Billings’ Finest Independent Living

At MorningStar of Billings, we offer a friendly and comfortable independent living neighborhood that consists of 32 cottages in addition to 72 bright suites.  Our community is conveniently located on the west end of Billings, and while it boasts a country setting, it is close to shopping centers and the medical community.  We are situated on a large campus in a beautiful, park-like neighbor that offers views of the Rockies.  In addition Billings has four golf courses and is just minutes away from the historic city of Red Lodge, Montana that offers a whole host of both winter and summer adventures.  

Our cottage homes are ideal for active seniors and include high-end finishes, a fireplace, ceiling fans, a patio and a one-car garage.  Our spacious common areas include strolling paths and a pool.  MorningStar’s staff handles all of the maintenance, both inside and out along with offering weekly housekeeping whether you live in a cottage or one of our bright suites.  All independent living suites are equipped with their own washer/dryer and full kitchens for the meals you feel like preparing on your own. 

Furthermore while our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our independent living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you, if the need arises.  In addition you will get priority placement (subject to availability) if you need to move into our assisted living or memory care. 

In a 2015 article by MSN.com, Montana was ranked as the #7 state in “The 10 Best States for Retirement.”  This is no doubt due to Montana’s nice weather, low cost of living, reasonable taxes (well below national average), and scenic beauty.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as to use our online form to inquiry about pricing and availability for MorningStar of Billing’s 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.”  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.     

Best Memory Care in Colorado Springs

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.    

MorningStar’s approach to dementia care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.  

Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident.  In addition it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation.  At MorningStar we also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies.   

You will find our community is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents.  We offer security and comfort with 48 suites in a choice of studio, one bedroom or two-bedroom suites as well as secure courtyards, patios and strolling paths.  Furthermore, MorningStar at Bear Creek has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, and regular health monitoring.  We also offer meal assistance with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals.  

Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand.  We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day.  

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 firsthand the best memory care in Colorado Springs.

Causes Contributing to Falls in the Elderly

We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one-third of Americans age 65 years and older fall each year.  They report that, “every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.” 

However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home.  

The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall.  Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise.  In addition older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles.      

Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling.  There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen.  Also vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall.   

The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.”  It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed.   

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.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents amid a lovely setting. We invite you to schedule a visit to discover the area’s finest memory care.

Sources:

ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/causesandriskfactors/01.html

A Great Leadership Team Makes a Difference

MorningStar of Billings is proud to have earned a reputation as the best senior living community in the Billings area.  A lot of that has to do with our compassionate, loving staff, which starts at the top with our committed leadership team.   

Stacie Kautzman, our Executive Director, is one of the big reasons MorningStar of Billings feels a true “home.”  In the position since we opened, Stacie has an extensive background in senior living and says that she feels honored to serve the residents of MorningStar.  Stacie adds that, “Giving back to our elders, who have given so much through their lives, is what I love about my job and MorningStar. I want everyone who comes into our community to feel the joy we have each and every day in being together.”   

Our Wellness Director, Randy Kinsey, relates how he had two grandmothers who were his mentors and the first seniors that he loved and lost.  One of his grandmothers was a teacher for 40, mostly in rural settings.  Some of what she shared with Randy through the years helped to shape the path he would choose for his career, and he credits her with his decision to become a nurse.  

Sean Pearson is MorningStar of Billing’s Community Relations Director and also has been with us from the beginning.  Sean cites a simple rule by which he lives his life: “To do everything as if in the ‘light of day.”   He explains that he would “never do something or say anything that I would not say in the bright light of day. I govern my actions as if my grandmother was looking over my shoulder, and I would not want to embarrass her.”  MorningStar of Billings is certainly lucky to have such a caring leadership team.  

We invite you to learn more about our gorgeous community, which is conveniently located in western Billings.  MorningStar of Billings offers 32 cottages and another 72 bright suites for independent living as well as 70 suites for assisted living.  We also have 36 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please visit our website to learn more about why our community is so special, and if you like what you see, set up a tour to visit our community in person.   

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.     

It’s Important to Know the Signs of a Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke.  They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.   

The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion.  A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said.  Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.  Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time.  If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke.  Also, another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile.   

Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double.  In addition, trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke.    Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear.  The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs: 

F        Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A        Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S        Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T        Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.  

Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability.  Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person.  

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 a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in a magnificent setting. Contact us to schedule a visit to learn more about the best dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/

strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp 

Causes and Symptoms of COPD

The COPD Foundation states that, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.”  As COPD progresses, it results in increasing breathlessness as the lungs are further damaged.  The damage is permanent and is the 4^th leading cause of death for people 65 to 84 years old.   

Often in the early stages, people mistake the symptoms of COPD with fatigue and getting older.  In addition, many people may have the disease for years before experiencing the symptoms of COPD that includes breathlessness, wheezing, or a chronic cough.  

You may be at risk for COPD if you have a history of long-term smoking, a job that exposed you to dust or chemicals or other indoor air pollutants, second-hand smoke exposure, or lots of exposure to outdoor air pollution.  You may additionally be at risk if you had lots of respiratory infections as a child or have a genetic risk factor for emphysema that is related to a deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the bloodstream.     

COPD is diagnosed with a simple procedure known as a spirometry test that measures how well your lungs are working.  If your results show signs of COPD, you will need to consult with your doctor regarding treatment.  It is important for anyone with COPD to get a yearly flu shot and a vaccine for pneumonia as they can help to prevent some infections.  Good nutrition and staying as active as possible is also important.   

The Mayo Clinic reminds anyone diagnosed with COPD that is not the end of the world.   They say most people have a mild form of the disease and require little therapy other than to quick smoking.  For more advanced cases, there are effective therapies available to “control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.”

This post is for information purposes only; please consult your health care providers with any health concerns.

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living Fort Collins has to offer.

Source: copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-Causes-COPD.aspx

What is “Sundowning?”

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “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.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome.   

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.     

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.    

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors.   

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 firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm