HOW TO SPRUCE UP YOUR ASSISTED LIVING APARTMENT

Moving into an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico also means moving into a smaller space. This means you have to rethink how to decorate your new home. Although at first downsizing appears to be a step down in the housing department, it is a great opportunity to donate some of your things to a favorite charity, while at the same time enhancing the ambiance of your new apartment.

At the MorningStar senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, we help new residents maximize the smaller spaces in their new homes by describing how they can spruce up their assisted living apartments.

Let There Be Light

Not every decoration idea has to involve buying new furniture or creating an elaborate collage to hang on a wall. Simply opening up blinds and/or pulling back shades can do wonders in improving the ambiance of a living space. Allowing more sunlight to grace your assisted living apartment in Rio Rancho not only brightens the mood, but also makes a room feel much larger.

Sunlight is a critical component to maintaining vibrant health, and we receive plenty of sunlight in Rio Rancho, NM. On average, the greater Albuquerque metro region basks in the glow and warmth of sunlight a whopping 310 days a year.

Use the Right Colors

As it is with sunlight, color accents also contribute to the mood and ambiance of a living space. It makes sense that using warm colors for decorative purposes turns a drab-looking room into one that exudes warmth and comfort. The question is what types of colors exude the degree of warmth and comfort that you want to shine in your new assisted living apartment?

Lighter colors tend to do the best job of making a living space seem inviting to both guests and residents. Painting a room all in one lighter color also does a great job of inviting even more sunlight into a living space.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

When you think of a mirror, you probably think about an accessory that helps you look your best as it hangs in the bathroom. However, mirrors represent an effective way to spruce up an assisted living apartment. Regardless of how many windows there are in your new living space, hanging one or more mirrors magically creates the effect of increasing the size of your new home.

Mirrors also represent an effective strategy to reflect light from both natural and artificial sources.

Leverage the Decorative Power of Walls

One of the first things guests invited to your apartment see are the living room walls. This provides you with the best opportunity to make a memorable first impression for all the right reasons. Although walls serve a highly functional purpose by allowing for the building of shelves to store things, they also offer a sturdy foundation to hang paintings and photographs.

The key is to not overdo it by overloading the walls with artwork.

Boost the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Assisted Living Apartment

When you move into our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we want your new apartment to feel like home. Sprucing up your new assisted living apartment goes a long way to enhancing your mood, as well as giving you a feeling of ownership. One of the most common reasons why MorningStar of Rio Rancho attracts new residents is our three lifestyle options.

Learn more about the three lifestyle options, as well as how to spruce up your new assisted living apartment, by scheduling a tour today.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS OF MEMORY LOSS?

It is not a medical condition that immediately develops symptoms, such as a sprained ankle or broken arm. However, the medical condition is much more debilitating because it doesn’t heal. We are talking about memory loss, which frequently gets much worse by developing the symptoms associated with dementia.

Memory represents an ability that involves several interconnected abilities performed by the brain. When the areas of the brain that coordinate the interconnected abilities begin to fail, you might experience a mild form of memory loss that can eventually develop into dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. At our senior housing center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we educate both residents and their loved ones on how to recognize the most common signs of memory loss.

Forgetting Information

One of the most common signs of memory loss concerns forgetting what was once easy to retrieve information, such as a close friend’s name or a loved one’s cell phone number. Although we all experience short lapses in memory, experiencing memory loss involves forgetting information for extended periods.

Misplacing Items

One day, you cannot find your car keys. No big deal, you think. This happens to all of us at one time because of too much stress or a mind preoccupied with other things. However, misplacing your car keys one time turns into frequent bouts of losing track of critically important bank and legal documents.

Misplacing items represents one of the most common signs of memory loss, as well as a sign that often causes emotional distress.

Cannot Complete Daily Tasks

Although busy people get distracted occasionally, they are still able to complete basic daily tasks, such as washing dishes and ironing clothes. The same cannot be said for those suffering memory loss. What were once boring daily tasks suddenly become chores that require an immense effort just to remember how to get them done.

Mood Swings 

When a loved one suffers memory loss, the inability to remember things can lead to bouts of depression. We all take pride in being self-sufficient, and when that self-sufficiency wanes for any reason, we can lose confidence and worse, the will to live. Memory loss also can trigger wild mood swings, which develop because of the frustration associated with symptoms like disorientation and impaired judgment.

Loss of Motivation

We all lose interest in doing chores, such as mowing the lawn and removing clutter from the garage. However, when people lose interest in something they love to do, then something much more serious that losing interest is at work. If you notice a loved one not participating in a favored activity, then possibly your loved one is experiencing a common sign of memory loss called loss of motivation.

Learn More About the Memory Loss Care Provided by MorningStar of Rio Rancho

One of the most common reasons why our Rio Rancho assisted living facility attracts new residents is because we offer three lifestyle options: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Your loved one can start in our independent living program, and if the signs of memory loss start to develop, we can smoothly transition your loved one into an assisted living arrangement. The licensed and experienced caretakers at our senior housing center in Rio Rancho, NM receive extensive training on how to recognize, as well as manage the signs of memory loss.

Schedule a tour today by contacting our assisted living facility.

Finding a Memory Care Community for a Loved One

Searching for memory care for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let the community know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now look at communities that are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the community offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all do the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in the Scottsdale – Fountain Hills area.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Scottsdale – Fountain Hills offers.

Receive the Care You Need at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills are not nursing homes. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.  

It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our beautiful community offers 63 graciously appointed suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

We also offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For memory care or assisted living Scottsdale area seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

Since 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Scottsdale – Fountain Hills offers.

Source:agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

Moving Mom or Dad into an Assisted Living Community

If your mom or dad has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into an assisted living community is the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable.  However, as much of the task of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming.  Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet.   

Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parents see treasures and memories.  Begin by creating a list of things your parents will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep.  If something is hard for them to part with, help them to think of a family member or friend they would like to give it to.  Also, remind them if they sell the item, they can use the money toward something better suited for their new home such as a smaller couch or coffee table.    

Now the experts recommend going from room to room and start sorting by keeping, tossing, or donating piles.  In addition, rather than always asking your parents what they want to keep or get rid of, pare down the selection, and then ask them yes or no questions.  Presorting items also helps to avoid keeping lots of multiple items.  

By measuring the size of your parent’s new suite, you can create a floor plan to realistically show how well their furnishings will fit.  Include the amount of cupboards and storage space they will have to help you know how much is too much.  Remember you do not want the new place to be so crowded that they can barely move safely about.  

Keep in mind that if your parent is moving into a community such as MorningStar of Happy Valley, you will be treated to meals created by our Executive Chef served in our full-service dining room.  Also, our well-designed suites come equipped with blinds, carpeting, and overhead lighting.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home. 

    

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Impacting the World for Good Through the MorningStar Foundation

MorningStar of Happy Valley is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s senior living communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which was held on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations included hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer's,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Happy Valley for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Our beautiful community offers 61 stylish assisted living suites and 27 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We also offer short-term stays to see if we are a good fit as well as respite care. Please contact us for availability and pricing. 

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Happy Valley, OR.

Making the Holidays Easier for a Loved One With Dementia

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the upcoming holidays.  When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over-stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia.  Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting.  

The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer's disease so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them.  They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner.  

If you are visiting your loved one at a memory care community, bring along some pictures of the family and take the time to quietly sit and talk about them.  If you are bringing your loved one to your home, play familiar music and serve foods you know they like.  Set time aside to do some activities with the family such as making a memory book or telling stories.  Other suggestions include taking a short walk or decorating cookies together.  

Be sure to warn family members and friends about any changes in their behavior and condition so they do not expect more than the person has the ability to offer.  Remind them that Alzheimer’s can diminish a person’s ability to communicate and that it is helpful to speak slowly and in a relaxed tone.  The Alzheimer’s Association says to avoid saying things like, “Don’t you remember?”  Also, address the person by name and be patient, stay calm and supportive.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic memory care includes wellness programs and activities that leverage the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.