Social Isolation and Loneliness May Affect Your Health

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.  

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health. Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute. Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to give us call or visit our website for more information about our new senior living community. 

MorningStar of Happy Valleys’ Reflections Neighborhood Offers Hope

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We do not just care for our special residents’ needs but also provide support to their families.  We know that a dementia diagnosis and prognosis is met with all kinds of questions and anxiety, and part of our job is to help families cope with the uncertainty.  As they try to adjust to their new reality, we deliver hope, and for the memory-impaired, hope comes wrapped in intentionality and creativity.

Our extensive experience in dementia care has shown us that healing always comes from human touch, from empathy, and from purposeful engagement.  Dementia sufferers live in a purple world – an alternative reality, and the best way to reach them is to “get purple” too.  Right from the beginning of our relationship with a resident, we find out as much as we can about their history, their preferences and special talents and use that to help us sort through what their behavior is really trying to communicate.  For example, if a resident is getting agitated and saying they must go home, we respond with, “Tell me about your home; what is it like? Why do you love it so?” 

In addition, our team encourages families not to dwell on what has been lost but rather to be surprised by what is found.  We have discovered that if we truly enter the moment, we can embrace what comes next. To help guide our families, we recommend they learn as much as they can about the disease because with understanding, comes acceptance.  We also think it is beneficial to join an Alzheimer’s Association support group. Lastly our families are always welcomed and encouraged to join us as we participate in one of our Alzheimer’s Association events to help raise funds and awareness of the disease.

Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving memory care.  While you are there, use the link on our home page to setup a tour or to inquire about pricing and availability. 

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 create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Seniors and Driving

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence.  This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?” Also it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries. 

Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving.  To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life.  So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions. 

The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them.  Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so.  For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action.  Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow. Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents. 

Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways.  They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain. Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic.  

One of the many advantages of senior living is that most communities offer services for transportation.  This ensures your loved one will get to their doctor appointments safely and any other errands they need to do.  If you would like to learn more about the best senior living in Rio Rancho, NM, please contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho.  We welcome any questions and will be more than happy to speak with you and your family.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

MorningStar at Englefield Green Provides Loving Memory Care

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, our whole community is committed to providing loving, experienced memory care.  Our compassionate, professional team has a good understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and takes a holistic approach to caring for our tender residents. 

MorningStar’s memory care is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  Our spacious building has 50 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Suites are offered in a range of configurations and include studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom options.

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Englefield Green a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Our distinct mission statement reads to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  Please visit our website to set up a tour of one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes or to inquire about availability and pricing.     

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.

Touring a Senior Living Community

If you are starting to search for a senior living, it is recommended that you take a tour of the community.  While all the beautiful pictures online or in a brochure can make a community look great, firsthand impressions go a long way toward getting a real feel of the place.

Before your visit, make sure the senior living community you are interested in offers the options you want – independent living and/or assisted living.  If a family member needs memory care, is there a separate area devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases?

If you are looking for assisted living, please keep in mind it is important that you get it right the first time as it is hard on you or your loved one to get settled somewhere and then decide it is not a good fit.  During your tour, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, recommends that you start evaluating the place from the moment you walk through the door. Ask yourself, does it look clean and orderly as well as smell fresh?  Inquire about housekeeping services and how often private suites are cleaned, the costs involved, general maintenance of the community, and security.    

If you can, come during an activity so you can join in the fun.  This will give you a good idea of the staff’s friendliness around the residents.  Also arrange to eat lunch at the place as it will not only provide you with a firsthand taste of the food but allow you to leisurely enjoy time with other residents. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, the wellbeing and comfort of our residents is our highest priority. We offer 61 suites for assisted living, including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we devote 27 secure suites to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to conveniently schedule a tour or give us a call.  We look forward to meeting you and your family. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to give us call or visit our website to learn more about our new senior living community. 
Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

MorningStar was Designed for Resident’s Safety and Wellbeing

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are committed to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and our beautiful community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors.

Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact, a National Institutes of Health study recently found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many of 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.  MorningStar’s med managers will oversee both the ordering and supervised administration of a resident’s medications. 

Each of MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s 51 bright assisted living suites is equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all have handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, mini-blinds, large windows and lots of lighting.  Of course our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways. 
Reflections Neighborhood, our memory care area, is designed to encourage our most tender residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely.  We offer 26 secure memory care suites in studio and one-bedroom floor plans.

Please visit our website to learn more about our unsurpassed senior living community.  You will discover we also offer residents a wealth of luxury amenities as well as a wellness program and activities designed to keep you active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Care Services at MorningStar of Happy Valley

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

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

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

MorningStar of Happy Valley has 61 private assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some over 850 square feet. In addition, we have 27 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please call or visit our website to learn more.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, 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.

Looking for Assisted Living or Memory Care in Rio Rancho, NM?

If you are searching for the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community.  Every aspect of our gorgeous home, from the ground up, has been meticulously designed to ensure our residents the utmost comfort, safety and wellbeing. 

Just knowing a loved one is being cared for by the compassionate, loving staff of MorningStar is sure to give you peace of mind.  If it is you who is thinking of making MorningStar your new home, you will be surprised to find that once you get the daily assistance you need, you will not feel as if you lost your independent but rather be better able to lead a full life.

One thing that sets MorningStar of Rio Rancho apart from other senior living communities is the fact that our team consists of the type of people who believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.  They are individuals with big hearts who are drawn to the idea of serving seniors. They are also the kind of men and women that understand seniors are true heroes who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  As one family member of a MorningStar resident recently wrote, “The fantastic staff at Morningstar in Rio Rancho helped to make my mom's move so easy. The facility is beautiful and well planned out and everyone is very friendly. I had a great experience with everyone there.”

If fact our community is not just a place for the elderly to live out their days, but a true home filled with love and laughter.  Along with five-star dining and a whole list of resort-style amenities, we provide a wide range of care services and wellness programs.  Every day our calendar is filled with fun and meaningful activities that allow residents to expand their mind, enjoy the company of friends, and enhance their health and wellness.  After all when given the opportunity to learn and to contribute, it allows us to shine. Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide our residents the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer.

MorningStar’s Newest Senior Living Community is Now Open

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley opened its doors with an Inaugural Reception that included plenty of pomp and ceremony on November 13th.  On our website, you will find a picture of the ribbon cutting by first depositor Phyllis, Tiana Jackson, Executive Director, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger and Mayor Tom Ellis.  The 130 attendees enjoyed a tour of MorningStar’s newest community in Happy Valley, OR, a southeastern suburb of Portland.

If a parent or loved one would benefit from the care and the many amenities and services assisted living offers but are reluctant to make a change in their current situation, please visit MorningStar’s Family Resource link to our helpful “Decision Guide.”   We know that while it is a good thing to have the various senior living options available today, it can lead to confusion and our Decision Guide helps to clarify them.  

One of the first tips in the guide is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve in terms of your loved one’s comfort, wellbeing and safety.  We recommend doing this with an eye to not just next year, but to the next 5-10 years. If you are new to the concept of assisted living, it is a relatively new idea that first emerged in the late 1990s, and provides a refreshing change from nursing homes of old that were often institutional and depressing. 

For additional help with starting a conversation on senior living, request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent” from us.  It provides a thorough explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. 

Please give us a call or use our online form to set up a tour if you or a loved one requires a little help with daily personal care activities and would benefit from companionship and the stimulation of our wellness programs and activities.  We look forward to meeting you. 

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 create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age

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 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 MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our mission is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer. 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. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide our residents the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Compassionate Care Team

If you have started the search for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, you may have already discovered that senior communities are not all the same.  At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we feel that while we offer all of the luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs our residents need, the thing that sets us apart is our loving, professional team.

In order for us to deliver the Service Excellence our MorningStar brand demands, it requires a staff that has one thing in common – a big heart.  Our hiring process starts by looking for individuals with virtues that include kindness, character and selflessness.  We look for people who have a felt calling to serve, and feel like we do, that seniors are heroes and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Upon hiring, each team member takes our Radiance training, which is much more than a customer service program but rather an altitude of the heart.  We use it to guide the way we deliver service - with depth of purpose and sincerity, and its percepts are reiterated each day during our daily Huddle.     

Team members also receive training in our Lavender Sky program that is designed to aid all of our employees, regardless of their positions, to better understand our memory care residents.  It explains the disease and outlines our holistic approach to memory care that includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of a person despite the extent of their memory loss.   

Our MorningStar of Rio Rancho team feels privileged to serve seniors, and we all work together to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our assisted living offers various levels of support, which is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. As dementia care experts, we feel it is our calling to care for our most tender residents as well as offer support to their families.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you are not alone.  It is estimated that 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and one in ten people age 65 years and older has the disease.  As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services. 

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear.  Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through.  There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated. 

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward.  They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”   

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through.  One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy.  They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able.  Finally they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.” 

If you are looking for Alzheimer’s care homes in the Boise area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.  Our community is entirely devoted to the care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  We leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents, while taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person. Our team works every day to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Contact us to learn more.

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.

Source: alz.org/i-have-alz/i-have-alzheimers-dementia.asp

Interior Design for Your Assisted Living Suite

We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted living is certainly a major change for many seniors.  However, experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period.  

One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite.  Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space." 

Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display.  Trigging happy memories with sentimental items is a big step toward making their new place a real home. Also accent pillows and pictures are an easy way to add a lot of color and attractiveness to their place. 

Please keep in mind safety concerns when placing furniture and avoid using area rugs that can become trip hazards or overcrowding a room and not leaving enough space to easily navigate.  Install hand rails where needed and make sure there is easily accessible lighting in the bathrooms and hallways if the person is getting up at night.   

Helping your loved stay organized can improve the home’s safety as well as the aesthetic.  Consider any mobility issues the person may have and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach on a shelf.  Chairs and sofas should be firm and stable. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we have 63 private bright suites for assisted living and another 28 secure memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.    We are committed to provide the best senior living in the area, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source:
health.usnews.com/health-care/best-assisted-living/slideshows/decorating-tips-for-assisted-living

Is Your Parent Fit to Drive?

From time to time, there have been serious accidents involving elderly drivers that reach the nation’s attention and reopens the debate regarding the age that elderly adults should stop driving.  While some states have implemented stricter rules for seniors renewing their driver’s license, many states have met resistance or have had a hard time coming to a consensus.  It is hard to assess a senior’s fitness for driving as each person is different and health problems vary immensely.  One good thing is that many seniors start to self-regulate their driving habits once they notice problems.

Experts say if you have become concerned over your parent’s fitness to drive, you need to start a conversation with them.  If you think they can still handle limited driving with some restrictions, talk to them about setting up rules such as avoiding major highways and rush hour, driving only in daylight and during good weather.  Remind them that this will help keep them safe as well as others who share the road with them. If they have had fender benders and are having trouble following traffic signals, it may be time for them to stop driving altogether before they hurt themselves or others.  However if this is the case, be sure to have some plans in place for alternative transportation. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, an assisted living and memory care and community, we provide residents all of the services and amenities required for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  This includes scheduled transportation to doctor visits as well as shopping trips to area stores. We also take outings to local culture events, museums, parks, and more. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and while you are there, use our links to set up a tour and to ask about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Communicating with a Loved One Suffering from Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.   

Typically in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. 

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.      

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words. Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity. 

With 25+ communities in nine states, MorningStar Senior Living’s goal is to create communities that are a true “home” for our residents.  In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Contact us for more information.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

Being Creative Provides Seniors with Multiple Benefits

According to many studies, the creative arts provide older adults with multiple benefits including improving cognitive function.  The Today’s Geriatrics Medicine’s website states that, “Current studies in the fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. We know that, in general, exercising our creative selves enhances quality of life and nurtures overall well-being.”

For many seniors, the creative arts can help relieve boredom, provide an opportunity to learn new skills, re-engage in life, and even help prevent feelings of depression and anxiety.  Experts say the arts also can bolster seniors’ self-esteem, and put them in group settings, which increases socialization and helps to develop interpersonal skills.  Moreover, with so many choices to choose from, a person is sure to find something of interest whether it is painting, drawing, sketching, pottery, music, dancing, weaving, or knitting among others.  Seniors also have the luxury of time to reconnect to an old hobby or passion.  

Being creative provides seniors with an outlet to express their feelings.  In addition, research suggests the arts may help seniors who are coping with chronic pain by lessening their feelings of discouragement and depression.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we strive to provide the best assisted living and memory care in the Fountain Hills-Scottsdale area, and we understand the value the arts have in helping our residents feel passionate and engaged in life.  In fact, each day our goal is to help residents continue to learn and contribute with activities that enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain, and encourage connection. Our community has 63 bright suites for assisted living and includes spacious studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  We have another 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Sources: managedhealthcareconnect.com/articles/use-art-therapy-geriatric-populations
arttherapyblog.com/c/art-therapy-seniors/#.XTKPKehKhPY

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Care Services

If you are looking at what assisted living communities offer in the Fountain Hills-Scottsdale area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills. We provide area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing. 

At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change.  In fact, we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families. 

To improve care services, we proudly bring the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to our Fountain Hills community.  It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information on residents. It offers different modules to monitor various vitals and key health metrics as well as provides enhanced privacy and security of residents’ data. 

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurse—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.  We also offer mechanical lift assistance, weights and vitals monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and much more.  Please visit our website to see the full list of our care services and to read more about MorningStar of Fountain Hills.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Protect Your Bones with Healthy Habits

It is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.  People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms. While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease. Furthermore, injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery. Many others require long-term care.  

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones.  One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D. Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.  Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. 

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented.  A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density.  It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc.  In addition, common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase you chance of getting osteoporosis.   

If you are looking for senior living in the Fountain Hills, AZ area we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  Our community has 63 graciously-appointed assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as well as another 28 memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please see our website for more information.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/

Dementia Care at Boise’s MorningStar at Englefield Green

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.  MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green is committed do just that.  Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional care to our residents, and give families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care available.

Our community is entirely devoted to memory care with 50 secure suites including spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Unlike many other Alzheimer’s care homes, our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.  

Our holistic approach to care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  One of the important aspects of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise.  To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as secure courtyards to allow them to enjoy the outdoors. 

Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy. 

Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  In fact, one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.