Senior Communities Offer a Comfortable Lifestyle

Many older adults are attracted to the idea of carefree retirement years and have found that senior living communities offer the opportunity for a very comfortable lifestyle.   Much of that is due to the fact that senior living communities like MorningStar of Billings are designed to meet seniors’ social, physical, spiritual and wellness needs.  Senior living communities include independent living and assisted living as well as memory care that specializes in caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. 

The physical upkeep involved in owning a home such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores become harder as we age.  At a senior living community, someone else does the outdoor and indoor maintenance, and communities like MorningStar of Billings offer housekeeping, laundry and other services.  In other words, senior living residents have the freedom to focus on more fulfilling activities like relaxing and enjoying themselves.

Senior living is also a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely.  Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends.  Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation.  Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them.  Also you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.  At MorningStar of Billings, we provide scheduled transportation along with outings to places such as entertainment venues, museums, shopping malls, outdoor parks and more.    

If senior living sounds like something you would like to know more about, please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website.  If you like what you see, please schedule a tour to see why our residents are pleased to call us “home!”  Our community offers 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.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

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

Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Statistics show that depression in seniors is common; however, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be treated as such.   Many of the challenges seniors go through in the later stages of their life including the death of love ones, retiring from the workplace, and having one or more serious health problems or disability can result in a person developing depression.  While an estimated 6 million adults age 65 years and older have late-life depression, only 10% of those affected are treated for it. 

Experts say there are several reasons why depression goes untreated in the elderly including the fact that symptoms are displayed differently from those in younger people. For example many seniors do show signs of sadness, the most common symptom of depression, and many are unwilling to share their feelings with anyone.  Seniors with depression often complain of feeling tired, have trouble sleeping and may be grumpy and irritable.  Depression can even cause symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease such as confusion and attention problems. 

In some cases symptoms of depression are misdiagnosed as being the result of medical conditions and/or from the side effects of medicines they take to treat the conditions.  The National Institute on Aging says depression can “co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.” Furthermore, they explain that depression can make these conditions worse and treating the depression can help older adults better manage their other health conditions. 

If you think you have depression or that a loved one is suffering from the condition, you need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.  It can be treated but your doctor needs to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the depression.    Typical treatment for depression includes medication and psychotherapy.

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.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Expansive Care Services

If you are looking for one of the best retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area offers, we encourage you consider MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We provide area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing. 

At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change.  In fact we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families. 

To improve care services, we proudly use the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at our Arrowhead community.  It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information on residents.  It offers different modules to monitor various vitals and key health metrics as well as provides enhanced privacy and security of residents’ data. 

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurse—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.  We also offer mechanical lift assistance, weights and vitals monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and much more.  Please visit our website to see the full list of our care services and to read more about our exceptional 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. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area has to offer.

Improve the Health of Your Bones

It is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.  People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms.  While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease.  Furthermore, injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery.  Many others require long-term care.   

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones.  One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D.  Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.  Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. 

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented.  A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density.  It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc.  In addition, common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase you chance of getting osteoporosis.   

Please visit MorningStar at Bear Creek’s website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate assisted living for dementia residents.  Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.

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.

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/

MorningStar of Billings Offers Assisted Living that Feels Like Home

The MorningStar of Billings senior living community consists of three neighborhoods including 32 free standing cottages and 72 bright suites for independent living, 70 assisted living suites, and 36 memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Situated in a park-like neighborhood in western Billings, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

If you are a senior who requires a little help with your day-to-day personal care, our assisted living is expertly designed to provide the assistance you need in order to maintain your independence.  Once you decide to move into our beautiful community, you and your extended family will sit down with our Wellness Director to create an individualized care plan that meets with your approval and ensures your comfort and safety. 

Our assisted living offers five levels of care and the cost of your monthly fee is based on the types of services we will be providing.  Regardless of your level of care, all residents receive 24/7 Care Managers as well as the services of a licensed nurse, routine care plan reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  MorningStar of Billings’ care services include help with dressing, bathing, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services and more. 

Furthermore, as an assisted living resident at MorningStar of Billings, you are sure to enjoy our wellness programs and activities that are intended to enhance your life intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.  Our programs provide numerous ways for residents to express their unique talents and to stay active and productive.  Also we would be remiss if we did not mention our delicious meals prepared by our own Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  

We are proud to have a care team who feels called to serve seniors and help us to create a true home for our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living community. 

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Seniors in Community Housing Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist.  The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.”

Hospitalization information from participants in the Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?”  Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone.  Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to be one of the best retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area offers, and we provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.  Our residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more.  In addition, we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.”  While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or 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. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ and the surrounding area has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/    

Heat-related Illness in the Elderly

While beautiful, summers in Colorado Springs are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the mid-80s so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 years old.” 

Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature.  When people over the age of 65 heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger, and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features.  Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun.

  

Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.  Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out.  Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems.  Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease.  

Diet can also play a role becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided.  If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Our community is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about our experienced, compassionate Alzheimer’s 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 dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Source: cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html

It’s Important for Seniors to Stay Mentally Active

Researchers have discovered it is just as important for aging adults to stay mentally active as it is to stay physically active.  Our bodies do not only lose muscle over time but our brains can also atrophy.  The website, Everyday Health explains it as, “More specifically, your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.”

After extensive studies, scientists now believe that regular, targeted brain exercises can increase your brain's cognitive reserve.  Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance.  One study involved monitoring the brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest as well as while they were playing their instruments.  The musicians’ brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than when resting” while playing their instruments.  Also the heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing.

In addition mind games, puzzles and memory games are fun way to help seniors keep their brains exercised. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords help improve recall and board games typically require counting, strategy and decision-making.  

For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory.  At MorningStar of Billings, we have a desktop computer available in our Library as well as offer the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology. This state-of-the-art engagement system combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software and has a library of over 3,000 choices of things to do and explore.

Another good brain exercise is learning a new language.  Reading also can open doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to and can heighten imagination and introduce new ideas. 

Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to learn more about our beautiful senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  Our community has 32 cottages and 72 suites for senior independent living, 70 suites for assisted living, and 36 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspxmindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s Unique Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides loving memory care to Colorado Springs area seniors.  Our community offers 48 secure suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team will expertly provide the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety. 

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. 

All of our employees, regardless of their position in our community, will receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our tender residents.  The eight hours of training include the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors. 

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate dementia and Alzheimer’s care.  While many assisted living communities may offer memory care, we consider it our calling to care for our very special residents.  Our goal is to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life. 

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 dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Learn More About Strokes and Risk Factors You Can Control

Approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stoke each year and is the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities.  In addition, strokes result in more than 140,000 deaths annually.  Seniors are at the most risk for strokes as 75% of them occur in adults over the age of 65.  However, the good news is the majority of strokes are preventable.  According to the American Stroke Association, there are several risks factors you can “control, treat and improve.”   

High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for a stroke as well as one of the most controllable.  In fact, doctors attribute the current decline in stroke-related deaths to today’s effective high blood pressure treatments and medications.

Another significant risk factor you can control is to stop smoking.  Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke causes damage to the cardiovascular system and increases the likelihood of a stroke.  In addition, diabetes, cholesterol, a poor diet, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and heart disease can also increase your risk for a stroke. 

Uncontrollable risk factors include genetics, age and gender.  Furthermore, while more men suffer from strokes, they are more deadly for women.   

Everyone should be familiar with the signs of a stroke.  The American Stroke Association using the word “FAST” to help us spot the signs and remember what to do.  “F” stands for face dropping, “A” stands for arm weakness, “S” for speech difficultly, and “T” for its time to call 911. 

As one of the best retirement homes Peoria AZ has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides nutritional, tasty meals and a whole range of wellness programs and activities.  Our life enrichment programs are designed to enhance the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing of our residents.   Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care 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. Call to schedule a visit to the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ has to offer.

Source: strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/UnderstandingRisk/Understanding-Stroke-Risk_UCM_308539_SubHomePage.jsp   

Is Frequent Bruising a Sign 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 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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

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

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

Communication Tips from the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.   

Typically in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words.  Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. 

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions.  Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.      

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words.  Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers the Colorado Springs area compassionate, personalized Alzheimer’s care for those at the onset of the disease or well into the advanced stages.  Our community consists of 48 suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.  Please 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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

Downsizing to an Assisted Living Suite?

