Seniors Discover Numerous Benefits of Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to a senior living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities. 

  

Today’s communities like Morningstar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

 

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.   

 

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. 

 

Once MorningStar of Fountain Hills opens in early November, we will provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to see a play.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

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

What is “Sundowner’s Syndrome?”

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.    

 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.  

 

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

 

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Source: https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

 

Grand Opening in Early November!

Now just weeks away from our early November grand opening, the entire MorningStar of Fountain Hills staff is excited about having residents actually move in and get settled into their new home.  To get a preview of our almost finished community, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at the latest pictures we have posted.  Along with a peak at our beautiful interiors, there is a picture of our large outdoor courtyard.  We also posted a picture of the stunning, tiled hearth in our vaulted dining room and Twisted Water, a commissioned sculpture installed in the atrium.  The Twisted Water piece will be unveiled with its full water and lighting effects at our VIP Reception.

If you are new to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, our community is comprised of 63 private assisted living suites spread out on two floors and offer a variety of floorplans that are sure to please everyone.  We also have 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. 

Set in the scenic town of Fountain Hills, one of the city’s unique features is a water fountain that shoots out plumes of water 330 feet every hour and can be seen from our spacious suites.  The fountain is a focal point for community celebrations, and during those special occasions it is extended up to its full height of 560 feet. 

As one of our resident, you will be served three tasty and nutritional meals each day that are prepared by our Executive Chef restaurant-style in our gorgeous vaulted dining room.  Other amenities include a bistro, salon, fitness center, 24-hour care, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation, and wellness activities. Add to that an open, second-floor veranda, fireside patio and porches, our atrium with water feature, and we are sure you will agree that we are a step above other senior living communities in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

Should You Have a “Medical Power of Attorney?”

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Sources: 

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

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

In Case You Missed it Aug. 21st was “National Senior Citizens Day”

A couple of weeks ago marked another National Senior Citizens Day.  The August 21^st event was established in 1988 by Ronald Reagan as a way to support, honor and show our appreciation for the many achievements of seniors as well as a time to advocate for senior rights.  So while it is a great day to spend time with a senior loved one, there are things you can do throughout the year to create special memories with an aging parent or grandparent.   

 

Visits throughout the year are a welcome treat for most seniors.  It does not have to be a long visit, but while you are there, be sure to connect with them.  Making eye contact and giving hugs demonstrates to an elderly person that they are valued and loved.    

 

One fun activity you can do with an older family member is to schedule a movie date with them and watch one of their favorite movies together.  Playing games during a visit is another easy way to interact with one another.  You can also set up visits to start assembling a family memory book or to interview them to make a recorded family history.

 

A spur-of-the-moment visit is another way to pleasantly surprise a senior, and if you bring a small box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, they will be sure to remember your visit. The same sense of caring can be accomplished by a quick phone call, or with a facetime call or Skype for more tech-savvy seniors.  Also sending a greeting card through the mail is sure to bring a smile to the face of your loved one.   

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

Seniors Need to Take Extra Precautions in Hot Weather

The U.S. News Health Care Report reminds seniors that they need to take extra precautions when it is hot outside.  Ronan Mangcucang Factora, MD, of the Center for Geriatric Medicine, Medicine Institute encourages elderly adults to stay active throughout the year and to spend time outdoors, but explains they need to be aware of the special challenges they face when exposed to hot weather conditions.  Seniors have a greater risk of dehydration, lightheadedness and dizziness, heatstroke and falls. 

 

As we age, the percentage of water in our bodies is reduced and causes us to lose the ability to regulate our body temperature as effectively as when we were younger. Additionally there are several medical conditions common to older adults that can also affect how well we regulate temperature changes in the body.  The problem is further compounded by the fact that many elderly adults have a reduced capacity to feel thirst so they may not remember to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Medications such as diuretics intended to reduce excessive fluid in the body can also add to the problem.

 

Another reason that dehydration and heat-related problems are more common in the elderly is that older adults do not sweat as much as younger people.  This makes it harder for the body to cool down when needed. 

 

Dr. Factora points out a few commonsense suggestions for avoiding heat-related problems such as drinking fluids throughout the day and to check the color of your urine.  It should be a clear light amber/yellow color if you are getting enough fluids.  Another recommendation is to wear a hat when in the direct sun and to take lots of breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas.      

 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  If you have any medical concerns please consult your health care provider.

 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.  

 

Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2016-08-12/warm-weather-safety-for-seniors

What is “Assisted Living?”

Many people mistakenly assume that “assisted living” is just another term for nursing homes.  In fact, nursing homes are intended for people that require long-term, around-the-clock medical care and supervision and should not be confused with assisted living, which provides residents support for daily care activities.  At an assisted living community, you will receive the care you need to live comfortably and safely while still retaining your privacy and as much independence as possible. 

 

Assisted living is ideal for anyone who does not require 24-hour skilled medical care but rather just needs more personal care than they can get at home or at an independent living retirement community.  Meals and transportation are provided, and if needed, residents can get help with activities such as showering and dressing, etc.  For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it.   

 

Many assisted living communities offer the privacy of individual suites, while also providing their residents with the security and safety of 24-hour support and quick access to care.  In addition communities generally provide residents the opportunity to participate in social and recreation activities along with wellness programs.  Residents usually eat their meals in a communal dining room and have housekeeping and laundry services available. 

 

If you would like to see one of the best assisted living communities in the Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ area, we invite you to take a look at the beautiful MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills opening this fall.  Our community will provide various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family.  

  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the 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 setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more our about assisted living community.