Are You Caring for a Loved One with Dementia?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job. If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care. 

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long. Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is entirely devoted to memory care and staffed by a team of caring individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists. Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs. 

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating. Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications. Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available. 

So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do. Please contact MorningStar of Bear Creek to learn more about our compassionate memory care. 

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 contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.

Seniors Sure have Seen a Lot During Their Lifetime!

Many of us are lucky to have family or friends that are well into their 90s or even a 100 + years old. They are not alone as in 2014, the CDC reported there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older. Also according to 2017 projections from the Social Security Administration, it reads, “For those who are 65 today, a man has a 3% chance of living to 100, a woman a 5.9% chance, and at least one member of a couple an 8.7%.” 

When we take the time to think about the many changes that has occurred over the last hundred years, it is incredible to think we know someone who has lived through much of it. During the 1920s, most Americans lived in rural settings or in small towns, and all members of the families worked in one form or another including children who had routine duties around the farm or in the house. Imagine the Ford Model T, which was considered to be the first affordable car that our grandparents may have rode in as children and the cars they drive today. In addition they were old enough to be captivated by the first transatlantic airplane flight made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927. 

Our parents or grandparents have lived through world wars and world depressions, saw airline travel become an everyday convenience and men land on the moon. They saw the start of the computer age and witnessed the impact of the worldwide web. Together these are some of the reasons why MorningStar of Billings believes seniors are heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials. Moreover it is why we believe if anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. 

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, our intention is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. Please visit our website to learn more about Billing’s exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about an independent & assisted living community with heart.

The Benefits of Robotic Pets

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation? While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. 

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion. Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do. A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.” The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags it tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise. For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact, New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.” 

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek provides compassionate assisted living for dementia patients, and we could not agree more about the benefits of pets, live or robotic. Our beautiful Colorado Springs community has 48 suites and was designed from the ground up to provide a safe, supportive and loving environment. Please see our website for more information. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Lifestyle Changes May Help to Hold Off or Slow Down the Onset of Dementia

While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk. Presented last July at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us. 

The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking. In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these habits.” 

Another study from the University of California San Francisco reports that people who smoked had twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment as compared to non-smokers or to someone who had kicked the habit. Also a study out of the UK found that even those with an increased risk for cognitive decline who followed a healthier lifestyle had a 32% lower risk. 

So isn’t it time we all make an effort for better cognitive health as well as improve our overall health? At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we understand that a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of your age and we do our best to help our residents enjoy life on all levels. We are also blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by big hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors. Please contact us to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living and assisted living. 

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 learn more about the area’s finest assisted living & independent living. 

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441

Protect Your Bones with Healthy Habits

It is estimated that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and 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 bone due to the 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 your chance of getting osteoporosis. 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer. Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.

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

Once You Have Made the Decision to Move a Loved One to Memory Care

After a careful search for the best memory care for a parent or spouse, your next step is to support them through the transition phase. Dementia care specialists caution that everyone is different and to factor into the process the person’s personality and unique needs. Also, remember most memory care communities are dedicated to providing the best care for the person and do so by including the person’s family into all aspects of decision making. 

Experts recommend avoiding trying to explain to the person that “they need more help” as by the time you are looking into 24-hour care, they most likely do not fully understand their situation. Moreover, even though the care provided by the community will most likely improve their quality of life, recognize that it will be a challenging process. In addition, while it may seem counterintuitive, experts advise to not include the person in any of the moving decisions as it will only add to their confusion. Also, schedule the person’s move-in at the time of day when they are typically at their best. 

Other things to do to ease the transition include not bringing too much stuff. A person with dementia gets easily confused and having too many clothes and other items around them is not comforting. Also, stay in touch with the home’s management team and ask to be alerted to any troubling behaviors or needs of your loved one. 

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we want you to know that we understand our residents’ families are still the most important person in their life and that our care services are in conjunction with their wishes. We are proud to provide compassionate assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs; and our holistic approach to memory care is individualized, specialized and encompasses the whole person. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Source:seniorlink.com/blog/50-tips-on-transitioning-a-loved-one-to-memory-dementia-or-alzheimers-careyour-blog-post-title-here

Easy Things to Do to Improve Your Health

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health. One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly. While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits. It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices. 

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed. Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. Also fresh fruit fills you up more than juice. Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar. 

Also experts advise watching the fat in your diet. Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet. Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart. 

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress. Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure. Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving. 

At MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we are honored to provide seniors the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in the area. We provide healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years. In addition residents and their families get peace of mind knowing others are around to help in the event of an emergency. Please visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing. 

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. We invite you to visit our website where we have put together a virtual tour of our assisted living and independent living community.

Learn More About High Blood Pressure

While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high? Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) lowered the guidelines in November 2017. Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure. 

However, the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range. If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk. Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it. 

Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic. Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body. The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120. The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety. Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention.

There are several things you can do to reduce your BP. While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume. 

If you are looking for trusted dementia care in the Colorado Springs area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents. Visit our website for a virtual tour and contact info for availability and pricing. 

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 contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care. 

Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health

A Practical Tip for Wearing a Mask with Glasses

If you have started wearing a mask during the COVID-19 outbreak and also wear glasses, you may have experienced the inconvenience of having them fog up. While you can wipe them off, this is only a temporary solution at best.

Now the medical journal, Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England has published a tip from two doctors who themselves are familiar with the problem. They explain that the lenses of your eyeglasses fog up as a result of your breathe traveling upward while you have a mask on; and while bothersome, the doctors say the fix is simple. 

Start by thoroughly washing your hand with soap and water (remember the 20 second rule). Then wet your glasses and lather some soap right on the lenses rubbing gently but thoroughly until you feel the lenses have been completely soaped up and cleaned. Now take your time and rinse off all of the soap, and then dry with a clean towel. 

The doctors say the reason this prevents your eyeglasses from fogging up is the soap and water “act like a cloak that reduces surface tension on the lenses.” The water molecules from your breath distribute evenly and your lenses stay clear. 

We hope this is useful, and remember a mask does help to prevent the disease from spreading. MorningStar of Billings is a senior living community that offers area seniors a wide range of services and amenities. Our community includes 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites for independent living, 70 for assisted living, and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Our spacious campus is on the west side of Billings and situated within a beautiful, park-like neighborhood that offers spectaculars views of the Rockies. 

Visit our website for contact information or for more on availability and pricing. Our intention is to cast on a new light on Senior Living and to deliver service with sincerity, warmth, and depth of purpose. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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 learn more about the many services we provide and our various floor plans for independent living & assisted living. 

Source:
cnn.com/2020/05/05/health/how-to-de-fog-glasses-wearing-mask-wellness-trnd/index.html

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Loving Memory Care

Committed to be the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  With 25 memory care suites, MorningStar at Arrowhead is equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings. 

In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

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

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.

Update on Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website. For example, the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s disease easily and more affordable in the very near future. The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used. This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future. 

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.” Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia. This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation. In addition, the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia. One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men. 

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease. 

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is a Colorado Springs community devoted to assisted living for dementia patients. Confident in our protocols in the fight against COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents. Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living for dementia patients.

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

Great Leadership is More Important than Ever

Navigating through the myriad worries and concerns of today’s world, the MorningStar Senior Living Company believes that loving, caring leadership is more important than ever. From the top down, we have been fortunate to be led by men and women who feel called to serve and understand the importance of servant-leadership when it comes to leading our dedicated team and ensuring the best care for our remarkable residents. 

At MorningStar of Billing’s independent living and assisted living community, we are lucky to have Stacie Kautzman serve as our Executive Director. Stacie has been with Billings for over six years as well as brought with her years of experience in senior living. She says it is a honor to serve the residents of MorningStar and loves being in a position where she can give back to our elders who have given us so much through their lives. She also feels fortunate to be in a job she loves and wants everyone who comes to our community “to feel the joy we have each and every day in being together.”