Along with the emotional transition to assisted living, your loved one may require help downsizing their belongings especially if they are still living in their own home.  While many assisted living suites such MorningStar at Arrowhead’s are quite roomy, obviously they are not as big as a whole house.  Nor will your parent need the same amount of housewares and equipment in their new suite as they will no longer be preparing meals or cleaning and maintaining a home.

The Family Caregiver Alliance has some tips as well as a check sheet for families to help make the process go more smoothly and ultimately save time and energy.   They suggest strategies to use if you have the time (if it is not an emergency to move now) and plan the steps you will take as far out as six months to a year.  In fact decluttering should be done on a fairly regular basis including updating paperwork and shredding old documents.  Also periodically get rid of unused or worn out clothing, furniture and extraneous household items. 

One of the first steps they recommend is to write lists and add to them whenever you think of something new.  Lists should include things your parent wants to take with them to their new home, and a timeline of when things need to be done by.  Get a floorplan of the suite as it will make it easier to realistically plan what to take, to sell, donate or to give away.  The Family Caregiver Alliance also reminds families to go slow with the sorting process and try not to overwhelm their parent by doing too much each day.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead is pleased to offers 60 private assisted living suites on two levels.  Residents has a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, we have 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our Reflections Neighborhood. Please visit our website for more information.

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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source: caregiver.org/downsizing-home-checklist-caregivers

Gardening is Both Fun and Healthy

Research has shown gardening to be an effective low-impact exercise for seniors.  Along with providing a moderate amount of aerobic exercise for aging adults, gardening can offer benefits to your mental and emotional health.  To keep it accessible to the elderly for whom lifting and bending can be difficult; it is smart to incorporate a few modifications such as raised garden beds as well as using various ergonomic tools.

One of the best things about gardening is it stimulates all of the senses and offers an excellent excuse to get outside and soak up some vitamin D as well as boost serotonin levels in your brain.  Serotonin is a chemical that improves your mood and helps you to feel calm and centered. In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, gardening gives seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment with its beautiful or edible finished product.  It also is an enjoyable way to use of all of your motor skills and improve endurance and strength.

Working in a garden has also proven helpful to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Gardening can help recall pleasant memories from the past and remind a person of healthier times.  Experts advise not to give someone with dementia a sharp tool. 

If seniors plan to get out and garden, they need to protect themselves against pests and the elements.  It is recommended that seniors avoid the heat of the day and apply plenty of sunblock and wear protective clothing including sunglasses and a hat.  They should have shady areas available with benches or chairs so they may easily take a break as needed. It is also important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can be a problem. 

Among our many amenities and activities at MorningStar of Fort Collins, we offer residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through a fireside patio and all-season porches as well as a garden club which meets each Thursday on the patio.  Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior care in Fort Collins. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior care 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 and memory care in Fort Collins.

Schedule a Tour of MorningStar of Billings

Our gallery pictures do a very good job of showing off MorningStar of Billings’ gorgeous senior living community, but to really get an ideal of what we are all about, we encourage you to schedule a tour.  Located on our home page is a link to “Schedule a Tour” that takes just a few minutes to fill out.  If you plan to tour a couple of senior living communities, you may want to read a few articles on the Internet regarding things to look for on your tour.  

An onsite tour is important for many reasons and gives you the chance to experience it with your own eyes, ears, and instincts.  Remember this may be the place where you or your loved decide to make their new home.  A tour also allows you to evaluate the community for cleanliness and to get an idea of the daily routine of the residents.  Additionally you will get to meet the staff and talk to residents.

Some of the questions you will want to ask include information regarding staff members’ credentials and have they gone through background checks or received any special training.   Does the staff seem friendly and do residents appear to be well cared for and happy?  If you can, eat a meal at the community as it gives you an idea of the quality of food as well as time to visit with staff and residents. 

At MorningStar of Billings, we recommend that you plan on spending at least 45 minutes with us during your tour.  You are welcome to join us for lunch (please let us know when you set up the tour) and if you do, please allow approximately 90 minutes so you can enjoy your meal.  We will tailor your visit to your priorities and let us know if you have any special concerns.  Once you complete our online form, we will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient time to come and visit our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.  

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.