Help Prevent the Spread of Colds and Flu

At MorningStar of Billings, the health and wellbeing of our residents is our first priority. Along with offering a whole range of wellness programs and activities and delicious healthy meals, we provide all of the services residents need to feel their best. 

One thing we have already done to keep our community healthy is to host our annual Flu Shot Clinic in early November.  If for some reason you have not gotten your flu shot yet, the CDC says it is not too late as the worst of the flu season is typically from December to February.  Please keep in mind that the 2017 flu season was one of the worst on record and had the highest death toll in decades.  The U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, MD, said an estimated 80,000 Americans died of flu and about 900,000 were hospitalized with complications.

Above and beyond getting your flu shot, there are some things you can do to avoid spreading colds and the flu throughout the community.  Experts advise washing your hands thoroughly and often and do not forget to wash between your fingers, your fingernails and the back of your hands.  They say plain soap is fine, just wash for at least 20 seconds.  If you are unable to wash your hands, have a hand sanitizer available. When coughing or sneezing, use tissues to cover and catch the droplets to help prevent spreading germs.  Also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Furthermore avoid contact with people who are ill and discourage family members to visit if they have a cold or other signs of illness.  If you are ill, keep your distance from others and wash your hands frequently.  Also drinking lots of liquids can help prevent illnesses as well as help you recover if you are sick. 

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 visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand why we are one of Billings’ best senior living facilities. 

Source:

usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/09/27/surgeon-general-jerome-adams-influenza-americans-flu-shot-vaccine/1440838002/      

Bruising in Seniors

Is frequent bruising indicative of a bigger problem?  Most likely not says the Mayo Clinic because as we age people bruise more easily.  The reason for this is older skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layers that used to work as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.  Also women are more prone to bruising than men.      

The medical term for a bruise is contusion, and is typically caused when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are ruptured by an impact from an injury or a blow to the area.  This causes blood to start leaking out of the vessels and create the visible black-and-blue mark (ecchymosis) of a bruise.  As the body reabsorbs the blood, the bruise begins to heal. 

The Mayo Clinic says that certain medications can cause bruising such as aspirin and anticoagulants such as Coumadin® that thin the blood and reduces its ability to clot.  This means that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  Dietary supplements like fish oil and ginkgo have a blood thinning effect that can also increase the risk for bruising.

However bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as low levels or abnormally functioning platelets.  They can also indicate problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body, if they are painful, or you start bruising after beginning a new medication. Additionally, check with your doctor if a bruise increases in size and becomes swollen and hard as it may be a hematoma, a localized collection of blood which becomes clotted or partially clotted.

To prevent bruising, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner, suggests removing furniture and other obstacles to create a clear path throughout the home to avoid bumps and falls.  If you or your loved one is unsteady on their feet, install handrails when possible and consider using a walker or cane.    

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 brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in a magnificent setting. Contact us to schedule a visit to learn more about our loving dementia care.

Sources:

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

aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/elderly-bruising

Glendale Senior Living at its Best

While our website has a whole gallery of photos of our beautiful, welcoming home, we still don’t think that all the pictures in the world can express the the real essence of MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead.  This is why we encourage anyone interested in our community to set up a tour to see why residents are proud to call MorningStar home and to experience firsthand the “love and sincerity in the air.”   

We make it easy to schedule a visit and even provide advice on how to get the most out your time with us.  Use the link on our home page to provide us with your contact info and someone from our team will be in touch with you to schedule a day and time that is convenient for you. 

While we are excited to know you are interested in finding out more about our Glendale senior living community and will tailor the tour to your priorities, we ask that you set aside at least 45 minutes to get a full idea of what we are about.  In addition you are more than welcome to join us for lunch and experience our daily culinary delights (please let us know when you set up the tour) and if so, plan to be here for around 90 minutes total.     

Before you come in, we encourage you to browse through our website to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead as well as to take a look at some of the resources we offer families.  Our FAQ’s provide answers to many questions but if you do not find the information you need, be sure to write it down so you remember to ask us when you take your tour. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in Glendale 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. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community.

Dementia is Often Misunderstood

Dementia may still be one of the most misunderstood medical conditions of today.  From believing dementia is an inevitable part of aging to thinking any sign of forgetfulness is evidence of dementia, many people hold inaccurate views regarding the term.  The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as not being a specific disease.  Rather they say, “It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.” 

Also, it can complicate the matter as the term dementia covers a range of conditions with the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease.  Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders.   

To determine if you or a loved one’s memory loss is a symptom of dementia, you need to be evaluated by a health care professional.  Simply being forgetful is not enough for a doctor to make the diagnosis of dementia but rather he or she will run a series of tests to determine if there is other evidence of cognition problems.   Other signs of dementia involve a person having difficulty completing sentences or finding the right word to say, difficulty completing tasks, and difficulty recognizing items or people.   

In some cases the person may exhibit signs of poor judgement and have trouble performing common household chores, paying bills, or preparing food.  They may have problems with organizing thoughts, and repeatedly ask the same questions or relate the same stories.  A person with dementia can lose their way even in a familiar environment as well as become more agitated and irritable.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers the Colorado Springs area compassionate, loving and specialized assisted living for dementia residents. Our community consists of 48 suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.  Please visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to memory care. 

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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs.

Tips for a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease. 

As older adults’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt.  Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts.  In addition buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemicals. 

Other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of heart disease are quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and lowering your blood pressure.   A heart healthy lifestyle must also include daily exercise and even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.  If it has been a while since you have exercised, check with your doctor and start slowly.  The Heart Association cites research that indicates 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level.

MorningStar of Billings is one of the top senior living facilities in the greater Billings area.  We proudly provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community with our top-rated independent and assisted living as well as our memory care facility.   As one resident recently wrote; ““MorningStar is a wonderful place to live, great staff, residents and food. I truly enjoy living here.”    Please visit our website for pricing and availability information. 

Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  Please set up an appointment for a tour of one of the area’s best senior living facilities.     

Seniors Need to Socialize to Lead Fulfilling Lives

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 at Arrowhead, 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 a variety of places such as cultural destinations, parks, area malls, museums, and restaurants.

Please visit our website to see what is happening at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  Our Glendale senior living community offers 60 private assisted living suites along with 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

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. Call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest Glendale senior living.

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/ 

The Risk of Falling is Greater for Those with Dementia

A report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted that while falls are extremely common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are at an even greater risk.  Statistics show that approximately one in three seniors fall each year.  The rate is more than doubled in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, in fact 70% of those with dementia fall at least once each year.

Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Another reason for a fall is certain medications that can cause drowsiness.  Whatever the reason, falling can be a big problem for seniors who live alone and have cognition issues as they may not have access to help when they need it.

  

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our loving assisted living dementia care is designed to address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort.  Furthermore, as one of the area’s leading dementia care specialists, our community was designed from the ground up to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life.

Our community offers 48 secure suites, and includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.  We are also equipped to provide compassionate dementia care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and all of the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.    

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 the best assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.  

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

WellStar Program at MorningStar of Fort Collins

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins we lovingly provide our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel at home. We also provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar program consisting of five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy. Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the program offers opportunities to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and build social connections.

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

You will find the one thing that sets MorningStar of Fort Collins apart from other senior care 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. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted 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 senior care in the area.

Socialization is Important to Our Health & Wellbeing

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections. 

The National Institute on Aging recently reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. 

As one of Billings Montana’s top senior living facilities, the MorningStar of Billings’ community offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit and find ways to learn and contribute.  Please visit our website to learn why our independent living, assisted living and memory care facility is such a great place to call home.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to setup a tour to experience firsthand the loving atmosphere of one of the area’s top senior living facilities.    

Source:

nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

Tips for Touring an Assisted Living Community

Just as MorningStar at Arrowhead encourages anyone interested in our community to schedule a tour, so do most other assisted living communities.   This is because you cannot really get an idea of what a community looks like or feels like without seeing it in person. 

In addition to wanting your loved one to be happy in their new “home,” your priorities most likely include finding a community that is well run, clean, and within your price range.   Experts recommend your first step should be to do some research over the Internet and on the phone.  Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to a pharmacy, medical facilities and shopping.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.   

Senior support network Caring.com has a great checklist (it is even printable) of tips to consider for when touring an assisted living community.  To start with, they say you should always listen to your gut instincts.   From the moment you walk through the door, do you get a good feeling?  Regardless of how beautifully decorated, does it feel welcoming and have a home-like atmosphere?  If they offer the service, eat lunch with the residents as it will help to give you a more complete picture of the community.

