Do Your Elderly Parents Need More Care?

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Senior living communities offering assisted living are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need. 

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. 

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of moving them into a community to have to move them out in a few years once their needs cannot be met. 

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fort Collins, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. 

Another important step is to visit the community (either virtually or personally) and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.    

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, second to none.  In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

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. 

If I Don’t Need Any Assistance, Why Should I Consider Community Life as a Senior?

The stereotype of gray, dull nursing homes that seem to be devoid of life is a myth of the past. Retirement communities today are modern and host a wide array of amenities to keep seniors’ lives active, healthy, and enriching. It is never too early to consider senior living, even if you aren’t in need of medical attention from nurses or family members. Being able to have your own choice in what community you would want to live in is what is going to be ultimately most rewarding for you going forward. Here are some reasons to consider retirement homes and senior living even if you are not in need of medical assistance.

You are able to keep your independence in senior living at MorningStar in Glendale, AZ. Seniors can enjoy a stress-free environment and a change of lifestyle and routine by moving into a retirement community. In our communities, we offer built-in companionship and the growth of new friendships. Hobbies are able to be explored while the usual mundane worries of house management are taken off your shoulders. Our retirement homes at MorningStar offer exciting and nutritious meals, community involvement, and modern living arrangements that you are able to fully decorate to your own liking and comfortability. If you are looking for a refreshing change of lifestyle, consider a retirement home and a new community with MorningStar.

There are other benefits that come with independent senior living, such as cost-effectiveness. Perhaps finances are what is holding you back from the decision to move to a retirement community. You do not have to live alone in a senior living community. With Companion Living at MorningStar at Arrowhead, the expenses of a suite can be split between two people. MorningStar retirement communities in Glendale, AZ have floorplans ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites that are spacious for roommate situations or living with a spouse. Alternatively, if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our senior living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission and what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers. 

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 one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

How Seniors Can Stay Cool this Summer

The summer is a great time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a little sun outside. As we get deeper into the summer, so too do we begin to experience higher temperatures during the day and drier air. While you may believe to be accustomed to hot summers, as we age it’s important to be mindful of activities you may be participating in outdoors and for how long. These easy reminders below can help you stay cool this summer and refrain from any heat-related dangers such as heat stroke.

Heatstroke is the most fatal to individuals that are 50 years of age and older, according to The National Institute of Aging. Certain health problems, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and kidney disease can increase one’s chances of experiencing heat stroke. Even the prescription drugs you take may put you at risk of heatstroke if you are in high temperatures for long periods of time.

In order to have a safe and comfortable summer, it is important to drink a lot of fluids such as water and juices to stay hydrated. Try to minimize your intake of alcohol and caffeine while being in the heat as this can dehydrate you. It is also a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing during the summer so that body heat can escape. A major rule in the summer is to remember to keep your home cool by using AC if possible and keeping blinds closed during the hottest times of the day. Having fans to circulate air may also be helpful.

MorningStar retirement communities in Glendale, Arizona are not unfamiliar with the heat that is associated with this climate. In order to keep our community safe, MorningStar retirement communities in Glendale AZ pride themselves on having modern floorplans ranging from spacious studios to comfortable two-bedroom suites. When outdoors, MorningStar at Arrowhead keeps our senior living safe during the summer by encouraging proper intake of fluids, healthy foods, and breaks from the outdoors through our staff and 24/7 nurse access.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our retirement living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ offers.

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 one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

MorningStar of Fort Collins Offers a True Home

MorningStar of Fort Collins is part of a company founded on authenticity, and a reputation for excellence. Setting our home apart from other senior living communities is the fact we understand the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Additionally, we have an extraordinary team who feels privileged to serve and help create an environment where life is enriched, stories are shared, and lives are cherished. 

Our beautiful community has 55 private assisted living suites and another 24 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  In assisted living, residents receive various levels of support with the activities of daily living, based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their extended family. Care includes around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure residents’ safety and wellbeing as they work to meet expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. 

MorningStar’s memory care uses a holistic approach, which is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore as we find ways to daily celebrate life regardless of the extent of memory loss. Moreover, we understand the essence of the person remains and treat each with the utmost respect and dignity as we walk alongside the individual and their family throughout this difficult journey. 

To learn more about our exceptional community, we encourage you to visit our website. You will find extensive information including photos, floorplans, and amenities. For a quick response, use our Virtual Assistant to inquiry about availability, pricing and/or to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins Offers Specialized Memory Care

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job. If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long. Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers 24 suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists. Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating. Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications. Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.

So rather than feel like you let your loved one down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do. Please visit our website for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins has to offer.

MorningStar Senior Living’s 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 memory care or assisted living Fort Collins offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

Sunscreen Provides Critical Protection for Seniors this Summer

Extended and continual unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to a multitude of health concerns and discomfort. Such as sunburn, skin aging, and potential damage to the eyes. Overexposure to UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, from the sun is one of the top causes of skin cancer. While dangers from UV rays affect every age group, millions of seniors in America will be treated for skin cancer this year. By using sunscreen, you can take your skin health seriously and aid in your body’s necessary protection this summer.

Skin health is critical around the year, but it is especially crucial during the summer when there may be little cloud cover and high temperatures. Sunscreen is one of the most valuable ways to keep your skin out of harm from UV rays. However, sunscreen is often underutilized, especially among seniors and those in senior living homes. According to the CDC, over half the cases of skin cancer are found in people 65 years or older. To combat this issue, it is important to wear a sunscreen of a sun protection factor, SPF, of at least 30. This level of protection aids against the development of skin cancer caused by the sun and UV rays.

Applying sunscreen daily, even if you do not plan on being outside, is the best way to protect your skin. Many seniors living in retirement communities think they are staying safe by staying indoors, but actually, sitting next to large windows or riding in a car can pose a risk to skin health. Ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes, even through glass. Being liberal with sunscreen everyday is the best way to protect you and your skin.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, it is our goal to keep you safe while staying in our retirement communities, especially during the summer. For this reason, using sunscreen daily is encouraged at MorningStar to ensure your protection from the sun while exploring the amenities around our retirement homes. Gardening, daily walks, and other outdoor activities are a great way to celebrate the summer but should be done in limited amounts while taking protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, loose clothing that covers the body, and taking breaks under the shade.

To learn more about our specialization regarding senior living in Glendale, AZ, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living communities in Glendale, Arizona.

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in senior living and retirement communities 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 one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, Arizona has to offer.


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Cataracts Are the Most Common Age-Related Eye Condition

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

MorningStar of Billings, a beautiful senior community located on the west end of town, provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please contact us for more information about our independent living facilities. 

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.

After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is devastating for the person as well as their spouse, children and other family and friends. While you may be left wondering what to do next, experts say start with getting prepared. 

Unfortunately, we do not have a cure for AD, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and planning for the future is critical. Experts recommend “Any dementia patient who is still mentally competent should focus on making medical, legal and financial preparations with their loved ones as soon as possible.”  In addition to long-term planning, it is also important to prioritize healthy Alzheimer Assisted living and address any issues.

Dementia care specialists say getting good medical care is important and will probably include your doctor prescribing Alzheimer’s medications to help minimize symptoms for a period of time. Memory loss, confusion and other types of behaviors make it difficult for a person to manage the ADLs (activities of daily living), and over time, they will need more daily supervision and care. When it becomes more than a family can manage at home, other solutions such as a memory care community need to be considered.

In the early stages of the disease, memory and focus can come and go, and it is important to evaluate the person’s fitness for doing things like driving, cooking unsupervised, and in some cases, going out alone. As the disease progresses, these activities are most likely not a good idea. 

While still able to make decisions, encourage the person to prepare legal documents such as a durable power of attorney (POA) for health care and a durable power of attorney for finances. Consulting an elder law attorney is helpful. Other suggestions include staying physically and mentally active and eating a healthy diet. 

Morningstar at Bear Creek is devoted to caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our care is tailored to serve the needs of our tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.   For memory care Colorado Springs families can count on, we encourage you to contact us or visit our website for more 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.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/what-happens-after-alzheimers-diagnosis-154289.htm

Moving a Loved One to a Memory Care Community

For many suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, there comes a time when they require more professional care. Assisted living dementia care communities like MorningStar at Bear Creek are designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

We all know moving is a chore but for a person suffering from memory loss, leaving a beloved home can be especially trying; and it is natural for families to worry about transitioning mom or dad into a memory care community. This is where tips from dementia care specialists can ease the way.

Experts say, if possible, it is helpful to plan early and discuss future living options while the person is still able to make reasonable decisions. Once the time comes for more care and a memory care community has been decided on, families need to search for one that best fits the person’s needs.

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral company, suggests several things we can do in advance to help smooth the transition including reminding the person they will be moving. If several family members are involved; stick to one script and keep it concise and simple. 

Another tip to help the person not panic is to pack their things at night while they are sleeping or out visiting friends. Decorate their new suite with personal items such as photos, mementos and other treasured objects without the room feeling cluttered. 

They suggest moving during a scheduled activity you know the person will love such as an art class or a game of bingo. It takes their mind away from the actual move and gives them an opportunity to meet other community members and staff. Also, remember it may take the person time to settle in, and time and patience is important from everyone involved.   

Once you decide on a particular home, meet the staff to talk about your parent’s background, talents, personal preferences, medical history, etc.  At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we use a query called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” to aid us in creating a daily routine to stimulate or calm in response to the resident’s mood or situation.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases, and every aspect of our loving home is designed to meet the needs of our special residents. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and all the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.    

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 for more information about our exceptional community.

Research Shows Certain Plant Foods May Help Forgetfulness in Seniors

Research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20 year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73.  

The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower amount of flavonoid-enriched foods.  

Researchers found a significant difference between the bottom one-fifth of participants who reported the lowest intake of flavonoids compared to the upper one-fifth who were 19 percent less likely to report forgetfulness or confusion. Additionally, the study reported “higher intakes of Brussel sprouts, strawberries, winter squash and raw spinach were most highly associated with better scores on the test of subjective cognitive decline.” Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging who was not involved in the study, said “There’s some really good data here with 20 years of follow-up.”

MorningStar of Billings is a senior living community committed to making your retirement years carefree. Along with resort-style amenities and hospitality and care services, we offer residents a five-star dining experience enriched with a variety of healthy, fresh foods. Our beautiful cottages and suites range in size with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.  Suites feature upscale finishes, high ceilings, large windows, and many have private balconies or patios. In addition, residents of the cottages enjoy ceiling fans, a fireplace and a one-car garage. For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care Billings seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.

 

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.

Source: nytimes.com/2021/08/09/well/brain-health-fruits-vegetables.html  

Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can exhibit a variety of behaviors and personality changes, of which some can be quite challenging to deal with and even affect the person’s safety. Changes in your parents or spouse can include irritability, anger, anxiety and other distressing behaviors like wandering or forgetting to turn off the stove.  

Dementia care experts say there are techniques to help deal with these feelings, and it may include adjusting your own attitude toward the changes a person is experiencing. Examples include caregivers over estimating the person’s abilities and expecting more from them then they feel capable of doing. This can cause angry outbursts often motivated by frustration. Experts remind caregivers to remember the person’s abilities are changing and suggest shifting your expectations to fit the new norm. 

Another common problem many suffer from Alzheimer’s is depression. Cindy Steele, RN, nurse scholar for Copper Ridge, a residential care community in Utah, says 40 percent of people with AD develop depression due to a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Anxiety disorders and delusions are also common. In many cases, the person’s doctor can help identify the imbalances and prescribe medications to help relieve these troubling symptoms.  

Negative behaviors can additionally be caused by physical problems such as a headache, illness or fatigue, which the person is unable to communicate. Over-stimulating environments, being too cold or too hot are other reasons for distress or irritability. Experts say caregivers need to try and stay calm and speak directly to the person using short, easily understood sentences. Avoid sounding condescending.      

At Morningstar at Bear Creek, a memory care assisted living community in Colorado Springs, we offer individualized care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We are proud to be one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.”  For a senior living community to receive this honor, at least 75% of its staff must complete eight hours of training that include brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful home and the philosophy that guides our care.

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 for more information about our exceptional community in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar of Billings Provides Loving Memory Care

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers studio and shared suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our home is honored to provide individualized, compassionate care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard.  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.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

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 listening 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 another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Billings team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living’s 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 outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings.