Community Living Offers Social Engagement for Seniors

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s nearly 14 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Social isolation is often a result of having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation or mobility impairment which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others.

Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.”

The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.”

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Fort Collins provide assisted living residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join.

Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. 

We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted assisted living in Fort Collins.

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 one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts

Trusted, Holistic Memory Care in Fort Collins, CO

Along with assisted living, Fort Collins’ MorningStar community offers individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 24 secure memory care suites, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ holistic memory care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed.  

The Reflections Neighborhood was designed to provide a secure setting yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Residents especially enjoy being outdoors in the enclosed courtyard.  We offer a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities including a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. 

Mealtimes are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care; and we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy of caring for seniors. 

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.

Is it Still Safe for Your Aging Parent to Drive?

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence.  This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?”  Also, it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries.  

Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving.  To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life.  So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions.  

The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them.  Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so.  For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action.  Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow.  Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents.  

Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways.  They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain.  Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fort Collins, we are happy to offer residents scheduled transportation along with many other amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our transportation services ensure residents get to doctor appointments and other errands safely.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

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 one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins.

Explore These Amenities in Your Retirement at MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar Senior Living in Glendale, Arizona, we provide luxurious amenities and services to ensure that our residents aged 55 and up have everything they need to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. From our spacious apartments to our state-of-the-art fitness center, we offer an array of amenities to meet the needs of seniors looking for senior living in Glendale, Az. 

Our modern and private senior living apartments are designed with luxury and comfort in mind. Each apartment features spacious floor plans, modern kitchens, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. We also provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping and laundry, to ensure that our residents have everything they need to live a comfortable and stress-free life. Offering these services removes the worry of everyday chores so that seniors looking for resort style senior living in Glendale, Az can spend more time working on their hobbies, building friendships, and participating in our campus wide original activities. 

Exercise is essential for seniors in retirement, as it can provide a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Senior living that offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and pool for residents encourages a healthy and full life for seniors. Regular exercise can help seniors maintain their muscle strength and mobility, which can help them stay independent and active. Exercise can also help seniors maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and even improve their mood. For this reason, MorningStar of Arrowhead offers a fitness center that features a variety of equipment, including treadmills, weight machines, and stationary bikes that are safe for seniors. We also offer a range of classes, such as yoga and water aerobics, to help our residents stay active and healthy during their time in retirement. 

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.

How Aging Affects the Thinking Process

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgement and reasoning powers remain largely intact. 

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness. 

If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Billings may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Billings’ foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Source:  health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-aging-affects-focus

Lifestyle Changes May Delay or Minimize the Effects of Mild Cognitive Impairment

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there are no drugs to treat MCI but doctors say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize its effects. 

MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or take away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is important to treat these conditions and manage them through medications, diet and healthy lifestyle habits. 

Other things you can do to thwart, delay or minimize the effects of MCI are to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, which is good for our brains as well as our bodies. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods and foods high in sodium; and reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Isolation has also been linked to a higher risk for dementia, so it is important to stay social.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized memory care assisted living for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our community is tailored to serve the needs of our special residents from purposeful activities to nutritional, easy-to-eat foods.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.

Rid Yourself of Items That Do Not Add Value to Your Life

Known as the “Minimalists,” Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn spend their time helping people to learn to live with less. They say a typical house contains as many as 300,000 items; and their advice is to rid yourself of items that do not add value to your life. While obviously easier said than done, if you are an older adult who is trying to downsize for a move to senior housing, the following tips may help.  

One suggestion is to start by decluttering; not only does it give you more space in your new home but living around clutter has been linked to anxiety and stress. When you throw away or donate stuff cluttering up your home, it gives room for the things you really like. Less stuff lightens your load and helps you get into the habit of not buying things you don’t need. Not only does this mindset save money, but Fields Millburn explains, "Understanding the why behind simplifying gives us the leverage we need to begin to let go and helps us understand what is excess.”

The Minimalists recommend letting go of items you are hanging on to under the “just in case” category. Remember most things can be easily replaced if needed and in the meantime your load will be that much lighter. 

Other suggestions include getting rid of blurry or duplicate photos, junk mail, documents and paperwork no longer needed, and old magazines and newspapers. If you want to further reduce your physical load, scan photos as well as paperwork you wish to save. Throw away broken or damaged items, or missing parts. If you have two hair dryers, chose one to keep and one to donate. Do the same with other duplicates. Get rid of books you will never read, clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable, and stuff you never use. Do the same with supplies and equipment from hobbies or sports you are no longer interested in; and if you are retired, downsize your professional wardrobe. Use this mindset when going through the rest of your household items.  

MorningStar of Billings is a beautiful senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. We have 32 cottages and 72 suites for independent living along with 70 suites for assisted living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Remarkable for our beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understand it is a privilege to care for seniors.  Please visit our website for more.

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Source: aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/things-to-throw-away.html

The Value of Healthy Relationships in our Senior Years

At our Glendale, Arizona senior living community, we believe that healthy relationships, whether between spouses, family members, or friends, are essential for seniors to share in retirement. Not only can relationships help seniors combat loneliness and isolation in retirement, but they can also provide social, emotional, and psychological support that can help seniors thrive. No matter how seniors choose to spend time with their loved ones, it’s important that they make the most of their time together. Quality time with the people we trust and value provides seniors in retirement at MorningStar with a sense of connection and belonging, and can help them stay connected to the world.

At MorningStar, we believe that spending time with family is an important part of life for seniors. There are a variety of ways that seniors can spend time with their family, both on and off our campus. On-campus, seniors can spend time with their family by attending events and activities together. Our community offers a variety of social, recreational, and educational activities that can be enjoyed by seniors and their family members. From movie nights to cooking classes to nature walks, there are plenty of activities that seniors and their family can do together. Off-campus, seniors and their family can spend time together by going out for meals, attending cultural events, or exploring the local area. The Glendale area offers a variety of attractions, from outdoor recreation to shopping to cultural experiences, that can be enjoyed by seniors and their family members.Family can provide a strong support network for seniors, and can help them stay connected to the world.

Seniors can also find companionship and support in their senior living community through the friendships they form with their fellow residents. Making friends in senior living can be especially important for seniors who have moved to a retirement community, as it can help them adjust to their new environment and feel more involved in their community. Friendships can also provide seniors with emotional support and companionship, which is extremely valuable in retirement.

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.

Moving a Loved One to MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek

MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs is committed to providing all-inclusive, compassionate care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our care 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.  We strive to make each day as special as possible for our residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that help us achieve that goal.  

Unlike many memory care communities, our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need.   While a secure building, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. Rather than long sterile hallways, our figure-eight floor plan allows residents to explore yet find their way back to an open, inviting area.

As one of several dozen MorningStar communities across eleven states, we understand moving a loved one with dementia to memory care is a major lifestyle transition, and are ready to help in whatever way we can. We recognize, just as each individual is unique, so is their moving process.     

Our MorningStar team approaches the move-in with great sensitivity as we nurture a relationship with each new resident along with their family. Once a family decides on MorningStar, our moving-in process starts in earnest as we secure vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move including a medical assessment and physician’s plan of care. 

To make your loved one feel more comfortable in their new surroundings; we suggest furnishing their suite with familiar objects such as a favorite easy chair, pictures of family and friends, and decorations and mementoes. If you like; we can recommend moving companies experienced in senior transitions, and have furniture carts and dollies to borrow, if needed.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Bear Creek’s quality assisted living dementia care.

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.

Learn More About Alzheimer's Disease

The Mayo Clinic reports approximately 5.8 million people in the US age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Of those, 80% are aged 75 or older. Of the approximately 50 million people worldwide with dementia, it is estimated 60% to 70% of them have Alzheimer's disease.

The risk for Alzheimer’s disease increases as we age. One study reports annually there were four new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 65 to 74, 32 new diagnoses per 1,000 people ages 75 to 84, and 76 new diagnoses per 1,000 people age 85 and older. The Mayo Clinic states if you have a direct family member such as a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s you are at a higher risk. However, even though research has identified rare changes (mutations) in three genes that virtually guarantee a person who inherits one of them will develop Alzheimer's; these mutations account for less than 1% of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Women are at a higher risk than men but it could be because they live longer. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) puts a person at a higher risk and when the primary deficit is memory, the person is likely to transition to Alzheimer's disease. Other risk factors include those who have experienced head trauma, are routinely exposed to poor air quality and consume alcohol excessively. Lifestyle habits including an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise as well as failing to manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. 

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  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.  For trusted memory care Colorado springs seniors and their families can count on, please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

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 Colorado Springs has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447

Helping a Parent Make the Move to an Assisted Living Community

No matter how old we are, change can be difficult and the bigger the change, the more challenging. For the elderly, change can signal an end to a way of life they are most familiar with and cause a range of emotions from mourning a loss of independence to feelings of helplessness. Hopefully it also offers a spark of excitement at starting a new adventure. 

If you are an adult child of a senior who is in the process of transitioning into assisted living, experts offer tips to get through any rough patches. To make the move more successful, they recommended working as a team: the senior, the family, the new home and their doctor. As family members, it is important to recognize how intimidating the move can be in the eyes of your loved one as they are moving to a new environment with all new people. Experts say the adjustment period typically lasts for 30 to 90 days.  

A senior can make it easier on themselves by keeping an open mind and realizing it will take a little while to adjust. Try to get out and enjoy your new environment rather than staying behind closed doors in your suite. If you are unsure how something works, ask questions. If you are having problems getting answers, talk to the management or ask your family to intervene. 

Families can help the senior to set up their new apartment with familiar items and family memories including pictures and other favorite knick-knacks. Once they are settled, experts say don’t desert them but don’t overdo the visits. Allow them to find their own way and perhaps start making a few friends. If the community has family-friendly activities, join in when you can.  

MorningStar of Billings is a senior community offering 70 private assisted living suites and 36 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases.  For independent seniors, we also have 72 suites and 32 cottages with attached garages.  We are located on the west end of Billings in a beautiful park-like neighborhood, convenient to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and other services.  

MorningStar of Billings’ foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

New Year's Resolutions for Seniors

We’ve officially entered the new year! That means it’s time for many of us to start thinking about setting new and exciting goals for this coming year. Resolutions can be a great way to stay motivated to reach personal goals, and for seniors, the possibilities for resolutions are endless. The fresh food options and private gym at MorningStar at Arrowhead are just a few of the best amenities for senior living Glendale, Arizona has to offer; especially for seniors looking for healthy starts to their new year.  At MorningStar’s Glendale, Arizona senior living community, we’ve put together a few ideas for resolutions that seniors can set for the coming year. 

One of the most important resolutions that seniors can make for the new year is to focus on their health. This can include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and seeing the doctor more often. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins and healthy fats, is essential for seniors to maintain their health and energy. Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, is also important for seniors to maintain their muscle strength and mobility. 

Another resolution seniors can make is to learn something new. This could be anything from picking up a new hobby, to learning a new language, to taking a class. Learning something new can help keep seniors mentally engaged, and provide them with a sense of purpose. Seniors can also resolve to stay socially active in the new year. This could be by joining a club, signing up for a volunteer opportunity, or simply taking time to catch up with old friends. Staying socially active can help seniors stay connected to the world and might even lead to some new friendships.

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.