 

As the best assisted living Peoria AZ has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead in nearby Glendale is proud of each and every aspect of our community.  Not only is our community beautifully decorated and designed for residents’ every comfort and need, but we have a staff that is committed to serving seniors and come to work each day with a smile on their face.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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 assisted living Peoria AZ area offers.

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

Touring an Assisted Living Community

Looking for Alzheimer homes in the Colorado Springs area?  At A Place for Mom’s website, the largest assisted living referral service, they offer tips for touring a senior community.  During the tour make sure you think about you or your loved one actually living at the community.   Look around and see if you notice a general feeling of uncleanliness and/or unpleasant odors?  Do staff members seem friendly and are they making eye contact and appear to be listening to residents?  

Be sure to ask about the ratio of staff to residents and what type of training they receive as well as security measures and safety accommodations.    Don’t forget to take the time to meet with the management team and ask them about the community’s mission.  Its also recommended to eat a meal at the community as it will give you a chance to share leisurely time with the residents.  In addition, you get to experience for yourself the community’s cuisine.          

We would like to invite you to set up a tour of MorningStar at Bear Creek in order to experience our beautiful, loving community in person.  As dementia care specialists, our community is set up to provide care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other type of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  We feel honored to walk alongside and support each resident and their family as they go through this difficult journey. 

On our website, you will find a convenient link to schedule a tour or give us a call.  As we tailor the tour to your priorities, we recommend you allow at least 45 minutes so you can get a good look at our entire community.  We also invite you to join us for lunch (just let us know when you set up your tour).  If you do want to join us, please set aside at least 90 minutes. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in Alzheimer homes and dementia care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to memory care.  

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers the Groundbreaking iN2L Technology

Residents of the MorningStar at Arrowhead community have the opportunity to participate in a variety of wellness programs and activities as well as receive resort-style amenities.  Along with an on-site chapel/theatre, bistro, salon, fitness room, and more, residents are provided with three daily meals served restaurant style and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We also have a library that includes a computer available for our residents. 

Another new technology we are proud to offer residents is the groundbreaking “It’s Never 2 Late” (iN2L) computer program that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive picture-based software.  The user-friendly technology components are designed so residents can enjoy using a computer regardless of their past experience or physical or intellectual limitations. Offering a library with over 3,000 selections, iN2L users are provided intellectual and physical stimulation, social and spiritual connections, emotional support and vocational interests.  Seniors can easily navigate the web, read online newspapers, play trivia and brain fitness games, take quizzes and virtual tours, participate in Skype web chats and much more.  

In addition each resident can personalize a “My Page” and set it up with their history and email address as well as web and entertainment preferences.  The My Page feature also makes it easy for family members to share their latest photos and news.   We encourage you to come in and ask for a demonstration to experience firsthand the scope of the program.   

The best senior living Peoria AZ area has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead is nestled on the north side of nearby Glendale in the popular residential neighborhood of Arrowhead.  Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional community and for contact information, pricing and availability.  

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 Peoria AZ area offers.

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The COPD Foundation states that, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.”  As COPD progresses, it results in increasing breathlessness as the lungs are further damaged.  The damage is permanent and is the 4^th leading cause of death for people 65 to 84 years old.   

Often in the early stages, people mistake the symptoms of COPD with fatigue and getting older.  In addition, many people may have the disease for years before experiencing the symptoms of COPD that includes breathlessness, wheezing, or a chronic cough.  

You may be at risk for COPD if you have a history of long-term smoking, a job that exposed you to dust or chemicals or other indoor air pollutants, second-hand smoke exposure, or lots of exposure to outdoor air pollution.  You may additionally be at risk if you had lots of respiratory infections as a child or have a genetic risk factor for emphysema that is related to a deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the bloodstream. 

    

COPD is diagnosed with a simple procedure known as a spirometry test that measures how well your lungs are working.  If your results show signs of COPD, you will need to consult with your doctor regarding treatment.  It is important for anyone with COPD to get a yearly flu shot and a vaccine for pneumonia as they can help to prevent some infections.  Good nutrition and staying as active as possible is also important.  

The Mayo Clinic reminds anyone diagnosed with COPD that is not the end of the world.   They say most people have a mild form of the disease and require little therapy other than to quit smoking.  For more advanced cases, there are effective therapies available to “control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.”

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 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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs.