We are Honored to Serve Seniors

At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community, our team recognizes the highest expression of living is sharing our gifts and talents, time and energy with others. We truly understand serving seniors is a privilege, but nonetheless are pleased to hear residents and their families tell us how much they appreciate the job we are doing. 

One such correspondence we received from a family member moved us with the following: “MorningStar is a wonderful facility with a great, caring staff and top notch amenities.” They went on to say the family was very happy with the transitioning process of their loved one to our community (something we take a great effort with); and were happy with the top notch service they have received since her arrival. The note ended with, “We could not ask for more from the team at MorningStar and look forward to the years to come working with them.”

Another appreciative family member writes, “From the moment I walked into Morningstar for our tour, I felt at home. The residents were enjoying themselves and everyone was friendly.” Most importantly they added, “A week and a half later my mom moved in and is very happy there! 

It is stories like these that humble as well as motivate our dedicated team members. However we additionally welcome comments letting us know what we could do better so we can remedy the situation not only for their family but for future residents and their families. 

Please visit MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website for contact information regarding the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Our community offers 51 assisted living suites and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has another 26 suites devoted to the personalized care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. To get a chance to see us up close and personal, we encourage you to schedule a tour. You will find a link to our home to get you started. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. 

Are You a Procrastinator?

The Medical News Today (MTN) recently published an article exploring the various reasons we procrastinate. They say we all do it, such as putting off making a doctor appointment or paying a bill but for some people it can be a problem. The article looks at the downside of the habit as well as to see if there is an upside. It explains the changes in our brains, in our minds and what we can do to change the habit. 

Procrastinating occasionally is normal and typically doesn’t cause much disruption in our lives. However the problem becomes detrimental when it is habitual. Studies show approximately 20% of adults in the United States are chronic procrastinators, and also found high levels of procrastination in the workplace can have negative effects on employment duration and income. Habitual procrastinators also report higher levels of stress, anxiety and even sleeping problems. 

Sharon Greene, an LCSW specializing in treating anxiety and depression at Providence Saint John’s Child & Family Development Center in Santa Monica, CA, explains procrastination results from a struggle between a person’s limbic system and prefrontal cortex of the brain. She says the limbic system is an older part of the brain that is automatic and seeks out pleasure and/ or avoids things that cause distress, while the prefrontal cortex helps with planning, decision-making, and long-term goals. Other studies have found “people who often procrastinate have a larger amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotions, particularly negative ones.”

Certain conditions such as anxiety disorders, ADHD and depression can make it harder for people to determine the course they should take, resulting in habitual procrastination. Others with addictive tendencies may always wait until the last minute to finish a project or task seeking a “saving the day,” high. Experts say treating the symptoms of these various conditions, may help lessen the tendency toward procrastination. 

Experts say procrastination can be a good thing like when we put off a task to do something we enjoy. If it is a beautiful day, it may be more beneficial to get out and play a round of golf or picnic in the park with your loved ones, than sitting home finishing something that can be done tomorrow. 

If you are searching for senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM, we invite you to take a look at the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community. Conveniently located in the northern suburb of Albuquerque, we offer seniors a stylish, comfortable community in which to safely age in place. Visit our website for contact information and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.  

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-we-procrastinate-experts-explain-the-science?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=MNT%20Daily%20News&utm_content=2022-10-22&apid=32549197&rvid=e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855#What-happens-in-the-brain?

Making the Most of a Visit to a Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Especially on birthdays and holidays, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in an assisted living community by letting them know they are very special to us.  To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.  

You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit.  Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game.  You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or to start a new one.  If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together.  If they love listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together.  If they love sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help them get them ready to mail.   If they love to be pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure.   

If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink.  Bringing your kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will give the resident pleasant memories long after the little ones have gone home.   However, do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits.

If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big.  Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community.  Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents, but we know they always look forward to seeing their family.  Our community has beautiful and inviting common areas to enjoy with visiting family and friends.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct 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 to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Choosing Healthy Snacks

While most of us love to snack, nutritionists say making poor choices can impact our overall diet and negate the effort we make with healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Lauri Wright, chair of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida, explains snacks should not only satisfy hunger but add to our nutritional intake. Moreover, keep in mind data suggests up to a quarter of our daily calories come from snacking. 

Add to that while our metabolism decreases around 2 percent as we age and we require 150 fewer calories per day each decade after age 20, our nutritional needs do not. Snacking on foods high in sugars and sodium can contribute to a steady weight gain over the years. 

Nutritionists recommend consuming foods low in calories but filling, and to limit yourself to around 100 to 150 calories. Afternoon snacks high in protein such as yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese allow you to feel fuller longer. Studies found those who ate high-protein snacks rather than crackers or chocolate ate up to 100 fewer calories at dinner. 

Fiber is another component to smart snacking. Wright explains, “Fiber aids digestive health and can assist us with blood sugar control and lowering cholesterol.” Good snacks high in fiber include almonds, unsalted soy nuts, berries, carrots with hummus, and whole grain crackers. 

Sugary cookies and candies are loaded with calories and neither fill you up nor add to your daily nutritional intake. Dietary recommendations include avoiding sugar, fried foods and processed foods, which have been shown to trigger fat tissue inflammation, an indicator of heart disease, and worsen arthritis inflammation. 

For trusted assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Happy Valley.  Along with beautiful private suites, we offer residents resort-style amenities and services as well as a range of activities, wellness programs and nutritional, tasty meals.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting.  

The dining service at MorningStar is under the direction of our own Executive Chef.  Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat choices so that residents can self-manage any dietary restrictions.  MorningStar also makes it a priority to use foods that have been recognized by the medical community to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/5-ways-to-snack-smarter.html

Are You Looking for Assisted Living in the Happy Valley, Oregon area?

If you are looking for assisted living in the Happy Valley, Oregon area, MorningStar of Happy Valley is one of the best places to start.  Offering 61 suites for assisted living with a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, we also offer all the amenities and services to ensure your every comfort.  You may recognize the MorningStar name.  In addition to senior living communities throughout the Western U.S., nearby locations include MorningStar of Hillsboro, MorningStar of Beaverton and MorningStar at Laurelhurst, now under construction in Portland.

We encourage you to visit our website as we have lots of information available along with photos that capture the full beauty and inviting warmth of our community.  There you will find a great description of our home, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to our welcoming spaces and beautiful design.  The page also has a button to Amenities and Suite Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities and highlights the comforts of our private suites. 

Our private suites have been designed with all the conveniences and safety precautions needed to ensure both your comfort and safety.  Each bathroom is handicapped accessible, and all apartments have an emergency call system.   Throughout our large common areas just some of the amenities include a bistro, general store, chapel/theater, massage room, salon, and fitness room.  To enjoy the outdoors, we offer raised garden beds, strolling paths and courtyard with a barbecue and fire pit.

As a resident in assisted living, your care plan will be based on a thorough assessment of your medical history and personal preferences, and routinely evaluated to ensure it is relevant to your care needs.  Range of services include assisting residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as life enrichment activities and wellness programs.  Also, families get peace of mind knowing trained care managers are there to help navigate any changes in the health and wellbeing of their loved one.   

Please visit our website for contact information and give us a call to inquire about availability and pricing or connect with us online.  We look forward to meeting you and your family.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.