Acknowledging the Independence of Aging Parents

We all understand the value of independence but as we grow older, many seniors are faced with physical and mental limitations that make them feel it may be threatened. Independence is one of the things seniors want to feel they still have control over; and is important as it is closely tied to self-worth and a sense of achievement.

Experts say well-intentional families can sometimes create bigger problems by becoming overprotective toward mom or dad. This can result in the senior becoming more fearful than the situation warrants, and erode their self-esteem and confidence. Another problem threatening a senior’s independence is when adult children talk to the parent as if they are a child. Even the most conscientious caregivers can sometimes baby the person too much or pressure them to do what they think is best.

Just as we do not want people telling us what to do or intruding into things we are not ready to share, you need to respect your parents’ privacy. When mom or dad’s wishes are respected, they will feel like they have more control of their lives. If a time comes when your parents need more help than they can get at home, it may be time to consider an assisted living community. Just be sure it is one where their independence will be nurtured.

What MorningStar of Happy Valley sets apart from other assisted living and memory care communities? We provide an environment that supports a healthy, engaged lifestyle and a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the respect they deserve. Our beautiful home is designed to meet all the needs of our residents with a range of resort-style amenities, care services, wellness programs, and activities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

MorningStar of Happy Valley Offers Exceptional Assisted Living

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Happy Valley. For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 61 assisted living suites are equipped with all the modern conveniences and safety features. Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes and private heating & air conditioning. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with emergency call systems to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicapped-accessible bathrooms.

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or is just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals created by our Executive Chef. All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.

Why we believe our care to be different from that of other senior communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team. When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are just as important as education or experience. Moreover, many of our team members come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s luxury senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Would Your Needs Be Better Served in an Assisted Living Community?

To safely age in place, seniors need to be somewhere that supports their independence, health, and security whether it is their own home or a senior community which meets their needs. The decision on where and how a person lives depends on a variety of factors including any physical conditions limiting their mobility. Another thing affecting a person’s well-being is living with a disease such as Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

It is beneficial to evaluate your current home to see if it will work for you in the future; or would your needs be better served somewhere like an assisted living community? If you have mobility issues and your present living situation requires modifications to make it safe, keep in mind those changes can be expensive as well as affect the value of the home when you do sell. Problem areas include stairs, narrow doorways and poorly lit areas that increase the risk of a dangerous fall.

Additionally, if you live alone, how far away are family members or friends you can count on if you need help. Are you comfortable with an in-home service to assist you with tasks that are difficult to do on your own such as bathing or preparing food?

Other important considerations of aging in place include the upkeep of a home. Are you responsible for the maintenance inside and out? Also, do you still drive, and how far away is shopping and your medical care?

If you do have chronic health conditions, it makes sense to plan for changing needs. In some cases, a person may choose to move into an assisted living community even if they currently do not need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This way they are already familiar with the residents and staff and have the peace of mind knowing help will be there when they need it. If you live in or around the Happy Valley, Oregon area, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar, a luxury senior living community offering assisted living and memory care.

Our building was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ needs in beautiful surroundings. Services include help with the ADLs; all-day, restaurant-style dining; resort-style amenities; wellness programs, activities and built-in companionship. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of memory loss, the Reflections Neighborhood provides safety, security and a team of dedicated caregivers. Please contact us to ask about availability and to set up a tour.

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 one of the finest senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Making a Successful Transition to Assisted Living

No matter how old we are, change can be difficult and the bigger the change, the more challenging. For the elderly, change can signal an end to a way of life they are most familiar with and cause a range of emotions from mourning a loss of independence to feelings of helplessness. Hopefully, it also offers a spark of excitement at starting a new adventure.

If you are an adult child of a senior who is in the process of transitioning into assisted living, experts offer tips to get through any rough patches. To make the move more successful, they recommended working as a team: the senior, the family, the new home and their doctor. As family members, it is important to recognize how intimdating the move can be in the eyes of your loved one as they are moving to a new environment with all new people. Experts say the adjustment period typically lasts for 30 to 90 days.

A senior can make it easier on themselves by keeping an open mind and realizing it will take a little while to adjust. Try to get out and enjoy your new environment rather than staying behind closed doors in your suite. If you are unsure how something works, ask questions. If you are having problems getting answers, talk to the management or ask your family to intervene.

Families can help the senior to set up their new apartment with familiar items and family memories including pictures and other favorite decor. Once they are settled, experts say don’t desert them but don’t overdo the visits. Allow them to find their own way and perhaps start making a few friends. If the community has family-friendly activities, join in when you can.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our goal is to meet residents’ physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs. Along with luxury amenities and care services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional assisted living at MorningStar.

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 assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.