Adult Children Often Feel Guilty About a Parent’s Move to Assisted Living

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need.

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care.

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-term regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.

If you are looking at senior living communities in the Fort Collins area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Fort Collins provides all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful community offers 55 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs. In addition, 24 suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care.


Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

MorningStar of Fort Collins Offers Comprehensive Memory Care

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar of Fort Collins is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, we are committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.

We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Moving a parent into a memory care community is often a difficult decision to make. However, once a family chooses MorningStar, we are there every step of the way to walk your loved one through the transition. Our first step is to get to know all we can about the individual such as their background, talents and personal preferences by using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized service plan in accordance with the family. 

Along with memory care, we offer the finest assisted living Fort Collins has to offer, with a broad range of amenities, wellness programs and activities.  We also welcome residents for short-term stays (30 days or less) for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a vacation or when recovering from surgery or an illness. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.

Assisted Living Provides Benefits to Both the Senior and Their Caregiver

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

Our first priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by an individualized care plan approved by you and your parent.  MorningStar’s services also help families by providing transportation to doctor appointments and other errands.  In addition, our community partners with third-party providers to offer services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy other therapeutic solutions.

Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participant in a range of activities and wellness programs.  While this is not a substitute for the time your loved one spends with family, you may find your parent is not always available to take your call as they are busy having fun with other residents and staff.  

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

Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar of Fort Collins.  Our community offers 55 stylish suites for assisted living and 24 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

How Seniors Can Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Winter is upon us and unfortunately this means flu season is, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 53,000 people have already been hospitalized by the flu this season. The flu virus typically peaks between December and March in the United States and senior living communities are no less at risk of the spread. Since your immune system weakens as you age, seniors are at a high risk of major complications and hospitalization from the flu. MorningStar Senior Living Glendale AZ is a retirement living community that is versed in ways to help stop the spread of the flu and protect seniors from severe illness and hospitalization.

The flu virus is highly contagious and easily passed from person to person when someone sneezes, coughs, or speaks. While less common, you could even get the flu by touching a surface that someone with the flu touched, coughed on, or sneezed on. While living in a closed community and being near others often, senior living communities can be at a high risk for rapid flu infections.

At MorningStar, our scope of resident care is reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health, extending the stay of residents even as health conditions change. While being at home in Senior Living, there are a few ways to help stop the spread of the flu and protect yourself from severe illness and hospitalization. To stay healthy this flu season, seniors are recommended to wash hands often, wear a mask if infected, and refrain from touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. In the event that you do become ill, rest assured that MorningStar’s rounding physicians and onsite staff will be by your side to keep you comfortable and aid you back to health.

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional options for seniors looking for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Explore these Clinical Services Offered at MorningStar Retirement Living

MorningStar Senior Living Glendale looks for creative solutions in senior comfort and health. Our senior retirement community in Glendale Az partners with you and your loved one in pursuit of their highest goals for whole-person wellness. Our scope of clinical services in senior living Glendale az is reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health, extending the stay of residents even as health conditions change. Learn more about the clinic services we offer for seniors in Glendale, Arizona.

To strengthen the independence of residents, MorningStar Senior Living Glendale Az partners with ONR (Orthopedic and Neurological Rehabilitation) to provide expanded services in integrated wellness. Every community team has a fulltime Director of Rehab who oversees ONR Touch, a concierge-style program offering education; fitness and wellness classes; rehabilitation services inclusive of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy; and other therapeutic solutions (e.g., arthritic pain, cardiac/respiratory, osteoporosis).

MorningStar senior living in Glendale is a retirement community that functions through the idea of determined and unique care levels. Care levels are determined through a simple point system which considers the cost and time of providing each service such as, grooming, bathing, ambulation and medical assistance. The cumulative score determines the level of care, resulting in an individualized service plan that offers the right amount of help needed.

In most MorningStar communities we also have rounding physicians who offer residents wellness exams by appointment. These medical providers include MDs, PAs and ARNPs as well as specialists in dentistry, podiatry, and wound care. Respite care is also available for seniors. Respite care is a short-term stay and is recommended for seniors recovering from hospitalization or other health issues. It can also be of benefit to a personal caregiver who needs a well-deserved vacation or a break from the responsibilities of caring for a senior.

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional options for seniors looking for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

What is the Difference between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

If an elderly parent or another loved one is in need of more care than they can get living at home, you may have started thinking about senior living. The US Department of Human Health & Services estimates, “About 70% of adults older than 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives.” Moreover, many who require senior care have some type of cognitive decline or memory loss. The World Health Organization reports 55 million people worldwide have dementia and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. 

Before you begin the search for senior care, it is important to know the difference between assisted living and memory care. One of the top differences is the amount of attention giving to memory care residents. While assisted living typically offers 24/7 emergency alert systems and help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), memory care also offers specialized therapies for those with memory loss. 

Wellness programs at assisted living are entertaining, meaningful programs with opportunities to socialize, grow and contribute. Memory care communities provide purposeful programs and therapies designed to help calm or stimulate residents as situations warrant. Personalized care plans compassionately address specialized needs including managing aggressive behaviors or wandering.  

The physical environment in memory care includes more precautions to safeguard the individual. These include things like locked entrances equipped with alarms systems and warning signals if someone exits. The layout of the community typically offers clear wayfinding to help residents navigate their environment and decrease confusion and agitation. 

Memory care communities have a higher staff to resident ratio to enable them to provide more attentive care throughout the day as well as hands-on assistance with meals and the ADLs. In addition, staff are generally trained in dementia care in order to have a better understanding of the disease.    

MorningStar at Bear Creek is designed from the ground up to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach to memory care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort. We strive to make each day as special as possible for our residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers to help us achieve that goal.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s quality memory care in Colorado Springs.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, 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 and encourage you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/assisted-living-vs-memory-care

Learn More About Dementia

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.    

It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. 

To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing.      

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Billings offers care to those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to value our most “tender residents.”  We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved. Contact us or visit our website for availability, pricing information and to schedule a tour.  

MorningStar of Billings mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

How to Treat and Prevent Dry Skin in Seniors for the Winter

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of adults over age 40 have dry skin. Scaly, dry skin is often very itchy and can trigger lots of scratching or picking, which increases an elder’s risk of developing skin infections and is just overall uncomfortable. Dry skin in seniors can become exacerbated during winter months if not properly cared for. At MorningStar senior living Glendale az, we define wellness as a comprehensive, holistic strength. Whether in clinical matters or life enrichment, we see wellness as a dynamic process of change and growth that optimizes every aspect of a resident’s life.

Dry and flaky skin, otherwise known as xerosis, is a common skin condition among seniors and can become very painful during the winter if not properly cared for. If you or a loved one is prone to dry skin, MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Communities Glendale advises that seniors should apply lotion to their skin at least once a day, as well as using a gentle cleansing soap that contains a moisturizer. Drinking more amounts of water during the winter can also help ease dry and itchy skin.

If you or a loved one is moisturizing but not noticing any improvements, have them gently exfoliate to remove old skin cells. Exfoliation for tender skin in seniors can be done with a soft washcloth. Loofahs or other scrubbers may be too rough on the skin. Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing rather than synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting items may also help ease the discomfort of dry skin.

MorningStar is proud to set the pace within Senior Housing with our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). With the heightened productivity of this point-of-care charting and clinical intelligence, we are free to devote more time to resident-centered care and activities.

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional options for seniors looking for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Scrapbooking Can Be Beneficial to Seniors

If an elderly parent is in a senior living community and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit.  Scrapbooking is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, it can be more than just a means to pass the time and preserve memories for seniors but can be beneficial to them as well. 

By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows anything about.  Along with exercising the brain with recollections of the past, scrapbooking can boost self-esteem, improve one’s dexterity and increase socialization by introducing new topics of conversation.

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook.  

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parents, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one.  

At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, our beautiful community offers a host of amenities, care services and wellness programs as well as activities that include arts and crafts projects.  Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to value seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Billings, MT.

How Technology Can Help Seniors

The US Census Bureau shows by 2030 as many as one in five Americans will be 65 years or older, and by the mid-30s, there will be slightly more people over 65 than people 18 years or younger. Our increasingly older population is due to better health care enabling people to live longer. Scientific advancements should also help people maintain better cognitive health.

The large population of seniors has led to tech companies addressing their various needs with new devices designed to make them more independent and live fuller lives. Problems like medication management are being addressed by smart medication management systems that can handle up to as many as ten different medications. Reminders are connected to WI-FI and can even go to family members if the person misses a dose.

COVID-19 taught us the advantages of Telemedicine and is ideal even now for those who may have mobility issues or no longer drive. Video systems like Zoom, Skype or Facebook allow seniors to stay connected to loved ones face-to-face. Really, is nothing better than having a video chat with the grandkids or a friend who lives a distance away? Another technological advancement protecting the safety of an elderly loved one is fall detector systems. Devices are equipped with sensors to detect a fall even without the person pressing the alert button. 

To improve your cognitive health, how about playing a video game? One company out of the University of California-San Francisco called Neuroscape is building a bridge between neuroscience and consumer-friendly technologies. The games require multitasking as well as cognitive functions associated with multitasking. Originally, they were designed for young people with ADHD but researchers found benefits for older adults with depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Experts explain while these new technologies can help seniors live fuller more independent lives, this is only a start. New innovations are expected in the coming years.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers trusted assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals. Our techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional community.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Source: 

betteraging.com/aging-technology/the-silver-tsunami-leads-to-development-of-tech-tools-to-support-seniors/

Finding the Best Assisted Living Community

For anyone considering a move to senior living, choosing the right community is a big decision as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care you or a loved needs to improve quality of life. 

After you have a pretty good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus on communities offering assisted living. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously, affordability is an important consideration, but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all of the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an elder law attorney. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance may cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.   

 

Other things to consider include the physical characteristics of the assisted living community. Does it offer a floorplan that works for you? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, restaurant-style dining, theater, Wi-Fi, etc.? 

For trusted assisted living homes, seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Billings. Our assisted living homes lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, we offer independent living for the most active seniors as well as specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Visit our website today to inquire about pricing and availability.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

When is it Time to Consider a Memory Care Community?

A Place for Mom’s website explains how many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can live independently with or without the help of in-home caregivers or family members. However, they also stress there may come a time when the disease progresses to a stage where the person’s safety and physical well-being is in jeopardy and more care is needed. 

As a person with Alzheimer’s may have good days and bad, it can be hard to tell if they would be better served in a memory care community. Experts say signs include: has their appearance changed? Do they look unkempt and have they lost weight due to forgetting to eat? Do they appear agitated and confused? Are they unable to carry on a conversation?  

Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help you decide if it is time for memory care. Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says, “When talking about memory care, or some form of a different living arrangement, I’ll center the talk around their ability to perform the activities of daily living and safety.” 

A Place for Mom says to gauge a senior’s abilities and safety, your doctor may ask if they:

• Get lost on routes they take frequently, such as going to the grocery store or taking a walk around the neighborhood

• Have trouble remembering to eat or drink

• Are forgetting to take their medication appropriately

• Are struggling to bathe regularly or get dressed as usual

• Had a fall or been to the emergency room recently

• Leave the stove on after preparing food

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers compassionate memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.  Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. As our community is devoted to memory care only, every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted, safe and secure. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in memory care assisted living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

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

Medication Management is an Important Preventive Measure

Experts say medication management is an important preventive measure to avoid potential serious health hazards for seniors. As many older adults take multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements to treat different symptoms and health conditions, they are at a greater risk for medication mix-ups. Researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.  

Polypharmacy is the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year due to adverse, or harmful, drug events. While these episodes are usually preventable, doctors acknowledge it can be confusing keeping track of daily dosages and special instructions such as to take with or without food or the time of day, etc.

If an elderly parent or grandparent is taking several medications, healthcare providers say it is a good idea to inquire about their medication management. One sign they may not be organized is if they have medications stored in different locations throughout the house, and old, outdated prescriptions are mixed in with current ones. You can start by gathering all medications in one place, remember it is best to store them in a cool, dry location, and set aside any outdated medications for proper disposal. Write down the names of the drugs, dosages, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Also, include herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. Bring the list to the next visit to their primary care physician and ask why mom or dad is taking it, how long they will be on it, and do any medications present a dangerous interaction with another drug they are on. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in the area, and we work hard to provide a true “home” for our residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.

MorningStar’s senior living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar of Fort Collins.

Source: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

Senior Living Communities with Specialized Memory Care

If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you may be looking for the best care for your loved one. A specialized memory care community such as MorningStar of Fort Collins may be your answer.  

Memory care communities such as MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood care for individuals with dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Services include 24-hour supervision and typically offer a secure environment specifically designed to keep residents safe and secure. This means residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible and are free to explore their surroundings.     

Another thing to know about memory care is that it has evolved through the years.  Today’s communities now offer wellness programs that help deal with memory impairment and wandering issues as well as other common dementia behaviors.  At MorningStar, we provide residents a number of specialized programs and highly personalized care that address their unique needs.   

Studies also show residents in memory care communities have a higher quality of life.  A Place for Mom, the largest senior living referral website, reports that residents in memory care have “reduced medication and medication side effects; fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; increased nutrition and wellness; and greater independence and social interaction.”  They also add that close to 75 percent of residents experience an improvement or maintenance of mental functioning.   

As a family member of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences.  MorningStar of Fort Collins recognizes many of our residents’ families need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we are grateful we can provide the support they need.  Please visit our website to learn more about our individualized, holistic memory care.  

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Stretching Exercises are Important as You Age

Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age. 

Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees, and spine lose the most flexibility.  He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over." 

Of course, before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your local community senior center or other organizations for classes. Additionally, the Internet has a lot of information on how seniors can improve their flexibility with stretching exercises done in a chair, standing up, or if you can, on the floor. Regardless of your level of fitness, these exercises should help improve your range of motion, flexibility and joint stiffness.   

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we offer seniors a carefree lifestyle to safely age in place with a range of care services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our programs include a range of exercise classes such as chair yoga, gentle stretching and others to help keep you moving. Our community has 55 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 24 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  For the area’s finest memory care or assisted living, Fort Collins seniors are encouraged to contact us for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/a-plan-for-easy-stretching