Another key member of our leadership team is Sean Pearson who acts as our Director of Community Relations. He has a simple rule by which he leads his life: “To do everything as if in the ‘light of day.’ ” To him this means that he would never do something or say anything that he would not say in the bright light of day. Sean explains, “I govern my actions as if my grandmother was looking over my shoulder, and I would not want to embarrass her.” 

Please visit our website for more information regarding the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care. While you are there, use our online link to inquire about availability and pricing or to read some of the testimonials from families of residents regarding our care of their loved ones. 

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. Visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living.

The Unforgettable Series - Navigating the Journey of Dementia

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we work hard to provide the best senior living Glendale has to offer, and we want area families to be empowered as they deal with the challenging journey of dementia. We know that in spite of everything else that is going on in these unprecedented times, many families are struggling with their own personal stories of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. 

One way we feel we can help is by bringing back The Unforgettable Series – Navigating the Journey of Dementia. For the safety of all involved, we will be hosting the event via a Zoom Video Chat, and just ask that all interested parties pre-register if they wish to attend. The dementia education will take place over the course of three engaging sessions and be led by MorningStar experts. 

The first in the series is: Communications 101 – The Art of Communication Under a Lavender Sky. This will meet on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30 -7:00 PM. The next in the series is: Taking Care of the Caregiver and will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 - 7:00 PM. Our finally video chat is called: Expressions and will take place on Tuesday, June 30 also from 6:30 – 7:00 PM. Again you must register in order to join the group. Information regarding registration is on the MorningStar at Arrowhead website.

Our beautiful, vibrant community offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within its warm and inviting common areas and well-designed suites. In addition to assisted living, we provide compassionate, holistic memory care for our most tender residents. Currently our community is safely accepting new residents and we are doing the utmost to ensure the safety of all those beneath our roof. Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.

MorningStar of Fort Collins is Staying Strong

Despite the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country and the world, MorningStar of Fort Collins residents and team members are staying strong. While we have temporarily closed our community to all non-essential visitors and vendors for the safety of all inside our home, we are cheered by the incredibly encouraging support from residents’ families and our surrounding community.  Each homemade poster held up to the window, every thoughtful email sent in the wee hours, and calls of faith and courage do much to sustain us in the fight against COVID-19 and help keep up the spirits of residents and team members alike.

We have no higher responsibility than that of the Safety and Security of our residents, families and team members, and have implemented protocols and procedures following guidelines –and in some cases exceeding them- from the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  This includes checking staff temperatures at the start and the close of their shift, having unwell team members stay home, and conducting mandatory training for all team members on infection control with a heightened emphasis on hand sanitation. 

In terms of community cleaning, we have ordered extra inventory of disinfectant and related cleaning supplies.  In addition, for the time being, we have eliminated communal dining and assisted living residents receive meals in their suite (there are a few exceptions) and memory care residents eat as usual but spaced apart from one another. 

The MorningStar of Fort Collins team understands the worry of our residents and their families, which is why we send regular updates whenever new developments or protocols dictate.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our COVID-19 protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe.  Our community offers 55 suites for assisted living care and 24 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers residents the best assisted living home in the area.

Legal & Financial Planning After a Diagnose of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you and your family will need to take steps to plan for your/their future.  Experts advise families that along with discussing dementia care options, they financially and legally plan for the future. 

The National Institute on Aging advises the person to examine and update their financial and healthcare arrangements as soon as possible. By having legal and financial documents in place, such as a will, a living trust, and advance directives, it ensures the person’s late-stage or end-of-life healthcare and financial decisions are carried out.      

The NIA suggests having a lawyer draw up and maintain the documents as they understand State law and can help update changes to a person’s circumstances such as divorce or a death in the family, and other applicable changes.  These documents should include Advance Directives for Health Care: 

A living will expresses the person’s wishes in regard to medical treatment near the end of life when they can no longer make known their decisions regarding healthcare.  In addition, some people have a Do Not Resuscitate Order signed by a doctor, placed in their medical file that instructs healthcare professionals to not perform CPR in the event they stop breathing or their heart stops.  

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that specifically designates a person (sometimes known as an agent or proxy) to make healthcare decisions for the individual when they no longer have the capacity to do so.  This document applies to all healthcare decisions and for all types of medical conditions. 

Advance Directives for Financial and Estate Management must be done while a person still has the legal capacity to make decisions and includes a durable power of attorney for finances.  This designates a person of your choosing to manage and make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with exceptional memory care, we provide the best assisted living Glendale AZ offers.  Please visit our website for more information.

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 memory care and assisted living Glendale AZ has to offer.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers

A Sweet-smelling Story of How One Son Demonstrates his Love

When one of MorningStar of Billings’ residents moved to our community in 2018, she brought along her custom of receiving monthly flowers for the last 28 years from her son. Dode’s son, Tim, realized when he was in high school and had sent mom a bouquet in celebration of his parent’s anniversary, how much she enjoyed them. She had thought at first thought they were from her husband until Tim confessed that they were from him. 

Tim, a retired ER doctor living in another state admits that through the years, he did not have a lot of time to visit his mom, which is why he started the tradition of sending her a flower arrangement every month beginning in 1992. Dode says while she looks forward to seeing what the flowers will look like each month, most importantly they have been a way to keep him close to her. 

While this is an unusual story, the team at MorningStar of Billings is happy to say that we see touching examples of love and caring from our residents’ families every day. Also it has not stopped in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak but rather built more steam. Our community residents are showered with a show of support in the form of cards, gifts, and families gathered at the windows with posters and signs expressing their love. 

As one of the area’s top senior living communities, MorningStar of Billings provides the area with independent living, assisted living and memory care. Even during the pandemic, we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our ability to keep those under our roof safe. Please contact us to learn more about suite configurations and pricing. 

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. Please contact us to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living and independent living. 

Source: news/local/son-has-sent-his-billings-mom-flowers-every-month-since-1992/article_395c2660-2f45-5d1d-844a-5348edf8f7e5.html

Why is COVID-19 More Dangerous for Seniors

We are told COVID-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease. One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free. 

Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some more vulnerable. One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as immunosenescence. 

Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate."

Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter. In addition, research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthening our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weigh, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations. Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.”

During the COVID-19 outbreak, MorningStar at Bear Creek’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members. Our loving dementia care community in Colorado Springs is still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols. Please visit our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep MorningStar communities safe during this hard time. 

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 contact us to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care. 

Source:
aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Holistic View of Healthcare

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Glendale offers, which includes a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for senior living in the area. 

To start with, all assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Also they have access to a licensed nurse onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock; and every shift has an employee who is CPR certified.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically do Care Plan reviews and update residents’ care plans as needed.  

Our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system ensures accurate records of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system maintains accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents as well as enhances privacy and security of the data. 

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services. 

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof.

For more information, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at our Care Services page as well as the message from our CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

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.

Take a Virtual Tour of MorningStar at Arrowhead

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.  We you to know that we are accepting new assisted living and memory care residents, and that we have every confidence in the safety protocols we are taking in our aggressive defense against the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

During normal times, interested seniors and their families are encouraged to set up in-person tours of our beautiful home.  However, as we have temporarily suspended all non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community for the safety of our residents and team members during the coronavirus outbreak, we invite you to visit our website and take a virtual tour.

Here you will get a good look at some of our open common areas including dining rooms library, theater, salon and more.  You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. 

We think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense of every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves.  MorningStar is following closely—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. 

To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the letters MorningStar has received from our families.  They write, “Although, it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.