Learn More About Aging

 

Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it. Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better. Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.

Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger. Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.”

In addition, while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep. Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them. If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances.

Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident. The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts. And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better.

Finally, researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote. This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides 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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises

Are You Separated from Your Grandkids?

 

Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year.  While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity.  

There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as FaceTime or Skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories.  Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones.  If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen.  

Another way to stay connected is to start a family facebook page.  This is an easy, inexpensive way for any family member to post current pictures and to share day-to-day news as well as significant events.  It also lets other members add comments.  Also, do not forget about snail mail.  Kids love receiving mail and answering you back is a good way to get them to practice the art of letter writing.  

For grandkids who live close by and were used to seeing you several times a week, they may be wondering when they will see you again in person now that you are social distancing.  Experts suggest you talk honestly to your grandchildren about the separation and keep reminding them it is only temporary.   Tell them you have not forgotten them and that you will keep calling and they can keep calling you.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is safely accepting assisted living and memory care residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regulatory authorities to ensure the health of all beneath our roof.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to creating a true home for residents.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Your Best Defense Against the Flu

 

 

Along with all of the health concerns regarding COVID-19, medical experts remind the general public that the best defense against contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while wearing a mask is “an important preventive measure against airborne viruses such as the flu, there is no guarantee that they will prevent transmission completely.” So even if you are wearing a mask whenever you are out in public and/or unable to socially distance, experts stress you should still get vaccinated against the flu.

Part of the reason flu spreads so easily is a person can be contagious anywhere from 1 day before and up to 7 days after the individual is symptomatic, which means the spread of influenza can occur before the person is aware they have the virus and for days thereafter. Moreover, the flu can be transmitted indirectly by coming into contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, some of the same procedures we have adopted with COVID-19 such as regular hand washing and sanitizing shared surfaces will help reduce the spread. Also, mask wearing is not a guarantee against the transmission of the flu but can help reduce community spread.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot appropriate for the person’s age and health status (with some exceptions) every season. For the most up-to-date medical advice, please talk to your health care provider about the flu vaccination.

If a loved one requires help with daily personal care activities or is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we invite you to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers. MorningStar of Beaverton defines health and well-being holistically and backs it up with an array of services and programming that supports the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers.

Are You Considering Memory Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease?

 

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.      

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.    

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating.  Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications.  Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.  So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do.  

Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar and our Happy Valley community.  While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 update from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe.

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 and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.   

Senior Living Offers Many Benefits to the Health & Wellbeing of Residents

 

Many of us have seen the articles regarding COVID-19 and the curtailing of all or some of nursing homes and senior living communities’ outside visitations depending on the area’s coronavirus activity.  Presently MorningStar Senior Living communities are adhering to the guidance of the State in which they are located in.  Thereby, the amount of freedom under our various roofs is dictated by its location and testing status.  In addition we are proud of our team’s diligent, flexible and creative efforts to continue to enrich the lives of our residents. 

We are pleased to say most of our communities including MorningStar of Rio Rancho have been able to reintroduce a more normal way of life.  In addition there was never a moment when we stopped being grateful for one another and to bond as a family; and most importantly we never stopped having fun!  Just take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Facebook page or the bottom of our community’s home page.  

Last month we celebrated National Assisted Living Week (Sept 13-19) with a unique theme of “Through the Looking Glass - An Adventure in Wonderland!”  The week’s fun-filled activities included: White Rabbit Scavenger Hunt, Mad Hatter Bingo, Wonderland Croquet, Queens Delicious Rose Cupcakes, Cheshire Trivia, Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Queen’s Card Toss and more!  As Grandparent’s Day coincided at the start of the week, we had a “Welcome to Wonderland Photo Op,” in tribute to our many grandparents.    

Another activity we hosted was a door-to-door traveling carnival for National Senior Citizen’s Day that included games such as ring toss; spin it to win it; bean bag toss; and a fish bowl game.  The traveling concession booth offered residents cotton candy, popcorn, mini corndogs, and a signature cherry limeade drink.  Moreover we could not let National Kiss and Make Up Day (Aug 25) pass by without a celebration.  This was a reminder to all of us to put an end to quarrels, arguments, and fights and come to an agreement.   All activities were done with smiles and laughter, safely behind a face mask!  

To learn more about the most loving, luxurious senior housing Rio Rancho offers, visit our website for contact information.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

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 website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM.  

Debunking Myths Regarding Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

 

 

Medical experts say it is important that people understand the facts as we know them about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. One misconception is that Alzheimer’s and dementia is inevitable as we age. In fact the actual number of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in the U.S. is 3% for people between the ages of 65 to 74 years old. As we grow older, the figures climb to 17% for people 75 to 84 years old and 32% for those over 85.

The National Institute on Aging clears up another commonly held belief, which is Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same thing. While they say somewhat true, as Alzheimer’s is one form of dementia and makes up 60 to 80% of cases, other forms include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia, mixed dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Moreover while each type of dementia shares some characteristics, they all have a distinct underlying pathology.

Another myth is if a family member had Alzheimer’s, you will get it. Experts say this is not true as only some forms of dementia have a genetic link such as early-onset Alzheimer’s (getting the disease before 65). This type of Alzheimer’s is uncommon and accounts for just 5.5% of cases.

An unfound theory started in the 1960s that said food cooked in aluminum pans and drinks in such cans put you at higher risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia has never been found to be true after numerous studies. Many people also automatically assume any memory loss is a sign of Alzheimer’s. While significant memory loss can certainly indicate Alzheimer’s, experts say occasional forgetfulness is normal. This is why doctors advise anyone worried about the possibility of Alzheimer’s or dementia to see their healthcare provider for a full physical evaluation.

As dementia care specialists and one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes, MorningStar at Englefield Green creates individualized care plans for each resident intended to stimulate or calm in response to particular moods or situations. Our daily calendar is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to help heal and comfort residents. Your loved one deserves loving, compassionate care.

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. Looking for one of the best Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise? Please contact us to learn more.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-dementia

Have You Noticed Memory Loss or Confusion in a Loved One?

 

Have you recently noticed some signs of memory loss or confusion in a parent or another loved one? Are you worried it may be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? We understand this may be a touchy subject to broach with your loved one, which is why experts recommend you do your homework first and learn about the common signs of the 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, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life.

They go on to say that Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in cognitive abilities, executive function and behavior. Those afflicted may start having memory problems along with difficulty completing familiar tasks. They may also become confused as to time and place. Other problems involve a marked change in their judgement and trouble with language skills and abstract thinking. Mood swings or changes in personality can also signal Alzheimer’s. All of these are common signs that can point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia but only a specialist can make a diagnosis. You should ask your loved one’s healthcare provider for a recommendation to a neurologist who will perform tests to eliminate other causes for the behavior.

MorningStar of Beaverton is committed to provide the best assisted living Beaverton, Oregon has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. Please contact us for more information about our compassionate, loving community. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers.