Seniors and Back Pain

Cumulative wear and tear on our bodies over the years can take a toll on our back.  Among all the aches and pains that plague seniors, the back can be a chronic complaint with periods of recovery and reoccurrence.  Almost 70% of older adults are thought to suffer from back pain at one time or another.

You should have your doctor rule out whether your pain is a symptom of an underlying condition or is really a problem with the back.  Seniors frequently suffer from what is known as uncomplicated mechanical low back pain.  It is pain that is centered in the lumbar and affects a patient’s movements.  Pain can be triggered by everyday activities such as walking, bending, and stretching.  The treatment for this type of back pain can be 48 hours of bed rest (it is not advised to stay in bed for more than that as back muscles weaken when they are not being used) muscle relaxers, or pain medications.

The sciatica can cause back pain and is distinguished by sharp, shooting pains or tingling that radiates down one leg.  The pain occurs when the nerves become compressed in the lower spine.  Sciatica can be severe and incapacitating at the time, but does not usually result in permanent damage and resolves itself in a few days.  It is treated with heat/ice and pain medications.

Patients suffering from chronic back pain can be helped by occupational and physical therapy.  Therapists educate patients on how to lift and move objects properly, practice better posture, and learn to do everyday tasks so as not to put stress on the back.  Some patients seek alternative treatments to find relief such as chiropractic manipulations, while for others, mediation or relaxation techniques have proven to be successful.  Other forms of treatment include massages or acupuncture.

Stretching along with exercises that improve flexibility is a good idea and will help your back. Stick to low-impact forms of exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming.  Walking is an easy to do, inexpensive way to strengthen your back muscles as well as legs and abdomen.  

Prevention is important in back health.  Be sure and bend your legs when you pick up objects and keep the back straight; do not bend from the waist.  Concentrate on carrying yourself well, and if you sit for long periods of time, be sure and get up every so often and move around.  Always wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to experience our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

Private Suites and Great Amenities Available at MorningStar

You can stop your search for the best senior living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  Once you learn about all we offer, we know you will agree that the newly opened MorningStar of Fountain Hills is right at the top of the field.  Our goal is to allow our residents to enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community - all set in an atmosphere of love.  

Our beautiful private suites feature design-elements that meet the needs of even our most discriminating resident.  Spacious assisted living suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 870 square feet).   In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. 

All of our stylish floor plans offer high ceilings and large windows to provide an open and airy environment.  With wall-to-wall carpeting, lots of built in lighting and mini-blinds, all you need to bring is your own personal furnishings and accessories, and in case you were wondering, we even allow pets!   

Furthermore, all of our suites include fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and are equipped with emergency call systems.  Also we recognize that everyone has a different comfort zone, so our units have their own private controls for heat and air conditioning.  Also enjoy basic cable TV; weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service; and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fountain Hills provides residents with a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities.  Please call to schedule a tour and find out firsthand why our residents are happy to call it “home”. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to experience our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Why Good Nutrition is More Important than Ever for Elderly Adults

Unfortunately many seniors do not eat well and are at risk for poor nutrition and even malnutrition, which is often misdiagnosed as a disease or illness. In fact the A Place for Mom website states “Malnutrition is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with varying vitamin deficiencies.”  

There are a number of reasons seniors do not eat well including physiological changes such as a decrease in basal metabolic rate and physical activity that reduces caloric needs.  In addition older adults experience changes in kidney function and a redistribution of body composition, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems and a change in taste and smell. 

All this can depress appetite which means the foods elderly adults do eat is more important than ever.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.”  They recommend elderly adults avoid foods high in empty calories such as cookies, soda, potato chips and alcohol and instead concentrate on a diet of nutrient-rich foods low in saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol.       

Not only does a nutritional diet help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, bone loss, type II diabetes, and some cancers, it can help people to better manage those diseases.  A healthy diet can also give seniors more energy and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fountain Hills not only agrees that a good diet is important for seniors but we practice it every day.  Our residents dine on three healthy, delicious daily meals served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our resort-style amenities and loving, caring staff.     

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about why our new community provides a true home to our residents. 

  

Sources: aplaceformom.com/blog/seniors-nutritional-needs/

nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

 

Bring Your Pet to MorningStar of Fountain Hills

MorningStar of Fountain Hills senior living community is pleased to report that we are pet friendly.  We understand that many seniors have strong attachments to their furry friends, and since our goal is provide a true home for our residents, it means making sure their pet feels right at home alongside them.     

Making the decision to be a pet friendly community was important to us.  We recognize and support the various studies that show a strong correlation between seniors living healthier, longer, and more enjoyable with pets in their lives.  One report published by the American Psychological Association found senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.”  Their research concludes that pet ownership is an important source of social support and offers many positive psychological and physical benefits. 

Other studies also find pet ownership offers benefits such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure as well as a means of increasing social interaction and physical activity.  In addition to the unconditional affection and companionship offered by pets, it requires seniors to stay engaged and active in providing the routine care a pet demands such as feeding, grooming, walking and cleaning up after.    

The AgingCare website discusses other intangible benefits pets provide to their owners.  Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey psychotherapist says, "Dogs and other pets live very much in the here and now. They don't worry about tomorrow. And tomorrow can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal with that sense of now, it tends to rub off on people."  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about newest assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.

 

Sources:

http://psycnet.apa.org/?&fa=main.doiLanding&doi=10.1037/a0024506

http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Our Doors & Hearts are Open!

Morningstar of Fountain Hills celebrated its “Grand Opening Weekend” on November 4^th – 6^th and we are now all working toward building our family for life.  We are pleased to report that everything is going smoothly and our residents are getting settled in. 

We would like to take a moment to introduce our leadership team, Executive Director Rena Phillips and Director of Community Relations Traci Gregory.  Rena brings her copious elder care and leadership experience to our community and plans to be an advocate to our residents for many years to come.  She says her favorite time of day is when she can sit and visit with a resident and share stories.  Rena has a great deal of respect for their ability to overcome many of the challenges they have faced over their lifetime.

Traci Gregory, our Director of Community Relations is a proud Scottsdale native and was born and raised in the Valley of the Sun.  Serving others has always been a passion, and throughout her career she has made it a priority.  Traci feels honored to serve and love seniors and looks forward to helping our new MorningStar community create an amazing home for our residents.

We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our beautiful senior living community.  One look at Fountain Hills’ monthly calendar and you will see are up and running with a full schedule of exceptional wellness programs and activities.  Our community is comprised of 63 assisted living suites on two levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  We also have 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to experience our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

When is it Time to Consider “Senior Living”

Often a family is not sure whether it would be better for mom or dad to move into a senior living community.  Making the decision more difficult is the fact that many seniors can be resistant to moving, and they do not like the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them.  However the most important thing to consider is whether your parent’s current living situation meets their overall health and medical needs, their physical needs, and safety.  If it doesn’t, it is time to start a conversation about making a change.   

Your parents or senior loved ones may no longer be safe at home if they are having falls.  The National Council on Aging reports that one in four adults over the age of 65 have a fall each year and those statistics are higher in older seniors.  In fact every 11 seconds a senior is treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall.  Other mobility factors that may comprise their safety include struggling to go up and down stairs as well as difficulty getting up from a chair or their bed.   

Another indication your parent may not be functioning well on their own is if you find they are looking disheveled and neglecting their appearance.  You probably will also want to take a look around the house and see if they are keeping it up or is it untidy and disorganized.  Furthermore, are they taking their medications as prescribed and are they eating well? 

The staff at MorningStar of Fountain Hills knows how to take care of these needs as well as to provide a warm, comfy atmosphere to make sure all of our residents feel right at home.  Our beautiful new community offers both assisted living suites and memory care.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about why our new community provides a true home to our residents.     

Strokes are More Common as We Age

Being aware of the warning signs of a stroke could save your life or that of a loved one.  While family history increases one’s likelihood of suffering from a stroke, they can happen to anyone.  As we age, strokes are more common because seniors are more apt to have developed the risk factors for having a stroke.  Statistics show that 75% of strokes occur in adults over the age of 65 and is the third leading cause of death.

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot.  Part of the brain is shut off from oxygen, and cells in the affected area immediately start to die.  It is critical to get to a hospital to start receiving treatment as doctors are trying to prevent any more loss of brain cells and lessen the impact of the damage caused by the stroke.

Some of the risk factors for a stroke are the following:

• High Blood Pressure­ (HBP) is the number one risk factor for a stroke. It is something that must be addressed by both you and your doctor. If advised, taking drugs to lower your HBP can help, but you may need to change your lifestyle. You will have to lose weight if that is a problem, watch the salt in your diet, and start to exercise.
• Smoking puts you at risk for a stroke as well as heart disease and lung cancer.
• Heart disease can cause blood clots to break off from the heart and travel up through the vessels into the brain blocking blood flow. It is important to keep your cholesterol low and control your weight and eating habits. You may be prescribed medication.
• Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels including those around the brain. Managing you diabetes well is important to maintaining your health.

It is important for you and your family to know the signs of a stroke since receiving the proper care is so essential. The National Institute on Health publishes these warning signs of a stroke: 

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• sudden severe headache with no known cause 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

At MorningStar of FountainHills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.     

Sources:strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/

nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/atrisk

ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke_bookmark.htm

Learn More about our Signature WellStar Program

All of our MorningStar communities, including MorningStar of Fountain Hills, provide our residents with our signature wellness program, WellStar.  Offering an array of creative and enriching ways to stay active and productive, our programs integrate different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind.  WellStar has five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy.   

One thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is that our entire team works together to build a true community and our WellStar programs exemplify that philosophy.  Each day, our Wellness and Life Enrichment team offers purposeful activities that are aimed to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain and to help them rely less on medications.    

Our daily assortment of physical wellness activities are designed to meet a range of capabilities as well as a variety of interests.  We also recognize meeting the spiritual needs of our seniors is vital to their wellbeing, and as such, our chapel is open to all faiths.  MorningStar also offers non-denominational services on a regular basis along with bible study, hymn singing and group prayer.      

In terms of intellectual wellness, we understand that it is important for seniors to continue to stimulate their brains, and we offer a daily dose of brain calisthenics designed to introduce new ideas and practice cognitive skills.  Furthermore, we do not neglect the importance of social wellness.  Almost everything we do at MorningStar of Fountain Hills enriches our community and advances our goal of building a family for life.  Socializing comes in the form of organized events and activities or just informal gatherings discussing the day’s topics. 

We also do not forget the philosophy that healthy, nutritious food is the centerpiece of wellness and it becomes even more critical as we age.  Our daily meals include the addition of foods that new research finds has tremendous healing power such as: berries, chocolate high in cocoa mass, Omega 3 fats, turmeric, and dark leafy greens.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.      

Skin Care for Seniors

The number one outward sign of aging occurs with our skin and hair.  We are plagued by all kinds of skin conditions, and while some problems can be serious, most are merely uncomfortable or irritating.  The good news is that we can do something to take care of or improve on most of them. 

Our skin evolves over time becoming paler and more translucent as it thins with age.  It loses the fat or plumpness in the under layer of the skin resulting in loss of insulation and padding, making us more susceptible to injury and cold.  The loss of firmness and elasticity to the skin causes it to look weathered and is attributed to our years of sun exposure.  Bruising is more common as the blood vessels have become delicate and easily damaged.  Our sebaceous glands are not as active as when we were younger, setting up the environment for dry, irritated skin.  

Ultraviolet light from the sun probably does the most damage to our skin and is responsible for wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and cancer.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends doing a self-exam skin check on a regular basis.  During your skin check, you should look for changes in your skin and pay close attention to moles, sores that are not healing, and any new growth.  Use the following ABCDE’s of skin cancer detection when doing your check:

A = Asymmetry -one half of the growth looks different from the other half

B = Borders –edges that are uneven or irregular 

C = Color-any changes you detect in the color or have more than one color

D = Diameter –anything that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser

E = Evolving -noticeable changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color

(See your doctor if you notice any of these signs)

Our skin can be helped by a number of things.  Avoid sun tanning, and if in the sun, wear broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.  Make sure you drink enough liquids as dehydration can cause serious health problems as well as dry skin.  Stop smoking both for your overall health and your skin’s health.  Do not use water that is extremely hot when showering and switch to a milder, more natural soap.  You should even reduce how much soap you use.  You will still be clean!

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.      

Sources: nia.nih.gov/health/publication/skin-care-and-aging,  aad.org/

How You Feel about Aging May Affect Your Chance of Getting Alzheimer’s

An interesting study discovered that if you believe growing older is a negative thing, you may be more likely to develop brain changes typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  However the research, which was published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging, suggests that if a person shifts their thinking to more positive feelings on aging; it could actually help to mitigate the damages of Alzheimer’s. 

Becca Levy, an associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and the study’s leader said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes,” She goes on to explain that while the findings are concerning, “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beliefs about aging can be reinforced, so that the adverse impact is not inevitable.” 

The study examined several negative views such as the belief that elderly people are sickly and have little to contribute.  Positive beliefs included thinking that older people can lead vibrant lives and be engaged in society.  Other types of negative beliefs included ideas such as elderly people cannot concentrate well and are absent-minded. 

All of the participants were a part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, which is a long-term study out of Baltimore.  The first part of the study was conducted with 52 men and women who answered surveys about their opinions on aging.  Participants were also given regular MRI brain scans to check for signs of Alzheimer’s.  Those who answered questions about aging more negatively were found to have a “greater decline in the volume of the hippocampus, a part of the brain critical for memory.”  This is important as “the hippocampus is one of the first areas of the brain to shrink in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.”    

The other component of the study was to conduct brain autopsies on 74 participants who had died.  Researchers found that the brains of those who had held more negative beliefs about aging had more plaques and tangles in their brain, which is a sign of Alzheimer’s. 

The findings suggest to researchers that the U.S.’s negative view on aging as compared to other countries such as India, where it is seen more favorably, could contribute to Alzheimer’s being five times more prevalent in America.  Of course positive thinking is no guarantee for good brain health but it sure makes us feel better.    

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.    

Sources:alzinfo.org/articles/research/negative-beliefs-about-aging-could-prime-the-brain-for-alzheimers/ Becca R. Levy, Martin D. Slade, Luigi Ferrucci, et al: “A Culture-Brain Link: Negative Age Stereotypes Predict Alzheimer’s-Disease Biomarkers.” Psychology and Aging, 12/2015

Seniors Discover Numerous Benefits of Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to a senior living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities. 

  

Today’s communities like Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

 

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.   

 

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. 

 

Once MorningStar of Fountain Hills opens in early November, we will provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to see a play.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

What is “Sundowner’s Syndrome?”

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.    

 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.  

 

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

 

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Source: https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

 

Grand Opening in Early November!

Now just weeks away from our early November grand opening, the entire MorningStar of Fountain Hills staff is excited about having residents actually move in and get settled into their new home.  To get a preview of our almost finished community, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at the latest pictures we have posted.  Along with a peak at our beautiful interiors, there is a picture of our large outdoor courtyard.  We also posted a picture of the stunning, tiled hearth in our vaulted dining room and Twisted Water, a commissioned sculpture installed in the atrium.  The Twisted Water piece will be unveiled with its full water and lighting effects at our VIP Reception.

If you are new to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, our community is comprised of 63 private assisted living suites spread out on two floors and offer a variety of floorplans that are sure to please everyone.  We also have 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. 

Set in the scenic town of Fountain Hills, one of the city’s unique features is a water fountain that shoots out plumes of water 330 feet every hour and can be seen from our spacious suites.  The fountain is a focal point for community celebrations, and during those special occasions it is extended up to its full height of 560 feet. 

As one of our resident, you will be served three tasty and nutritional meals each day that are prepared by our Executive Chef restaurant-style in our gorgeous vaulted dining room.  Other amenities include a bistro, salon, fitness center, 24-hour care, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation, and wellness activities. Add to that an open, second-floor veranda, fireside patio and porches, our atrium with water feature, and we are sure you will agree that we are a step above other senior living communities in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

Should You Have a “Medical Power of Attorney?”

A power of attorney is simply a directive that names someone you trust to act as your agent in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself.  A medical power of attorney, also called an “advance directive,” names someone to specifically act on your behalf in regards to any medical matters. 

 

If you or a family member is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it is important to have a medical power of attorney.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the kinds of medical decisions covered by a power of attorney for health care includes: doctors and health care providers, types of treatment, and care facilities.  The designated medical power of attorney may also need to make some end-of-life decisions such as issuing a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order or not consenting to a feeding tube when a person reaches the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

 

The website, WebMD suggests that a person entrusted to be your medical power of attorney should be someone “who is not intimidated by medical professionals and is willing to ask challenging questions,”   They also add that the person needs to be able to put aside their own feeling about a medical option and be ready to carry out your wishes. 

 

Drawing up a legal power of attorney for health care does not require an attorney, and if it is appropriate, the same person can be named as your financial and medical power of attorney.  As forms are state-specific, be sure to use the right form for your state.   Once you have filled it out, it will probably need to be witnessed, and in some cases may also need to be notarized.  When you have completed the process, let your family and anyone else involved in your care, including your doctor and hospital, have a copy of the form.  

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Sources: 

alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-legal-documents.asp

webmd.com/palliative-care/advance-directives-medical-power-attorney 

In Case You Missed it Aug. 21st was “National Senior Citizens Day”

A couple of weeks ago marked another National Senior Citizens Day.  The August 21^st event was established in 1988 by Ronald Reagan as a way to support, honor and show our appreciation for the many achievements of seniors as well as a time to advocate for senior rights.  So while it is a great day to spend time with a senior loved one, there are things you can do throughout the year to create special memories with an aging parent or grandparent.   

 

Visits throughout the year are a welcome treat for most seniors.  It does not have to be a long visit, but while you are there, be sure to connect with them.  Making eye contact and giving hugs demonstrates to an elderly person that they are valued and loved.    

 

One fun activity you can do with an older family member is to schedule a movie date with them and watch one of their favorite movies together.  Playing games during a visit is another easy way to interact with one another.  You can also set up visits to start assembling a family memory book or to interview them to make a recorded family history.

 

A spur-of-the-moment visit is another way to pleasantly surprise a senior, and if you bring a small box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, they will be sure to remember your visit. The same sense of caring can be accomplished by a quick phone call, or with a facetime call or Skype for more tech-savvy seniors.  Also sending a greeting card through the mail is sure to bring a smile to the face of your loved one.   

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.