Reduce the Risk of Falls with Balance Exercises

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do.  

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.   

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do each side 3 times.  

At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why MorningStar of Fort Collins offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Please see our website for more information.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try

MorningStar of Fort Collins Offers Compassionate and Loving Memory Care

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in the area, and we are proud to offer compassionate and loving memory care.  We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden.  As experienced specialists in caring for those with memory loss, our community is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, our Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. 

Through MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.         

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers assisted living as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please visit our website for further information, and to inquire about pricing and availability. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Could Mom or Dad Benefit from Assisted Living?

If you are worried about an elderly parent who lives alone and may not be getting the kind of personal daily care, meals, or company they need; it may be time to consider assisted living.  At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we specialize in providing Assisted Living care for seniors who need a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.  

We have seen first-hand how the transition to assisted living eases the stress of either or both the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s life.  Moreover, we recognize that assisted living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive.  We achieve this with a wide range of care services, fine dining, and meaningful wellness programs and activities.  In addition, residents enjoy built-in companionship as they make new friends with fellow residents and our truly loving staff. 

To give families a good idea of what services are provided with assisted living, we are happy to answer questions.  Also, we suggest you take a look at our website where you will find a lot of information.  A good place to start is our Decision Guide under the “First Steps” tab.  Here we go over things to look for that may indicate your parents need more help such as recent falls, unexplained weight loss, poor balance, and/or poor personal hygiene.   From there, take a look at our FAQs for more details.   

Under our “Wellness” tab we go over our dining services, life enrichment programs, and clinical care services.  We also like to direct interested families to “Our Heart” to read a little background on how MorningStar Senior Living began and what its mission and precepts are all about.  

While you will discover our company was founded on Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews as we believe it is our responsibility to respect residents’ spiritual preferences.  In fact, our goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs as part of creating a comfortable home and compassionate care. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living home Fort Collins has to offer. 

MorningStar Senior Living 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. If you are looking for assisted living in Fort Collins, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

Those With Dementia May Benefit from Pet Therapy

Pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy) is used for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia as a way to alleviate feelings of boredom, loneliness and helplessness. Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard trained geriatrician and author of “The Eden Alternative,” said bringing in children, plants and animals helps to invigorate long-term care by “incorporating companionship, a sense of purpose, variety and spontaneity into the day-to-day experience of aged care residents.”

While studies show therapy dogs and other animals are useful in stimulating social interaction and easing agitation in dementia patients, experts say it should be done with specially trained pets to get the most benefit. Moreover, the animal should be matched to the setting as well as to the person. Pet therapists say dogs are generally the easiest to train as they are comfortable interacting with a variety of people.    

The benefits of animal therapy to dementia patients include the unconditional love and acceptance animals freely give out as well as the physical touch from the pet contact. Also, these relationships do not require much in the way of communication skills, which are often difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say other benefits of pet therapy include an increase in physical activity and an unexpected improvement in a person’s appetite after a visit from an animal as well as an overall calming effect. 

 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our goal is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer, which includes compassionate, loving memory care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Our unique approach to memory care is designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss.  By leveraging the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as animals, we strive to heal and comfort our most tender residents.  In addition, MorningStar at Arrowhead has 60 private assisted living suites with an array of luxury amenities, wellness programs, and care services for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead. 

Sources: 

verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677

tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/conu.2011.37.2.222

The Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Falls

The WebMD website warns falls are a leading cause of disability, premature nursing home placement, and death among older adults. They also say individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease experience more than double the rate of falls as people without the disorder. Experts say this is mostly likely due to problems with balance and gait disorders as well as visual and spatial perception. One study done several years ago in France reports falls may even be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.  

The study consisted of a group of older adults who appeared physically and cognitively healthy. Researchers were surprised to discover two-thirds of those with large deposits of Alzheimer's-associated plaque in their brains suffered falls, while only one-third of those with little or no plaque experienced falls. Susan Stark, PhD, of Washington University in St. Louis says this was the first study to clearly “identify a risk of increased falls related to a diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.” Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease is the term used to describe people with large deposits of Alzheimer's-associated plaque in their brains, despite appearing cognitively normal.

Falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk. These include exercising, getting routine eye exams, and talking to your doctors about medication side effects, surgical procedures and other things that can increase your risk for a fall. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek specializes in providing individualized assisted living dementia care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community has 48 suites with a variety of floorplans, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Visit our website to learn more about our compassionate home, our experienced team and our company’s philosophy.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in assisted living dementia care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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.

Sources: 

webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20110718/falls-an-early-clue-to-alzheimers

agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

Learn More About MorningStar of Billings

For exceptional independent living, assisted living, or memory care we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings.  Our leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community.  In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as provides some background on our company.  

For instance, our home page offers a great description of our community, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as a Gallery of pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to welcoming spaces and beautiful design.  Our home page also has a button to Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities.  Clicking on Suite Amenities highlights the comforts within our well-designed suites and cottages.  Our spacious apartments are available in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations, and you can view specifics by clicking on the Floor Plans button.  

We also encourage you to view the virtual tour on our home page.  Here you will get a good look at some of our common areas including the dining room, bistro, theater, pool, and more.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  

We then suggest you browse through the links at the top of the page to learn more about First Steps, Lifestyle Options, Wellness, and Our Heart.  More questions are answered on our FAQ page (under First Steps) including what makes MorningStar different; understanding senior living; care services; pricing, and the move-in process.  If you like what you see please contact us for pricing, availability, and any other questions you may have.  

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 to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Billings, MT.

The Benefits of Moving to an Assisted Living Community

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arrowhead are designed to offer seniors 24/7 personal care with a wide range of wellness services targeted to their needs. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, explains in many cases, today’s communities may be a healthier, safer alternative for many elderly adults. Along with giving residents the help they need to maintain their independence, residents and families get peace of mind knowing someone is always around to lend a helping hand as well as all the benefits derived from the social connections offered by community life. 

A Place for Mom cites several studies, which shows the extensive services and programs offered by assisted living can aid seniors in avoiding many commonplace problems affecting the elderly. Getting the proper nutrition is one of those things as many elderly people struggle with meal prep and cooking, and for those who are no longer driving, buying groceries can be challenging. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our Executive Chef specializes in creating tasty, nutritional meals designed to delight our residents.  

Another problem many elderly adults have is managing medications properly. In fact, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists estimate people age 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year so it is no wonder many seniors get confused. However, experts warn skipping doses or taking too much medication can result in deadly consequences and unfortunately too many seniors end up in the hospital each year due to medication “non-compliance.”  For this reason, MorningStar offers medication management to our residents.   

Perhaps most importantly we provide a full range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents engaged mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Our holistic support allows residents to enjoy their golden years and live as comfortably and as safely as possible. To learn more about one of the finest retirement homes in Glendale, please visit our website. 

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

Source:  aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Gift Ideas for a Loved One with Memory Loss

If you want to get something special for mom or dad or another loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, it can be challenging to figure out a good gift. This is where the Internet can lend a hand with a range of items designed to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. 

Dementia care specialists say it can take a little more time and some creativity but there are many great gift ideas. One idea is personalized gifts or memory-filled ones. A photo album filled with pictures of the person surrounded by people important to them, or a picture book from a place they loved to visit. A coffee mug personalized with a photo or a cozy throw filled with favorite family pictures is also a good idea. 

Music from their younger years shows tunes and old movies are sure to make them smile and can be a good way to spend an afternoon together listening to their new gifts. Coloring books filled with pictures of things they love such as animals or flowers, a set of new markers or crayons, and easy-to-do crafts are also fun to do together.  

Another item targeted to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is therapy stuffed animals.  Designed to meet their special needs, one example is a teddy bear that comes with a few classic songs but has room to load a person’s favorite tunes (up to 1,000 songs). Cuddly robotic cat and dog stuffed animals have a calming, soothing effect on people in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer's disease. Research shows they can help the person remember a time in their life when their purpose included caring for others.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to comprehensive memory care assisted living for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Visit our website for contact information, pricing and availability; and ask about our Move-in Specials. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in memory care assisted living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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.

Welcome to MorningStar of Billings

MorningStar of Billings is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company that was founded on the mission to: honor God, value all seniors and invest in staff. Our community is set in a warm, inviting environment and features beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities. We strive to create a “true home”  for residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community.

 Holding true to our mission of servant leadership, our staff are the kind of people who understand it is a privilege to serve; and treat residents like they do their own moms and dads. In fact, serving seniors has given us a profound respect for the many challenges and triumphs they have experienced throughout their lifetime; and is why we consider seniors to be true heroes.  

