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. 

MorningStar’s Third Valley of the Sun Senior Community Opening Soon!

Opening this fall, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills is the third MorningStar senior living community in the Valley of the Sun.  Set in the scenic town of Fountain Hills, our private suites boast a view of the area’s renowned lake fountain featuring a geyser that shoots water to a height of 562 feet every hour as well as views of the surrounding mountains.

 

Our community offers 63 private assisted living suites on two levels and includes spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.  Our Reflections Neighborhood, devoted to the care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions, has 28 secure suites.

 

If you have not yet had the opportunity to come to one of our open house events, we encourage you to set up an appointment to view our model suites.  In addition take a look at our website, as along with lots of information and pictures, we also feature several of our floor plans.  We even offer an assisted living two-bedroom lay-out that is 870 square feet! 

 

Ready to call it home, our private suites are all set for you to move in - all you need to do is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Complete with mini blinds, wall-to-wall carpeting and ceiling lights, the units are designed with large windows and high ceilings to allow for lots of natural light.  Each suite is also equipped with an emergency call system, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, individual heating and air conditioning, basic cable TV and utilities.  Furthermore, MorningStar offers weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.  Our community also has laundry facilities available and we do daily trash removal and spot cleaning.  

 

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.  

Technological Advancements that May Improve Seniors’ Lives

A recent article in the U.S. News and World Report discusses several technological advancements under development that may benefit the lives of older adults.  One example they cite that is already available is remote health monitoring systems that permit patients to take their own vital signs and send them to their medical provider.  Additionally shoe insoles with GPSs inserted in them have also been developed as a way to track someone with Alzheimer’s.

 

Still in the early stages of development, self-driving cars may help to improve the lives of seniors.  We know that driving is something that many seniors start to feel uncomfortable doing, but giving it up can often mean a loss of independence.  Experts predict self-driving cars will be widely available in as little as ten years.   

 

Another interesting technological development already available in Denmark is edema socks that detect and signal swelling of the feet and edema.  SmartSox is a similar concept under development that will be a used to “detect excessive pressure, heat and misplaced joint angles that could cause foot ulcers. This is useful because people with diabetes often lose sensation in their feet and can't always feel such changes.”

 

Also while not currently being produced, a group of researchers have developed a vibrating shoe insole to improve balance and stability and may reduce falls by as much as 70 percent.  Along those same lines, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are trying to create a shirt with built-in sensors that will be able to administer CPR.

 

No article on technological advancements would be complete without the mention of robots.  For years, researchers have been working on robots that will have the required artificial intelligence to serve as health care aides.   In fact as soon as next year, England, Greece and Poland will be testing robot caregivers.   

 

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:money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/retirement/articles/2015/12/09/7-tech-advances-that-will-change-seniors-lives