Hearing Loss in Seniors

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. They state that, “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”

Hearing loss may result in difficulty following a conversation as well as the danger of not properly hearing a doctor’s advice. Many older adults cannot hear the doorbell or may have trouble responding to alarms and other warning devices such as a smoke detector. 

The NIDCD lists several signs that may indicate you are suffering from hearing loss. These include things like having problems hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others or a reluctance to attend family gatherings and church services. 

Common causes of hearing loss are a condition called presbycusis, which is gradual hearing loss that seems to run in families or exposure to loud noise over an extended period of time. Other things that can increase your risk for hearing loss include earwax build-up, diabetes, listening to music with earbuds, and being overweight. 

Your hearing loss may also be due to your medication. The AARP reports that according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “more than 200 drugs, ranging from over-the-counter medications to chemotherapy, can damage hearing.” Even common pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been linked to a higher risk of hearing loss when taken for six or more years as reported by a Brigham and Women’s Hospital 2016 study. 

If you feel you may be experiencing hearing problems, you will need to see a doctor to be tested. Furthermore since there are many reasons for hearing loss, treatment options will vary depending on the cause. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best assisted living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM. 

Source: nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults
aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info

Did You Know that Assisted Living May Be Less Expensive than In-home Care?

If mom or dad is at the point where they need assistance every day to ensure their safety and wellbeing, you may be debating whether to try and keep them at home or to move them into an assisted living community. While there are many factors to consider, you may be surprised to learn that assisted living can be a better bargain than in-home care. 

Remember if your loved one is still living in their own home, they are paying a monthly mortgage or rent as well as regular bills such as property taxes, insurance and utilities. Add to that, maintenance and repair costs. The home may even require costly modifications such as wheelchair access to make it suitable for the person to get around. 

You also need to consider the services required to keep your loved one comfortable and safe. Do they need assistance with daily personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet, meal preparation, transportation, and medication management? How about housekeeping and linen and laundry services or 24-hour security and care services? Not to mention the value of companionship and wellness programs designed to keep your loved one active and engaged. At assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer our residents all of these services and much more. 

Many people initially experience sticker shock after being told the costs of assisted living but once they take into account all of the services included in the monthly fee they change their mind. When you look at the big picture, assisted living is actually a great value.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our beautiful, loving assisted living and memory care community has been designed from the ground up to be a true home for area seniors. Located on the south side of SE Sunnyside Rd., between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave, we look forward to meeting interested families and should have our onsite Information Center open shortly after the New Year. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. As one of the best senior living communities in the area, we encourage you to contact us to learn more. 

Source: 

aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/assisted-living-in-home-care-compared

Exceptional Care Delivered with Love and Respect

MorningStar at Englefield Green understands what is needed to expertly care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We feel it is a privilege to serve our most tender residents and we put our energies toward elevating and celebrating life.   

To ensure we meet our standard of service excellence, each of MorningStar’s team members from caregivers to dining servers or housekeepers go through our proprietary service excellence “Radiance” training.  In addition its precepts are reiterated during our daily “Huddle.”  Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness, which issues from a deep and sincere place as does a beam of light, and is the framework that guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth.         

As one team member from a MorningStar community writes, “Radiance training is absolutely phenomenal!”  She says she appreciates the fact that it helps team members to be their best at work as well as in their personal lives and creates an environment where residents are treated with the utmost care.  Another team member shares: “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives but they are changing mine.”

We believe Radiance is the evidence of our resolve to be a place that is not only distinguished by compassion and care, but by service professionalism as its presence and influence is felt throughout our community.  Under its teachings, residents are treated as family members, and as such, our priority is to respond to their expressed and unexpressed needs and wishes.

To learn more about one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise, Idaho, please visit our website.  MorningStar at Englefield Green specializes in dementia care, and our purpose-built community encourages and supports a resident’s right to choice and independence to the full extent possible.

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to dementia care.   

Our Loving Team is the Very Heartbeat of Our Community

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we appreciate the fact that exceptional assisted living communities have one thing in common – a committed and loving staff. This is why we are hiring an extraordinary team of individuals who feel privileged to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

The most important thing we look for in a team member is heart, and from there – character, kindness and selflessness. We know these attributes contribute as much as education and experience in building a team that is ready to serve with distinction. 

As one of our mission statements include investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well, each team member, regardless of their position, will go through our proprietary Radiance service excellence training. Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light; and guides the way we strive to deliver service – with warmth and sincerity and depth. 

Along with Radiance training offered to all new team members, its precepts will be reiterated each day during the daily “Huddle.” We believe Radiance gives MorningStar of Rio Rancho a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of “honoring, valuing and investing in others.” In fact, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger always envisioned MorningStar Senior Living be a company of Servants’ Hearts, and Radiance allows us to take service professionalism to the next level. 

As one team member from another MorningStar community explains, “Through Radiance Training, I was introduced to my new personal mission: to love everyone unconditionally and be a humble servant. I want to use the principles of Radiance to honor God, and to rise up new culture and positive environments.” 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s construction is rapidly progressing and has risen out of the dirt into beautiful existence! Please visit our website or our onsite Information Center to learn about unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Rio Rancho. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening to residents in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our Unique Approach to Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is an assisted living and memory care community that is currently under construction in, Happy Valley, OR, a southeastern suburb of Portland. While the MorningStar name is new to the areas, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists. 

Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence. 

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss. Additionally as we believe that many of the adverse behaviors associated with dementia are often side effects of antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have less than 10% of our residents on any of these types of drugs.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ need in mind and will be as good to look at as they are to eat. 

When we open in late 2019, we will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood. Please visit our onsite Information Center located on the south side of SE Sunnyside Rd., between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave., which is opening soon. We look forward to meeting future Happy Valley residents and their families. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. As one of the top senior living communities in the area, please contact us for more information.

Seniors Embrace the Comforts & Security of Assisted Living

Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living. The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent. In fact senior living communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. 

When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether. This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley offer scheduled transportation. 

Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older adults who live alone do not eat as well as they should. Also when you no longer have a job and do not drive, living on your own can be lonely. At assisted living communities, you have your own private nest but people around whenever you feel in need of company. MorningStar at Happy Valley’s monthly calendar will offer a full range of wellness programs and entertaining activities to keep you as busy as you like. 

Senior living communities also offer the benefit of making seniors feel safer without the worry of home intrusions. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, you will have peace of mind knowing that around-the-clock help is just a push of a button away. Additionally all suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is located in the southeast suburb of Portland, OR and expects to open in late 2019. Our beautiful 3-story community’s interior is designed by the award-winning Thoma-Holec Design and will offer residents a true “home.” Look for our onsite Information Center opening soon. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley.

Senior Care from a Unique Assisted Living Company

A highly respected assisted living company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents. Now with the construction of the third New Mexico assisted living and memory care community, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will address a specific niche and overall need for senior housing in one of the fastest expanding areas in the state.

MorningStar Senior Living recently celebrated our 15th anniversary and we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership. Right from the beginning, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger began MorningStar based on the following three mission statements:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we recognize our mission is advanced by team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life. In addition we are a company committed to investing our time and talents in charitable projects close to home and around the world. 

Visit our website to learn more about the many amenities and services offered by the best senior housing in Rio Rancho. We also invite you to stop by our onsite Information center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road or give us a call.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening in spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about compassionate assisted living and memory care in Rio Rancho, NM.

Confused About What “Assisted Living” Offers?

You may be confused about whether assisted living is the best choice for your loved one. While licensing requirements for assisted living communities vary by state, they generally provide care for individuals who do not require around-the-clock skilled nursing. The National Center for Assisted Living defines assisted living as “part of a continuum of long term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.”

Thus, assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who are mainly independent but need help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and other personal care tasks. They also provide daily meals and 24/7 care and can readily accommodate residents’ changing needs and preferences. Most offer transportation and housekeeping services, which mean senior living communities are perfect for aging in place. 

Another thing that many communities provide is wellness programs and activities that engage and support the residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs. Furthermore many encourage family members to get involved with the community’s activities and special events. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a new assisted living and memory care community under construction in the southeastern suburb of Portland, OR. Our luxury, three-story community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and will offer 61 private assisted living suites and 27 secure memory care devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases. We are located on SE Sunnyside Rd., between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave. and will have an onsite Information Center open in early 2019. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley. 

Source: .ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx

Meet Our Newest Portland Area Assisted Living Community

MorningStar Senior Living is excited to announce that construction is well underway on the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community. Located in the southeastern suburb of Portland, our three-story, 83,000-square-foot community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and will offer luxury assisted living and memory care to area seniors. 

Happy Valley joins another MorningStar community, MorningStar of Beaverton, which is scheduled to open any day now. MorningStar also operates senior living communities throughout the Western U.S., and provides us an expertise in all facets of senior living. In addition our communities follow MorningStar’s founding principles of honoring God in all aspects of their business practices and relationships and valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. 

For assisted living, Happy Valley will offer 61 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations to meet everyone’s needs from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom floorplans as large as 928 sq. ft. Furthermore as a community that was designed from the ground up as senior housing; we will offer residents an unsurpassed level of wellness, comfort and community. 

If your parent or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we will have 27 secure suites dedicated to memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood. As experienced, trusted dementia care specialists, the MorningStar team has a deep understanding of the disease and knows how to provide loving care to our most tender residents. 

Our community is situated on two acres on the south side of SE Sunnyside Rd., between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave. Approximately three miles from Interstate 205 and accessible by public transit, we expect to have an onsite Information Center in place sometime in the first of the year. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley.

Our Model Suites are Opening Soon!

If you have been following the construction progress of the new MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community and are interested in seeing more, we are happy to announce that we will have model suites open soon. This will give you an excellent opportunity to experience the quality of our community firsthand and to get an idea of who we are and the type of loving care we will offer. 

We also encourage you to take a look at our Gallery page on the MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website. Our gorgeous pictures will give you an idea of how beautiful our community will look once it is complete. With an interior designed by the award-winning senior design specialist, Thoma-Holec Design, we proudly provide a true home for seniors. 

Our artfully designed community is conveniently located on the northwest corner of Westside Blvd. and Golf Course Rd. on 5.5 acres and offers area seniors luxury senior housing at its best. Along with gorgeous interior common areas and private suites as well as an expansive exterior, residents will enjoy a whole host of amenities and services. Throughout the Rio Rancho community, we added high-end finishes and advanced technological features such as emergency call systems in each suite and community-wide wireless Internet.

When you visit our website, please take a peek at our busy Rio Rancho construction site through the lens of our time-lapsed camera. You are sure to be impressed with our rapid progress. MorningStar of Rio Rancho expects to open to residents in the spring of 2019, and until then, we look forward to meeting potential residents and their families. Also inquire about our Founder’s Club savings of up to $5,000. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening in the spring of 2019, please visit our Information Center to learn more about luxurious and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

New Luxury Senior Housing in Rio Rancho

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019 and will offer 51 stylish, private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disease. Even though the name “MorningStar” is new to Rio Rancho, MorningStar Senior Living just celebrated its 15th anniversary and has communities throughout the Western U.S. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque has an excellent reputation for providing Albuquerque seniors with loving and compassionate assisted living. As one resident’s family writes, “You are exceptional people who obviously care about the incredible work you do every day to make the dear residents at MorningStar comfortable. We are your biggest fans.” 

MorningStar of Santa Fe is scheduled to open any day now and will offer 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory loss. All three of our New Mexico communities provide resort-style amenities and services designed to meet our residents’ every need. 

To help accomplish this, all of our one- and two-bedroom assisted living suites will be equipped with stacking washing machines and dryers. Moreover residents will enjoy New Mexico’s mild weather in expansive outdoor areas that include courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, strolling paths, and a barbecue with outdoor kitchen and fire pit. Gardening enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the residents’ gardening areas that will let them show off their green thumbs. However the most important thing that sets our community apart from others is our extraordinary team of caregivers. Our staff is comprised of individuals who have a felt calling to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

If you wish to learn more about a compassionate assisted living and memory care community, please visit our website. If you like what you see, give us a call or stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. Also be sure to ask about our Founders’ Club Benefit with savings of up to $5,000 (available for a limited time).

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. We will open to residents in the spring of 2019, but in the meantime, visit our Information Center for more information on the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our Job Includes Helping Families to Cope with Alzheimer’s

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we do not just care for our residents’ needs but also provide support to their families.  We know that a dementia diagnosis and prognosis is met with all kinds of questions and anxiety, and part of our job is to help families cope with the uncertainty.  As they try to adjust to their new reality, we deliver hope, and for the memory-impaired, hope comes wrapped in intentionality and creativity.

Our extensive experience in dementia care has shown us that healing always comes from human touch, from empathy, and from purposeful engagement.  Dementia sufferers live in a purple world – an alternative reality, and the best way to reach them is to “get purple” too.  Right from the beginning of our relationship with a resident, we find out as much as we can about their history, their preferences and special talents and use that to help us sort through what their behavior is really trying to communicate.  For example, if a resident is getting agitated and saying they must go home, we respond with, “Tell me about your home; what is it like? Why do you love it so?”  

In addition our team encourages families not to dwell on what has been lost but rather to be surprised by what is found.  We have discovered that if we truly enter the moment, we can embrace what comes next.  To help guide our families, we recommend they learn as much as they can about the disease because with understanding, comes acceptance.  We also think it is beneficial to join an Alzheimer’s Association support group.  Lastly our families are always welcomed and encouraged to join us as we participate in one of our annual Alzheimer’s Association events to help raise funds and awareness of the disease.

Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving community.  While you are there, use the link on our home page to setup a tour or to inquire about pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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.  For “dementia care near me,” please visit our website to learn more.   

Walking is Great Exercise for Seniors

For many of us in Arizona, it is a welcome relief from the summer heat to be able to get outside and enjoy the milder weather. One of the best forms of exercising for seniors is walking, and experts says it offers benefits ranging from controlling blood sugar, supporting bone and heart health to improving sleep. However there are a few precautions you should take before starting your walk.

As many older adults have balance issues, a loss of feeling in their legs and feet, or feet that routinely swell, you need to wear supportive and comfortable walking shoes to help reduce the risk of a fall. Shoes should be wide-mouthed so they are easy to put on and have laces that allow them to be adjusted to fit. In addition an orthopedic insert can provide ergonomic support to the feet and ankle without being uncomfortable. 

When buying shoes, be sure to look for a hard, slip-resistant sole that firmly grips the surface, even in wet, slippery conditions. A shock-absorbing and light-weight sole will offer a softer impact on the ankles and the heels.

Additionally your shoes should not increase pain in the feet or cause blisters or sores. Another tip is to not wear worn-out shoes, flip flops or other open shoes as they do not give enough support to the ankle and make it easier to fall. Experts also recommend buying shoes in a wider width as they offer better stability and can accommodate your feet if they tend to swell. 

Remember also to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to serious complications including increasing the risk of falls. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our residents have plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather as we have a fireside patio and porches. We also offer exercise classes which are geared to improving balance which increases mobility and reduces the risk of falls. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional senior care community.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior care 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, serene setting. Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Learn More About MorningStar of Fountain Hills

As one of the most respected senior living communities in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers seniors an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our experienced team also understands that when families are looking into assisted living for a loved one, they want to know how we meet each resident’s need to ensure their utmost comfort and safety. 

At MorningStar, that process starts as soon as you make the decision to join our community. Each new resident and their family meet with our Wellness Director to allow us to get to know your personal preferences and normal routines. Our Wellness Director will also review your medical history to enable us to create a customized care plan that meets your approval. Furthermore, your care plan will be regularly re-evaluated to address any changing needs. 

