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Welcome to the beautiful Flathead Valley in Northwest Montana, a destination surrounded by valleys, mountains and beautiful lakes. In the cradle of the West, there is so much to see and do. Whether you’re lucky enough to be a resident of the area or are just visiting, you can enjoy exploring new places or experiencing something you never had imagined before. Set against some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, there are a variety of interesting stops to make on a senior-friendly walking tour in the Flathead Valley.

Stops to Make Around the Flathead Valley

The best part about a walking tour? You can set out on your own two feet to experience everything you want at your own pace. Here are a few must-see and must-do Flathead Valley attractions to check out before the summer ends:

  1. Conrad Mansion: Step back in time by taking a tour of the historic Conrad Mansion. This beautiful house has some deep historical roots, and it’s open to the public through guided tours by an exceptionally knowledgeable staff. Learn all about the innovator/businessman that Mr. Conrad was, all while enjoy the beautiful architecture and design of his 23-room house and original furnishings.
  2. Lady of the Lake: Get out on the water and explore Whitefish Lake in style. The Lady of the Lake Tour offers private tours for up to 12 people. You’ll be able to take in all the amazing views while a narrator describes the scenery and the area. This is a perfect pick if you are in the area to celebrate a special occasion.
  3. Visit Wild Horse Island: If you’re looking for an adventure and love wildlife, a visit to Wild Horse Island, the largest island on Flathead Lake, is just what you need. Only accessible by boat and home to many different species of animals such as bighorn sheep, fowl, bald eagles, and even wild horses, your experience at the island is sure to have a lasting impression. If it’s not too warm, you can hike around the island or enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore.
  4. Visit Bigfork: Bigfork is known for being a leading arts community and his home to many different exhibits, galleries, theatres, and restaurants. You can find a little bit of everything in Bigfork on your walking tour. Along with the various attractions, Bigfork also offers exciting events and activities year-round.
  5. Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park is an amazing gem in Montana. Filled with an abundance of trail ranges, and hikes, this is the perfect place to take a senior-friendly walking tour while immersing yourself in natural beauty. While there are many different trails available, older adults can opt for trails like the Trail of the Cedars or Running Eagle falls for a shorter, more relaxed hike.

Vibrant Senior Living in the Flathead Valley

Located in stunning Kalispell, Montana, you can enjoy all the beautiful views within the comfort of our vibrant senior living community. We offer a variety of senior living options, balancing comfort with exciting opportunities to create an engaging lifestyle for all our residents. You’ll find gracious independent living in Buffalo Hill Terrace or The Villas at Buffalo Hill, to supportive services like assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care. Contact us today to schedule your personal tour.

As you age, you might find it necessary to make changes in your lifestyle. This could mean making a transition from your home to a senior living community. Although the idea of moving from your home to somewhere unfamiliar may sound daunting, the results of your move can be a great joy and a wonderful step in your life. This can also take the stress off of you and your loved ones who may be struggling to maintain your home, or to adequately care for your changing healthcare needs.

The adjustment period after moving to a senior living community can feel a bit unfamiliar and new, but by preparing yourself for the next step in your life, you can make your new community an amazing home and place filled with amazing experiences.

Getting Adjusted to Your Senior Living Community

There are many different myths that revolve around the idea of a senior living community. Don’t let yourself fall into this sort of trap – understand all the amazing services, amenities, and opportunities these communities can offer you. As you get settled in, you’ll begin to learn all the benefits living in a senior living community can bring. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most out of your stay, and enjoy all that your new home has to offer:

How Immanuel Lutheran Can Help You Feel at Home

Here at Immanuel Lutheran Community, we pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming staff and community filled with tons of opportunities and amenities for all to enjoy. We also have a large array of different living options that could help ensure you get the right level of assistance for your unique needs. We offer everything from assisted living to memory support, skilled nursing, and other beneficial health services. Contact us today to learn more about us or to get more updates on our community.

As you age, many things can change. Driving is one of them. You may need to make small but impactful adjustments to ensure you are staying safe on the roadways and navigating as efficiently and effectively as possible. You can still maintain your independence simply by making slight changes to your driving habits and updating your routine. Understanding the risks and benefits of continuing to drive will help you better assess whether it is right for you.

How to Stay Safe on the Road

Here are a few safe driving tips seniors should keep in mind before getting behind the wheel:

Enjoy Life on Your Terms at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

At Immanuel Lutheran Communities, we offer a range of amenities and services that will keep you feeling your best! Your safety and health are of great important to us, and we promote senior wellness with a variety of healthy activities for our residents. You can improve overall strength and balance with dance, yoga or fitness classes designed specifically for seniors. Enjoy independent living and peace of mind for your future through our supportive health services. Contact us today and learn more about our community and staff.

Living a healthy lifestyle starts with the food you are eating. Food is the foundation that your health is built on, and getting the proper nutrients and minerals is essential for living well. On the opposite end, eating poorly by consuming non-nutritious foods can slow down your body, deteriorate your health, and lead to a poor quality of life.

This is why as you age, it is important to be conscious of the foods you are putting into your body. Your metabolism slows as you get older and you don’t require as many calories as before. This just means all the more reason to make sure the foods you are eating are nutrient dense and are providing you with all the important vitamins and minerals that you need. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can help regulate weight, strengthen your immune system and even increase your energy levels.

Improving Senior Nutrition: The Best Healthy Eating Tips

While change might be difficult at first, you can still learn how to eat healthy even as you age. It’s important to remember that changing your eating habits is a lifestyle change; however, you can constantly adjust your eating habits with your changing tastes. Here are a few healthy eating tips to keep you feeling your best:

Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

At Immanuel Lutheran Communities, we pride ourselves on our senior dining services that have farm-to-table meals prepared every day for residents. Our skilled cooks and executive chef produce locally sourced meals that are both fresh and delicious. Even our Care Center offers dining multiple meal service times and a variety of options to accommodate specific needs, preferences, and allow each individual to decide on their eating schedule. Contact us today to learn how we support better nutrition habits and a healthy future at our vibrant senior living community in Kalispell, Montana.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every 65 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As of 2018, 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, with numbers continually on the rise. As there is currently no cure, it is incredibly important to spread awareness and increase the support base surrounding the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

This is why June has been designated Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. 90 percent of what has been discovered about Alzheimer’s disease has been learned over the last 20 years, and strong support can cause even greater action. It’s important to remember that lots of small actions taken by many people can lead towards finding a cure.

Understanding Alzheimer’s – Knowing the Warning Signs

Many times, Alzheimer’s symptoms can be simply mistaken for signs of aging. Although slight memory loss and misplacing items from time to time commonly occur in many older adults , it’s important to be able to recognize and understand the differences between Alzheimer’s and normal aging.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia includes disruptive memory loss and misplacing items. It becomes increasingly easy for those affected by the disease to start forgetting tasks, missing appointments, and having trouble re-tracing their steps. You may also want to watch out for changes in personality or behavior, unprovoked sudden changes in temper or suspicion around other people. People with Alzheimer’s at times can become panicked or scared for no reason, or star withdrawing from social activities. A reason for this is because of problems with speaking and writing. It may become increasingly hard for them to follow conservations or contribute complete thoughts to a conversation, leaving you both frustrated.

Because being able to effectively communicate with your family member with Alzheimer’s is so key to a high quality of life, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Be Patient: There will be many changes that happen in regard to communication during the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Your family member might start using different words, be unable to think of what something is called, or even revert to a native language. It is your job to be patient with them, helpful, and never talk down to them.
  2. Take Time to Listen: They might struggle with finding the right words to say or communicate complete thoughts. It is important that you don’t rush them and allow them to try and communicate with you as best they can.
  3. Be Engaged and Supportive: It might be disheartening for you to have a conversation with a family member who is not able to communicate as well as they used to. It is important for you to stay engaged with them and support them even though it might be difficult. Showing lightheartedness and engagement through conversation can really amplify the experience for both of you and can even help reduce the negative effects the disease has on their communication.

Wear Purple and Get Involved this Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Purple is the official color for Alzheimer’s awareness, so sport the color and support the cause! Spread awareness around your community to inspire action that will lead to a possible end of this disease. Join the conversation, share your stories, celebrate those living with the disease and the amazing caregivers that offer help and relief to their family members.

Additionally, plan to get involved in your area on The Longest Day. Celebrated across the country on the day in which we enjoy the most sunlight, June 21, individuals gather together in harmony to support, volunteer and donate towards finding a cure. To begin, you can select an activity that you would like to participate in and join a team. The Longest Day to learn more about this amazing day and how to get involved. Also visit the The Longest Day to learn about more opportunities closer to you.

Compassionate Memory Support in Kalispell Montana at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

You can find a local resource for compassionate memory support in Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Located in beautiful Kalispell, Montana, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia enjoy amenities like a relaxing memory garden and experience stations that help ease some of the effects of the condition. Contact us to learn more and allow us to share our amazing community with you. You can also schedule a confidential consultation with our staff with any questions you might have about memory care.

Attending summer camp is beneficial to children and teens for a variety of reasons. First, it’s an opportunity for them to disconnect from their hectic schedules and lives –quite literally. Cell phones are rarely allowed, and even if they are, good luck getting a reception in the woods! Secondly, it’s a new adventure just waiting to be experienced. Kids are provided with a variety of daily activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing in a serene lake and much more, all endeavors most usually have never tried before. Plus, summer camp helps children and teens gain confidence, as they are away from their parents, making new friends and experiencing new things.

3 Flathead Valley Faith-Based, Christian Summer Camps for Teens and Kids

Along with the standard adventurous, fun-filled daily activities offered at summer camp, Christian summer camps offer some form of religious programming as well. For example, for younger children, programs may focus on the basics of Christianity, while teen programming centers on reconciling Christian faith with the outside world.

When a child or teen attends a faith-based or Christian summer camp, the benefits increase. Studies show that more than two million youths attend Christian camps in the United States every summer, and these camps are set apart by their focus on the person of Jesus Christ and a steadfast commitment to developing a strong faith in their religion. Surveys of over 1,000 of these campers revealed lasting impacts in happiness and spiritual growth long after the camp experience ended.The Flathead Valley offers several options if you’re looking to send your teen or younger child to a faith-based summer camp this year.These include:

Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp

Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp is owned and operated by 55 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ECLA) congregations and is committed to proclaiming and living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This faith-based summer camp was founded in 1943 and is situated on the west shore of beautiful Flathead Lake, about 40 miles southwest of Glacier National Park. Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp offers three distinct summer camping programs for youth of all ages, including Montana Youth,Glacier Wilderness Adventures and Day Camps with bible study themes lived out each day through worship, drama, singing, small group bible study, prayer, arts and crafts and more.

Camp Bighorn

Founded by the Columbia Baptist Conference, Camp Bighorn is a Christian adventure camp that got its start back in 1985. It’s a year-round ministry with a mission to steward environments that are conducive to the work of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and developing kingdom leaders.Throughout the summer months, Camp Bighorn offers a variety of youth adventure camps, immersing campers in exciting daily activities, small group discussion and personal reflection, all designed to challenge campers to growing their understanding and practice of godly character.

Big Sky Bible Camp

For those looking for an affordable faith-based summer camp in the Flathead Valley, Big Sky Bible Camp is the value choice in the area. Even though tuition is slightly lower than comparable summer camps, this nondenominational camp is well-appointed, with acres of undeveloped land and lake frontage and offers a wide variety of life-enhancing programming with a strong evangelical Christian focus. Big Sky Bible Camp runs summer camps from June through August and offers a place for youth in grades three through 12.

A Vibrant Retirement Lifestyle in the Flathead Valley at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

As a faith-based senior living community, Immanuel Lutheran Communities serves residents’ religious and spiritual concerns through one-on-one pastoral care, affirming the individual beliefs of all. It’s our mission to enrich lives by providing Christian communities of support and loving care. Our vibrant senior living community in the Flathead Valley, rated a top retirement destination by Where to Retire eMagazine, offers affordable living options that combine the beauty of the area with a relaxed, carefree lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about retirement living in Kalispell at Immanuel Lutheran Communities.

Spring has officially sprung! From the blooming flowers to the chirping birds, there’s just something about spring that rejuvenates the soul. After being cooped up indoors over the winter, those of all ages look forward to getting outside to enjoy some of that warmth and sunshine.

The Best Spring Activities for Seniors

There’s no better way to welcome the spring and warmer temperatures than by heading outdoors for some enriching activities. It’s time to reengage in life and spend some quality time with others, reconnecting with those you may not have been in contact with as much throughout the winter. Studies indicate that social interactions are key to a higher quality of life, boosting your mood, improving your memory and cognition and even reducing your risk for chronic conditions like osteoporosis.

Looking for some spring activities that will boost your social wellness? We have five suggestions to get you involved socially while enjoying the warmer weather:

  1. Take a hike. Enjoy a day spent in nature by heading out for an invigorating hike with some friends. With Glacier National Park, named as the best place to backpack in the United States, just down the road from our senior living community, it’s easy to find a variety of hiking trails to suit all interests and abilities.
  2. Do some gardening. Plant some color in your yard, flowerboxes or pots to add some vibrancy to your daily view. You can consider joining a gardening club, or simply have the grandkids over for a day of getting their hands dirty in the soil with you.
  3. Get help with some spring cleaning tasks. Spring is also the perfect time to dive into some deep cleaning and organization tasks. There’s a good chance you’ve been storing items you haven’t used in years, and it’s time to go through them to do some purging. Invite your children or friends over to help you sort through belongings and make decisions about what to keep, what to donate, what to sell or what to designate to family members. There could be items your family has been coveting for a long time that you can easily hand over to them, freeing up some precious storage space in your home.
  4. Eat a meal out on a patio. There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco, enjoying a delicious meal while the sun is shining bright and the breeze blows through your hair. Gather some friends and have lunch or dinner on the patio at your favorite local restaurant this spring.
  5. Visit a botanical garden. Take in nature in all its full glory by touring a botanical garden this spring. Right here in Kalispell, you can head to Bibler Gardens for any of their spring events, including guided tours of the spectacular gardens and the beautifully-preserved home.

Social Opportunities for a Vibrant Lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

Residents of Immanuel Lutheran Communities enjoy a variety of social activities and events year-round. We offer affordable living with beautiful vistas and outdoor fun, including cultural and social opportunities regularly to keep you living your best life. Learn more about vibrant senior living in Kalispell at Immanuel Lutheran Communities by contacting us today.

 

As you get older, changes in your body can make you more susceptible to a fall. Muscle mass decreases after you reach age 40, which affects your overall strength and mobility. How well you’re able to see can also increase your risk for a fall, and many adults find their vision getting worse the older they get. Additionally, if you’re on certain medications, you may experience side effects that make you dizzy or weak, another risk for falling.

This is why it’s so important to learn some common fall prevention tips for seniors, as knowing how to prevent a fall in the first place can be key to keeping you safe and healthy. And, since every year more than 2.5 million seniors are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to falls, decreasing your risk can be key to your overall quality of life.

5 Fall Safety Tips to Keep Top of Mind

According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of injuries in those age 65 and older. Plus, once you’ve fallen, your chances of falling again will double. However, the good news is that while avoiding an accident altogether might be impossible, there are things you can do to ensure you’re decreasing your own risk as much as you can.

Here are five fall prevention tips for seniors that can improve your safety:

  1. Wear proper shoes. One of the first steps in preventing falls is to invest in the right footwear. Your shoes should have thick, non-skid soles, provide good support and fit your feet perfectly. Keep in mind that although you might opt for comfortable slippers or stockinged feet at home, slippery, wood or tile floor can be extremely dangerous if you aren’t wearing the right shoes.
  2. Create a safe home environment. Look around your living space and take note of things like low furniture, throw rugs, loose cords or wires and clutter in high-traffic areas such as stairways and hallways. Remove these types of items immediately so all spaces are safe to navigate, day or night. If necessary, utilize nightlights to keep all areas well-light at all times, too.
  3. Make healthy lifestyle adjustments. Experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to keep your muscles and bones strong. Find a physical activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine to improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Plus, your diet should include nutritious choices packed with plenty of calcium and vitamin D to further strengthen your bones.
  4. Visit your doctor regularly. Make sure you’re scheduling and keeping your regular doctor appointments, including annual vision exams and hearing screenings. The ability to see and hear clearly is key in preventing falls, so if you notice any recent changes, make an appointment with your eye doctor or hearing center right away.
  5. Learn your medication side effects. If you aren’t sure what types of side effects your current medications may have, bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking to your pharmacist. The pharmacist can inform of not only the side effects to be aware of, but also if any of your current medications could have negative interactions that put you at higher risk for a fall.

Whole-Person Wellness Opportunities Immanuel Lutheran Communities

Immanuel Lutheran Communities encourages a safe, healthy and meaningful lifestyle by focusing senior wellness activities on in all six dimensions. From daily fitness classes for strength training to line dancing classes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stay physically active, strong and decreasing your risk for a debilitating fall. Learn more about vibrant senior living in Kalispell at Immanuel Lutheran Communities by contacting us today.

Despite the fact that assisted living communities are proven to boost independence and enhance the lives of those residing in them, there seems to be several misconceptions about this popular senior living option. And, these misconceptions regarding the lifestyle and level of care offered can lead to hesitation on the part of all those involved in the decision-making process when it comes time to consider a higher level of care.

Indeed, you or your aging family member may be able to cite an entire list of reasons why an assisted living community isn’t the right choice for your needs. However, certain signs that assisted living services could improve quality of life should not be ignored. For example, if you or your family member has experienced a decline in health or mobility, or perhaps social isolation is becoming a major concern. Knowing the truth about life in assisted living communities allows you to make a better choice for your health and your future.

Debunking the Myths about Assisted Living Communities

Of course, moving to an assisted living community is never a decision that should be taken lightly. There’s no doubt that transitioning from a long-time home and adapting to a new routine can be a challenging situation for you or your family member. However, it’s important for potential residents to understand all the benefits these communities offer and how much their lives will improve overall when they are receiving the right level of care.

Let’s debunk five of the most popular myths about assisted living communities:

  1. Assisted living communities don’t feel like home. It’s common to picture an assisted living community to be a sterile, hospital-like environment resembling a nursing home. However, today’s assisted living communities often feature contemporary designs and personalized, private apartments. The living space is smaller and more manageable than a large home, and residents are encouraged to bring along favorite items like furniture and décor to create a comfortable home.
  2. Assisted living communities are too expensive. You or your family member might be concerned about the costs associated with moving to an assisted living community, as another common myth is to believe that it’s cheaper to stay at home and receive in-home care services if or when it becomes necessary. However, when you add up all the monthly expenses involved with maintaining your home like the mortgage, utilities and upcoming repairs needed, as well as include any healthcare costs, assisted living is often much more affordable than originally believed.
  3. Assisted living communities are boring. Think there is nothing to do in an assisted living community that will spark your interests? Think again. Your or your family member are sure to find an activity to enjoy on the community calendar, which is designed to enhance the lives of residents and keep them engaged in the world around them.
  4. Assisted living communities are full of residents who are frail and unhealthy. If you or your family member needs minimal assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing or medication management, the thought might be that an assisted living community isn’t a good fit at this time. It’s common to picture residents who are too ill or tired to leave their rooms on a regular basis, however this is certainly not the case. Plus, studies show that waiting to move until a serious decline in health occurs and it becomes medically necessary is not a good idea. Seniors who make the move while they are still active and mostly independent have a higher chance of staying that way, longer.
  5. Assisted living communities take away your independence. You or your loved one might think you’ll be relying on the staff for everything, including if you would like to leave your apartment. It’s important to remember the staff is available around-the-clock to offer care as it’s needed, which provides peace of mind for your health and safety. The staff wants to ensure you’re enjoying the highest level of independence possible, not take it away, and most residents only receive care when they need it, living an active, vibrant lifestyle the rest of the time.

The Benefits of a Plan for Life at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

As Kalispell’s only life plan community, at Immanuel Lutheran Communities we offer residential living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and post-acute care, and memory care, all on one beautiful campus in the Flathead Valley. Contact us to learn more about the living options and lifestyle offered at our Kalispell retirement community.

Many older adults recognize the fact that staying physically active is key to a better quality of life. However, it seems like the older we get, the more difficult it becomes to incorporate exercise in our daily routines. You might feel hindered by chronic arthritis or lower back pain that make it challenging to move about freely. Or, your busy lifestyle may keep you from finding time to exercise regularly. Maybe the thought of joining a gym is far too intimidating. Sometimes, it seems like you can come up with a variety of reasons to simply just enjoy a sedentary lifestyle.

Enjoy all the Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

However, the more active you are in your later years, the higher quality of life you’ll enjoy. Regular exercise is key in preserving your mobility and independence. In fact, adding physical activity to your routine can help reduce some of those chronic aches and pains that may be stopping you in the first place.

Exercise has a variety of other benefits, too. You maintain better heart health, your bones stay stronger and your flexibility improves, all of which lower your risk for injury. Additionally, exercise has benefits on your mental and emotional health, too. It’s a known mood-booster that can even improve your memory and cognition.

If you aren’t totally convinced yet, here are five great reasons to join a senior fitness program:

  1. Decrease the risk for falls. Exercise can help you remain steady on your feet, as it helps you build muscle strength and flexibility. Since falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors, with 1 out of 3 adults age 65 or older falling each year, exercising is key to avoiding an injury.
  2. Better manage chronic conditions. Regular movement helps lubricate the joints and decrease that chronic pain and stiffness you feel. Exercise is crucial for managing and reducing pain from conditions like arthritis, plus, it can help reduce the risk for heart disease, cognitive impairment, diabetes and stroke.
  3. Eliminate some medications. A combination of aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility exercises can reduce the need for some medications. For example, when you’re physically active, endorphins can increase and improve your mood, lessening the need for medications to reduce symptoms of depression. Plus, exercise can help reduce systolic blood pressure and decrease your need for blood pressure medication.
  4. Improve your sleeping habits. If you have trouble sleeping or suffer from insomnia, being physically active during the day can help you enjoy more restful sleep at night. It makes sense, because when you’re more active throughout the day, you tend to be more tired in the evening. However, avoid strenuous activity two hours before bedtime, and instead opt to work out in the morning or early afternoon.
  5. Find your new favorite activity, no matter your ability. No matter what your current fitness levels are, you can find senior fitness programs and exercises that will meet your individual needs. If you need a low impact workout that is easier on your joints, try swimming. It works every muscle group in the body while giving your joints a break. Or, if you’re just getting started in a senior fitness program or have mobility issues, chair exercises can get you started building muscle tone and increasing blood circulation. The key is to find an activity you look forward to so you can start experiencing the benefits of exercise right away.

Make Senior Wellness a Priority at Immanuel Lutheran Communities

At Immanuel Lutheran Communities, we focus on all six dimensions of wellness through a variety of healthy activities for residents. You’ll find senior fitness classes designed with your needs in mind. Try a strength, balance and fitness class or improve your flexibility in a yoga class. Contact us to learn more about the living options offered at our Kalispell retirement community located in the beautiful Flathead Valley.