Stylish Floor Plans Designed with Your Every Comfort in Mind

As one of the newest senior living communities in Rio Rancho (just north of Albuquerque), MorningStar of Rio Rancho will provide seniors with all the comforts of home.  When we open in spring of 2019, our residential community will offer 51 assisted living private suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, which is devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we will offer 26 secure suites.  Memory care floorplans consist of studios and one-bedroom, one-bath suites.   

Designed by the award-winning senior living interior designer, Thoma-Holec Design, our gorgeous interior is filled with warm and inviting common areas that extend into our suites. Each suite offers lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, mini blinds, and wall-to-wall carpeting.  All apartments also have emergency call systems, full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and a private heating and air conditioning system.  MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal and has onsite laundry facilities.  In other words your suite is all ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal treasures.  And yes, if you were wondering, we are pet friendly! 

Our community is in a residential setting but is conveniently located one block from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and to nearby shops, restaurants, and banks.  We also want you to know that while our community is new, MorningStar Senior Living has communities across the country, including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Rio Rancho or come out and visit us at our Information Center on 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.  Opening in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to talk to our team about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho.  

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we offer 63 beautiful, all-inclusive private suites for assisted living in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Our monthly rental fee is based on square footage as well as the location within the building and view, and is designed for seniors 62 years and older. 

If you are worrying about getting the level of care that you need in our community, don’t.  Before you even move in, you will sit down with our Wellness Director to discuss your current health and review your medical history to determine the type of care you need.  We offer five levels of care that provide assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical that are priced a la carte.   

During our assessment, we will discuss your personal preferences and normal routines so we can put together a care plan that is customized for you.  And again, don’t worry about things changing after you are a resident, as we regularly re-evaluate what you need to accommodate the changes.    

Also if you are wondering, couples are welcome at MorningStar of Fountain Hills and can share a private suite surrounded by their own, familiar possessions.   Or if you would like, you are welcome to share a suite with a close friend or relative (must be of the same sex).  We also offer respite care for up to 30 days, or a “trial stay” for as short as a week or up to a full month.

It is our privilege to serve seniors and we foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  Furthermore, while rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths among our residents and team members. 

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 our exceptional community.  

Dining Services that are as Much About Community as Nutrition

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we feel privileged to provide compassionate, loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  As dementia care experts, every aspect of our community including our dining service is tailored to our special residents.  Mealtimes at Englefield Green are as much about community as they are about the delicious food we serve as at each meal, residents and team members eat together (of course family members are also welcome to join us anytime).   

Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  Many of meals include offering dishes from serving bowls and platters as a way to help residents connect to memories of family meals they have eaten or prepared throughout their lives.  In addition out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised abilities at the table, food is geared toward their needs.  Our nutritionally-balanced meals look as good as they taste and include easy-to-eat finger foods as well as texture-modified pureed meat and vegetables. 

All of these dishes are prepared with finesse, and many visitors are surprised to discover how good they taste and how elegant they look.  At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we strongly believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is also one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. 

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to memory care.  Our community opened in the fall of 2017 and offers 50 suites in an array of configurations including spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.  We also provide 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 memory care.   

Senior Living Offers Many Benefits to Its Residents

Several studies have shown that the majority of seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone.  A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.”  Also seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community. 

When a senior lives alone, they can become pretty isolated especially if they have stopped driving.  In addition trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults.  Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly.  Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is a fear of falling.  Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening.

Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho provide creative programs and activities that encourage and enhance health and wellness, socialization, and mental stimulation.  At Rio Rancho we also provide scheduled transportation as well as arrange special outings to local destinations such as museums, parks, plays, shopping malls and scenic drives.  Residents at our assisted living and memory care community will no longer have to worry about fixing meals as we provide three daily meals that are both healthy and delicious.

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens to residents in the spring of 2019, we will offer 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our community is situated on 5.5 acres at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road in scenic Rio Rancho.  Please stop by our Information Center located onsite to learn about the many benefits we offer to those in need of assisted living or memory care.     

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 the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/senior-living-comforts-safety/

Another Way to Stay Active and Connected at MorningStar

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pleased to offer our residents a state-of-the-art way to connect with the “It’s Never 2 Late” technology that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software.  The revolutionary engagement system contains a library of 3,000 ways to connect socially, spiritually, and intellectually and offers physical stimulation and emotional support.    

The intuitive design provides numerous user-friendly components to ensure it is easy for all of our residents to comfortably use the computer program regardless of their abilities or limitations.  With a simple press of a button, the user can launch hundreds of applications designed for recreation or social connections.

The program simplifies email and offers webchats using Skype, an array of online newspapers and easy navigation of the web.  Each user can personalize their experience on iN2L by setting up a “My Page,” in order to easily access their favorite games, email addresses, family photos, and favorite websites.  A resident’s My Page can be used to foster interactions between family members and to keep up-to-date on events and goings on through Skype and email.  

All of the program’s activities are adapted to engage residents’ interest and unique abilities and include trivia, puzzle and brain games designed to entertain as well as to maintain brain functions.  In addition it also has inspirational videos, sermons, history, quizzes and interactive virtual tours to name but a few of the many features. 

Health and Wellness programs offer a balance of spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social.  Also iN2L includes a fall prevention program and multiple exercise videos designed to improve strength and balance.  There is even a therapy component to iN2L that can be used to enhance speech, physical and occupational therapy experiences.   For our memory care residents, there is stimulating engagement content categorized to reflect different levels of cognition and to keep the person entertained and connected.

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 our exceptional community.   

Memory Care that Treats Each Resident with Respect & Dignity

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens in the spring of 2019, we will offer the greater Albuquerque area unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.  Along with 51 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood will have 26 secure suites in a variety of studio and one-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   

The entire memory care wing is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily.  Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible.   

As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help.  While our community may be new, we will be staffed by experienced and compassionate caregivers who truly understand the disease.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents.  Also as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs.

For a limited time, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is offering $5,000 Savings as part of our “Founders Club Benefits.”  Text “Rancho” to 555-888 for more information or stop in at our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road to talk to us about our beautiful new community.

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 the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho.  

An Assisted Living Community that is a True “Home”

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is the newest MorningStar Senior Living community in New Mexico and expects to open to residents in the spring of 2019.  Our large 70,863-square-foot community is being meticulously built to offer all the comforts of home and will have 51 private assisted living suites.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide 26 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.    

Our goal at Rio Rancho is to offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  From the moment you decide to join our loving community, we consider you a part of our family.  To ensure you get the care you need, our Wellness Director sits down with you and your family for a thorough assessment of your medical and personal needs.  MorningStar offers five levels of care as well as various auxiliary services (both medical and non-medical), which are priced a la carte. 

Regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents will have around-the-clock Care Managers who help with personal daily care activities, and the services of full time nurses (on call 24/7).  We also offer Medication Managers, a CPR-trained team member on every shift, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, care plan reviews, scheduled transportation, and much more.   

As a resident, you will receive three daily nutritional, tasty meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef.  All meals are served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room available for intimate dinners. 

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s many services and amenities.  Also for a limited time only, we are offering $5,000 Savings as part of our “Founders Club Benefits.”  Text “Rancho” to 555-888 for more information or stop in at our 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.  Opening in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho.  

Introducing a New Senior Living Community in the Albuquerque Area

We would like to introduce you to the newest senior living community in the northern suburb of Albuquerque NW.  MorningStar of Rio Rancho is set to open to residents in 2019.  Our artfully designed community offers 51 private assisted living suites along with 26 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Right from the ground up, every facet of our community is being built to offer residents the utmost comfort and safety.  This includes a gorgeous interior designed by the award-winning senior living interior design specialist, Thoma-Holec Design.  Offering warm and inviting common areas that extend into each suite, residents are sure to feel right at home.  In addition Rio Rancho is situated on 5.5 acres so residents and their families can enjoy time in our expansive outdoor areas that include courtyards decorated with artwork and trellises, an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and fire pits.  Residents will also find pleasure in peacefully strolling through landscaped paths as well as puttering in our raised garden beds.  

Along with a gorgeous physical environment, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer residents a wide range of services and resort-style amenities such as three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style.  We will also have an onsite 24-hour bistro, full bar and liquor license, workshop and art studio, fitness center, theatre/chapel, salon and more.  

Residents are provided services and programming to support the body, mind and spirit and include around-the-clock Care Managers and full-time licensed nurses (on call 24/7).  Wellness programs and activities, scheduled transportation, special events and road trips to local areas of interest provide residents a fulfilling lifestyle.  Please visit our website for more information on compassionate assisted living and memory care or just stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road to talk directly to us.   

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 talk to our team regarding exceptional senior living options in Rio Rancho.  

A Leadership Team that Raises the Bar on Care

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we know a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be traumatizing for a family, which is why we are here to help.  Under the guidance of our extraordinary leadership team, we proudly provide loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

Right from the top, our Executive Director, Lesley Jacobson, sets a standard of care that cannot be matched by other senior living communities.  Her love and compassion for seniors began with her loving grandmother and grandfather.  Lesley only wishes that her grandparent could have experience what the residents of MorningStar do.  Furthermore she knows she is living out her calling when residents sing out, “I love you,” each night as she goes home.  

Whitney Endo, RN, our Wellness Director, learned her passion for caring early on in life.   Growing up with a dad with Lou Gerhig’s Disease (ALS) who was paralyzed from the neck down, Whitney assisted her mom in all of his activities of daily living from an early age.  Now having the privilege to serve seniors allows her to continue doing what she loves. 

Serving as our Community Relations Assistance, Rachael Beaudin began bonding with seniors as a young child.  Her neighbor Marj was a warm, friendly and compassionate soul who validated Rachael for who she was as well as treasured her as an individual.  Rachael is proud to now represent a company that is distinguished by its focus, purpose and values and places relationships above all else. 

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we offer 50 secure suites in configurations including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans along with all of the services and amenities to ensure your loved one the best care.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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.   

Facing a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is devastating for everyone in the family and an uncomfortable, difficult topic for people to talk about.  In some cases, even physicians do not discuss the disease with their patients, and sometimes a person is unaware of the diagnosis.  Others may try to hide their memory problems, and as a result, end up with little time to put their affairs in order and plan for the future. 

However experts say it is important to discuss the diagnosis and its ramifications with your family in order to make your wishes known regarding your care.  One of the things you will want to do is to designate a family member to make decisions on your behalf once you are unable to do so.  With the help of your family, you will also need to make financial decisions such as setting aside assets to pay for long-term care in an assisted living facility or for home care.  Keep in mind that planning ahead also gives your family peace of mind as they will know they are following your wishes.

Another one of the recommendations from experts who work with Alzheimer’s patients is to have the person tell their life story.  This can be in a journal form or recorded and provides a meaningful way for the family to bond together.  Furthermore, it helps to make the person feel that they are a valued member of the family.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Reflections Neighborhood, we provide individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We treat each of our residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence.  Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-26/5-steps-to-ending-the-stigma-surrounding-dementia

Schedule a Visit to MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we are extremely proud of our community and want to encourage area families to schedule a visit to experience firsthand what we are all about.  While our website is extremely comprehensive with lots of useful information and pictures, it is impossible to really experience MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ total ambience without paying us a visit.

We understand that everyone is busy, which is why we will tailor your tour to address your priorities but we do ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit to get a fair idea of our services and amenities.  In addition we would love to have you join us for lunch (just let us know when you schedule your tour) to not only get a taste of our delicious, nutritional meals but to have a chance to enjoy the company.  If you do want lunch, please plan to be here for about 90 minutes.  

There are two easy ways to schedule a tour.  You can go to our website and open the link to our convenient online form that takes just a few moments to fill out or pick up your phone and give us a call.  We are located in the scenic desert town of Fountain Hills at the corner of Paul Nordin Parkway and Verde River Drive.  Our beautiful community has views of the dramatic landmark lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of 562 feet every hour.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers both assisted living and memory care with 63 private assisted living suites and 28 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those with memory impairments.  You or your loved one deserve the best senior living community in the area!

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.

Tips for Visiting Someone with Dementia

If you have wondered how to make the most of your time when you visit a relative or friend suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, take some tips from the experts.  They have the experience to help your visit go more smoothly.    

Their first tip is to adjust to your loved one as they are now and do not expect to have the same type of conversations with them as you once did.  As dementia care specialist Vivian Green Korner explains, “Conversations may become less intellect to intellect and more emotion to emotion.”

Another thing, focus on what the person still has rather than focusing on what they have lost.  They may enjoy stories about the past as well as love hearing music that reminds them of when they were young.  Anthony Cirillo, president of The Aging Experience and host of the Virtual Summit for Caregivers, say that, “Music activates something in people no matter how advanced their dementia.”  Also it may be helpful to bring photos, books or even tasty treats to share with your loved one. 

In addition don’t waste time asking a lot of questions that may just confuse the person, instead, just live in the moment.  Talk about things you are seeing such as the color of the leaves on a tree outside the window or a pretty picture in the room.  If the person appears to be getting agitated, suggest getting up and taking a little walk as often a change of scenery can help to change their mood. 

Remember it is important to make eye contact as a lot of your communication with the person will be non-verbal.  Experts also suggest touching a person before you start to speak as touch is a powerful communicator especially as their verbal skills are starting to diminish.   

MorningStar at Englefield Green is a senior living community devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  As dementia specialists, we understand the disease and provide care that treats the individual with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Please see our website for more. 

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: caring.com/articles/tips-visiting-someone-dementia

Learn More about Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes (or that goes away and comes back). They describe it like an “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.”  Signs can also include discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.  Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.  As heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the U.S. as well as globally, it is important to know the facts and a great resource for up-to-date information is the American Heart Association’s website. 

The site has lots of current information on the causes and treatment for atherosclerosis, which is the disease that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries.  Once plaque has built up and narrowed the arteries, it is more difficult for the blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming that can stop blood from flowing altogether.   Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.    

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes and occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (typically from a blood clot).  Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when weakened blood vessels rupture.  There are two types of weakened blood vessels that are typically responsible: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). 

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should, and thus, not meeting the body’s blood and oxygen needs.  It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in adults 65 years and older.  Treatment includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.  If left untreated, the problem can worsen.    

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 our exceptional community.

Source:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#