Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages. Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life. Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish. MorningStar of Fort Collins is a trusted assisted living and memory care community located on the southeast side of the city near medical facilities, restaurants, shopping, and other services. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Fort Collins. 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. Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music A growing number of seniors have mild impairments in cognitive ability. The term mild cognitive impairment is used to describe this intermediate state between normal cognitive functioning and dementia. Individuals with mild cognitive function are at an increased risk of progressing to more severe cognitive impairment, as well as depressive episodes, and an overall poorer quality of life. Retirement homes in Glendale, AZ, such as MorningStar at Arrowhead, have specially designed a program for this often-overlooked group of seniors who struggle with mild impairment in cognitive ability, called WayFinders.
WayFinders is a peer group of seniors who, having jointly reached a unique stage in their journey, require special attention. An active and socially integrated life is a key component of well-being in old age. Older adults who are more socially engaged have better cognitive health outcomes and a slower rate of cognitive decline and dementia. Specifically designed for reengagement of seniors with mild cognitive loss, WayFinders uses purposeful activities and exercises to skillfully draw out and sensitively draw in seniors who are self-isolating in reaction to cognitive loss and the associated insecurities it creates. With no effective pharmaceuticals available to prevent further cognitive decline in those with MCI, efforts are increasingly aimed at identifying non-pharmacological approaches. Many of our tools at MorningStar strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while improving focus and concentration. The interactive offerings of our iN2L system (“It’s Never Too Late” software) are also used to great effect. Through diverse means we seek ways for these residents to restore confidence, maintain control, and find their footing on what can feel like uncharted territory. Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and senior living in Glendale, Arizona. 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 senior living facilities in Arizona. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona. Looking for the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies, and to do more than just dream about exciting adventures? Independent living offers a refreshing change of lifestyle and gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to the endless chores and maintenance associated with homeownership. Other often overlooked benefits include built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook.
Independent living communities may differ but many let you enjoy the comforts of home along with an array of luxury services and amenities. These may include housekeeping, transportation, onsite salon and fitness center, and meal plans. In most, residents can lead a lifestyle as active or relaxed as they choose. At MorningStar of Billings, we allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. For the most active seniors, we offer 32 private, free-standing cottages in 2-bedroom, two bath configurations. Each cottage has a one-car garage, fireplace, full kitchen and high-end finishes in floorplans from 1112 to 1236 sq. ft. We offer another 72 stylish independent living suites in our main building with several one and two-bedroom options. While our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our independent living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. Moreover, if the time comes for a more formal arrangement, you will be familiar with MorningStar of Billing’s assisted living and memory care, and as a member of our community, you will receive priority access. MorningStar is conveniently located on the west end of Billings, and while it boasts a country setting, it is close to shopping centers and the medical community. We are situated on a large campus in a beautiful, park-like neighborhood that offers views of the Rockies. In addition, Billings has four golf courses and is just minutes away from the historic city of Red Lodge, Montana that offers a whole host of both winter and summer adventures. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. MorningStar of Billings’ 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. 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. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Fort Collins is designed to meet the needs of our assisted living residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to comfortably and safely age in place with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities.
Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So, our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. MorningStar provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For one of the area’s finest senior living communities, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fort Collins. 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. If you are looking for comprehensive, compassionate memory care assisted living for a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. As our community is devoted to memory care only, every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted, safe and secure.
We know it is devastating when a family receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease and we feel called to help by shouldering some of the burden. Our team is made up of the kind of individuals who recognize it is a privilege to serve and is highly trained in our signature “Lavender Sky” program, which uses Montessori-based therapies to calm and stimulate. Regardless of the level of memory loss, we strive each day to foster a nurturing environment for the highest quality of life. Our daily, meaningful wellness programs engage residents in a variety of ways including dancing and listening to music, singing, crafting, painting or participating in physical exercise. We also use therapy animals and aromatherapy as well as take residents on outings and hold special events. As a resident, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from compassionate, trained care managers and daily health monitoring. In addition, they will have access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers. In addition, you can feel comfortable trusting your family member into our care as we are one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.” For a senior living community to receive this honor, at least 75% of its staff must complete eight hours of training that include brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful memory care community in Colorado Springs, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. MorningStar at Bear Creek represents 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. Experts recommend that your first step before beginning the actual search for the “perfect” senior living community should be compiling answers to some important questions. The first is to evaluate the level of care mom or dad needs, or if you are looking for yourself, be honest about the care you need to improve the quality of your life.
Also, look at your finances to determine your range of affordability. Include pensions, annuities and other retirement income as well as social security. An Elder law attorney can help you explore other options including your eligibility for Veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, real estate assets that can be sold or leveraged, life insurance, tax benefits, etc. Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s situation, begin your search for senior living communities in your preferred location that meet the above criteria as well as offer onsite amenities and services desired. If mom or dad no longer drives, does the community offer transportation to doctor appointments? Is a meal service included? Is it important for you to have a fitness center, hair salon, swimming pool, WiFi, etc. onsite? Do you need parking? These are just a few of the questions to consider when looking for the perfect community. Once you narrow down your options, give the communities a call to inquiry about availability, pricing, and other particulars. At MorningStar of Billings, you will find our beautiful all-inclusive home has it all including independent living, assisted living, memory care, companion living, and respite care. Our community offers 32 free-standing cottages, along with 72 stylish suites for independent living, 70 for assisted living and 36 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Situated in a park-like neighborhood in western Billings, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Visit our website for more information including a virtual tour, floor plans and list of amenities. MorningStar of Billings 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar of Fort Collins, our goal is to provide residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can safely age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents also receive the often overlooked benefits of community living such as healthy social connections and peace of mind knowing loving support is available whenever they need it.
All assisted living residents have an individualized care plan created to help them maintain their independence, and our 24/7 care managers make sure the plan is carried out. MorningStar’s care managers are dedicated, hard-working individuals who provide loving care to our incredible residents and enjoy building strong relationships with them. Many of our daily activities are just plain fun and include movie nights, trivia and card games, craft classes, exercise classes and much more. Our all-day meal service is targeted to seniors’ palates as well as their nutritional needs. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is the centerpiece of personal wellness that starts with proper diets and healthy choices. When enjoyed in community, it provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends. We also have a partnership with Genesis Rehabilitation, a leading provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy for older adults. The alliance includes full-time, in-house Genesis therapists and expands our resident services in integrated wellness, promoting optimal independence and abundant life for seniors. Along with many support services, MorningStar of Fort Collins provides the physical environment to ensure older adults live as safely and as comfortably as possible. Assisted living suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and each unit has an emergency call system. In addition to 55 assisted living suites, we have 24 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” 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 memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers. Medical experts say there are things we can do before and after that may help encourage our recovery from surgery. One of the first things Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, is to think of surgery not as a sprint but rather as a full marathon or race. She explains, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after. You want your body to be as prepared as possible, and exercise and good nutrition before and after surgery are part of this."
Before your surgery, your doctor may have you screened for a series of health problems including malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and then take steps to address them. As exercise is another important part of getting in shape, you should talk to your surgeon about what is safe for you to do. If you feel you need more guidance, ask if you are a candidate for a pre-habilitation program as it can show you the best type of exercise to safely strengthen your body in readiness for surgery. Also, be sure to ask about what kind of exercise is safe to do after the surgery. Doctors say typically the quicker you are to move, the quicker you get your strength back. If you find yourself suffering from preoperative anxiety, ask your surgeon to walk you through the experience so you know what to expect including “pre-surgery, during surgery, the hospital stay and recovery after surgery," Dr. Fisher explains. Your post-surgery diet should be rich in protein, and avoid sugary and processed foods. Also stay hydrated. Quitting smoking is another thing that offers big benefits in post-surgical outcomes as “smoking increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the tissues that need it and increases stress on the heart.” Finally, if something doesn’t seem right about your recovery, contact your surgeon. At MorningStar of Fort Collins, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care. Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services. Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals created by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living communities, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ 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. Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at senior living communities like MorningStar of Fort Collins. Our goal is to provide the services and care needed to give you the best quality of life. Our beautiful community offers 55 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.
We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant on our website to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our site and watch the Virtual Tour, read the home page, and look at the full list of amenities and floor plans for an overview of our community. Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our assisted living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs. Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training. Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to request our “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elder parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ 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. |
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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