When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is upsetting news for all. Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold. Most are left with questions about what to expect next.
As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.” They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages. Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better. Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors. Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned. You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care. Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day. A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away. The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings. They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses. Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings. MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals. For memory care Colorado Springs families can count on, 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 to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia-related disease; and more than 6 million Americans are living with the disease. In their 2022 report, the Association projected that Alzheimer's disease would cost the United States $321 billion in 2022 and to rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050 (in 2022 dollars).
If you live in the Colorado Springs area and have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Bear Creek. Our community is totally devoted to those with memory impairment and MorningStar brings 19 years of experience to memory care in senior communities across eleven states. We love the towns and cities where MorningStar communities are located in, and display our civic pride and honor God through servant-leadership by volunteering in local nonprofits. As our remarkable residents remind us that life’s deepest satisfaction is found when we give of ourselves in service to others, we rally behind organizations that serve seniors such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Each year, MorningStar communities host uplifting celebrations for “The Longest Day” on the summer solstice, which raises awareness and funds in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition staff members, residents and families play a role in another Alzheimer’s Association’s event, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” that takes place every fall. These are the world's largest fundraising events for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Visit their website for details; it’s not too early to get active and support the upcoming longest day celebration or join a walk, start one in your area or donate to a team. MorningStar at Bear Creek’s holistic approach to memory care starts with creating a personalized service plan to address needs and provide a gentle flow of daily activities to calm or stimulate. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional 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. The overall environment of a memory care community is important to your loved one’s well being and should be able to address their unique needs and personality. While in-person tours used to be the norm, during the pandemic communities went to virtual tours, and many still offer those along with regular onsite visits.
A Place for Mom offers several tips on what to look for when you tour an assisted living dementia care community. To start with, does the community address your loved one’s mobility issues? Relying on your senses, does the home appear clean without lingering bad odors? During a virtual or in-person tour, ask to see a room like the one your family member will occupy. Are you happy with the amount of windows, lighting and decor? Your next concern should be about security and safety. Does the home have secure doors and rooms equipped with emergency alert systems, handicap-accessible bathrooms and color-coded hallways to make navigation easy? Is there adequate staffing during the day as well as nighttime, and what medical services are available? Ask questions regarding the training staff receive particularly in regards to dementia care. If possible, can you and your loved one join the community for a meal? Not only does that give you the chance to taste the food but to interact with other residents. Does the home have a weekly activities’ calendar, and can you both attend one of the activities or classes? Lastly, A Place for Mom recommends trusting your instincts as you know your loved one the best. MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek offers holistic care in Colorado Springs for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. As a resident, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from compassionate, trained care managers, daily health monitoring, access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers. They will also engage in daily, meaningful activities. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the philosophy that guides our care. 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 alzheimer’s care within a home-like setting. Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community. Dehydration is a real concern especially for the elderly, or for anyone who spends time in the sun. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says over 43% of adults do not drink enough water each day. Although the amount of fluid we need differs, Heather Mangieri, a registered dietitian based in Imperial, PA, says on average men should consume 15 cups of fluid a day and women 11 cups.
Experts say water is the best way to hydrate but for those who find it a chore to drink, there are other healthy alternatives. In fact, statistics show 22% of our daily fluid intake is from foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are especially high in fluid. Some of the most moisture-providing vegetables are lettuce and cucumbers containing up to 96% water. Celery, radishes, spinach and cauliflower are other good choices. Some of the most hydrating fruits are tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe. Despite popular folklore, coffee doesn’t cause fluid loss and does provide hydration, but experts say it is still important to limit your amount of caffeine especially toward evening. Drinking too much alcohol does dehydrate the body and one tip to lessen the effects is to consume a beverage high in electrolytes like coconut water. Cold soups are another way to keep your fluid levels high. Oatmeal with berries is a good choice for breakfast as the oats soak up the water they are cooked in and the berries themselves are hydrating. At MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, we specialize in providing memory care assisted living for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our home has 48 suites in a variety of floor plans; and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Residents receive daily health monitoring and Alzheimer's care as well as healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Visit our website for information regarding our services, amenities and availability. MorningStar at Bear Creek represents the very best in senior 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 to learn more about trusted memory care and assisted living in Colorado Springs. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/ways-to-stay-hydrated-besides-drinking-water Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers studio and shared suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our home is honored to provide individualized, compassionate care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced.
The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents. As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard. In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve. Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences. From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration. Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose. If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Billings team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for more information. MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Billings. The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned with ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).” Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants. At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 55 stylish suites for assisted living and another 24 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins, CO. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html Searching for memory care for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs.
Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our one-story residential home is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website 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 for more information about our exceptional community. The Alzheimer’s Association explains Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only affects the individual but robs family members of their loved one. As the disease progresses, it takes away more and more of the person and the family begins to mourn the loss. While grief has different phases including denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance in no particular order; universally shared by most families is unease about what the future holds and what to expect next.
Hope is a powerful human emotion so denying the disease is a coping mechanism for some as they try to convince themselves their loved one will get better or not reach the level of devastation experienced by many suffering from the disease. Others may refuse to recognize the changed behavior and make excuses for it. Spouses and significant others may experience anger as they feel abandoned by the person and frustrated at their inability to do anything about it. They may also feel resentment and overwhelmed by caregiving duties but experts say it is important to be honest with yourself. Recognize you need more support and ask for it. Other feelings of grief include guilt. A person may worry they have not done enough or are not visiting often enough. While unrealistic, spouses may feel guilty they are still able to enjoy life while their wife or husband is no longer able. If a caregiver is not getting enough support, they may even experience thoughts about wishing the person would die or go away. The Alzheimer’s Association says it is important to get the help and support you need and to accept your feelings and remember grief is part of the journey. At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. MorningStar offers experienced, compassionate care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is unique from many other senior living communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from memory impairment. We provide our tender residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs, community meals and more. We invite Fort Collins area families to contact us for more information and to set up a tour. At MorningStar of Fort Collins, 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 assisted living and memory care. MorningStar at Arrowhead is part of a company founded on authenticity, and a reputation for excellence. What sets our home apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers? The fact that we understand the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Additionally, we have an extraordinary team who feel privileged to serve and help create an environment where life is enriched, stories are shared, and lives are cherished.
Our beautiful community has 60 private assisted living suites and another 25 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. In assisted living, residents receive various levels of support with the activities of daily living, based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their extended family. Care includes around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure residents’ safety and wellbeing as they work to meet expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. MorningStar’s memory care uses a holistic approach, which is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore as we find ways to daily celebrate life regardless of the extent of memory loss. Moreover, we understand the essence of the person remains and treat each with the utmost respect and dignity as we walk alongside the individual and their family throughout this difficult journey. To learn more about our loving community, we encourage you to visit our website. You will find extensive information such as floorplans, care services, amenities and answers to other frequently asked questions. For a quick response, use our Virtual Assistant to inquiry about availability, pricing and/or to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers. 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 assisted living and memory care. Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgment, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your spouse or mom or dad safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing.
Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, look into food delivery services. Additionally, lower the temperature of the water coming from the taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area. To reduce the risk for falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings offers 36 secure memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed with the needs of our special residents in mind and includes an enclosed courtyard, suites equipped with emergency call systems, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participants in daily activities such as arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, loving memory care in Billings. 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 our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT. |
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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