Show the Special Moms in Your Life Appreciation by Giving Your Time

This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 8th.  Rather than sending a bouquet of flowers this year, show grandma, mom and other moms in your life your appreciation and love by giving your time. 

Commit to helping mom with a DIY house project like painting a room or helping clean up the attic or basement. Give mom and grandma the “day off” by taking over the cooking and cleaning up. For a simple dessert, set up a sundae bar with all the trimmings and let everyone make their own treat. 

If mom lives in an apartment, decorate her front door with a wreath or a huge homemade card signed by the whole family telling her how special she is. For a movie-loving mom, make a date to watch one of her favorite romantic comedies together in person or virtually. Other fun ideas include hosting a garden tea party or barbeque, and if you can’t get together, send mom all the goodies you want her to enjoy at a virtual party.

  

Spend time together baking a fancy dessert or cooking a family favorite recipe for dinner. If mom lives close by, put together a basket of homemade goodies and deliver them to her door. The grandkids can help grandma feel loved by making cards or putting on a talent show or play. You or an older grandchild can “interview” grandma about her childhood and early adult years, wedding day, her years as a parent of small children, jobs etc. Whatever you decide on, just make sure mom feels special.

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we strive to honor our remarkable residents each and every day. Our all-inclusive community offers a range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide a lifestyle of comfort and wellness. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale offers.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Concerned About Being More Forgetful Than When You Were Younger?

Experts report “at least half of those over age 65 say they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.” While several studies show as many as 40 percent of seniors suffer from some level of memory loss, this doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. 

Doctors say we need to remember Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, and there are some characteristics which separate age-related memory loss from dementia. One example is forgetting how to program your remote control or operate a piece of machinery after not doing it for a while. They stress this is common and typically not a cause for concern but forgetting how to get home or perform routine tasks may be a sign of a bigger problem. 

Another symptom of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases is forgetting what an object is used for or what it is. Someone with Alzheimer’s can forget they wear glasses or not recognize the glasses as their own. The same goes for forgetting names. A common problem is to forget a person’s name but a more serious problem is to use the wrong word to describe something or to forget the name completely. 

Falls in the elderly can have deadly consequences so it is important to know another symptom of Alzheimer’s is balance problems. Even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, falls can be common and as the disease progresses generally get worse.

However, feeling you are forgetful may be cause for concern according to Dr. Barry Reisberg, director of the Fisher Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Resources Program at New York University Langone Medical Center. In a study in which Dr. Reisberg was involved, the findings showed “seniors with subjective memory complaints are, over many years, 4.5 times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those who do not have such memory complaints.” Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any worries you may have.

 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is an assisted living dementia care community in Colorado Springs, CO.   Our holistic care includes meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more as well as a physical environment designed to allow residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please contact us to learn more.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in assisted living 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 staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional community.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/just-forgetful-or-is-it-dementia/

Gardening is a Gratifying Pastime for Many Seniors

A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle. 

Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall, even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as gardening can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility.  

Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting an herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to those suitable for your region. Planning your garden is a big part of the fun and involves critical thinking in deciding what to plant and how to care for it.  In fact, studies show with the physical aspect of gardening and the critical thinking skills involved planning it, you may lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. 

Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project.  

The MorningStar of Billings senior living community offers stylish independent living and assisted living as well as compassionate, professional memory care. To ensure the comfort and wellbeing of residents, we offer resort-style amenities and services with beautiful common areas including a library, bistro, theater, restaurant-style dining, and raised garden beds. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

    

Are Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Senility the Same?

While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and senility, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions.

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Recent advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. 

Dementia is typically irreversible but there are some conditions that can cause symptoms of the disease. These include a vitamin deficiency, underactive thyroid gland, depression or stress; and when treated, can reverse the condition. Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease, may also cause symptoms of dementia as can AIDS, Lyme disease and stroke. 

Senility is another term used to describe the type of memory deterioration associated with the elderly. Experts explain there are two major types of senile dementia: “those due to generalized “atrophy” (Alzheimer’s-type dementia) and those due to vascular problems (mainly, strokes).” Symptoms of senility include a decline in cognitive abilities such as problems recalling information and thinking clearly; and Alzheimer’s is the most common form.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides comprehensive memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs, CO. Our services, wellness programs and activities support residents to provide the best quality of life possible. Our approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in assisted living for dementia with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/dementia-vs-alzheimers/

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th

If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make her life easier and more interesting, most mothers are happy to get them.

If mom lives alone, there are several smartly-designed dressing aids to make it easier for her and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for a bracelet fastener or magnetic necklace fastener, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary. 

For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs create a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who like showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender. 

Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. Why not put on a fancy brunch with many of mom’s favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize her home or help her write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. 

MorningStar of Billings is a vibrant 55+ community in a residential neighborhood on the west side of town and offers mountain views. Our beautiful home has free-standing cottages as well as private apartments in a variety of floorplans for independent living.  For those who need help with daily care activities, we offer 70 suites for assisted living.  In addition, we provide experienced, compassionate memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For trusted Senior Living in Billings, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.

MorningStar of Billings provides the very best in senior living with our 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 to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.

Learn More About Neuroplasticity and the Health of the Aging Brain

Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. It manages how the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain compensate for injury and disease and respond to new situations or changes in their environment. 

Scientists used to believe neuroplasticity only occurred in the young but now know it happens throughout a person’s lifetime, making new connections and reorganizing pathways. This knowledge has resulted in the “development of tools and techniques to promote neuroplasticity and brain health as people age.” Additionally, it gives hope for better recoveries for stroke victims and people suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

Some of the ways healthcare providers help to exercise and maintain strong cognitive function for their patients is by building new pathways with music therapy, virtual reality and imagining physical movement. Researchers say if you want to improve brain plasticity on your own, start by exercising your brain with challenging activities requiring focus. This could include learning to play an instrument, exploring the arts, and traveling to new places. 

Getting a good night’s sleep is another important thing to keep the brain sharp and some studies have even shown lack of sleep may put a person more at risk for dementia. Physical exercise is another way to improve brain plasticity. In fact, studies “associate physical activity with preventing neuron loss in the hippocampus, the area of the brain that involves memory and other important functions.” Researchers say these new findings will help doctors develop better treatments not only for those with brain injuries but people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Please visit our website for contact information, pricing and availability. Be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

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.

Sources: medicinenet.com/neuroplasticity/definition.htm

betteraging.com/aging-science/the-importance-of-neuroplasticity-as-we-age/

Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Billings

MorningStar of Billings offers 32 cottages and 72 suites for independent living, and 70 assisted living suites.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 secure memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. 

MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We now have 40+ communities throughout the Western U.S. either operating or under construction. Please visit our website for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in Billings, MT.

MorningStar of Billings mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.