MorningStar at Bear Creek Offers Loving Dementia Care

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer exceptional specialized, loving dementia care in Colorado Springs.  Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, operates 25+ senior living communities throughout the U.S.  This means MorningStar at Bear Creek benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained over their 16 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Our community is designed to enhance our residents’ freedom including secure courtyards, patios and strolling paths. Rather than long sterile hallways, our spacious building was built in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with dementia-related memory impairment. Our figure-eight floor plan allows residents to explore yet find their way back to an open, inviting area.

We provide assistance in whatever way a resident needs us including eating and daily personal care activities.  We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table.  We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.

Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value.  We strive to make each day as special as possible for our residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal.

We invite area families to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  We consider it an honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 dementia care.  

Learn More About MorningStar of Billings

For the area’s finest senior independent living, assisted living and memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings. At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting.  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.

Independent living is designed for seniors without the need of any care services.  If you are looking for stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, MorningStar can provide you with carefree, comfortable retirement years.  Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offer various levels of assistance with daily living activities which are tailored to meet individual needs.  Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family.  Also, as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved one will get the attention they need.    

Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar’s memory care is delivered with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual.  We use alternative natural therapies whenever possible, and try to replace medications with patience, attention and love.  

MorningStar of Billings offers seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as a place to learn new things or just have fun with our variety of meaningful activities.  In addition, if you are someone who values their privacy, you will have that at MorningStar as our spacious cottages and suites are designed to give you your privacy while offering the comfort of knowing people are around.   

Our community offers 32 free standing cottages and 72 well-appointed independent living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, we have 70 assisted living suites and 36 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  To experience MorningStar of Billings up close, contact us to schedule a visit. 

MorningStar of Billings offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Are You Having Trouble Hearing?

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have some difficultly hearing.  This can cause seniors to experience difficulty understanding and following doctor's orders, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.”  Hearing loss can leave people feeling isolated as they have problems following and engaging in conversations with family and friends.  

The medical term for hearing loss is presbycusis; and typically starts gradually by affecting the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  A person may feel like the volume is loud enough on the TV but the dialogue is mumbled.   Experts explain this is caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Generally age-related hearing loss affect both ears equally. 

High blood pressure and diabetes, both common health conditions in older adults, can also affect the hearing as does some types of chemotherapy drugs.  Furthermore, people of all ages are at risk of hearing loss with long-term exposure to loud noise such as on a jobsite.

 

If you or a loved one seems to be having trouble hearing, NIDCD has a checklist of questions to answer.  For example, do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?  Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper? Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?   If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, discuss the problem with your health care provider.  They will refer you to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  If a problem is found, you will be referred to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss.   From there you may be fitted for a hearing aid.

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 patients in Colorado Springs.

Are You Overwhelmed with Caregiving Duties?

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties for an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change.  Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence.  Also once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together.  Moreover, senior living communities like MorningStar at Arrowhead provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. 

Our first priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by you and your parent.  MorningStar’s services also help out our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits, choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry care.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participant in a range of activities and wellness programs.  While this is not a substitute for the time your loved one spends with family, you may find your parent is not always available to take your call as they are busy having fun with other residents and staff. 

Our services also include providing housekeeping to help ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we see to it your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our charming dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also offer assistance with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services. 

Please visit our website for more information regarding the area’s finest assisted living Glendale offers.  Our community offers 60 bright suites for assisted living and 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our team looks forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Glendale AZ has to offer.

Maintaining Healthy Hydration Levels

Now that the warmer months are here it is especially important for seniors not to wait until they feel thirsty before they reach for a drink of water.  Experts explain that by the time older adults feel thirsty; they may have already lost two or more cups of their total body’s water.  One of the first sign of dehydration can be a headachy feeling at the end of the day. 

As we age, our body’s ability to conserve water is diminished, and as such, we are more susceptible to water and electrolyte imbalances.  Seniors also have a diminished sense of thirst, which means they may forget to drink enough fluids and become dehydrated.  In addition, many medications commonly taken by the elderly have side effects that can cause dehydration such as blood pressure medications, heart disease medications, antihistamines, laxatives, and diuretics.  Diuretics, also known as water pills, are often taken by seniors with high blood pressure or heart problems as a way to reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and ease the pressure on the walls. 

There are useful tips that can help seniors to remember to drink enough fluids and to maintain healthy hydration levels.  To make it easy to stay hydrated, keep water in an easy-to-use water bottle.  To add more electrolytes to your water and to give it some extra flavor, add a slice of lemon or lime to your water.  It is recommended you drink moderate-size portions spread out through the day rather than drinking it all at once.  Add ice to keep it cold, and to make drinking water a habit, try to drink it at the same times throughout the day.

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides loving, individualized care for those with memory impairment.  We understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the warmer months and our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Our dementia care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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 embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 dementia care.  

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Billings

MorningStar of Billings offers 70 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  MorningStar provides various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family.  For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it.  

Our community is committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care.   We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

 

Moreover we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care.  It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data. 

