A Compassionate, Holistic Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar at Englefield Green is unique from many other Alzheimer’s care homes as we were built from the ground up to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Starting with our community’s physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  

To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value.  Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose.   

Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads.  We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members.  At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s offers 50 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short term stays.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted memory care as well as to inquire about availability and pricing.   

While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect all those who dwell beneath our roofs, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.  This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease!   Contact us to learn more.   

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us; your loved one deserves the finest memory care! 

Alzheimer's Can Cause Periods of Agitation & Anxiety

People with Alzheimer’s may express feelings of agitation and anxiety, which can be caused by the frustration that comes with the inability to get others to understand what they need.  However experts say there are some tips to help circumvent or prevent getting into situations that can become emotionally charged.     

If you feel the person is starting to feel anxious, it could be the environment they are in.  If this is the case, remove them to a quieter place and encourage them to rest or use soothing rituals that have worked in the past.  Often a noisy room including having a TV on can act as just such a trigger.  If that is not the problem, check to make sure the person is physically okay and that they are not hungry, thirsty or need to use the bathroom.  Also make sure they are not too hot or cold.  If they are still able to communicate, get down to their eye level and ask them in simple words to tell you what they need.  Another approach is to distract them by taking a walk or putting on music and encouraging them to dance.  

While trying to calm the person down, make sure you do not raise your voice.  Remain speaking in a calm voice and give the person the time to try and express the problem.   If you feel the person is experiencing lots of periods of anxiety and agitation, it is a good idea to discuss it with their health care provider.  Also make sure you have a good support system to share your experiences with and perhaps learn something from other caregivers.  

If you or a loved one is suffering from dementia, please contact one of the area’s most experienced Alzheimer’s care homes.  MorningStar at Englefield Green takes a holistic approach to dementia care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website to learn more about what a specialized care plan can do for your loved one.     

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted memory care.  

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation

Falls Do Not Have to Be an Inevitable Result of Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.”  They report one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms annually, and result in over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.  

However, they say falls do not have to be an inevitable result of aging.  Rather with some practical lifestyle adjustments as well as public campaigns on how to reduce the problem from the NCOA and other organizations, the number of yearly falls can be reduced.  The NCOA’s evidence-based Falls Free® National Action Plan was updated in 2015, and includes “goals, strategies and action steps to increase physical mobility, reduce the impact of medications as a falls risk factor, and improve home and environmental safety.”

The National Institute on Aging explains some of the steps seniors can take to help protect themselves from a fall.  The first thing is to stay physically active.  Weight-bearing exercises such as walking or climbing stairs improves muscle strength and keeps joints, tendons, and ligaments more flexible.  Another fall-prevention tip is to have your eyes and hearing tested.  If you need glasses, wear them, and if you have a hearing aid, wear it.   

In addition, ask your healthcare provider if your medications have side effects that can make you dizzy or sleepy.   It is also important to get enough sleep and to limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance.   

Stand up slowly, and have your blood pressure checked if you feel dizzy.  If you feel wobbly when walking, use an assistive device such as a cane or walker.  A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose the right device and teach you how to safely use it.

During wet or icy conditions, use extra caution when walking, and always wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes.  Lace-up shoes give you the ability to adjust the amount of support you need, but do not buy shoes with soles that are too thin or too thick.  Around the house, wear shoes or slippers with non-slip bottoms.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our goal is to be one of the area’s best senior living communities, and the safety and comfort of our residents is our highest priority. Please visit our website for more information, availability and pricing.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Sources: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures

Robotic Pets May Provide Many of the Same Benefits as Live Animals

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. 

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags its tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.”  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community. Along with 63 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 28 secure suites dedicated to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time of the coronavirus outbreak, confident in our protective protocols.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation 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. Contact us to learn more about our loving assisted living and memory care community.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we not only provide some of the best assisted living in the area, but also experienced memory care.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care.  At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life.  We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation 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. Contact us to learn more about our loving assisted living and memory care community.

Assisted Living Suites at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills was designed to create a true home for our residents and provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  From the moment you walk through the door, you are sure to be impressed by our beautiful architecture and inviting common areas including an atrium with a water feature, fireside patio and porches. 

Along with our compassionate care services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities, residents have a choice of smart floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 63 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some over 800 sq. ft.  You will find all of our suites have lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items.  

Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette, a handicap-accessible bathroom, a 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system.  Your monthly fee includes cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services.  We do trash removal and spot cleaning daily.  Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly!  

Please visit our website to view stunning photos and for more information about one of the finest senior living communities in the area.   In addition to assisted living, we have 28 secure suites devoted to the care of those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation 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. Contact us to learn more about our loving assisted living and memory care community.

Learn More About COVID-19

We are told COVID-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease.  One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free.  

Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some more vulnerable.  One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as immunosenescence.  

Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate."

Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter.  In addition, research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthen our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weight, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations.  Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.”

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: 

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

Keep Your Brain Healthy with Mentally Challenging Activities

Several studies indicate life-long learning is good for seniors’ brain health and starting a new hobby or learning a skill late in life can help to boost a person’s memory.  In one study from the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers found that older adults “who took on a new mentally challenging hobby saw a lasting increase in their memory skills.”  They theorize that when seniors mentally challenge themselves with new skills such as playing an instrument, learning to operate a computer, or being taught to quilt, networks within the brain are being strengthened.  

Neurologists in another study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland discovered that a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Their findings suggest that older adults who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which impacts millions of Americans.

Other research out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School appear to support these findings.  Their study relied on interviews as well as brain scans of participants, and findings indicate that seniors who have had a higher level of intellectual stimulation throughout the course of their lives, showed a marked delay in the onset of memory-related problems and other Alzheimer’s type symptoms.    

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, and feel it is our privilege to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged.  Our Life Enrichment Team presents creative ways to stay active and enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  

While we have had to temporarily suspend group activities due to the coronavirus, as the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We are closely watching new developments and continue to evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors.  Please visit our website to learn more about one of the top senior living communities in the Fountain Hills, AZ area.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Wandering can be a Dangerous Problem for Someone with Alzheimer's

The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander.  The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s may not remember their name, their address or how to get home.  Furthermore the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home.  

Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering.  Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe.  

To start with it is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parent or another loved one.  Find out if your area has a ”Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times.  Also learn to recognize the warning signs of a potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas.  

Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and try to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out.  In addition reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out.  You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone.   

Alzheimer’s care homes such as MorningStar at Englefield Green are designed with a secure environment that encourages residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Our residents can freely move about our home but we have special security features to prevent them from wandering out of our community.  In addition our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  If you are looking for one of the area’s most trusted Alzheimer’s care homes, please give us a call. 

Source: 

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering?gclid=CjwKCAjw57b3BRBlEiwA1ImytmBGP_hmFyQiC87yf4nZ93JrSIhk7rKy4nAvAxmvhccxsXOsRpO_WhoCzcgQAvD_BwE 

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/when-is-it-time-to-place-a-loved-one-with-dementia-188309.htm

Individualized, Loving Memory Care in Rio Rancho, NM

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.  At MorningStar of Rio Rancho our goal is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho offers, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood has 26 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents.  

The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history, and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our care team.  We use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.   

To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure patio and courtyard reserved just for memory care residents.  Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers 51 private, comfortable assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans.   Please visit our website to for more information about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley's Compassionate Memory Care

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our Reflections Neighborhood is a dedicated area that cares for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia care specialists, the entire area is designed to accommodate the need of our most tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley is safely accepting new residents and we are very confident in our enhanced protocols for dealing with COVID-19.  To ensure the safety of residents and team members alike, we have temporarily suspended non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our senior living communities, ramped up our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and more.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior care within a beautiful, serene setting.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

A Creative Gift for an Elderly Loved One

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. 

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. 

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags its tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. 

In fact New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.”  

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho, New Mexico’s MorningStar of Rio Rancho encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. Along with 51 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers 26 secure suites dedicated to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We are now accepting new residents and are confident in our COVID-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.  

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer.  

If You Can, Spend Some Time in Nature Today

While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety of conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more.  It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.”   Moreover, it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.   

Thus spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing.  In fact in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature.  Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window.  Also more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.”

If you are looking for a senior living community in the Happy Valley, OR area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Happy Valley.  Our beautiful community is situated on 2-acres and our spacious outdoor amenities for assisted living residents include courtyards featuring artwork and trellis as well as a barbecue, fire pit and strolling paths.  Memory care residents are also able to enjoy the outdoors with their own enclosed courtyard.  We are still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living 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 a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community. 

Sources: 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/

jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19

Learn More About Osteoarthritis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic (long-lasting) joint condition and affects more than 32 million adults in the US.  The disease can cause people to experience pain, stiffness, and swelling and is also referred to as “degenerative joint disease.”   

Women are more likely to develop OA than men according to the CDC and risk factors for getting the disease include genetics, obesity, race, injury and overuse of a joint.  It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wear down causing the joints to painfully rub together.  

Since there is no cure, the disease is treated in a variety of ways including using over-the-counter pain medications and prescription drugs, physical therapy, engaging in physical activity, weight loss and surgery.  In addition, researchers believe that those with OA can benefit from eating foods known to reduce inflammation because OA is yet another form of inflammation.  Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains, eating these foods “gives you a better chance of combating your osteoarthritis symptoms.” 

Foods containing flavanols have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are found in broccoli, kale and berries.  Other anti-inflammatory foods are those high in beta carotene and include carrots, red and orange peppers, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens such as spinach.  Vitamin C is also important and is found in citrus fruits and winter squash.  

MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM that is centered on wellness, comfort, and community.  While we are currently following protective protocols for fighting COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents into our beautiful suites for assisted living or our secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.    

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer.     

Trusted Assisted Living & Memory Care in Happy Valley, Oregon

The MorningStar story began with a vision from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wanted to re-create senior housing that was defined by the human touch and felt much like his grandmother’s house – “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”   Out of this loving concept that focuses on the power of relationships, came three mission statements upon which MorningStar was founded: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals;  and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.   

Following these precepts, MorningStar of Happy Valley is committed to providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness with a care team that feels honored to serve seniors.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 61 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. 

While the country slowly gets back to normal and continues to reopen, we want you to know that MorningStar of Happy Valley will still be closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  This includes prohibiting non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community. Also all team members who interact with residents must follow strict protocols regarding hygiene and protection, and we will continue the daily screening of staff for symptoms and prevent those who are ill from coming to work.  

Currently we are safely accepting new residents; however it is being done in conjunction with a thorough screening process.  New residents move directly into their private suite, where they will remain for a 14-day quarantine period; and staff entering the room will wear full personal protective equipment.  

Remember our first commitment is to the safety of all those in our care.  Listen to what one resident’s daughter writes about her experience, “Although it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior care within a beautiful, serene setting.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Tea May Help Stave Off Cognitive Decline

Researchers say that something as simple as a cup of tea each day may help put you at a lower risk for cognitive decline.  We have known for a while that green tea, black tea and oolong tea, which all have high amounts of antioxidants, are associated with a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  Now a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, reports that tea, and especially green tea, may benefit our brain with a better working memory.   

When compared to adults who rarely drank tea, individuals who drank tea on a regular basis had a 50 percent lower risk of cognitive decline.  Moreover researchers say drinking tea even provided some level of protection for those who have the APOE e4 gene, which is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, by having an 86 percent lower risk of cognitive decline.   

The study, led by Feng Lei from the Department of Psychological Medicine at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, explained that, “Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. The data from our study suggests that a simple and inexpensive lifestyle measure such as daily tea drinking can reduce a person’s risk of developing neurocognitive disorders in late life.”

Alzheimer’s care homes such as MorningStar at Englefield Green are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our all-inclusive, holistic approach allows us to provide the amenities and services residents require for their utmost comfort and safety starting from meals to activities and programs.  MorningStar’s compassionate community has 50 secure suites in a range of floorplans including spacious studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted memory care as well as availability and pricing.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Get your loved one the care they need at one of the area’s most compassionate Alzheimer’s care homes.   

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316619#Up-to-86-percent-lower-risk-of-cognitive-decline-for-tea-drinkers

Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia

If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them.  While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective.  

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly.  For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person.  Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?”  Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple.  Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes.  Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc.  Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing.     

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help.  Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract.  Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together.  Above all avoid criticizing or arguing.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we offer unsurpassed senior living in Rio Rancho NM with 51 beautiful, well-designed assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, we have 26 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, which are staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease.  Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community.    

MorningStar of Rio Rancho proudly provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.     

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Does Mom or Dad Need More Help?

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.       

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So find out if the home you are thinking about will be somewhere they can "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides.  

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs.  

While we know there are a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and assisted living communities, MorningStar of Happy Valley wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   MorningStar of Happy Valley is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior care within a beautiful, serene setting.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

How We Meet the Needs of Assisted Living Residents

If you are looking for luxury senior living in Rio Rancho NM for yourself or a loved one, MorningStar of Rio Rancho may be your answer.  Our beautifully designed community provides residents an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our experienced team understands that when a potential resident and their families are looking into assisted living, they want to know how we meet each resident’s needs to ensure their utmost comfort and safety.  

At MorningStar, that process starts as soon as you make the decision to join our community.  Each new resident and their family meet with our Wellness Director to allow us to get to know your personal preferences and normal routines.  Our Wellness Director will also review your medical history to enable us to create a customized care plan that meets your approval.  Furthermore, your care plan will be regularly re-evaluated to address any changing needs. 

Various auxiliary services provided by MorningStar include medical and non-medical and are priced a la carte.  For example, if you require medication management, it will be administered by a Certified Med Care Manager.  Other ways we provide our residents with a higher quality of living are diabetic management, oxygen administration, pharmaceutical services, transportation to medical appointments and much more.  

Regardless of the level of care you will be receiving, all residents have access to 24-hour Care Managers and a licensed nurse who is onsite 5-7 days a week and on call 24/7 as well as receive scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  In addition, we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift.  

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep our community safe.   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho proudly provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.     

Don't Put Off Getting the Medical Attention You Need

The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention.  While many states have come out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care.  

Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help.  Moreover, in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention.  

This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need.  In fact most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public.  To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation”  

MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, is proud to offer residents a true “home” with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities.  While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents.  We offer 61 well-appointed suites for assisted living in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood also provides 27 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living 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 a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community.