Assisted Living with a Wide Range of Care Services

The new MorningStar of Rio Rancho is scheduled to open this spring and will offer 51 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans. In addition we will have 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Our community is committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Moreover we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data. 

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s model suites are now open! Please call to set up an appointment to see firsthand the extraordinary care that has gone into our beautiful new community. Loving, compassionate senior housing in Rio Rancho that is a true home!

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best assisted living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.

Our New Community is Designed as a “True Home”

If you missed the sneak peek of MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s model suites that opened to the public on February 9th and 10th, please give us a call to set up an appointment to come out and take a look. Our model suites perfectly reflect the meticulous care that has gone into every aspect of our gorgeous community. 

Starting with our attractive exterior designed by Rosemann & Associates, P.C, a firm that specializes in senior housing, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is a place anyone would be proud to call home. Situated on an expansive 5.5 acre campus, it provides residents and their families the opportunity to get out and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful outdoor weather. The exterior areas feature comfortable courtyards with unique artwork and trellises, strolling paths, resident gardening areas, and a barbecue with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit.

In addition our spacious 70,863-square-foot-building offers lots of common areas that include a workshop and art studio, a community activities space with demonstration kitchen, and a full bar. Meals are served restaurant-style in a charming dining room, or for special occasions, we offer a private dining room for intimate diners. 

Beautifully-appointed throughout, our interior is designed by the award-winning senior interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design, known for their passion and expertise in designing comfortable, functional, innovative and dignified environments for seniors. Our Gallery page pictures display a home-like interior that is designed for our residents’ utmost comfort. 

We encourage you to visit our website for contact information regarding one of the finest assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho, NM. Due to open this spring, our community will offer 51 assisted living suites and 26 suites devoted to the individualized care of resident with memory impairment. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. When you visit our Information Center, ask for a tour of our newly opened model suites representing the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Good Balance Can Help Prevent Falls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year. The result is that “every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life. 

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere. The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability. They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises. To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite legs. Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases. 

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should be touching. Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk. Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

As one of the area’s top assisted living facilities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility. Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections. Please visit our website to learn more about loving, luxurious senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening to residents in the spring of 2019, we invite you to tour our model suites to see firsthand what exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM looks like. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/balance-exercises/sls-20076853

Assisted Living that Offers Unique Ways to Stay Active & Connected

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a gorgeous new assisted living community scheduled to open at the end of 2019. Our entire community is being designed from the ground up to fulfill the various needs of residents in terms of care services, fine dining, and stimulating activities and programs. To ensure residents stay connected and informed, we offer community-wide wireless Internet service, a library equipped with a computer, a chapel/theatre with Wii, and the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology. 

iN2L is a state-of-the-art engagement system that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software to provide a fun and easy way for older adults to stay active and connected. Its library is filled with 3,000 areas of interest and is designed to allow a person to effortlessly use a computer regardless of background and physical or intellectual abilities and limitations. Topics covered include engaging social and spiritual connections as well as intellectual and physical stimulation, emotional support and vocational interests. 

Another exciting way to interact with iN2L is to create a “My Page, which is your personal collection of favorite games, email addresses, family photos and your most frequently, visited websites. In this space you can share your history, receive updates and photos from family members, and connect with loved ones through a web cam. 

The iN2L system also has specialized engagement tools for seniors dealing with dementia and other cognitive disorders. A range of programs and games have been specially designed by the experts with the goal to reduce anxiety, engage to refocus, entertain to redirect, or stimulate reminiscing conversations. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 private assisted living suites as well as 27 secure memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living has senior living communities throughout the Western U.S. including the recently opened MorningStar of Beaverton. Please visit our website for contact information or directions to our onsite Information Center.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. As one of the top senior living communities in the area, we invite you to contact us or visit our onsite Information Center.

February is American Heart Month

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion state that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women (1 in 4 deaths) in the U.S. The organization is committed to helping people lead heart healthy lives by raising awareness and spreading strategies for preventing the disease. 

Some of their suggestions for prevention include small lifestyle changes such as flavoring food with spices rather than using salt as well as adopting overall healthier eating habits. They recommend staying active (or get active) and maintaining a healthy weight. Also to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If you smoke, quit and avoid secondhand smoke. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. Also it is important to manage stress. 

Remember you are at a greater risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and are not exercising and following a healthy diet. Genetics may also put you at a higher risk as well as your age. If you had a father or brother with heart disease before age 55 or a mother with the disease before 65, it may indicate a family history. 

The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease. This causes the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart to become blocked by cholesterol and plaque buildup. Chest pains or a heart attack are a sign of a blocked artery. 

Once the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community opens this spring, residents will be treated to delicious, nutritional meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition they will have a range of wellness programs and activities that support and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. As the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we invite you to visit our beautiful model suites. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Please visit our Information Center and ask for a tour of our stylish model suites to get an idea of high quality senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: healthfinder.gov

Everyday Tips to Help You Stay Your Healthiest Best as You Age

As we grow older, experts say there are some relatively simple changes we can do to help make the process smoother, and remind us it is never too late to adopt healthier habits. They suggest four main areas to focus on that will make a difference in our overall health. 

First, multiple studies have shown that taking care of our emotional health is important. Many older adults suffer from chronic health conditions (80% have at least one and 50% have two or more) including heart disease or cancer, which can put seniors at risk for depression. When a person’s emotional health suffers, it can negatively impact other aspects of their health. In fact research shows a link between depression and social isolation to “digestive problems, heart failure and weakened immune systems.” Thus it is important for seniors to reach out for help if they feel depressed and to participate in activities that give their lives purpose and maintain or develop social connections. 

The next area to focus on is exercise. Experts say we should look at exercise as more than a way to get stronger and/or to lose weight. Exercise provides a whole range of benefits including helping to boost immunity and preventing muscle loss, as well as improving blood flow and strengthening the brain. 

Another suggestion is to take better care of our hair and skin. Good skin care can help to avoid infections and should include washing with a mild soap while taking care not to “over wash” and moisturizing daily. Also apply sun screen whenever you go outdoors. 

The last area to focus on for better health is nutrition. Did you know that millions of seniors suffer from malnutrition? One of the problems facing the elderly is that as we age, appetites decrease so getting all the nutrients the body requires is challenging. Seniors need to keep in mind that it is not just about how much you eat but what you eat. One thing that appears to help seniors eat better is to make eating a social affair. 

At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community, we make this easy as residents eat nutritional, tasty meals together in our charming dining room. We provide seniors the opportunity to socialize as much as they want by participating in group enrichment activities and wellness programs that stimulate the mind, body and spirit. Please visit our website for more details on the best senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Please setup an appointment to visit our model suites to a firsthand look at one of the finest assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/how-to-make-a-daily-healthy-aging-routine/

Extreme Weather Can be Dangerous for Those with Alzheimer’s

After the extremely cold weather last month, caregivers and family members need to know that very frigid temperatures can be especially dangerous for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  One of the problems is that someone suffering from dementia may not acknowledge their distress and/or may not understand how to get help.  The Alzheimer’s Association offers advice to help family members and caregivers keep someone with Alzheimer’s safe. 

To start with, they recommend everyone learn the signs of hypothermia, which include shivering, exhaustion, sleepiness, slurred speech, memory loss and clumsy motor skills.  Additionally they explain space heaters may not be a good idea around a person with dementia as they can be easily tipped over and become a fire hazard.  If you need to use one, make sure it is has the safety feature of turning off when tipped over.  It is also suggested you do use an electric blanket to keep the person warm as they may be burned without noticing it.

Another problem is some Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers have a tendency to wander, which can be especially danger during extremely cold temperatures.  Icy conditions and snow covered walkways present another hazard to seniors and those with dementia are even more prone to falls. 

Alzheimer’s care homes such as MorningStar at Englefield Green are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We offer 50 suites in a range of floorplans including spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.  Additionally we provide all of the amenities and services to ensure our residents’ utmost comfort and safety.  Please visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to dementia care and availability. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us - your loved one deserves compassionate dementia care!  

Source:

usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-01-30/plunging-temperatures-a-threat-to-people-with-alzheimers

Alternative Medication-free Treatments for Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and up until recently offered few options in terms of treatment. Typical treatments included prescription drugs to help alleviate symptoms and/or a special device implanted in patients, used to help control tremors. 

However since Parkinson’s affects the whole body, doctors and researchers have been looking at different complementary and alternative methods to treat the many symptoms of the disease. The U.S. News and World Report recently published an article describing some of those different methods of treatment. 

As Parkinson’s occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain stem die off, doctors say exercise is key to managing some of the effects of Parkinson’s. Dr. Dean Sutherland, a neurologist and Parkinson’s disease specialist in Sarasota, Florida, explains, “Exercise releases dopamine into the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by taking medication. That helps with motor issues like stiffness, tremors and muscle freezing.”

Other activities that appear to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease include massage therapy to help alleviate stiffness and pain; and acupuncture, which helps some people reduce tremors and also relieves stiff muscles and pain. Physical therapy appears to help patients improve balance and gait as well as flexibility. There are even programs specifically targeted to Parkinson’s patients that focus on teaching them to take bigger steps to avoid common walking problems such as shuffling. 

In addition people with Parkinson’s are discovering that alternative treatments such as singing can help improve voice volume, which in turn, can improve their social interactions. When you can control the volume of your voice to be heard by others, you are more likely to feel comfortable interacting socially. Another thing proving to be helpful to people with balance problems is aqua therapy. Parkinson’s patients have found that being in the water gives them the freedom to move about with the fear of falling. And finally as swallowing can become difficult for some people with Parkinson’s, swallowing therapy is also recommended. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our assisted living community will offer a wide range of care services including physical, occupational, respiratory, speech, and massage therapy. Scheduled to open late this year, we will offer 61 suites for assisted living and 27 suites dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Opening at the end of the year, we proudly bring to the area one of the most loving senior living communities. 

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2019-01-11/medication-free-ways-to-treat-parkinsons-disease

How to Help Your Parent Transition into Assisted Living

While we recognize the many benefits of assisted living communities, any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly a big change for most seniors. This is why experts have tips to help families support their loved one during the transition. 

A couple of common problems families encounter are a parent feeling abandoned or frustrated by a perceived loss of independence. Your loved one may also experience problems adjusting to a new routine. They may resent having to downsize and moving from their own home to a smaller apartment. 

Psychologist Dr. Deborah L. Stote explains it will help seniors adjust to their new home if they get encouragement and support from their family during their first days and weeks at the assisted living community. She says seniors “need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known.” However, Dr. Stote cautions families not to do too much “handholding.” Being too protective can be counterproductive and prevent them from trying to make an adjustment to their new home. 

While transitioning to assisted living can be difficult for some seniors, others quickly realize the advantage of no longer having to worry about their homes’ upkeep or needing to prepare their own meals. Their earlier feelings of resentment or sadness turn into feelings of gratitude as they understand their new home is better equipped to help them maintain their independence and can give them the support and care they need. 

The MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and looks forward to filling the niche in the area for luxury senior living. Our staff will be comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. Also our onsite Information Center is now open and we look forward to meeting potential residents and their families. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to our community. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about one of the top senior living communities in Happy Valley. 

Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/

Assisted Living May Help Keep You Healthier & Safer

Since most assisted living communities offer access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors so says A Place for Mom. Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connections as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7. 

In fact new research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly. One such problem way too common in seniors it failing to take medication as prescribed. Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions. 

Dehydration is another commonplace problem experienced by the elderly. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, which means older adults need to remember to drink even when they are not thirsty. Also some medications may be diuretic, while others cause a person to sweat more, which can result in dehydration. 

In addition poor nutrition is one more problem many seniors face. Some research even suggests loneliness is a significant predictor of malnutrition in the elderly. It can be difficult for older adults who live alone to prepare good, nutritional meals or for their loved ones to supervise daily eating habits. 

At senior living communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley, we provide the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All of our assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms. Furthermore residents are served three, delicious meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of older adults. Also we provide 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For more information, please see or website or visit our onsite Information Center. We are scheduled to open in late 2019. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us for more information about one of the area’s best senior living communities. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Our Leadership Team is Setting the Bar for Extraordinary Care

As one of the area’s most distinctive senior living communities, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer a ‘true home’ to area seniors in need of assisted living and memory care. Our community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and is conveniently located three miles from Interstate 205 to the southeast of Portland. 

Set within a picturesque, affluent residential neighborhood, we are pleased to bring our dedicated, loving care to the area. To set the tone for our unwavering commitment to residents, MorningStar of Happy Valley already has an extraordinary leadership team in place. Headed up by Executive Director, Quinn Crandall, who says while growing up, he always empathized with those around him that were weaker and more vulnerable and went out of give way to give love and encouragement. As a young man, his work background included working with inner city youths. Once he discovered the world of senior living, he immediately knew it was a good fit for his service. He quickly discovered that nothing gives him more satisfaction than being able to meet the needs of seniors. 

Another critical component to Happy Valley’s leadership team is Julie O’Neil, our Director of Community Relations. She shares that she always enjoyed spending time with her grandparents and appreciated the way they taught her at a young age to respect and love others, act with kindness, and learn to laugh – even at yourself. Julie loves working for a company like MorningStar that espouses the same value that she learned from her elders growing up – honoring God, valuing seniors, and serving others.

Now that our onsite Information Center is open, we look forward to meeting area seniors and their families. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to what is sure to be one of the area’s finest senior living communities. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley.

An Important Funding Bill for Alzheimer’s Passes the Senate

The Alzheimer’s Association reported that the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act was passed by the U.S. Senate in December.  The bill was first introduced in November of 2017 and “will create an Alzheimer's public health infrastructure across the country to implement effective Alzheimer's interventions focused on public health issues such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk and preventing avoidable hospitalizations.”

The Alzheimer’s Association’s and its advocacy arm, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) have both worked to get the bill up to Congress and hope to see it eventually signed into law.  However they are pleased with this successful first step.  As Harry Johns, the AIM President and CEO, says “We are grateful to the bill’s cosponsors and the entire U.S. Senate for addressing the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s, through the passage of this critical legislation.”   The bill passed through the Senate with bipartisan support and will now go to the House.  

The Alzheimer’s Act will fund and promote early diagnosis, effective intervention, and better treatment options.  It will also establish Centers of Excellence to educate and provide updates regarding research and new treatments to both the public and healthcare professionals; and hopefully someday, to find a cure. 

If your parent or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we encourage you to contact one of the area’s most loving Alzheimer’s care homes.   MorningStar at Englefield Green has a compassionate team of dementia care specialists who understand the disease and know how to provide individualized care for each resident.  Along with offering 50 secure suites, each resident receives 24/7 care, a wide range of purposeful programs and activities, scheduled transportation and outings, and much more.  Please visit our website for information on availability or to set up a tour.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Visit our website to set up a tour to one of Boise’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Source: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer

Make Your Senior Years Healthy Ones

The website, Everyday Health Media reports that you can expect to live on average another 19.3 years if you reach the age of 65. However they explain in order to be one of those lucky enough to live to be 85 years or older, you need to carefully manage your chronic health conditions and follow good health habits. 

Aging experts such as Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School, explains, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet and also make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.” She adds that it is helpful to include a geriatrician on your health care team. 

Furthermore, it is never too late to begin improving your health. Whether you are suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or many other chronic health problems, doctors say you can benefit from even a moderate amount of physical activity. Engaging in physical activity helps to make your bones and muscles stronger and can lessen your risk for falls. Also if you do have a fall, your bones will be stronger and less likely to break. Additionally research shows that physical activity is as good for your brain as it is for your body, but before you embark on any new physical activity, please talk to your physician. 

The FamilyDoctor.org website suggests that walking may be the easiest exercise for seniors as you can start at your own pace and you do not need any special equipment. They also recommend gardening, dancing, swimming, Tai chi or yoga as good exercises for seniors. 

One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar of Fountain Hills is that we make it easy for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle. Our meals are both tasty as well as healthy and we offer lots of fun physical activities to keep our residents moving. Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

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

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour to experience one of the finest senior living communities in Fountain Hills, Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Sources: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/
familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Thinking About an Assisted Living Community?

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we understand there are all sorts of emotions that occur when a family begins to look into assisted living for a parent or a loved one. Often it is a complete learning experience as many people do not know what assisted living offers and how it differs from a nursing home. 

Assisted living is a fairly new concept and is designed for seniors who want to maintain their independence but need a little help with daily living activities. Based on the European social model, it creates a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and we believe that the structure and society offered in assisted living communities introduces a return of healthy routines and healthier lives. 

It is estimated that approximately one million Americans lived in senior care communities as of 2016 and that number is expected to almost double by 2030 as people are living longer. Most assisted living residents moved into a community from their own home, family residence or an apartment while others move in after a hospital or rehabilitation stay. 

Our recommendation for opening a conversation about making some changes in the way your parent is living should be done when everyone is gathered and relaxed. Also remember nothing has to be decided on all at once, and while it should ultimately be a family decision, the person involved needs to be given a voice. 

We also understand that searching for the most suitable community is difficult as there are many factors to consider. We suggest that once you narrow down several choices, you set up tours to experience the communities firsthand. The child of the person or healthier spouse should do the tours, and not more than two a day, as there is a lot of information to take in. 

Assisted living communities like MorningStar of Fountain Hills are designed to allow seniors’ their independence and give them the opportunity to stay socially active. We have put together a “Conversation Guide” that goes into even greater depth regarding helping families to make the transition. When you contact us, please ask for a copy. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

Source: ascseniorcare.com/assisted-living-statistics-a-deeper-dive-into-the-demographics/

Myths about Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have wondered if you or a family member is developing Alzheimer’s because of memory loss problems, you may be interested to know that occasional memory problems are normal as people age. Forgetting the name of a person you recently met is most likely not a cause for concern as Alzheimer’s is much more than just occasional memory loss. More telling is when a person forgets the name of a lifelong friend or how to drive to a familiar location. Keep in mind that memory problems in the elderly can also be a side effect of a medication, a vitamin deficiency or other conditions and you should consult your health care provider if you are concerned. 

Another misconception about Alzheimer’s is that only older people get the disease. Unfortunately this is not true and we know that people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can get what is called younger-onset of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association says that out of the more than 5 million people in the U.S. with the disease, 200,000 of those are under the age of 65. 

During the 1960s and 70s, many people believed that exposure to aluminum through cooking pots, beverage cans, and antiperspirants caused Alzheimer’s. Since then, researchers have done many studies trying to link aluminum to the disease and have found no evidence. Likewise aspartame was linked to Alzheimer’s and again studies have showed no connection to the artificial sweeter. 

Back in the 1990s, there were rumors circulating that silver dental fillings were causing Alzheimer’s. However, two highly respected studies, one in 1991 and the other in 2003, concluded that “current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases.” What researchers do know is that growing older, family history and heredity are the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s. 

Please visit MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ website for more information regarding our personalized memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and has a loving staff trained to provide the utmost care to residents.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a tour to learn more about our holistic approach and the best memory care in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 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 Fountain Hill’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 Fountain Hills offers 28 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 a real home. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour to experience one of the finest senior living communities in Fountain Hills, Phoenix or Scottsdale.

MorningStar of Fountain Hill’s Floor Plans are Available Online

To quickly find out what MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers, we encourage you to take a look at our website. It provides all kinds of useful information for both potential residents and their families including the floor plans of our stylish suites. As you will discover, our spacious, private suites have been designed with every detail in mind and reflect the beauty and comfort found throughout our community. 

Each of our suites, regardless of the configuration, is equipped with lighting, high ceilings, and large windows offering lots of natural light. In addition the units have wall-to-wall carpet, mini blinds, handicap-accessible bathrooms and a kitchenette with fridge. To ensure your optimal comfort, you control your own heat and air conditioning. We also offer weekly housekeeping as well as laundry and linen services and trash removal and spot cleaning that is done daily. 

As you will see from our website, our assisted living suites include everything from studio; one bedroom, one bath; and two bedrooms, two bath configurations so all of our residents can find a floor plan that works best for them. Our memory care suites include a variety of configurations of well-designed studios, one bedroom, one bath, and studios with a shared bath. 

Furthermore, one of the convenient things about our community is that to move in, all you need is to bring your personal furnishings and treasures. And in case you were wondering, we are pet friendly. 

Along with a wide range of wellness programs and activities, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a fireside patio and porches, atrium with water feature, interior patio, chapel/theatre, salon, bistro, and much more. We love welcoming our residents to their new home and would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see the finest senior assisted living in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Keep Your Brain Active as You Age

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 Fountain Hills, we provide an environment that encourages both physical and mental activities. One look at our monthly calendar, from our Total Body Workout, to Its Time for Trivia, to Writing Club, 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 our beautiful, vibrant community. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

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

Caregivers with a Felt Calling to Serve

MorningStar at Englefield Green is a specialized, individualized dementia care community.  With 50 suites, we offer a selection of six floor plans including two variations of studio apartments as well as one- and two-bedroom options.  Only a little over a year old, our community has already gained a reputation in the Boise area as one of the top Alzheimer’s care homes.  We know this would not be possible without a team of extraordinary caregivers.

These remarkable individuals all share a felt calling to serve and are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching.  We are proud of the fact that our team selection starts with heart; and we seek people who want to perfect the art of anticipating needs and are willing to go the extra mile.  Together we know that serving seniors – at its best – is love in action! 

Everyone at MorningStar at Englefield Green, regardless of their position, goes through our proprietary brand Service Excellence initiative known as “Radiance,” which promotes an attitude of selflessness.  It embodies the way we deliver service (like light a beam of light), and its precepts are reiterated daily during our group Huddle.  Radiance’s loving grace permeates the way we speak to our residents, their families and fellow team members and allows the love beneath our roof to shine through.   

As dementia care specialist, we feel privileged to walk alongside our residents and their families on this unexpected journey, and invite you to visit our website to learn more about our unique approach to dementia care.  Our beautiful community is truly home to our residents and we recommend setting up a tour to experience the loving atmosphere.  We look forward to meeting your family.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Are you looking for the best dementia care in Boise?  Please visit our website to learn about availability.