Various auxiliary services provided by MorningStar include medical and non-medical and are priced a la carte. For example, if you require medication management, it will be administered by a Certified Med Care Manager. Other ways we provide our residents with a higher quality of living are diabetic management, oxygen administration, pharmaceutical services, transportation to medical appointments and much more. 

Regardless of the level of care you will be receiving, all residents have access to 24-hour Care Managers and a licensed nurse who is onsite 5-7 days a week and on call 24/7 as well as receive scheduled health and wellness evaluations. In addition we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift. 

In our Reflections Neighborhood, which is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment, our all-inclusive services (suite and care) are one packaged price. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community and for contact information to set up tour. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a 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. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.

Questions to Ask When Looking for Memory Care

If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in senior care for those with memory impairment. Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need. 

What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease? The first recommendation is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one. 

In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, make a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair? Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from? It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. 

When you tour the community ask questions regarding the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training the staff receives. Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the community has a visiting physician. Also are residents given an individualized plan? Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents? Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space? 

Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents. Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy? Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages? Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one. 

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 very best in senior care 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, serene setting. Please contact us to schedule a visit to see our exceptional community.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist

MorningStar offers a Companion Living Program

In addition to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills offering seniors a choice of smartly-designed spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, we also allow residents to share living arrangements. Our Companion Living program is specifically designed for unrelated seniors of the same sex to share a suite. This arrangement is available to both our assisted living and memory care residents. 

What are the benefits? Actually, there are many reasons it may make good sense for you or a family member that is considering senior living. Since we understand that people are designed for relationships, most of us flourish when we are in one. However, the fact is that many seniors have lost their long-term life partner and are left feeling bereft and isolated. So besides offering the economic benefit of splitting the monthly rent expense in half, a roommate can help alleviate many of these feelings. 

In addition to providing a companion, a roommate can make the transition period for a new in-coming resident much easier. The seasoned community member can help guide their new companion through all the facets of senior living and make them feel more confident in socializing with the entire community. Also another often overlooked advantage to companion living is that since roommates inherently look out after one another, they may be the first one to notice a change in the health of their roomie. 

To ensure the arrangement works for both parties, MorningStar of Fountain Hills goes to great lengths to match residents who wish to participate in companion living and pair residents based on similar backgrounds and shared interests. Furthermore, even when you share the rent with another resident, you are still offered the full scope of MorningStar resort-style amenities including daily meals, activities, scheduled transportation, entertainment and much more. Please contact us to learn more about one of the best senior living communities in the area.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living communities 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, serene setting. Please contact us to schedule a tour.

Senior Living Communities Offer Numerous Benefits

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community. In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities. As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security. 

When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities. Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores. 

Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves. This is not a problem in senior living. Most communities offer transportation to shopping and medical appointments. In addition, many communities routinely schedule day trips to leisure activities such as plays, museums, and other events. 

We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well. In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing meals has become more difficult. Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals. This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated. 

Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own. This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again. Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to provide so much care for their parent as the senior is getting needs met at their “new home.”

Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age. While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone. Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around. If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we offer residents a safe and secure place to enjoy our many amenities and activities. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home”.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living communities 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, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Over the Holidays keep it Simple for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association warns families to not expect too much from a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia during the holiday season.  Rather they explain that “when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, a little extra planning can help make holiday celebrations enjoyable for everyone.”

Start by going over holiday celebrations with other relatives and close friends and make sure everyone is aware of the situation. The National Institute on Aging cautions that big, crowded celebrations can cause confusion and anxiety for a person with Alzheimer’s so you may want to limit the number of people gathered at any one time.  

Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in safe, simple activities such as asking them to help prepare food, hang ornaments, or to wrap packages.  This can be a nice time for them to open up and reminisce about the old days.  It is best to avoid using candies or other edibles as decorations and keep in mind that blinking lights may confuse a person with dementia.   

Also maintain the person’s routine so the holidays do not become too disruptive or confusing, and remember to stay flexible.  Experts say it may be better to have your celebratory meal at noon rather than in the evening as some people with Alzheimer’s experience evening confusion or “sundowning.” Keep a room available where the person can go and rest if they are feeling too stimulated or confused.  Here you can have a quiet activity laid out for them such as a photo album they will enjoy looking through or play calming music. 

Wondering if there is quality “assisted living memory care near me?”  Let us introduce you to the MorningStar at Englefield Green dementia care specialists.  We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.”  We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved.  Visit our website for availability and pricing information and to schedule a tour. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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.  If you are looking for the best “dementia care near me?” please visit our website to learn more!

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers

hrrv.org/blog/celebrating-the-holidays-when-a-loved-one-has-alzheimers/ 

New Study Finds “Singing” May Help to Reduce Some Parkinson’s Symptoms

An interesting new study out of the Iowa State University in Ames shows that singing may help to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. The pilot study, led by Elizabeth Stegemöller, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the university, looked at the impact of singing on a small group of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Previously Stegemöller conducted studies that indicated singing may improve respiratory control and may help with swallowing problems. 

Although this was a very small study, it does join a growing body of research. In this case, researchers found the singers had “statistically significant improvements in some motor symptoms that are often unaffected by drugs. In particular, upper extremity bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, and walking were most improved.” Now scientists are left with trying to determine how singing is impacting these symptoms. They say it may be due to oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the love hormone and released during bonding. 

Elizabeth "Birdie" Shirtcliff, an associate professor in human development family studies, explains that, "the singing participants feel positive and less stress in the act of singing with others in the group. This suggests we can look at the bonding hormone, oxytocin."

Another thing the research team is doing is to check the levels of inflammation and neuroplasticity as well as heart rate variability in the subjects after singing. If the study’s results hold true, singing may turn out to be a very cost-effective solution to some of Parkinson’s symptoms. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community is the newest senior housing in Rio Rancho. We are situated within a residential setting and convenient to the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, stores, restaurants, and banks. Take a look at our website or visit our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323590.php

parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons

Resort-style Amenities Offer a Lifestyle of Comfort, Wellness and Community

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is a beautiful new assisted living and memory care community that is set to open in the spring of 2019. Rio Rancho will join New Mexico’s two other MorningStar Senior Living communities, MorningStar of Albuquerque and the new MorningStar of Santa Fe. 

Our community will serve as a true home for its residents and helps to fill an overall need for senior housing in the Rio Rancho area. Also unlike other senior living communities, MorningStar has both a compassionate and loving team as well as a wide array of resort-style amenities to ensure every need of our residents is met. 

As a resident of our fine community, you will enjoy amenities such as meals prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room reserved for intimate dinners. Other highlights include a 24-hour bistro with full bar, a workshop and art studio, spa and massage therapy room, fitness center, salon, and a theatre/chapel. Set on 5.5 acres, our outdoor area will include courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, barbecue and fire pit, walking paths and resident gardening areas. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer technological features such as community-wide Internet and an emergency call system. Each stylish assisted living suite is also equipped with a stacked washer/dryer. All residents will have access to 24-hour care and a full-time licensed nurse, housekeeping and linen services, and schedules transportation. And if you are wondering, our community is pet friendly! 

For details on the most compassionate, comfortable senior housing in Rio Rancho, we encourage you to visit our Information Center on the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. Our new community is conveniently located and just a block away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, and close to a variety of restaurants, stores, and banks. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. We will open to residents in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho.

Celebrating Our One-year Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that MorningStar at Englefield Green just celebrated our one-year anniversary.  It has been an exciting time for all of us as our growth has been quick and we have had the privilege of welcoming many new residents into our Englefield Green family.      

The year has seen had many “first” such as our community joining MorningStar of Boise for an Alzheimer’s Awareness event.  Our Paint and Sip night not only raised money for a great cause but everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves whether they were sipping, painting, or doing both at once.  We love having our two communities work together. 

Moreover what’s not to love about residents, their families and team members having a great time at MorningStar of Englefield Green’s inaugural Sock Hop where we sipped on delicious root beer floats and danced to great music?  Take a look at our home page picture of residents Pat and John “dancing the night away.” 

This month we celebrated Thanksgiving with a wonderful family dinner on November 17^th.  Afterward were entertained by the Swingin’ with Ellie Shaw Show that featured her hauntingly beautiful, vintage voice and violin. 

During the year we have also had some personnel changes and additions such as our new Reflections Coordinator, Alisi Tongamoa, who will lead our care team.  Alisi had worked at MorningStar of Boise for four years as a lead Med-Tech and we are excited to have her join us.  Danielle Markham, LPN, will serve as our Wellness Nurse and brings lots of administrative experience to our community.  Finally, Susan Stuart, RN BSN, will serve as our Wellness Director.  Susan has an extensive resume as a nurse and most recently was at Karcher Estates Skilled Nursing in Nampa.

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about one of the area’s very best Alzheimer’s care homes.  Our community has 50 suites including spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.  In addition we offer all of the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our residents.

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to dementia care.   

Tips to Help Make Assisted Living More Affordable

When we open in the spring of 2019, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will proudly offer the best senior housing in Rio Rancho. Our beautiful 70,863-square-foot community is situated on a 5.5-acre lot and has 51 private assisted living suites as well as 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

For residents in assisted living, your monthly fee is based on the size of the suite, location within the building and view, and your level of care (we offer 5 levels) as determined by a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. The fee for memory care residents is all-inclusive (suite and care) and is one packaged price. 

To help families find ways to make assisted living more affordable, we provide information on a variety of innovative financial options and other often under-used benefits. One such example is to make veterans aware of the “Aid & Attendance” pension benefit. We refer them to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs where they can find out if they qualify. 

Another resource to help pay for assisted living is Long-term Care insurance. To see what expenses, and/or up to what amounts, will be covered under your policy, review your Benefits Summary section to learn about the specifics of coverage, daily benefit, policy limit, and elimination period. 

Many people also overlook life insurance policies as a source for funds. However in some cases, whole life and universal life policies can be used to raise funds through cash surrender, death benefit loans and other means. We recommend consulting your accountant or tax advisor for information on any tax liabilities you may incur. 

Furthermore be sure to ask about MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Founders Club savings of up to $5,000 (available for a limited time only). Please stop by our onsite Information center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road or give us a call. We look forward to meeting potential residents and their families.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening in spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about compassionate assisted living and memory care in Rio Rancho, NM.

Holiday Gifts for Seniors

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are stumped as to what to buy for an elderly parent and other senior loved ones. Experts suggest you keep in mind they most likely they do not need a lot of “things” but would appreciate something that helps to make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable. 

In fact, do not limit yourself to the idea that gifts have to be something new. Many seniors enjoy getting out and taking them to an activity they love such as a sport’s game (maybe a game of their grandchild’s), a play, or concert is quality time spent together. Another idea is to give them a series of gift certificates for a year’s worth of monthly dinners out with you or for things like haircuts, manicures, a spa day with massage, or even ride services. 

As many elderly adults get cold easily, a comfy, soft throw blanket makes for a good gift. Another thoughtful gift especially for someone with Alzheimer’s is a customized photo blanket. They can be order through several large retailers and are not too expensive. If your parent is a music lover, expand their collection with popular songs from their younger days, and if they don’t already have one, buy them a portable boom box that is easy to use. 

Another gift idea is to get them a phone or simplified tablet that will let them facetime, enjoy family photos, and browse the Internet. Gift baskets filled with favorite foods or new soaps and lotions, non-skid soled slippers or compression socks also are appreciated by seniors. Other ideas include large-print playing cards, puzzles, and adult coloring books with a new set of markers are also fun gifts for seniors. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 in a beautiful setting. Opening in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more compassionate senior housing in Rio Rancho.