Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Most of us have walked out of our doctor’s office and quickly thought of a question we wished we had asked the doctor.  We know that doctors are busy and our time with them is short, but the medical profession says it is important for seniors to proactively communicate with their health care providers and control the appointment.  

They recommend putting together a list of questions you want to ask before your next visit.  This can help to give you a better understanding of your medical conditions and improve your ability to self-manage them.  You should also bring a list of all of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins and supplements you are currently taking.

General questions to ask include:

·         Are my medications still appropriate to my condition and should the dosage be lowered or increased? 

·         How are my blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels?

·         What type of exercise do you recommend for someone my age?

·         Is my weight a problem?

·         What steps should I take to improve my health?

If you are experiencing symptoms, make a list of all of them and include frequency and the amount of pain or discomfort associated with them.  If your doctor diagnoses a disease, ask them how do you spell it and if you will need any tests or medications to treat it?  In addition ask your doctor how the condition will affect your long-term health, and what, if any, are the side effects of the medications.   

Too many seniors are reluctant to ask questions of their health care providers but it is important to become educated about your medical conditions, treatments and possible health risks.  In fact, most doctors say they wish their patients would be more proactive and ask questions during their visit as it lets them know you understand your health conditions. 

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 schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful assisted living community.     

Floor Plans Designed for Comfort, Safety & Convenience

MorningStar at Englefield Green specializes in providing the Boise, Idaho area with compassionate, individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Within our community, we have 50 suites that include studio and one-and two bedrooms floor plans.  

Our six floor plans were all designed with our residents’ safety and comfort in mind.  Suite configurations include two variations of spacious studios starting at 384 square feet to 416 square feet.  Our one bedroom suites range in size from 528 square feet to 586 square feet.  Roomy, two bedroom model start at 832 square feet and go all the way up to 860 square feet. 

Regardless of which model best fits your needs, they all have large windows for natural lighting and a welcoming atmosphere.  In addition suites come with lots of built-in lighting as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds, kitchenettes with fridges, and full, handicap-accessible bathrooms. 

For residents’ safety, units have a 24-hour emergency call system, and for optimal comfort, our suites are equipped with private heating and air conditioning systems.  The monthly fee includes cable TV and utilities as well as weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services.  Spot cleaning and trash removal daily is done daily. 

To get a first-hand look at our loving community, MorningStar at Englefield Green invites you to schedule a tour.  If you visit our website, you will see a link to “Schedule a Tour” or a convenient form you can fill out to get information regarding pricing and availability.  We understand dementia and are committed to treating each resident with the dignity and respect they deserve.  If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help. 

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 memory care.   

Visit MorningStar Senior Living’s Website

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills recognizes that moving to assisted living can be a difficult step for families, which is why we strive to provide all the details regarding our community beforehand so seniors and their family can make an informed decision.  On our website, we have a lot of information about our Fountain Hills community as well as resources from MorningStar Senior Living regarding particulars on the company and our many services and programs.  

One good source of information is to take a look at the FAQs.  Here you will likely discover answers to your questions (if not, please email or give us a call) and much more.  We start by providing families with a little bit of history on MorningStar such as the fact that we were founded in Denver in 2003 on the principal that it is a “privilege to serve, and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  While we are rooted in in Judeo-Christian beliefs, MorningStar welcomes all faiths among our residents and team members.  

If you were wondering if there is an age requirement to move into MorningStar, the answer is yes.  You must be at least 62 years of age to move into our assisted living or memory care community.

Another answer to a good question is how we will determine the level of care you need to ensure your comfort and safety.  This happens early on and is a part of the move-in process.  You and your family will meet with our Wellness Director who will assess your current health and review your medical history to ascertain how we can best meet your needs. At this time, we also discuss your preferences and normal routines, and together we will develop an individualized care plan.   Furthermore, your plan will be regularly re-evaluated to coincide with your changing needs.  Please see our website for more information.   

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 schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful assisted living community.     

MorningStar Offers Software Designed for Seniors

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills we are pleased to offer our residents the user-friendly, interactive software called “It’s Never Too Late” ® (iN2L).  This unique, person-centered technology makes it easy for anyone to use a computer, regardless of prior experience or abilities, and is designed specifically for the continuing entertainment and education of seniors. 

Simply to use, iN2L provides customized activities that are based on a person’s interest and background, which are used to enhance cognitive function, socialization and quality of life.  Also a Wii-like functionality offers interactive physical as well as cognitive activities. The personalized program allows each resident to have his or hers own “page” on the system, and is setup to display their photos, videos, stories, music, games and even websites.  The resident’s page can even be customized remotely through a family portal to give family members an opportunity to add personal updates, information and current pictures.  

With over 3,000 application and content items, the highly adaptable nature of the system makes it easy to adjust activities and content to a resident’s unique abilities and interests. 

Along with an array of brain exercises, educational and travel videos, interactive games, puzzles, word games, history, news topics and trivia, the iN2L software also offers safe and easy Internet access, email, and Skype. 

We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our beautiful senior living community.  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.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see the finest assisted living in Fountain Hills AZ.

Source: in2l.com/ 

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

It is estimated that 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease.  In the U.S. alone, a million people are living with the disease and as many as 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  While there is not a cure for the disease, there is treatment; however anyone with symptoms needs to have a medical diagnosis in order to rule out other causes.

The Mayo Clinic’s website provides a list of some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s.  The first sign can be a tremor that affects one hand and a person may frequently exhibit a back-and-forth rubbing motion of the thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor.  Tremors usually occur while the individual is at rest, and can affect the hands, limbs, and posture.

Another common sign of the disease is slowed movement known as bradykinesia. This can worsen over time and eventually affect a person’s ability to walk well or have trouble getting up out of a chair.  In some cases one foot may drag, making walking even more challenging.

Other symptoms of the disease include rigid muscles and stiffness within any part of the body, and impaired posture and balance that may cause a person to become stooped or lead to falls.  The disease can also cause a loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swinging your arms as you walk.  In addition many people experience changes in their speech such as speaking in a monotone or more softly, more quickly or with a slur.

Finally many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems writing.  Often their writing becomes smaller and it is more difficult to do because of the tremors.   

This post is for information purposes only; please consult your health care providers with any health concerns.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see the finest assisted living in Fountain Hills AZ.

Source:pdf.org/en/parkinson_statistics

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488

Resources for Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone.  It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States.  As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services. 

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear.  Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through.  There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated. 

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward.  They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”   

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through.  One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy.  They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able.  Finally, they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.” 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our Reflections Neighborhood not only provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being but also encourages and supports choice and independence to the fullest extent possible.  Our memory care residents participate in recreational and purposeful activities, including exercise, music, life skills, and art, and as well as outings and special events. Above all, Fountain Hills residents are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a tour to learn more about our holistic approach and the best memory care Scottsdale/Fountain Hills and the surrounding area has to offer.