Thursday, July 30, 2020

Living with Chronic Pain


Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries. While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain. 

One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness. Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial. If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place. 

Another way to manage pain is through exercise. However the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning. In addition, they caution that “if you have pain from an injury, recent surgery, a physical disability or a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, it's best to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to be sure you can exercise safely and avoid hurting yourself.”

They also say it is important to get enough sleep. If you are a restless sleeper and have difficulty sleeping through the night, you should talk to your doctor about your pain management medications. If a medication is a stimulant, ask your doctor about taking it early enough so as to not interfere with your sleep, and if it causes drowsiness, see if you can take it right before bed. Try using relaxation techniques right before bed and get into the habit of a regular bedtime. 

Also avoid napping longer than 30 minutes during the day and do not eat a heavy meal too close to bedtime. Doctors caution against drinking too much alcohol as it can cause sleep problems. Yet another suggestion helpful to many people suffering from pain is to join a support group. This puts you in touch with others who understand what you are going through. However, if you feel you need more personal support, ask your doctor to recommend a mental health professional. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/lifestyle-strategies-for-pain-management/art-20367321

It is the Perfect Time to Want to Write Your Life Story


Have you always wanted to write an account of your personal life story? Now that you are a senior it’s probably the time to do it. Writing about events from your past can be therapeutic and enlightening and may give you a better understanding of who you are and how you got here. Also don’t get distracted by your writing style, be authentic and use your voice to tell your own unique story that you know better than anyone else. 

If you are not sure how to begin, the Internet has lots of useful tips. There are also books that can help you organize your thoughts or offer templates to get your creative juices flowing. One idea is to write down every year you have been alive and then add events or stories you wish to share from that time. You can record milestones and significant events starting with your own birth, early school days, college, graduations, your first job, marriage, birth of your children, etc. Be sure to include unhappy events right along with the happy one. Put in dates, locations and names of others in the story. 

If your style is more spontaneous and you rather just start by writing down funny and meaningful family stories, that works too. Don’t worry if it isn’t in chronological order, you can always organize it later. Keep a notebook handy to write down different anecdotes that come to mind and add details as they occur to you. Talk to your siblings, cousins or other relatives for their viewpoint on a particular incident or event from your childhood. It also helps to trigger memories by looking through old family photos and mementos. Most of all keep it fun and remember your kids and grandkids will enjoy learning a lot more about 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. Visit our website to take a virtual tour of our gorgeous independent living and assisted living community.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Reducing TV Time May be Good for Your Health


While it may feel relaxing to sit and watch TV right before bed, several studies have shown that watching too much TV before sleep can interfere with a good night’s sleep. Instead of winding us down like we think it is doing, it turns out too much TV ends up stimulating brain activity and firing up the brain causing a restless, interrupted night’s sleep. Moreover, a restless night can result in getting less than the prescribed 7 or 8 hours recommended by doctors and leave us in a sleep deficit, which is especially bad for seniors. 

Researchers have discovered other problems with older adults watching too much TV. According to the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, developed by the National Cancer Institute, it found a correlation between seniors who watched 5 or more hours of TV a day and a loss of mobility. The study was comprised of 340,000 men and 226,000 women between the ages of 50 and 71 from six states and two US metropolitan areas. “After performing a multivariable logistic regression analysis and adjusting for factors known to increase the risk of mobility disability, the researchers found that ‘greater TV time was significantly related to increased disability within all levels of physical activity’.” Another negative linked to watching 3.5 hours or more of TV each day was a decrease in verbal memory.

Both of these problems could be due to a number of reasons including the fact that if someone is watching that much TV every day they are not doing other healthier activities. Researchers explain the TV in itself may not be that bad but the sedentary nature of TV watching and the fact that the person is not doing other things like playing board games; reading, socializing with friends, or engaging in a hobby may be just as problematic. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319170

Are You or a Loved Being Screened for Cognitive Decline?


Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so. While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on. Moreover if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk. 

Additionally if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia. From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination. However according to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test. Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor. Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So what does a cognitive assessment include? To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently. If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems. You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home. In fact you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed. 

At MorningStar of Billings we offer a holistic approach to memory care that includes creating an individualized, specialized care plan for each of our residents. In addition our beautiful campus offers independent living with a choice of 32 free-standing cottages and another 72 bright suites. We also have 70 assisted living suites designed to improve quality of life and help you maintain your independence. Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Visit our website for more information regarding the area’s most trusted assisted living and independent living community.

Regardless of COVID-19, Get the Medical Attention You Need


The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming into the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention. While most states have come out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care. 

Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help. Moreover, in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention. 

