Our Service is Guided by “Radiance”

At MorningStar of Billings, we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership.  We feel extremely blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by their hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  They are the kind of people that do the right thing even when no one is looking and willingly go the extra mile to help our residents. 

MorningStar’s care is guided through “Radiance,” our proprietary program, which celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light.  It forms the framework for how our service is delivered – with warmth, sincerity and depth!  Additionally our Radiance program provides a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.

Once a team member is hired, they are trained in Radiance. and it is reiterated and strengthened each day during our daily “Huddle.”   We feel Radiance is lived out in a variety of way throughout our community, and helps us to create an atmosphere of love, compassion and care as well as service professionalism.

For assisted living residents, our services include around-the-clock Care Managers, on site and at the ready, to ensure your safety as they meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. Other services include a full-time licensed nurse (also on call 24/7). Certified Med Care Managers, scheduled health and care reviews, and more.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, which is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we offer all-inclusive pricing.  Please check with us regarding a limited time offer for a rate freeze on our assisted living and memory care suites. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.  

Visiting Someone with Dementia

If you have wondered how to make the most of your time when you visit a relative or friend suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, take some tips from the experts.  They have the experience to help your visit go more smoothly.    

Their first tip is to adjust to your loved one as they are now and do not expect to have the same type of conversations with them as you once did.  As dementia care specialist Vivian Green Korner explains, “Conversations may become less intellect to intellect and more emotion to emotion.”

Another thing, focus on what the person still has rather than focusing on what they have lost.  They may enjoy stories about the past as well as love hearing music that reminds them of when they were young.  Anthony Cirillo, president of The Aging Experience and host of the Virtual Summit for Caregivers, says that, “Music activates something in people no matter how advanced their dementia.”  Also it may be helpful to bring photos, books or even tasty treats to share with your loved one. 

In addition don’t waste time asking a lot of questions that may just confuse the person, instead, just live in the moment.  Talk about things you are seeing such as the color of the leaves on a tree outside the window or a pretty picture in the room.  If the person appears to be getting agitated, suggest getting up and taking a little walk as often a change of scenery can help to change their mood. 

Remember it is important to make eye contact as a lot of your communication with the person will be non-verbal.  Experts also suggest touching a person before you start to speak as touch is a powerful communicator especially as their verbal skills are starting to diminish.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a senior living community devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  As dementia specialists, we understand the disease and provide care that treats the individual with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Please see our website for more. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents. Contact us to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: caring.com/articles/tips-visiting-someone-dementia

Answers to FAQs Available on the MorningStar Website

MorningStar at Arrowhead recognizes that moving to assisted living can be a difficult step for families, which is why we strive to provide all the details regarding our community beforehand so seniors and their family can make an informed decision.  On our website, we have a lot of information about our Arrowhead community as well as resources from MorningStar Senior Living regarding particulars on the company and our many services and programs.  

One good source of information is to take a look at the FAQs.  Here you will likely discover answers to your questions (if not, please email or give us a call) and much more.  We start by providing families with a little bit of history on MorningStar such as the fact that we were founded in Denver in 2003 on the principal that it is a “privilege to serve, and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  While we are rooted in in Judeo-Christian beliefs, MorningStar welcomes all faiths among our residents and team members.  

If you were wondering if there is an age requirement to move into MorningStar, the answer is yes.  You must be at least 62 years of age to move into our assisted living or memory care community.

Another answer to a good question is how we will determine the level of care you need to ensure your comfort and safety.  This happens early on and is a part of the move-in process.  You and your family will meet with our Wellness Director who will assess your current health, and review your medical history to ascertain how we can best meet your needs. At this time, we also discuss your preferences and normal routines, and together we will develop an individualized care plan.   Furthermore, your plan will be regularly re-evaluated to coincide with your changing needs.  Please see our website for more information.   

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. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community.

The Many Benefits of Walking for Older Adults

There have been a number of studies done that document the benefits of walking for older adults, and it is considered by many experts to be the safest and best exercise for the elderly.  Not only can it be performed at a low or moderate intensity and is easy on the joints, but it is also easy to start as it does not require any special equipment.

  

To get the most benefit out of walking, it is recommended you do it regularly.  The heart-healthy exercise can improve cardiovascular health and has been linked to lower risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and strokes.  Furthermore researchers   have found that “even small amounts of walking each week have been shown to reduce these risks around 15% to 20%.”  Daily walking regimens have “shown a 30% to 50% reduction in participants’ risk of cardiac arrest.”   

