Remember to Protect Yourself Against the Flu

Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.  

The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.  Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine.    

The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death.   This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults.  Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine.  

Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus.  Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies.  The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Ways to Improve Your Cognitive Aging

Researchers says that even if we are not developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, as we grow older, our memory, decision-making, and ability to learn simply begin to wear down.   This process is referred to as “cognitive aging” and doctors now say there are evidence-based steps we can take to improve our cognitive functioning.  

The recently published study from the Institute of Medicine titled “Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” detailed three ways we protect and bolster our aging brain.  The study’s authors are Dr. Dan Blazer, chair of the report and professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital.  The report is intended to provide relevant information to both physicians and patients. 

According to the study, the first thing we can do to help keep our brain healthy (and other parts of our body) is to engage in light exercise every day.  Activities such as walking, gardening, swimming or biking help increase the blood flow to the brain, which helps to maintain and improve its functioning.  

The Cognitive Aging report also found that in order to reduce our risk for or to better manage cardiovascular disease, we need to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking and maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.  It recommends that if you do have high cholesterol, you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue to have the necessary blood tests done.  

The third key to improving and maintaining good cognitive functioning is to consult with your doctor to review the list of medications you are currently taking.  Dr. Blazer explains that, “Older adults are sometimes on more medications than they need to be on." He adds, “Many, if not all of them, can potentially affect your cognitive functioning.” 

At the MorningStar of Fountain Hills assisted living and memory care community, our 24/7 care services include medication care managers/QMAPs, who administer and document regularly prescribed medications per the Medication Administration Record and physician orders.  All of our care services, wellness programs and amenities are designed to support the whole person: body, mind and spirit and make MorningStar the perfect place for successful aging.   

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Dementia Increases the Risk of Falling

A report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, noted that while falls are extremely common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are at an even greater risk.  Statistics show that approximately one in three seniors fall each year.  In those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, the “rate is more than doubled in those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: 70 percent of those with dementia experience at least one fall each year.”

Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Another reason for a fall is certain medications that can cause drowsiness. Whatever the reason, falling can be a big problem for seniors who live alone and have cognition issues as they may not have access to help when they need it. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our loving Reflections Neighborhood is designed to address the unique needs of our most tender residents to ensure their safety and comfort.  Furthermore, our memory care community provides a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood offers 28 secure suites, and includes shared, studio and one-bedroom floor plans.  We are also equipped to provide compassionate care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ exceptional assisted living and memory care.    

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Does Your Parent or Loved One Need More Help?

Have you started to think your parent or a loved one may need more care in the near future to assure their safety and wellbeing?  If the time is coming when they will need help with daily personal care activities, you may want to consider assisted living.   A community such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a residential home where your loved one will be provided the care they need to allow them to live as independently as possible.  

If this sounds like your situation, you will want to include your parent in the decision making process as the more they are involved, the better they will accept the decision.  In the case of a loved one being in denial about the need for changes in their lifestyle, it may help to read suggestions from experts on how to navigate through the process such as MorningStar’s Decision Guide, which is available through our website.   

Stella Henry, R.N., author of The Eldercare Handbook, explains, “Many seniors unrealistically believe they can take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.”  She suggests you start laying the groundwork for eventual lifestyle changes now regardless of whether a change is eminent or sometime in the distant future. Another specialist, Barry Jacobs, PsyD, a psychologist who has counseled many people through the emotional journey of moving elderly parents, advises adult children to ask their parent to “indulge” them by visiting an assisted living community.  He adds that people are more likely to reconsider their position if a decision is of their own making.  

If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in the Fountain Hills, AZ area, we invite you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  We are one of MorningStar’s four communities in the Valley of the Sun, convenient to Scottsdale and Phoenix, and offer a choice of 63 private assisted living suites on two levels.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please call us for more details.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Assisted Living is More Affordable with “Companion Living”

While seniors have discovered the many benefits of senior living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills understands that for some older adults the cost may be too high to comfortably afford.  This is why we consider it part of our job to help area seniors find creative ways to make the move to assisted living possible.

One of the things we offer to make it more affordable is “Companion Living.”  Whether you wish to move into assisted living or memory care, Companion Living allows two unrelated people of the same sex to share the expense of a suite.  Furthermore, if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background.  

The advantage of companion living also goes far beyond economics as companionship is important for a person’s health and wellbeing. We believe we are designed by our Creator for relationships, and that isolation can drain us of energy and purpose.  When a senior loses their life partner after being married 40, 50, or 60 years, it can be a very lonely existence and a companion can help to diminish those feelings of loneliness, and help the person to reconnect.  

Offering built-in companionship, it can additionally help to ease the transition of moving into a senior living community.  Also, as roommates naturally look after each other’s interests, they may be the first one to notice changes in their roomies’ health or abilities. 

Please visit our website to get an idea of the various amenities and services we offer as well as to set up a tour of our gorgeous community.  We are certain MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ exceptional architecture and design will impress you from the first but the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated, loving team.      

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

What is Dementia?

Dementia may still be one of the most misunderstood medical conditions of today.  From believing dementia is an inevitable part of aging to thinking any sign of forgetfulness is evidence of dementia, many people hold inaccurate views regarding the term.  The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as not being a specific disease.  Rather they say, “It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.”  

Also, it can complicate the matter as the term dementia covers a range of conditions with the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease.  Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders.   

To determine if your or a loved one’s memory loss is a symptom of dementia, you need to be evaluated by a health care professional.  Simply being forgetful is not enough for a doctor to make the diagnosis of dementia but rather he or she will run a series of tests to determine if there is other evidence of cognition problems.   Other signs of dementia involve a person having difficulty completing sentences or finding the right word to say, difficulty completing tasks, and difficulty recognizing items or people.    

In some cases the person may exhibit signs of poor judgement and have trouble performing common household chores, paying bills, or preparing food.  They may have problems with organizing thoughts, and repeatedly ask the same questions or relate the same stories. A person with dementia can lose their way even in a familiar environment as well as become more agitated and irritable.  

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we have 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions along with 63 assisted living suites. Please visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to memory care.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Resort-style Amenities at MorningStar of Happy Valley

Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of the most discerning senior, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley is a community built on the premise that assisted living can be both purposeful and beautiful.  We have lots of warm, inviting common areas both inside and out and the amenities and services to ensure residents feel right at home.   Our community is scheduled to open to residents by the end of the year.  

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  All of our delicious meals are served in our charming dining room, restaurant-style, and created largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds. We even offer a private dining room for intimate dinners.     

Also, our Bistro with a full bar will offer a relaxing place for residents as well as their guests to gather for a beverage or a light snack.  Other beautifully-appointed, comfy gathering places allow you to enjoy time with family or friends. Our expansive outdoor amenities include courtyards featuring artwork and trellises as well as a barbecue and fire pit.  We also offer strolling paths and raised garden beds.  

Other onsite amenities include our own chapel/theatre with Wii, a library with a computer, a convenient salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, and much more.  In addition, a monthly calendar filled with meaningful wellness programs and activities will allow you to stay as busy as you like.  

While our array of amenities and services are vast, we haven’t even mentioned our devoted and loving team who are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors.  Please visit our website or our Information Center located near the intersection of SE Sunnyside Rd. and SE 145th Ave.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.

Senior Living May Offer a Healthier Lifestyle

Did you know that studies show many older adults prefer the carefree life offered by senior living?  The idea of no longer having all of the responsibilities that come along with owning a home including the repairs and upkeep is very appealing to many seniors.  Furthermore, for seniors who still think moving into an assisted living community is a place people go to die, most likely have not visited one of today’s vibrant communities.  

There are even studies that suggest moving into senior living may be a healthier option for some than living alone.  This can especially be true for seniors after the death of a spouse as many begin to feel isolated and lonely.  Not to mention the burden of keeping up with household chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry or needing to move up and down stairs.  

Senior living communities offer an individual the opportunity to easily make new friends as well as gives them the time to pursue special interests or to explore new hobbies.  Also communities typically provide amenities such as onsite fitness centers in addition to offering a range of exercise classes geared toward the fitness level of older adults.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a new assisted living and memory care community that is set to open by the end of the year.  We understand that for some the “MorningStar” name may be new to Happy Valley, but we want to reassure you that MorningStar Senior Living is anything but new.  Our senior living communities are scattered throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened west of Portland last fall.  

In addition, we want you know that our community will be staffed by a compassionate, professional team of individuals who are experienced in all facets of senior living and committed to providing our residents a true “home.”  Visit our website for contact information and to find out more about our gorgeous new community. You are also welcome to stop by our Onsite Information Center which is open seven days a week.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar of Happy Valley Opens in Late 2019

The entire MorningStar of Happy Valley team looks forward to welcoming residents to our new assisted living and memory care community, which is expected to open sometime before the end of 2019.  Designed from the ground up to serve the needs of seniors who require assistance with day-to-day personal care activities, our assisted living community will offer a true home for our residents.  

Our beautiful community has 61 bright suites for assisted living offered in a variety of configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet) to accommodate differing preferences and needs.  For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood’s 27 secure suites provide individualized, compassionate care for those in the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

While MorningStar of Happy Valley may be new to the area, MorningStar Senior Living is not.  We have senior living communities throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened last fall west of Portland.  We also want you to know our team is experienced in all facets of senior living and dedicated to providing residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  So along with the beautiful, welcoming design of our new community, we will be gathering a team of caregivers who have a felt calling to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

Located near the intersection of SE Sunnyside Rd and SE 145th Ave., our community enjoys a picturesque setting in an affluent residential neighborhood as well as the convenience of nearby shopping, banks, restaurants and medical facilities.  Please see our website, give us a call or drop by our Onsite Information Center.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Does Mom or Dad Need More Help?

If your elderly parent lives alone, you may have wondered if they have an adequate support system to ensure their safety and comfort.  We encourage you to read some advice from the experts to determine if your parent needs more help to not just survive but to thrive!

Some of the things to find out are if they have had any recent falls or driving mishaps.  Do you have any reason to suspect they may be endangering their safety by forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances?  Do you see signs that they are having difficulty bathing and attending to personal daily care activities? Does their house look unusually unkempt with dirty dishes lying around and mail stacking up?  Are there signs of spoiled food or an empty refrigerator?   

Also consider if your parent has health conditions that are making it more difficult for them to care for themselves.  Poor balance and failing eyesight can increase the likelihood of a fall and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if your parent no longer drives, they may be having a hard time getting out to the grocery store or to doctor appointments as well as becoming too socially isolated.   

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision.  Our MorningStar of Happy Valley community, scheduled to open by the end of 2019, will offer the area both assisted living and memory care.  We now have an Onsite Information Center open seven days a week and invite you to stop by or call us for more information. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.

It’s Never Too Late to Benefit from Exercise

Too many seniors feel it is a waste of time to start exercising as it won’t do them any good and may actually harm them or that they cannot do it due to physical limitations.  In fact, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published a report that found about 67 percent of older adults are sedentary for at least 8.5 hours each day, which strongly suggests a need to improve activity levels for senior health.  Experts explain there are many unexpected benefits that can be gained from regular physical exercise regardless of your age or fitness level.  

One benefit as reported by the National Council for Medicine is exercise is one of the “most crucial options for arthritis management.”  In addition to lubricating the joints, it helps to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Regular exercise can also help seniors lose weight.  This is important as obesity is a risk factor for arthritis as well as type II diabetes and other medical conditions.  

Other studies seem to suggest exercise may lessen your chance of getting cancer including data that found women who perform moderate to regular exercise may “have shown a 30 to 40 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.”  Another study indicates exercise may also slow the effects of dementia.  It reported a “37 percent reduced risk and a 66 percent reduction in risk of dementia when older adults performed moderate-intensity exercise suggesting every adult ought to exercise to help lower the risk of mental decline and to help prevent mental disability later in life.” 

MorningStar of Happy Valley also recognizes the importance of older adults living a healthy lifestyle.  When our assisted living and memory care community opens at the end of the year, we will offer an array of services and wellness programs along with healthy daily meals that are designed to ensure our residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Please visit our website to learn more, or stop by our onsite Information Center.   

Please consult your health care provider before starting any new physical activity.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is Designed for a Carefree Retirement

If you would like the freedom to enjoy your retirement years without many worries, we invite you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills.  Located in Fountain Hills, AZ, our community has views of the celebrated lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of over 500 feet every hour. We are also conveniently located to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores.

For assisted living, we offer 63 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans on two levels, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Each unit offers high-end finishes and includes lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  

For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 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.  

Furthermore, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities to engage residents intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.   If you take a look at our monthly calendar posted on our website, you will see a variety of daily activities that are inspirational and motivating as well as just plain fun. If all this sounds like something you or a loved one would be interested in, we invite you schedule a visit to see our beautiful community in person.     

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Unique Approach to Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family.  All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path.    

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills understands that families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one. Along with 63 private suites for assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss.  We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.   

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.  Additionally, as we believe that many of the adverse behaviors associated with dementia are often side effects of antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have less than 10% of our residents on any of these types of drugs.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed.  Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ need in mind and are as good to look at as they are to eat.     

Please contact us or visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Proudly Welcomes Vets

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pleased to provide families with ideas for additional financial solutions beyond traditional retirement savings and investment income to help pay for assisted living or memory care.  On our website, you will find extensive information on several under-utilized financial benefits and resources including a full explanation of the generous “Aid & Attendance” pension from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.   

Aid & Attendance is a monthly benefit payment available to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities.  To be eligible, the vet must have served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days spent serving during a period of a foreign war. Furthermore, the vet cannot have been dishonorably discharged.  The benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired from the military. Surviving spouses of the vet are also eligible for the Aid & Attendance pension if they were married to the vet at the time of their death and have not remarried.      

When we find out that a vet or the family of a vet is interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to local resources that can help to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.  In every state including Arizona, there is a Department of Military/Veteran Affairs staffed with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who will help you complete the 41-page Aid & Attendance application free of charge. The approval process typically takes 3 to 4 months.  

Throughout our many MorningStar’s communities, we are privileged to have veterans from all five branches of military service call us home.  Please visit our website and take a look at our Family Resources information regarding ways to finance assisted living including “Aid & Attendance” pension benefits for Veterans.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

It is Important that Seniors Stay Hydrated

Now that we are in mid-summer and outside temperatures are soaring, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.  

There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age.  This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration.  Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink.  

Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink  something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time.  The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to see to the needs of our residents.   Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Memory Care Designed to Feel Like Home

As one of the area’s top assisted living communities, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 28 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

In fact every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities and scheduled outings and events.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers exceptional assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

Stylish, Well-designed Floors Plans at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our community, you most certainly will understand why MorningStar of Fountain Hills is the type of assisted living and memory care you want for you or your loved one.  Along with a whole array of amenities and services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we also offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences.  We have 63 assisted living suites on two levels that offer a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 28 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and  other types of dementia.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ stylish suites are designed for our residents’ utmost comfort and safety and include ceiling llighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  Each unit is equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and separate heating and air conditioning controls. In addition your monthly fee will include basic cable TV and utilities as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.   We also offer weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services, and additionally have onsite laundry facilities available to residents.  

So all you need to do is bring your furnishings and personal items to your new home and we will provide the rest including three daily tasty and nutritional meals, a 24/7 care staff, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation and much more.  And in case you wondered, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pet friendly. When you visit our website, please use our convenient form to learn more about pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour of our gorgeous community.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Seniors and Heat-related Illness

While beautiful, summers in Rio Rancho are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the upper-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 years old.”  

Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature.  When people over the age of 65 heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features.  Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun.   

Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.  Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out. Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems.  Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease.   

Diet can also play a role in becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided.  If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and our residents enjoy a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our deliciously prepared meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage.  Please visit our website for more details and contact information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Managing Medications can be Difficult for the Elderly

It is no wonder that some elderly adults get confused with their medications and often miss doses or take too much of a medication. According to 2010 statistics, “medication usage among elderly patients in the US is eye-opening: more than one-third of prescription drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills).”  In addition the average elderly patient takes more than five prescription medications; and the average nursing home patient takes seven medications.

If your elderly parent is on several medications, do you know if they are managing dosages appropriately?  A quick look in their medicine cabinet or wherever they keep their medications should give you a good idea.  If they have outdated bottles of pills mixed in with current prescriptions or un-opened bags from the pharmacy, chances are they are not doing a good job.  

Experts warn it can be a sensitive topic to broach with your loved one, but if you start slowly, you should be able to help them get things sorted out and organized.  Begin by listing all of the current medications they take including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. Your list should include medicine they take every day and things they use occasionally. 

Now take the list to their pharmacist to see if the combination of what they are taking is safe to do so.  Many drugs can poorly interact with one another or be redundant. Check with their doctor to see if they still need to take a particular drug or is it just getting refilled over and over again.  If it helps, get a new pillbox that better fits their need. There are many choices including color coded and multiple holders. If medication management continues to be a problem, you may need to get more help for your parent.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our assisted living community is designed to provide the utmost care for our residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. If you are you looking for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, please visit our website for more information.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Want to Tour Rio Rancho’s New Senior Living Community?

MorningStar’s senior living in Rio Rancho NM offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. We have 51 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our memory care residents are cared for in their own Reflections Neighborhood. The expansive area includes 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. 

While our team is more than willing to brag about how beautiful our home is and to tell interested families all about our resort-style amenities, wide range of care services and wonderful staff, we think you should see it for yourself.  The best way to really experience the loving atmosphere beneath our roof is to take a tour of our senior living community.  

We make setting up a tour easy-to-do as we have a link right on our website.  The online form takes just a few minutes to fill out, and we even give you the chance to let us know your particular areas of interest, and will tailor your visit using those priorities.  

We recommend you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit in order to see what we are all about.  Also if you can, we encourage you to join us for a leisurely lunch; it is a great opportunity to sample our extraordinary food!   If you would like to do so, please count on being with us an additional 45 minutes. Simply let us know when you set up your tour.   Once you submit your online form, someone from our team will get back to you to schedule a day and time that is convenient for you. We look forward to meeting you!

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.