Our modern-day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change.
Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact, a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people aged 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6 1⁄2 hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s authors recommend getting up and moving at least every 30 minutes. Your activity could be a quick round of squats or pushups or a walk around your front yard, or something similar for a few minutes. Lack of socialization can also lead to a thinning of the MTL as several studies link loneliness to a higher risk of dementia. Experts say you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle but rather try to routinely connect with three or four family members or friends. The number of social connections is less important than the degree of meaningful interactions. Other healthy cognitive behaviors include getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and reducing your level of stress. Research shows chronic stress “can kill brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.” To manage stress, experts suggest breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness. If you are looking at what assisted living communities offer in Fort Collins, CO we encourage you to consider MorningStar. We provide area seniors outstanding assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Fort Collins. 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 one of the finest assisted living communities in Fort Collins, CO. Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-worst-habits-for-your-brain Along with assisted living, Fort Collins’ MorningStar community offers 24 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities.
MorningStar at Fort Collins’ memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings. Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents. It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. MorningStar Senior Living celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and has grown to 40+ communities in operation or under construction in eleven states. Please contact us for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in Fort Collins. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins has to offer. To help those dealing with end-of-life issues, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains some of the myths associated with palliative and hospice care including sorting out the difference between the two terms. They explain while they are similar, they do differ in a couple of significant ways.
Palliative care is defined as providing specialized care for those living with a serious illness. Myths linked to palliative care include the person no longer being able to receive care for their disease. The fact is care can be provided for the illness along with curative care. Another myth is the person will no longer be able to see their primary doctor but will only be treated by specialists. NIA says in many cases, the person’s primary provider will work hand-in-hand with specialists. The intention of palliative care is to improve quality of life as well as provide care to improve help with symptoms. It also helps the patient understand their choices for medical treatment. A palliative care team may be made up of specialized nurses and doctors along with social workers, nutritionists and chaplains. If a time comes when the person’s care team decides treatment is no longer working, palliative care could transition to hospice care if the doctor believes the person is likely to die within six months. Another option is the palliative team would continue to help with the emphasis on providing comfort care. The NIA explains hospice care provides comfort and quality of life for a person with a serious illness who is facing end of life. The myth surrounding hospice care is the person cannot receive any medications. The truth is a person will receive medications to help manage symptoms but not to treat the disease. Many people think hospice care can only be done in a hospital or nursing facility but experts say it can also be done at home. MorningStar at Bear Creek is designed to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents suffering from memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our care is designed around the needs of residents through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s signature philosophy and approach to dementia care, which incorporates Montessori-based therapies to help elevate and celebrate life. For more information about MorningStar’s assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, please contact us or visit our website. 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 assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs. MorningStar of Billings wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if their loved one moves into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need. Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences. In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.
As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly. If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services. We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages. Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly. Or you may worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day. We have an answer to both problems as our five-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents. To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure they have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. Within our 70 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations that provide residents privacy, comfort, and security. You will find our suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes with refrigerator and microwave, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. All that is missing to make it feel like home are your own furnishings and personal items. Also, you will not need to leave behind a beloved family member as we are pet friendly! For more information about the finest assisted living in Billings, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our beautiful community. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT. If you want to get something special for mom or dad or another loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it can be challenging to figure out a good gift. This is where the Internet can lend a hand with a range of items designed to enhance your loved one’s quality of life.
Dementia care specialists say it can take a little more time and some creativity but there are many great gift ideas. One idea is personalized gifts or memory-filled ones. A photo album filled with pictures of the person surrounded by people important to them, or a picture book from a place they loved to visit. A coffee mug personalized with a photo or a cozy throw filled with favorite family pictures are also good ideas. Music from their younger years, show tunes and old movies are sure to make them smile and can be a good way to spend an afternoon together listening to their new gifts. Coloring books filled with pictures of things they love such as animals or flowers, and a set of new markers or crayons, and easy-to-do crafts are also fun to do together. Another item targeted to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is therapy stuffed animals. Designed to meet their special needs, one example is a teddy bear that comes with a few classic songs but has room to load a person’s favorite tunes (up to a 1,000 songs). Cuddly robotic cat and dog stuffed animals have a calming, soothing effect on people in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer's disease. Research shows they can help the person remember a time in their life when their purpose included caring for others. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Billings provides compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents, allowing them as much independence as possible. Our specially-trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss, and will strive every day to connect with and nurture that essence. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT. MorningStar offers seniors some of the best senior living Glendale has to offer based on these three reasons.
Are you looking for a senior living community in Arizona that you can trust to provide personalized care for your parents or loved ones? When looking for the best assisted living, find a retirement community full of dedicated team members who make it their mission to ensure every resident receives the individualized attention they deserve. Keep reading to explore the benefits of Arizona’s most trusted choice in assisted living based on these three factors.
Find All-Inclusive Senior Living at MorningStar Retirement Homes Glendale 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. Along with a variety of well-designed floor plans for assisted living, Fort Collins’ MorningStar community has suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.
MorningStar of Fort Collins’ resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible. All our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents. Memory care residents can move freely about in a safe and secure environment reserved just for them. We offer three daily meals served in our lovely dining room where residents and staff eat together. In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, medication management and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease, and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainment and exercise as well as our special events and outings. Please visit our website for more information about our loving community. If you like what you see, contact us or use our Community Assistant (in the lower right corner) to set up a tour. We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one. 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 memory care and assisted living Fort Collins, CO offers. If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.
The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. MorningStar of Fort Collins is a senior community with a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living communities. 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 one of the finest assisted living communities in Fort Collins, CO. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ goal is to be one of the finest assisted living communities in the area. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors.
Our founding principles are based on “casting a new light” on senior living and treating each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily as we care for, inspire and love the residents under our roof. At MorningStar we want seniors to recognize they are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream. We take great pride in a reputation for excellence and authenticity in both how we serve and why we serve throughout our MorningStar communities in eleven states. Specializing in compassionate care delivered by our distinguished team and guided by our proprietary program “Radiance,” we know the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our talents, time and energy. As people are living longer than any other time in history, senior living is quickly becoming a popular option for older adults. Residents appreciate predictable budgeting, luxury amenities and services, companionship and a carefree lifestyle. Seniors’ wellbeing, comfort and safety are something MorningStar of Fort Collins takes very seriously. Our beautiful community has 55 assisted living suites as well as 24 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us today to see how we can help support you or a loved one. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted 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 exceptional assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar Senior Living of Billings, we offer residents a warm and welcoming home to safely age in place with the added benefit of several neighborhoods under one roof. This includes 32 cottages and 72 suites for independent living along with 70 stylish suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Fully equipped, all you need to bring are your furnishings and personal treasures; and yes, we are pet friendly.
For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, we provide suites and can lovingly care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas including a secure courtyard. For residents’ safety, suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. Memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach. This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers. Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss. Once a family decides MorningStar is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests. Contact us for more information about compassionate and loving memory care in Billings, MT. MorningStar of Billings’ foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. |
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
Categories
All
|