Our Private Suites are Available in a Range of Stylish Floorplans

As one of the newest assisted living communities in Happy Valley, MorningStar of Happy Valley has been designed to create a true home for our residents and provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with our compassionate care services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities, residents will have a choice of smart floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. 

Within our 61 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include one-bedroom, one bath and two-bedroom, two bath configurations with some as large as 928 sq. ft. as well as spacious studios. You will find all of our suites have lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items. 

Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette and full apartment-size refrigerator, handicap-accessible bathrooms, a 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system. Your monthly fee includes cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services. We do trash removal and spot cleaning daily. Moreover if you are wondering, we are pet friendly! 

From the moment you walk through the door, you are sure to be impressed by how much MorningStar of Happy Valley feels just like a true home. Our beautifully-appointed common areas were designed by the award-winning senior interior design company, Thoma-Holec Design. However the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated team of caregivers. Please visit our website to view stunning photos and to learn more about our loving assisted living community. In addition to assisted living, we also have 27 secure suites devoted to the care of those suffering with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages. 

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. Doesn’t your parent deserve the care of one of the area’s best senior living communities? Please contact us.

We Believe Seniors Have a Lot to Contribute

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we strongly believe that older adults still have a lot to contribute and are eager and open to learning new ideas and pursuing new interests. This is why in addition to our exceptional care services; our community will offer an inspirational and engaging life enrichment program. WellStar, our signature wellness program, is designed to stimulate your brain, enhance health and wellness, and encourage social connections.

Headed by our talented Life Enrichment team, our assisted living calendar will be filled with optional activities that use creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. We tap into our residents’ unique talents and experiences, and if we do not already have one, encourage residents to take the lead in establishing special interest clubs. 

From art classes, to physical activities such as walking and chair yoga, baking clubs or wine tasting, and live music, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is committed to engaging the mind, body and spirit each day. We will also take outings to cultural destinations, scenic drives, picnic lunches to local parks and more. We suggest you take a look at some of our other communities’ Life Around Our House or Upcoming Events to get a better idea of the fun and entertainment enjoyed by MorningStar residents and their families as well as our staff. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s construction is progressing rapidly and we all look forward to welcoming our first residents. We invite you to visit website or our onsite Information Center to learn more about one of the most smartly designed assisted living facilities in the area. Along with our 51 private assisted living suites, we will also offer 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

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. While we plan to open in late spring of 2019, in the meantime, please visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Things to Consider When Taking a Loved One with Alzheimer’s to the Doctor

It is important to schedule routine doctor appointments for an individual with Alzheimer’s. The Mayo Clinic explains that checkups ensure health and behavioral issues are regularly addressed and provide tips for caregivers accompanying the person to help them get the most out of the limited time spent with the doctor. Also they suggest that while your loved one is still able, to have them sign a privacy release form at the doctor’s so their medical condition can be freely shared with you. 

You should try to schedule appointments during the person’s best time of day, and if you can, coordinate it with the doctor’s least busy time. You should bring along snacks and water as well as an activity you can do together. If they have been uncooperative about going to the doctor’s in the past, wait and let them know about the appointment that day.

The Mayo Clinic say the caregiver should prepare a list of things they wish to discuss with the doctor including medication side effects or issues with aggressive behaviors. Also have a list of medications the person is taking and include over-the-counter medications and other supplements. If your loved one is in an assisted living facility, ask the staff about any concerns they would like you to relay to the doctor. 

If a new medication is prescribed, ask questions about the side effects. Also be ready to answer questions regarding any changes in their memory and mood as well as their diet and sleep habits. Write down signification information including recommended follow-up appointments with specialists. Most importantly, if you feel you need help, your doctor is a good source for referrals to various community resources and care providers. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is an assisted living and memory care community that will open to residents late this year. As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling, and privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Please visit our website to learn 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. Contact us to learn more about one of the best senior living communities in Happy Valley.

An Assisted Living Community Designed to Help You Live Life to the Fullest!

If a loved one has started to slow down a bit and needs a little help with day-to-day activities or could benefit from more companionship and socialization, assisted living may be the answer. Sometimes older adults resist the idea of assisted living as they think they will lose their independence and freedom but this could not be further from the truth. Making the move to an assisted living community like MorningStar of Rio Rancho actually improves the quality of life for many seniors. 

If you are picturing dark and dreary assisted living facilities like your grandparent’s nursing home years ago, you need to update yourself to today’s modern senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. We suggest visiting MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website and follow the link to our Gallery where you will find stunning interior and exterior photos. Also follow our links to a list of amenities and floor plans. 

While we will not have a monthly calendar posted until we open, we suggest you take a look at neighboring MorningStar of Albuquerque’s monthly calendar of wellness activities and special events to get an idea of the daily goings-on. For example, on a Wednesday in March, residents could join the mid-week shopping trip, catch up on current events, attend a Let’s Get Moving class, join a discussion on the Art Work of God, play poker or Bingo, and do some wine tasting all before dinner! Activities are optional but participating can sure be fun and most likely you will be missed if you do not join in. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho plans to open in late spring or early summer and will offer 51 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. In addition we have 26 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Visit our website or stop by our onsite Information center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. 

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 call for more information on one of the top assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho.

Limiting TV Time Shows Health Benefits for Seniors

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults. A recently published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory. The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older. 

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV. Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.” For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected. 

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults. One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley residents will have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV. Our assisted living and memory care residential home will provide the care services residents’ need as well as a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. Please call or visit our website to learn 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. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php

Is it Time to Move a Loved One into Memory Care?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task. As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe. For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver. 

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly and have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately. Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication? Have they fallen recently? Have you found the burners on the stove left on? Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wondering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that “The main reason to move out of a home to assisted living is when there are not enough resources to safely care for the person with dementia at home.”

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout. Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing. They also suggest the person may be bored at home. Assisted living facilities with dedicated memory care have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation. 

If it is time to look into assisted living facilities with specialized memory care, we suggest MorningStar of Rio Rancho. When we open in late spring, we will offer 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide individualized memory care. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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. Pease visit our website or our onsite Information Center to learn more about compassionate and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: caring.com/articles/move-parent-with-dementia-to-assisted-living

Extraordinary Caregivers with a Felt Calling to Serve

MorningStar of Happy Valley is currently under construction and plans to open in late 2019. We offer assisted living as well as dedicated memory care and promise to be one of the area’s finest senior living communities. While new to Happy Valley, MorningStar Senior Living has communities scattered throughout the Western U.S. including the newly opened MorningStar of Beaverton. 

One of the cornerstones to MorningStar’s success and excellent reputation lie in our commitment to assemble a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who recognize seniors as heroes, for each of our communities. At Happy Valley, we plan to do the same and have an exceptional leadership team already in place to lead the way. We know that compassionate caregivers (as well as other team members) are the very heartbeat of our community and make it possible for us to provide the loving, genuine care MorningStar was founded on. 

We encourage interested families to come visit our onsite Information Center so you can get to know us and let us learn a little something about you. We also suggest you visit our website to get an idea of the types of services and amenities we will be offering as well as information regarding our suite configurations and floorplans. 

While you are there, you may want to take a look at some of MorningStar’s more established senior living communities for a sampling of the activities and special events enjoyed by the residents, their families and staff. Also take the time to read some of the reviews from residents themselves and family members. Our beautiful community will provide 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

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 compassionate, comfortable assisted living in Happy Valley.

Is a Parent Moving to Assisted Living? Tips to Help Downsize!

Along with the emotional transition to assisted living, your loved one may require help downsizing their belongings especially if they are still living in their own home. While many assisted living suites such MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s are quite roomy, obviously they are not as big as a whole house. Nor will your parent need the same amount of housewares and equipment in their new suite as they will no longer be preparing meals or cleaning and maintaining a home. 

The Family Caregiver Alliance has some tips as well as a check sheet for families to help make the process go more smoothly and ultimately save time and energy. They suggest strategies to use if you have the time (such as it is not an emergency to move now) and plan the steps you will take as far out as six months to a year. In fact decluttering should be done on a fairly regular basis including updating paperwork and shredding old documents. Also periodically get rid of unused or worn out clothing, furniture and extraneous household items. 

One of the first steps they recommend is to write lists and add to them whenever you think of something new. Lists should include things your parent wants to take with them to their new home, and a timeline of when things need to be done by. Get a floorplan of the suite as it will make it easier to realistically plan what to take, to sell, donate or to give away. The Family Caregiver Alliance also reminds families to go slow with the sorting process and try not to overwhelm their parent by doing too much each day. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is one of the newest assisted living facilities in the area and will also provide memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We plan to open our doors to residents in late spring or early summer and encourage you to visit our onsite Information Center to talk to us about availability and pricing. 

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. We will open to residents in the spring of 2019, but in the meantime, visit our Information Center for more information on the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: caregiver.org/downsizing-home-checklist-caregivers

Seniors and Bruising

Is frequent bruising indicative of a bigger problem?  Most likely not says the Mayo Clinic because as we age people bruise more easily.  The reason for this is older skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layers that used to work as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.  Also women are more prone to bruising than men.

The medical term for a bruise is contusion, and is typically caused when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are ruptured by an impact from an injury or a blow to the area.  This causes blood to start leaking out of the vessels and create the visible black-and-blue mark (ecchymosis) of a bruise. As the body reabsorbs the blood, the bruise begins to heal.  

The Mayo Clinic says that certain medications can cause bruising such as aspirin and anticoagulants such as Coumadin® that thin the blood and reduces its ability to clot.  This means that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.” Dietary supplements like fish oil and ginkgo have a blood thinning effect that can also increase the risk for bruising.

However bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as low levels or abnormally functioning platelets.  They can also indicate problems with the proteins that help to clot blood. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body, if they are painful, or you start bruising after beginning a new medication. Additionally check with your doctor if a bruise increases in size and becomes swollen and hard as it may be a hematoma, a localized collection of blood which becomes clotted or partially clotted.

To prevent bruising, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner, suggests removing furniture and other obstacles to create a clear path throughout the home to avoid bumps and falls.  If you or your loved one is unsteady on their feet, install handrails when possible and consider using a walker or cane.    

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.” 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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.

Loud Noise May Increase Agitation in Those with Alzheimer’s

Studies have shown that out of our five senses, our hearing is most impacted by Alzheimer’s.  It appears a noisy environment causes Alzheimer’s sufferers to lose the ability to filter out the many distractions.  This can lead to mild frustration, anger, uncertainty, confusion, pacing and other types of agitated behaviors.    

Even homes that provide specialized dementia care are often unaware of how daily background noises may be affecting the residents.  Experts say, “Noise that is acceptable to care staff may be particularly distressing and disorientating for a person with dementia, especially at busy times of day such as shift change-over and mealtimes.”

The problem may be due to the effects of sensory changes caused by the disease that alter the way a person perceives external stimuli such as noise and bright or flashing lights.  When overstimulated by a noisy or too bright environment, a person with dementia may become disoriented and lose their sense of balance, which can increase the risk of a fall. 

As dementia care experts, MorningStar at Englefield Green understands the disease and it repercussions for our most tender residents.  Under MorningStar’s signature program, Lavender Sky, we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  This has helped us to realize that heightened noise levels may be triggering anxiety and agitated behavior’s in our residents.  We have noticed expressions are more prominent when noise is at maximum levels.

As a result, our Leadership Team explored different options to help decrease noise pollution within our community.  We discover noise levels were the highest in the central common area and have decided to move our theatre to the Pine area.  The newly vacant area will now be reserved as a quiet spot where residents and their families can quietly sit and relax. 

This is just one example of working toward creating the best possible experience and environment for our residents.  Just under two-years old, MorningStar is unlike other Alzheimer’s care homes as we were built from the ground up to accommodate the specialized needs of dementia care.  We offer 50 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short term residents.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

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.  Contact us - your loved one deserves the finest dementia care!  

Help Your Loved One with the Transition to Assisted Living

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fountain Hills understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life. For some seniors, moving into assisted living can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them. Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches. 

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change. We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose. Also while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of assisted living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones. Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community. 

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance. Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community. After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home. Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides residents with a lifestyle of wellbeing, comfort and community with a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities. Please call to schedule a tour and find out firsthand why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “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.” 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.

Normal Aging or Alzheimer’s Disease?

As we age, many of us experience occasional memory loss. While it may be worrisome, most likely it is just a normal part of growing older. In the case of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and recommends if you or a loved one has any of them, to see your health care provider. 

The first sign that you or a loved one’s memory loss may be a sign of a bigger problem is constantly forgetting new information. Memory loss may include: needing to have the same information repeated over and over; forgetting important dates and events; and relying more and more on family members or memory aids to handle things. 

Another way memory loss can adversely affect a person’s life is when it becomes difficult to problem solve. He or she may find it hard to do things they have done well in the past such as keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe. Some individuals with Alzheimer’s have problems losing their way when traveling familiar routes or keeping track of the month or season of the year. Also, a person may start putting things away in odd places and not remember where they put them. We encourage you to read the Alzheimer’s Association’s full list of common signs of Alzheimer’s. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we compassionately provide care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our beautiful community offers 28 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood designed to care for those in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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 to memory care.

Sources: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

Help with Downsizing Before You Move into Assisted Living

Once you decide to move into an assisted living community like MorningStar of Fountain Hills, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings. It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task. 

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions. After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends. 

Now measure the size of your new suite and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit in your new place. If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around. It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table. 

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room. The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we do the cooking and serve the food restaurant-style. 

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want. When you get into your new suite, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care community. There you will find an online form to set up a tour or to inquiry about pricing and availability. 

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.

Financial & Legal Planning for Someone with Alzheimer’s

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you and your family will need to take steps to plan for your/their future.  Experts advise families that along with discussing dementia care options, they financially and legally plan for the future. 

The National Institute on Aging advises the person to examine and update their financial and healthcare arrangements as soon as possible. By having legal and financial documents in place, such as a will, a living trust, and advance directives, it ensures the person’s late-stage or end-of-life healthcare and financial decisions are carried out.      

The NIA suggests having a lawyer draw up and maintain the documents as they understand State law and can help update changes to a person’s circumstances such as divorce or a death in the family, and other applicable changes.  These documents should include Advance Directives for Health Care: 

A living will expresses the person’s wishes in regard to medical treatment near the end of life when they can no longer make known their decisions regarding healthcare.  In addition some people have a Do Not Resuscitate Order signed by a doctor, placed in their medical file that instructs healthcare professionals to not perform CPR in the event they stop breathing or their heart stops.  

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that specifically designates a person (sometimes known as an agent or proxy) to make healthcare decisions for the individual when they no longer have the capacity to do so.  This document applies to all healthcare decision and for all types of medical conditions. 

Advance Directives for Financial and Estate Management must be done while a person still has the legal capacity to make decisions and includes a durable power of attorney for finances.  This designates a person of your choosing to manage and make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green provides loving, compassionate dementia care to those in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website for pricing 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 set up a tour to experience for yourself one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Source: .nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers

The Number of Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease Continues to Grow

The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.7 million Americans with the disease. They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease. Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Experts also predicts that as we continue to live longer, the number of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s will grow to nearly 14 million by 2050. Right now it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured. 

These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally. Their studies show that close to 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers “rate their stress level as high or very high.” Approximately 30 to 40 percent of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression, compared with 5 to 17 percent of non-caregivers of similar ages.

Experts recommend that if you are a family caregiver that you reach out for help from a variety of sources including relatives, friends, and local community organizations. Caregiver support groups can also be helpful as you can connect with others who are dealing with the same problems. Respite care and day care centers can also give you some relief from the responsibility and difficulties of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. 

Another solution is to contact MorningStar of Fountain Hills and learn about our experienced and compassionate memory care. Along with 63 bright suites for assisted living, we also have 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please see our website for more information about the loving approach we take to memory care.

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 to memory care.

Sources: alz.org/facts/overview.asp#prevalence
familydoctor.org/caring-for-a-relative-who-has-dementia/

Regular Eye Exams are Important as You Age

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that early signs of disease or changes in vision can start years before they become a real problem. This is why they recommend “adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40.” 

They also advise that individuals without any risk factors should have an eye exam by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. People age 55 to 64 without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years. Seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.

Getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is important as many age-related eye problems do not show early symptoms. Furthermore, common health problems including diabetes and hypertension can cause eye-related issues as well as some medications. 

A thorough eye exam will check your visual acuity and peripheral vision, coordination of eye muscles and the pupils’ response to light and color testing. The ophthalmologist also examines the interior and back of the eye along with the inside and outside of the eyelid. In addition, eye fluid pressure is measured with a tonometer, which blows a puff of air onto the eye. The test is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases. 

You will additionally be monitored for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease. This test uses special instruments to examine the back of your eye to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula. 

Since many eye conditions do not develop symptoms until they are quite advanced, it is important to follow the eye exam recommendations. Also, the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration increases as we get older. 

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 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 Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer. 

Source: aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101

Fountain Hills’ Leadership Team Feels Honored to Serve Seniors

While MorningStar of Fountain Hills was specifically designed to accommodate the needs of its residents, the heart of our community is our caring staff. Right from the leadership down, our team is comprised of people who feel honored to be able to serve seniors and to help make their lives more comfortable and enjoyable. 

As MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Executive Director, Laura Olson puts it, “My parents inspired (and expected) me to always help those in need. In my small hometown that meant taking someone to dialysis or bringing over a meal. Elders were often the recipients of this hospitality, including my Grandpa Elmer.” Laura finds it amazing that seniors have so much to share and teach about patience, respect and what they have learned in their lives. 

The Fountain Hills commuity is also pleased to have the loving leadership of our Director of Community Relations, Traci Gregory. Traci was instantly attracted to the culture at MorningStar and describes it this way, “The people I have met on this team share my passion to serve and love seniors in every way. MorningStar is here to help families in need, and create an amazing home for loved ones.” She adds that she wishes her grandparents could have had a place like MorningStar.

Our Wellness Director, Judy Flores, relates how as a girl she loved hearing stories and seeing photos of the “Old Ways,” as told by both sets of grandparents. Judy was especially close to her Grandmother Anderson remembering her this way, “She taught me how to cook and garden, including me in everything and displaying great love for me.” She sums up her experience at MorningStar as assisting residents in “living and enjoying life together.”

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.

Super Foods Good for Your Heart & Brain

Since February is heart health month, it is a perfect time to increase awareness about heart disease and the things you can do to prevent.  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease and causes a narrowing or complete blockage of the arteries.  This can result in angina or a tightness and discomfort in the chest as arteries are not getting enough blood to the heart, which must work harder.  As time goes on, CAD can cause heart failure or an irregular heartbeat. 

Recent studies report turmeric, a seasoning that enhances the flavor of food, may also be beneficial to your heart.  Research suggests turmeric may help to reduce a person’s total cholesterol as well as the levels of bad cholesterol known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood.  By reducing the oxidation of LDL, turmeric may help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Another benefit of turmeric is it is believed to help calm inflammation in the body as its essential oils and curcumin display a wide spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and other anti-inflammatory properties.  Turmeric may also offer a natural protection against Alzheimer’s disease as curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and work toward preventing or slowing the progression of nervous-system related diseases. 

Acai berries are another nutrient-dense super food loaded with antioxidants, which may be good for our heart and brain.  High in fat and low in sugar, studies has shown acai may decrease the total and LDL cholesterol in animals, and researchers believe it may do the same for humans.  Other studies show the plant compounds in acai may also boost brain function and protect our brains from damage as we age.  Current research points to improvement in the memory of rats. 

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we specialized in providing residents with holistic, loving dementia care.  Our entire team and wellness programs are focused on finding ways to stimulate and enhance our residents’ quality of life.  This includes providing meals created with BrainWise foods such as such as acai berries, turmeric, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens.   Visit our website to learn more. 

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.  If you are looking for one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes, please visit our website.

Source: healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-acai-berries