MorningStar of Happy Valley Offers Support to Families & Residents Alike

MorningStar of Happy Valley understands you may feel guilty about moving your spouse or parent into assisted living.  If you are the adult child of the senior, you may worry you have let them down by not having them move in with you even though you know your other commitments make it impractical.  Or you may already be the caregiver and realize the job is becoming too big to continue caring for your loved one properly at home. 

If any of this sounds familiar, you need to know you are not alone.  At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we understand the mixed-emotions that come with such a big lifestyle change.   However just as we are committed to caring for our residents, the MorningStar staff is there for the families of our residents. 

Also, when your parent makes their home with us, we are not replacing you in their life, but rather are providing the specialized care they need.  In fact, we think letting us handle all of the caregiver duties, frees you up to enjoy the time you do spend with your loved one and to start relaxing together and sharing memories or a laugh.     

Our experience has taught us it is best to introduce the idea of assisted living to your parent or spouse during a time and place when everyone is gathered and feeling relaxed.  Remember a decision does not have to be made all at once but typically it is better to let it come in stages. Sometimes a family worries they may get resistance to the idea but are surprised to find it is something the person has been thinking about for some time.    

Ultimately the decision should be a consensus among family members as well as the senior.  If you have questions or want to talk to someone about it, the MorningStar staff is here for you.  Please visit our website and consider setting up a tour to see our model suites and learn more about our new senior living community.  

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 our exceptional senior living community.   

Dealing with a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

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

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

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

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho, which includes individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We treat each of our special residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence. Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website for more information.

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

Assisted Living Offers Peace of Mind for Family Members

For family members, assisted living and memory care can offer peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one is receiving the care and companionship they need to live safely and as independently as possible.  However we recognize that for some adult children or spouses, considering assisted living brings up feelings of guilt as you think you are not doing enough for them. 

As an adult child, you may realize that you have too many responsibilities already on your plate including your own children, a job and other constraints but still feel guilty about not offering your parent a home with you.  Even if you are a caregiver that has reached the point where you know the job is taking a toll on your own well-being and you are no longer able to provide the level of care your loved needs, you may still be hesitant to make changes. 

This is why assisted living and memory care communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho offer the perfect solution.  Our purpose is not to replace you in the life of your aging parent or spouse but rather to assist you in your efforts to make their lives easier, safer and more comfortable. 

Our community, newly opened in July, was designed and built to accommodate the needs of seniors.  Every aspect of our interior common rooms and suites as well as the outdoor grounds is intended to make our residents feel like they are in a true “home.”  From beautiful, private suites that are just waiting for your personal furnishings, delicious meals served restaurant-style, activities galore or companionship; we provide a lovely home.  Please contact us with any questions you may have or set up a visit to see firsthand the best 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.

Animal Therapy is Beneficial for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

At MorningStar at Englefield Green our unique approach to memory care is designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss.  Our team leverages the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as uses animals to heal and comfort residents while we take into account each person’s uniqueness.    

Studies have shown that “therapy dogs and other animals can stimulate social interaction and ease agitation in dementia patients.”  However, experts caution that it “takes specially trained pets to bring the full benefit of animal therapy into elder care settings.”  Animals must be matched to the right situation and to the right human, and typically dogs have been the easiest to train as they remain comfortable interacting with a variety of people.    

Therapists say that animal therapy may be beneficial to dementia patients because the person sees the animal as someone they can interact with without worry.  Animal/people relationships do not require good communication skills that can be difficult for many people with dementia. 

In addition to encouraging social interactions and reducing agitation, animal therapy has also been shown to increase physical activity.  Many patients get pleasure from playing with a dog, taking it for a short walk or helping to groom it.  Another unexpected benefit of bringing animals and Alzheimer’s patients together is it seems to improve the person’s appetite after the animal’s visit.        

From the moment you step through MorningStar at Englefield Green’s door, you will discover a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true home.  Please contact us to learn more about what sets MorningStar apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes.   

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: everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Signature WellStar Program

MorningStar of Rio Rancho lovingly provides our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel right at home.  We also provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar program consisting of five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy.  Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the program integrates different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind. 

Introduced by our Life Enrichment coordinator, the activities tap into the unique talents and experiences of our residents and includes encouraging residents to start and lead special interest clubs themselves.  Along with recognizing a range of capabilities and a variety of interests, the goal of our activities is to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain, and help them to rely less on medications.   

We know that physical exercise is imperative to seniors’ health and we offer a variety of activities for our residents’ enjoyment.  In addition, meeting the spiritual needs of our residents is also important to their wellbeing, which is why a chapel, open to all faiths, is an integral part of our community.  We also offer intellectual wellness with entertaining daily doses of challenging brain games designed to practice cognitive skills and introduce new ideas. In addition to all of this, is a natural, welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and helps to strengthen the bonds of our community. 

Last but not least our wellness program includes serving residents healthy, nutritional food.  This is why we have an Executive Chef on staff who prepares the tasty meals that are served in our beautiful dining room restaurant style.   

What sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho offers?  One thing is the fact that our entire team works to build a true community and our WellStar programs exemplify that philosophy. Please visit our website for more information and to schedule a tour.

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.

Learn More about Memory Care at MorningStar of Happy Valley

MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.
Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances. Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior.

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and include an enclosed courtyard that is reserved just for their use.  Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.   

MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve.  Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure.  In addition, MorningStar of Happy Valley will participate in Alzheimer’s events such as Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Please visit our website for contact information as well as to learn more about our new senior living community.

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.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley Offers a Variety of Stylish Floor Plans

MorningStar of Happy Valley is the area’s newest senior living community and will offer stylish, smartly-designed suites for assisted living and memory care.  Our community is being meticulously built from the ground up to address the needs of our residents and to provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

To ensure our suites fit the needs of all of our in-coming residents, we offer an array of floors plans that include spacious studio; one-bedroom, one-bath; and two-bedroom, two-bath configurations. Each suite has lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  Furthermore, if you are looking for a spacious unit, some of our two-bedroom suites are as large as 928 square feet.  

Your suite will be equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom, 24-hour emergency call system, and private heating and air conditioning controls.  Cable TV and utilities are included in the monthly fee. We also offer weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services. Spot cleaning and trash removal are done daily.  In addition, suites have a kitchenette with a full apt. fridge. As you can see, your suite has everything you need – all that’s missing are your furnishings and personal items.  MorningStar of Happy Valley is also pet friendly. 

We will have a professional chef on staff that will expertly prepare meals made largely from scratch and incorporate lots of healthy ingredients.  Residents are served three daily meals restaurant-style in our comfortable dining room. Other on-site services include a full salon, bistro, general store, fitness room, spa bath, and much more.  Please visit our website and contact the MorningStar of Happy Valley’s team through our convenient online form.  

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 new assisted living community.

Improve Your Health at Any Age

Since Americans are living longer, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself to ensure your later years are good ones.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains there are real benefits to a healthy lifestyle and adds that it is never too late to begin.  Another published study by Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, also emphatically states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."

Experts advise that one of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet and to keep their minds and bodies active.  Other healthy habits include not smoking, getting regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls. 

At the FamilyDoctor.org website, they remind seniors that even small changes such as daily physical activity can make a difference.  Moreover, as you increase your physical activity, it will help to strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help prevent falls.  If you do fall, stronger bones are less susceptible to breaking. 

Participating in routine physical activity also helps your brain and studies indicate that people who regularly exercise make better decisions.  In fact, exercise is so important to our health that experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury. Even chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may improve with exercise.   The NIH does suggests that seniors new to exercising start slowly; and before you begin any new exercise, consult your health care provider.  

Another easy-to-do tip from Family Doctor is to eat food high in fiber.  Not only does it help your colon work better but it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Some research suggests it may help to lower your cholesterol levels. Whatever healthy changes you decide to incorporate into your everyday life should help you feel better and can be done over a period of time.

