What Does Specialized Memory Care Offer?

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, we are an outstanding example of a community able to handle the many facets of specialized care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related disease.  So what do communities like Arrowhead offer families searching for solutions for a loved one with Alzheimer’s?

To start with, the best memory care communities are designed to provide residents with a protected environment.  For example in our Reflections Neighborhood at Arrowhead, memory care residents are able to move freely in a safe and secure environment,  including full use of an enclosed courtyard reserved just for their use.

Another thing memory care provides is to not only meet the daily personal care needs of a resident but also to offer specially trained staff to provide a therapeutic approach to care.  At Arrowhead, our resident-directed approach uses music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals as a way to heal and provide comfort for our residents.

In fact A Place for Mom website notes that memory care programs report “a higher quality of life in a number of different areas, including reduced medication and medication side effects; fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; increased nutrition and wellness; and greater independence and social interaction.”  They add that seventy-five percent of residents experience an “improvement or maintenance of mental functioning.”

Finally memory care provides the families of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being cared for in the best possible way. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-11-4-memory-care/

Aging and Osteoporosis

The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  These injuries often lead to serious complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care.

The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most commonly in the hip, wrist or spine.  They explain that our bones are made up of living tissues that is “constantly being broken down and replaced.”  The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with the removal of old bone.  As we age, bone replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can recreate it.  

The bones of people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point that a mild fall may cause a broken bone.  In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even movements such as coughing or bending over.  The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk. 

There are a number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis.  These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors. 

A painless test is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones.  To treat osteoporosis, patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of medications.  For others at a lower risk, they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in weight-bearing exercises.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before you begin any physical exercise, please contact your health care provider.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources: nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808 

Good Nutrition is Important for Healthy Aging

Even for older adults, good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle.  A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.“    

As a part of their findings, they recommend avoiding foods loaded with empty calories such as potato chips, cookies, soda and alcohol to ensure you get your proper amount of daily nutrients.  Instead they advise eating wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats. 

One of the benefits of eating well is that it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and bone loss as well as some types of cancer.  In fact if you already suffer from one of those diseases, maintaining a healthy diet along with staying physically active can help you to better manage them.  Additionally adopting a healthy diet can help to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. 

Wholesome, healthy foods help keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and vitamin-rich food can boost immunity and fight against illness-causing toxins.  Furthermore, a healthy diet can help you feel better as well as give you more energy. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, we wholeheartedly agree that good nutrition is important for seniors.  This is why our residents are served three daily meals that are not only very healthy but also delicious.  Each of our meals are served restaurant-style in a beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  Please contact us to learn more about our wide range of services and programs offered by MorningStar.   

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities. 

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Looking for the Best Senior Living in Boulder?

Now almost two years later since we first opened our doors in the summer of 2015, the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder community just keeps getting better and better.  One look at our website’s photo gallery and you will see a gorgeous facility starting from our beautifully-appointed common areas and private suites to the spectacular background views of the Rockies Mountains.  However, our physical structure is only part of the story. 

The most important component to MorningStar of Boulder’s success is our dedicated caregivers who are genuinely happy to help make a difference in the lives of our residents and to bring their compassionate and loving spirit to our community.  Embracing the principles MorningStar was founded on; our entire team delivers service by celebrating an attitude of selflessness, warmth, sincerity and a depth of purpose. 

Our Radiance program espouses all of these values and each new team member is taught the program.  In addition the principles are reiterated every day at our Stand-up meeting.  This helps to provide all of us with a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others. 

Our community is made up of 48 private, assisted living suites and 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We offer a choice of stylish floor plans and all of our beautiful suites are designed with ceiling lights, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds for the utmost comfort.   MorningStar of Boulder is committed to providing compassionate and loving care each and every day and to offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.        

Flu Season

Even though we are well into flu season, it is not too late to get a flu vaccination if you have not done so already.  While the flu season is from October to May, most incidences occur in late December to early March.  Doctors recommend getting the vaccination once it becomes available, which is usually sometime in September, but say if you haven’t done it yet, do it now.  The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to work so you would still be protected during the worst of the season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.   For this flu season, they advise you get a flu shot, not the nasal spray flu vaccine because of concerns regarding its effectiveness.  Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, aches, and fatigue, and among those that get it, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized every year.  Figures on how many people die each year from the flu varies and the CDC reports that “influenza-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of 12,000 (during 2011-2012) to a high of 56,000 (during 2012-2013).”  

We know that people are contagious for up to a day before they begin to experience any symptoms, which is why the disease is so easily spread.  However at MorningStar, we take steps to protect the health of our residents.  Since complete containment of the illness is next to impossible, especially in community living, we strongly urge our resident’s families to have their loved one immunized. 

In addition we advise that when visiting and spending time with a senior, that you practice good hygiene habits such as avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, or if it is you, keep your distance.  Also stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.    

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.        

Source: cdc.gov/flu/pdf/matte/nivw-vaccination.pdf

Seniors and Back Pain

Cumulative wear and tear on our bodies over the years can take a toll on our back.  Among all the aches and pains that plague seniors, the back can be a chronic complaint with periods of recovery and reoccurrence.  Almost 70% of older adults are thought to suffer from back pain at one time or another.

You should have your doctor rule out whether your pain is a symptom of an underlying condition or is really a problem with the back.  Seniors frequently suffer from what is known as uncomplicated mechanical low back pain.  It is pain that is centered in the lumbar and affects a patient’s movements.  Pain can be triggered by everyday activities such as walking, bending, and stretching.  The treatment for this type of back pain can be 48 hours of bed rest (it is not advised to stay in bed for more than that as back muscles weaken when they are not being used) muscle relaxers, or pain medications.

The sciatica can cause back pain and is distinguished by sharp, shooting pains or tingling that radiates down one leg.  The pain occurs when the nerves become compressed in the lower spine.  Sciatica can be severe and incapacitating at the time, but does not usually result in permanent damage and resolves itself in a few days.  It is treated with heat/ice and pain medications.

Patients suffering from chronic back pain can be helped by occupational and physical therapy.  Therapists educate patients on how to lift and move objects properly, practice better posture, and learn to do everyday tasks so as not to put stress on the back.  Some patients seek alternative treatments to find relief such as chiropractic manipulations, while for others, mediation or relaxation techniques have proven to be successful.  Other forms of treatment include massages or acupuncture.

Stretching along with exercises that improve flexibility is a good idea and will help your back. Stick to low-impact forms of exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming.  Walking is an easy to do, inexpensive way to strengthen your back muscles as well as legs and abdomen.  

Prevention is important in back health.  Be sure and bend your legs when you pick up objects and keep the back straight; do not bend from the waist.  Concentrate on carrying yourself well, and if you sit for long periods of time, be sure and get up every so often and move around.  Always wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

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

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to experience our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

Private Suites and Great Amenities Available at MorningStar

You can stop your search for the best senior living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  Once you learn about all we offer, we know you will agree that the newly opened MorningStar of Fountain Hills is right at the top of the field.  Our goal is to allow our residents to enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community - all set in an atmosphere of love.  

Our beautiful private suites feature design-elements that meet the needs of even our most discriminating resident.  Spacious assisted living suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 870 square feet).   In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. 

All of our stylish floor plans offer high ceilings and large windows to provide an open and airy environment.  With wall-to-wall carpeting, lots of built in lighting and mini-blinds, all you need to bring is your own personal furnishings and accessories, and in case you were wondering, we even allow pets!   

Furthermore, all of our suites include fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and are equipped with emergency call systems.  Also we recognize that everyone has a different comfort zone, so our units have their own private controls for heat and air conditioning.  Also enjoy basic cable TV; weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service; and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fountain Hills provides residents with a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities.  Please call to schedule a tour and find out firsthand why our residents are happy to call it “home”. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to experience our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.