying more and more on family members or memory aids to handle things.  

Another way memory loss can adversely affect a person’s life is when it becomes difficult to problem solve.  He or she may find it hard to do things they have done well in the past such as keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe.  Some individuals with Alzheimer’s have problems losing their way when traveling familiar routes or keeping track of the month or season of the year.  Also, a person may start putting things away in odd places and not remember where they put them.  We encourage you to read the Alzheimer’s Association’s full list of common signs of Alzheimer’s. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we compassionately provide care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our loving community offers secure memory care suites designed to care for those at the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please 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/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers dementia.asp?gclid=CjwKCAiA5OrTBRBlEiwAXXhT6GgfGndmLCyUKJeoYgXhfT3VTwaijPzav4tZA07yxVBjxgPJzwGVdRoCcKwQAvD_BwE

Many Seniors Prefer Senior Living Communities

Most seniors say that they actually prefer living in a senior community to that of living alone.  In fact, there are many reasons why senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead have become such a popular option among aging adults.  One reason no doubt is that they specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness, and community.

  

As seniors age many feel good about relinquishing tasks such as yardwork and home maintenance.  Many no longer feel comfortable driving and may have given it up altogether.  This may mean it is not as easy for many older folks to get out and about as in the past and makes grocery shopping and meal preparation more difficult.  These problems are no longer an issue when you or a loved one moves into MorningStar at Arrowhead. 

Older adults also report senior living communities make them feel safer and they no longer worry about home intrusions.  They also get peace of mind knowing that 24/7 help is just a push of a button away with their emergency call system if the need arises.  As A Place for Mom explains, “while many seniors living alone are fine, there are vast numbers of seniors living alone in unsafe or unhealthy situations who would benefit immensely from life in a senior community.”

Another big problem with seniors living alone is they often do not eat well.  At senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead, our residents are served food that is both healthy and tasty.  Meals are served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room,  so mealtime is not only about food but allows us to share the companionship of breaking bread together. 

Furthermore, senior living provides ready-made companionship and helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness and boredom.  At Arrowhead, we offer a range of activities designed to keep seniors engaged physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to discover the area’s finest assisted living and memory care.    

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 visit to experience firsthand our beautiful community.

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

Need Help Downsizing Before Your Move to Senior Living?

If you are ready to move from your family home into independent or assisted living, we have some helpful suggestions to help you organize and downsize your life’s possessions.  Organizing experts caution that while the task may seem overwhelming, you need to create a plan, take it one step at a time, and give yourself plenty of time.  If you are unable to do the work due to your health, there are professionals you can hire that specializing in helping seniors move. 

It is recommended you start in one room and work from there.  Recruit as much help as you can from family and friends and set up piles of items you will keep, stuff to donate or sell at a yard sale, and things you want to gift to people. 

Always keep in mind that your new space is most likely going to be smaller so get rid of duplicates and consider how your new lifestyle will be different from how you are now living.  For instance, if you are moving into a community that offers meals, chances are you will need only the barest amount of kitchen items. 

The same goes for furniture.  It is suggested you make a floor plan of your new place so you have an idea of the scale of what will fit.  Consider selling furniture such as a coffee table or couch that seems too big and use the money toward purchasing pieces that are more suited to the size of the place.   Not only will your place be more comfortable and look better, but it is important to have open pathways throughout your suite to help prevent the risk of a fall.    

At MorningStar of Billings, we offer the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For independent living we have 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites in a range of floor plans.  We have 70 assisted living suites and 36 secure memory care suites also in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  Visit our website to learn more. 

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.      

MorningStar’s Radiance Program Sets Us Apart

One essential thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is our unique approach to service.  At MorningStar at Bear Creek, all of our new team members are trained in our proprietary service program known as “Radiance.”  The program is much more than just a way to offer customer service to our residents but rather our brand standard of Service Excellence. 

The very essence of Radiance begins in a deep and sincere place, much like a beam of light, and celebrates an attitude of selflessness.  The program provides us with a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and is the basis for how we dispense service - through warmth, sincerity and depth.  Along with introducing the program to each new team member, we also will be reiterating and strengthening the program’s concepts during daily short meetings called the “Huddle.” 

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community rests in the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s goal is to have a compassionate and caring team for our memory care residents. 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.  We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our exceptional 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 the best memory care in Colorado Springs.

Look for Your New Medicare Card in the Mail

Several months ago, Medicare sent out a notification saying they would be issuing new cards to all Medicare recipients.  The new cards started mailing in April 2018, and to meet the statutory deadline, all cards will be replaced by April, 2019.  The schedule for delivery is based on your geographic location.  Medicare explains that your new cards will not contain your Social Security number as a way to help protect against identity theft and prevent fraud.  The new red, white and blue insurance cards will instead have a unique 11 digit number on them. 

This is a good idea but we want you to be aware that Medicare has issued a warning to seniors to be on the lookout for fraudsters trying to exploit them.  One way they are doing this is by posing as Medicare representatives and calling recipients asking for the 11 digit number from their card.  Please Note that Medicare states they do not and will not call recipients.  They strongly advise against giving out your new number over the phone to anyone and remind recipients that Medicare only operates via the US Mail.    

Furthermore Medicare asks that you help to get the word out by warning family and friends that they may be at risk for these scams.  Reiterate not to give out any information over the phone to anyone claiming to be a representative of Medicare. 

Your new card will automatically come to you and you do not need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. If you need to update your address, go online or give them a call.  Also keep in mind that your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s as mailing takes time.  Your Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

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 the Peoria & Glendale AZ area has to offer.

Good Oral Hygiene is Very Important for Seniors

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining one’s overall health and quality of life.  Even though seniors are living longer, it does not mean that they cannot keep their natural teeth.   Brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and regular visit to your dentist can prevent problems from occurring. 

Seniors are at a greater risk for developing periodontal disease which is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria or plaque that forms on the teeth.  It is very common and one of the leading causes of tooth loss.  Signs of periodontal disease are bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, and shifting or loose teeth.  There is evidence to suggest that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and perhaps increases the complications of diabetes. 

 

Dry mouth is another problem faced by some seniors. It can be caused by over 400 commonly prescribed medications such as those for high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression to name just a few, and also from radiation or chemotherapy treatments.  The danger with dry mouth is that it increases the chance of tooth decay or gum disease.  You need to take extra care that you are drinking plenty of water and stay away from caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and sugary foods.  There are some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

If you do have dentures, be sure to take good care of them as they will last longer.  The average life of dentures is five to seven years and it is important to follow good cleaning procedures.  Brush your dentures daily with mild soap or denture paste, and if you are not going to wear them at night, soak them in water or denture cleaning solution (be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward). 

Receding gums caused by periodontal disease or the result of aging can increase the chance of tooth decay occurring at the gum line which causes serious problems to the roots.  Good dental care is the best tool in preventing further damage.  See your dentist at the first sign of any bleeding or pain in your mouth. 

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: seniorsoralhealth.org/

webmd.com/oral-health/guide/caring-dentures#1

Socially Active Seniors Show Less Cognitive Decline

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 of Fort Collins, 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 cultural destinations, parks, area malls, scenic drives, and restaurants.

Please visit our website to see what is happening at MorningStar of Fort Collins.  We proudly offer the area the finest assisted living and memory care and are committed to creating a true home for our residents.

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior 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 assisted living Fort Collins has to offer.

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/ 

A Holistic Approach to Memory Care

Along with an array of options for independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings has 36 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

Billings’ resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All of our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is a separate wing of the Billings’ community and designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes an enclosed courtyard reserved just for our Reflections Neighborhood.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse.

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise as well as our special events and outings.

Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website for more information about our community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

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.      

Stay Well Hydrated this Summer

Now that summer is 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 at Arrowhead, 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.  Our community includes 60 assisted living suites and 25 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 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 the Peoria & Glendale AZ area has to offer.

Care Designed for Those with Dementia

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may be coming to the realization that their needs are more than you can manage on your own and are ready for help.  If that sounds like you, it is now time to start researching the various care options in your area. 

One choice is to place your family member in a community specifically designed to serve the needs of those with dementia.  Memory care provides long-term, intensive care that is more specialized and comprehensive than assisted living.  Most are equipped to care for residents at all stages of the disease and include 24-hour supervision.  The facilities are secure to   reduce the risks of wandering and many have features such as color-coding to help residents safely navigate through the hallways. 

You will also find the best memory care communities provide programs that address the needs of residents such as helping to calm or provide stimulation as needed and can actually offer your loved one a better quality of life.  Communities that provide memory care report they are able to reduce medications and medication side effects as well as increase nutrition and wellness.  They also say residents have fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; along with more independence and social interactions. Most importantly, memory care communities cite that as many as three-fourths of their residents improve or maintain their level of mental functioning.

If you are in the Colorado Springs’ area, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.  MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s or other types of memory loss.    

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.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-11-4-memory-care/       

Assisted Living May be More Affordable than You Think

As families try to figure out how make sure their parent or another elderly relative gets the proper care, many shy away from the option of assisted living as they think it is too expensive.  However, the opposite may be true.  Assisted living can be less expensive than the costs of trying to cobble together the care your parent needs.  

For instance, if your parent lives alone, their cost-of-living includes yearly taxes as well as a mortgage or rental payment and expenses incurred with routine maintenance and repairs.  They are also responsible for utility bills that continue to rise each year while their income may not be.

Your parent may also be paying for in-home care that cannot only be costly but may not be entirely adequate to ensure their safety 24/7.  Furthermore, if the home requires modifications to accommodate their limited mobility, these changes are typically expensive.  Also, the modifications may result in a lower selling price once you do sell the home.  

If your parent lives by themselves, they may be lonely and feel isolated especially if they no longer drive.  The website, aPlaceforMom.com, states that, “seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.”  They may additionally require assistance to get to doctor appointments, to run errands or buy groceries, prepare meals, etc.

Many folks who tour an assisted living community initially experience sticker shock when they learn the cost of assisted living, but according to the experts, it is a great value.  The aPlaceforMom site has a chart that shows once you add up all the services and amenities included in the cost; it may actually be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home. 

We encourage you to visit MorningStar at Arrowhead’s website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floorplans.  Please use our online form or give us a call to set up a tour.       

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: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/seniors-stay-home-or-move 

Seniors and Bruising

You may have wondered why it is as you have gotten older; you seem to bruise more easily and find bruises that you do even remember getting.  There is a scientific explanation for why the problem occurs more commonly in the elderly, and generally bruises do not require treatment and are not serious.   However please keep in mind that significant bruising can be a sign of medical problems and should be discussed with your health care provider.   

According to the Mayo Clinic, a bruise, know in medical terms as a contusion, occurs “when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs.”   This impact causes blood to leak out of the vessels and look like the black-and-blue-mark we are all familiar with.  As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty layer that protects our blood vessels from injury, thus making it easier to bruise. 

While most bruises do not require a doctor’s care, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner in Los Angeles, suggests applying a frozen compress for up to twenty minutes at a time.  Also if you elevate the bruised area higher than your heart during the first 24 hours of the injury, it will help to reduce swelling and inflammation. 

There are several steps you can take to try to eliminate getting bruised in the first place.  To start, make sure your living space has a clear path to move around in so you can avoid bumping into things as well as help prevent falls.  Another thing you may want to do is to use a cane or walker if you are unsteady when you stand up or while walking. 

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:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-bruising