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