Celebrate with Your Family this Thanksgiving in a Senior Living Facility

If you're a resident who has just moved into senior living, you may still be getting comfortable in the community and worrying about the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving might not look quite the same as it did in years past, but the tradition doesn't have to end just because you've moved. MorningStar Assisted Living Retirement Homes Glendale, AZ, has a foundation built on community and loves to welcome family and friends to the community to celebrate special events and holidays. Dedicated to making your retirement years carefree through luxury amenities, specialized activities, and healthy meals, MorningStar Retirement Community at Arrowhead provides seniors with the finest Senior Living AZ has to offer.

Most senior living communities plan special events around the holidays to ensure that residents don't feel isolated or excluded from the festivities. Thanksgiving activities at MorningStar of Glendale, Arizona, usually include a traditional thanksgiving feast. Invite your family to Thanksgiving dinner, then sit back and enjoy. Celebrating with your family at a senior living facility means less mess, less worry, and more undivided attention toward your family and loved ones.

Not only do you not have to worry about preparing a meal for Thanksgiving, but at MorningStar retirement communities Glendale, our senior living dining experience is inspired by the belief that diet is the centerpiece of personal wellness. Our trained Executive Chefs design seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Sometimes even from our garden! Our executive chefs love to bring fresh fall foods to your table whenever possible.

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it's fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar's social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Understanding How Cognitive Reserve Protects Brain Health

The Harvard Medical School says to understand cognitive health it is important to recognize the concept of cognitive reserve, “your brain’s ability to improvise and find alternate ways of getting a job done.” Experts say a good way to think of it is like a powerful car with another gear that suddenly accelerates to avoid an obstacle. Thus our reserve can help the brain change the way it operates and make added resources to cope with the challenge.  

So how do we build cognitive reserves? Research shows it is developed through a lifetime of education and curiosity, which aids the brain in coping with the failures or declines it may face. The National Institute on Aging says cognitive reserve could account for the individual differences in susceptibility to age-related brain changes or Alzheimer's disease-related pathology. Evidence shows some people can tolerate more of these changes than others and still maintain function.  This is proven by studies in which people with higher education and higher occupational attainment appear to have a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s.  

While much of our cognitive reserve is developed over a lifetime, Harvard Medical School doctors say it is important to continue to engage our brain as we age. Examples of good brain activities to increase our reserve include learning to play a musical instrument or to speak a new language, doing crossword puzzles and engaging in high levels of social interaction. Regular exercise can also improve cognitive reserve.  

Other ways to protect our cognitive health and its reserve is to take care of our physical health especially when it comes to managing high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. A healthy diet and managing stress is also important.  

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care assisted living community in Colorado Springs. We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related disease is a heavy blow and want to reassure families we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling to walk alongside your family on this challenging path. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate home, our company’s philosophy and our dedicated team. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies 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 or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

Community Living Provides a Higher Quality of Life for Many Seniors

Unlike years ago, when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact, studies indicate community living provides a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. 

Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, a 55+ community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. 

Another reason a senior living community such as MorningStar of Billings enhances quality of life for residents is the five-star dining experience for better nutritional health. Additionally, wellness programs, social activities and special events mean there is something to look forward to each day. Whether taking a yoga class, playing a challenging game of trivia, relaxing with friends on the patio or sharing a bistro, you will be engaged, stimulated and have a sense of purpose.   

MorningStar of Billings strives to be the best independent and assisted living in the area, and we take the well-being of our residents very seriously.  Our all-inclusive community offers all the amenities, services and enrichment programs to give you the best retirement years possible. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, we have secure suites devoted to highly individualized, specialized care. Please see 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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

Using Humor and Music to Connect with Dementia Patients

People with Alzheimer’s disease often appear to lose the ability to laugh or smile but researchers say most individuals still retain some sense of humor. It is a good thing as a study from Australia reports humor may enable Alzheimer’s patients to better cope. The University of New South Wales study shows humor therapy can be as effective as some drugs in managing agitation in dementia patients. 

Researchers studied the effectiveness of professional humor therapists, known as Elder Clowns, who work with trained nursing home staff called Laughter Bosses. The group performed weekly humor sessions to nursing home patients or individuals using techniques similar to Clown Doctors, who work in children’s hospitals. An additional study from Osaka University in Japan reinforced the Australian research finding the positive effects of humor can last for weeks after a therapy session. 

Other areas of research have discovered positive behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s patients when listening to a personalized playlist. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease reports on a study showing music with a particular meaning to a person “can activate regions of the brain typically untouched by early Alzheimer’s disease and may offer a new way to approach anxiety, depression and agitation in patients.”

Jeff Anderson, M.D., a contributing author of the study and an associate professor of radiology at the University of Utah Health, explains the study was inspired by the “Alive Inside” documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. He adds music-brain connection research is just getting started. 

MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek is designed from the ground up to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach to memory care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities that leverages the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort. We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of the memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it.  For trusted memory care Colorado Springs seniors and their families can count on, please contact us or 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 for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Sources: 

aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2018/humor-alzheimers-dementia-caregiving

aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2018/music-therapy-alzheimers-symptoms

Pets are Beneficial to Seniors

Research has shown pets are beneficial to seniors. A Place for Mom’s website reports on one study, which found “15 minutes spent bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.” Researchers explain interactions between human and pets can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke. 

Pets can teach seniors to live in the here and now as they do, and dogs and cats are great at offering their owners unconditional love, emotional support and affection. In fact, animals uplift the spirits of those in hospitals, convalescent homes, mental health centers, nursing homes, and assisted living communities through pet therapy programs. Moreover, pet therapy has proven beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Experts point to the animal’s full acceptance and non-verbal communication as being soothing for patients.      

It was not that long ago that seniors moving into a 55+ community had to leave behind an important companion, their pet. Today however, more and more senior living communities are recognizing the benefits of pets to the elderly, and many such as MorningStar of Billings, allow residents to bring their pets with them. We do ask that you check with us regarding our pet policy.  

Please contact us with your questions regarding availability, choice of cottages or suites, pricing, care services and more. Our beautiful community offers 32 cottages and 72 suites for independent living and 70 suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 36 secure memory care suites are devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. We look forward to hearing from you.

At MorningStar of Billings 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Age Related Hearing Loss

The National Institute of Health reports approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Hearing loss causes someone a range of problems including difficulty understanding and following a doctor’s advice, responding to safety warnings, and hearing doorbells, phone calls, and alarms. Another all-too common problem is it can be hard to follow conversations with family and friends, and many start avoiding situations where they may be frustrated or embarrassed. 

Medical experts advise asking your primary care physician for a referral to an otolaryngologist, an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They will try to determine the cause of your hearing loss and treatment options. They may refer you to an audiologist who is trained in measuring the degree of loss as well as recommend treatment, which may include fitting you for a hearing aid. There are three different types of hearing aids and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you (most can be purchased for a trial period).  

In some cases, doctors may recommend Cochlear implants, small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing.  Other treatment options include hearing assistive devices for your phones to amplify sound; closed circuit systems for churches or theaters; and lip or speech reading classes.   

For trusted independent living, assisted living, or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings. Located on the west side of town in a beautiful park-like neighborhood with mountain views, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

At MorningStar of Billings 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Gum Disease May Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at Tuft University recently reported a link between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and periodontal disease, to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection within the soft tissue of the mouth, and “about 47.2% of U.S. adults over 30 and 70% over 65 have gum disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The study, which was done with mice, discovered the correlation, but researchers hope the findings can be used to someday help reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors cite Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a bacterium that causes gum disease and is already linked to kidney disease, diabetes and coronary problems to be the problem. 

The lead author, Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine explains the purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the association of induced periodontal disease with Alzheimer’s disease. He says as F. nucleatum generates “inflammation both locally and systemically, it affects the Alzheimer’s disease phenotype, as Alzheimer’s itself is an inflammatory disease.” Additionally since the bacteria migrate and penetrate the brain, it can worsen the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Researchers plan further studies in humans and say although there is not a proven link yet; good oral health benefits our overall health. They also say to decrease our risk for Alzheimer’s, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.  

As Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases progress, a loved one may need more care than they can get living at home. When the time comes for memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek, a community committed to caring for individuals with memory impairment diseases. Our holistic care is guided by our signature program, Lavender Sky, and we help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love. Contact us for more information about MorningStar’s assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

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 contact us or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: 

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bacteria-that-cause-gum-disease-may-increase-risk-of-alzheimers#Inflammation-and-Alzheimers-disease