Other benefits of walking include stopping or decreasing bone mass loss as well as strengthening leg and abdominal muscles, which can improve balance and stability.  Walking can also lead to weight loss or help maintain weight if needed.  Seniors who regularly walk have shown an improvement in their sleep patterns and an increase in mental sharpness.  In addition it assists with joint support by moving the fluid within our joints/cartilage.  It can also help make you feel happier.  

At MorningStar of Billings, we believe in providing seniors with opportunities to stay fit and keep moving.  Our daily calendar includes a variety of physical activities such as Sit and be Fit, and Gentle Yoga Movements in a Chair.  We also have lots of other activities to engage residents including crafts, sing-a-longs, games, movies and much more.  Please visit our website to learn more about Billings’ best independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents.  Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.   

Source: thecaregiverspace.org/8-science-backed-health-benefits-to-walking-for-seniors/   

Help Prevent Falls with the Right Shoes

Surprisingly, preventing falls can be as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time.  Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study regarding safe footwear for seniors.  Her research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries. 

The study involved 185 men and women over the age of 55.  With participants 65 or older, shoes were often to blame for falls.  Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are dangerous on wet surfaces.''  Of the group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or was too slippery.  Her recommendation is for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of shoe they should wear. 

When buying footwear, seniors should select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support.  A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support.  Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls.  Other things to keep in mind are to avoid loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth leather or plastic soles.  A beveled heel helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the ground.  Also shoes with laces hold the shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents. Contact us to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional community.

Sources: nytimes.com/1998/02/24/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html  

caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html 

The Decision to Move to an Assisted Living Community

At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we know families often go through a range of emotions once they realize their loved one needs more daily help in order to ensure their comfort and safety.  Furthermore, moving into an assisted living community is often precipitated by a major life change, which is why we have a commonsense decision guide available on our website to help families navigate through the process.

One thing to consider before making any decision is to think about what you are trying to solve, and not just next year, but with an eye to the next 5 to 10 years.  Also keep in mind that the concept of “assisted living” is only a few decades old and is intended to feel like a home – not an institution such as nursing homes of old.  Today’s assisted living is based on the European model and is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement.

Reading through our decision guide, you will find information on the things families should look for in terms of determining whether their loved one needs more help.  It talks about safety issues such as recent falls and balance problems, forgetfulness that could lead to a dangerous situation like leaving the stove-top on and driving mishaps.  The guide also cautions families to notice things like weight loss, poor hygiene, and failing eyesight. 

Additionally, MorningStar has tips to help you narrow down your choices of assisted living communities.  Along with considering location, price, and amenities, one of our most important tips is to take a tour of the community or communities you are most interested in.  Beyond the website and all the promotional materials, a tour provides an up close and personal look at the place you or your loved one is considering making their new home.  On our home page, we have a convenient link to an online form to set up a tour with us.   

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living in Fort Collins.

Sun Protection is Still Important for Seniors

Now that summer is here, it is important to apply sunscreen if you are going to be outside for any length of time regardless of your age.  Sometimes seniors mistakenly think since they have never had skin cancer, they probably are not going to get it now.  However the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) warns that older adults have already sustained decades of damage from the sun, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

The SCF explains that, “Suffering just five sunburns over your lifetime more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, and each successive tan or sunburn raises the risks further.”  While it is not known how much damage results in skin cancer, we do know it is important to continue to protect our skin.  

In addition statistics show skin cancer to be on the rise.  Scientists speculate one reason for this is the earth’s ozone layer has depleted, which is allowing increased levels of UV-B to reach the Earth.  This compounds the negative effects of spending too much time in the sun and can cause the development of wrinkles and premature aging skin.  Wearing sunscreen can also help prevent facial brown spots and skin discolorations as well as reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness. 

The experts stress that sun precautions for seniors is fairly easy.  To start with, stay out of tanning beds.  Use effective sun protection and avoid spending time outdoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are the most intense.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun-safe clothing and UV-filtering sunglasses.  Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or higher, and if you intend to be out for longer periods, use a water resistance 30+ SPF.  Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming. 

There is no need to worry about a lack of Vitamin D if you always wear sunscreen.  Doctors report you get your vitamin D requirement of 600 IU or 15mcg per day with normal daily outdoor activities of five to 30 minutes two times a week.   

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

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. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful community.