Senior Living Answers a Variety of Needs

MorningStar of Billings offers a range of living options that meet the varying needs of seniors.  Our community’s Independent Living includes 32 patio homes and 72 bright suites.  We also have 70 assisted living suites and 36 secure suites dedicated to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

MorningStar of Billings’ Independent Living is the perfect answer for seniors who wish for a carefree, active lifestyle that provides built-in companionship and predictable budgeting.  As a resident, you will not need to cook but rather can take advantage of daily, tasty meals prepared by our Executive Chef as well as our vast assortment of activities and wellness programs.  

Also as a part of our community, you give up having to worry about maintaining a home both inside and out.  Our Independent Living suites are equipped with everything you need including a washer/dryer along with full kitchens for when you rather prepare your own meal.  Our community also has spacious common areas to enjoy the outdoors as well as a pool.  

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require a little assistance on a daily basis.  We offer various levels of support with activities of daily living along with 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse and more to ensure the comfort, well-being and safety of our residents.

In terms of our memory care, we feel privileged to help those suffering from memory loss and our goal is to find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual every day. By learning about a person’s life, history and preferences, we are able to personalize their care and treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Billings’ senior living options.  

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.  Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.      

At the Holidays, Don’t Expect Too Much from a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the holidays.  When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia.  Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting.   

The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer's so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them.  They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner.   

If you are visiting your loved one at a memory care facility, bring along some pictures of the family and take the time to quietly sit and talk about them.  If you are bringing your loved one to your home, play familiar music and serve foods you know they like.  Set time aside to do some activities with the family such as making a memory book or telling stories.  Other suggestions include taking a short walk or decorating cookies together.  

Be sure to warn family members and friends about any changes in their behavior and condition so they do not expect more than the person has the ability to offer.  Remind them that Alzheimer’s can diminish a person’s ability to communicate and that it is helpful to speak slowly and in a relaxed tone.  The Alzheimer’s Association says to avoid saying things like, “Don’t you remember?”  Also address the person by name and to be patient, stay calm and supportive.    

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a loving memory care community that provides expert care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community.     

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source: alz.org/flgulfcoast/alzheimers_disease_62487.asp

Dealing with a Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is devastating for everyone in the family and an uncomfortable, difficult topic for people to talk about.  In some cases, even physicians do not discuss the disease with their patients, and sometimes a person is unaware of the diagnosis.  Others may try to hide their memory problems, and as a result, end up with little time to put their affairs in order and plan for the future.   

However experts say it is important to discuss the diagnosis and its ramifications with your family in order to make your wishes known regarding your care.  One of the things you will want to do is to designate a family member to make decisions on your behalf once you are unable to do so.  With the help of your family, you will also need to make financial decisions such as setting aside assets to pay for long-term care in an assisted living facility or for home care.  Keep in mind that planning ahead also gives your family peace of mind as they will know they are following your wishes. 

Another one of the recommendations from experts who work with Alzheimer’s patients is to have the person tell their life story.  This can be in a journal form or recorded and provides a meaningful way for the family to bond together.  Furthermore, it helps to make the person feel that they are a valued member of the family.  

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we provide individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We treat each of our residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence.  Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-26/5-steps-to-ending-the-stigma-surrounding-dementia

 

Something for Everyone at MorningStar

The MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan community is specifically designed for seniors who value their independence but need a little assistance.   We provide a “true home” for our residents and strive to create a family-like atmosphere that is supportive and loving.  In addition to our wide range of wellness and fun activities and outings, we host special events throughout the year.  

Looking at our website, you will see an assortment of pictures from some of our special events at MorningStar Jordan.  These activities range from a trip to a chocolate and ice-cream factory to a visit from an Elvis impersonator which had at least one resident singing and dancing during the entire performance. 

Along with regular activities like Penny Blackjack and Nickel Bingo, our community also participates in important causes such as the The Longest Day event, held each year on the summer solstice, to show love and fundraise for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.   

The Food Committee, made up of residents, gets together each month to discuss their food likes and dislikes. Favorite recipes can be submitted and our Executive Chef does his best to create these dishes. During these meetings Chef Alan also does a food tasting with a demonstration. Last June, in keeping with our “purple theme” for The Longest Day, we enjoyed Acai & Blueberry smoothies made with honey, nonfat yogurt and coconut water. Delicious! 

Our community has a total of 55 private assisted living suites and 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to learn more and be sure to set up a tour to experience firsthand the loving atmosphere at MorningStar at Jordan.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.    

“Sundowner’s Syndrome”

Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, it can be especially tough on individuals who suffer from the condition known as sundowner’s syndrome says author Rick Phelps who is afflicted with the condition.  He explains that when we lose so much daylight and are faced with the typically dreary, dark cloudy days of winter, those with sundowner’s can get further confused.  

The Mayo Clinic describes sundowner’s syndrome as “a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night.”  They explain that it is not an actual disease but rather a symptom of Alzheimer's and typically peaks in the middle stage of the disease. 

In fact the Alzheimer’s Association says that, “As many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  Researchers do not understand the exact cause of sundowning but it appears to be triggered by a number of factors including fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  The inability to see well in the dark or hormonal imbalances that occur at night could be the cause of some of the anxiety people experience.   

Furthermore, since many people with the syndrome do not get a good night’s sleep that can trigger behavioral problems.  In addition to anxiety and confusion, the condition can also result in aggression, anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  

Experts offer some tips to better cope with sundowner’s syndrome such as keeping your home well-lit during the evening hours and following a strict schedule for meals and bedtimes.  They recommend that activities be scheduled in the morning or early afternoon to give the person plenty of time to unwind before evening.  Sleep disturbances should be discussed with the person’s health care provider.  We encourage you to read Rick Phelps full article on sundowning that is published in the MorningStar at Bear Creek’s November In Touch newsletter. 

This post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Sources: agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

agingcare.com/articles/autumn-and-sundowning-210080.htm

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

In 1983, Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, now known as National Alzheimer's Disease and Awareness Month (NADAM) and Family Caregivers Month®.  The Alzheimer’s Association states that back then, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s.  Now in 2017, it is estimated there are around 5.5 million people in the United States afflicted with the disease.  Of that number, one in 10 people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s and nearly half of people over age 85.  

The Alzheimer’s Association Awareness events include honoring a caregiver by sharing a personal tribute message on their website.  We encourage you to take a look as it is heartwarming to read the tributes posted by people who are so grateful for the care given to a loved one from another family member, friend or professional caregiver.    

Another way to honor Alzheimer’s Awareness month is to learn all you can about the disease and then help to educate others.  For instance, did you know that Alzheimer’s is typically diagnosed in the middle to later stages ofthe disease so many people go untreated during the years that treatments are most effective?  Also everyone needs to know that memory loss is not a normal part of aging, and that some of the risk factors for “Alzheimer’s can be actively managed to reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline.”  Finally, we should not lose hope as most certainly breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of the disease are on the horizon.   

If your parent or spouse has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we encourage you to contact MorningStar at Bear Creek.  Our community has 48 suites all devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from dementia, and in addition, we are a resource for families in the Colorado Springs area dealing with Alzheimer’s.  At Bear Creek, we lovingly care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.     

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.  

Source:.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-awareness-month

Resident–Directed Memory Care at MorningStar

If you are looking for a Colorado Springs community devoted to care of those with dementia-related diseases, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek.   

At Bear Creek, we take a gentle, resident-directed approach to calm and awaken memories as well as to support capabilities.  Along with using multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, our residents are provided with recreational and meaningful activities including music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercises.     

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself,” and that “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise every morning with programs such as: Chair Exercises, Morning Stretches, and Circle Ball Exercises.  In addition to presenting creative ways to help our residents remain active, each day at Bear Creek is filled with activities that simulate all five senses to feed the whole body and brain. The result is often a noticeable difference in mood and physical well-being. 

One of our unique approaches to memory care includes life skill stations where we incorporate a variety of props that may have played a role in a person’s background to help awaken dormant memories.  When individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases are reminded of their past, they have the opportunity to take joy in the present and feel calm and connected. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and we are devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html