Compassionate and Loving Memory Care

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our mission is to provide the best senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer, which includes specialized memory care designed to connect with and nurture the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss.  Furthermore, our unique Reflections Neighborhood was designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily.  

When a family comes to MorningStar at Arrowhead looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help.  Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to sit down with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences.  We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation.

Also, we use a reimagined philosophy and approach to memory care we call “Lavender Sky, which we consider to be the next logical step to what MorningStar has always believed and aspired to be as dementia care specialists.  The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, all team members are asked to attend eight-hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease. 

Along with 25 suites in the Reflections Neighborhood for memory care, MorningStar at Arrowhead has 60 private assisted living suites on two levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Arrowhead’s foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, all directed at creating a true home for our residents. Contact us to schedule a tour to fully experience the finest senior living Peoria & Glendale AZ area has to offer.

Finding a Healthcare Provider as a Senior

As we age, our healthcare needs change, which is why seniors should have a primary healthcare provider who understands their special needs.  Experts recommend finding someone that “talks to you” and clearly explains what they are saying; and then most importantly listens to what you have to say.  Also, you do not want a healthcare provider that makes you feel like they only have ten minutes to spend with you.

Many seniors want to have a geriatrician, a physician dedicated to the care of seniors, on their team, but as Dr. Michael Wasserman, himself a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, says, “There are 7,000 board-certified geriatricians in the country, and the number's going down every year."  However he explains that even if you do not have access in your area to a geriatrician, there is no reason to worry as a family doctor is able to manage your needs and can refer you to a specialist when appropriate.   

 

One way to find the right healthcare provider is to get a referral from family, friends or neighbors.  When you call the office, ask if they are accepting new patients, and if not, is there a waiting list?  Also check to see if they accept your insurance including various Medicare plans.  Another important thing, especially for seniors, is to find out if they have extended hours and after-hours availability as this can help keep older adults out of the hospital.  Experts further advised that you routinely use a single pharmacy as this can help to avoid dangerous drug interactions.    

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, a senior living community in Glendale AZ, we have created a true home for our residents to ensure their comfort, wellness and safety.  Our assisted living is designed for seniors who require some help with their day-to-day personal care.  Our memory care compassionately provides for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider

Laughter Can Actually Have Therapeutic Value!

Research suggests that laughter can actually have a therapeutic value for people.  A recent study showed, “Women with a strong sense of humor were found to live longer in spite of illness, especially cardiovascular disease and infection.”  The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study tracked 54,000 Norwegians over a period of seven years and discovered that people who thought life was the funniest were 35% more likely to survive longer.  

Other similar studies have found laughter helps people sleep better and diffuse anger.  A good laugh relaxes the whole body and produces a general sense of well-being that can last for as long as 45 minutes.  Some believe it may also be a useful tool in the fight against cancer, and as laughter releases a cocktail of hormones, neuropeptides and dopamine, it may help to stave off depression.   

HelpGuide.org, a website that deals with issues of mental health and wellness, writes, “Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.”  Experts say laughter triggers the release of endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals that can temporarily relieve pain) as well as helps to improve the function of blood vessels and increase blood flow.  It can even burn calories.  Perhaps most important of all, laughter is free medicine without any harmful side effects. 

At MorningStar of Billings, we too believe in the power of a good laugh.  Our independent living, assisted living and memory care community is designed to allow our residents to live each day to the fullest whether it is participating in one of our wellness programs or activities or simply sharing a delicious meal with friends.   Please visit our website for more information.

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 independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Sources: urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5331/laughter-is-good-medicine.aspx

helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm/

sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190204170932.htm

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s Holistic Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to offer assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.  Our loving community has 48 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar of Bear Creek’s resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  Residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes courtyards, patios (with double-sided stone fireplace) and strolling paths.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse.

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise as well as our special events and outings.

Please visit MorningStar of Bear Creek’s website for more information about our community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

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 patients in Colorado Springs.

Our Community is Designed for Your Safety and Wellbeing

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we are committed to provide the best senior living Peoria or Glendale has to offer, and our beautiful community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors.

Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact a National Institutes of Health study recently found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many of 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.  MorningStar’s med managers will oversee both the ordering and supervised administration of a resident’s medications.  

Each of MorningStar at Arrowhead’s 60 bright assisted living suites is equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all have handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, mini-blinds, large windows and lots of lighting.  Of course our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways. 

Reflections Neighborhood, our memory care wing, is designed to encourage our most tender residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely.  We offer 25 secure memory care suites in a range of floor plans.

Please visit our website to learn more about our unsurpassed senior living community.  You will discover we also offer residents a wealth of luxury amenities as well as a wellness program and activities designed to keep you active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Arrowhead’s foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, all directed at creating a true home for our residents. Contact us to schedule a tour to fully experience the finest senior living Peoria & Glendale AZ area has to offer.

“Fall Proof” Your Home Both Inside and Outside

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than one in four adults age 65 years and older falls each year.  Any time a senior falls, it can be extremely serious and is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for the elderly.  Statistics show that 3 million older adults are treated in an emergency department each year for nonfatal falls, and 800,000 are hospitalized. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises that seniors “fall proof” both the inside and outside of their homes.  Every room should have clear pathways that are free of clutter and other obstacles that could cause a fall.  All carpets should be securely attached to floors and stairways, and rather than throw rugs, use non-slip rugs or apply non-slip strips. 

Another suggestion from the NIH is to have good lighting throughout your home including well-lit hallways, entrances, and stairwells.  Also have a lamp close to your bed that is easy to turn on to avoid stumbling around in the dark when getting in and out of bed. 

In addition, wearing the proper shoes is also an important part of preventing falls.  Shoes should fit well and have low heels, non-slip soles and completely surround your foot.  Other safety tips include installing handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we provide compassionate and loving care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Our community is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about our experienced, compassionate Alzheimer’s care.  

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.

Learn & Contribute at MorningStar of Billings

At MorningStar of Billings, we believe that seniors have a lot to contribute as well as a desire to continue learning, which is why we are proud to offer our signature wellness program, WellStar.  Each day our Life Enrichment team finds ways to help residents celebrate life by engaging the mind, body and spirit in purposeful and productive activities. 

One look at our monthly calendar posted on our home page will give you an idea of the entertaining, enjoyable activities we invite our residents to participate in. A few examples of the goings-on at MorningStar include Watercolor and Oil Painting classes, Water Fitness class, Bridge Club, Bible Study, and Cooking Sessions.  We also offer games such as Bingo, Bunco, and Mexican Train, Music Performances, Social Hours and Movie Showings. 

Along with the pure fun of the experience, you will have the chance to bond with fellow residents and staff and become a part of our philosophy of building “Family for Life.”  As one of our MorningStar Senior Living residents explains, “My wife and I were just existing in our former home, but we’re living here at MorningStar. It’s all in how you look at the changes in your life.”

In addition, activities include road trips to local areas of interest or a pleasant lunch out at a nearby restaurant.  We also invite residents to tap into their unique talents and life experiences by leading special interest clubs. 

We encourage you to visit our website for more details about our remarkable senior living community.  Our property has 72 senior independent living suites and 70 assisted living suites, in a choice of spacious studios or one and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our community also offers 32 free-standing cottages for active, independent seniors. 

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.