November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

 

The American Diabetes Association, along with other organizations helps to raise awareness of a serious disease that affects millions of Americans as well as sound the alarm for the millions of Americans who are at risk of getting diabetes during the month of November. Medical professionals recognize it is important for people to be educated about the disease and to be aware of the risks. In addition the World Diabetes Day, which was first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization, is observed each year on November 14.

Experts say that knowing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be life-saving and lead to getting the care you need. For individuals with risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, having an awareness of the disease, may help to prevent or delay the progression.

While sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition without a cure that occurs when a person’s pancreas produces little or no insulin. The disease usually appears during childhood or in adolescence but sometimes adults get it. Treatment for the disease includes insulin as well as diet and lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes used to mainly affect adults but in the last several years more children are coming down with the disease due to rises in childhood obesity according to the Mayo Clinic. They explain that type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — an important source of fuel for the body. Moreover while there is also no cure for the disease, the Mayo Clinic recommends people alter their lifestyle by losing weight, exercising and eating well in order to better manage the disease.

Symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have many similarities including the need to urinate frequently along with feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot, very hungry, and fatigued. The person may additionally complain of blurry vision or have slow-healing sores. Doctors say if you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.

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. Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, our website offers lots of information regarding one of the area’s top senior living facilities in Billings, MT.

The MorningStar Senior Living Story

 

Do you think all senior living communities are pretty much the same? If so, it may surprise you to learn that MorningStar Senior Living is committed to a distinct mission statement that guides the way we do business and how we deliver our care services.

It reads as follows:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, who after fifteen years of working in the industry was determined to start his own brand of senior living. It would be one that was defined by human touch and lovingly meet the residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. MorningStar communities were thus created as a true home for seniors – one in which the sense of family prevails and residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Most importantly communities are staffed by individuals who have a felt calling to serve and view seniors as heroes.

Those values have served our company well for over the past 17 years, and we now have 25+ communities in the Western US, including MorningStar at Bear Creek. MorningStar at Bear Creek provides Colorado Springs area seniors with specialized, individualized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our community is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about the best memory care Colorado Springs offers.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting. Visit our website for more information about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Learn More About the Shingrix Vaccine

 

 

Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year. However, you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017. The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles. However, for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.

While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.” They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available.

The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.” They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring.

It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles. The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past. Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles.

Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.” Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart. Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches. The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting. Visit our website for more information about the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it

MorningStar’s Experienced, Loving Memory Care in Glendale, AZ

 

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar at Arrowhead we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes. Our mission is to be one of the best retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer, which includes compassionate care to those suffering from memory impairment.

If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss.

As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood was designed from the ground up to give residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings, including a secure enclosed courtyard. Private suites are available in a variety of floor plans and offer high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini-blinds.

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 family, we meet 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. Visit our website for contact information and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help.

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 one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers

Why Some Seniors are More at Risk from Poor Nutrition

 

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) cautions that elderly adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease among others, are more at risk for poor nutrition. Bad eating habits, loss of appetite, lack of access to healthy foods due to an inability to get out and shop, or a shortage of money, only add to the problem.

The NCOA also wants seniors to know that poor nutrition not only makes it harder to manage chronic diseases but may actually make you more vulnerable to coming down with them. Another problem is it can weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to the flu, colds and other viruses. Moreover poor nutrition can hamper one’s ability to recover from surgical procedures, heal wounds, and increases the risk for infection or falls.

Also as many elderly people have a decrease in appetite and consume much smaller portions each day, the food they do eat needs to be nutrient-dense. This is one reason experts recommend the elderly avoid foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats as well as processed foods, which often are short on nutrients and much needed vitamins and minerals.

At the MorningStar of Billings’ senior living community, we know that good nutrition is important to the health of seniors. This is why we offer our independent living, assisted living and memory care residents not only delicious daily meals but ones that are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. Our range of nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet. Our Executive Chef even incorporates “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens to enhance our food service. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and pricing and availability.

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 find out more about one of the top senior living facilities in Billings, MT.

Source: ncoa.org/healthy-aging/chronic-disease/nutrition-chronic-conditions/

Study Shows Hearing Loss Increases Risk of Dementia

 

 

John Hopkins recently published a study that found mild hearing loss doubles the risk for dementia. The nearly 12 year study included 639 adults and further reported that a moderate hearing loss tripled the risk, and people with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia.

The study was headed by Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., who explains that the problem may come from the fact that many people who experience hearing loss deliberately avoid being around others and socially isolate. A hearing loss makes it difficult for the person to follow conversations and they don’t like to put themselves in social situations that make them uncomfortable. Another problem is it actually makes our brain’s work harder as it mutes some of the subtle sounds our ears intuitively use to help us safely walk.

Dr. Lin says his group has another study planned to determine if hearing aids help to mitigate some of the negative effects of hearing loss including the higher risk of dementia. He does add that hearing aids certainly help individuals get back into the conversation and to enjoy being around their friends and family again.

Statistics show that while almost 27 million Americans age 50 years and older have some level of hearing loss, only one in seven people use a hearing aid. If you think your hearing may be diminished, you should make an appointment with an audiologist for a complete hearing check. Doctors also encourage individuals not to fall prey to the many myths involving hearing aids including worrying about looking older by wearing one as today’s hearing aids are less conspicuous and smaller than ever. And yes, doctors do say there is a breaking in period for a hearing aid but most doctors and hearing centers offer a trial period to make sure it is the right fit for you.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our 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 amid a lovely setting. We invite you to schedule a visit to discover the area’s finest memory care assisted living.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

Make Sure an Elderly Loved One Stays Warm this Winter

 

 

Just as the elderly can suffer in the heat of summer, they can also be adversely affected by the cold. This is due to the fact that as we age, we lose the ability to regulate our body temperature. The CDC reports that both extremes can stress the heart, but that the cold is more dangerous to the elderly as more of them die each year from the cold than the heat.

One of the reasons doctors say is it is harder for a person to realize they are cold is it often happens gradually. While someone younger may not be affected, an elderly person sitting in a too cold room for hours can lead to hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature gets dangerously low. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) warns that for older adults “a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.”

In addition medical experts report that certain medical conditions and medications can cause seniors to have a drop in body temperature. These include beta blockers, sedatives, antipsychotics and antidepressants meds as well as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Alcohol and drug use, nerve damage, and malnutrition and anorexia also cause seniors to be more sensitive to the cold.

To help mom or dad stay safe in winter, experts say keep the space a senior spends their time in at least 68 to 70 degrees. Another tip is to make sure the person is dressed warm enough. Keep their feet warm in non-slip house shoes or shoes and socks. If they live alone, have someone check on them regularly during cold weather.

At the MorningStar of Billings’ senior living facility, we take our residents’ wellbeing and health seriously. Our beautiful community is designed to ensure seniors are comfortable and have their needs met whether they reside in one of our independent living suites, assisted living suites or memory care community. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, our philosophy for dispersing care, and availability.

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 one of the area’s premier senior living facilities.

Make the Upcoming Holidays Both Safe and Special

 

 

While we know the holidays are fast approaching, we also understand we are in the middle of a pandemic. This has left many of us asking how we make the holidays feel special while practicing safe social distancing with family members not part of our quarantine group.

Currently health experts stress large family gatherings are not advisable. This is because COVID-19 cases are often traced back to younger people spreading it to older relatives who are more at risk for serious complications. However, despite the sadness we feel by not having our usual huge Thanksgiving gathering or Christmas parties, there are still ways we can bond with family and friends and have fun doing it.

To successfully do a group Zoom or FaceTime call with several branches of the family, assign one person to set the call up, coordinating time, etc. with all parties. For Thanksgiving, you could organize a call during dinner and encourage everyone to share a special family story or give a reason why they are grateful. If you are a family of singers, organize a virtual group sing. If your family loves to cook, prepare a virtual meal together.

To make sure the kids feel part of the celebrations, have them dress-up or use puppets to perform the first Thanksgiving or Christmas story virtually. This also has the advantage of keeping them busy several days before the holiday preparing. Another idea is to watch the grandkids making holiday cookies or to send them a care package with a craft that you can make with them together. In other words, use your imagination and remember someday soon we will again be celebrating together.

The CDC suggests before you plan any in-person events to check with the positivity rate in your community. In addition, remember to follow your state’s health and safety laws, rules, and regulations regarding group gatherings.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead we offer area seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. We have 60 private assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides 25 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

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 for more information about one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Tips to Help Your Loved One Transition to Senior Living

 

 

Many times a move to assisted living is precipitated by a fall or a medical emergency that causes a family to realize mom or dad needs more care than they are presenting getting living alone. In these cases, it means there is not time for planned strategies for where or when the person will make the move. Instead they quickly leave behind a beloved home, while coming to terms with a recent loss of mobility or needing assistance with personal daily care activities. This can be very traumatizing for many seniors, and experts offer tips to help families and mom or dad cope with the sudden change.

One of the first things they suggest when looking into the area’s senior living facilities is to make sure that the community is equipped to care for your loved one’s needs. Moreover as today’s move is hard, another move in a few years will be at least as hard if not more so, which is why you must evaluate if the facility is also able to provide for their future needs.

Another thing senior living experts want you to know is that it typically takes around three to six months for a person to fully adjust to assisted living. While some people adjust much quicker, if your parent is not one of them, remember why the family decided to place mom or dad in a home in the first place. This includes providing a safer, healthier environment for them and giving everyone involved peace of mind.

At MorningStar of Billings, we know families often go through a range of emotions when they realize a loved one needs more daily help in order to ensure their comfort and safety. It is why we put together a commonsense decision guide to help families navigate through the process. It also includes warning signs of a loved one who needs more help such as recent falls, balance problems, weight loss, and poor hygiene.

We invite you to take a look at our website where you will find lots of information including our Decision Guide, FAQs, floor plans, list of amenities and more. Our beautiful community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 contact us to learn more about one of the area’s top-rated senior living facilities in Billings, MT.

Experienced, Loving Memory Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado

 

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar at Bear Creek, a memory care assisted living community, we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes.

If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss.

As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our community was designed from the ground up to give residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings. Secure private suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar family, 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. Visit our website for contact information and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our 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 amid a lovely setting. We invite you to schedule a visit to discover the area’s finest memory care assisted living.

What is Assisted Living?

 

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away. Another perk of MorningStar at Arrowhead is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and both natural and overhead lighting. In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required. Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on. We have 60 bright suites for assisted living and another 25 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living Glendale, AZ offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

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, AZ has to offer.

Looking for Assisted Living in Fort Collins?

 

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, MorningStar of Fort Collins may be the place for you.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 55 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 care 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 accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are adhering to the changing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of both residents and team members.  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 of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide an outstanding assisted living home for residents. 

Research has Shown that Pets Can Improve Your Health

Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.

The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.

Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses. Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need?

For the area’s finest senior living, Glendale area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead, a true destination for successful aging. We understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. Our gorgeous community has 60 assisted living suites, and another 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of our services and amenities.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in assisted living and memory care with a unique 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. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale AZ’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer.