A Fun Activity to Do with a Senior

If an elderly parent is in assisted living and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit.  By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows anything about. 

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook. 

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parent, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead is committed to providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities including many arts and crafts projects.  Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing. 

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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Help Improve Your Cognitive Functioning

Researchers says that even if we are not developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as we grow older, our memory, decision-making, and ability to learn simply begin to wear down.   This process is referred to as “cognitive aging” and doctors now say there are evidence-based steps we can take to improve our cognitive functioning.

 

The recently published study from the Institute of Medicine titled “Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” detailed three ways we can protect and bolster our aging brain.  The study’s authors are Dr. Dan Blazer, chair of the report and professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital.  The report is intended to provide relevant information to both physicians and patients.

According to the study, the first thing we can do to help keep our brain healthy (and other parts of our body) is to engage in light exercise every day.  Activities such as walking, gardening, swimming or biking help increase the blood flow to the brain, which helps to maintain and improve its functioning. 

The Cognitive Aging report also found that in order to reduce our risk for or to better manage cardiovascular disease, we need to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking and maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.  It recommends that if you do have high cholesterol, you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue to have the necessary blood tests done. 

The third key to improving and maintaining good cognitive functioning is to consult with your doctor to review the list of medications you are currently taking.  Dr. Blazer explains that, “Older adults are sometimes on more medications than they need to be on."  He adds, “Many, if not all of them, can potentially affect your cognitive functioning.”

At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, our goal is to provide residents with the services and amenities that allow them to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. Our beautiful community offers 32 free-standing cottages, along with 72 bright suites for independent living, 70 for assisted living and 36 secure suites devoted to the care of those with memory impairment.  All of our care services, wellness programs and amenities are designed to support the whole person: body, mind and spirit and make MorningStar the perfect place for successful aging.  

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 Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

In this year alone, approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia such as frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body disease and others.  Moreover even though many families have come to suspect a problem and may not be all that surprised to hear the diagnosis, it is still a devastating blow.  

  

However please remember if you or a family member is experiencing confusion and/or memory loss that there are other factors that can masquerade as dementia.  For example, lack of sleep and/or depression and anxiety can result in feelings of confusion.  Also certain medications and medical conditions can have side effects that mimic some of the symptoms of dementia. 

The U.S. News & World Report cautions families that if a loved one is not as sharp as they used to be to make sure that they are protected against scams from unscrupulous people.  You may want to have a family member, trusted friend, or a professional financial advisor help to oversee the person’s finances. 

Another thing you can do to help yourself and your family feel more prepared for what the future holds is to investigate the extent of your community’s resources.  This may include looking into options for in-home care as well as senior living communities that specialize in memory care. 

Experts say one of the most important things to avoid doing after getting a diagnosis of dementia is to assume your life is over.  They stress you need to find reasons for hope and to think about ways to bring joy into your life.  Tia Powell, M.D. writes that “music is one wonderful avenue for delight. Your brain's capacity for music is unusually sturdy; the ability to sing, play and enjoy music often outlasts many other skills.”

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we provide Colorado Springs area seniors with specialized, individualized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  As Alzheimer’s care experts, each day our energies are put toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Please contact us with questions. 

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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Colorado Springs.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/questions-to-ask-when-youre-diagnosed-with-dementia

MorningStar’s Website Offers Lots of Information

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s website is loaded with resources and information for families in the Glendale AZ area looking for senior living options.  While we are more than happy to personally answer any questions you may have, we have found it is helpful to provide information on commonly asked questions under our “FAQ” tool bar. 

Here you will get a good start on questions such as “What is an assisted living community?” We explain our assisted living community is for seniors 62 years and older who require assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).  Within a residential setting, we offer families peace of mind knowing trained and compassionate care managers are there to help navigate their loved ones’ changing health conditions.  Like many assisted living communities, we offer a secure neighborhood for the memory-impaired (those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia).

Couples will learn that of course, they can move in together, and that we also offer Companion Living, which is where two people of the same sex can share a suite.  In addition we offer respite stays or trial (short-term) stays based on the availability of a fully-furnished suite. 

If you are wondering how your monthly fee is determined, our FAQs explain room rates are based on the type of room, location and view as well as the level of services for assisted living residents.  This is determined after an assessment by our Wellness Director.   You will additionally find information regarding our transportation services, ratio of care staff to residents, and answers to many other questions.  

Once you take a look at our website (be sure to look through our gallery of pictures), please consider setting up a tour.  It is impossible to truly assess the loving atmosphere of MorningStar at Arrowhead without a personal visit. 

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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

For the area’s finest senior living, Peoria and Glendale AZ area seniors are invited to take a look at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  Our beautiful community has 60 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some over 600 square feet).  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

While the name “MorningStar,” may be new to you, rest assured we are not new to senior living. On the contrary, MorningStar has over 30 communities currently open or under construction all across the country.  In addition, MorningStar at Arrowhead has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unrivaled by other assisted living communities. 

MorningStar began in 2003 when founder, Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on:

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all of our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them.  The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, fill out our online form to set up a tour. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Arrowhead’s foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, all directed at creating a true home for our residents. Contact us to schedule a tour to fully experience the finest senior living Peoria & Glendale AZ has to offer.

Worried About Your Parent Living on Their Own?

Have you started to suspect that your parent is not doing so well living on their own?  Experts say there are several things you should look for that will help you determine if it is time to make a change in their living situation. 

One of the biggest concerns for families is safety as they begin to see their parents struggle with health issues that can make them more vulnerable to accidents and medical crises.   Things to be on the lookout for include poor balance or failing eyesight that increases their risk for a fall; or the worry that comes from knowing they have already fallen.  Maybe you have noticed bruises or cuts they are reluctant to talk about.  In addition, if your parent is still driving, have they recently had a fender bender or another mishap while driving? 

Are you worried your loved one’s forgetfulness is putting their safety in jeopardy?  Do you have reason to believe that they are prone to wander or that their forgetfulness is leading to behaviors such as leaving the stove-top or oven on? 

Other signs that your parent needs more help is if you have noticed a change in their hygiene such as wearing the same clothes day after day and having difficulty with personal bathing and toileting.  Do they look as if they have lost weight recently?  Is the refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food?  Also look around their home.  Has there been a change in their housekeeping such as dirty dishes in the sink, mail stacking up and unread, and a general neglectful look to the home.   

MorningStar of Billings, located in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood with spectacular views of the Rockies, offers senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.   Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all of the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. 

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Types of Cancers that are Very Treatable

While it is never good to receive a diagnosis of cancer, today there are several types of cancer that are very treatable.  Research shows that, “The cancers with the highest 5-year relative survival rates include melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and breast, prostate, testicular, cervical, and thyroid cancer.”  However keep in mind that although these cancers are now relatively “curable,” success rates still depends on detection and treatment in the early stages. 

Although hesitant to call a patient cured, doctors say with the proper treatment in many of these cases all signs of the disease can be removed and the patient is considered to be in remission.  Survival rates for cancer are based on a 5-year period where the patient remains free of the cancer. 

One of the common cancers for men is prostate cancer.  Doctors now say if the disease is caught in stage 1 or stage 2, the man has a 99% relative 5-year survival rate.  Prostate cancer can grow very slowly or not at all, so in some cases doctors just monitor the disease.   

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common serious disease in women right after heart disease.  Today survival rates for stage 0 and 1 breast cancer are 99-100%. At stage 1, the cancerous tumors are typically less than 2 cm. in size and have not spread to other parts of the body.   

Another of the cancers on the list is Melanoma, a cancer of the skin.  When caught at stages 1A and 1B respectively, the 5-year survival rate is between 92 to 97%.   To detect problems early, doctors recommend regular checkups and screenings to find skin cancers and other diseases.  If you have any questions or concerns, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek feels privileged to offer area families trusted assisted living for dementia patients.  Our community has 48 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for both permanent and short-term residents.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

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 within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322700.php