As One Resident Says, “Morningstar Is a Wonderful Place to Live!”

As it turns out, not only do we feel that we are one of the area’s finest senior living facilities, but many of our residents and families are glad to tell us they agree!  You cannot imagine how gratifying this is for the entire MorningStar of Billings’ team, as we are dedicated to providing residents with all the care and services they need for carefree retirement years. 

One of the things we always encourage interested families to do is to schedule a tour with us.  We sincerely believe that you cannot experience the loving, warm atmosphere of the Billing’s community without a firsthand view.  Therefore to hear the following from a resident’s family member was music to our ears.  They write, “I walked into a beautiful and clean community. The tour was fantastic and informative. After touring other facilities in Billings, I felt most comfortable having my parents here at MorningStar!”

We were again reminded of how very proud we are of our loving team as we read the words of another family member who writes that her mother has been a MorningStar resident for over a year and a half.   She ends her note by saying, “The quality of her life has improved dramatically. She’s made lots of friends, and is much more active than she was before. I highly recommend MorningStar.”

From the wise words of a resident who sums up the MorningStar of Billings’ experience as “Great apartment, good food, great management, and pleasant residents. A great place to live,” we think it says it all.  We invite area families to visit our website to set up a tour or to inquire about pricing and availability.  Be sure to ask us about our Lifetime Rate offer in memory care (rent & care included) and a Two-Year Rate Freeze (rent only) offer in assisted living.  Both are available for a limited time.   

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to set up a tour to one of Billings’ foremost senior living facilities.        

A Professional Diagnosis is Important if You Suspect Alzheimer’s Disease

Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life.  To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.” 

During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on:

·         Whether you have impaired memory or thinking (cognitive) skills

·         Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors

·         The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes

·         How your thinking problems affect your ability to function in daily life

·         The cause of your symptoms

Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills.  Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests.  While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke.  They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans. 

Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now.  All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms.

It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s disease.  Furthermore, many people feel that since there is no cure, what is the point?  However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future.

 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see the best assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. 

Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075

Tips on How to Help Your Parent Transition to Assisted Living

We know people react differently to the many challenges we face in our lifetime, so it is no surprise that some individuals have a more difficult time adapting to senior living. Experts surmise that one of the reasons may be is that some seniors end up feeling that the decision was thrust on them, and a decline in their health left them with few choices. 

It is important for families to keep in mind that the first few months will probably be the most difficult adjustment period for their loved one.  In fact, once the initial transition is over, studies show that many older adults actually prefer the lifestyle senior living offers. 

To assist your loved one with the transition, experts recommend a few things family member can do to help the process along.  They explain that it is especially important during the first few weeks to visit frequently, but also caution against being too protective.  Spending too much time with your loved one during their adjustment period can be counterproductive and may prevent them from adapting on their own. 

Another thing that will help is to encourage your parent to participate in the community’s activities.  The more involved they get in the community, the more likely they are to make new friends and start to feel at home.  

Also take the time to help them personalize their suite by adding treasured mementos and framed family photos as well as wall art they loved from their last home.  Add in furnishings like a comfy chair and a cozy throw in a color they love.  Furthermore is space is at a premium, consider mounting the TV on a wall.  When helping to decorate, do not forget safety.  Make sure cords are safely tucked away and not in endanger of becoming trip hazards and that pathways are uncluttered and free of objects that could cause a fall. 

Visit MorningStar of Billings website to learn more about one of the area’s premium senior assisted living facilities.  Our beautiful community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  Please set up an appointment to experience firsthand one of the area’s best senior living facilities.     

Source:  assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/

Learn More About MorningStar at Arrowhead

If you or your loved one is searching for Glendale senior living, we encourage you to take a look at the best - MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead.  A quick look through our photo gallery will show you our outstanding décor which is a credit to the work of Thoma-Holec Design, the award-winning specialist in senior living interiors.  Although we provide beautiful surroundings and range of resort style amenities and services, our most outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors. 

Before you even move in, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs.  For our assisted living residents, we offer as many as five Care Levels.  Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Glendale senior living community, we adjust the level of care as needed.  In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by a simple point system that takes into account the cost and time of providing each service whether it is help with daily personal activities or medical assistance.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it.

For our Reflections Neighborhood memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed.   Also you should know that our community has the ability to care for residents from the onset of the disease all the way through to the advanced stages. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead is comprised of 60 private assisted living suites and 25 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  While our website photos may show-off our beautiful home, you need to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving community.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead represents the best in Glendale senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.        

It’s Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

Along with changing leaves and cooler temperatures, autumn also signals the start of the flu season. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial. Even as late as January, there is still time left in the flu season, so it's still helpful to get protected.

The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.  Also, as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it as soon as possible. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine.    

The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death.   This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults.  Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine.   

Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus.  Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies.  The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researchers have determined will be the most common in the 2018- 2019 flu season.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, under the guidance of our extraordinary care team, we proudly provide assisted living for dementia residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairment. Our community offers 48 secure suites including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans along with all of the services and amenities to ensure your loved one the best care. Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia residents in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Arrowhead Offers Services to Meet Your Every Need

Glendale senior living at MorningStar at Arrowhead is just the place for those who require a little assistance with their daily personal care and wish to live in a community with a home-like atmosphere.   You will find a wealth of amenities such as delicious, nutritional meals as well as an on-site chapel/theatre, library (including a computer), salon, general store and much more.  Every day our residents are treated to a choice of daily activities that include games, scenic drives, arts and crafts, social hours, movie nights, and a variety of physical activities to name but a few.  

In addition we provide a wide range of professional clinical services to meet your health needs like having a full-time licensed nurse on staff and 24-hour Care Managers.  Each shift also has a CPR trained staff member.  We have Certified Med Care Managers and each resident has their care plan reviewed periodically as well as scheduled health and wellness evaluations. 

The MorningStar community offers the convenience of pharmacy services and onsite dental and podiatry services.  Furthermore, we partner with home health agencies to provide our residents with nursing, therapy, and social work services if needed.  As a resident, you will have a choice of physicians and receive scheduled visits.  We also provide diabetic management, oxygen administration, and catheter and colostomy care as well as palliative and hospice care and much more.       

All of our resident-centered clinical assistance is done through the full authority of our license from the Department of Health with the goal of providing each resident with a higher quality of care at a lower cost.  Please visit our website for more information about the extensive services provided to MorningStar residents. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in Glendale senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community.

Wellness Program and Special Activities at MorningStar at Bear Creek

Looking at Alzheimer homes in the Colorado Springs area?  MorningStar at Bear Creek provides loving, compassionate memory care to seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Through our wellness programs and special activities, we find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the person each and every day regardless of the level of memory loss.

Life enrichment at Bear Creek includes a wide variety of physical activities designed to keep residents moving and engaged in life.  Throughout the week, we have a Sunday Stretch, Monday Movement, Sit & Be Fit, Wednesday Groove, Aerobic Thursday, Friday Fitness, and Saturday Stretch class. 

Residents and staff alike enjoy playing games that are both challenging and fun such as Crossword and Word Search, Alphabet Game, Board Game Fun, Puzzles and Bingo. Other types of activities include jewelry making, movie nights, baking club, and arts and crafts time.  In addition, local entertainers come in and perform for us a couple of times a week, and residents enjoy scenic drives on a regular basis.      

Furthermore, holidays and special occasions are always another reason to celebrate at MorningStar at Bear Creek.  For example, our Halloween Family Party included costumes, “spooky” food and lots of visits from family members. From Mother’s and Father’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.; our Bear Creek family enjoys celebrating the holidays together.  

Please visit our website to learn more about our committed, caring community.  We put our energies toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life, and it is our honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in Alzheimer homes and 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 a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to memory care.