See Our Website to Learn More about MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar Senior Living’s newest New Mexico community, MorningStar of Rio Rancho, will join MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe when it opens next spring. Our residential community will offer 51 assisted living private suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood will offer 26 secure sites devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

To start to get to know our new Rio Rancho community as well as the MorningStar Senior Living Company, we suggest you visit our website. Here you will find a wealth of information regarding FAQs and the types of services and amenities we offer our residents. You will learn about our mission and the core values we aspire to as we care for seniors, who we consider to be heroes, and the exceptional individuals that work for our company. Our brand standard of Service Excellence is “Radiance,” which guides the way we want to deliver service at MorningStar – with warmth, sincerity and depth. 

Our website also addresses ways to help make assisted living affordable, a decision guide to help families determine their care options, a special message to veterans regarding often under-utilized benefits and much more. We additionally discuss the importance of a healthy diet for residents, which is why our community will have an Executive Chef to provide nutritional meals that are not only tasty but feature fresh ingredients and “BrainWise” foods. 

While located on 5.5 acres within a residential setting, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is just a block away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center as well as a variety of stores, restaurants, and banks. We invite you to come out and visit our Information Center, which is 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.

Think Your Parent Needs More Help?

Have you started to think your parent or a loved one may need more care in the near future to assure their safety and wellbeing? If the time is coming when they will need help with daily personal care activities, you may want to consider assisted living. A community such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers a residential home where your loved one will be provided the care they need to allow them to live as independently as possible. 

If this sounds like your situation, you will want to include your parent in the decision making process as the more they are involved, the better they will accept the decision. In the case of a loved one being in denial about the need for changes in their lifestyle, it may help to read suggestions from experts on how to navigate through the process such as MorningStar’s Decision Guide, which is available through our website. 

Stella Henry, R.N., author of The Eldercare Handbook, explains, “Many seniors unrealistically believe they can take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.” She suggests you start laying the groundwork for eventual lifestyle changes now regardless of whether a change is eminent or sometime in the distant future. Another specialist, Barry Jacobs, PsyD, a psychologist who has counseled many people through the emotional journey of moving elderly parents, advises adult children to ask their parent to “indulge” them by visiting an assisted living facility. He adds that people are more likely to reconsider their position if a decision is of their own making. 

While MorningStar of Rio Rancho is not scheduled to open to residents until the spring of 2019, we have already had many seniors express interest or already commit to joining our loving community. Rio Rancho is set on 5.5 acres at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road where we have an Information Center set-up to answer your questions. Our community will consists of 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

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/planning-and-advice/articles/moving-elderly-parents

Just What is Dementia?

Dementia may still be one of the most misunderstood medical conditions of today.  From believing dementia is an inevitable part of aging to thinking any sign of forgetfulness is evidence of dementia, many people hold inaccurate views regarding the term.  The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as not being a specific disease.  Rather they say, “It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.” 

Also is can complicate the matter as the term dementia covers a range of conditions with the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease.  Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders.   

To determine if your or a loved one’s memory loss is a symptom of dementia, you need to be evaluated by a health care professional.  Simply being forgetful is not enough for a doctor to make the diagnosis of dementia but rather he or she will run a series of tests to determine if there is other evidence of cognition problems.   Other signs of dementia involve a person having difficulty completing sentences or finding the right word to say, difficulty completing tasks, and difficulty recognizing items or people.   

In some cases the person may exhibit signs of poor judgement and have trouble performing common household chores, paying bills, or preparing food.  They may have problems with organizing thoughts, and repeatedly ask the same questions or relate the same stories.  A person with dementia can lose their way even in a familiar environment as well as become more agitated and irritable.  

Wondering if there is “quality dementia care near me?” The resounding answer is YES!  Recently opened in September 2017, MorningStar at Englefield Green offers the Boise, Idaho area compassionate, loving and specialized memory care.   Please visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to dementia care.   

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 experience the best assisted living memory care. 

Exercise Benefits Seniors Regardless of Age

Research has shown over and over again that physical exercise is beneficial to older adults regardless of their age and health limitations. If you are an older adult who is already physically active, you may be helping to “prevent problems like a lower maximum heart rate, reduced muscle mass, bone loss, stiffened tendons and ligaments, and some joint or nerve problems.” Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

If you are an older adult with some health limitations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association offer some useful tips for safely benefiting from physical activity. Just remember, before you start any new exercise regimen, consult with your health care provider. Also while you may not be able to attain the recommended 150 minutes a week, experts say you should try to engage in as much physical activity as you can. 

Adjust the intensity of your physical activity to your fitness level, and find activities you can do all year round and enjoy. Walking is considered to be a good exercise for older adults as it can easily be adjusted to one’s fitness level by adjusting the length of the walk and pace. Also remember to wear comfortable clothing as well as properly fitting footwear. Walking with someone makes good sense for safety reasons and provides companionship. 

For seniors at risk of falling, it is important to do exercises to improve your balance. Most of the recommended exercises are easy-to-do at home and can be done daily. You will want to start any new activity slowly and increase your progress gradually. Another thing to remember is to drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your exercise activity. Keep in mind that as we age our thirst sensation diminishes, and by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be partially dehydrated. 

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens in the spring of 2019, we will offer the greater Albuquerque area a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Beautifully designed to meet our residents’ every need, Rio Rancho will offer a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connection. Please visit our website for contact information. 

Please contact your healthcare provider before you start, change, or stop any type of physical activity or exercise.

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:
secondscount.org/heart-resources/heart-resources-detail?cid=8ad2d089-64a5-4d99-940d-818a250c91a4&gclid=CjwKCAjw8uLcBRACEiwAaL6MSdJGtogzc3uJW1v0Cds9HDujMEoE1SvNRSc8klNZtAy9fhBasY4e9xoCc5YQAvD_BwE#.W5kePuhKiM9

Our Pictures Say It All!

When we open in the spring of 2019, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will provide a loving, compassionate home to seniors who require a little extra assistance with their daily care activities. By offering 51 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations, we are certain to have a floor plan that meets your needs. For seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood has 26 secure suites devoted to their individualized care. 

We encourage you to visit our website as we have lots of information available along with many architectural renderings that capture the full beauty and inviting warmth of our new community. Starting on our home page and continuing with our extensive Gallery pictures, you will see an interior artfully designed by the award-winning senior living specialist, Thoma-Holec Design that will create a true “home” for our residents. 

Your private suite has been designed with all of the conveniences and safety precautions needed to ensure both your comfort and safety. Each bathroom is handicapped accessible and all apartments have an emergency call system and wireless Internet service. Throughout our large common areas, we offer amenities such as a bistro, full bar, art studio and workshop, demonstration kitchen, spa bath and massage, fitness center and more. Set on 5.5 acres, we will have expansive outdoor areas with artfully decorated courtyards, strolling paths, raised gardening beds, and an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and fire pit. 

Along with our gorgeously designed facility, our community is also putting together a team of seasoned care providers who are experienced in every facet of senior living. Furthermore the MorningStar Rio Rancho property is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which just celebrated its 15th year anniversary. 

Our community will have it all! We are pet friendly as well as conveniently located to medical facilities, malls, banks and restaurants. Please stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho or visit our website for contact information. 

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.

Saving Benefits from Rio Rancho's Newest Senior Living Community

While still several months away from our Grand Opening in the spring of 2019, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is offering for a limited time Founders Club Benefits of up to $5,000 savings for individuals who make the commitment to join our community. As one of the first residents of our beautiful new assisted living and memory care community, you will have an array of premier choices available to you along with our savings offer. Additionally we understand situations change, which is why you the reassurance of a refundable deposit. To learn more about this fantastic offer, just text “Rancho” to 555-888. 

Our community is located in the culturally rich city of Rio Rancho, which is a northern suburb of Albuquerque and offers a high-desert climate with breathtaking vistas. When you visit our website, take a look at the time lapse video and real-time pictures captured through the wonder of a drone video. It is fun to see our rapid construction progress as the Rio Rancho community rises out of the dirt into beautiful existence. You also get the chance to experience the serene surroundings and spectacular views our community will afford its residents. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The MorningStar name may sound familiar as we have many senior living communities around the Western U.S in addition to two in New Mexico – MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe. 

We cannot express our excitement as we look forward to the completion of our community and to welcoming residents to their new home. Please visit our website, give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center to learn more. 

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.

Is it Alzheimer’s Disease? Get a Professional Diagnosis

Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life.  To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.” 

During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on:

·         Whether you have impaired memory or thinking (cognitive) skills

·         Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors

·         The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes

·         How your thinking problems affect your ability to function in daily life

·         The cause of your symptoms

Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills.  Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests.  While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke.  They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans. 

Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now.  All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms.

It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s.  Furthermore many feel that since there is no cure, what is the point?  However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future.

 

This blog is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor with any

concerns regarding your health. 

 

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:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075

Finding the Best Care for Those with Dementia

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may be coming to the realization that their needs are more than you can manage on your own and are ready for help.  If that sounds like you, it is now time to start researching the various care options in your area. 

One choice is to place your family member in a community specifically designed to serve the needs of those with dementia.  Memory care provides long-term, intensive care that is more specialized and comprehensive than assisted living.  Most are equipped to care for residents at all stages of the disease and include 24-hour supervision.  The communities are secure to   reduce the risks of wandering and many have features such as color-coding to help residents safely navigate through the hallways.  

You will also find the best memory care communities provide programs that address the needs of residents such as helping to calm or provide stimulation as needed and can actually offer your loved one a better quality of life.  Communities that provide memory care report they are able to reduce medications and medication side effects as well as increase nutrition and wellness.  They also say residents have fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; along with more independence and social interactions. Most importantly, memory care communities cite that as many as three-fourths of their residents’ experience improvement or maintain their level of mental functioning.

If you are in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.  MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills has 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s or other types of memory loss.    

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 tour to learn more about our holistic approach and the best memory care in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-11-4-memory-care/       

Does Your Parent Needs More Care?

Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately signals they need more assistance in their daily life.  You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence.  However getting the proper care can actually help make them feel more independent as they know they can live their life without worry and help is available when they need it.   

Experts cite several common signs that may indicate your parent needs more assistance including changes in the way they live.  For incidence if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly.  Signifcant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals. 

Watch for signs your parent is having trouble walking or appears unsteady and is having difficulty getting up from a seated position.  Other changes are signs of confusion or uncertainty performing familiar tasks.  A dangerous side effect of poor memory can be seniors forgetting to take medications or not following their doctor’s care plan.  Errands can also be difficult to do as many seniors are uncomfortable driving and many stop driving altogether. 

While assisted living was a relatively new concept when it first began around 25 years ago, today it is the fastest growing care option for seniors who are able to live independently but require a little assistance.  At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we provide assistance with “activities of daily living” (ADLs) such as: bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and more.  Our community, located in scenic Fountain Hills east of Scottsdale, offers a total of 63 private assisted living suites and 28 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. 

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. 

What to Look for When Touring a Senior Living Community

We always encourage all interested families to set up a tour of MorningStar at Englefield Green in order to experience our beautiful, loving community in person.  As dementia care specialists, our community is set up to provide care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other type of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  We feel honored to walk alongside and support each resident and their family as they go through this difficult journey. 

On our website, you will find a convenient link to schedule a tour or give us a call.  As we tailor the tour to your priorities, we recommend you allow at least 45 minutes so you can get a good look at our entire community.  We also invite you to join us for lunch (just let us know when you set up your tour).  If you do want to join us, please set aside as least 90 minutes. 

At A Place for Mom’s website, the largest assisted living referral service, they say your impression of the community should start from the moment you walk through the door.   Start looking around and see if you notice a general feeling of uncleanliness and/or unpleasant odors?  Do staff members seem friendly and are they making eye contact and appear to be listening to residents?  Also ask about the ratio of staff to residents and what type of training they receive as well as security measures and safety accommodations.    Don’t forget to take the time to meet with the management team and ask them about the community’s mission. 

A Place for Mom recommends eating a meal at the community as it will give you a chance to share leisurely time with the residents.  In addition you get to experience for yourself the community’s cuisine.           

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: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

Worried About the Cost of Assisted Living?

Do you think your parent would be better off in an assisted living community but you are worried about the cost?  You may be surprised to discover that assisted living can be more affordable than you think especially when you consider a number of factors.  To start with, if your parent is still living in their own home, most likely they are faced with regular maintenance and upkeep expenses in addition to taxes and a mortgage payment.  Also while utility bills keep increasing each year, your parent’s income may not be.  

Another expense to consider is will the home require modifications to accommodate your parent’s limited mobility?  Not only can that be expensive but it may impact the value of the home when you finally do decide to sell at a later date.   Furthermore, if your parent requires in-home care, good care can be expensive and may not really be adequate to ensure their safety 24/7.  

Additionally lack of companionship and isolation can be a problem for seniors who live alone.  Many elderly people have a hard time getting out and about as they no longer feel comfortable driving and often find themselves spending more and more time home alone.  In fact aPlaceforMom.com reminds families that, “seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.” 

They explain that while many people have sticker shock after touring a senior living community and learning the cost of assisted living, it is actually a great value when you add up all of the services and amenities included in the cost.   They even put together a chart that shows you how assisted living may be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home.  Please contact MorningStar of Fountain Hills for more information about our assisted living and memory care as well as all of the services, amenities and programs we offer residents. 

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. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/seniors-stay-home-or-move