Monday, September 30, 2019

Many are Surprised at the Value of Assisted Living Communities

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According to a survey conducted by Genworth Financial in 2018 the median monthly cost for an assisted living community is $4000 (costs vary depending on the community) – totaling $48,000 annually.  In comparison, the median cost of long-term care by a home health aide is $4,195 monthly or $50,336 annually. 

The fact that many assisted living communities are actually less expensive than seniors choosing to live in their own home and bring in a team of caregivers to provide the services they need surprises many people.  The reason for this is so many of the services a senior pays separately for to stay at home are included in the cost of assisted living

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley eliminate the cost of such things as property taxes, property insurance, condominium maintenance fees, and 24-hour security. You no longer need to pay for lawn mowing, snow removal, and other repair and replacement costs.  Also, as a resident of MorningStar, you will no longer need to buy groceries and prepare meals as we take care of food prep and serve three daily meals restaurant-style. Moreover each suite is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system, and light housekeeping and daily trash removal are part of our services. 

Other features offered by many assisted living communities including MorningStar of Happy Valley are free entertainment and ready-made socializing.  With a wide selection of wellness programs, activities, and special events and outings, residents at our community can stay as busy as they like.   In addition, onsite amenities such as a general store, movie theatre, chapel, fitness room, library with a computer, and more adds to the convenience as well as the value assisted living communities can offer.  

Opening in late 2019, MorningStar of Happy Valley will have 61 private assisted living suites and 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We are committed to provide the best assisted living in the area, and encourage you to set up a tour to see our model suites.

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 exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

Source: genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html

Does Your Parent Need More Help with Daily Living?

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Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several sign to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad. 

The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness? 

Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be?  It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them. An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance.  

Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship.  Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own. Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others.  We encourage you to plan a visit to MorningStar to discover our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Sources: helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm
caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Our Calendar is Loaded with Meaningful Programs and Activities

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If you are looking for the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, you will definitely want to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho. We offer seniors a choice of floorplans in 51 private assisted living suites, and devote 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

As a resident of our community, you will have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to participate in.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, bible study, Catholic communion, current events, board and card games, painting, trivia, bowling, Bingo, movie night and much, much more.   

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “people can feel younger, stay healthier, and experience a better quality of life through exercise, especially in later years.,” and that “exercise benefits both the body and mind, with evidence of increased life expectancy, improved mental health, decreased disability, and, most recently, enhanced learning and memory.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise with programs such as: Morning Walk, Let’s get Fit, Light Weights, Sit ‘n Dance, or Cardio Ball.  

Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interests, you are sure to find something you enjoy.  Whether it is joining the book club, playing ring toss, or having the opportunity to meet new friends at happy hour, MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour of our new community to discover for yourself all that we offer. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/budget/reducing-chronic-disease-and-disability

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Visit Our Website to Learn More about MorningStar Senior Living

pet ownership
MorningStar Senior Living’s newest Portland area community, MorningStar of Happy Valley, will join MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton when it opens late this year.  Our residential community will offer 61 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood will offer 27 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 Happy Valley community as well as the MorningStar Senior Living Company, we suggest you visit our website.  Here you will find a wealth of information about our senior living community 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 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 2-acres within a residential setting, MorningStar of Happy Valley is bordered to the east by the popular food-cart park, Happy Valley Station and convenient to a variety of stores, restaurants, and other services.  We invite you to schedule a tour of our model suites.

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 our exceptional senior living community.   

Friday, September 27, 2019

Finding the Best Memory Care


While it is difficult to select an assisted living community for a parent or loved one, it is even harder to decide on memory care for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  However, there are a few things you should know that will help to make your decision easier before you move your parent or loved one into a community.   

To start with, it is important to visit the communities you are interested in at least once before you make a decision to see firsthand what the place looks and feels like and not just rely on advertisements.  When looking for the best memory care, it is important to know if the community is equipped to handle residents in the early stages of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Furthermore, ask if your loved one will have a written care plan, and what methods are used to assess each resident and how often are they updated.

Other questions that are important to know include the level of care a resident will receive at the community.  Is there assistance with daily personal care and, if needed, will your parent receive help with meals?  You will also want to know if the lay-out of the community is specifically designed to accommodate those with memory loss as well as offer secure outdoor spaces.  Does the community provide recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainment and physical exercise?  Most importantly does the staff appear to be compassionate and caring as well as knowledgeable about the disease?  

If this sounds like something you want for your parent or loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.   Our community is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases and leverages the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents, while taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person.

The mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself the finest memory care in Boise.   

Source: caring.com/articles/checklist-choosing-memory-care-facility  


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s Reflections Neighborhood

Memory Care Reno
When MorningStar of Happy Valley opens in late 2019, we will provide 27 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, in addition to our 61 private assisted living suites.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to encourage and support residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized memory care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires. 

At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our reimagined philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together.  By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope. 

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow.  When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Happy Valley, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.  We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members.

As you can see, memory care in Happy Valley’s newest senior living community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion.   Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

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 exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

What is “Assisted Living?”

Memory Care Community
Many people mistakenly assume that “assisted living” is just another term for nursing homes.  In fact, nursing homes are intended for people that require long-term, around-the-clock medical care and supervision and should not be confused with assisted living, which provides residents support for daily care activities.  At an assisted living community, you will receive the care you need to live comfortably and safely while still retaining your privacy and as much independence as possible. 

Assisted living is ideal for anyone who does not require 24-hour skilled medical care but rather just needs more personal care than they can get at home or at an independent living retirement community.  Meals and transportation are provided, and if needed, residents can get help with activities such as showering dressing, and etc.  For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it.  

Many assisted living communities offer the privacy of individual suites, while also providing their residents with the security and safety of 24-hour support and quick access to care.  In addition, communities generally provide residents the opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities along with wellness programs. Residents usually eat their meals in a communal dining room and have housekeeping and laundry services available. 

If you are looking for the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers, we invite you to take a look at the gorgeous MorningStar of Rio Rancho.  Our community provides various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family.  For all of our residents, MorningStar’s around-the-clock Care Managers are there to meet needs and to ensure the utmost safety. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

Monday, September 23, 2019

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Approach to Memory Care

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At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our goal is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, which includes specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease.

Our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident. We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

Our team at MorningStar works hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents.  Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s assisted living option. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Introducing a New Assisted Living Community in the Portland Area

Memory Care
We would like to introduce you to a new assisted living community in a southeastern suburb of Portland OR.  MorningStar of Happy Valley is set to open to residents in late 2019.  Our artfully designed community offers 61 private assisted living suites along with 27 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease 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, MorningStar of Happy Valley is situated on 2-acres so residents and their families can enjoy time in our expansive outdoor areas that include courtyards decorated with artwork and trellises, barbecue and fire pit.  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 Happy Valley 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, general store, fitness room, 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.  Our model suites are now open to tour and we look forward to meeting you and your family.

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 exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

Friday, September 20, 2019

Resort-style Amenities at Happy Valley’s Newest Assisted Living Community

Senior Living Lone Tree CO
MorningStar Senior Living has a new senior living community opening in late 2019 in Happy Valley, OR. Along with offering 61 bright suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Happy Valley will provide residents with a wide range of resort-style amenities. 

Our community was meticulously designed to provide our residents with all the comforts of home to ensure carefree retirement years.   In addition to the warm and welcoming common rooms and private suites that will be ready to move into, we will have a loving, dedicated staff that is honored to serve seniors. 

As a resident, you will enjoy three daily meals that are expertly prepared by our own Executive Chef.  Our meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room, and for intimate dinners, we offer a private dining room.  Our community also includes a chapel/theatre that includes a Wii, a library, a bistro, fitness room and general store. MorningStar of Happy Valley also has an onsite salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures. 

Around our expansive exterior spaces, we have raised garden beds, strolling paths and outdoor courtyards (one reserved for memory care residents).  Inside, our community has many inviting common areas to gather with friends and family as well as our life enrichment room where many of our wellness programs and activities take place.  Other services include scheduled transportation, a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse and much more.

Please visit our website for more information and to set up a tour of our model suites.  Our suites are available in a variety of configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  

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 our exceptional senior living community.   

Finding the Best Assisted Living Community

Assisted Living Reno NV
Searching for an assisted living community for yourself or a parent can feel like an overwhelming task.  We know you want to make the best choice and there are a couple of things you may want to consider before you take such an important step. 

First, you will want to research the various options in your preferred area.  The Internet is an efficient and easy way to discover what is out there, and you will find several websites that offer a search directory of communities.  Also you can check with your health care provider for any recommendations they may have. 

Once you have narrowed down your list to several communities in your target location, give them a call to set up a tour.  While on the phone, have a list of questions handy such as are there immediate openings available, and if not, how long is the wait, the price range and what will you see on the tour as well as how much time it will take. 

A community tour is your best opportunity to get a real feel for the place.  You want your future home to have a caring and warm staff and residents that are friendly.  If you are looking for assisted living for a family member that is not very mobile, you can tour a few and narrow down the selections so they only tour the top choices.  The Caring.com website has a checklist available for researching and touring a community that you may find helpful. 

If you are looking for the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho.  We have a choice of 51 private assisted living suites in studio, one-and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our Reflection Neighborhood has 26 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment. 

While MorningStar of Rio Rancho is artfully designed and offers many amenities and services, the thing we brag about the most is our atmosphere of love and community that is built on one relationship at a time.  Please visit our website for more details.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

Source: caring.com/articles/assisted-living-facilities-choosing-the-right-one 

Sunday, September 15, 2019

What to Ask When Looking for Memory Care


If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them.  Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised Alzheimer’s care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need. 

What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease?  One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one.   

In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair?  Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from?  It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. 

Next you need to ask the community some questions beginning with the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training does the staff go through.  Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the place has a visiting physician.  Also are residents given an individualized plan?  Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents?  Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space?

Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents.  Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy?  Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages?  Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one.     

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have 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.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate Alzheimer’s care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see our exceptional community.

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



Friday, September 13, 2019

Remember to Protect Yourself Against the Flu

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Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October. 

The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.  Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine.  

The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death.   This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults.  Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine.  

Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus.  Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies.  The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional 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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Ways to Improve Your Cognitive Aging

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Researchers says that even if we are not developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, as we grow older, our memory, decision-making, and ability to learn simply begin to wear down.   This process is referred to as “cognitive aging” and doctors now say there are evidence-based steps we can take to improve our cognitive functioning. 

The recently published study from the Institute of Medicine titled “Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” detailed three ways we protect and bolster our aging brain.  The study’s authors are Dr. Dan Blazer, chair of the report and professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital.  The report is intended to provide relevant information to both physicians and patients.

According to the study, the first thing we can do to help keep our brain healthy (and other parts of our body) is to engage in light exercise every day.  Activities such as walking, gardening, swimming or biking help increase the blood flow to the brain, which helps to maintain and improve its functioning. 

The Cognitive Aging report also found that in order to reduce our risk for or to better manage cardiovascular disease, we need to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking and maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.  It recommends that if you do have high cholesterol, you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue to have the necessary blood tests done. 

The third key to improving and maintaining good cognitive functioning is to consult with your doctor to review the list of medications you are currently taking.  Dr. Blazer explains that, “Older adults are sometimes on more medications than they need to be on." He adds, “Many, if not all of them, can potentially affect your cognitive functioning.”

At the MorningStar of Fountain Hills assisted living and memory care community, our 24/7 care services include medication care managers/QMAPs, who administer and document regularly prescribed medications per the Medication Administration Record and physician orders.  All of our care services, wellness programs and amenities are designed to support the whole person: body, mind and spirit and make MorningStar the perfect place for successful aging.  

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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Dementia Increases the Risk of Falling

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A report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, noted that while falls are extremely common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are at an even greater risk.  Statistics show that approximately one in three seniors fall each year.  In those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, the “rate is more than doubled in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: 70 percent of those with dementia experience at least one fall each year.”

Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Another reason for a fall is certain medications that can cause drowsiness. Whatever the reason, falling can be a big problem for seniors who live alone and have cognition issues as they may not have access to help when they need it.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our loving Reflections Neighborhood is designed to address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort.  Furthermore, our memory care community provides a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life.

Our Reflections Neighborhood offers 28 secure suites, and includes shared, studio and one-bedroom floor plans.  We are also equipped to provide compassionate care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ exceptional 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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Does Your Parent or Loved One Need More Help?

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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 Fountain Hills 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 community.  He adds that people are more likely to reconsider their position if a decision is of their own making. 

If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in the Fountain Hills, AZ area, we invite you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  We are one of MorningStar’s four communities in the Valley of the Sun, convenient to Scottsdale and Phoenix, and offer a choice of 63 private assisted living suites on two levels.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please call us for more details. 

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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Assisted Living is More Affordable with “Companion Living”

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While seniors have discovered the many benefits of senior living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills understands that for some older adults the cost may be too high to comfortably afford.  This is why we consider it part of our job to help area seniors find creative ways to make the move to assisted living possible.

One of the things we offer to make it more affordable is “Companion Living.”  Whether you wish to move into assisted living or memory care, Companion Living allows two unrelated people of the same sex to share the expense of a suite.  Furthermore, if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background. 

The advantage of companion living also goes far beyond economics as companionship is important for a person’s health and wellbeing. We believe we are designed by our Creator for relationships, and that isolation can drain us of energy and purpose.  When a senior loses their life partner after being married 40, 50, or 60 years, it can be a very lonely existence and a companion can help to diminish those feelings of loneliness, and help the person to reconnect. 

Offering built-in companionship, it can additionally help to ease the transition of moving into a senior living community.  Also, as roommates naturally look after each other’s interests, they may be the first one to notice changes in their roomies’ health or abilities.

Please visit our website to get an idea of the various amenities and services we offer as well as to set up a tour of our gorgeous community.  We are certain MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ exceptional architecture and design will impress you from the first but the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated, loving team.    

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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

What is Dementia?

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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, it 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. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we have 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions along with 63 assisted living suites. Please visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to 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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s Holistic Approach to Dementia Care


At MorningStar at Englefield Green, our community is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease.
  
Our secure and loving community can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  The creative side of our dementia care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.

Our team at MorningStar at Englefield Green works every day to make a difference in the lives of our residents.  That’s why we are very gratified when we hear from family members who appreciate our efforts. One example is a review posted by the daughter of two of our residents.  She said, “The staff are wonderful and very caring of the residents. They truly love working with them and are so good. If there is an issue - any kind - they work to take care of it immediately or make sure those that can fix it, do so. Very receptive to ideas and enjoy "help" or participation in classes. My parents (both have Alzheimer's) are there and they get excellent care.”

Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community. 
  
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 on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself the finest dementia care in Boise.   


Monday, September 2, 2019

Beautifully-designed Floorplans at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

Independent Living Communities
MorningStar of Rio Rancho is a newly opened, luxury assisted living and memory care community that has been meticulously designed to meet our residents’ every need.  Starting with a full array of amenities and services and fine dining along with entertaining and enriching activities and outings, we are committed to providing residents with a carefree lifestyle.  Whether you are relaxing in our spacious common areas (inside or out) or in your own private suite, you will be proud to call MorningStar of Rio Rancho home. 

You will find our gorgeous selection of assisted living suites is designed to please the most discerning seniors.  Available in a range of configurations including large studios and one- and two-bedroom floorplans, each one is ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal items to make it feel like home.  Beautifully designed with high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, mini-blinds, and lots of lighting, our suites also offer safety features such as an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathrooms.  To ensure your apartment’s temperature is set for your personal comfort, your suite will have its own heating and a/c system. 

Furthermore, even though we provide delicious, nutritional meals each day, your assisted living suite is equipped with a kitchenette with fridge for the times you want to prepare your own snacks or meals.  Housekeeping and laundry and linen services are provided weekly and we do daily spot cleaning and trash removal. Most importantly we have a team of loving caregivers that are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

As you can see, MorningStar offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition to assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about the newest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is Now Open and Welcoming New Residents

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Looking for senior living in Rio Rancho NM?  MorningStar Senior Living’s newest community, MorningStar of Rio Rancho, is now open and welcoming area seniors to our beautiful home.  Our team has been busy helping residents settle in and making sure all of their needs are meet to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing.

We are especially proud of our 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 offers 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 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 also discovering that our monthly calendar is filled with daily activities that are not only fun but help to stimulate and engage their brain, keep them moving, and help them make social connections.  For example, one day we offered a morning walk, a shopping outing, an exercise session with weights, Page Turners book club, an ice cream social, word games, balloon volleyball and an evening movie. Of course, residents are free to choose the activities they wish to participate in but we always look forward to someone new joining in on the fun. 

This has been an exciting time for MorningStar of Rio Rancho and we look forward to what the future holds.  If you or a loved one needs help with personal daily care activities, we invite you to take a look at our assisted living community.   We offer 51 bright suites for assisted living with a variety of floor plans and another 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.