At some point, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be very challenging. Caregiver burnout is a real thing and families may need to look for a memory care community to ensure the person is getting the care they need as well as to relieve family caregivers.
At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we have earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to provide care to our tender residents. Our community was built in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with dementia-related memory impairment and residents have the independence to safely move about their spacious surroundings. Our physical environment also includes enclosed outdoor spaces and suites equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach to the disease, giving employees a better understanding as well as tools for effective, compassionate care. As we know those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other memory loss diseases do better staying engaged, we provide a gentle flow of concurrent activities and meaningful wellness programs. Additionally, your loved one will receive full-time non-medical care, transportation and a meal service geared toward their special needs along with assistance in the activities of daily living (ADL). While we encourage families to carefully decide on the community to entrust their loved one to, once a decision is made regarding our home, we begin a process of getting to know our new resident’s background, talents and personal preferences. To aid us in this effort we use a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” which is designed to help us create a specialized, individualized service plan for him or her. Please contact us to learn more about our loving community. In addition, our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care Colorado Springs offers. 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 for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. Most seniors wish to maintain their independence as long as possible by living on their own; and this is why many who encounter problems in their day-to-day lives are reluctant to tell their families. The problem with this is as a senior starts to have more difficulty caring for themselves, their quality of life can be greatly diminished.
Even if mom or dad seem to be doing well on their own, experts say a rapid decline in their health from an accident or illness can catch families by surprise and make living on their own dangerous. In addition, many health conditions affect musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory or sensory systems and impact a senior’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Experts say other factors indicating a need for more help include social isolation, medication side effects and the physical characteristics of the person’s home such as a second floor bedroom. If after implementing a series of home modifications is not adequate, more measures need to be taken to keep your loved one safe. Experts explain unmet ADLs can lead to serious health problems including “malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and falls. In fact, studies show ADL disabilities are associated with an increased risk for mortality; and taking care of daily needs can help prevent new and worsening health problems.” They also report if family members notice a decline in a loved one’s overall health, taking steps now can improve their safety and forestall further problems. One solution is to make a move to retirement communities, where a person can live as safely and as independently as possible. To ensure needs are met, homes use the ADLs as a measure of a person’s functional performance. MorningStar at Arrowhead is a beautiful community with 60 assisted living suites offering residents’ peace of mind knowing compassionate help is readily available whenever they need it. We also have 25 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. To learn more about one of the finest retirement homes in Glendale, please visit our website. MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale has to offer. 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. Source:agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm Many of us have been embarrassed by forgetting someone’s name when we unexpectedly run into them or missing an appointment. The Medical News Today (MNT) describes short-term memory as the brain systems involved in storing information for short periods, usually up to about 30 seconds. Short-term memory typically holds about seven pieces of information at a time. Our long-term memory is where old memories are stored.
Experts remind seniors not all problems with memory loss are caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia but rather some are age-related or caused by outside factors. One example is sleep as research shows lack of sleep interferes with short-term memory and is vital to memory consolidation, which is the process of preserving key memories and discarding excessive or irrelevant information. Drinking too much alcohol and using recreational drugs also interfere with memory consolation; and overtime can cause irreversible damage to both short and long-term memory. Other issues that cause memory loss can be medications (check with your doctor), infections such as Lyme disease, urinary tract infections (UTI), and organ failure, such as liver failure. Even a small amount of hearing or vision loss can interfere with a person’s ability to take in and process new information. Experts say once the problem is solved such as with hearing aids, memory problems should improve. Chronic cardiovascular problems like hypertension and high cholesterol impair blood flow to the brain, leading to a condition called vascular dementia. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder additionally have the potential to cause memory problems but typically go away once the underlying problems are resolved. For any of these various reasons, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are having memory problems as it could be treatable. At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our goal is to provide the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers, which includes helping families transition their loved ones into our welcoming home. Every aspect of our community caters to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Visit our website for more information about our loving home, our team and our company’s approach to care. 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 for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/memory-loss#memory-loss-causes Along with many non-drug interventions such as art, music, animals and gardening, doll therapy is another way to soothe and calm people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. While some people find it controversial and believe giving toys to adults is demeaning, Dr. Gary Mitchell, PhD, a lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland and the author of the 2016 book Doll Therapy in Dementia Care: Evidence and Practice, respectively disagrees.
He explains living with Alzheimer’s is like being lost in a sea of confusion and uncertainty. “You don’t really know people anymore. You don’t really know the days of the week; but when you have that doll with you, over a period of time it can almost be your anchor. That’s the thing you’re responsible for, the thing you remember. And it brings a sense of comfort and attachment.” Additionally, a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests doll therapy significantly reduced the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia as well as caregiver distress. Experts offer a few tips for families or caregivers who are considering getting a therapy doll. They say to casually introduce the doll and to let the person decide if they like it. If they appear disinterested, don’t force the issue but rather try again in a few weeks. While you will want to buy a life-like doll, don’t get one that cries. At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we specialize in providing individualized memory care assisted living for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Our community has 48 suites with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans and is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling to walk alongside your family on this challenging path. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate home, our company’s philosophy and our dedicated team. MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in memory care assisted 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 or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. Source: everydayhealth.com/alzheimers-disease/complete-guide-to-doll-therapy-for-people-living-with alzheimers/ It is devastating news for families to get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia for a loved one. While probably not a total surprise as family and friends had noticed worrisome changes such as memory loss, confusion and an inability to perform many routine tasks, the question remains “now what?”
This is where advice from the person’s doctor as well as other experts can be helpful. One trusted source is the National Institute on Aging (NIA) that offers lots of helpful information and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Alzheimer’s Association has many local chapters where you can get support, meet others in a similar situation, and get involved in various fundraising activities. In addition, the NIA encourages family members to reach out to local community centers and hospitals to see if they offer Alzheimer’s educational programs. Experts say it is important that the person continues to get regular medical checkups including with their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Your medical team should be able to tell you if there is a memory disorder clinic in the area. Now is also the time to take care of financial, long-term care planning. It is recommended you include your loved one in the discussion regarding their care as soon as possible. An advanced care plan ensures the person can receive treatment and care according to their preferences, even when they can no longer express them. At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our entire community is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional assisted living dementia care and we are here if or when you need us. Our home is a safe, peaceful place for residents where they are encouraged to engage in meaningful programs and activities to stimulate or calm as the occasion requires. We are proud of our team who feels privileged to serve and have big hearts. Please visit our website for details on our home, care services and holistic approach to trusted dementia care in Colorado Springs. MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies 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 or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis If you are retired, you probably have more time on your hands so why not try something new or something you have always wanted to do. This should include adding a physical activity to your daily routine as studies find many adults 65 years and older spend up to 10 hours a day sitting or lying down. Some of the best exercises for seniors are Nordic walking, swimming, golf, tai chi, and yoga. Experts say focus on improving your strength, balance and flexibility and check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.
In addition, you may want to include activities or hobbies that bring you into social contact with others. This can be done by taking a class online or in person. Suggestions include joining a book club, learning to play an instrument or taking an art or photography class. Retirement means more time to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in the types of food you prepare. It can be lots of fun and help you eat healthier and save money. Take the challenge by learning to cook foods from around the world, and then share the fruits of your labor by inviting family or friends over. Birdwatching is a hobby that ties in several objectives. You get out into nature, which has been shown to lower anxiety; learn something new, and get physically active. Moreover, if you join a birdwatching club, you get to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. For anyone wanting to improve their photography skills, shooting pictures of birds is a good way to do it; and the hobby offers a great activity to do while traveling. Other enjoyable hobbies, which can help seniors cognitively, include putting together challenging traditional jigsaw puzzles or 3-D ones. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, trivia games, chess and other brain games are also mentally challenging. Another hobby becoming more popular with seniors is online gaming that can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Billings may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information. 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. As more and more research shows, getting enough sleep each night is important for everything from better mental health to better physical health. Some studies have even reported findings of an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in people who routinely have sleep problems.
If you are someone who has trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, the US News & World Report published several tips from sleep experts to help reset your sleep clock and improve your sleep habits. They recommend beginning with reestablishing waking and bedtime rituals by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time. It may even be a good idea to eat meals at the same time. Your bedroom should be dark and use a light-blocking sleep mask if needed. Also keep your bedroom a work free zone. Other recommendations include avoiding caffeine after noon, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and exercising each day. Dr. Kannan Ramar, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a pulmonologist, critical care specialist and sleep medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, says, “Pervasive worry is a major factor in sleep disruption.” He advises his patients to turn off the TV and your tablet one or two hours before bedtime. Stop drinking alcohol at least one or two hours before sleep and consider moderating your consumption. 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 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 Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our campus is conveniently located on the west end of Billings in a beautiful park-like neighborhood and offers spectacular mountain views. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. 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. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/sleep-reset-getting-your-sleep-back-to-normal As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as the following reports: “At least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.”
The question then becomes when what is the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start. Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or confusion. Constantly repeating questions, forgetting the word for something or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood are other signs of a bigger problem. Judgement and planning may also be impaired, and tasks the person used to be good at like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe can become frustrating and difficult. To know for sure what is happening, you need to make an appointment with their doctor. They can do a complete medical work-up including looking at the medications the person is taking, and checking for signs of depression and other environmental issues, which could account for symptoms. If the person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, there are therapies designed to improve quality of life. For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ 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 for more information. 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 for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/forgetful-dementia/ Searching for a memory care community 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 the community 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 community offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s 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? At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer, which includes individualized memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Glendale, AZ’s MorningStar at Arrowhead may be your answer. Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems, or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss.
Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses pretty slowly. Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we offer individualized, loving care to those with memory impairment. Every aspect of our community is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, they deserve the best memory care in Colorado Springs. Please visit our website to learn more. 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 for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. |
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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