Choosing Between Independent Living and Assisted Living

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.   

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals.  Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.   

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.    

MorningStar at Arrowhead is pleased to offers 60 private assisted living suites on two levels.  Residents has a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some over 600 square feet).  In addition we have 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our Reflections Neighborhood. 

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.

What to Expect from Assisted Living

MorningStar of Boulder offers 48 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require a little help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up a care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.  

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming; 24-hour Care Managers; a CPR-trained staff member on each shift, and a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and on-site 5 days a week.  We also provide regular Care Plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.   

In addition we know that a good diet is important to keeping seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that prepares daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and include low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low fat choices.   

MorningStar of Boulder’s assisted living also includes a range of wellness programs and activities designed to entertain and stimulate our residents.  Along with scheduled transportation services, we also have special scheduled outings to local parks, malls and other recreational venues.  

Along with our assisted living suites, MorningStar of Boulder offers 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood that are devoted to the specialized care of those with dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself the caring environment that makes MorningStar of Boulder a real home.   

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.        

Seniors are Discovering the Benefits of Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to a senior living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities.    

Today’s communities like MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.    

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive.   

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to see a play.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

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/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Learn More About Our Reflections Neighborhood

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Boulder, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease.  

Our secure and loving memory neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.  

We know a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening, which is why we work closely with our families to help them understand what is happening to their loved one.  Our team at MorningStar of Boulder works every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents. Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our full MorningStar of Boulder’s assisted living 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.        

Exercise Your Brain Every Day!

Experts agree that it is important for aging adults to exercise their brains daily.  Mind games, puzzles and memory games are an enjoyable way to help seniors stay sharp.  For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory; however, puzzles, crosswords, and board and card games do the same thing.

Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance.  In fact a study that monitored brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest, cognitive exercises, and playing their instrument showed their brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than resting.”  It also found the musicians’ heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing.

Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out.  Additionally most board games, including chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making.  Furthermore, playing games that require at least two people offers the added benefit of socializing.    

Reading is another great activity and opens doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to as well as heightens imagination and introduces new ideas.  Book clubs also offer the opportunity for socializing and an exchange of ideas.  

Other things that boost brain activity include gardening, which was found to increase serotonin levels that are a natural anti-depressant.  Physical exercise also increases brain activity by moving nutrients, blood, and oxygen throughout the body.  In addition it “helps reduce sugars and cortisol: both implicated for worsening Alzheimer’s and dementia.”  

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  MorningStar at Arrowhead is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

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: mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/

MorningStar Offers a Wide Selection of Wellness and Social Activities

If you are looking for the best assisted living community in the Boulder area, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Boulder. We offer seniors a choice of configurations in 48 private assisted living suites, and devote 46 suites in our Reflection Neighborhood to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.    

As a resident of our community, you will have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to participate in.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, Bible Study, baking group, word and board games, jewelry making, Bingo, movie night and much, much more.    

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself,” and that “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise every morning with programs such as: Group Exercise, Morning Exercise, Zumba, Stretch Saturday, or Exercise with Shayna.    

Another popular activity with our residents is our card and board games.  Each monthly calendar is filled with various games such as poker, Parcheesi, and Bingo, to name a few.  Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interest, you are sure to find something of interest.  Whether it is joining the Food Council, enjoying afternoon tea, or having the opportunity to attend church services, MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself all that we offer.   

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/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Join Us for the “Unforgettable Series”

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Boulder is proud to host the Unforgettable Series, A Caring Conversation for Family & Friends of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia.  While we have already held the first two conversations in the series, we still have plenty more to offer to anyone interested in attending.

The event is at MorningStar of Boulder and is led by Kelli Squire from About Time Senior Solutions, a senior resource, evaluation and advocacy organization dedicated to serving the needs of aging seniors and their family members.  The series takes place on the second Tuesday of each month over the next four months from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.  Kelli has an extensive background in senior care and was educated at the Boston University Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research.  She is also a Certified Trainer in Teepa Snow’s The Positive Approach to Care™. 

Teepa Snow is a dementia and Alzheimer’s care expert and advocate who trains and helps agencies, facilities and families.  The concept for The Positive Approach to Care was “developed to support people living with dementia by equipping both formal and informal caregivers with specific skills aimed at increasing understanding of what it is like to live with dementia.”  The approach focuses on care delivery instead of theories.

Our January 9^th conversation is titled, “They’re Not Doing This on Purpose,” and the February 13^th session discusses the “The Unexpected Journey.”  On March 13^th the conversation turns to the question of “What’s Normal Aging and What’s Not?”  The last session takes place on April 10^th and focuses on “Now What? Let’s Talk Dementia.” 

We hope our Boulder and Longmont families can join us in what has so far been a very informative series.  At each session, families get pragmatic tools and time to share experiences, challenges, and positive moments.  Please see our website for more details and to learn about MorningStar of Boulder’s quality assisted living and memory care 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. 

 

Source:   Positive+Approach+to+Care&oq=Positive+Approach+to+Care&aqs=chrome..69i57.5010431j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8    

Cataracts are Common in Seniors

As we age, it is more important than ever to get regular eye exams.  The American Optometric Association recommends that every person over the age of 60 have an annual eye examination.  They also advise that if you notice any changes in your vision, see an eye doctor immediately. 

Cataracts are a common eye problem in older adults and develop as the tissue in the eye’s lens breaks down and clumps together causing cloudy or opaque areas. Aging or an eye injury can cause cataracts as well as other conditions such as diabetes and the long-term use of steroid medications.

The size and location of the cataract determines how much it interferes with your vision.  If the cataract is only affecting a small part of the eye, you may not even know you have one.  Noticeable symptoms occur as the cataract grows and starts clouding more of the lens and distorting the way light passes through the lens. 

The Mayo Clinic says that cataract symptoms include:

• Clouded, blurred or dim vision
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
• Seeing "halos" around lights
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Double vision in a single eye

Once a person cannot clear their vision with prescription glasses and the cataract is interfering with normal daily activities including driving at night and reading, surgery is the only effect treatment.  The procedure involves removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which becomes a permanent part of the eye.

The surgery is done on an outpatient basis and the person experiences a few days of discomfort.  The complete healing process takes about eight weeks.  If a patient needs surgery on both eyes, the second one is done once the first eye has healed. 

  

This post is for informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns

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:

aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/dxc-20215129

Hearing Tests are Important for Seniors

The Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) recommends that seniors age 60 and older get a hearing test every two years and warn that hearing loss is difficult to detect without a professional assessment.  Additionally the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) explains that hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting elderly adults.  Their statistics show, “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.” 

If you suspect that you are experiencing hearing loss, the NIDCD recommends that you start by talking to your health care provider.  He or she may refer you to an otolaryngologist who will attempt to diagnose why you are experiencing hearing loss.  From there you may be sent to an audiologist to be fitted for a hearing aid.  Hearing aids are primarily used for hearing loss from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, known as hair cells, and referred to as sensorineural hearing loss.   

Hearing loss may be caused by disease or injury, loud noises, or aging, which is known as Presbycusis and hearing aids are just one course of treatment.  In the case of severe hearing loss a small electronic device known as a cochlear implant is surgically implanted in the inner ear.   Other solutions include amplifying devices and closed circuit systems. 

The NIDCD advises that having trouble hearing can make it difficult to understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms.  In addition loss of hearing can make it difficult to join in conversations with family and friends.  The NIDCD’s website has a helpful checklist to help you determine if it is time to consult your doctor regarding your hearing.   

Our post is only for information purpose.  If you have any medical problems, please seek the medical advice of your health care provider. 

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.        

 

Sources:

aihhp.org/your-hearing/routine-hearing-checks-how-often/

nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/older.aspx  

 

Making Your Home “Fall Proof”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in four adults age 65 years and older falls each year.  Any time a senior falls, it can be extremely serious and is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for the elderly.  Statistics show that 2.8 million older adults are treated in an emergency department each year for nonfatal falls, and 800,000 are hospitalized. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises that seniors “fall proof” both the inside and outside of their homes.  Every room should have clear pathways that are free of clutter and other obstacles that could cause a fall.  All carpets should be securely attached to floors and stairways, and rather than throw rugs, use non-slip rugs or apply non-slip strips. 

Another suggestion from the NIH is to have good lighting throughout your home including well-lit hallways, entrances, and stairwells.  Also have a lamp close to your bed that is easy to turn on to avoid stumbling around in the dark when getting in and out of bed. 

In addition wearing the proper shoes is also an important part of preventing falls.  Shoes should fit well and have low heels, non-slip soles and completely surround your foot.  Other safety tips include installing handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. 

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our beautiful community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse.  In addition residents are offered weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see firsthand the best senior living community in Glendale, AZ.  

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:cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/homesafety/01.html

Fun & Easy Exercises to Increase Your Brain’s Cognitive Reserves

As we grow older, we now know it is as important to keep our brains active as it is to stay physically active.  Studies show that we not only lose muscle mass as we age but our brains actually begin to shrink.  An article from Everyday Health Media’s website explains that, “your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.” 

Brain exercises such as word games and jigsaw puzzles as well as playing an instrument or learning a foreign language can all help to increase our brain’s cognitive reserves.  Hand-eye activities that require fine-motor skills such as knitting, drawing and painting are also helpful.  Learning to cook a new cuisine is a tasty way to keep our brains healthy since cooking involves different parts of our brains including taste, smell, sight and touch.    

Another tip from the website is to get in the habit of sharpening your recall skills.  This can be as simple as writing down a list of things you need to buy from the store, memorize it, and then an hour later try to remember as many things as you can from it.  They also recommend you try to do math problems in your head, and for a further challenge do it while walking.   

At MorningStar of Boulder, we provide an environment that encourages both physical and mental activities.  One look at our monthly calendar, from our Walking Club, to Cranium Crunches, to Sing-a-Longs, and you will see it is loaded with wellness programs and entertaining activities that are fun and stimulating.  In fact if we do not already offer an activity a resident would like, we help them to start one. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Boulder’s 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.    

Source: everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx

Community Living is a Healthier Lifestyle for Seniors

There are many studies that suggest seniors are healthier when they stay socially connected and feel engaged with life.  Researchers have found that older people without such connections are more apt to “experience greater numbers of chronic and life-limiting health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”  In a 2010 article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, it reports that social interactions can also protect seniors’ cognitive skills. 

 As seniors age, it often becomes harder to stay connected to the community and many older adults end up living fairly isolated from the outside world.  A number of factors contribute to the problem including health issues that limit mobility, no longer driving, and the loss of a spouse and other family members and friends.   

Furthermore, good nutrition can be a problem for seniors living alone as it may be difficult for them to prepare meals or to even buy groceries.  Some seniors have even been found to be suffering from malnutrition.  Physical safety can also be a problem as the elderly are more prone to falls due to common medical conditions that effect balance and physical strength including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.  In addition seniors living alone may not be as quick to recognize a health issue needs immediate medical attention.   

At MorningStar of Boulder, participating in a range of activities is just a way of life as we offer a full calendar of fun and stimulating activities every day.  Our residents enjoy nutritional daily meals served restaurant style that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the meal and to socially interact with others.  We also provide scheduled transportation for residents along with special outings to local places of interest and entertainment. Residents also have the assurance that our 24-hour care staff is always available to help if the need arises.    

Living alone can be difficult for seniors and even affect their overall lifespan.  We encourage you to contact MorningStar of Boulder and learn more about the services and amenities that we provide for our residents.   

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: whereyoulivematters.org/community-living-its-healthier/

Answers to FAQ Regarding MorningStars’ Assisted Living

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder, we offer 48 beautiful, all-inclusive private suites for assisted living in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Our monthly rental fee is based on square footage as well as the location within the building and view, and is designed for seniors 62 years and older.   

If you are worrying about getting the level of care that you need in our community, don’t.  Before you even move in, you will sit down with our Wellness Director to discuss your current health and review your medical history to determine the type of care you need.  We offer five levels of care that provide assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical that are priced a la carte.    

During our assessment, we will discuss your personal preferences and normal routines so we can put together a care plan that is customized for you.  And again, don’t worry about things changing after you are a resident, as we regularly re-evaluate what you need to accommodate the changes.     

Also if you are wondering, couples are welcome at MorningStar of Boulder and can share a private suite surrounded by their own, familiar possessions.   Or if you would like, you are welcome to share a suite with a close friend or relative (must be of the same sex).  We also offer respite care for up to 30 days, or a “trial stay” for as short as a week or up to a full month.

It is our privilege to serve seniors and we foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  Furthermore, while rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths among our residents and team members.   

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.