Need More Info Regarding Our Assisted Living?

If you are looking for the best senior housing Rio Rancho offers, we invite you to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho.  Newly opened early last year, we have quickly earned a reputation for providing trusted, compassionate assisted living and memory care. 

We know that if you are a family member searching for the right home for a parent, you most likely have quite a few questions.  This is why we put together a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as provide some background on our company.  For instance our home page offers a great description of our home, brief backgrounds on our Management Team, and links to a map showing our location as well as a Gallery of pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to welcoming comfort and beautiful design.        

Our home page also has a link to Community Amenities that describes many of the resort-style amenities we offer along with some of our care services.  In addition use the link to our Suite Features & Floor Plans that highlights the many comforts within our 51 private assisted living suites and 26 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment.  Our suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, and no we do not expect you to leave your furry, four-footed family member behind as we are pet friendly.  

More questions are answered on our FAQ page including a brief description of how each resident’s level of care is determined.  We are sure you will be impressed with MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s modern interiors, which are the creation of the award-winning senior living design specialist, Thoma-Holec Design.  In addition expansive outdoor areas include courtyards decorated with artwork and trellises, strolling paths, raised gardening beds, and an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and fire pit.  Please visit our website for links to availability and pricing and our contact information.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best 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 in a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Will

A recent 2020 survey from Caring.com reports that the number of American adults (just 32 percent) who have a will or other estate-planning documents has dropped 25% since 2017.  Turns out many people say they do not know how to do it or worry it may be too expensive.  Others say they have not had time to do it, or think they do not have enough assets to make one necessary.  

A trust and estate attorney, Hugh Drake, a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens in Springfield, Illinois and vice-chair of the Trust and Estate Division of the American Bar Association, says that while estate planning may not be fun, it does offer peace of mind.  He also explains, “It’s not the value of the estate that determines the need for a will;” but adds, “Knowing who will be in charge of resolving administrative issues and who will be the recipients of the assets will avoid a lot of anxiety, consternation and conflict among family members."

While experts say you do not need the services of an attorney, but if you draw one up yourself, you should have one review it.  In addition they offer tips to avoid making preventable mistakes.   The first is to make sure you sign it properly.  This involves two witnesses who were present when you signed it, to sign it, and neither should be a beneficiary.  Other pitfalls that may make your intentions unclear include not properly listing all your assets or not fully describing a particular asset or the name of the person to whom you want it to go to.  Additionally many DIY wills do not provide alternatives for the death of the executor or beneficiaries.  By obtaining the services of an experienced attorney, most of these problems can be avoided.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best 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 in a beautiful setting.  Visit our website for more regarding trusted senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2020/6-common-mistakes-people-make-writing-a-will.html

Dealing with Grief in a Pandemic

For far too many, the holidays and the months that follow will be spent grieving a loved one.  In normal times, the death of a loved one meant gathering family and friends together to support the bereaved and to honor the deceased; but now families have had to settle for much smaller funerals or put off funerals and memorial services altogether until sometime in the future.  Also being at home alone in a house that was once shared by someone who has passed away makes the grief that much stronger.  

Grief expert Robert Neimeyer, a psychologist and director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition in Portland, Oregon, explains that this can result in a “broken web of connection, which creates what we psychologists call unfinished business in bereavement.”  Moreover experts say COVID-19 has caused other types of grieving such as the loss of financial security, the loss of close contact with family and friends, and the loss of our sense of freedom to move about.   

The AARP reports that these types of grief are contributing to what psychologists call “complicated grief, one that's more difficult, intense, prolonged and disruptive than usual.”  This is why professionals stress the importance of people reaching out to make contact with those in the grieving process through phone or video calls.  If a family member seems to be struggling with accepting the death, it may help to have them set up a telehealth visit with a grief counselor or to join an online support group.  Other strategies that may help include anxiety-reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi, meditation or relaxation techniques.  

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we provide the support services and physical environment to enable older adults to live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  In addition to 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and wellness activities, we routinely do Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews.  Please visit our website for more information regarding our beautiful home.     

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 for more information on one of the area’s most trusted senior living communities. 

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/covid19-changes-grieving.html

As the Year Draws to an End, It is a Good Time to Express Our Gratitude

As 2020 winds down, it is an excellent time to give thanks for our many blessings.  While it has been a tough year for us all, there are still things we can find to be thankful for including our families and friends.  In fact in troubling times, we are not as likely to take them for granted but rather recognize how truly important they are to us.  

Showing gratitude to others does not necessarily mean buying expensive gifts. One of the simplest things we can do is to express kindness through our words.  They do not have to be flowery and poetic but just speak to how good a person makes us feel and how much we cherished their friendship.  Heartfelt words can help a person feel appreciated, loved and valued and are “a healing balm to a troubled soul.”   

While the pandemic means we are not visiting others as we normally would have, it does not prevent us from reaching out by phone, email, snail mail, or video calls.  Especially if you know someone who is alone and away from their family, a phone call or greeting card is sure to cheer them up.  If you can, think about sending flowers or a small gift to express your gratitude for them being in your life and to let them know they are important to you.    

If you are still running your own errands, ask a friend who is sheltering in place if you can pick up something for them.  If you cook, make extra and drop a meal off at their home or do the same with a tray of homemade baked goods.   Whatever way you decide to express gratitude you will not only make someone feel good but you are sure to feel good yourself.   

At the MorningStar of Rio Rancho senior living community, we bring to the area the most loving, luxurious senior housing Rio Rancho offers.  We invite you to visit our website for more information regarding availability and pricing on trusted assisted living and memory care.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best 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 in a beautiful setting.  Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM.  

Source: psychcentral.com/blog/10-ways-to-express-gratitude/

Can You Afford Assisted Living?

If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure your comfort and wellbeing.  We are certain MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ well-designed suites and welcoming common areas will impress you from the first but the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated, loving care team. 

We want you to know that we do our best to help make assisted living affordable to potential residents.  In fact, once you reach out to us, our knowledgeable team will be resourceful on your behalf in as many facets of senior life as possible including your ability to pay for the care you need.  

To start with, consider the fact that you most likely have numerous financial resources available to you beyond your retirement savings and investments.  Moreover, as we want to make sure you get advice from experts, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services, a company with over 20 years of experience helping thousands of families transition loved ones into senior living.  For a free financial consultation, we have their contact information on our website, or just ask and we will be happy to give it to you.   

Here are a few examples of resources that may be available to help you pay for assisted living.  Depending on the policy, long-term care insurance can help pay for a variety of services in senior communities, and can offer care options often not covered through federal subsidies of Medicare and Medicaid (see below section).  Another source of untapped funding could be from whole life and universal life insurance policies.  However, as there can be tax consequences, it may be in your best interest to consult Elderlife Financial Services for their advice.  Other sources of income could include the sale of your home, a reverse mortgage, or a bridge loan.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are set in a warm, loving environment with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Every Aspect of Our Community is Designed to Feel Like Home!

The moment you step inside the MorningStar of Happy Valley’s gorgeous assisted living and memory care community you are sure to feel right at home.  In fact we have gotten used to hearing the surprise in visitors’ voices as they express their delight with our warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Moreover while you are sure to be impressed with our architectural design, we can guarantee that once you meet our staff, you will be most impressed with their kindness and compassion.   

From the top down, MorningStar of Happy Valley is run by a team of individuals who lead by example.  Starting with Executive Director, Tiana Jackson, who has been with Happy Valley since our opening just a little over a year ago, she has demonstrated true grit, determination and a loving spirit in helping our community get through the pandemic.  Ms. Jackson has worn many hats during the last year as she has stepped in where there was a need in a role as Nail Technician, Hairstylist and Dog Walker during these uncertain times. 

Tiana cites her former colleague Dee as the person who has most influenced her during her long career in senior care.  She explains that Dee’s passion, respect, model of servant-leadership has not only motivated her but shaped her. She adds that she has also met “many spectacular seniors who have taught me many life lessons through their stories.”

Tsering Yandon, who serves as our Wellness Director, explains that she cared for her Popo (“lovely grandfather”) who suffered from dementia for five years.  She states that as tough as that was, it brought her tremendous joy.  Tsering adds, “To have been able to serve him until the end of his life is something I cherish. And it contributes to my call to serve other seniors as well.”   

Director of Community Relations, Shannon Calles explains that seniors have taught her by example with their 50-, 60-, 75-year marriages, that she needs to work at being in the ‘No Matter What’ club with her husband. Shannon says, “The storm always passes and there I want us to be, together in the end. That’s the story I want in my book.” 

Our beautiful community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet). In our Reflections Neighborhood, we offer 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving home.  

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 and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

Seniors May be More at Risk for Poor Nutrition

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) cautions that elderly adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease among others, are more at risk for poor nutrition.  Bad eating habits, loss of appetite, lack of access to healthy foods due to an inability to get out and shop, or a shortage of money, only add to the problem. 

The NCOA also wants seniors to know that poor nutrition not only makes it harder to manage chronic diseases but may actually make you more vulnerable to coming down with them.  Another problem is it can weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to the flu, colds and other viruses.  Moreover, poor nutrition can hamper one’s ability to recover from surgical procedures, heal wounds, and increases the risk for infection or falls.     

Also, as many elderly people have a decrease in appetite and consume much smaller portions each day, the food they do eat needs to be nutrient-dense.  This is one reason experts recommend the elderly avoid foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats as well as processed foods, which often are short on nutrients and much needed vitamins and minerals.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, an assisted living and memory care community, we know that good nutrition is important to the health of seniors.  This is why we offer our residents delicious daily meals that are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients.  Our range of nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet.  Our Executive Chef even incorporates “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens to enhance our food service. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and pricing and availability.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: ncoa.org/healthy-aging/chronic-disease/nutrition-chronic-conditions/

Learn More About Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association, along with other organizations helps to raise awareness of a serious disease that affects millions of Americans.  November is the month that has been chosen to sound the alarm for the millions of Americans who are at risk of getting diabetes.  Medical professionals recognize it is important for people to be educated about the disease and to be aware of the risks.  In addition, World Diabetes Day, which was first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization, is observed each year on November 14.

Experts say that knowing the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can be life-saving and lead to getting the care you need.  For individuals with risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, having an awareness of the disease, may help to prevent or delay the progression.  

While sometimes known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition without a cure that occurs when a person’s pancreas produces little or no insulin.  The disease usually appears during childhood or in adolescence but sometimes adults get it.  Treatment for the disease includes insulin as well as diet and lifestyle changes.  

Type 2 diabetes used to mainly affect adults but in the last several years more children are afflicted with the disease due to the rise in childhood obesity according to the Mayo Clinic.  They explain that type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — an important source of fuel for the body.  Moreover, while there is also no cure for the disease, the Mayo Clinic recommends people alter their lifestyle by losing weight, exercising and eating well in order to better manage the disease.   

Symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have many similarities including the need to urinate frequently along with feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot, very hungry, and fatigued.  The person may additionally complain of blurry vision or have slow-healing sores.  Doctors say if you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 contact us for more information about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ offers.

The Loss of a Spouse May be Bad for Our Brains

We all understand how heartbreaking it is when a senior loses a beloved life partner but recent research now suggests that a surviving spouse may also be at a higher risk for cognitive decline.  The study reports that individuals who were widowed with high levels of beta-amyloid plaque ( a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease), were found to decline cognitively three times faster than their counterparts who had not suffered the loss of a spouse.   Dr. Nancy Donovan, the study’s lead researcher and chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, says, "The associations of widowhood and amyloid were compounded, not simply additive, indicating that widowhood is a specific risk factor for cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease."

While the Alzheimer’s Associations cautions that the study was a small one, practicing geriatrician and internist, Dr. Marzena Gieniusz, of the Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., said she often sees signs of cognitive decline in surviving spouses in her practice.  Experts say it could be that mild memory loss was already present beforehand but was not obvious when the person had the support of a loving spouse.  Another reason may be the surviving spouse had day-to-day, steady companionship and socialization that helped them stay emotionally engaged.   

Not only is it easier for many of us to face the world as a couple, but when a spouse dies, the survivor may be more socially isolated, which in itself puts a person more at risk for cognitive decline.  The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that surviving spouses make an effort to follow the guidelines for decreasing their risk for Alzheimer’s by exercising, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.  Also even if you are avoiding in-person contact due to COVID 19, it is important to stay socially engaged.  Remember to make the effort to call a friend, do facetime calls with grandkids and family, write emails and snail mail letters, or join an online support group.   

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact one of the area’s most loving, professional Alzheimer’s care homes.  The compassionate team at MorningStar at Englefield Green takes a holistic approach to memory care that is both specialized and individualized. Please visit our website for pricing and availability.   

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 one of Boise’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Common Foot Problems in the Elderly

As we age, many seniors suffer from chronic foot pain that includes stress fractures, tendonitis, fat pad atrophy, plantar fasciitis, acute and chronic osteoarthritis and more.  Sometimes the problem can be the result of old injuries, or in the case of women, wearing high heels or shoes with too small of a toe box.  Other foot problems may be caused by systemic diseases like diabetes, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In the case of stress fractures, they are more commonly found in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis but men can also suffer from them.  If you are at risk, experts recommend strengthening your bones by exercising, and if you are overweight, by dieting.  They also say to talk to your doctor to ask if you should be on a medication.    

While osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the mechanical wear and tear on joints and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, both can cause tenderness, pain, or stiffness and swelling in the feet, and make mobility more difficult.  Sometimes RA even causes alignment changes that result in foot deformities.  

Another common problem especially for seniors is fat pad atrophy.  Even if you have put on a few extra pounds with age, the one place you do not want to lose fat or a cushioned padding is on the bottom of your feet.  Fat pad atrophy causes pain in the ball of your foot and heel and can be eased by extra cushioning or custom-made foam shoe inserts.  In the most extreme cases, filler injections are used to replace the fat pad.    

Also the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons report that approximately 2 million patients each year are treated for plantar fasciitis that occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed.  Plantar fasciitis is typically the result of repetitive strain to the ligament of the sole of the foot and is caused by walking, running, jumping, or poor footwear. Treatments include icing to reduce pain and inflammation, stretching exercises, and shoe inserts.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s memory care 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.  Looking for one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes?  Visit our website.

How MorningStar of Happy Valley Cares for Seniors

MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community in the Portland, Oregon metro area, is honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier.  The way we deliver our outstanding service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our daily Huddle.  

Much more than just a customer service program, Radiance embodies the guiding principles for how we dispense our services – with depth of purpose and warmth.  The program emanates from an authentic, sincere place and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that resembles a beam of light.  We use the program to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community depends on the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.   

Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to best serve our residents’ needs.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floor plans.  We offer 61 suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.

Help Reduce Inflammation with a Healthier Diet

Medical experts say that while inflammation helps our bodies to fight illness and can be a necessary part of the healing process, there are some people whose immune systems do not work as they should, and they suffer from chronic inflammation.  This condition manifests itself in various diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, asthma and metabolic syndrome (“a collection of conditions that tend to occur together, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease”).

However, the good news is researchers have found evidence that shows our diet may help us manage many of the symptoms of these diseases.  They report that, “An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and spices.”  Foods to avoid or to limit consumption of include processed foods, red meats, and alcohol.

Doctors recommend approaching an anti-inflammatory diet as less of a specific regimen but more as a new, healthier style of eating. Two examples of diets that incorporate anti-inflammatory foods are the Mediterranean and DASH diets which favor foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids over those that increase the production of free radicals, which are believed to lead to cell damage.  

Research shows that sugary or processed foods can trigger or worsen inflammation, and that some foods such as those fried in very hot cooking oil can trigger the formation of free radicals.  Other factors that can increase the body’s free radicals include stress and smoking.   

The Arthritis Foundation also notes that research has identified foods that can help control inflammation.  These include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards, nuts like almonds and walnuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, and fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.  Please keep in mind that anyone with a chronic health condition involving inflammation should consult their healthcare provider about the best dietary options for them.

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.     

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320233#takeaway

Organizing Medications for an Elderly Parent

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interaction, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “is it taken with food,” and the adverse side effects.  

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  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 assisted living and memory care 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. 

Learn More About MorningStar of Rio Rancho

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, located north of Albuquerque, offers residents a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for senior living in Rio Rancho NM.  

To start with, all assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more).  Also they have access to a licensed nurse onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock; and every shift has an employee who is CPR certified.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically do Care Plan reviews and update residents’ care plan as needed.   

Our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system ensures accurate records of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system maintains accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents as well as enhances privacy and security of the data.  

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  

This wide scope of care services is reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health and helps to extend the stay of our residents even when health conditions change.  We also pride ourselves on finding creative solutions that can result in higher quality of care at a lower cost for families.  For a full list of care services, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at our Care Services page.   

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.     

Brighten Your Elderly Loved One's Day

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a “thinking of you” basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley is proud to offer residents a lifestyle of comfort and wellness along with resort-style amenities. Our beautiful senior living community has 61 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 27 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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. 

Is it Time to Consider Care Options for Your Loved One with Dementia?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.      

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be adversely impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers 26 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.    

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating.  Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications.  Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.  So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do.  

Please visit MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website for more information about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.  While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 update from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities 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.     

Enjoy Healthy Meals at MorningStar of Happy Valley

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  This is why the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

Along with all of the other amenities and care services we provide, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients.  We get much of our produce from home-grown or local high-quality producers.  

Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch, and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions.  

During the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar of Happy Valley’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members, and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting new assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website 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 and memory care in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/seniors-nutritional-needs/

Some Good News in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  For example, the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s disease easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future.  

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition, the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men.  

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our mission is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers, which includes compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.  Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we recognize that a person’s essence remains, and we feel it is our calling, as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Please visit our website for more information.

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.     

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

MorningStar's Aggressive Defense Against COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Happy Valley is judiciously following Oregon’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Happy Valley community to our Executive Director, Tiana Jackson.  

Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time.  In addition, we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage.  In other words, it was a team effort!   

Newly opened last November, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  Residents have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Currently we are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe.  Please visit our website 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 and memory care in the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

Looking for Exceptional Senior Living in Rio Rancho, NM?

If you have started the search for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community.  While we only opened to residents late last year, we are proud to say we have already earned a reputation as a beautiful and loving home.

We always suggest that interested families contact us by phone or email, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information.  Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.        

Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission.  We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members with servants’ hearts who are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  In addition, our service is guided by Radiance, and designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  

Within our FAQs, you will also find answers explaining what assisted living is, the type of services we offer, and how your level of care is determined (it is based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  This information allows us to set up a customized care plan that is reviewed periodically to keep up with any changing health needs.  

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the nation slowly reopens, we are judiciously following New Mexico’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors.  

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.