Falls Result in Three Million Emergency Room Visits Each Year

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 that each year about 3 million older adults are treated in the emergency room for a fall injury and over 800,000 patients are hospitalized due to their injuries. 

Experts explain there are several reasons why 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 MorningStar at Bear Creek, we proudly offer the Colorado Springs area individualized assisted living dementia care. If you are a family member searching for quality care for a loved one with memory impairment, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Set within a gentle, loving environment, our care takes a resident-directed approach that utilizes multi-sensory cues to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and, above all, to affirm dignity and value.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, CO.

How to Energize without Caffeine

Many of us have experienced the side effects of too much caffeine such as shakiness, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and other unpleasant symptoms. However, without caffeine, we miss the energy boost and alertness we got from the substance. Luckily dieticians have some suggestions on how to replace caffeine with other healthier, energy-producing foods. 

One of the suggestions includes eating an apple each morning. Containing 13 grams of sugar, the fruit slowly digests, releasing nutrients into our body including boron known for mental alertness. Another idea is to replace your cup of coffee with a glass of coconut water. Loaded with potassium, it can help the body convert carbs into energy. 

Complex carbs found in sweet potatoes digest slowly without a sugar crash and can be used in a morning hash. A poach egg on avocado toast along with a smoothie of fresh greens is sure to give you some early morning energy. For a hot beverage, try peppermint tea as studies show the scent of mint increases alertness and reduces fatigue. For a mid-morning snack, try a few almonds or cashews. Eating foods high in omega-3s such as fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel for lunch will help get you through a mid-afternoon slump.

At MorningStar of Billings, we proudly offer seniors a range of options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term stays and respite care. Among our many amenities, we provide daily meals made largely from scratch and incorporating the freshest of ingredients. We also prioritize the use of ingredients known to support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 

For active seniors, we have 32 free-standing cottages tucked into their own private neighborhood within our beautiful park-like campus. Our main building has another 72 bright suites for independent living and 70 for assisted living. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and laundry services and many other perks. Additionally we offer community activities and wellness programs, and amenities such as a fitness room, billiards and game room, life enrichment room, strolling paths and more. Please visit our website to inquire about availability and pricing, and to ask about our Move-in Specials. 

Source: allrecipes.com/gallery/caffeine-free-foods-that-provide-energy/?utm_medium=browser&utm_source=allrecipes.com&utm_content=20210923&utm_campaign=1403883&slide=534e73d0-99a7-4f21-8f09-b77dcce5027b#534e73d0-99a7-4f21-8f09-b77dcce5027b

Making the Decision to Move a Loved One to a Memory Care Community

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However, they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Other questions doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own include: is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also, if a diagnosis is made early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, a memory care assisted living community, we have 48 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care

Felt Like You Woke Up on the Wrong Side of Bed?

We have all had those days from the moment we get out of bed; we feel a heaviness to our mood and cannot put our finger on as to why. A bad mood can sour our day and make us dissatisfied with everything from our own perceived failings, to our families and friends, our jobs and our future. Negative feelings include sadness or hopelessness as well as angry and irritability. 

Jay Fournier, director of the mood and anxiety program and co-director of the division of cognition and emotion at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, explains, "These negative emotions can signal for us that something is wrong. They can also tell us that we need more support from those around us or that a change in strategy or outlook might be needed." 

Try taking a look at all facets of your life and analyze how it is affecting you. Negative thoughts can be triggered by diet or hungry, lack of sleep or the consummation of too much social media. Bad moods can be catchy so limit your exposure to negative people. Doctors also say negative emotions can be biological and some families have a genetic disposition to mood disorders. Another thing worth exploring is if your medications are affecting your mood.  

Some tips to shake yourself out of a bad mood include observing your feelings and taking the time to reflect on them. Journaling your thoughts may offer another perspective as can mindfulness techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises. Practicing gratitude and seeking out positive people and situations can help clear your head. The same goes for getting out in nature and taking a walk or doing mindful exercises like yoga or tai chi.  

At MorningStar of Billings, we proudly represent the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our home offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Please visit our website for more info about one of the area’s premier independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. 

Source:  health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/slideshows/ways-to-break-a-bad-mood?slide=2&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20Sep%2030%2006%3A29%3A00%20EDT%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health

Compassionate, Individualized Memory Care in Colorado Springs

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted entirely to the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As part of the well-respected MorningStar Senior Living Company founded on the principle of “to honor, to serve, to invest,” we have created a true home within a serene residential setting. Moreover, attributing our success and growth to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership, it sets us apart from other senior living communities.

Our home is honored to provide compassionate, individualized care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. Warm and inviting common areas allow residents the freedom to move about independently as much as possible. In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle. Our many amenities include a gathering area with a double-sided hearth and aquarium, salon, bistro, massage room, fitness/therapy room, and sensory room.   To enjoy the outdoors, we provide secure courtyards, patios, strolling paths, and resident gardening beds.

Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy getting to know residents as they listen to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a Culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.   

If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, the MorningStar at Bear Creek team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. For trusted memory care Colorado Springs families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Want to Get in Shape? Doctors Say Go Slow

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. Moreover doctors reiterate while individuals most out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a work out. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. 

Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. Always remember any amount of progress is good, and injuries will only sideline you.  

As one of the area’s finest senior living communities, we provide independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our warm and welcoming home is dedicated to giving residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community for a well-deserved, carefree retirement. We invite you to visit our website for more information and to contact us regarding availability and pricing. Also be sure to ask about our MOVE-IN SPECIALS.  

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately?slide=8

Are You Looking for Senior Living in the Glendale, AZ area?

As senior living provides a range of benefits such as socialization, healthcare, amenities, and convenient services, it is no surprise it has become a popular lifestyle for many older adults. If your family has already started the search for senior communities in the Glendale area, you know there are a number of options.  This may have left you wondering how to narrow down your search to find the optimal community for yourself or a loved one?   

Experts say the first thing to do is to find a home that provides the proper level of care.  If you are a senior who needs a little help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living offers you the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living your life to the fullest.  In addition to 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management, many assisted living communities offer services including meals, onsite amenities, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and more.  They also provide opportunities for learning and laughing, with social calendars full of programming, events, and educational opportunities.

For families with a loved one suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, start by looking at homes that specialize in memory care.  The community should provide a secure environment as well as programming, activities and care that meets the needs of each resident.  

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we offer all of that and more.  We define health and well-being holistically and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Our beautiful community has 60 private assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diseases.  We are committed to be one of the best retirement homes Glendale offers, and encourage you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers. 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care.

A Robotic Pet is Comforting to Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However, dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words. 

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky; and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Please visit our website for contact information. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about the finest senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

The Move-In Process at MorningStar

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s goal is to be one of the finest retirement communities Glendale offers, with an extensive range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.  Located in a popular residential neighborhood on the north side of the city, our beautiful community was designed by the nationally renowned firm of Thoma-Holec Design, the award-winning specialist in senior living interiors.

When a loved one needs more care than they can get in their own home, it may be time to start thinking about a move to assisted living.  If your family is new to the concept of senior living and all it means, please know that MorningStar will work with you each step of the way to help you make informed decisions, and make the eventual move-in process easier.  

To start with, we understand that for your parent or elderly relative, the move is a major lifestyle transition, which is why we approach each move-in with great sensitivity.  One way we do this is to try and nurture a relationship from the start that reinforces the positive aspects of community life and tries to help the person envision the many possibilities of a new adventure.  

Once your family puts down a deposit to secure a chosen suite, our “House to Home” plan goes into full swing.  This starts by collecting pertinent information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move-in including a medical assessment and physician’s care plan for each new assisted living and memory care resident.     

On a more practical level, we offer packing tips including what items are most important to bring such as furnishings and personal belongings that are most significant emotionally, nostalgically as well as functionally.  We want the resident’s new “home” to bring them comfort and joy, which is why we suggest if possible, furnishings should be arranged similar to their prior residence.  Keep in mind; it is especially helpful to those with low vision or cognitive impairment.     

This is just a start of the on-going support we extend to new residents and their families.  We are ready to answers any questions you may have and direct you to our website for contact information as well as other pertinent details.  MorningStar at Arrowhead’s entire team is engaged in finding ways to build a true family, one loving relationship at a time. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ has to offer. 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, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Research Suggests Not Getting Enough Sleep May Increase Your Risk for Dementia

 

Research suggests sleeping less than five hours a night can increase our risk for dementia. The journal Aging published a study done over a period of five years that supported earlier research by finding people who slept less than five hours a day were at greater risk for dementia. The study looked at the sleep patterns of 2,600 people over the age of 65. 

Participants who slept less than five hours a night had almost double the risk of being diagnosed with dementia over the course of the study from those who slept seven to nine hours a day. Another risk factor was poor quality of sleep or taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. There was also a greater risk of dying for the poor sleepers. 

While this study involved people over 65 years of age and took place over a handful of years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently published a study involving people in their 50s and 60s. It found those who slept six hours or less per night were more likely to develop dementia later in life. Participants were interviewed on six occasions between 1985 and 2016 about how many hours they slept each night. For accuracy, some participants “wore accelerometers to objectively measure sleep time. Over the course of the study, 521 participants were diagnosed with dementia, at an average age of 77.” Other studies report the risk for dementia is increased in people who sleep more than nine hours a night. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, we specialize in providing memory care assisted living for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Our home has 48 suites in a variety of floor plans; and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We know having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is difficult and want you to know we are here to help. Visit our website to learn more our beautiful community, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: 

nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lack-sleep-middle-age-may-increase-dementia-risk