Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone. A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.” Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available in many communities.
When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving. In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults. Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly. Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling. Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. If you are looking for independent or assisted living in Billings, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. Our beautiful community has cottages and suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. Apartments feature a kitchen with full appliances (IL) or kitchenette (AL), 9-foot ceilings, large windows, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Weekly housekeeping is provided as is laundry and linen service. Our community offers all the services, luxury amenities, programs and activities to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and a private dining room, we have a bistro, theater, salon and fitness room. Other amenities include a billiards and game room, library, raised garden beds and strolling paths. MorningStar of Billings offers the kind of senior living area families count on. Along with independent and assisted living, we provide memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 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 for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT. As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking.
Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard – affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.” Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover, older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins and other harmful substances including drugs from entering the brain, which may account for some memory problems. Sleep medications are one of the common medications that can be problematic. Over-the-counter sleeping aids can contain anticholinergic drugs, which are known to impair cognitive function, and some prescription sleep drugs diminish activity in parts of the brain involved in transferring short-term memories to long-term memory. Pain medications can additionally result in memory problems. The good news is once patients stop taking sleep or pain meds, modify the dose or replace the drug with a better option, many of the problems go away. MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. 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 in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. Source:health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet Some people think a move to assisted living signals an end to their independence but nothing could be further from the truth. At MorningStar of Billings we respect the fact that seniors have spent a lifetime living independently, raising families, working jobs, and making their own decisions, and consider it our job to continue to help them lead full, purposeful lives.
We know many of the challenges that come all too often with aging. Worsening medical conditions, failing eyesight, hearing impairments and mobility problems as well as the death of a spouse or friends can make it tough for seniors to live on their own. Isolation and loneliness can bring on feelings of hopelessness and depression; have a negative impact on mental health, and even affect quality of life. As one of MorningStar’s assisted living residents, you will receive the personal daily care you need to help maintain your independence. Our services include help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, eating and more. Our trained care managers are there to help navigate any changes in your health and ensure you get the proper level of care you need. MorningStar’s scheduled transportation services, medication management, and pharmacy services make it easy to safely get to important doctor visits, and keep prescriptions filled and dispensed as needed. Residents also enjoy the built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living, including all day dining with healthy and delicious meals served restaurant style. Just some of the amenities include a fitness room, bistro, theater and billiards & game room. Located near medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and other services, MorningStar of Billings provides trusted senior living with predictable budgeting, freedom from endless home maintenance and opportunities for new friendships. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care at MorningStar. 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. Retirement can become quite lonely for some seniors. As adults, we make friends through school, work, neighborhood gatherings, hobbies in the community, faith-based activities, and the like. For seniors, many factors may impede their ability to make friends as easily as they once had. Health concerns, changes in eyesight, mobility inhibitions, and general anxieties or worries can make branching outside of the home feel daunting.
Active senior living communities help seniors feel relaxed and supported to make new friends and establish themselves in groups and hobbies that make them feel fulfilled. MorningStar offers the most active retirement communities Glendale has to offer, with various clubs, amenities, and social gatherings that encourage seniors aged 55 and up to explore their passions and goals. Some of the great benefits of MorningStar’s active retirement homes in Glendale include:
Want to know more about the 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, take 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 seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona. In the quest for a holistic approach to aging gracefully, meditation emerges as a powerful tool for enhancing senior brain health. For residents of assisted living Fort Collins and those in Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins, incorporating meditation into daily routines offers numerous benefits, ranging from improved cognitive function to enhanced emotional well-being. Here’s a closer look at how meditation supports senior brain health and overall quality of life.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety One of the most immediate benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. For seniors, particularly those in assisted living Fort Collins, the tranquility achieved through meditation can significantly lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, thereby reducing the stress that can adversely affect cognitive health. Enhancing Memory and Attention Regular meditation practice has been shown to improve memory and attention, two aspects of cognitive function that can decline with age. This is especially relevant in Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins, where meditation techniques are integrated into care plans to help slow cognitive decline and enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia. Promoting Emotional Health Meditation fosters a sense of calm and balance, contributing to better emotional health. By encouraging mindfulness and present-moment awareness, it helps seniors in assisted living Fort Collins navigate the emotional challenges of aging, promoting resilience and a positive outlook. Improving Sleep Quality Sleep issues, which can exacerbate cognitive and emotional problems, are common among seniors. Meditation practices, particularly mindfulness meditation and guided relaxation, can improve sleep quality by helping seniors relax and release the day’s tensions before bedtime, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Boosting Neuroplasticity Emerging research suggests that meditation can increase neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. For aging adults, including those in Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins, this ability is crucial for maintaining cognitive agility and recovering from brain injuries or strokes. Fostering Social Connections Group meditation sessions provide an opportunity for social engagement, an important aspect of senior well-being. Participating in meditation groups can help residents of assisted living Fort Collins and other senior communities feel connected, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Incorporating meditation into the daily lives of seniors offers a non-invasive, effective way to support brain health, enhance emotional well-being, and improve overall quality of life. For those in assisted living Fort Collins and Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins, meditation provides a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life, fostering a sense of calm and clarity that benefits both mind and body. As we age, navigating space starts to look a little differently for everyone. Some elders begin to lose full mobility function and may require a wheelchair or cane, while some seniors may just need to downsize and declutter. Some seniors may even find benefits in relocating to a retirement community that can better suit their living needs. Regardless of what you’re struggling with, there are helpful tips and tricks to make your home better adjusted to a senior’s lifestyle and health needs.
MorningStar Senior Living Glendale excels in creating senior-friendly spaces that are functional, easily accessible, and comfortable. In these retirement communities in Glendale, Arizona, you will find innovative senior living that offers great living arrangements with senior-friendly architecture and design. The following are some tips on how to make your living space more accessible for seniors. Senior-Friendly Living Spaces If a senior has undergone surgery, a painful accident, or is simply struggling with immobility concerns, it is worth adjusting a home to become more accessible for them to navigate without much help. Immobility can greatly impede a senior’s independence. Widening doorways, placing ramps over stairs, installing walk-in showers, and handrails, and removing tripping hazards are all steps in the right direction to make your home more accessible for a senior to live. If altering your two-story home is not possible, it is advised to keep your loved one on the first floor to limit their contact with stairs. If possible, consider installing a stair lift to make it easier for them to access the other story of the home. This tip for improving senior living arrangements often gets overlooked. Our eyesight can diminish as we age, and so can our depth perception. Even with glasses, seniors may struggle to see things in their way or tell if something may be an obstacle for them. Adjusting your lighting is a great way to minimize accidents and make your home more senior-friendly. Find All-Inclusive Senior Living Glendale Want to know more about the 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, take 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 seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona. Effective medication management is a cornerstone of maintaining health and wellness in senior years, particularly for those residing in assisted living Fort Collins and receiving Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins. With the complexity of health conditions that often accompany aging, many seniors find themselves navigating a regimen of multiple medications. Proper management ensures that medications are taken correctly, enhancing their efficacy and minimizing potential risks. Here are essential tips for seniors and their caregivers to manage medications effectively.
1. Use a Pill Organizer A simple yet effective tool, a pill organizer can help keep track of daily medications, ensuring doses are not missed or doubled. For seniors in assisted living Fort Collins, utilizing an organizer can foster independence while maintaining medication accuracy. 2. Maintain an Up-to-Date Medication List Keeping a comprehensive and current list of all medications, including doses, frequency, and purpose, is crucial. This list should be shared with healthcare providers at every visit and be readily accessible in emergencies. Facilities specializing in Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins often assist residents in managing this list, ensuring all medical professionals involved in a resident’s care are fully informed. 3. Understand Your Medications Knowledge is power when it comes to medication management. Understanding why each medication is prescribed, its potential side effects, and how it interacts with other medications can empower seniors to be proactive about their health. Educational sessions provided in assisted living Fort Collins can equip residents with this vital knowledge. 4. Set Reminders Utilizing alarm clocks, smartphone apps, or reminder services can help ensure medications are taken at the correct times each day. In settings like Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins, staff can assist with medication reminders, providing an extra layer of support for residents. 5. Regularly Review Medications with Healthcare Providers As health conditions change, so too can medication needs. Regularly reviewing all medications with healthcare providers ensures that each medication is still necessary and that doses are optimal. This practice can prevent polypharmacy risks and interactions, a crucial aspect of care in assisted living Fort Collins. 6. Use One Pharmacy Filling all prescriptions at the same pharmacy can help reduce the risk of drug interactions and duplications. Pharmacists can play a key role in medication management by keeping a comprehensive record of a senior’s medications and offering counsel on their safe use. Effective medication management is essential for enhancing the quality of life and health outcomes for seniors, especially those in assisted living Fort Collins and Alzheimer’s care Fort Collins. By implementing these tips, seniors can navigate their medication regimens safely and effectively, ensuring they get the maximum benefit from their treatments. As we age, more of us worry about ourselves or a loved one getting Alzheimer’s disease. Currently the disease does not have a cure but there are several medications that help mitigate symptoms, and a few more promising treatments on the horizon. That being said, it is still a disease none of us wish to experience.
Many people are aware of studies showing a good diet and exercise are not only good for heart health but also good for maintaining cognitive health. Additionally, Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist and director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic, told AARP there are lesser-known things people can do to strengthen cognitive health. She explains it involves letting go of some bad habits and replacing them with healthier ones. One suggestion is to try and limit negative thoughts. A study reports “participants who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain, the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.” While we all have spent time thinking about bad things happening or that have happened, experts say repeatedly focusing on negative thoughts may put us at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s. Another easy way to lessen your risk for Alzheimer’s is to get vaccinated. Paul Schulz, M.D., a neurologist at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, reported on a nationwide study, which found adults over 65 who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found a 25 to 30 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s for seniors who had a pneumonia vaccination. Other studies link an increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s to consuming sugary drinks (including fruit juices – better to eat the fruit). Researchers say it can lead to spiking blood sugar and an exaggerated insulin response, which may trigger chronic inflammation in the brain. MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs offers memory care and assisted living to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We provide our residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs and more. 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 value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving memory care and assisted living in Colorado Springs, CO. Source: aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2021/habits-that-hurt-brain-health.html MorningStar of Billings is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree. Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.
MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. For the most active seniors, MorningStar of Billings’ independent living offers seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it. Our assisted living suites are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day. Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7. We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services and more. Finally, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with 36 suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents. To accomplish this, our staff is trained in the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care. In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, meals, activities and programs. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about senior living at MorningStar. MorningStar’s senior living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and luxury 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. For many people suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, there comes a time when home care is not enough and the person would benefit from long-term care in a residential setting. Of course when that time comes, you want the finest care so it is important to understand what the community offers and whether it meets the needs of your loved one.
Independent living communities, which offer things like meals, transportation, amenities and social activities do not have the ability to care for someone in the middle or advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This type of community is only appropriate for those in the early stages of the disease who can still care for themselves. Assisted living communities offer supportive care and provide an alternative between independent living and nursing homes. However, if you are looking at assisted living, ask if they have a dedicated memory care area for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association understands it is a difficult decision to move a loved one into residential care but at a certain point they say it may be best for the person and their family. As the disease advances, 24/7 supervision is necessary to ensure the person’s safety; and this level of care can take a real toll on a family caregiver. Moreover, as a caregiver, it is important to consider your own health and whether you are neglecting other responsibilities that are also important. Another thing to remember is the social setting and structure of a memory care community might prove to be good for the person. To decide on a memory care community, it helps to visit a few places to determine which one would be best for your loved one. Experts recommend visiting during mealtime or activity time. You will also want to know how the community involves families in creating care plans; and what is the procedure to inform families of changes in the person’s condition or care needs. Other important details to ask about include programs and activities the person will participate in as well as what is the ratio of staff to residents. Be sure to notice if the community is well-kept and that residents appear clean and well-groomed. At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we specialize in providing memory care in Colorado Springs for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We offer support to residents as well as their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information. 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 offers. |
AuthorMorningStar Senior Living’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Archives
March 2018
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