MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care : October 2017

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Discover the Best Senior Living in Glendale AZ!

Providing seniors with carefree retirement years is the primary goal at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arrowhead. Our beautiful community offers residents a safe and comfortable place to age in place while taking advantage of resort-style amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities. MorningStar at Arrowhead offers assisted living and memory care.

When we boast about resort-style amenities, we really mean it such as three delicious daily meals expertly prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant style in our lovely dining room. In addition a range of convenient services including a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, a spa bath, fitness room, library, and bistro. For entertainment, residents enjoy our on-site theatre and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.

Furthermore, if you no longer drive - no problem as MorningStar at Arrowhead offers scheduled transportation and outings to local venues, parks, malls and more. We have fun marking special celebrations such as our recent 2nd Annual Vintage Car Show. We had a great turn out, with wheels and grills to make any car buff swoon.

Other amenities include beautiful fireside patios and porches, full-time licensed nurse and a caring and responsive 24-hour staff. So if all this sounds like something you may be interested in, please contact us to schedule a visit. You cannot really get a complete picture of all that goes into making our community a real home without experiencing it firsthand.

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.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Compassionate Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia-related Diseases

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder has 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our specially trained staff provides personalized care for residents using progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy. We are equipped to care for individuals in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

At MorningStar of Boulder, we take a gentle, resident-directed approach to calm and awaken memories as well as to support capabilities. Along with using multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, our residents are provided with recreational and meaningful activities including music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercises.

The goal of MorningStar’s methods is to affirm dignity and value of each resident and to support choice and independence as much as possible. By interviewing family members, we gather together a complete history of a resident’s preferences, abilities and idiosyncrasies and use that information to create trust between staff and residents.

One of our unique approaches to memory care includes life skill stations where we incorporate a variety of props that may have played a role in a person’s background to help awaken dormant memories. When individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases harken back to their past, they have the opportunity to take joy in the present and feel calm and connected.

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.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Keeping Your Brain Active as You Age

Study after study indicates that keeping our brains active as we grow older is just as important as staying physically active. As we age, not only do we lose muscle mass but our brain begins to shrink. The 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.” The goal of brain exercises is to help increase the brain’s cognitive reserves.

One of Everyday Health’s simple tips for improving brain function is to test your recall. They suggest that you make a list with several items on it such as errands to run or groceries to buy, and then memorize it. A few hours later, try to recall as many items from the list as you can. In addition engage in activities that require fine-motor skills such as knitting, drawing, painting, and jigsaw puzzles.

Another activity for increasing cognitive brain function is to visualize how to spell a word and then think of other words that begin with or end with the same letters. Also it is beneficial to undertake new activities in your daily life such as learning how to cook various types of cuisine, learning a foreign language or to play an instrument. Seniors can also keep brains active and healthy by learning to play a new sport like golf, tennis or yoga.

At MorningStar of Boulder, we recognize the importance of providing an environment where our residents can engage in meaningful as well as fun and entertaining activities, including brain exercises. Our monthly calendar is loaded with daily activities of great interest to our residents.

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 Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in seniorliving 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

Good Nutrition is as Important as Ever

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 at Arrowhead, 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.

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

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

Friday, October 20, 2017

Enjoy Your Retirement Years to the Fullest in Beautiful Boulder

With 300 days of sunshine each year, clean mountain air, and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains; the Boulder/Longmont area is a beautiful place to live. It is also an area that promotes a “green” lifestyle and offers a variety of public transportation and miles of biking and walking trails. At MorningStar of Boulder Assisted Living & Memory Care, we too encourage such choices including ride-sharing and mass transit options for our guests, volunteers and team members that are supported by GO Boulder.

Our community is just a short walk from the Table Mesa RTD (Regional Transportation District) Park and Ride, and is directly adjacent to a bus stop on a major transit corridor serving ten routes including downtown Boulder, downtown Denver and DIA. The Dash route serves Lafayette. Furthermore, since one of the best ways to get around Boulder is by riding a bike, we have bike racks available for our visitors and staff alike on the east side of our building and near the main entrance.

If you plan to commute to MorningStar or are a frequent visitor, we suggest you get an economical Boulder Eco pass for more savings. In addition to the scheduled transportation we offer our MorningStar residents, the local non-profit Via provides rides to our seniors for medical appointments and shopping as well as to other regional bus stations.

It is hard to believe we are celebrating our second anniversary but we are extremely honored to have already become one of the area’s most trusted senior living communities. Much of this can be attributed to our dedicated MorningStar team members who provide a range of services to ensure the comfort and safety of our residents. While they may come from different backgrounds, one thing they have in common is compassion and respect for seniors. However don’t just take our word for it but rather set up a tour to see what sets MorningStar apart from other communities.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Learn the Warning Signs of a Stroke

More than 140,000 people die each year from a stroke in the United States and it is the third leading cause of death according to The Internet Stroke Center. In addition they report that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year, which means on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Strokes are also the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities and a stroke can take up to two years or more to recover from. Statistically almost three-quarters of all strokes are in people over the age of 65.

The National Stroke Association recommends that “FAST” is a simple way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. By having the information you need to quickly identify the signs of a stroke and calling 9-1-1 for help, you can improve a person’s chances for a better recovery. They also advise that you note the time you first noticed the symptoms as this can determine the course of treatment.

To identify the warning signs of a stroke using FAST includes:

F FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The experts at the WebMD website advise that if a loved one has suffered from a stroke, you should take the time to educate yourself on their condition and prognosis. One way to do this is to take advantage of hospital run programs to learn as much as you can about strokes and the rehabilitation process. Also they caution that you should check with your insurance and Medicare coverage to find out what expenses are covered and what your responsibilities will be.

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

Sources:

strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/

stroke.org/understand-stroke/recognizing-stroke/act-fast

webmd.com/stroke/features/stroke-recovery-tips-for-the-caregiver

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Signs of a Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke. They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.

The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion. A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said. Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body. Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke. Also another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile.

Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double. In addition trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke. Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear. The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs:

F Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability. Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person.

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

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/

strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp

Thursday, October 12, 2017

A Calling to Care for Seniors

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, we feel honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier. We explain our chosen calling by saying, “We value seniors as a testimony to colossal events in our history. They have witnessed world wars and the World Wide Web—all in one glorious sweep. If anyone deserves respect, it is these men and women, who made our lives possible.”

The way we deliver our exceptional service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our Stand-up. Much more than just a customer service program, Radiance embodies the guiding principles for how we dispense our services – with depth of purpose and warmth. The program emanates from an authentic, sincere place and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that resembles a beam of light.

We use the program to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others. It distinguishes our compassion and care as well as our service professionalism and provides residents the respect and dignity they deserve. As the director of Community Relations so eloquently stated, “I feel called to serve seniors because the desire to truly help others is deeply rooted as one of my own personal core values. Because seniors are an often forgotten segment of our society, I am blessed to have the opportunity to help them feel cherished.”

Please call to set up a visit to see for yourself our beautiful, loving community. We offer 60 suites for assisted living and 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar at Arrowhead is designed to best serve our residents’ needs.

Monday, October 9, 2017

How to Make Your Senior Years Healthier

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.

The Family Doctor website also offers some commonsense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and eat food that is enriched with fiber.

By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and in the event you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break.

Another benefit to daily physical activity is that your brain also benefits. The article cites studies that indicate people who regularly exercise are better able to make decisions. Furthermore, even if you have never exercised on a regular basis, the experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury. By daily exercising, you can help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts recommend breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into two or three increments. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or do 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles.

Lastly the article suggests increasing the fiber in your diet; it can improve your health in a number of ways. Fiber gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition it may help to lower cholesterol levels.

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

Sources:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html, familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Do You Need a “Medical Power of Attorney?”

A power of attorney is simply a directive that names someone you trust to act as your agent in the event that you are unable to speak for yourself. A medical power of attorney, also called an “advance directive,” names someone to specifically act on your behalf in regards to any medical matters.

It is important to have a medical power of attorney, especially if you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the kinds of medical decisions covered by a power of attorney for health care includes: doctors and health care providers, types of treatment, and care facilities. The designated medical power of attorney may also need to make some end-of-life decisions such as issuing a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order or not consenting to a feeding tube when a person reaches the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The website, WebMD suggests that a person entrusted to be your medical power of attorney should be someone “who is not intimidated by medical professionals and is willing to ask challenging questions,” They also add that the person needs to be able to put aside their own feeling about a medical option and be ready to carry out your wishes.

Drawing up a legal power of attorney for health care does not require an attorney, and if it is appropriate, the same person can be named as your financial and medical power of attorney. As forms are state-specific, be sure to use the right form for your state. Once you have filled it out, it will probably need to be witnessed, and in some cases may also need to be notarized. When you have completed the process, let your family and anyone else involved in your care, including your doctor and hospital, have a copy of the form.

alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-legal-documents.asp

webmd.com/palliative-care/advance-directives-medical-power-attorney

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Seniors and Depression

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.

There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others.

Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health. HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness. Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.”

All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one. You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities.

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

Sources:webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly

helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm