Assisted Living Offers Seniors Many Benefits

As people grow older, their needs change and many require help with daily personal care activities.  This can present a dilemma in families as some elderly seniors firmly state that they do not want to move into assisted living.  However when the pressure to assume caretaking responsibilities continues to grow for family members and even safety is a concern, they may have to look into alternatives.  

It is important to know that research shows assisted living can be a healthier lifestyle for seniors than living alone.  They have access to 24/7 care as well as the benefits that come from socializing with others.  In addition keep in mind that your parent’s home may need costly modifications to make it safe for them to continue to live there while assisted living communities are designed to address those needs.  Moreover along with the assistance they need with daily personal care, communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho provide a range of wellness programs and activities that support residents’ mental, physical, spiritual, and social connections.

In addition, wholesome, nutritional daily meals as well as housekeeping and laundry services mean your parent will have their basic needs met seamlessly.  Lastly something often overlooked regarding assisted living is that with the proper assistance, rather than your parent’s fear of losing their independence becoming true, they will actually get it back.  Also by getting the needed assistance from the staff, it allows families to just enjoy spending time together without the added responsibility of being caregivers.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho 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, devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we will offer 26 secure suites.

While our community is new, MorningStar Senior Living has assisted living facilities across the country, including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Rio Rancho or come out and visit us at our onsite 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.  We invite you to visit our Information Center and to speak to our team about unsurpassed senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Worried About Your Parent’s Safety & Wellbeing?

Have you started to suspect that your parent is not doing so well living on their own?  Experts say there are several things you should look for that will help you determine if it is time to make a change in their living situation.

One of the biggest concerns for families is safety as they begin to see their parents struggle with health issues that can make them more vulnerable to accidents and medical crises.   Things to be on the lookout for include poor balance or failing eyesight that increases their risk for a fall; or the worry that comes from knowing they have already fallen.  Maybe you have noticed bruises or cuts they are reluctant to talk. In addition if your parent is still driving, have they recently had a fender bender or another mishap while driving?

Are you worried your loved one’s forgetfulness is putting their safety in jeopardy?  Do you have reason to believe that they are prone to wander or that their forgetfulness is leading to behaviors such as leaving the stove-top or oven on?

Other signs that your parent needs more help is if you have noticed a change in their hygiene such as wearing the same clothes day after day and having difficulty with personal bathing and toileting.  Do they look as if they have lost weight recently? Is the refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food? Also look around their home. Has there been a change in their housekeeping such as dirty dishes in the sink, mail stacking up and unread, and a general neglectful look to the home.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley will provide area seniors with compassionate, inclusive assisted living and memory care.   Our community is designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and will offer all of the services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  Located between Sunnyside Road and SE Princeton Village Way, we invite interested families to visit our onsite Information Center, open seven days a week, with model suites opening in June.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  As one of the best senior living communities in the area, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.

Exploring Our Creative Side Can be Beneficial to Our Wellbeing

The arts enrich the lives of the artist as well as the viewer.  While some of us may not feel creative, it is probably just more of a result of not having the opportunity to explore your creative side.  Expressing ourselves in the creative arts has been proven to be beneficial to every age group including the elderly. As artist Norman Rockwell explains, “The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.”

Over the last several decades studies in the “fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing.”  The first major study to look at the effects the arts have on our health and illness as we age was done by the George Washington University in Washington, DC.  The national longitudinal study was led by Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, director of the University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, who found the arts positively affect the quality of seniors’ lives.  Some of the benefits included helping seniors relax, reducing depression and anxiety, assisting in socialization, improving cognition, reducing boredom, nurturing spirituality and increasing self-esteem.  

Researchers explain that taking part in art expression classes should not be looked at as simply a way to fill time but rather as a way to find meaning and purpose in life regardless of your age.  Moreover it is important that as we grow older, we do things that keep us engaged and give us a reason to look forward to each day. Expressive arts include visual arts, music, dance, writing, and poetry.

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  As a resident, you will have a wide array of care services, resort-style amenities and meaningful wellness programs to engage your mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.   We look forward to meeting future residents and their families at our onsite Information Center. Our model suites will open in June.  Please visit our website for details.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Opening at the end of the year, we will be one of the area’s top senior living communities.
Source: todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml

Research Proves Smiling Can Make You Feel Happier

Research has proved what many of us already knew, that smiling makes you feel happy.  A 30-year study from the University of California, Berkeley reports that smiling has many health benefits including helping you celebrate more birthdays.  Smiling is even easier to do than frowning as it only takes 17 facial muscles to smile and 49 muscles to frown.

The study led by psychologists Dacher Keltner, PhD and Lee Anne Harker, PhD, found that smiling generates our “feel good” endorphins that are associated with exercise.  Smiling can help us look younger as those who smiled more appeared to be three years younger than their less smiley counterparts. Psychiatrists also report that patients naturally smile more as they start to recover from depression.

In addition smiling causes a morphine-like action that helps to relieve stress and reduce the perception of pain in the brain.  A 1980s study even showed smiling makes us more approachable and friendly. The study examined the way men approach women at a bar.  The women who smiled more were 60% more likely to be approached by a man.

Smiling may even help a person earn more money or to be promoted in the workplace, as studies show that people who smile a lot are considered more trustworthy and generous.  Researchers say smiling is instinctive as they now have evidence of babies in the womb smiling. Also don’t forget we have all had the experience of smiling at someone and having them smile back at us.  Scientists explain that the act of smiling is contagious as we have a subconscious tendency to match others’ emotions.

A smile is an international language that is universally understood and one that is easy to use over and over again.  Next time you are feeling sad, try and think of something that makes you smile as you are sure to start feeling better!   

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  As one of the area’s newest senior living communities, we invite you to visit our website or our onsite Information Center for more details on compassionate assisted living.

Source: telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7584633/Smiling-could-help-you-live-longer.html

Finding a Memory Care Community

It is typically with mixed emotions that a family comes to the realization that their loved one needs more care than they can get at home.  When this happens, there are several things to consider as you search for the best memory care. 

One of the first things you need to know is that “memory care” is committed to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Assisted living is intended for those that require some extra care with their daily living activities in order to retain their independence and live their lives safely and comfortably.    

Many assisted living communities have a separate wing devoted to memory care residents and some like MorningStar at Englefield Green is entirely memory care.  Memory care staff members should have gone through specialized training in order to understand the disease as well as to effectively care for those with dementia.

At Englefield Green all of our team members are extensively trained to care for our tender residents and our community is uniquely designed to encourage and support a resident’s right to choice and independence to the fullest extent possible.  You also will want to know the level of care the community is equipped to handle.  At Englefield Green, we care for those from the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages. 

Other questions should include how secure is the community and what is the staff/resident ratio during the day as well as at night.   In addition, do residents receive regular health monitoring, is there a nurse on staff, and will there be a thorough intake process before your loved one joins the community?  Ask how meals are handled, and when will you be contacted if there is a problem. 

We encourage you to visit MorningStar at Englefield Green’s website to learn more about our loving, unique dementia care community.  Also, we recommend you set up a tour to see the home-like atmosphere of Englefield Green. 

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

Source: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist

Make Your Visits with a Loved One in Assisted Living Meaningful

Experts say that one of the most important things you can do for a parent or another loved one in an assisted living community is to commit to visiting on a regular basis.  We are not suggesting every day or even every other day, in fact you need to give your loved one time to bond with those in their community, but rather to be consistent with your visits.

If you worry about what you will talk about or do during your visits, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, has some tips to help you spend meaningful time together.  One of their suggestions is to do a craft project together. You will find all kinds of ideas on the Internet and can use upcoming holidays for appropriately themed projects. Scrapbooking is another idea and will give your parent the chance to reminisce about the past and to share old family stories. Pick up scrapbooking supplies at your local craft store and bring along plenty of photos (be sure to get some of your newer digital photos printed out) to use in the book.

Visits to your loved one can be as simply as scheduling the time to coincide with a favorite TV show both you and your parent love to watch.  Not only can you enjoy the show together but then discuss the twists and turns that the program is taking afterward. The same can be said for starting a book club, and if your parent’s eyesight makes reading difficult, you can read a chapter or two and then talk about the story.   If family members live far away, you could help them set up a video chat as many seniors are not comfortable with the technology to do it themselves. Other suggestions include playing cards or board games, having a picnic on the grounds of the assisted living community, and creating a playlist of favorite tunes and then listen to it together.  

The MorningStar of Rio Rancho team is excited as we are busy getting our beautiful new community ready to welcome our first residents.  As one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we are set on 5.5 acres at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road.  We encourage you to visit our website or to stop by our onsite Information Center to learn more. Our community will offer 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

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 shortly, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source: .aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-activities-for-your-next-visit/

Cancers with the Highest Survival Rate

While it is never good to receive a diagnosis of cancer, today there are several types of cancer that are very treatable.  Research shows that, “The cancers with the highest 5-year relative survival rates include melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and breast, prostate, testicular, cervical, and thyroid cancer.”  However keep in mind that although these cancers are now relatively “curable,” success rates still depends on detection and treatment in the early stages.

Although hesitant to call a patient cured, doctors say with the proper treatment in many of these cases all signs of the disease can be removed and the patient is considered to be in remission.  Survival rates for cancer are based on a 5-year period where the patient remains free of the cancer.

One of the common cancers for men is prostate cancer.  Doctors now say if the disease is caught in stage 1 or stage 2, the man has a 99% relative 5-year survival rate.  Prostate cancer can grow very slowly or not at all, so in some cases doctors just monitor the disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common serious disease in women right after heart disease.  Today survival rates for stage 0 and 1 breast cancer are 99-100%. At stage 1, the cancerous tumors are typically less than 2 cm. in size and have not spread to other parts of the body.  

Another of the cancers on the list is Melanoma, a cancer of the skin.  When caught at stages 1A and 1B respectively, the 5-year survival rate is between 92 to 97%.   To detect problems early, doctors recommend regular checkups and screenings to find skin cancers and other diseases.  If you have any questions or concerns, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley is the area’s newest assisted living and memory care community.  We will provide the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  In addition to 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, we do scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews.  Please visit our website or our onsite Information Center.  MorningStar of Happy Valley is scheduled to open late 2019.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information about one of the area’s best senior living communities.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322700.php

One of the Area’s Top Assisted Living Facilities is Pet Friendly!

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, opening any day now, will offer 51 modern, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet your preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

As you will see from our website, our architectural renderings highlight the exquisite beauty and comfortable, home-like setting of our community.   Along with the smart design and safety features found in each suite, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is also pet friendly.  We recognize that our residents do not want to leave behind their four-legged family member when they move into assisted living.  We also know that animals offer tremendous benefits to seniors’ wellbeing.

Research has found that being around animals is good for seniors’ wellbeing as they not only provide loyal companionship and decrease feelings of loneliness but provide health benefits as well.  Studies show that dogs are especially good pets for seniors as they require them to be more physically active than their non-pet owning counterparts. Other studies find “having a pet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as decrease stress.”  Moreover, “Pets have proven to increase serotonin levels, which make us feel good, and decrease cortisol levels, which leads to stress.”

If you are interested in joining our MorningStar of Rio Rancho family, we ask that you speak to us regarding our pet policy as we do assert our right to assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis.  We do have some restrictions on breeds. MorningStar also requires a one-time nonrefundable pet fee.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s leadership team, seasoned care providers experienced in every facet of senior living, is putting together an exceptional group of individuals to serve our residents.  For what promises to be one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we invite you to visit our website or to come by our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road 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.  Please visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.
Source: seniorliving.org/assisted-living/pets/

Searching for the Best Assisted Living for Your Parent?

If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent, you know if can be overwhelming.  You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences.  Moreover you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad out of a place after just a few months.  That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow that you take your time and you get it right.

