How to Make New Friends in Assisted Living Communities

One of the most important things you can do when you move into an assisted living facility or community is to make friends. 

Socializing and becoming a part of a group is proving to be essential for residents of these communities. Research has shown that when seniors are socially healthy, participate in activities with friends, and belong to social circles in their communities, their mental and physical health improve dramatically.

So, with social health and friendship being so vital at these facilities, what can a person do to make friends when they arrive at their new home in an assisted living community?

Tips for Making Friends in Your New Home

One of the best things about these communities is that they offer many socialization opportunities that most people wouldn’t get otherwise. There are several easy things you can do to make friends easily and quickly in your new community:

Make Mealtime a Social Event

It’s always many peoples’ favorite time of the day: mealtime! Invite people you meet in your community throughout the day to join you for a meal in the dining room, and choose a time and a place to do so. You may find you’ve gathered a wonderful group of people who all had been searching for new friends.

Participate in Social Activities

The easiest way to initiate conversations with people is to engage in activities with them. This could be playing bingo, taking a shopping trip, going to yoga class, or other activities. Participating in community activities and events will also help you find others with similar interests.

Seek Out Other New Residents

Some of the best people to become friends with when you’re new are other new folks! Chances are good that you aren’t the only new resident, and other new residents are looking for friends, just like you are. 

Get to Know the Staff

You will likely see many of the staff members of your community on a daily basis. Get to know them! Find out what their families are like, what interests they have, and what their dreams are. You may find someone who reminds you of yourself or who needs your valuable advice.

Be Patient with Yourself

Above all else, have confidence in yourself and your ability to make friends. Give yourself the grace you deserve, and try not to feel anxious if it takes you some time to connect with others. Adjusting to your new environment won’t happen in a day.

From Friends to Family

Keeping these simple tips in mind can make finding new friends in your community much easier and more rewarding. As you make connections with those around you, you will find yourself fitting in with your community before you know it. And along the way, you may find amazing people who will become your best friends — and even like family!

Assisted Living Provides Help with the Activities of Daily Living

For many seniors, there comes a time when they feel they are not living life on their own terms, and routine, day-to-day activities start becoming more difficult. To determine if assisted living is the right choice for a parent or spouse, experts say you need to consider the amount of care they require each day. If it is more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) with in-home services or in an independent living community, yet they don’t need 24-hour medical care and supervision, assisted living is the ideal option.  

People often confuse assisted living with nursing homes; however, they are not the same thing. Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing care while assisted living provides help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) to enhance residents’ quality of life within a residential setting.

While some families may experience sticker shock when first learning the cost of assisted living, you need to consider everything it includes. For example, MorningStar of Happy Valley's monthly fee includes property taxes, utilities, security system, and the cost of maintenance inside and out. Daily meals are included in the fee as is housekeeping, scheduled transportation and an array of activities, entertainment and outings. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers assisted living suites in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans that range from 382 to 928 square feet. Onsite amenities include a full salon, bistro, fitness room, chapel/theater, general store and courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to meet the needs of our most tender residents. 

Along with assisted living and memory care, MorningStar of Happy Valley also offers respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us to schedule a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Could Your Casual Forgetfulness Be a Sign of Alzheimer's?

As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience some degree of forgetfulness. We may misplace our keys more often or have trouble remembering a friend’s name. While these lapses in memory are usually normal, they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive decline. Dementia affects about 47 million people worldwide, and Alzheimer’s is the most common form. Early diagnosis is important, as there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and currently available treatments can only help to manage the symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty remembering recent events or newly learned information. Other symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and problems with language. People with Alzheimer’s disease may also experience changes in mood and behavior, such as depression, anxiety, or aggression. The disease progresses slowly, and it can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. If you are concerned about your memory or other cognitive changes, please visit a doctor. They will be able to conduct tests to rule out other potential causes and give you a more accurate picture of what’s going on.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

If you are the caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may be considering an assisted living community. These communities provide care and assistance for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. While they are not a cure for Alzheimer’s, they can help ease the burden on caregivers and provide a safer environment for residents. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. We also offer social and recreational activities, which can help residents maintain a sense of purpose and community. In addition, we have special programs and services for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. These programs can help delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for residents. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Rio Rancho has to offer.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Happy Valley

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 61 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety. 

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7.  We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.    

In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that creates daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and includes low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low-fat choices.  We feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends.

Our beautiful community has plenty of common areas to sit and relax or enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friend.  To keep residents as busy as they want to be, our calendar is loaded with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. We offer scheduled transportation services and special outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues.   

Along with our assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We encourage you visit our website and use our Virtual Assistant to request a tour of our special community.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is Designed for Your Wellbeing and Safety

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we are committed to provide the best senior living in the area, and our beautiful community is designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to value seniors.

Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact, a National Institutes of Health study found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many as 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.  MorningStar’s med managers will oversee both the ordering and supervised administration of a resident’s medications.  

Each of MorningStar of Happy Valley’s 61 assisted living suites is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system.  In addition, all have handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, mini-blinds, large windows and lots of lighting.  Of course, our entire community is handicapped accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways.  

The Reflections Neighborhood, our memory care area, is designed to encourage our most tender residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely.  We offer 27 memory care suites in a range of floor plans.  Memory care residents are also able to safely enjoy the outdoors with an enclosed courtyard. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our unsurpassed senior living community.  You will discover we also offer residents a wealth of luxury amenities as well as wellness programs and activities designed to keep you active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Happy Valley

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to consider senior living communities offering assisted living.  When you begin your search, please add MorningStar of Happy Valley to the top of your list.  Our beautiful community is in a southeastern suburb of Portland next to popular food-cart park, Happy Valley Station and minutes from Clackamas Town Center and other services.

Too often seniors worry that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom.  They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, this could not be further from the truth. 

What sets MorningStar apart from other assisted living in the area?  Along with spacious private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and five-star dining, our community also provides care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.  

As we define health and well-being holistically and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging.  In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.  

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members.  In addition to our 61 suites for assisted living, our community has 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   
MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

We are Honored to Serve Seniors

At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community, our team recognizes the highest expression of living is sharing our gifts and talents, time and energy with others. We truly understand serving seniors is a privilege, but nonetheless are pleased to hear residents and their families tell us how much they appreciate the job we are doing. 

One such correspondence we received from a family member moved us with the following: “MorningStar is a wonderful facility with a great, caring staff and top notch amenities.” They went on to say the family was very happy with the transitioning process of their loved one to our community (something we take a great effort with); and were happy with the top notch service they have received since her arrival. The note ended with, “We could not ask for more from the team at MorningStar and look forward to the years to come working with them.”

Another appreciative family member writes, “From the moment I walked into Morningstar for our tour, I felt at home. The residents were enjoying themselves and everyone was friendly.” Most importantly they added, “A week and a half later my mom moved in and is very happy there! 

It is stories like these that humble as well as motivate our dedicated team members. However we additionally welcome comments letting us know what we could do better so we can remedy the situation not only for their family but for future residents and their families. 

Please visit MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website for contact information regarding the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, NM. Our community offers 51 assisted living suites and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has another 26 suites devoted to the personalized care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. To get a chance to see us up close and personal, we encourage you to schedule a tour. You will find a link to our home to get you started. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. 

Making the Most of a Visit to a Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Especially on birthdays and holidays, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in an assisted living community by letting them know they are very special to us.  To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.  

You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit.  Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game.  You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or to start a new one.  If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together.  If they love listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together.  If they love sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help them get them ready to mail.   If they love to be pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure.   

If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink.  Bringing your kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will give the resident pleasant memories long after the little ones have gone home.   However, do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits.

If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big.  Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community.  Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents, but we know they always look forward to seeing their family.  Our community has beautiful and inviting common areas to enjoy with visiting family and friends.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement “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 to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Are You Looking for Assisted Living in the Happy Valley, Oregon area?

