One of the Area’s Top Assisted Living Facilities is Pet Friendly!

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, opening any day now, will offer 51 modern, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet your preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

As you will see from our website, our architectural renderings highlight the exquisite beauty and comfortable, home-like setting of our community.   Along with the smart design and safety features found in each suite, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is also pet friendly.  We recognize that our residents do not want to leave behind their four-legged family member when they move into assisted living.  We also know that animals offer tremendous benefits to seniors’ wellbeing.

Research has found that being around animals is good for seniors’ wellbeing as they not only provide loyal companionship and decrease feelings of loneliness but provide health benefits as well.  Studies show that dogs are especially good pets for seniors as they require them to be more physically active than their non-pet owning counterparts. Other studies find “having a pet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as decrease stress.”  Moreover, “Pets have proven to increase serotonin levels, which make us feel good, and decrease cortisol levels, which leads to stress.”

If you are interested in joining our MorningStar of Rio Rancho family, we ask that you speak to us regarding our pet policy as we do assert our right to assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis.  We do have some restrictions on breeds. MorningStar also requires a one-time nonrefundable pet fee.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s leadership team, seasoned care providers experienced in every facet of senior living, is putting together an exceptional group of individuals to serve our residents.  For what promises to be one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we invite you to visit our website or to come by our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road to learn more.  

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 Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source: seniorliving.org/assisted-living/pets/

Searching for the Best Assisted Living for Your Parent?

If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent, you know if can be overwhelming.  You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences.  Moreover you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad out of a place after just a few months.  That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow that you take your time and you get it right.

The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for senior living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff.  One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the place.  If it is a new home still under construction, check to see if they have a model suite open or an office where you can talk face to face with the community’s leadership team.  

Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations such as studios or one- and two bedrooms, and what is the availability.  If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite. Also if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a two-bedroom suite).  You will also want to learn more about the care services your loved one will receive. Will they have access to care 24/7? How close is the community to a medical care facility and how are medical emergencies handled?  Does the staff receive any type of special training? Do any of the caregivers have CPR training?

Location is another thing to consider as you will want a place that is convenient to all of the family and friends that will want to visit.  Be sure to ask if you will be allowed to visit at any time or is there a set schedule when residents can receive visitors.

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we look forward to answering all of your questions.  To get a head start on answers, our website is full of useful information and resources. Also while we will not open until late 2019, our onsite Information Center is open seven days a week and our model suites are opening in June.   

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 one of the area’s newest senior living communities.

An Assisted Living Community Served by a Stellar Team

When MorningStar of Rio Rancho opens in the next few month, our residents will be served by a team that has one thing in common – Big Hearts!  While we offer a full range of resort-style amenities and care services, we feel the most important thing that sets us apart from other assisted living facilities, is a team of compassionate individuals with a felt calling to serve.   

All of MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s employees are carefully selected to ensure residents get the best service and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Our hiring process starts by looking for virtues such as kindness, selflessness and character, which we consider to be as important as education and experience. We also compensate our team well as we know they are vital to creating the loving atmosphere found within MorningStar homes.  

Investing in our team is even part of our mission statement of honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing generously in our team’s ability to serve.  This include providing each employee, regardless of position, meaningful training in “Radiance,” which is more than a customer service program but an attitude of the heart that issues from a deep sincere place like a radiant beam of light.  It is used to guide the way we deliver service - with sincerity and depth of purpose. Team members are also trained in Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s holistic approach and philosophy to caring for our residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   

Our gorgeous Rio Rancho community is in the city of Rio Rancho, a northern suburb of Albuquerque and renowned for its high-desert climate and breathtaking vistas (just take a look at our website’s time-lapse camera).  While set in a quiet residential area at the corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road, we are a block away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and a variety of shops, banks, and restaurants. Please visit our website or drop by our onsite Information Center to learn more about the area’s top assisted living and memory care community.  

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.  Opening in early summer 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about our exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our Most Important Critics Sing Our Praises

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we feel privileged to serve those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and strive each day to find ways to elevate and celebrate their lives.  We accomplished this through the efforts of an extraordinary team of individuals with a felt calling to serve who are gratified to hear our residents’ families tell us how pleased they are to have their loved ones in our care. 

As one daughter of a resident writes, “MorningStar is truly a quality senior living memory loss community.  It was not an easy to decision to move our mother but the human touch that I have witnessed has made all the difference.”  She goes on to say, “It is beautiful, clean, has great food, and lots of great activities, which encompass every activity level.”

One of our resident’s husbands explains that he had carefully researched dementia care communities in the area before deciding on MorningStar at Englefield Green.  He had required the highest quality of care for his beloved wife and says, “I cannot say enough good things about the level of care she receives in a safe, secure environment.  The caregivers are highly trained and provide loving care that meets her (his wife’s) physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Another family with both parents in our care, wrote, “We cannot say enough about what a wonderful place this is.  All of the staff is so kind and caring.  They treat the resident with love, dignity and respect, and go out of their way to individualize the experience to meet the needs of each resident.”  They finish by explaining how touched they have been by everyone involved in their parents’ care. 

One family states they had experience with another dementia care facility and that there is no comparison to what MorningStar at Englefield Green provides.  They declare our community is “GREAT,”   and highly recommend us. 

As one of the area’s premier Alzheimer’s care homes, MorningStar at Englefield Green cares for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We have 50 suites that include a configuration of floor plans from studios to one- and two bedroom apartments along with the amenities and services to assure your loved ones’ comfort, safety and wellbeing. 

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 set up a tour to see for yourself our unique approach to dementia care.  

Learn More About Arthritis

The CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners have all come together to observe Arthritis Awareness during the month of May.  The CDC reports that the widespread disease affects about one in four adults in the U.S., and currently 54 million men and women as well as an estimated 300,000 children have the disease.

Research has found that while there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis, it can also be a result of environmental factors including toxins and viruses or damage due to excessive repetitive motions. Signs you may be developing arthritis include joint pain and swelling, stiffness or deformity of joints, lumps and bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and warm or red joints.  While there is no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and using hot and/or cold packs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help, but before taking any medication, please consult with your health care provider.

The CDC says walking can be the best form of exercise for someone suffering from arthritis.  They explain that, “All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.”  If you are unable to walk any distance at one given time, they recommend taking three small 10 minute walks spread out throughout the day. The CDC reminds everyone there is no better time to begin a walking program or recommit yourself to a walking routine than during Arthritis Awareness Month.

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, MorningStar of Fountain Hills takes the wellbeing of our residents seriously.   Our monthly calendar includes programs and activities that encourage residents to get engaged not only physically, but also intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

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

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

Source:  cdc.gov/features/arthritisawareness/index.html

Seniors’ Most Common Health Concerns

Recent statistics indicate we are living longer, and if you do reach the age of 65, you can expect to live on average another almost 20 years.  Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of those over the age of 65 reports they are in very good or excellent health.  

Experts recommend that older adults should be aware of chronic health conditions common to seniors and make lifestyle changes that may help stave off those diseases and improve their quality of life.  Some of the things they suggest are to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.  

If you are already coping with a chronic medical condition, following those suggestions can help you to better manage your disease as well as improve your quality of life.  Experts also recommend if you do not already have a geriatrician on your healthcare team, to add one, as they have a special understanding of the things seniors are going through.  

The three most prevalent diseases affecting older adults in order are arthritis, heart disease and cancer.   The CDC estimates arthritis affects almost 50 percent of all adults over the age of 65, and can cause pain and a lower quality of life.  While the disease can “discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65, and an estimated 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women over 65 are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Doctors say it is important to exercise, eat well, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy weight in order to stave off heart disease or to better manage it.

Cancer is the next most common disease in seniors and the second leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65.  CDC statistics show 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer. It is a disease that if caught early, is often treatable so be sure to get routine screening such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and skin checks.   

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

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

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/     

A Wide Range of Care Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we are committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families.   

Moreover, we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data.   

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.

Helping Your Elderly Parents Organize and Update Paperwork

If your parents are elderly and in poor health, they may need some help organizing and updating their paperwork.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that lending your parents a hand with this task may be one way you can help even if you live out-of-state and are not able to assist in their day-to-day care.  Updated paperwork is also helpful to you and other caregivers in the case of a medical crisis or if you are asked to weigh-in on financial, legal or other medical decisions.   

The experts offer several tips on what you need to gather and should include your parents’ medical records and a current list of medications and dosages.  Also, you want any record of their sources of income and assets such as bank accounts, pensions, life insurance policies, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investments.  You additionally will need a list of their liabilities, and if they own a home, find out what their monthly/annual obligations are including mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance.

This is a good time to find out if they have a will or to discuss with them any plans they may have already made or need to make regarding advance directives including a durable power of attorney.  Planning for future health care decisions is important as it ensures a person gets the medical care they want if they are unable to speak for themselves.

You will probably need to plan on spending some time with your parents in order to get everything organized but it will be worth it in the long run.  The NIA cautions that older people can be protective of their personal and financial information so be respectful. Explain that you are not being nosy but rather want to be prepared in the event of an emergency.    

If your parent needs more care than they can get at home, we encourage you to consider one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  Our luxury community is designed to meet the needs of seniors with unparalleled assisted living and memory care.

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

Hot Weather Can be Dangerous to Those with Alzheimer’s

Along with the arrival of summer, come the hotter temperatures.  While many of us look forward to this time of year, it is important to note that extremely hot weather can be hazardous for our elderly loved ones and especially for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.   

Experts explain that the reason seniors are more susceptible to heat related illnesses is a combination of factors such as: “alteration in fluid balance, inability to afford air conditioning or other cooling methods, medications that cause an increased susceptibility to heat stroke (as a result of interruption in normal fluid balance), and more.”  In fact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that heat-related deaths in seniors are most likely under reported each year.   

For someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, extreme heat can heighten the symptoms of Alzheimer’s including confusion, irritability and dizziness.  The risk of heat-related illness in people with dementia can be exacerbated by their being under or overweight, and/or having blood pressure and circulatory issues.  The Huff Post’s AlzLive Blog warns caretakers that many medications including those targeted to treat Alzheimer’s can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat.   

There are several things you can do to help the person stay cool and avoid a heat-related illness.  To start with, make sure they drink plenty of fluids (avoid sugared drinks and tea and coffee).  Stay indoors during the hottest times of day and have your loved one wear lightweight, light colored clothing.  Use air conditioning and make sure their bedding is lightweight and clean.  Experts say most importantly remember the individual not be able to express their discomfort so it may be up to you to notice any changes or distress they are experiencing.   

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.”  We also consider the care and support of our residents’ family members to be part of our job as we know how traumatizing a diagnosis of dementia can be for the entire family.  Please visit our website to schedule a tour of one of the area’s best Alzheimer’s care homes.   

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.  Contact us, your loved one deserves compassionate, experienced dementia care.

Source: alzu.org/blog/2015/08/15/tips-for-avoiding-heat-related-illnesses-in-seniors-with-alzheimers-disease/

huffingtonpost.ca/alzlive/hot-temperatures-alzheimers-senirs_b_9616558.html

MorningStar of Fountain Hills was Designed as a “True Home”

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is one of four MorningStar communities in the Valley of the Sun, and provides assisted living and memory care with beautiful spaces both inside and out along with a care team that feels privileged to serve seniors.

Starting with our attractive exterior including an atrium with a water feature, second floor veranda and fireside patio and porches, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is a place anyone would be proud to call home.  Also, our scenic outdoor strolling paths provide residents and their families the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather.  We are located in the scenic desert town of Fountain Hills, and our private suites offer a view of the iconic lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of 562 feet every hour.

In addition, our spacious building offers lots of inviting common areas that include a living room, life enrichment center, library, chapel/theater and a bistro.  Meals are served restaurant-style in a charming dining room, or for special occasions, we offer a private dining room for intimate dinners. As the Gallery page pictures on our website indicate, MorningStar of Fountain Hills was designed for our residents’ utmost comfort.

We encourage you to visit our website for contact information regarding one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.  Our community has 63 assisted living suites and 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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

Take Precautions as Outdoor Temperatures Soar

Now that summer is near it is important for seniors to remember to take precautions as outdoor temperatures begin to heat up.  Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity, and even temperatures less than 100 degrees can cause a heat-related illness. Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia (a body temperature greatly above normal) are over 50 years old, and health problems can put you at greater risk.

As we age the body does not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes as it did when we were younger.  This can be caused by heart or blood vessel problems, under-active sweat glands and normal age-related changes in the skin.  Another factor is that many elderly people suffer from chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases that can affect normal body responses to heat.   

Also prescription drugs including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and inhibit perspiration.  Other problems that can make seniors more susceptible to heat-related stress are being overweight and drinking alcoholic beverages.

To avoid the dangers of heat-related illnesses, experts advise seniors to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day, and to stay away from caffeinated drinks.  They also recommend if possible to remain indoors during the heat of the day and do not engage in strenuous activities. If you feel too warm, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, dress in lightweight clothing and get into an air-conditioned environment.  

Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider.

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

Source:nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Helping Your Loved One Move to an Assisted Living Community

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we understand seniors may feel anxious when facing a move into assisted living.  Often the decision is necessitated by a sudden change in the person’s ability to continue to live safely at home.  Even if the decision is of a more gradual nature, it is still a big change; but there are things family members can do to help make it a smoother transition.   

One thing experts agree on is that you need to remember to include your senior loved one in on the plans.  This starts with including them in the process of choosing the community - remember it will be their new home.  When you forget to ask for their input, it can make them feel as if they are losing their independence. While it is time consuming to visit senior living communities, we suggest you only take your parent with you after you have narrowed the choices down to a couple.  Be sure to encourage their opinion and make sure they have an opportunity to ask questions during the community’s tour.

Another thing your loved one will most likely need is help with the moving process.  If they are still living in the family home, they will have to do lots of downsizing, which in itself can be stressful.  Trying to decide what is important to keep, what to give away to family or friends, and what to donate or sell is not easy.  Keep in mind the move to their new home will be smoother if they have familiar furnishings and treasured mementos around them.  Also while respecting their feelings, gently remind them their new home may be smaller and they do not want to be overwhelmed with too much “stuff.”  

If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.  Our goal is to make the retirement years of our residents as carefree as possible by providing a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Located in the center of beautiful Fountain Hills, our home has beautiful common areas and assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions.

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

Staying Mentally Active is as Important as Keeping Physically Active

More and more research suggests it is just as important for seniors to stay mentally fit as it is to stay physically fit, and may actually help to keep older adults’ brains healthier.  Seniors who engage in meaningful activities also report they feel healthier and happier.

The National Institute on Aging says these types of activities may protect the brain by establishing a cognitive reserve.  They explain “they may help the brain become more adaptable in some mental functions, so it can compensate for age–related brain changes and health conditions that affect the brain.”

One study called the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial, had good results in improving seniors’ mental skills in the areas they were trained in.  The study involved healthy adults age 65 years or older who participated in 10 sessions of memory training, reasoning training, or processing–speed training.  The most surprising result of the study is that ten years later most of the participants’ improvements were still noticeable.

Brain activities can include reading a book, making a puzzle, doing crosswords or playing trivia and other types of challenging games.  Research also suggests that memory improvement is not only accomplished by targeted brain games or memory drills, but can come from undertaking a new skill or hobby.  Learning to play an instrument or a foreign language are also great, brain healthy activities.

MorningStar of Happy Valley has been designed from the ground up to be a true home for area seniors, and when we open late this year, we will provide an array of resort-style amenities and care services.  In addition we will offer meaningful enrichment programs and activities designed to engage residents’ intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional and social connections. Each day, MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team will present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

In addition to our 61 beautiful, private assisted living suites, we will offer 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.  We are located on the south side of SE Sunnyside Rd., between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave, and have an onsite Information Center where we look forward to meeting interested seniors and their families.  

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.  As what promises to be one of the best senior living communities in the area, we invite you to visit our website to learn more.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

Assisted Living Supports & Encourages Good Health Habits

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into assisted living facilities, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

Along with supplying built-in companionship, assisted living facilities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho strive to enrich the lives of our residents with a range of activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.  In addition it solves the problem of many elderly adults who live alone that find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our gorgeous community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that also with scheduled transportation to area shopping malls as well as trips to the doctors and to run errands.

Our holistic approach to assisted living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassionate.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment.  And if we do not have a program or activities that peaks your interest or offer a hobby you would love to explore, we invite you to start a club.

Our assisted living and memory care Rio Rancho, NM community is set to open any day now.  We are conveniently located within a residential setting and just blocks away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, stores, restaurants, and banks.  Contact us via email, give us a call, or visit our onsite Information Center.

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.  Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.

Questions about Our New Assisted Living Community?

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the area compassionate assisted living and memory care within our beautifully designed community.  We provide a wide range of care services including 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Managers, Licensed Nurses, routine health monitoring, and much more.  In addition residents will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of enrichment programs and activities as well as be treated to delicious meals prepared largely from scratch and served restaurant-style.   

We know that seniors and their families have lots of questions about assisted living and what all it offers, which is why our website is loaded with useful information and resources.  After you peruse the MorningStar of Happy Valley site, which is filled with details regarding floor plans, community amenities, and gallery pictures, we suggest you next take a look at the “Family Resources” link.   

Under FAQs, you will find answers for many of your initial questions.  It starts right off with letting you know what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities.  Here we explain that MorningStar is a family of senior living homes where residents are seen as heroes, and all of our efforts go into assuring they are treated as such.  We feel it is our calling and privilege to serve seniors, and while rooted in Judeo-Christian values, we welcome residents and team members of all faiths and world views.

You will also find answers to questions regarding age requirements (you must be at least 62 years old) and a definition of what “assisted living” entails.  We also answers questions regarding Companion Living, Short-term Stays, transportation services, dining services, our pet policy, and more.   Once you finish with the FAQs, browse through our other options for everything from a helpful Decision Guide, to Life Enrichment, Care Services, Affordability, and other pertinent topics that are sure to be of interest.    

Of course we are also ready to answer any questions, and encourage you to visit our website for contact information or directions to our onsite Information Center.  We are scheduled to open late this year and will offer 61 suites for assisted living and 27 suites dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  

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.  Opening at the end of the year, we are proud to bring to the area one of the most exceptional senior living communities.

Coronary Heart Disease is Often Misdiagnosed in Women

While coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for women, research suggests it is often overlooked and misdiagnosed in women.  Medical News Today explains that CHD occurs when the arteries delivering oxygenated blood into the heart, which pumps it out to other organs, are unable to ‘service’ the heart effectively.”  Doctors also report women are more at risk for developing non-obstructive CHD, which is a condition that causes the arteries going into the heart to be abnormally squeezed by surrounding tissue.

One reason women are often under diagnosed with CHD is the symptoms are so varied in individuals as well as between men and women.  Non-obstructive CHD can also be symptom-less and go undetected for years. Moreover the symptoms women do experience are more atypical and can include things like “back pain, burning in the chest, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue — which makes the diagnosis more difficult,” says one researcher.  Another problem is many women wait to get medical attention, and in some cases, not until the disease has progressed, thus delaying the start of treatment.

Researchers also recognize that most of the CHD studies done in the past have concentrated on men and have under represented women.  Hopefully with this understanding, more women will be included in future research.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we will provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community.  Our care services include 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Med Care Managers, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations,  CPR-trained team members on every shift, Licensed Nurse onsite 5-7 days/week and on call 24/7, and much more. We also provide a full range of auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis.  Please visit our visit to learn more about the Greater Portland area’s newest assisted living and memory care community.   

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 one of the top senior living communities in Happy Valley.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324659.php

Delicious, Nutritional Meals You Will No Longer Need to Make Yourself

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is slated to become one of the premier assisted living facilities in the area.  We are MorningStar Senior Living’s third assisted living and memory care community in New Mexico, which includes MorningStar of Albuquerque and our newly opened MorningStar of Santa Fe.  

As a resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services including a 5 star dining experience.  All residents are treated to three daily meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living. We also know food always taste better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bonds us a family and as friends.  

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions. At each meal, residents will have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat dishes.  

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens.

Our community will offer 51 private assisted living suites as well as 26 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has lots of common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  To learn more about pricing and availability, please email or give us a call.

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.  Soon to open, we invite you to contact us to learn more about unsurpassed senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Loss of Smell May be a Sign of Alzheimer’s

A recent study has revealed a link between a declining sense of smell and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease.  Researchers found that neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s has a notable effect on the brain circuits that process our sense of smell. 

The 2016 study was conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital and involved a group of 183 participants of which 70 were cognitively normal and 74 tested normal on cognitive tests but were concerned about their cognitive abilities.  Another 29 had MCI and 10 had been diagnosed with possible Alzheimer’s.  Those who performed more poorly on the olfactory tests were found more likely to have the variant of the APOE gene, related to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.  One of the study’s authors, Mark Albers, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology at Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, states, “There is increasing evidence that the neurodegeneration behind Alzheimer’s disease starts at least 10 years before the onset of memory symptoms.”  Furthermore he stresses the benefit of an early diagnosis as the individuals can begin appropriate therapeutic treatments.   

Dr. Albers continues, “If these results hold up, this sort of inexpensive, noninvasive screening could help us identify the best candidates for novel therapies.”  In addition identifying the disease early may also be instrumental in helping to develop effective treatments that will delay and slow the progress of the disease.      

MorningStar at Englefield Green is a specialized dementia care community that provides the Boise, Idaho area with compassionate, individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our 50 suites include studio and one-and two bedrooms floor plans and all of the amenities and services required to provide the best care.  To get a first-hand look at our loving home, we suggest you schedule a tour.  If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help.   

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 set up a tour to see for yourself one of the area’s most compassionate Alzheimer’s care homes.    

Source: universityhealthnews.com/daily/memory/losing-sense-of-smell-is-early-sign-dementia/

Assisted Living that Caters to All of Your Needs

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is getting ready to open its doors to our residents.  As the area’s newest assisted living and memory care community, we will fill a well-needed niche for senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM; a fast growing suburb of Albuquerque.  Our community has 51 private assisted living suites, and another 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.  

If you or a loved one is considering a move to assisted living and are wondering how your costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline.  Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs.  Even before you even move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan. Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed.  

You monthly fee is based on a couple of things including your choice of apartment (we offer spacious studios and one-and two bedrooms suites) and its location within the building and views.  In addition we offer five levels of care for assisted living, and your level will be determined by your care plan. MorningStar also offer a range of auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, which are priced a la carte.     
Seniors who do not currently required assistance with ADLs but love the idea of living in a compassionate community with predictable budgeting, built-in socializing, lots of activities, and tasty meals are also welcome.  MorningStar of Rio Rancho is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website for more 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.  Opening over the next few months, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about one of the area’s top assisted living facilities.

We are Committed to Giving Back Locally and Globally

When MorningStar of Happy Valley opens late this year, our dedicated team will proudly serve our residents as well as the overall Greater Portland community.  We consider serving seniors our calling, and as we have seen firsthand the traumatizing effects of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, we join our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living in their efforts to end Alzheimer’s.   Other charitable activities will also involve senior-focused, not-for-profit organizations.

Throughout the year, our community will participate in events that help to raise funds as well as awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, and it is our honor to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association as MorningStar does in every market we serve.  Some of these activities will include getting a team together to participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event, which takes every August. Participants will include staff members, residents, and family members and friends who will join the fun as walkers, runners, exhibitors, and sponsors.  The 5K walk is the world's largest event and raises funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Each year our collective MorningStar communities have helped raise a lot of money toward a cure.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley will also participant in the uplifting “The Longest Day” celebration, which takes place each year in June on Summer Solstice.  It too is an effort to raise funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s along with a way to honor those suffering from the disease. The day-long event is sure to be filled with fun and entertainment as we share a message of hope and compassion.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley brings a holistic approach to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Our beautiful assisted living community is located between SE 142nd Ave. and SE 145th Ave. on Sunnyside Rd., and is scheduled to open in late 2019.  Along with 61 private assisted living suites, we will provide another 27 secure memory care suites.

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 one of the area’s most loving senior living communities in Happy Valley.