MorningStar Senior Living: April 2023

Monday, April 24, 2023

The Power of Social Connection in Retirement Communities

In addition to maintaining physical well-being, socialization is also extremely important to seniors' health. Studies have shown that seniors who are socially active have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Knowing this, MorningStar at Arrowhead has curated a vibrant and active retirement community that is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of fellowship and promoting socialization among our residents.

Every aspect of MorningStar at Arrowhead’s retirement homes is designed for your comfort and to make your retirement years carefree. Our community is built around a central courtyard that is designed to be a gathering place for residents, with plenty of seating areas, shaded spaces, walking paths, and beautiful landscaping. There are also a number of common areas throughout the community, including a library, game room, and fitness center, that are designed to encourage socialization and community engagement. Our residents love getting together for a game night or movie watch party.

Staying socially active and engaged with your community helps seniors maintain their cognitive function, reduce their risk of depression and anxiety, and even improve their overall physical health. This is why MorningStar at Arrowhead employs the most compassionate individuals to work with our community. Our team values connection and relationships above all else. The staff at MorningStar at Arrowhead are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of family and promoting socialization among residents, and they go out of their way to get to know each resident and create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it is 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.

Communication With a Loved One Suffering From Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.

Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought. They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back.

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest. If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions. Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person. In addition, you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication. When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words. Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity.

Along with assisted living, Fort Collins, CO’s MorningStar community offers specialized care for those with 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 Reflections Neighborhood to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals. Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving memory care at MorningStar of 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

Friday, April 21, 2023

Assisted Living: Glendale’s Top Choice for Senior Care in Arizona

For seniors, being comfortable in your living situation is important for overall physical and mental health. Feeling safe to be who you are and to build friendships and relationships with like-minded individuals in a carefree senior living community is what MorningStar retirement homes thrive to offer its community. Nestled in a family-friendly suburb close to the Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital, Thunderbird Conservation Park, shopping, and restaurants, is where you will find the most exceptional senior living care Glendale has to offer for those ages 55 and up that are looking for a social community, safety, and carefree living.

One of the most significant advantages of living at MorningStar Senior Living is our commitment to providing a social community for seniors. Avid socialization is critical for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle as we age. Knowing this, our community offers a variety of activities and events designed to encourage socialization and build lasting friendships.

For example, we have a variety of clubs and groups, including book clubs, gardening clubs, and fitness classes, that residents can join to meet like-minded individuals to begin cultivating those life-long relationships. We also organize regular events, such as movie nights, live entertainment, and happy hours, which provide opportunities for residents to mingle and connect with one another.

In addition to our social community, we also prioritize safety and security. Our community is designed with our residents' safety in mind, from our secure entryways to our 24-hour security staff. We also offer emergency call systems in each apartment to ensure that our residents can quickly receive assistance if they ever need it.

Our care staff is another essential aspect of the exceptional senior living care that we offer seniors in Glendale. We employ the most experienced and compassionate caregivers who provide personalized care to each resident. Whether we can help with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing or assistance with medication management, our caregivers are always available and ready to provide support and care.

Discover a Lifestyle of Comfort, Wellness and Community at MorningStar

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of care and support. For many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.

For older adults who are still homeowners, assisted living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to an assisted living community provides an extra layer of security as well as amenities and programs not offered at most apartments. Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Fort Collins are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were. To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive.

Assisted living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones. In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contribute. In fact, one of our mission statements is to “value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals with a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” We too know that research has found intellectual stimulation to be an important step in mitigating and slowing down the onset of dementia and we want to help in that effort.

We encourage you to learn more about MorningStar of Fort Collins. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides more information about our community and the MorningStar Senior Living company.

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

Make Changes to Improve Your Health and Live a Happier, Longer Life

It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age.

Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests can improve their cognitive health.

Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.”

Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health is to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged.

MorningStar of Billings is a 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and as much or as little social engagement as you want. Our range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Please visit our website for pricing and availability on unsurpassed independent living or assisted living homes at MorningStar.

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

Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714

Hearing Loss May Contribute to Isolation, Depression and Dementia

According to the Medical News Today website, studies find hearing loss may contribute to social isolation, lower quality of life, disability, depression, and dementia. This can be especially problematic for people aged 80 years and older, who tend to have more advanced hearing losses.

In 2015, researchers reported on a 25-year study, which focused on a link between hearing loss and dementia. At the start of the study, the 3,670 participants were 65 years or older and followed for over 25 years. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive decline, researchers say there appeared to be a correlation between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids did not show a significant cognitive decline, suggesting the use of hearing aids may offer a protective effect.

Experts say hearing loss may adversely impact a person’s ability to socialize as they miss out on vital verbal and emotional information that may directly impair brain structure and function. Or it could be that the person uses more energy to make sense of what they hear; and reduces the energy they have left for memory, language processing and attention.

It is recommended at age 60, all adults get a baseline hearing test and be rechecked every couple of years, regardless of whether they experience symptoms. John Hopkins Medicine reports one in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, but due to a gradual change in their hearing, they may not be aware of it.

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, include the speech of others sounding muffled or slurred; high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" being hard to distinguish; and having difficulty understanding conversation, especially if there is background noise. The person may notice men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s, because it is lower-pitched.

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, MorningStar at Bear Creek is ready to help. Our comprehensive assisted living dementia care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey. Please visit our website for more information about our assisted living dementia care loving community in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

This Nutrient Commonly Found in Chocolate Might be the Key to Great Health in Old Age

In addition to making your retirement years carefree, MorningStar offers the most health-conscious senior living Glendale Arizona has to offer seniors. We understand the importance of retirement communities offering proper nutrition options for seniors, especially foods high in essential vitamins and minerals. Magnesium is one nutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and well-being, especially for seniors. Our executive chefs at Morningstar have designed the most exciting menus with the freshest seasonal ingredients that retirement communities in Glendale have to offer.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for many bodily functions and is found in an array of foods you might already like: chocolate, nuts and seeds, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and salmon and halibut, just to name a few that are high in magnesium. For seniors aged 55 and up, magnesium is particularly important for several reasons, including muscle and nerve function, maintaining a healthy heart rhythm, stabilizing insulin, and supporting a strong immune system.

For seniors, consuming enough magnesium is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, especially as bone density tends to decrease with age. Magnesium is also important for maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure, which can help prevent heart disease and stroke, two common health concerns for seniors. Our executive chefs are passionate about crafting delectable and nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of our residents.

Magnesium is also essential for brain function, and it may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. BrainWise is as much a lifestyle as it is a program at MorningStar by which we prioritize the use of fresh ingredients to support brain health through its high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The goal of MorningStar’s culinary team is not just to create flavors to delight the eye and palate, but to leverage the phenomenal benefits of these aptly named “Super Foods,” items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, and magnesium in foods like dark chocolate and dark greens.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, take 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.

Visiting a Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Especially on birthdays and holidays, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in an assisted living community by letting them know they are very special to us. To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.

You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit. Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game. You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or to start a new one. If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together. If they love listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together. If they love sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help them get them ready to mail. If they love to be pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure.

If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink. Bringing your kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will give the resident pleasant memories long after the little ones have gone home. However, do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits.

If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big. Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community. Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs.

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fort Collins, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents, but we know they always look forward to seeing their family. Our community has beautiful and inviting common areas to enjoy with visiting family and friends. For assisted living Fort Collins seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.

At MorningStar, Assisted Living Residents Receive Individualized Care

Families often wonder how assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Billings determine the level of care for residents. We want to reassure you there is no need to worry mom or dad’s needs will not be addressed as our job includes creating and routinely re-evaluating residents’ individualized care plan designed for their wellbeing and safety.

Once you and your family decide MorningStar is the best fit, we invite you to meet with our Wellness Director to come up with a specialized care plan based on five levels of care – basic through level 4. Additionally, monthly fees are determined by the square footage and location of your suite within the building along with the view. We have a choice of studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floorplans.

Our care services take into account the cost and time of providing each service such as assistance with dressing and bathing. The result is a highly Individualized Service Plan that offers the right amount of assistance when you need it. Medication management is included in Level 1. Other various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.

We believe wellness of mind, body and spirit is a joint effort between our remarkable residents and team members. Between clinical services and our life enrichment programs and activities, we work hard to be a breath of fresh air; and look for creative solutions that offer a higher quality of care at a lower cost to families. Working within the scope of our licensing with the Department of Health, we try to find creative solutions to extend the stay of our residents even as health conditions change.

Along with assisted living, we offer independent living with a choice of apartments designed to provide carefree retirement years. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Billings.

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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

Sleep Problems are Common for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

While we know many people with Alzheimer’s disease experience sleep problems, experts are not sure why. They only know the changes in the person’s brain somehow seem to affect sleep patterns. Studies suggest the most severe changes happen in the later stages of the disease but some people can develop problems early-on.

Types of changes include waking up at night more often and staying awake for longer periods. Brain wave studies show a decrease in both dreaming and non-dreaming sleep stages in Alzheimer’s patients. The person may feel restless and unable to lie still, resulting in behaviors like wandering or yelling and calling out.

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, many “individuals spend about 40 percent of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping.” In some cases, a person may reverse their sleep pattern completely by sleeping during the day and being unable to sleep at night.

The condition known as “sundowning” can cause a person to begin to feel agitated as dusk approaches and can go on throughout the night. Symptoms include an increase in confusion, anxiety, pacing and disorientation. Other problems triggering sleep disruptions may be from depression, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. Most medical professionals including the NIH agree non-drug treatments are the safest solution as sleep medications can result in falls and other risk factors such as faster cognitive decline and outweigh their benefits.

Measures to encourage a good night sleep include keeping routine hours for meals and bedtimes. Use the bed only as a place to sleep, and try to expose the person to morning sunlight. Daily exercise should help the person feel tired at night but do it at least four hours before bed as well as avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Ensure the person is warm or cool enough and provide security items and nightlights.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, a memory care assisted living community in Colorado Springs, we have 48 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/for-sleep-changes

Monday, April 17, 2023

Make a Plan to Stay More Active and Commit to It

As we grow older, many people begin to slow down. However, we know a lack of exercise and activity can cause reduced muscle strength and flexibility, and lead to health problems that make beginning exercise that much more difficult. In fact, one government study estimated “nearly 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, with adults 65 and older being the least likely to engage in a regular exercise routine.”

Experts recommend older adults make a plan to stay more active and commit to it. Before you begin any new exercise or activity, talk to your doctor as your health challenges may make some physical activities not possible. Guidance from your healthcare providers can help develop a plan most effective in achieving overall conditioning despite any limited endurance.

Areas to focus on include strengthening leg muscles to improve mobility and balance, which is part of maintaining your independence as strong legs support so many basic everyday activities, such as sitting down, standing up, and walking. In addition, safe upper body exercises are important in giving a person the strength to get up from an armchair or carrying and lifting items as part of performing routine household activities. Exercises focusing on maintaining or improving balance are also important in reducing a person’s risk for a fall.

For independent living or assisted living, MorningStar of Billings is the perfect community to enjoy stress-free retirement years. We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef and onsite amenities, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. In addition, we provide compassionate care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information about our community as well as pricing and 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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Source: hurusa.com/5-of-the-best-strength-exercises-for-senior-independence

A Safe Environment for Those With Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your loved one safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing.

Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, look into food delivery services. Additionally, lower the temperature of the water coming from your taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area.

To reduce the risk for falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we provide memory care in Colorado Springs for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with memory impairment. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, our community is completely secure, including courtyards and strolling paths. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participants in a wide variety of wellness programs and purposeful activities including exercise, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please contact us to learn more.