Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can exhibit a variety of behaviors and personality changes, of which some can be quite challenging to deal with and even affect the person’s safety. Changes in your parents or spouse can include irritability, anger, anxiety and other distressing behaviors like wandering or forgetting to turn off the stove.  

Dementia care experts say there are techniques to help deal with these feelings, and it may include adjusting your own attitude toward the changes a person is experiencing. Examples include caregivers over estimating the person’s abilities and expecting more from them then they feel capable of doing. This can cause angry outbursts often motivated by frustration. Experts remind caregivers to remember the person’s abilities are changing and suggest shifting your expectations to fit the new norm. 

Another common problem many suffer from Alzheimer’s is depression. Cindy Steele, RN, nurse scholar for Copper Ridge, a residential care community in Utah, says 40 percent of people with AD develop depression due to a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Anxiety disorders and delusions are also common. In many cases, the person’s doctor can help identify the imbalances and prescribe medications to help relieve these troubling symptoms.  

Negative behaviors can additionally be caused by physical problems such as a headache, illness or fatigue, which the person is unable to communicate. Over-stimulating environments, being too cold or too hot are other reasons for distress or irritability. Experts say caregivers need to try and stay calm and speak directly to the person using short, easily understood sentences. Avoid sounding condescending.      

At Morningstar at Bear Creek, a memory care assisted living community in Colorado Springs, we offer individualized care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We are proud to be one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.”  For a senior living community to receive this honor, at least 75% of its staff must complete eight hours of training that include brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful home and the philosophy that guides our care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in memory care assisted living 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 contact us for more information about our exceptional community in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar of Billings Provides Loving Memory Care

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers studio and shared suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our home is honored to provide individualized, compassionate care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard.  In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.   

If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Billings team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings. 

A Healthy Diet for Older Adults

The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned with ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet.

Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).”

Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 55 stylish suites for assisted living and another 24 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins, CO.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html

Learn More About Assisted Living

While assisted living has been around in the U.S. for the last several decades, some people are still confused as to what it means. Senior living communities that offer assisted living provide long-term housing for seniors to safely age in place. As it is not skilled nursing care, assisted living residents are overall active and independent, but may need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. As a resident, you get 24/7 care and nutrition, daily meals as well as benefit from a range of wellness programs, the company of fellow residents and staff, and peace of mind knowing help is at hand if needed.

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA NCAL) reports assisted living is a fast-growing sector of senior living with over 800,000 Americans currently residing in an assisted living community. Experts say in some cases, depending on the level of services provided, in-home care can actually be more expensive and doesn’t offer all the services and amenities found in many assisted living communities.

Homes like MorningStar of Fort Collins provide residents with much more than supportive care. Our Life Enrichment programs offer physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement with creative ways to stay active and productive as we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

MorningStar of Fort Collins is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for our residents, made possible by a dedicated team who understands the highest expression of living is to share their talents, time and energy with others. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our 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 assisted living and memory care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/assisted-living

Stretching Exercises are Good for Any Age and Fitness Level

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our beautiful senior living community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to provide the best assisted living Fort Collins has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please see our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.


Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

Your Community’s Beauty Salon and Barber Services Can Help You Maintain Your Grooming Routine

Moving to a retirement community comes with perks such as getting to spend more time pampering yourself. Before, meal preparation and household chores may have kept your schedule tight with little room to make appointments at a salon for a hair trim or pedicure. With the mundane tasks out of the way, relaxation at the on-site salon is within just a few steps. 

Keeping up with regular hair care is a common worry when transitioning to a retirement community. It can be hard to leave a trusted beautician or to schedule transportation to visit every so often. Maintaining regular grooming routines adds a boost to your self-esteem and confidence. Not only will a salon visit make you feel well-kept and beautiful, but stylists can offer advice to keep your hair looking its best by recommending salon products and helpful tips to aid in maintenance and promote overall hair health. 

Keeping up appearances isn’t just prioritized for women. A clean shave, hair care, and nail treatments are also offered for our male residents in senior living at MorningStar. As we age, it can become difficult to keep up with shaving and those hard-to-reach places. Your safety and comfort is of our utmost importance, which is why our salon specialists are trained in all areas of hair grooming and upkeep and would be happy to help.

MorningStar retirement communities recognize the necessity of qualified beauty professionals to serve our senior living community. MorningStar at Arrowhead uses fully licensed and talented cosmetologists that can maintain your usual hairstyle or help you to discover a completely new you! Typically the salon is open two to three days a week. It is a full-service salon, including hair and nail services for both men and women.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ 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.

Moving to a Retirement Community in Glendale, AZ? Here is a Suggested Packing List

It is important to have a sense of familiarity in your new home when making the transition to a senior living community. Some communities offer furnished suites within retirement homes, but it can actually be homier to be surrounded by your own personal furnishings and belongings that hold sentimental value to you. MorningStar in Glendale, AZ recommends that retirement residents bring along their own items that function emotionally and functionally. While you may not have room to bring everything, here are some things to not leave behind when embarking on your move to a retirement community.

Priceless artifacts such as photos and childhood memorabilia are important things to pack when furnishing your new retirement home. Ask a loved one to compile photos into a photo album so you can always have these memories within arm's reach. Creating shadow boxes is a fun way to display keepsakes that you have collected throughout your life. Get together with a close friend or relative to help build and display these time capsules within your new environment. 

It’s easy to forget our mundane objects and things we use every day such as personal care items. Packing your favorite bath products will help to make your new home feel more familiar and is a nice way to relax after moving in. Be sure to pack glasses, toothbrushes, and hair care as well. While MorningStar retirement homes in Glendale, AZ do have an onsite convenience store that can supply most necessities, special body care items should be heavily considered in your packing process so you do not have to miss out on your favorite product or wait for a replacement.  

Entertainment materials are also important to have within your retirement home. Whether you pack cards, board games, movies, or books, these familiar things will help keep you preoccupied and help you decompress after a long day of socializing with others in the retirement community. Not only are they good to have around for personal use, but for hosting visitors as well. Watching a movie with grandchildren is a great way to bond and discourage restlessness. Hosting a game night with other residents is a creative way to break the ice with your neighbors and new friends.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arrowhead and our senior living options. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ 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.