Located in a park-like neighborhood on a spacious campus, MorningStar of Billings is meticulously designed and supported by an extraordinary hospitality and care team who feel called to serve seniors. We offer several options for senior living starting with 72 independent living suites for those who do not require assistance with daily care activities.  In addition, we have 32 free-standing cottages with a one car garage intended for active seniors. Both suites and cottages offer a variety of floorplans (with a cottage option over 1200 sq. ft.).  

MorningStar of Billings also has 70 stylish suites for assisted living including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom plans.  For your safety, all suites have bathrooms that are handicap-accessible and 24-hour emergency call systems. Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  

For seniors needing memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 secure suites dedicated to memory care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our community as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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 to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

   

Adding This Common Food to Your Diet May Help You Live to 100

When we look at cultures with a reputation for longevity, leading nutritionists and food scientists say there is one food group that stands out. “Blue zones,” areas known for having many of their inhabitants live to an advanced age of hundred years or more, include in their diet, five of the ten most recommended foods. All are from the bean family and include lentils, soybeans, peanuts (a legume in the same family as peas and lentils), chickpeas and black beans.

People living on the Japanese island of Okinawa might enjoy a dinner of stir-fried green beans, soybeans or mung sprouts. Another meal in Nicoya, Costa Rica typically includes black beans. Known for a high level of anthocyanins, a pigment that gives red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring, beans help fight free radicals and offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. In fact, anthocyanins offer 10 times the antioxidants of an equivalent serving of oranges. 

Nutritionists say beans also boost the immune system by supplying the fiber our microbiomes need. They suggest the local diet of people in blue zones help them avoid many of the same health risks Americans suffer from such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and cancers. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we offer residents a lifestyle in which to comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, our all-day dining service includes meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. 

Located on the north side of Glendale convenient to medical facilities and other services, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers 60 suites for assisted living in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Additionally, the Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to specialized dementia care for residents with memory impairment. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers.

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

Source: cnbc.com/2020/09/15/adding-this-simple-food-to-your-diet-may-help-you-live-to-100-says-longevity-health-researcher.html

Your Loved One Deserves Trusted Memory Care

At some point, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be very challenging. Caregiver burnout is a real thing and families may need to look for a memory care community to ensure the person is getting the care they need as well as to relieve family caregivers. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we have earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to provide care to our tender residents.  Our community was built in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with dementia-related memory impairment and residents have the independence to safely move about their spacious surroundings.  Our physical environment also includes enclosed outdoor spaces and suites equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach to the disease, giving employees a better understanding as well as tools for effective, compassionate care. As we know those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases do better staying engaged, we provide a gentle flow of concurrent activities and meaningful wellness programs. 

Additionally, your loved one will receive full-time non-medical care, transportation and a meal service geared toward their special needs along with assistance in the activities of daily living (ADL). While we encourage families to carefully decide on the community to entrust their loved one to, once a decision is made regarding our home, we begin a process of getting to know our new resident’s background, talents and personal preferences. To aid us in this effort we use a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” which is designed to help us create a specialized, individualized service plan for him or her.

Please contact us to learn more about our loving community.  In addition, our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other 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 and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Independent Living Offers a Care-free Retirement Years

Looking for the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies, and to do more than just dream about exciting adventures? Independent living offers a refreshing change of lifestyle and gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to the endless chores and maintenance associated with homeownership. Other often overlooked benefits include built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. 

Independent living communities may differ but many let you enjoy the comforts of home along with an array of luxury services and amenities. These may include housekeeping, transportation, onsite salon and fitness center, and meal plans. In most, residents can lead a lifestyle as active or relaxed as they choose.

At MorningStar of Billings, our 72 independent living suites are designed to give active seniors carefree retirement years. We offer stylish floor plans including one and two-bedrooms units with a choice of one or two-baths.  In addition, we have 32 free-standing cottages with two-bedroom, two bath floor plans, some with over 1,225 square feet of space.  Each independent living suite is designed for your every comfort and comes equipped with a kitchen with full appliances, maple shaker cabinets, and a private patio or balcony.  Cottage residents enjoy ceiling fans, a fireplace, and a one car garage.

While our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our Independent Living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. Moreover, if the time comes for a more formal arrangement, you are already familiar with MorningStar of Billings’ assisted living and memory care, and as a member of our community, you will receive priority access. 

Along with independent living, our senior living community offers assisted living, memory care and short-term stays. All suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems; and as we know you don’t want to leave behind a beloved four-footed family member, we are pet friendly. Contact us for availability. 

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 to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.