If you are looking for assisted living in the Happy Valley, Oregon area, MorningStar of Happy Valley is one of the best places to start.  Offering 61 suites for assisted living with a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, we also offer all the amenities and services to ensure your every comfort.  You may recognize the MorningStar name.  In addition to senior living communities throughout the Western U.S., nearby locations include MorningStar of Hillsboro, MorningStar of Beaverton and MorningStar at Laurelhurst, now under construction in Portland.

We encourage you to visit our website as we have lots of information available along with photos that capture the full beauty and inviting warmth of our community.  There you will find a great description of our home, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to our welcoming spaces and beautiful design.  The page also has a button to Amenities and Suite Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities and highlights the comforts of our private suites. 

Our private suites have been designed with all the conveniences and safety precautions needed to ensure both your comfort and safety.  Each bathroom is handicapped accessible, and all apartments have an emergency call system.   Throughout our large common areas just some of the amenities include a bistro, general store, chapel/theater, massage room, salon, and fitness room.  To enjoy the outdoors, we offer raised garden beds, strolling paths and courtyard with a barbecue and fire pit.

As a resident in assisted living, your care plan will be based on a thorough assessment of your medical history and personal preferences, and routinely evaluated to ensure it is relevant to your care needs.  Range of services include assisting residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as life enrichment activities and wellness programs.  Also, families get peace of mind knowing trained care managers are there to help navigate any changes in the health and wellbeing of their loved one.   

Please visit our website for contact information and give us a call to inquire about availability and pricing or connect with us online.  We look forward to meeting you and your family.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Overlooked Benefits of Assisted Living

Many times, a move to assisted living facilities is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved. 

Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include things like bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting. 

Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of community and social activities.” These typically include arts and crafts, physical exercise classes such as chair yoga, live concerts and other entertainment, and educational and technology classes. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we tell our residents if we don’t already have a class addressing one of your interests, to start one. 

Special outings and trips are another component of many senior living communities including MorningStar of Rio Rancho. Bus trips to local, scenic spots, or trips to the mall or cultural events are just some of the activities residents enjoy.  

Another important service is medication management as statistics show the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, and as high as 39 percent of seniors take five or more. Medical management ensures seniors take the proper medication they need, when they need it. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is proud to offer the finest senior housing Rio Rancho offers with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our community offers 51 private assisted living suites and 26 suites in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us to inquiry about availability, and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.   

Source: 

health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/slideshows/how-assisted-living-improves-quality-of-life?

How to Help a Parent Transition to Assisted Living

No matter how old we are, change can be challenging. For seniors who have had just that much more time to get used to the way things are, a change in the status quo can be difficult. When faced with a change in lifestyle and residence, a person may mourn what they perceive as a loss of their independence and younger self, and the loss of a home filled with a lifetime of memories. However, regardless of how we long to keep things the same, change is a fact of life; and for many seniors, life could be better with a little daily help. 

When mom or dad would benefit from the many services offered by assisted living, there are a few things families can do to help ease the transition. To start with, senior care specialists recommend making the effort to set up mom or dad’s new suite with familiar, well-loved furnishings and mementos rather than buying all new things.

Another important step toward a smooth transition is to give it time. Experts say it generally takes anywhere from three to six months to adjust to community life, but in some cases, residents settle into it quickly. If your parent is one to make a slow adjustment, remember why the move was necessary in the first place including a real concern for their safety and well-being as well as your need for peace of mind. 

Some experts say it may be helpful to limit your visits and phone calls to allow your parents some time to find their own way. Also if they want to vent about how unhappy they are, give them some space to do so. Validating their feelings can help them work through their fears and uncertainty about the changes they are experiencing. 

At MorningStar of San Jose, our team is experienced in helping new residents feel at home and work with both them and their family to help with the transition. We offer assisted living and memory care along with senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life. 

MorningStar’s distinct mission statement: “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Please visit our website for more information on senior living in Rio Rancho, NM and ask about our Move-in Specials.    

Learn More About MorningStar of Happy Valley

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Happy Valley may be your answer. Located southeast of Portland, OR in a residential neighborhood, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.

Founded in 2003, MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. 

For assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 61 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 secure suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

For more information, please contact us or visit our website.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.
MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Contact us for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our goal is to be the best senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar of Rio Rancho a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more our beautiful home and our company’s philosophy to caring for seniors. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique 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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.

Are You at Increased Risk of Heart Disease?

The CDC says February is American Heart Month, making it the time to focus on cardiovascular disease. Focusing on heart disease is important as it is the leading cause of death in the US for both men and women; and the awareness campaign helps people to realize it is largely preventable. Experts stress that every adult should be aware of their risk and know the healthy choices to make to reduce their chance of heart disease including coronary heart disease, which is the primary cause of heart attacks. 

The NIH explains your risk of heart disease is higher if you:

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high blood cholesterol

• Are overweight or obese

• Have prediabetes or diabetes

• Smoke

• Do not get regular physical activity

• Have a family history of early heart disease (your father or brother was diagnosed before age 55, or your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65)

• Have a history of preeclampsia (a sudden rise in blood pressure and too much protein in the urine during pregnancy)

• Have unhealthy eating behaviors

• Are older (age 55 or older for women or age 45 or older for men)

Experts say for each risk you have, the higher your overall risk is for heart disease. While some risks cannot be helped such as your gender, age and family history, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk. Also the NIH says it can be helpful to join #OurHearts in Action, a group designed to encourage and motivate heart-healthy behaviors together.

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we offer 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with memory impairment. Our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents and we do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, and luxury amenities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar provides the very best assisted living in Happy valley, Oregon with our distinct 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 to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

A Community where Dining is the Centerpiece of Wellness

As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to meet the needs of our residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to comfortably and safely age in place with an array of luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs and activities. 

Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience characterized by diverse dishes showcasing creativity and personal tastes, and inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. 

One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For contact information and to learn more, please see our website and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Senior Living Can Help Maintain Your Independence

If you live alone, no longer drive, have problems with mobility, and feel like you would welcome more social interaction into your life, please consider community living. Homes like MorningStar of Happy Valley provide residents with all of the services, amenities and wellness programs to help them safely age in place. Moreover as one of our cherished residents, you get peace of mind knowing help is at hand whenever you need it. 

Right from the ground up, our home is set apart from other senior living communities as we were designed by the award-winning senior interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design. We offer gorgeously-appointed common areas including all-day, restaurant-style dining, a 24-hour bistro, fitness and wellness center, life enrichment room, spa, massage/therapy room, salon, theatre/chapel and more. Situated on a 2-acre campus, we also showcase expansive outdoor amenities such as courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, barbecue and fire pit and strolling paths. 

Too often seniors assume assisted living means an end to their independence but studies actually show the opposite is true. When older adults get the daily personal care they need, it helps to restore their confidence and frees them up to move forward with living life to the fullest. In addition to extensive support services, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of amenities, our contemporary suites are ready to move-in to and just require your furnishings and personal items. For your safety and wellbeing, each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. 

The MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community offers 61 assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website for more information about the area’s most trusted assisted living and memory care and to learn more about what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities.   

Tis the Season to be Happy

If you haven’t found anything to feel joyful about this holiday season, you are probably not alone. The Mayo Clinic says the holidays can affect people by bringing up unhappy memories of loved ones no longer here or making you feel you are not doing enough. They offer some coping mechanisms on how to relieve your stress and depression; take stock of the situation; and perhaps even figure out how to enjoy the holidays. 

The first tip they offer is to acknowledge your feelings. For instance, it is normal to feel sorrow if you are dealing with a recent death of a loved one or unable to be with someone who means a lot to you. Give yourself the time to mourn and accept the fact that you cannot force yourself to feel happy right now.

It is also more difficult to go through the holidays if you are feeling alone and isolated. Try to reach out to your church, community or other social organizations; or go online to find virtual gathering, religious services or set up zoom calls with those you cannot be with this year. Another way to feel better is to do something special for someone like cooking a meal and dropping it off or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. 

Experts say another problem that interferes with holiday joy is setting unrealistic expectations. The holidays are not going to solve all your problems and your family is still your family. Moreover, don't get upset over changes in family traditions as kids grow up and things change. Rather suggest new traditions that everyone can agree on. Other tips to smooth the holidays are to plan ahead, stick to your budget, make time for yourself, and set aside your differences and grievances. If depression and anxiety continue to plague you, seek professional help. 

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, our goal is to provide residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can safely age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents enjoy the benefits of community living and get peace of mind knowing loving support is available whenever they need it. Visit our website to learn more about the area’s top assisted living and memory care.  

Source:  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Are You Getting Enough Protein in Your Diet?

Information on what constitutes a healthy diet continues to evolve as researchers discover more and more about the human body and how it reacts to the food we consume and the way it affects the aging process. Not too long ago, medical professionals touted diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Now newer studies emphasize the role protein plays in our overall health and the importance of eating healthy proteins.   

Experts say the best proteins should contain vitamins and minerals. Cesar Sauza, clinical nutrition manager of health education and wellness at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, explains his "top go-to protein foods sources are fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines.” A 3 oz. A serving of tuna steak contains 24 grams of protein and salmon 17 grams of protein. Fatty, cold water fish also contain omega-3s; fatty acids that help maintain eye and brain health as well as heart and circulatory health. Omega-3s DHA and EPA are linked to brain and cardiovascular health.

Another item back on the menu is eggs. Cage-free eggs are a good source of protein (one egg has 6 grams), fairly inexpensive, easy to prepare and provide several essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamins B2, B5, B6 and B12, folate, phosphorus and selenium.

Bean and legumes are other easy ways to get your daily dose of protein and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you lose weight as they contain a carbohydrate known as “resistant starch," that like fiber, is hard to digest and makes us feel fuller longer.

Other healthy suggestions for protein include low-fat dairy products. Along with the probiotic benefit, Greek yogurt has almost twice the protein as regular yogurt along with calcium and is typically fortified with vitamin D. Nuts and seeds are also loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals. Dieticians say if you eat meat, concentrate on lean meat and avoid processed ones like bacon, ham, deli meats, and hot dogs. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with a 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.  Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley.  

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/top-healthy-protein-rich-foods?slide=3&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Dec%2005%2007%3A49%3A18%20EST%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health 

Assisted Living Provides the Care Required to Enhance Quality of Life

A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.  

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand.     

MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-compliant” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs.

MorningStar’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. For exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho, NM seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. 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, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Sources:  

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

aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medication-management

An Assessment of the ADLs can Help Seniors Get the Care they Need

Most seniors wish to maintain their independence as long as possible by living on their own; and this is why many who encounter problems in their day-to-day lives are reluctant to tell their families. The problem with this is as a senior starts to have more difficulty caring for themselves, their quality of life can be greatly diminished. 

Even if mom or dad seem to be doing well on their own, experts say a rapid decline in their health from an accident or illness can catch families by surprise and make living on their own dangerous. In addition many health conditions affect musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory or sensory systems and impact a senior’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Experts say other factors indicating a need for more help include social isolation, medication side effects and the physical characteristics of the person’s home such as a second floor bedroom. If after implementing a series of home modifications is not adequate, more measures need to be taken to keep your loved one safe. 

Experts explain unmet ADLs can lead to serious health problems including “malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and falls. In fact, studies show ADL disabilities are associated with an increased risk for mortality; and taking care of daily needs can help prevent new and worsening health problems.” They also report if family members notice a decline in a loved one’s overall health, taking steps now can improve their safety and forestall further problems. One solution is to make a move to a senior living community, where a person can live as safely and as independently as possible. To ensure needs are met, homes use the ADLs as a measure of a person’s functional performance.

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a beautiful senior living community with 61 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans offering residents’ peace of mind knowing compassionate help is readily available whenever they need it. We also have 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Visit our website to learn about our home and our Move-in Specials.  

Source:

agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm#:~:text=are%20still%20met.-,Why%20Are%20ADLs%20Important%3F,a%20senior's%20quality%20of%20life.&text=Unmet%20needs%20for%20help%20with,(UTIs)%2C%20and%20falls.