Your Loved One Deserves Trusted Memory Care

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.

Are You Worried About Mom or Dad’s Memory?

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/

Keeping a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease Safe

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, 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 loved one 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 your 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.       

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we provide 48 memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, our community is completely secure, including courtyards and strolling paths. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participants in a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities which help maintain respect and dignity.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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 area’s finest memory care assisted living.

Compassionate, Individualized Memory Care in Colorado Springs

MorningStar at Bear Creek is devoted entirely to the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As part of the well-respected MorningStar Senior Living Company founded on the principle of “to honor, to serve, to invest,” we have created a true home within a serene residential setting. Moreover, attributing our success and growth to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership, it sets us apart from other senior living communities.

Our home is honored to provide compassionate, individualized care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. Warm and inviting common areas allow residents the freedom to move about independently as much as possible. 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. Our many amenities include a gathering area with a double-sided hearth and aquarium, salon, bistro, massage room, fitness/therapy room, and sensory room.   To enjoy the outdoors, we provide secure courtyards, patios, strolling paths, and resident gardening beds.

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 getting to know residents as they listen 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 a dementia-related disease, the MorningStar at Bear Creek team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. For trusted memory care Colorado Springs families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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 memory care Colorado Springs offers.

A Robotic Pet is Comforting to Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However, dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words. 

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale, AZ offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky; and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Please visit our website for contact information. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “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. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Glendale, AZ has to offer.

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

Research Suggests Not Getting Enough Sleep May Increase Your Risk for Dementia

Research suggests sleeping less than five hours a night can increase our risk for dementia. The journal Aging published a study done over a period of five years that supported earlier research by finding people who slept less than five hours a day were at greater risk for dementia. The study looked at the sleep patterns of 2,600 people over the age of 65. 

Participants who slept less than five hours a night had almost double the risk of being diagnosed with dementia over the course of the study from those who slept seven to nine hours a day. Another risk factor was poor quality of sleep or taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. There was also a greater risk of dying for the poor sleepers. 

While this study involved people over 65 years of age and took place over a handful of years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently published a study involving people in their 50s and 60s. It found those who slept six hours or less per night were more likely to develop dementia later in life. Participants were interviewed on six occasions between 1985 and 2016 about how many hours they slept each night. For accuracy, some participants “wore accelerometers to objectively measure sleep time. Over the course of the study, 521 participants were diagnosed with dementia, at an average age of 77.” Other studies report the risk for dementia is increased in people who sleep more than nine hours a night. 

At MorningStar at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, we specialize in providing memory care assisted living for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and 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. We know having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is difficult and want you to know we are here to help. Visit our website to learn more our beautiful community, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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 for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: 

nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lack-sleep-middle-age-may-increase-dementia-risk

Memory Care Communities Offer an Environment to Improve Quality of Life

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families must fact the question of what the future will hold. For many a specifically designed assisted living dementia care community will be the answer as it offers an environment focused on improving quality of life and keeping the resident safe. 

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral website and information service, explains dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior care communities and features services such as 24-hour care, trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, physical layouts that reduce confusion, a secure environment, and more. Moreover, as Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, a memory care home is equipped to care for a person from the onset to the most advanced stages.

Many of the behaviors and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses such as disorientation, confusion and aggression can be difficult for families to handle on their own. At memory care communities, the staff is experienced in managing these types of behaviors and uses specialized techniques to calm or stimulate as situations call for. In addition, a move to a memory community can reduce stress for family caregivers as caring for a loved one with dementia is often a full-time job and family members generally have other responsibilities.    

Another benefit of memory care homes is the controlled environment which helps reduce confusion and disorientation for residents with proper lightening, clearly marked hallways, and a décor to encourage calmness and familiarity. Also, outside doors are locked to prevent wandering, allowing the inside atmosphere to safely encourage independence.      

MorningStar at Bear Creek is honored to offer this type of comprehensive memory care in Colorado Springs, CO. We provide support to our residents and their families with the kind 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 to learn more about our loving community. 

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 create a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our loving assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care

A Soothing Companion for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

If mom or dad or another loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, we have a gift idea sure to bring a smile to their face. Robotic pets are soothing companions to those in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer’s; and a proven resource for providing a means for social interactions as well as stirring memories of when they felt useful. Furthermore, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports “robots helped decrease stress and anxiety and also caused a reduction in the use of psychoactive medications and pain medications for patients with dementia.”

A robotic pet allows a person to feel like they are providing care for someone – not always on the receiving end of it. However, dementia experts caution the “pet” should be introduced slowly to the person so as not to overwhelm them with feelings of too much responsibility. The Alzheimer’s Association explains it is best to introduce pet or doll therapy in a controlled atmosphere. They add when you let the person take responsibility rather than giving them the doll to play with, it can bring structure to their lives. Experts say people not verbalizing anymore may start to initiate speech as it is natural to murmur comforting words.

A robotic pet can also be a distraction when the person is starting to get agitated or upset and encourages hugs and kisses. Many of the robotic dogs or cats on the market are loaded with realistic actions including barking or purring and tail wagging, and some even respond to the person’s motions, voice and touch.

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. We support both residents and their families by providing the services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our unique philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky. and we use a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques to walk alongside residents during this unexpected, difficult journey. Please visit our website for contact 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 invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-therapy-pets-alzheimer-patients-nowbut.html

Has a Loved One Been Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease?

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs.

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby.

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is devastating to the family and want you to know we are here to help. Our holistic memory care assisted living supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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 area’s finest memory care assisted living.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis

Use Music to Lift the Spirits of Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

There are lots of stories of regarding people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who may not remember the name of a close relative but can sing a song or whistle a tune they knew before the disease robbed them of their other memories. Experts say this is true even in the very late stages of the disease and is why many long-term care homes offer music to help promote wellness and enhance memory for those with dementia.

Listening to music is a meaningful activity for many with Alzheimer’s and can aid in soothing and calming as well as lifting spirits. It can create a connection for a person who no longer has the ability to speak, and caregivers have seen residents give impromptu hugs and kisses or engage in gentle, rhythmic movements such as rocking in a chair or patting their leg to the beat.

Jörn-Henrik Jacobsen, a scientist at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, and the University of Amsterdam, published a study in the journal Brain that compared the brain scans of 32 young and healthy men and women with those of 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease. Jacobsen found musical memory may be spared – unlike other parts of the brain – throughout Alzheimer’s disease progression. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America explains, this is because “following the rhythm or beat to music by whistling or singing comes from a part of the brain that doesn’t require cognitive functioning.

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek we are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our memory care addresses the needs of our most tender residents from the physical design of our community right through to our food service. Please visit our website for more information; your loved one deserves the finest memory 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 encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/how-music-helps-people-with-alzheimers-disease?slide=5

Changing Your Diet May Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Several studies are showing links to dietary habits and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that a hybrid of two diets, the DASH diet that helps reduce high blood pressure and the Mediterranean diet that improves heart health, may protect our brain health.

Known as the "MIND" diet, which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, the diet consists of lots of natural plant-based foods while limiting red meat, saturated fat and sugar. Based on observational studies, research suggests that following the MIND diet can “reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 53 percent as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory.”

One category of food at the top of the list is green leafy vegetables with a recommendation of at least six servings a week in dishes such as salads. The diet also includes one serving of other vegetables daily. MIND’s primary fruit is to eat berries at least twice a week. Red meat is reduced to less than four times a week, cheese to less than one serving per week, while poultry and fish are consumed twice or once a week respectively. Other recommended proteins include nuts and beans.

Oil should be mainly from olive oil and butter or margarine reduced to less than a tablespoon a day; and fried or fast food eaten less than once a week. MIND includes a glass of wine a day but limits pastries and sweets to less than five times a week. The Mayo Clinic says study results also found you do not have to strictly follow the diet to gain benefits. For example, “adults in the study who followed the diet most closely (an average score of 9.6 points out of 15) saw the biggest drop in their Alzheimer's risk, the ones who scored in the middle (7.5 points) still cut their risk by over a third.”

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek lovingly provides care for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our special residents. Please visit our website 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 learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/15-simple-diet-tweaks-cut-alzheimers-risk/art-20342112

A Different Way to Look at Alzheimer’s Disease

While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink our attitude toward the disease. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he call “the tragedy narrative.” Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive.

Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease. Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.”

One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engage them with empathy, humor, and improvisation. Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.”

For exceptional memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment. Our holistic approach is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us.

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 learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/

Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Medical experts say it is important that people understand the facts as we know them about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. One misconception is that Alzheimer’s and dementia is inevitable as we age. In fact, the actual number of people in the U.S. afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is 3% for people between the ages of 65 to 74 years old. As we grow older, the figures climb to 17% for people 75 to 84 years old and 32% for those over 85.

The National Institute on Aging clears up another commonly held belief, which is Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing. While they say this is somewhat true, as Alzheimer’s is one form of dementia and makes up 60 to 80% of cases, other forms include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Moreover, while each type of dementia shares some characteristics, they all have a distinct underlying pathology.

Another myth is if a family member had Alzheimer’s disease, you will get it. Experts say this is not true as only some forms of dementia have a genetic link such as early-onset Alzheimer’s (getting the disease before 65). This type of Alzheimer’s is uncommon and accounts for just 5.5% of cases.

An unfounded theory started in the 1960s that said food cooked in aluminum pans and drinks in such cans put you at higher risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia has never been found to be true after numerous studies. Many people also automatically assume any memory loss is a sign of Alzheimer’s. While significant memory loss can certainly indicate Alzheimer’s, experts say occasional forgetfulness is normal. This is why doctors advise anyone worried about the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia to see their healthcare provider for a full physical evaluation.

As dementia care specialists, MorningStar at Bear Creek creates individualized care plans for each resident intended to stimulate or calm in response to particular moods or situations. Our daily calendar is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to help heal and comfort residents. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about the best 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. Visit our website for more information about the best memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-dementia

Looking for Assisted Living in Fort Collins?

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, MorningStar of Fort Collins may be the place for you.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 55 assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of windows, ceiling lights, and mini-blinds.  

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

Why we believe our assisted living care to be different from that of other communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are more important than education or experience.  Moreover, many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Currently we are accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are adhering to the changing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of both residents and team members.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

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 an outstanding assisted living home for residents. 

News from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020

Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future. However, medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin. Moreover, up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead, doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”

At the end of July, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently been testing for.

In fact, Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!”

Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions. And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure. In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/

Memory Care at MorningStar of Fort Collins

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Fort Collins is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  

To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value.  Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose.   

Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads.  We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members.  At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. 

While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.  This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease.   

In addition to memory care, MorningStar of Fort Collins has 55 private suites for assisted living care that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Please visit our website for more information about our loving community as well as to inquire about availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Fort Collins represents the very best in senior living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living home in the area.

Two Interesting Studies from the 2020 Alzheimer’s Association Conference

Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s. This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.

The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot. Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health. Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%.

The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older. In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.”

While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories. One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage. Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with a mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are committed to creating a true home for residents in an ideal setting. Contact us to learn more about the best assisted living for dementia patients in Colorado Springs.

Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows

Send a Gift Basket to Your Elderly Loved One

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, MorningStar of Fort Collins may be your answer.  Our beautiful community has 55 stylish assisted living care suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 24 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Fort Collins offers residents the best assisted living home in the area.

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease may express feelings of agitation and anxiety, which can be caused by the frustration that comes with the inability to get others to understand what they need.  However, experts say there are some tips to help circumvent or prevent getting into situations that can become emotionally charged.    

If you feel the person is starting to feel anxious, it could be the environment they are in.  If this is the case, remove them to a quieter place and encourage them to rest or use soothing rituals that have worked in the past.  Often a noisy room including having a TV on can act as just such a trigger.  If that is not the problem, check to make sure the person is physically okay and that they are not hungry, thirsty or need to use the bathroom.  Also, make sure they are not too hot or cold.  If they are still able to communicate, get down to their eye level and ask them in simple words to tell you what they need.  Another approach is to distract them by taking a walk or putting on music and encouraging them to dance. 

While trying to calm the person down, make sure you do not raise your voice.  Remain speaking in a calm voice and give the person the time to try and express the problem.   If you feel the person is experiencing lots of periods of anxiety and agitation, it is a good idea to discuss it with their health care provider.  Also, make sure you have a good support system to share your experiences with and perhaps learn something from other caregivers.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers loving, compassionate care for those with mild to advanced Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases.  We take a holistic approach to dementia care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website to learn more about what a specialized care plan can do for your loved one.     

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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 dementia care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Visit our website for more information about our exceptional community. 

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation

Compassionate Memory Care in Glendale Arizona

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover, for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission is to provide the best senior living Glendale has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia care specialists, the Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our most tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead is safely accepting new residents and we are very confident in our enhanced protocols for dealing with COVID-19.  To ensure the safety of residents and team members alike, we have temporarily suspended non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our senior living communities, ramped up our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and more.  Please visit our website for additional information.

MorningStar at Arrowhead offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Glendale AZ offers.