MorningStar at Bear Creek Offers Trusted Memory Care

MorningStar at Bear Creek is unique from many other senior communities as our entire community is devoted to the specialized needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 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 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 purposeful activities including art, music, dance, physical exercise and special events.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet 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 specially prepared foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience.

MorningStar’s approach and philosophy to dementia 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. In addition, our Memory Care Coordinators complete advanced coursework from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 and has 35+ communities in eleven states. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about all-inclusive memory care at our Bear Creek community in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

MorningStar Offers Luxury Senior Living in Billings, Montana

For exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Billings offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need. For the most active seniors our community has independent living cottages and suites in a choice of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for carefree retirement years and a healthy, engaged lifestyle.

For those needing help with the activities of daily living, we have assisted living suites and provide a nurturing environment that allows residents to thrive. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company. We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one. You will also find links discussing affordability and Aid & Attendance for veterans along with a link to our Rooted Blog with education and inspiration for seniors.

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy. Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services.

While this is just a portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, Facebook, or use our Virtual Assistant that lets you inquire about pricing and request a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.

 
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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.

The Benefits of Strength Training

For years, doctors have been advising their patients to include aerobiotic exercise in their daily lives. Among the many benefits, research shows regular cardio activities improve brain health by increasing the volume of the regions that control memory and thinking. Recent studies also find weight training appears to increase cognition as well as prevent the development of atrophy in regions related to Alzheimer’s disease that could delay or prevent the onset of dementia.

Dr. Isadora Ribeiro, PhD, a São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) doctoral fellowship recipient at the School of Medical Sciences (FCM) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, writes, “Weight training can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which support the growth and survival of neurons. It also improves cardiovascular health and cerebral blood flow, all of which are important for maintaining brain function.” She adds, the physiological changes from such training can reduce key risk factors for dementia such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Weight training can also stimulate the release of a hormone associated with neuroprotection and improved brain plasticity.

Experts say while weight training provides benefits regardless of how old you are; it is important for seniors to discuss any new exercises with their doctor as it can entail some risk. The safest route is to engage a professional to guide your journey and help protect against injuries. The other benefits of strength training include increasing overall strength, improving balance and stability that can reduce the risk of falls, and improving insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels. Another big benefit is weight training can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

At MorningStar of Billings, we provide residents with a full range of amenities and services so they can focus on the things that bring them joy and meaning. Our contemporary independent and assisted living cottages and suites are ready to move into and just require your personal furnishings. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, our dedicated Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care in an intimate setting where residents’ independence is encouraged and individual needs are met. Contact us to learn more and to set up a personalized tour of our beautiful senior living community.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-weight-training-protect-brain-dementia-cognitive-decline

Getting Accurate Blood Pressure Readings at Home

Many of us have had our blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office and were surprised when it turned out to be higher than we expected it to be. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing something known as “white-coat hypertension,” meaning a higher than warranted reading during a medical appointment.

Doctors say one of the best ways to ensure you do not have elevated blood pressure, is to take your blood pressure at home a number of times. You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure to see if you should be put on medication or adjust medication to reach a target number.

It is important to do it correctly to ensure readings are accurate. Experts say start by buying a validated monitor and do not buy one that uses the finger or wrist as they are not as accurate as upper-arm cuffs. If you have a much smaller or larger upper-arm, look for one appropriately sized.

Other things to consider are to not take your blood pressure when you are stressed and to wait at least 30 minutes after eating, smoking or exercising. Odd as it sounds you will get a more accurate reading if you empty your bladder right beforehand. Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and support your arm near heart height. Now wait a few minutes. A good strategy for a true representation of BP is to take 4 readings a day for 7 days - twice in the morning and twice at night. Let your doctor know your findings.

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers compassionate memory care in Colorado Springs. Our approach to care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. As our community is devoted to alzheimer care only, every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases feel comforted, safe and secure. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care in Colorado Springs.

Do You Have Concerns About Memory Loss?

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that anyone worried about memory loss make an appointment with their health care provider. While we all know it is scary just thinking about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of reasons why it is to your advantage to know.

The process for getting a diagnosis starts with a full evaluation with a healthcare provider that includes your medical history and any medications you are taking as well as a series of mental status tests. If the initial evaluation indicates problems, your doctor will recommend further physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging.

The top reason to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s is an early diagnosis gives you a better chance of benefiting from treatment. If it is determined you have Alzheimer’s, experts explain that while there is no cure for the disease, there are medications that “demonstrate removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s.” Other treatment options can lessen the symptoms, including memory loss and confusion, for a limited time.

An early diagnosis also means you may be eligible for clinical trials that could provide some medical benefit. In addition, recent research suggests that certain lifestyle changes such as “controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active, may help preserve cognitive function.”

Another important consideration is the additional time an earlier diagnosis will give you to plan for your future and to do things now, rather than wait. Planning for the future also helps family members know what your wishes are and prevents future feelings of guilt or arguments over your care. The Alzheimer’s Association adds that an early diagnosis can save your family and the U.S. Government money spent on care.

MorningStar of Bear Creek, memory care provides holistic care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Along with individualized care plans, residents receive 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

The Risk of Parkinson’s Disease Increases With Age

The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that over one million people in the United States are estimated to be living with Parkinson's disease; and that number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. However, they say the actual number of people with PD is likely to be higher as many cases go undiagnosed.

The Mayo Clinic explains Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Currently there is no cure but medications can improve symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may also improve symptoms.

Parkinson’s symptoms typically start slowly, and one of the first things a person may notice is a slight tremor in one hand. Called resting tremors, they occur when the person’s hands are at rest, and the first tremors may only be the shaking of one finger. It is important to note that not all tremors are caused by Parkinson’s and you need to consult with your healthcare provider to see if it is Parkinson’s or something else causing the condition.

Stiffness or rigidity, and slowed movement known as bradykinesia are other common symptoms of the disease. Rigidity occurs in the shoulders, trunk, limbs and neck. Bradykinesia includes slowness in everyday movement and tasks such as walking, speech and eating. Another common sign of Parkinson’s is a change in the person’s handwriting. Small handwriting called micrographia occurs because of changes in the parts of the brain that control motor skills. As the disease progresses, people report problems with sleeping, mood swings and changes in cognitive skills as well as eye and vision issues.

The risk of Parkinson’s increases with age and most cases are diagnosed after the age of 60. Men are more likely to have the disease, and there is a small heredity link. Moreover, exposure to pesticides and herbicides may increase your risk. Other environmental risk factors include head injury, area of residence and occupation.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we offer 48 memory care suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Our loving community is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please contact us or visit our website to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour on our dementia care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing generously in our team, we offer loving, respectful care within a beautiful setting. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care Pueblo Colorado Springs.

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Longevity and Health

During the last several years, researchers have studied the steps we can take to improve longevity. Their overwhelming findings point to a healthy diet, exercise and strong social ties; and who of us does not want to live longer and enjoy better health along the way? The Medical News Today states, “Making healthy choices around these three factors may be key to living the long, fulfilling lives we strive for, and since it is never too late to start making positive changes, now is as good a time as any to make health a top priority.”

They cite key factors to help achieve this goal. The first regards diet, which includes eating less red meat and avoiding salt. They recommend a Mediterranean diet as it is mostly plant-based and relies on minimally processed ingredients and healthy fats. It consists of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; beans and legumes, fatty fish, seeds and nuts. Experts say this diet can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Next on the list to help you live longer and healthier is exercise, and it doesn’t mean having to become a marathon runner or train for hours each day. Experts say taking a daily walk can improve longevity and is safe for older adults. In fact, Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, a senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, told MNT that “the benefits are most significant for individuals who are inactive, as even small increases in physical activity substantially reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and premature death.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends adults exercise at least 150 minutes a week spread out over several days. Other healthy exercises include swimming, cycling, aerobic exercise and strength training as well as flexibility exercises.

You may be wondering how an active social life will help you live longer? Studies that have found staying social can help a person not only live longer but be healthier. Researchers explain adults who say they feel lonely and isolated have a higher risk of chronic diseases, depression and early death as well as an increase in the risk of stroke.

At MorningStar of Billings our independent and assisted living cottages and suites offer spectacular views of the Rockies in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood. We are an all-inclusive community, providing elevated dining under the direction of our Executive Chef, wellness programs and activities, luxury amenities and care services. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to learn more about our beautiful home and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

 
Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3-ways-to-boost-longevity-in-2025