We Feel Honored to Care for Seniors

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we feel honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier.  We explain our chosen calling by saying, “We value seniors as a testimony to colossal events in our history. They have witnessed world wars and the World Wide Web—all in one glorious sweep. If anyone deserves respect, it is these men and women, who made our lives possible.” 

The way we deliver our exceptional service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our Stand-up.  Much more than just a customer service program, Radiance embodies the guiding principles for how we dispense our services – with depth of purpose and warmth.  The program emanates from an authentic, sincere place and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that resembles a beam of light.

We use the program to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  It distinguishes our compassion and care as well as our service professionalism and provides residents the respect and dignity they deserve.  As the director of Community Relations so eloquently stated, “The culture of MorningStar was an instant attraction to me. The people I have met on this team share my passion to serve and love seniors in every way. MorningStar is here to help families in need and create an amazing home for loved ones. I so wish my grandparents would have had a place like this long ago.”

Please call to set up a visit to see for yourself our beautiful, loving community.  We offer 63 suites for assisted living and 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar of Fountain Hills was designed to best serve our residents’ needs.  

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 our exceptional community.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Now that we are in the middle of summer, it bears repeating that we need to wear sunscreen in order to protect our skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.  Experts note that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage our skin in as little as 15 minutes. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends everyone uses a water-resistance sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB ray) of SPF 30 or higher.  You need to wear it every day if you plan to be outside as the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round even on cloudy days. 

Along with wearing sunscreen, the AAD says to avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when rays are the strongest, and to wear protective clothing even in the shade.  Whenever possible, wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. To get optimal coverage from a hat, the brim should go all the way around and have at least a three-inch brim.  Also it should be made of a tight, synthetic weave without visible perforations.  Keep in mind you need to take extra precautions if you plan to be near water, sand, or snow as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, and can increase your chance of a sunburn.

To apply sunscreen properly, put on a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin.  Ask for help in hard to reach areas.  Furthermore check the sunscreen’s expiration date; typically sunscreen has a shelf life of no more than three years and is shorter if the product has been exposed to high temperatures.  Finally keep an eye on your skin, and if you notice any changes or itching or bleeding on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early.

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.  

Source:  aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs

Good Nutrition is Important for Keeping Seniors Healthy

Good nutrition plays a major role in the quality of life for the elderly including providing better physical, mental, and social health.  Many older adults are less active than younger people and therefore do not need to consume as many calories each day and/or may have a decreased sense of appetite.  This means that it is even more critical that the calories seniors are getting each day are rich in nutrients and vitamins and they avoid filling up on unhealthy food options.    

The USDA has put together a list of 10 healthy eating tips for people age 65+ called “Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older.”  The first tip is to make a point to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day, because as we age, we can lose our sense of thirst.  They recommend drinking water often and limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. 

They advise that you get into the habit of using spices and herbs to flavor food instead of salt and to have sliced fruits and vegetables available for snacks and meals.  Even if you have dental problems, you can always eat cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-sodium soups, or canned tuna.  The USDA suggests seniors vary the color of vegetables at each meal to benefit from the different vitamins each one offers.    Another tip is to make eating a social event and to try and eat with others.   

Every day seniors need food fortified with vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals, and 3 cups of fat-free of low-fat milk or yogurt and hard cheeses.  Choose lactose-free foods if you cannot tolerate dairy.   Another thing the USDA mentions to look out for are portion sizes and to try and eat as much food each day in order to maintain a healthy weight. 

Guidelines for the National Institute of Aging state that physically inactive women 50 years and older need to consume about 1600 calories a day and moderately active women need about 1800 calories.  If you are a 50 year or older woman leading a very active lifestyle, you need to consume approximately 2,000 calories daily.  Inactive men 50+ only need 2,000 calories, somewhat active men about 2200-2400 and very active men about 2400-2800 calories.

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 our exceptional community. 

Sources:

Choosemyplateprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/tentips/DGTipsheet42ChoosingHealthyMealsAsYouGetOlder.pdf, nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Facts about Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia

Currently Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.  For older adults, it is ranked third and is just behind heart disease and cancer.  There are several forms of dementia but Alzheimer’s is the most common.  Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia.  

Alzheimer’s disease is named after a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer.  In 1901, Dr. Alzheimer began observing a 51-year-old female patient at the Frankfurt Asylum who had a range of strange behavioral symptoms, including a loss of short-term memory.   Throughout the next five years of her life, Dr. Alzheimer studied the women.  Upon her death, he examined her brain where he discovered “many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary, or tau tangles).  These plaques and tangles in the brain are still considered some of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Researchers now believe Alzheimer’s disease begins about a decade before the first symptoms appear such as memory loss and other cognitive problems.  During this period, toxic changes begin in the brain that includes abnormal deposit of proteins, which form amyloid plaques and tau tangles.  In addition healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die.

While symptoms vary, the early stages of Alzheimer’s include a decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment.  As the disease progresses, memory problems increase as well as symptoms such as “wandering, getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes.”  Most people are diagnosed with the disease in this stage. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green understands the devastation a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia is for a family.  We have 50 secure suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, and provide compassionate care to seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

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.  

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

Learn More about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The COPD Foundation states that, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.”  As COPD progresses, it results in increasing breathlessness as the lungs are further damaged.  The damage is permanent and is the 4^th leading cause of death for people 65 to 84 years old.   

Often in the early stages, people mistake the symptoms of COPD with fatigue and getting older.  In addition, many people may have the disease for years before experiencing the symptoms of COPD that includes breathlessness, wheezing, or a chronic cough.  

You may be at risk for COPD if you have a history of long-term smoking, a job that exposed you to dust or chemicals or other indoor air pollutants, second-hand smoke exposure, or lots of exposure to outdoor air pollution.  You may additionally be at risk if you had lots of respiratory infections as a child or have a genetic risk factor for emphysema that is related to a deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the bloodstream.  

  

COPD is diagnosed with a simple procedure known as a spirometry test that measures how well your lungs are working.  If your results show signs of COPD, you will need to consult with your doctor regarding treatment.  It is important for anyone with COPD to get a yearly flu shot and a vaccine for pneumonia as they can help to prevent some infections.  Good nutrition and staying as active as possible is also important.  

The Mayo Clinic reminds anyone diagnosed with COPD that is not the end of the world.   They say most people have a mild form of the disease and require little therapy other than to quick smoking.  For more advanced cases, there are effective therapies available to “control symptoms, reduce your risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve your ability to lead an active life.”

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

Source: copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Understanding-COPD/What-Causes-COPD.aspx

Spacious Suites with a Variety of Floorplans

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is a gorgeous senior living community in a scenic desert community east of Scottdale, which makes it a convenient location for both Fountain Hills and Scottsdale families.  Our spacious suites boast views of the dramatic celebrated lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of 562 feet every hour.

MorningStar’s 63 private assisted living suites are spread out over two levels and include a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. For memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 28 suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our suites’ floorplans.  As you will see, each one is well laid out and accommodates the various needs of our residents. In our one-bedroom assisted living units, sizes range from 437 sq. ft. to 493 sq. ft.  Two-bedroom assisted living floorplans start at 587 sq. ft. and go all the way up to 1,280 sq. ft. in our largest units.  

Please remember that couples are more than welcome to live together in a suite. Also, we recognize many seniors have been in marriages for 50 or 60 years and may have lost their spouse.  To them, it is often more comfortable to share a suite with a friend as it provides steady companionship and helps them feel less lonely.   MorningStar of Fountain Hills allows two unrelated people of the same sex to share a suite in both assisted living and memory care.

Along with our beautiful suites, our community has warm and inviting common areas that are perfect to sit and enjoy the day while chatting with friends.  These include a fireside patio and porches as well as an atrium with water feature, bistro, theatre/chapel, and more.   Please visit our website to set up a tour of our loving community. 

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.     

Wellness Program and Special Activities

MorningStar at Englefield Green provides loving, compassionate memory care to seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Through our wellness programs and special activities, we find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the person each and every day regardless of the level of memory loss.

Life enrichment at Englefield Green includes a wide variety of physical activities designed to keep residents moving and engaged in life.  Throughout the week, we have a Sunday Strong, Monday Movement, Sit & Be Fit, Yoga for Wellness, Aerobic Thursday, Friday Fitness, and Saturday Stretch class. 

Also residents and staff alike enjoy playing games that are both challenging and fun such as Game Time, Joggin the Noggin, Online Trivia, Brain Games and Bingo. Other types of activities include a book club, movie nights, sing-alongs, and craft time.  In addition local entertainers come in and perform for us a couple of times a week, and residents enjoy scenic drives or walks around our neighborhood.      

Furthermore holidays and special occasions are always another reason to celebrate at MorningStar at Englefield Green.  For example, our Mother’s Day celebration included beautiful hat decorating and lots of visits from family members.  Each of our special mothers received a beautiful pink rose.  From Father’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.; our Englefield family enjoy celebrating the holidays together.   

Please visit our website to learn more about our committed, caring community.  We put our energies toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life, and it is our honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

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.   

Lots of Fun at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we take the job of providing residents with the best senior living extremely seriously.  We also think that extends to making sure we offer a full range of activities that are designed for out and out fun.  In fact, we love a reason to celebrate whether it’s birthdays, holidays, or special events and are sure to provide plenty of food, music and good company. 

Take for example the month of June, where we celebrated several birthdays and also had a great time at our Music Monday performances.   A wildlife presentation was given by Amy Burnett of AZ Fish and Game on the 12^th and we celebrated Father’s Day with a BBQ Lunch on Sunday the 17^th.  These activities were enjoyed by residents, family and staff alike. 

Speaking of fun, we cannot forget to mention our regular game of Bingo in the Life Enrichment Center on Tuesday and Saturdays.  Moreover, we offer a Happy Hour every Friday (including a Freddy G performance on June 29th) at 3pm in the Bistro.  Here, residents can enjoy a glass of wine or beer, share stories and have a good time. 

This is just a small sampling of what goes on at MorningStar of Fountain Hills where we believe seniors’ retirement years should be as carefree as possible.  Programs also include our signature wellness program, WellStar, which is designed to ensure each day enhances health and wellness, stimulates the brain and encourages connection.

Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in the area.  Our community has 63 graciously-appointed assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as well as another 28 memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and 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 schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful assisted living community.