The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for senior living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff.  One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the place.  If it is a new home still under construction, check to see if they have a model suite open or an office where you can talk face to face with the community’s leadership team.

Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations such as studios or one- and two bedrooms, and what is the availability.  If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite. Also if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a two-bedroom suite).  You will also want to learn more about the care services your loved one will receive. Will they have access to care 24/7? How close is the community to a medical care facility and how are medical emergencies handled?  Does the staff receive any type of special training? Do any of the caregivers have CPR training?

Location is another thing to consider as you will want a place that is convenient to all of the family and friends that will want to visit.  Be sure to ask if you will be allowed to visit at any time or is there a set schedule when residents can receive visitors.

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we look forward to answering all of your questions.  To get a head start on answers, our website is full of useful information and resources. Also while we will not open until late 2019, our onsite Information Center is open seven days a week and our model suites are opening in June.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “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 are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about one of the area’s newest senior living communities.

An Assisted Living Community Served by a Stellar Team

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens in the next few month, our residents will be served by a team that has one thing in common – Big Hearts!  While we offer a full range of resort-style amenities and care services, we feel the most important thing that sets us apart from other assisted living facilities, is a team of compassionate individuals with a felt calling to serve.

All of MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s employees are carefully selected to ensure residents get the best service and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Our hiring process starts by looking for virtues such as kindness, selflessness and character, which we consider to be as important as education and experience. We also compensate our team well as we know they are vital to creating the loving atmosphere found within MorningStar homes.

Investing in our team is even part of our mission statement of honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing generously in our team’s ability to serve.  This include providing each employee, regardless of position, meaningful training in “Radiance,” which is more than a customer service program but an attitude of the heart that issues from a deep sincere place like a radiant beam of light.  It is used to guide the way we deliver service - with sincerity and depth of purpose. Team members are also trained in Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s holistic approach and philosophy to caring for our residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Our gorgeous Rio Rancho community is in the city of Rio Rancho, a northern suburb of Albuquerque and renowned for its high-desert climate and breathtaking vistas (just take a look at our website’s time-lapse camera).  While set in a quiet residential area at the corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road, we are a block away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and a variety of shops, banks, and restaurants. Please visit our website or drop by our onsite Information Center to learn more about the area’s top assisted living and memory care 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 early summer 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about our exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our Most Important Critics Sing Our Praises

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we feel privileged to serve those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and strive each day to find ways to elevate and celebrate their lives.  We accomplished this through the efforts of an extraordinary team of individuals with a felt calling to serve who are gratified to hear our residents’ families tell us how pleased they are to have their loved ones in our care. 

As one daughter of a resident writes, “MorningStar is truly a quality senior living memory loss community.  It was not an easy to decision to move our mother but the human touch that I have witnessed has made all the difference.”  She goes on to say, “It is beautiful, clean, has great food, and lots of great activities, which encompass every activity level.”

One of our resident’s husbands explains that he had carefully researched dementia care communities in the area before deciding on MorningStar at Englefield Green.  He had required the highest quality of care for his beloved wife and says, “I cannot say enough good things about the level of care she receives in a safe, secure environment.  The caregivers are highly trained and provide loving care that meets her (his wife’s) physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Another family with both parents in our care, wrote, “We cannot say enough about what a wonderful place this is.  All of the staff is so kind and caring.  They treat the resident with love, dignity and respect, and go out of their way to individualize the experience to meet the needs of each resident.”  They finish by explaining how touched they have been by everyone involved in their parents’ care. 

One family states they had experience with another dementia care facility and that there is no comparison to what MorningStar at Englefield Green provides.  They declare our community is “GREAT,”   and highly recommend us. 

As one of the area’s premier Alzheimer’s care homes, MorningStar at Englefield Green cares for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We have 50 suites that include a configuration of floor plans from studios to one- and two bedroom apartments along with the amenities and services to assure your loved ones’ comfort, safety and wellbeing. 

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 dementia care.   

Learn More About Arthritis

The CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners have all come together to observe Arthritis Awareness during the month of May.  The CDC reports that the widespread disease affects about one in four adults in the U.S., and currently 54 million men and women as well as an estimated 300,000 children have the disease.

Research has found that while there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis, it can also be a result of environmental factors including toxins and viruses or damage due to excessive repetitive motions. Signs you may be developing arthritis include joint pain and swelling, stiffness or deformity of joints, lumps and bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and warm or red joints.  While there is no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and using hot and/or cold packs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help, but before taking any medication, please consult with your health care provider.

The CDC says walking can be the best form of exercise for someone suffering from arthritis.  They explain that, “All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.”  If you are unable to walk any distance at one given time, they recommend taking three small 10 minute walks spread out throughout the day. The CDC reminds everyone there is no better time to begin a walking program or recommit yourself to a walking routine than during Arthritis Awareness Month.

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, MorningStar of Fountain Hills takes the wellbeing of our residents seriously.   Our monthly calendar includes programs and activities that encourage residents to get engaged not only physically, but also intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.
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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Seniors’ Most Common Health Concerns

Recent statistics indicate we are living longer, and if you do reach the age of 65, you can expect to live on average another almost 20 years.  Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of those over the age of 65 reports they are in very good or excellent health.

Experts recommend that older adults should be aware of chronic health conditions common to seniors and make lifestyle changes that may help stave off those diseases and improve their quality of life.  Some of the things they suggest are to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.

If you are already coping with a chronic medical condition, following those suggestions can help you to better manage your disease as well as improve your quality of life.  Experts also recommend if you do not already have a geriatrician on your healthcare team, to add one, as they have a special understanding of the things seniors are going through.

The three most prevalent diseases affecting older adults in order are arthritis, heart disease and cancer.   The CDC estimates arthritis affects almost 50 percent of all adults over the age of 65, and can cause pain and a lower quality of life.  While the disease can “discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65, and an estimated 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women over 65 are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Doctors say it is important to exercise, eat well, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy weight in order to stave off heart disease or to better manage it.

Cancer is the next most common disease in seniors and the second leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65.  CDC statistics show 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer. It is a disease that if caught early, is often treatable so be sure to get routine screening such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and skin checks.  

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.
Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/   

A Wide Range of Care Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we are committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families.  

Moreover, we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data.  

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional 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 call to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.

Helping Your Elderly Parents Organize and Update Paperwork

If your parents are elderly and in poor health, they may need some help organizing and updating their paperwork.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that lending your parents a hand with this task may be one way you can help even if you live out-of-state and are not able to assist in their day-to-day care.  Updated paperwork is also helpful to you and other caregivers in the case of a medical crisis or if you are asked to weigh-in on financial, legal or other medical decisions.  

The experts offer several tips on what you need to gather and should include your parents’ medical records and a current list of medications and dosages.  Also, you want any record of their sources of income and assets such as bank accounts, pensions, life insurance policies, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investments.  You additionally will need a list of their liabilities, and if they own a home, find out what their monthly/annual obligations are including mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance.

This is a good time to find out if they have a will or to discuss with them any plans they may have already made or need to make regarding advance directives including a durable power of attorney.  Planning for future health care decisions is important as it ensures a person gets the medical care they want if they are unable to speak for themselves.

You will probably need to plan on spending some time with your parents in order to get everything organized but it will be worth it in the long run.  The NIA cautions that older people can be protective of their personal and financial information so be respectful. Explain that you are not being nosy but rather want to be prepared in the event of an emergency.   

If your parent needs more care than they can get at home, we encourage you to consider one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  Our luxury community is designed to meet the needs of seniors with unparalleled assisted living and memory care.

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Hot Weather Can be Dangerous to Those with Alzheimer’s

Along with the arrival of summer, come the hotter temperatures.  While many of us look forward to this time of year, it is important to note that extremely hot weather can be hazardous for our elderly loved ones and especially for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. 

Experts explain that the reason seniors are more susceptible to heat related illnesses is a combination of factors such as: “alteration in fluid balance, inability to afford air conditioning or other cooling methods, medications that cause an increased susceptibility to heat stroke (as a result of interruption in normal fluid balance), and more.”  In fact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that heat-related deaths in seniors are most likely under reported each year. 

For someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, extreme heat can heighten the symptoms of Alzheimer’s including confusion, irritability and dizziness.  The risk of heat-related illness in people with dementia can be exacerbated by their being under or overweight, and/or having blood pressure and circulatory issues.  The Huff Post’s AlzLive Blog warns caretakers that many medications including those targeted to treat Alzheimer’s can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat. 

There are several things you can do to help the person stay cool and avoid a heat-related illness.  To start with, make sure they drink plenty of fluids (avoid sugared drinks and tea and coffee).  Stay indoors during the hottest times of day and have your loved one wear lightweight, light colored clothing.  Use air conditioning and make sure their bedding is lightweight and clean.  Experts say most importantly remember the individual not be able to express their discomfort so it may be up to you to notice any changes or distress they are experiencing. 

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.”  We also consider the care and support of our residents’ family members to be part of our job as we know how traumatizing a diagnosis of dementia can be for the entire family.  Please visit our website to schedule a tour of one of the area’s best Alzheimer’s care homes. 

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.  Contact us, your loved one deserves compassionate, experienced dementia care.

Source: alzu.org/blog/2015/08/15/tips-for-avoiding-heat-related-illnesses-in-seniors-with-alzheimers-disease/

huffingtonpost.ca/alzlive/hot-temperatures-alzheimers-senirs_b_9616558.html

MorningStar of Fountain Hills was Designed as a “True Home”

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is one of four MorningStar communities in the Valley of the Sun, and provides assisted living and memory care with beautiful spaces both inside and out along with a care team that feels privileged to serve seniors.

Starting with our attractive exterior including an atrium with a water feature, second floor veranda and fireside patio and porches, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is a place anyone would be proud to call home.  Also, our scenic outdoor strolling paths provide residents and their families the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather.  We are located in the scenic desert town of Fountain Hills, and our private suites offer a view of the iconic lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of 562 feet every hour.

In addition, our spacious building offers lots of inviting common areas that include a living room, life enrichment center, library, chapel/theater and a bistro.  Meals are served restaurant-style in a charming dining room, or for special occasions, we offer a private dining room for intimate dinners. As the Gallery page pictures on our website indicate, MorningStar of Fountain Hills was designed for our residents’ utmost comfort.

We encourage you to visit our website for contact information regarding one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.  Our community has 63 assisted living suites and 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Helping Your Loved One Move to an Assisted Living Community

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we understand seniors may feel anxious when facing a move into assisted living.  Often the decision is necessitated by a sudden change in the person’s ability to continue to live safely at home.  Even if the decision is of a more gradual nature, it is still a big change; but there are things family members can do to help make it a smoother transition.

One thing experts agree on is that you need to remember to include your senior loved one in on the plans.  This starts with including them in the process of choosing the community - remember it will be their new home.  When you forget to ask for their input, it can make them feel as if they are losing their independence. While it is time consuming to visit senior living communities, we suggest you only take your parent with you after you have narrowed the choices down to a couple.  Be sure to encourage their opinion and make sure they have an opportunity to ask questions during the community’s tour.

Another thing your loved one will most likely need is help with the moving process.  If they are still living in the family home, they will have to do lots of downsizing, which in itself can be stressful.  Trying to decide what is important to keep, what to give away to family or friends, and what to donate or sell is not easy.  Keep in mind the move to their new home will be smoother if they have familiar furnishings and treasured mementos around them.  Also while respecting their feelings, gently remind them their new home may be smaller and they do not want to be overwhelmed with too much “stuff.”

If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.  Our goal is to make the retirement years of our residents as carefree as possible by providing a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Located in the center of beautiful Fountain Hills, our home has beautiful common areas and assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 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 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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.