This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need. In fact, most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public. To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation” 

If you are looking for extraordinary senior living, Glendale’s MorningStar at Arrowhead offers residents a true “home” with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities. While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents. We provide 60 well-appointed suites for assisted living in spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.

Monday, July 20, 2020

It's Common for Those with Dementia to Wander


The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander. The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home. Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home. 

Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering. Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe. 

It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parent or another loved one. Find out if your area has a ”Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times. Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas. 

Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and try to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out. In addition, reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out. You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone. 

Memory care communities such as MorningStar at Bear Creek are designed with a secure environment that encourages residents to safely explore their surroundings. Our residents can freely move about our home but we have special security features to prevent them from wandering out of our community. In addition, our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

Sources:
alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
agingcare.com/articles/when-is-it-time-to-place-a-loved-one-with-dementia-188309.htm

Our Community's Protocols are Evolving in Coordination with the State's


At MorningStar of Billings, we are extremely proud of our entire community’s response to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Our residents and their families have been highly supportive of our efforts to keep them or their loved ones safe; and our dedicated team members have stepped up and made it possible for us to protect the health and well-being of all those beneath our roof. 

We understand the stress our families were under and feel honored by the trust they placed in us to keep their mothers and fathers safe. Our MorningStar team also recognizes that for many families we are the place they have entrusted to give their parents or grandparents the care they need to improve quality of life, and they count on us to continue providing these services. As one resident’s daughter writes, “I can’t imagine trying to work through this if Mom had still been on her own.” Another family member says, “My appreciation for everyone at MorningStar has not diminished in any way! According to Mom’s reports, everyone is doing an amazing job of protecting and caring for the residents.”

As Montana is coming out of quarantine and slowly reopening, we are following the guidelines of our state’s phasing and pacing, and will continue to stay abreast of current developments as we evaluate best practices in service to our residents. Moreover we will share details regarding our own community’s plans with our residents and family members; and if you have questions, please contact our Executive Director, Stacie Kautzman. 

Also we want you to know that MorningStar of Billing is currently accepting new residents. Our independent living and assisted living community provides residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. In addition we have 36 secure suites devoted to compassionately caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about why our residents’ are proud to call MorningStar home, and use our link for information on pricing and availability. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a unique mission statement of: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Proving a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Learn More About Caring for a Loved One with Dementia


If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them. While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective. 

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly. For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person. Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?” Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple. Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes. Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc. Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing. 

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help. Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract. Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together. Above all avoid criticizing or arguing. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we offer unsurpassed assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. Our entire community is devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and is staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs. 

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Foods to Watch Out for if You Want to Avoid Too Much Sugar


We all may be eating and drinking foods we consider to be healthy but they may contain far more sugar than we think they do. It can even happen with foods we do not necessarily think of as sweet such as ketchup of barbeque sauce. Also making what we assume is the healthier choice like “low fat” or “light” yogurt may actually contain more sugar than the regular variety. Some low-fat yogurt has over 30 grams of sugar; and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. For women, the amount is just 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.

Another food we think of as healthy is granola. While it is true that the main ingredient is rolled oats, which provides protein, healthy fats and fiber, it also can be loaded with lots of sugar and calories. This is where label reading can help as the Washington Post did a story on granolas and found a single serving can range from one gram of sugar to 14 grams. Another thing to look for are the words “added sugar” as the sugar from dried fruit is not bad for us (more calories for those watching) as is corn syrup or cane sugar. However do keep in mind that while honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar may be healthier, they still add empty calories. 

Drinks such as sugared ice teas and flavored coffees also add a lot of sugar to our diets as do some sport drinks and vitamin waters so be sure to read the label. If you want to avoid empty sugary drinks altogether, make flavored waters by adding fruit or vegetable slices. Toss in some lime and cucumber slices to your water or a handful of berries, orange slices, or mint leaves; use your imagination.

Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to learn more about our wide variety of amenities and services. For independent living, we offer 32 free-standing cottages and 72 bright suites. We have another 70 suites for assisted living and 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us 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.” 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 most trusted assisted living and independent living.

Learn More About MorningStar at Arrowhead


Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways.  Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.  

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat.  Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion.  Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.  

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar at Arrowhead feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars.   

Along with assisted living, Glendale area families trust MorningStar at Arrowhead to compassionately care for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood takes a holistic approach to memory care that supports choice and independence and, above all, affirms individual dignity and value.

We are safely accepting new residents at this time and following all of the guidelines, and in some cases exceeding them, set forth by the CDC, the American Senior Housing Association and the Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.  Please visit our website for more information and to take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 offers.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Exceptional Assisted Living


If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Glendale AZ MorningStar at Arrowhead may be the place for you. For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 60 assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features. Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of windows, ceiling lights, and mini-blinds. 

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. 

Why we believe our assisted living to be different from that of other communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team. When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are more important than education or experience. Moreover, many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government. Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 has to offer.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Are You Worried About Your Parent Living Alone?

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If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living care, which focuses on providing residents the daily help they need to retain as much independence as possible.   
  
Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So, find out if the assisted living home you are thinking about has limitations in terms of how much care the community provides should their needs change. 

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change.

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. 

While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and senior living communities, MorningStar of Fort Collins wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the coronavirus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   MorningStar of Fort Collins is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.

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.

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living care, which focuses on providing residents the daily help they need to retain as much independence as possible.      
Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So, find out if the assisted living home you are thinking about has limitations in terms of how much care the community provides should their needs change. 
Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change.
Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. 
While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and senior living communities, MorningStar of Fort Collins wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the coronavirus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   MorningStar of Fort Collins is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.
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.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Staying Up-To-Date in Our Approach to COVID-19


Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members. To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations. Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat. 

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar at Bear Creek is judiciously following our state’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing. We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Bear Creek community to our Executive Director, James Cowley. 

Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time. In addition, we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage. In other words, it was a team effort! 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer exceptional dementia care in Colorado Springs. Our loving community has 48 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Currently we are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe. Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs.

You May Want to Rethink the Documents You Carry with You


To protect yourself against identity fraud, experts say to think about what you have in your wallet, and if it is not something you need to have with you, leave it home. While you assume a document is safe with you, you also never planned on having your wallet or purse stolen or lost. 

The Javelin Strategy & Research company, a financial advisory firm specializing in among other things fraud management and cybersecurity, says the best way to prevent unauthorized access to and the use of private information is to leave items such as passports, Medicare and healthcare insurance cards at home. Even there, they suggest you keep them locked in a file cabinet or a safe. 

Other items experts recommend keeping safe at home is your Social Security card and that should include your child’s or another family member’s. It is unnecessary to carry it as it poses the biggest risk of your vital information being stolen, and a thief will use it to create a fraudulent identity with the information. If it is stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (the number is on their website). Your birth certificate is also an important document to keep out of the hands of others as someone can use it to establish proof of age, citizenship and identity. 

In addition, while you do need to carry a passport when traveling out of the country, it is advisable to leave it in the hotel safe when you are out sightseeing. Make a copy of it in case it does get stolen or lost as it will make it easier to report to the U.S. Department of State. Finally while it may seem harmless, do not carry around a list of what you consider your less important passwords as some of them such as email accounts can be used to reset other accounts. Experts say the bottom line is – if you don’t need it, don’t carry it. 

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 unparalleled independent living and assisted living

Source: 
aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/wallet-protection-identity-theft.html?intcmp=Outbrain&obref=obnetwork

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Making Difficult Decisions for a Loved One with Dementia


Alzheimer’s can be a very difficult disease for families to deal with as we slowly watch our loved ones slip away from us until they do not even know us. We watch a loving parent or spouse gradually lose their thinking, remembering, and reasoning abilities, until at the very end, they no longer even respond to their name. 

As a person with Alzheimer’s can live for years, we sometimes forget that it is a terminal disease with no cure. In addition, this may mean that at a certain point the family is faced with difficult end-of-life decisions, and these decisions sometimes have to be made without knowing our loved one’s direct wishes. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has published some guidelines to help families traverse through these challenging issues. One of their foremost recommendations is to have this conversation with mom or dad or a spouse early-on, before the disease takes away their ability to seriously weigh in on their feelings regarding end-of-life decisions. The article relates a story about a woman in the later stages of Alzheimer’s who ended up with pneumonia. Without her mother being able to communicate any longer, the daughter did not know what her mother’s wishes were in regards to feeding tubes and antibiotics to treat the illness. 

Other decisions regarding the care of those with Alzheimer’s include whether to continue medications to treat medical conditions or to have surgery in the end stages of the disease or to just provide palliative care. Thus family members must weigh quality of life with quantity of life. The NIA reports that the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease include some of the following: being unable to move around on one’s own, being unable to speak or make oneself understood, and eating problems such as difficulty swallowing. 

If you need memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we invite you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. We proudly and lovingly provide compassionate dementia care from the onset of the disease to the very most advanced stages. Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia

Fall Prevention Strategies


A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal. Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom. The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes. 

Experts explain there are several reasons the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations. In addition physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall. Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs. Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed. Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning. 

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane. Also ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative. Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes. 

At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we proudly provide area seniors with the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe. 

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. As one of the area’s top senior living communities, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Looking for a New Doctor?


If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to have a great team of doctors on your side. This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle. 

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you. Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor. 

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference. Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist. In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed. 

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Glendale offers, and we understand that the best care comes from the heart. Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services. These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits. 

Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider?slide=6