Senior Living Options Terms Explained

The population of aging adults continues to grow and so does the demand for quality housing solutions and services.   To make it easier for people to find senior housing that best meets their needs, the following is an explanation of the terms you will come across while shopping for a new home for you or your loved one.    

One senior living option is referred to as “independent living.” These are apartments or suites designed specifically for older adults who want the advantages associated with senior living communities, but do not require any assistance. While each community differs, services may include light housekeeping and laundry as well as on-site beauty shops and spas, exercise rooms and wellness classes.  Some communities also provide emergency response at night.   

Another term used to describe senior living is “assisted living.”  This is housing that is geared toward those who need various levels of assistance with their daily activities.  Generally a resident’s needs are evaluated and agreed upon with the senior and their family.  Assisted living communities provide daily meals as well as around-the-clock care to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.  Most facilities offer wellness programs, social activities, housekeeping services, 24-hour care, scheduled transportation and more.   

Lastly another form of senior living is “memory care” that is devoted to the specialized care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  The best communities offer their residents comprehensive care that includes recreational and purposeful activities, scheduled outings and daily health monitoring.    

We invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Boulder.  We provide assisted living and memory care options.  Our spacious, private suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed 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.        

 

Seniors and Heat Related Illness

A recent study from the University of Chicago Medical Center reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were in people over age 65.  The Mayo Clinic explains that there are several reasons why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration including “their ability to conserve water is reduced, thirst sensation is less acute, and seniors do not respond to fluctuations in temperature as well as when they were younger.”   

The National Institute on Aging also cites other factors why the elderly do not fare well in extreme heat conditions such as heart and blood vessels problems and less effective sweat glands.  In addition heart, lung, or kidney disease can weaken individuals and often cause fevers.   Medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers and other heart and blood pressure medicines can inhibit the body’s ability to cool by sweating or act as a diuretic.    

At around the age of 50, our body’s kidneys do not conserve fluid as well as they once did, and by age 70, the problem generally worsens.  Also many seniors experience a decrease in appetite and can forgot to drink and eat for long periods of time.  Chronic conditions including dementia and diabetes can also interfere with getting enough fluids as well as being overweight or underweight.  

The weather remains warm in September in many areas of the country and it is still important for seniors to be aware of overheating and to stay hydrated.  The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: paleness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, headache, and rapid, shallow breathing.  If you suspect heat exhaustion, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place.  While you wait for medical assistance, have them lie down, remove any heavy or tight-fitting clothing and apply cold water or compresses directly to the skin.   Offer water or juice if they are able to drink.     

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

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: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056

aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Stay Active and Connected

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead is pleased to be able to offer our residents the user-friendly, interactive software called “It’s Never Too Late” ® (iN2L).  This unique, person-centered technology makes it easy for anyone to use a computer, regardless of prior experience or abilities, and is designed specifically for the continuing entertainment and education of seniors.   

Simply to use, iN2L provides customized activities that are based on a person’s interest and background, which are used to enhance cognitive function, socialization and quality of life.  Also a Wii-like functionality offers interactive physical as well as cognitive activities. The personalized program allows each resident to have his or hers own “page” on the system, and is setup to display their photos, videos, stories, music, games and even websites.  The resident’s page can even be customized remotely through a family portal to give family members an opportunity to add personal updates, information and current pictures.   

With over 3,000 application and content items, the highly adaptable nature of the system makes it easy to adjust activities and content to a resident’s unique abilities and interests. 

Along with an array of brain exercises, educational and travel videos, interactive games, puzzles, word games, history, news topics and trivia, the iN2L software also offers safe and easy Internet access, email, and Skype.   

Dedicated to making a true home for our residents, MorningStar at Arrowhead offers 60 private assisted living suites on two levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood,  located in its own one-story wing, we have 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

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.

Get the Care You Need, When You Need It!

If you or your loved one needs assisted living, we encourage you to take a look at the best - Morning Star Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder.  A quick look through our photo gallery will show you the spectacular views of the majestic Rocky Mountains afforded to our residents as well as pictures of our comfortable and stylish common areas and beautiful private suites.  Although we provide a range of resort style amenities and services, our most outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors.   

Before you even move in, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs.  For our assisted living residents, we offer as many as five Care Levels.  Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Boulder community, we adjust the level of care as needed.  In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by a simple point system that takes into account the cost and time of providing each service whether it is help with daily personal activities or medical assistance.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it. 

For our Reflections Neighborhood memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed.   Also you should know that our community has the ability to care for residents from the onset of the disease all the way through to the advanced stages. 

MorningStar of Boulder is comprised of 48 private assisted living suites and 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  While our website photos may show-off our beautiful home, you need to schedule a tour to see firsthand MorningStar of Boulder’s loving 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.        

Our Residents and Families Are Happy They Found MorningStar

As MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead is committed to providing the finest care and services, we always encourage feedback from our residents and their families.  We are especially gratified when our dedicated staff members are recognized for their efforts in helping to create a true home for our residents.   

One such comment that touched our heart and reminds us why we are here was from a resident’s daughter.  She writes, “After living with us for 2 years, my mother-in-law is now at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead. We had looked around at 5 or 6 places. When we asked her which place she wanted to go she chose MorningStar because it felt more like a family type environment. The people are friendly, especially the management. The transition from our house to the facility was a good one due to the help of the staff there. She has made a lot of friends.” 

We also feel honored to have a son write, “My father-in-law is also hard of hearing and everybody that works there is sensitive to that. They all call him by name, even the employees that serve dinner or lunch. It's like one big family. He really feels a part of something.”   It also reaffirms our dedication to seniors when we hear from another family member about how MorningStar has made a difference.  She says, “My mother-in-law just loves it there. She never used to be a social person before going to MorningStar. Now she does all kinds of activities and is hardly ever in her room when we come to visit. They have a very structured environment and they really look out for the people that live there. We have referred other people there, one of which is living there now. We will continue to recommend them.”  

Our goal is to be there for each resident as well as for their family members as we proudly provide the best assisted living and memory care in the area.  As a resident, you will be served daily, nutritional meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  In addition you will find a whole host of amenities including a bistro, chapel/theatre, library, fitness room, salon, general store and much more.  Residents also have a wide array of activities to choose from that include fitness classes, entertainment, games and special outings.  We invite you to come join the fun!    

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.

Keeping Physically Active Can Help Lessen Age Decline

While most elderly adults are not going to participate in a triathlon, they do want to be as physically fit as possible.  In several interesting studies conducted by Joseph Baker, and recently reported on by the Washington Post, he looks at the question of whether “age decline is a result of simply getting older or being sedentary.”   Baker, a professor and head of the LifeSpan Health and Performance Laboratory in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto, and his team of researchers wanted to know why some 70-year-olds can still compete in vigorous athletic competitions while others get winded walking up a flight of stairs.  

Baker based the premise of his research on a pivotal 1996 Stanford University study that still serves as the biomarker for the aging process more than twenty years later.  The Stanford study analyzed age-related decline by looking at individuals’ “number of muscle cells, DNA repair, fingernail growth and physical activity.”  Researchers found that participants had a 0.5 percent decline per year in these factors.    

One of the studies that Baker and his team of Canadian researchers did in 2010 is titled “Do or Decline.”  It was published by the Journal of Health Psychology and involved more than 12,000 adults.   Participants were asked a series of questions on issues ranging from their health condition, cognitive capacity and social engagement to their physical activity.  The study found that “inactivity was a much stronger predictor of functional limitations than either chronic disease or being socially unengaged with life.” 

Studies such as these suggest that even moderate levels of physical activity can improve a person’s physiological, psychological and social conditions.  Baker explains that research like his may help to debunk the widely held notion that all physical decline experienced by an older adult is a natural part of aging.  Furthermore, he asserts that, “Self-efficacy and your belief in your ability to achieve an outcome is very important for predicting performance outcomes and a person’s behavior.”   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, our residents have plenty of opportunity to stay active both physically and mentally.  We provide a full monthly calendar of wellness activities along with special outings and events.  Our community offers 60 suites for assisted living and 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

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:washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/02/03/do-or-decline-an-athletes-age-may-be-less-important-to-performance-than-persistent-practice/?utm_term=.221660a00ccd 

Read What Our Residents’ Families Say About Us!

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder is a supportive and loving community that allows seniors to comfortably and securely enjoy their retirement years.   Along with our beautifully-appointed suitesand common areas, we have an exceptionally caring staff, which is why we are always gratified to get feedback from our residents’ families letting us know they much they appreciate them.      

We are especially pleased to hear that we made a difference in a resident’s life as the following comment asserts. “You and the entire staff at MorningStar deserve so much for taking such wonderful care of my mom. She is smiling more….getting out of her room more….alert and interacting so much more than her previous living arrangement.”  Another person told us how our staff “made the Alzheimer’s experience not only more bearable, but even beautiful in many ways through your tireless caring, support and professional help.”  (You will find the entire comment on our website)  

It is this type of feedback that reminds us that what we do every day does make a difference in the lives of our residents.  Furthermore, we know by working as a team, together we provide our community with a warm, loving atmosphere that treats each person with the dignity and respect they deserve.  As Brianna Westlake, our Executive Director, explains, she “strives every day to find an opportunity to ease the challenges of aging for residents and for their families.”  The same can be said for the rest of our wonderful staff.  

If you are looking a carefree lifestyle that offers comfort, wellness and community while providing the assistance you need to maintain your independence; MorningStar of Boulder is just the place.  Our community has 48 private assisted living suites.  To move in, all and you need to bring is your personal furnishings and mementos.  We also have 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to set up a tour.  

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.        

Monthly Calendar Loaded with Programs and Activities

If you are looking for the best assisted living community in the Glendale and Peoria AZ area, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead. We offer seniors a choice of configurations in 60 private assisted living suites, and devote 25 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, worship services, Catholic communion, reading groups, word games and puzzles, crafts, 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 programs such as Yoga, Afternoon Stretches and MorningStar Steppers.  

Another popular activity with our residents is our word, board, and trivia games.  Each monthly calendar is filled with various games such as crossword puzzles, Yahtzee, trivia, Bingo, and Dominos. Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interest, you are sure to find something fun and challenging.  Whether it is joining the reading group, learning a craft, or having the opportunity to attend morning 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 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:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Annual Exams Help Protect Your Eyes

Eye problems are a common complaint among the elderly.  The American Optometric Association advises that older adults need to be aware of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems as they can cause loss of vision.  Also since some eye diseases have no early symptoms, they recommend annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.  It is important to remember that while many eye conditions are easily treated, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to serious eye problems. 

One almost universal vision change experienced by older adults is Presbyopia, which is the gradual, age-related loss of the eyes' ability to focus clearly on nearby objects.   Typically the condition is not treated with any intervention other than a pair of reading glasses. 

Floaters are another problem seniors experience and appear as tiny specks or spots that seem to float across your field of vision.  The Mayo Clinic says that most eye floaters are caused by “age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump and can cast tiny shadows on your retina, which appear to you as floaters.”  It is important to have the condition checked by an eye doctor as it can also be a sign of more serious eye problems including retinal detachment.   

Dry eyes are also common in seniors and can cause itching, burning and even loss of vision.  Treatment includes nutritional supplements, medications to reduce inflammation, or eye drops that simulate real tears.  On the other side some older adults can have too many tears that may result from temperature changes or sensitivity to light.  Taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses can help but you should be checked by your doctor as it could signal an infection or blocked tear duct. 

In addition cataracts and glaucoma are frequent problems affecting older adults.  In the case of cataracts, once they begin to affect your eyesight they can usually be removed by surgery.  Glaucoma is not curable but it is treatable, and without treatment, it can eventually lead to permanent blindness.   

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

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    nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association’s website is loaded with the most up-to the-date information regarding all the various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.   Part of their extensive information includes a check list of 10 early warning signs of the disease.  This is important to know as an early diagnosis allows someone an opportunity to seek treatment and to make plans for the future.  While everyone’s journey is different, they recommend if you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of memory loss, to consult with a doctor. 

The first sign of Alzheimer’s as stated by the Association is memory loss that disrupts a person’s daily life. This is the most common sign of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages.  Examples include forgetting important dates or events as well as recently learned information. 

The second sign is experiencing difficulties in developing a plan or working with numbers.  It may affect everyday tasks such as balancing a checkbook or keeping track of monthly bills. 

Next they cite new problems that develop in completing familiar tasks around the home, at work or leisure.  The person experiences difficulties when driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game.   

Fourth on the Alzheimer’s Association’s list is signs of confusion regarding time and place.  Examples include losing track of dates and what time of the year it is as well as forgetting where they are or how they got there.   

Another sign of Alzheimer’s is problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This can mean difficulty reading, judging distances and determining color or contrast.  Further along in the disease, a person may not recognize their own reflection.  

The sixth sign on their list includes experiencing new problems with words when speaking or writing.  Another sign is misplacing things and not having the ability to retrace their steps. People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places.  

The eighth sign includes decreased or poor judgment such as giving away large amounts of money to fraudulent causes or paying less attention to grooming habits.  The ninth sign stated by the Association is withdrawing from work or social activities.  Last on the list is a significant change in mood and personality.  People with the disease can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.  Please see the Alzheimer’s Association’s website for the complete details on the early warning signs of the disease.    

Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from 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.   

Source:alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzFooter#signs