A Senior Community that Welcomes Pets!

At MorningStar of Boulder, we recognize pets offer seniors great companionship with their limitless affection and unconditional love.  In fact multiple studies have found pets to be especially beneficial for the elderly and can even help to “reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.”  Pet ownership can combat feelings of loneliness and offer solace from the loss of a spouse or another loved one. 

In an article from AgingCare.com entitled, The Healing Power of Pets for Elderly People, several experts weigh-in on the various benefits of pet ownership for seniors including a New Jersey psychotherapist.  Dr. Jay P. Granat discusses some of the intangibles pets offer to the elderly such as the fact that “dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now.’  He explains that animals do not worry about tomorrow, which can be scary for the elderly and being around an animal with that sense of “now” can rub off on people.

Along with providing companionship to seniors, studies have found that depression is less likely for older adults who own a pet and patients with heart problems can do better when they are responsible for a pet.  Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her golden retriever mix to her New York City office, relates how people with memory loss interact with her dog and access memories from long ago.  She explains “having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging."

MorningStar of Boulder knows it is a big decision for seniors to give up their family home and move into senior living.  Furthermore it would be very painful to be forced to leave a beloved pet behind, which is why we are proud to be a pet friendly community.  Please visit our website to learn about the best assisted living and memory care in and around Boulder.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “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.  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.   

 

Source:

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

Senior Living Communities are in Demand

The US News & World Report published an article on the growing demand for senior living communities as the number of elderly adults in the U.S increases.  The Census Bureau predicts that the number of people age 85 and older will grow to 6.6 million and make up almost 2 percent of the population by 2020, which is an increase of 800,000 from 2010.  Moreover, the figure is expected to go up to more than 19 million by 2050, and by 2060, nearly 100 million Americans will be 65 years or older.   

While the increasing number of seniors in the U.S. is most likely due to older adults living longer as well as the baby boom that occurred after World War II, more and more seniors are recognizing the advantages of aging in place among their peers.  Senior living communities offer the benefit of a less demanding, more carefree lifestyle and virtually eliminate the problem of social isolation and loneliness.   

Furthermore, today’s senior living communities are worlds apart from the old days when nursing homes were the only option for the elderly.  In addition assisted living and memory care communities provide the daily care personal services that many elderly adults require as well as a whole host of amenities and services.   According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, “There are about 22,000 senior housing and care properties in the U.S.”  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills is one of the area’s finest senior living communities.  Located in the Valley of the Sun in beautiful Fountain Hills, we offer 63 private suites for assisted living in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Also, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

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

 

 

 

How Your Loved One’s Level of Care is Determined

As one of the most respected senior living communities in Boulder and the Longmont area, MorningStar of Boulder 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 (who is a licensed nurse) 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 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 Boulder’s #1 community and for contact information to set up tour.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “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.  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.   

Balance Exercises Can Help Prevent Falls

A fall can have serious consequences especially for an older adult.  The National Council on Aging cites statistics showing “one in four Americans 65 years or older falls each year, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”  They add that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. 

Loss of balance in seniors can be caused from many things including inner ear problems such as vertigo, failing eyesight, numbness in feet and legs, arthritis, chronic diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis), medications and heart problems.  A condition called orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure, can also result in feelings of dizziness, light headedness, or feeling faint and lead to falls.   

To keep your muscles strong and help prevent falls, you need to keep moving, and the best way to improve mobility and balance is through training exercises.  Participating in twice-weekly programs for aerobic, balance, flexibility and resistance/strength training can increase your ability to walk and allow you to continue exercising more over the long term.   

You can also lessen your risk of falling by practicing balance-training exercises throughout the day.  One example is to place your hand on the kitchen counter and balance on one foot and then the other, then if you feel comfortable, remove your hand and try again.  Another at-home exercise is to stand behind a sturdy chair and grip it for balance while lifting one leg directly behind you without bending your knee or pointing your toes, then switch to the other leg.  You can also do side leg raises in much the same way but extend your leg to the side keeping your back straight, and your toes pointing forward.  

Other good exercises include walking.  If fear of falling is keeping you from moving, take a walk with a buddy.  At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we encourage residents to join our MorningStar Steppers and walk with a buddy!  Please visit our website to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.   

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for our residents.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand the area’s best senior living in the Glendale AZ area.

Source: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:balance-problems/info:causes-and-symptoms/

 

Learn the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke.  They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.   

The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion.  A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said.  Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.  Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time.  If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke.  Also another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile. 

 Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double.  In addition trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke.    Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.  

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear.  The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs: 

F        Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A        Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S        Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T        Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.  

Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability.  Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person.  

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 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, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/

strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp 

We Know Good Nutrition is Important to Seniors’ Health

The National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging states that, “1 in 4 older Americans have poor nutrition.”  They explain that malnutrition puts them at risk of becoming overweight or underweight as well as cause weaken muscles and bones.   

Poor nutrition also leaves you more vulnerable to disease and makes it harder to manage the diseases you may already have such as heart disease and diabetes.  An unhealthy diet can even jeopardize a senior’s immune system and make them more susceptible to colds and flus.      

Furthermore, as many seniors experience a decrease in their appetite, they need to increase the nutrient density of their food, not necessarily portion size.  This means eating a well-balanced diet chock-full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as well as more fiber.   Avoid foods high in processed sugars, saturated and trans fats, and salt.  Eating alone can also decrease a senior’s appetite so make meals a more social occasion and serve foods that taste as good as they look and smell.  

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we recognize that good nutrition is vital to seniors’ health, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve our residents.  Starting with having our own Executive Chef, our meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients.  In addition we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet.  MorningStar’s chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. Furthermore, meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room, which is an ideal setting to socialize and enjoy a meal together.    

Please visit our website for more details on all of the amenities and services offered at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We suggest you schedule a tour to see our beautiful community in person rather than just relying on our pictures.    

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for our residents.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand the area’s best senior living in the Glendale AZ area.

Source: healthline.com/health/healthy-eating-for-seniors

Our Chef Bill Culley’s Recent Achievement in the Culinary World

MorningStar of Boulder is proud to report that Executive Chef Bill Culley recently was inducted into the American Culinary Federation.  The ACF, a professional organization for chefs and cooks, is dedicated to promoting the professional image of American chefs worldwide and operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States.   

However even before Chef Bill received recognition from the ACF, the MorningStar of Boulder community knew he was a treasure.  His affection for our residents is expressed everyday as he circulates around the dining room and warmly greets each one by name.   The community loves and appreciates him for his smile and encouraging words as well as his commitment to knowing the dietary preferences of each resident.  Chef Bill explains, “It’s an honor to serve them. They’ve gone before us. And by that, they show us the way to go forward.”   We feel blessed to have such a dedicated chef as part of our team. 

At MorningStar, we know food is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community.  When we break bread together, it bonds us together as family and friends and offers far more than just physical nourishment.  We also recognize healthy food is a unique healing medicine unlike any other, which is why Chef Bill’s menus feature the freshest ingredients.  

In addition he prepares meals largely from scratch as our residents would have done in years past.  Chef Bill is also trained to modify recipes to accommodate a range of dietary restrictions as well as changing needs and tastes.  Our nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage their diets and include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat foods. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains on the southeast side of Boulder.  We offer assisted living suites and secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “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.  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.    

Source:

acfchefs.org/ACF/About/Overview/ACF/About/Overview/

Monthly Calendar at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you are looking for the best assisted living community in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills. We offer seniors a choice of configurations in 63 private assisted living suites and devote 28 suites in our Reflection Neighborhood to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.    

As a resident of our community, you will have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to participate in.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, morning hymns and worship, Catholic communion, reading groups, word games and puzzles, flower arranging, trivia, Bingo, movie night and much, much more.     

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself,” and that “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise every morning with programs such as: Morning Stretch & Exercise, Yoga/Tai Chi, and Fitness Fun.    

Another popular activity with our residents is our word, board, and trivia games.  Each monthly calendar is filled with various games such as crossword puzzles, Yahtzee, trivia, Dominoes, Bingo, Rummikub, and Scrabble.  Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interest, you are sure to find something of interest.  Whether it is joining the writing club, creative arts, or having the opportunity to attend morning devotions, MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself all that we offer.   

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

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Lifestyle Changes and Health Management Improve Brain Health

While scientists have known for some time that as we age our brains shrink, a few years ago a report was published that for the first time provided evidence of certain risk factors which can contribute to a reduction in brain size.  However the good news is that since these risk factors are generally controllable; we can make changes to our lifestyle that will not only improve our physical health be also help to delay a decline in our brain volume.     

The study, from the University of California, Davis, reported that there are four risk factors associated with a faster decline in brain function including: high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking and being overweight or obese.  The 1,352 participants were an average age of 54 years at the start of the study and did not have any signs of dementia.  All of them were part of the Framingham Offspring Cohort Study (the children of the participants of the original Framingham Heart Study). 

The researcher’s results proved similar to those of earlier studies, which indicate a strong link to the fact that “damage to the cardiovascular system is associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.”  Although we know that smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes increase the chance of cardiovascular-system damage; these are all controllable factors that can be addressed through medications and lifestyle changes.   

The Alzheimer’s Association reminds us that while we cannot change risk factors such as age, family history and heredity, most experts agree that Alzheimer's disease occurs as a result of complex interactions.  They state that, “Research is beginning to reveal clues about other risk factors we may be able to influence through general lifestyle and wellness choices and effective management of other health conditions.” 

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

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care Boise has to offer.

Source:

healthland.time.com/study-4-factors-that-may-shrink-your-brain/

Living as Healthy as Possible with Type 2 Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.   We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease.  Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.     

Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications.  Also even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and prevent the onset.   

The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes.  Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.  Know your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your doctor.  In addition make the appropriate changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your risk for heart disease.  

Another important part of living with diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal ranges.  Many of the same lifestyle changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure.  The ADA advises that “people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 140/80, but check with your health care professional about what target is best for you.”  Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising.   

You can also manage your diabetes better if you stop smoking.  We recognize that smoking is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes.  Finally if you increase your physical activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure.   

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 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, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit

 

Sources:diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

diabetesstopshere.org/2013/09/06/seniors-with-diabetes-take-control-of-your-health/

Read Praise for Arrowhead from Residents’ Families

Obviously the MorningStar at Arrowhead’s team thinks our community is the best!  While we want you to believe us, we do understand that we may be more than a little biased.  This is why we always welcome feedback from actual residents and their families as to how they think we are doing. We are pleased to report we are getting lots of praise from thankful families for helping to care for their loved ones.   

One family member, Nancy from Glendale, recently wrote that Arrowhead is an amazing place with great food and great service.  She explains they moved their father into assisted living after her mother passed away and says she “couldn't have been any luckier to find this place.”  Nancy and family originally went on a tour of the community and was impressed to be told what was “actually provided” unlike some of the other communities they had toured.  She adds, “All the caretakers are great, they actually care about their residents and also each other!”  Nancy ends with a hearty endorsement of the community as she says she would “definitely recommend us.”  

Ron of Phoenix writes that his mom has been at MorningStar at Arrowhead since last January.  He mentions that the staff is very nice and points out a couple of employees in particular.  He goes on to say the staff “always takes time to talk to us and explain anything we have questions about.”  Ron also notes that his mom had a couple of respite care visits with us, which allowed her to try out the place and “she really liked the attention she got there and decided to move in. She still likes it now!” 

We encourage you to visit our website to see more reviews about MorningStar at Arrowhead, and while you are there, set up a tour of our gorgeous, loving community.  You can also request an email regarding availability and pricing.    

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for our residents.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand the area’s best senior living in the Glendale AZ area.