 

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care.  Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more. 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers exceptional independent living and memory care.   Please visit our website to learn more about our assisted living as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. 

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.

Are You Worried About Your Parent Living Alone?

Many older adults cling to the idea of living in their own home and stubbornly refuse to accept the fact that their declining medical conditions may be putting their very safety at risk in their present living situation.  This is when family members need to step in and help make some decisions.

In the best scenario, we typically want to make changes in things as important as our living situation with careful thought, but unfortunately, many older adults do not have such plans in place.  This reluctance to plan ahead means lots of families are unaware of today’s various senior living options, which include assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing facilities, family group homes, memory care, and continuing care communities. 

As you sort through the best care options for your parent, start by honestly assessing their medical conditions, their mobility, and care requirements.  In addition, experts say to try and determine what the future holds for your loved one as you do not want to get them settled into a home and quickly realize it is not equipped to provide the care they now need.

One senior living option is assisted living, which is designed to provide your parent with their ADLs (activities of daily living) in order to allow them to live as independently as possible.  Most assisted living communities have tiered levels of care, which means as your parent’s needs increase the community will be able to address them.

  

MorningStar at Arrowhead is committed to provide the best assisted living Glendale has to offer, and we work hard to create a true “home” for our residents.  We define health and well-being holistically and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Also please know that during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are staying well-informed of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of residents and staff alike.

Please visit our website for information regarding our various care services and amenities as well as pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

Dining at MorningStar of Bear Creek

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer individualized, loving memory care in Colorado Springs.  As dementia care experts, every aspect of our community including our dining service is tailored to our special residents.  Mealtimes at Bear Creek are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.

Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  Many of our meals include offering dishes from serving bowls and platters as a way to help residents connect to memories of family meals they have eaten or prepared throughout their lives.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.

All of these dishes are prepared with finesse, and many visitors are surprised to discover how good they taste and how elegant they look.  At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we strongly believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is also one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers 48 secure suites, including 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 embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 dementia care.  

Are You Worried About Mom or Dad Driving?

From time to time, there have been serious accidents involving elderly drivers that reach the nation’s attention and reopens the debate regarding the age that elderly adults should stop driving.  While some states have implemented stricter rules for seniors renewing their driver’s license, many states have met resistance or have had a hard time coming to a consensus.  It is hard to assess a senior’s fitness for driving as each person is different and health problems vary immensely.  One good thing is that many seniors start to self-regulate their driving habits once they notice problems.

Experts say if you have become concerned over your parent’s fitness to drive, you need to start a conversation with them.  If you think they can still handle limited driving with some restrictions, talk to them about setting up rules such as avoiding major highways and rush hour, driving only in daylight and during good weather.  Remind them that this will help keep them safe as well as others who share the road with them.  If they have had fender benders and are having trouble following traffic signals, it may be time for them to stop driving altogether before they hurt themselves or others.  However if this is the case, be sure to have some plans in place for alternative transportation. 

At MorningStar of Billings, a senior independent living, assisted living and memory care community, we provide residents the services and amenities required for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  This includes scheduled transportation to doctor visits as well as shopping trips to area stores.  We routinely take trips to local restaurants and other places of interest.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living, and while you are there, use our links to ask about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar of Billings offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar at Bear Creek is dedicated to providing the Colorado Springs area exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.  Along with offering compassionate, loving memory care, our company also believes in taking part in philanthropic work both locally and globally.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to host and participate in fun and inspiring activities sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and other senior-focused not-for-profit organizations.  As our other MorningStar Senior Living communities do, we encourage our staff, residents and families to join us in whatever capacity they can in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event.  The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. 

Also every year our communities across the Western U.S. host celebrations for the “The Longest Day” event on June 21, which again is intended to raise funds and awareness for treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  Among our many communities, each one hosts their own activities, and each year we look forward to planning MorningStar at Bear Creek’s own unique celebrations.   

In addition, MorningStar Senior Living also feels a responsibility to serving and investing in charitable projects around the world.  One such project is helping to build and support an orphanage in Nicaragua. Another is partnering with Lifewater, an organization whose mission is to bring clean water, and therefore improved health, to families living in extreme poverty around the world. 

The more you know about MorningStar at Bear Creek, the more you will understand it is unlike other memory care communities.   Our mission includes hiring a team of caregivers with a felt calling to serve to ensure our residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Visit our website for more information.

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 patients in Colorado Springs.

People with Dementia Benefit from Animal Interactions

Research has shown that people with dementia benefit physically, emotionally, socially and mentally from a connection between humans and animals.  Whether they are a furry, feathery or scaly friend, it appears that animals have the ability to help those with dementia in a number of ways.  In numerous studies, therapeutic animals have drastically improved dementia symptoms and helped to elevate mood, decrease behavioral problems, improve nutrition, increase social interaction, and provide a calming effect. 

Many people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia lose the ability to initiate and maintain social relationships as the disease progresses.  Dr. Mara Baun has extensively studied the psychological benefits pets provide to those with Alzheimer's disease.  Her research found therapy animals “help decrease the symptoms of aggression and help increase socialization. The presence of a therapy pet helped decreased symptoms of "sundowning" in Alzheimer's patients.”

Dr Baun's sundowning study found that a therapy dog can provide “missed physical contact to a patient with Alzheimer's disease. It matters little to the pet if the person's body has deteriorated or if the stories are repeated over and over.”  The animal’s complete acceptance and non-verbal communication can be soothing for patients.   In addition, animals offer unconditional love and endless forgiveness. 

At MorningStar of Billings, we strongly believe in the power of animals’ unconditional love and we are happy to be a pet-friendly community whose family includes the adorable Golden Doodle, Grace. Our community has 32 cottages and 72 suites for 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.  Please see our website for more information.

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.

Sources: verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677

chron.com/homes/senior_living-/article/Pets-increase-quality-of-life-for-Alzheimer-s-5759679.php

Dementia Increases the Risk of Falls

If you are a senior, having good balance can help to prevent falls and maintain independence.  Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 years and older, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age.

Individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk, according to a report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.  They state that while falls are extremely common in seniors 65 years of age and older, 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. 

Other factors include a decline in seniors’ overall physical fitness as well as chronic diseases, certain medications, and surgeries.  One example is diabetes, a common disease in the elderly that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage and cause numbness in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body.  Medications that lower blood pressure may cause faintness or dizziness, and hip replacements and knee surgeries can result in the elderly being unsteady on their feet.  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, we know it is important for our residents to stay as active as possible, which is why our calendar includes exercises designed to help residents improve their strength, flexibility, and balance.  Our loving assisted living for dementia patients is designed to address the unique needs of our tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort. Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life.  Please see 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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

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

Bring Your Furry Friend to MorningStar at Arrowhead

MorningStar at Arrowhead is committed to provide the best assisted living Glendale AZ offers, and we recognize pets offer seniors great companionship with their limitless affection and unconditional love.  In fact multiple studies have found pets to be especially beneficial for the elderly and can even help to “reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.”  Pet ownership can combat feelings of loneliness and offer solace from the loss of a spouse or another loved one.

 

In an article from AgingCare.com entitled, The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors, several experts weigh-in on the various benefits of pet ownership for seniors including a New Jersey psychotherapist.  Dr. Jay P. Granat discusses some of the intangibles pets offer to the elderly such as the fact that “dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now.’  He explains that animals do not worry about tomorrow, which can be scary for the elderly and being around an animal with that sense of “now” can rub off on people.

Along with providing companionship to seniors, studies have found that depression is less likely for older adults who own a pet and patients with heart problems can do better when they are responsible for a pet.  Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her golden retriever mix to her New York City office, relates how people with memory loss interact with her dog and access memories from long ago.  She explains “having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging."

MorningStar at Arrowhead knows it is a big decision for seniors to give up their family home and move into senior living.  Furthermore, it would be very painful to be forced to leave a beloved pet behind, which is why we are proud to be a pet friendly community.  Please visit our website to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living Glendale AZ has to offer.

Source:agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

It’s Never Too Late to Adopt Healthy Habits

As we grow older, experts say there are some relatively simple changes we can do to help make the process smoother, and remind us it is never too late to adopt healthier habits.  They suggest four main areas to focus on that will make a difference in our overall health. 

First, multiple studies have shown that taking care of our emotional health is important.   Many older adults suffer from chronic health conditions (80% have at least one and 50% have two or more) including heart disease or cancer, which can put seniors at risk for depression.  When a person’s emotional health suffers, it can negatively impact other aspects of their health.  In fact research shows a link between depression and social isolation to “digestive problems, heart failure and weakened immune systems.”  Thus it is important for seniors to reach out for help if they feel depressed and to participate in activities that give their lives purpose and maintain or develop social connections.   

The next area to focus on is exercise.  Experts say we should look at exercise as more than a way to get stronger and/or to lose weight.  Exercise provides a whole range of benefits including helping to boost immunity and preventing muscle loss, as well as improving blood flow and strengthening the brain.    

Another suggestion is to take better care of our hair and skin.   Good skin care can help to avoid infections and should include washing with a mild soap while taking care not to “over wash” and moisturizing daily.  Also apply sun screen whenever you go outdoors. 

The last area to focus on for better health is nutrition.  Did you know that millions of seniors suffer from malnutrition?  One of the problems facing the elderly is that as we age, appetites decrease so getting all the nutrients the body requires is challenging.  Seniors need to keep in mind that it is not just about how much you eat but what you eat.  One thing that appears to help seniors eat better is to make eating a social affair. 

At MorningStar of Billings we make eating healthy easy as residents enjoy nutritional, tasty meals together in our charming dining room. Offering senior independent living, assisted living and memory care, MorningStar provides residents plenty of opportunities to socialize by participating in group enrichment activities and wellness programs that stimulate the mind, body and spirit.   Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar of Billings offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “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 to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/how-to-make-a-daily-healthy-aging-routine/