Great News from MorningStar of Happy Valley!  Our model suites are now open! Call for more information about our new assisted living and memory care community and to schedule a tour to see our beautiful 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 new assisted living community.

MorningStar of Happy Valley Offers A Whole Array of Services

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley will open soon and team members are busy getting everything ready to welcome residents to their new home.  All hands on deck are committed to making the transition for our seniors as smooth as possible and look forward to the happy event. 

Once open, we are committed to looking after each and every resident as if they are family and offer an array of services designed to ensure their comfort and safety.  Residents will be provided with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both nutritional and tasty. Meals are served restaurant style in our dining room and assistance with eating is available if needed.  

Our community has a chapel/theatre that includes Wii, a library, our own salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, strolling paths, outdoor courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit along with a secure enclosed courtyard for memory care residents.  Other onsite amenities include a 24-hour bistro, spa bath and general store. Residents can also take advantage of scheduled transportation to get out and about town as well as participate in special outings and planned events. 
MorningStar’s signature wellness program called WellStar is designed to provide activities to enhance health and wellness; stimulate your brain; and encourage connection.  Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, our wellness activities present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

Although the name “MorningStar,” may be new to Happy Valley, we have senior living communities across the country, including MorningStar of Beaverton (southwest of Portland).  Moreover, our Happy Valley home has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other assisted living communities.  Please visit our website 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.   

Our Website has Resources for Families

While MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s first priority is to our residents, we also recognize that helping our families accept the transition to assisted living is important.  This is why we have a website filled with useful information and resources regarding all aspects of our community.

We encourage everyone to read the history of MorningStar and about our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger’s mission to start a senior housing company defined by the human touch.  He explains that he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” Guided by our Radiance program, you will also learn how we deliver service - with warmth, sincerity and depth.

Furthermore, we understand that senior living decisions are often precipitated by major changes, which is why we provide a guide that details various retirement options.  One recommendation we offer is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve, and to think about not just next year, but rather the next 5 to 10 years. We encourage you to read our points to consider for help in determining if assisted living is the best solution for you, your parent or spouse.  In addition you will find some of the troubling signs that could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, however please keep in mind that only a neurologist can make a diagnosis.     

Once you have reached the decision to move to an assisted living or memory care community, we advise you to set up a tour.  Typically the healthier spouse or child of the senior does the initial tour to rule out unsuitable options and narrow down the search.  We recommend not trying to do more than two tours a day as you will get a lot of information to take in and process. Please contact MorningStar of Rio Rancho to set up a tour to experience firsthand the best 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.

Searching for an Assisted Living Community in Rio Rancho?

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we understand there are all sorts of emotions that occur when a family begins to look into assisted living for a parent or a loved one.  Often it is a complete learning experience as many people do not know what assisted living offers and how it differs from other senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers. 

Assisted living is a fairly new concept that started in the late 1990’s and is designed for seniors who want to maintain their independence but need a little help with daily living activities.  Based on the European social model, it creates a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and we believe that the structure and society offered in assisted living communities introduces a return of healthy routines and healthier lives. 

It is estimated that more than one million Americans are living in senior care communities and that number is expected to almost double by 2030 as people are living longer.  Most assisted living residents moved into a community from their own home, family residence or an apartment while others move in after a hospital or rehabilitation stay.  

Our recommendation for opening a conversation about making some changes in the way your parent is living should be done when everyone is gathered and relaxed.  Also remember nothing has to be decided on all at once, and while it should ultimately be a family decision, the person involved needs to be given a voice.   

We also understand that searching for the most suitable community is difficult as there are many factors to consider.   We suggest that once you narrow down several choices, you set up tours to experience the communities firsthand. The child of the person or healthier spouse should do the tours, and not more than two a day, as there is a lot of information to take in.  

Assisted living communities like MorningStar of Rio Rancho are designed to allow seniors’ their independence and give them the opportunity to stay socially active.  We have put together a “Conversation Guide” that goes into even greater depth regarding helping families to make the transition.  When you contact us, please ask for a copy.

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: ascseniorcare.com/assisted-living-statistics-a-deeper-dive-into-the-demographics/

Fall Facts and Tips to Prevent Them

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur at home. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it happening. 

Many elderly adults experience a general overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that make them more susceptible to a fall.  Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision. This can make it more difficult to detect fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the ground.

Certain types of medications, especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure, which can all increase the risk of a fall.  Also keep in mind it is not just prescription drugs but over-the-counter medications can contribute to balance problems as well. Other factors that make seniors more susceptible to falls are chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis as well as surgical procedures including hip or knee replacement.  

The NIA recommends installing night lights in the hallways and bathrooms and to have a light switch and phone within reach of the bed.  Keep walkways free of clutter and avoid using throw rugs and area carpets. Use hand rails when going up and down the stairs, and if you have a pet, make sure they are not underfoot.  In the bathroom, install grab bars in the tub and near the toilet, and use non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our loving assisted living and memory care community makes residents’ safety and wellbeing a priority.  We provide 24-hour care, a licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system and more.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

“Sundowner’s Syndrome”

Daylight Saving Time ends in early November, and when it does it can be especially tough on individuals who suffer from the condition known as sundowner’s syndrome says author Rick Phelps who is afflicted with the condition.  He explains that when we lose so much daylight and are faced with the typically dreary, dark cloudy days of winter, those with sundowner’s can get further confused.

The Mayo Clinic describes sundowner’s syndrome as “a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night.”  They explain that it is not an actual disease but rather a symptom of Alzheimer's and typically peaks in the middle stage of the disease.

In fact the Alzheimer’s Association says that, “As many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  Researchers do not understand the exact cause of sundowning but it appears to be triggered by a number of factors including fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  The inability to see well in the dark or hormonal imbalances that occur at night could be the cause of some of the anxiety people experience. 

Furthermore, since many people with the syndrome do not get a good night’s sleep that can trigger behavioral problems.  In addition to anxiety and confusion, the condition can also result in aggression, anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.

Experts offer some tips to better cope with sundowner’s syndrome such as keeping your home well-lit during the evening hours and following a strict schedule for meals and bedtimes.  They recommend that activities be scheduled in the morning or early afternoon to give the person plenty of time to unwind before evening.  Sleep disturbances should be discussed with the person’s health care provider. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

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 memory care unit in Boise.   

Seniors Embrace the Benefits of Assisted Living

Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.  

When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation. 

Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older adults who live alone do not eat as well as they should.  Also when you no longer have a job and do not drive, living on your own can be lonely. At assisted living communities, you have your own private nest but people around whenever you feel in need of company.  MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ monthly calendar offers a full range of wellness programs and entertaining activities to keep you as busy as you like. 

Senior living communities also offer the benefit of making seniors feel safer without the worry of home intrusions.  At MorningStar, you will have peace of mind knowing that around-the-clock help is just a push of a button away. Additionally all suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms.    

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is located in a scenic desert community east of Scottsdale at the corner of Paul Nordin Parkway and Verde River Drive.  Our community includes 63 assisted living suites, as well as 28 secure memory care suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Delivers Exceptional Care with Love and Respect

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission is to provide the best assisted living and memory care possible.  To ensure we meet our standard of service excellence, each of MorningStar’s team members from caregivers to dining servers or housekeepers go through our proprietary service excellence “Radiance” training.  In addition, its precepts are reiterated during our daily “Huddle.” Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness, which issues from a deep and sincere place as does a beam of light, and is the framework that guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth.        

As one team member from a MorningStar community writes, “Radiance training is absolutely phenomenal!”  She says she appreciates the fact that it helps team members to be their best at work as well as in their personal lives and creates an environment where residents are treated with the utmost care.  Another team member shares: “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives but they are changing mine.”

We believe Radiance is the evidence of our resolve to be a place that is not only distinguished by compassion and care, but by service professionalism as its presence and influence is felt throughout our community.  Under its teachings, residents are treated as family members, and as such, our priority is to respond to their expressed and unexpressed needs and wishes.

Please contact us for more information about our assisted living and memory care as well as all of the services, amenities and programs we offer residents. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Approach to Wellness

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our mission is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  To ensure residents the finest assisted living and memory care, we define health and well-being holistically and back it up with an array of services and programming that support the whole person in mind, body and spirit.

Wellness is enhanced through our Life Enrichment wellness programs and activities as well as through our Wellness Care Team.  At MorningStar, we have the expertise and authority to provide the level of resident care that can extend the stay of residents in spite of changing health conditions.  To this end, we pride ourselves on working hard to create solutions for residents and their families that result in higher quality of care at lower costs. 

Assisted living residents are thoroughly evaluated by our Wellness Director when they join our community, in order to create a care plan that is appropriate to their needs.  In addition, we do routine Care Planning Reviews and Scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations to make sure residents continue to get the right amount of assistance as they need it.

Our care services include 24-hour Care Managers and a CPR trained staff member on every shift, Licensed Nurses on call 24/7, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and palliative/hospice care.  We also offer oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care, diabetic management and more. Our residents are provided transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  Please visit our website to read the full list of all of our services, and if you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to give us a call. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Enjoy a “5 Star” Dinning Experience at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we understand the important of gathering together as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.” 

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why food is prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  MorningStar’s meals are prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef, Grant Larsen. 

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, Chef Larsen modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes. Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  This is why we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats. 

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.

Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Fountain Hills. You will find links to set up a tour or for pricing and availability.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Preparing for a Visit to the Doctor

How many of us have just left a doctor’s office when we realized we forgot to ask several relevant questions we had been thinking about.  This is why physicians suggest we take the time to prepare for each of our doctor appointments to ensure the best health outcome. 

Keep in mind the estimated time spent with the doctor is only about 7 minutes, so you need to be ready to communicate your concerns.  One of the first things to do to save time is create an updated list of all of the medications you are currently taking regardless of which healthcare provider prescribed it.  You can even bring the bottles with you so there are no questions about dosage. Remember to include any over-the-counter drugs you take.   

Next, prepare a list of questions you have starting with the most important ones first.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends questions such as, “Do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life?”  If you recently had lab or blood tests done, be sure to ask about the results. 

As many older adults worry they will forget the answers to their questions or treatment information, it may be helpful to bring along another pair of ears.  If you are having trouble following instructions regarding your care plan, ask to have the instructions repeated. 

If you suspect a medication you are taking is giving you problems, be sure to bring it up with your doctor.  If you are prescribed new medications, do not wait until your next appointment to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing side effects. 

If you or a loved one is looking for assisted living or memory care in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area, we invite you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  We have 63 graciously appointed assisted living suites and 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Please schedule a visit to our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/how-prepare-doctors-appointment

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging; however, it is important to recognize the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss.  As we grow older, we may experience problems with things like finding our keys or glasses, remembering names or certain words, and taking longer to learn new things.  In most cases this is just mild forgetfulness, and there are things we can do to help sharpen our memory.

Experts recommend that activities such as taking a class, playing cards and word games, or volunteering can all help to improve mental acuity.  Also it may be helpful to use memory tools such as calendars and to-do-lists, and to eat well, get plenty of rest and limit your alcohol intake.  Tricks like always putting away your day-to-day items in a designated place can be helpful.  As depression along with some medications and health conditions can adversely affect memory, it is important to consult with your doctor if problems continue or worsen. 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that the type of memory loss that disrupts a person’s everyday life is not normal.  From their list of ten signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they state that one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering newly learned information. 

Further signs of serious memory problems involve difficulty with daily activities such as driving, shopping, and following conversations.  A person may start having trouble following directions; be confused about time, people, and places; and become lost in familiar places.  Other signs include changes in personal hygiene and attire as well as not eating well.

If you have questions regarding these and the other warning signs found on the Alzheimer’s Association website, they advise consulting your physician.  They state that, “early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.”

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

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: alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf