Pet Ownership is Healthy for Seniors

According to research, animals can help older adults lower their blood pressure as well as increase their social interactions and physical activity.  Studies have also found pets help seniors to cope with depression and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Pets such as dogs and cats are very loyal, loving animals and make great companions for seniors.

In the National Poll on Healthy Aging, sponsored by AARP and the University of Michigan, 2,051 seniors age 50 to 80 were interviewed.  Over half of the participants were pet owners, and of that group, more than 88% reported that pets added to their enjoyment of life.  Moreover 86% of them said their pets made them feel loved. The survey also reported that as many as 80% of the pet owners stated their pets helped them reduce stress.

Experts estimate that up to 40% of seniors feel lonely on a regular basis, which is problematic as loneliness is associated with poor sleep habits, higher stress and more inflammation.  In another study from 2012 by Pain Magazine, it was reported that “therapy dogs provided significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.”  The journal, Science, reports that just by looking into the eyes of their dog for at least 5 minutes, pet owners got a boost of the feel-good oxytocin hormone in their brain. 

Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist explains some of the benefits of pet ownership for the elderly, saying, “Dogs and cats live very much in the present; they don’t worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.” 

At MorningStar of Billings, we provide a true “home” for our senior independent living, assisted living and memory care residents.  We also recognize the relationship that exists between a senior and their pet, which is why our community is pet friendly.  Please see our website for more information regarding our pet policy and to learn about our various amenities, services, and support we offer to our residents and their families.   

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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: agingcare.com

Seniors Benefit from Regular Exercise

Research shows that one of the best benefits of exercise is a longer life.  The World Health Organization (WHO) states that even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase a seniors’ lifespan by approximately three to five years. 

Regular exercise is also attributed to preventing falls, which is a big problem for elderly adults and can have serious consequences.  WHO explains that regular exercise improves muscle strength and bone density as well as improves balance.  Statistics indicate regular exercise reduces the risk of hip fractures by up to 40%. 

Seniors who participate in regular exercise can help to reduce their risk for osteoporosis and fractures.  Bone density is improved by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging.  The risk for other common health conditions such as stroke or heart attack are reduced by doing exercises that raises the heart rate and increases blood flow. 

Research also suggests exercise may help to delay or reduce the risk of developing dementia.  According to a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, staying physically active appears to be as good for your brain as it is for your heart.   Another unexpected benefit is elderly adults appear to feel more confidence and independent. 

So how much do older adults need to exercise to receive the most benefit?  WHO recommends that seniors do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic physical activity a week.  Aerobic activity should be done in at least 10 minute intervals.  WHO also states older adults with poor mobility should “perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.” 

Examples of Morningstar at Arrowhead’s exercise opportunities include our MorningStar Steppers, WellStar fitness, and Sit & Be Fit classes as well as a fitness room and other special activities. We offer 60 assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some over 600 square feet.  Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 25 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

Before starting any physical exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Additional Health Concerns as the Season Changes

Now that summer is nearing its end, many of us are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall.  However along with the vibrant changing color of the leaves, fall can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms for many sufferers as pollen and other particulate matter can be quite common during these months.  Since we all spend more time indoors during the cooler months, it also increases the spread of viruses.  As seniors we have a higher risk of catching a cold, the flu, an acute ear infection or bronchiolitis.  

The Arthritis Foundation also reports “cooler temperatures can lead to greater joint pain” and explain that a “drop in atmospheric pressure has been linked to greater discomfort among those living with arthritis.”  Another common fall illness is Raynaud Syndrome, which is associated with symptoms such as poor circulation, numbness and swelling.   

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds everyone to get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading in your community as it takes about two weeks for the protective antibodies to develop in the body.  They recommend everyone over the age of 6 months should plan to get vaccinated by the end of October.  

In addition, even though air temperatures are cooler, we still need to remember to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Staying hydrated can help ward off infections and give us all more energy.  Your body’s cells, tissue, and organs need water to work properly, and it is used to maintain temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. 

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we provide quality assisted living for dementia residents within a gentle, loving environment. We have 48 suites that include a configuration of floor plans along with the amenities and services to assure your loved ones’ comfort, safety and wellbeing.  Please visit our website for more information. 

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.

Source: clinicalkey.com/info/blog/5-common-fall-illnesses/

Discover the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Now that senior living communities have change dramatically from the past, more and more seniors are discovering the many advantages to senior living.  Whether you are a senior who requires a little extra care or an active one who desires a more carefree lifestyle, senior living communities are becoming more and more appealing. 

Today’s independent living and assisted living communities offer comfortable, carefree retirement years and are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  In a senior living community such as MorningStar of Billings, residents find it easy to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities.

Another benefit of senior living is you can leave behind all of the chores required of a homeowner such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and other routine, time-consuming chores that can be difficult for seniors.  At MorningStar of Billings, someone else handles the maintenance while you have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. 

Many times, older adults have medical conditions that result in them no longer being able or feeling comfortable driving, which is why one of MorningStar’s services includes scheduled transportation.  We also provide routine trips to local shopping malls, entertainment venues, parks, museums and more.  

Also don’t worry if you are a senior who values your privacy as your cottage or suite is your own personal “nest.”  We just provide a level of comfort knowing help is close at hand when you need it such as if you have a fall or a medical emergency.     

MorningStar of Billings invites you to schedule a tour to see for yourself why our residents are proud to call us “home”.  Our community has 72 independent living suites and 70 assisted living suites that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  In addition, we offer senior independent living in 32 free-standing cottages and have 36 suites for 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 provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Community Living May Keep You Healthier & Safer

Since most assisted living communities offer access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors so says A Place for Mom.  Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connections as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7. 

In fact new research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly.  One such problem way too common in seniors is failing to take medication as prescribed. Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions. 

Dehydration is another commonplace problem experienced by the elderly.  As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, which means older adults need to remember to drink even when they are not thirsty. Also some medications may be diuretic, while others cause a person to sweat more, which can result in dehydration. 

In addition, poor nutrition is one more problem many seniors face.  Some research even suggests loneliness is a significant predictor of malnutrition in the elderly.  It can be difficult for older adults who live alone to prepare good, nutritional meals or for their loved ones to supervise daily eating habits.   

At senior care communities such as MorningStar of Fort Collins, we provide the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  All of our assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms. Furthermore, residents are served three, delicious meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of older adults.   Also we provide 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For more information, please see or website.

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior care 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 and memory care in Fort Collins.

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, we provide our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our gorgeous residential home offers resort-style amenities, a wide range care services and enrichment programs to enhance residents’ health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.   

Headed up by an enthusiastic Life Enrichment Team, each day MorningStar presents creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our activities will engage residents physically, mentally, spiritually and socially and help them to tap into their unique talents and experiences. 

We also take to the road with outings and field trips to local parks, museums, shopping malls, and other areas of interest.  To get an idea of some of the activities we offer, please visit our website and look at “Life Around our House”, “More Scenes of Elevated, Celebrated Life” and our “In Touch Newsletter.”  Pictures often include holiday celebrations or special events such as dances, family picnics and fundraising activities.  MorningStar at Arrowhead never misses an opportunity to have fun!  Furthermore, take a look at our monthly assisted living calendar to get an idea of everything that is offered to our residents.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead amenities include a fireside patio and porches as well as an in-house salon for hair-styling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, massage room and much more.  We also have a Bistro, and along with our beautiful restaurant-style dining in our main dining room, we offer residents a private dining area for intimate dinners with family and friends. 

Our website has a lot more information on our Arrowhead community including a direct link to find out more about pricing and availability.   We encourage families to schedule a tour, and see for yourself why residents are proud to call MorningStar home.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Music May Help Calm Those with Alzheimer’s

The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”  Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation. 

Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.  The Alzheimer’s Associations quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.” When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time. 

Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person.  It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm.  The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.” 

  

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is a dementia and Alzheimer’s care community located in Colorado Springs, CO.  As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease.  Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  Please contact us 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 dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.