Why You Need a Good Night’s Sleep

Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing.  Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.  

Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.”  Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns.  We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors.  

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality and resilience that seniors need to age better.  In fact insomnia is associated with poor health and mortality. Lack of sleep can also increase older adults’ risk of a fall, and some studies suggest a history of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cognitive problems.  Routinely napping during the day is another problem that interferes with a good night’s sleep.  

Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include avoiding eating and working late.  Experts say to turn off the TV and other smart devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronics prevents the body from releasing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.  Follow a set bedtime, and right before you plan to go to sleep do some deep breathing and light stretching. It is recommended we try to get eight to nine hours of sleep on most nights.   

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area (we are scheduled to open late this year), MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  Our residents will have 24/7 care along with a wide assortment of resort-style amenities and enrichment programs and activities.   Our onsite Information Center is open seven days a week. Please visit our website for details.

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 late this year, we look forward to being one of the area’s best senior living communities. 

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516307/

MorningStar of Rio Rancho Provides Comfort, Wellness and Community

Opening soon, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the security and comfort to age in place and is designed to provide our residents carefree retirement years.  As a resident, you will have a beautifully-appointed suite to provide you with all the privacy you need as well as the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a wide assortment of wellness programs and activities.  

Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, strolling paths, and resident gardening areas.  If you take a look at our web page’s photo gallery, you will find pictures of our cozy living areas, comfortable dining room, our suites, bistro and more.  

As a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  We recognize that staying physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our activities include a variety of exercise programs of which you are sure to find some of them to your liking.  Other activities include word and board games, puzzles, trivia, Bingo, movie nights and much, much more. We also have interesting special outings and events as well as scheduled transportation.   

With 51 bright suites for assisted living and 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is designed with all the comforts of home.  In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer.

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 soon, we invite you to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

Expansive Care Services from One of the Most Trusted Senior Living Communities

While currently under construction, MorningStar of Happy Valley promises to be a welcome addition to Happy Valley’s senior living communities.  We will offer area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing.  

At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change. In fact we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families.  

To improve care services, we proudly bring the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to our Happy Valley community.  It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information on residents. It offers different modules to monitor various vitals and key health metrics as well as provides enhanced privacy and security of residents’ data.  

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurse—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.  We also offer mechanical lift assistance, weights and vitals monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and much more. Please visit our website to see the full list of our care services and to read more about the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community.  We are located just southeast of Portland and three miles from Interstate 205.

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

June is the Time to Celebrate and Remember Our Fathers

Father’s Day was first officially celebrated in the United State on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.  It then took another 58 years (in 1972) after President Woodrow Wilson had declared Mother’s Day to be an official holiday for dads to get their own official national holiday.  This year Father’s Day is June 16, as the holiday is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.   

The earliest public event honoring fathers was in 1908 at a West Virginia church.  It was held in memory of 362 area men who had been killed in a tragic coal mines accident the year before.  It was a one-time commemoration and not intended to be an annual holiday.   

The first recognized celebration of all fathers took place at the Spokane, WA YMCA on June 19, 1910.  It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, William Jackson Smart was a single parent who raised six children.  Ms. Dodd had heard a sermon about the Mother’s Day celebration at Central Methodist Episcopal Church a year earlier and encouraged her church to have a similar event honoring fathers.  She had wanted it to be on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but her church’s pastors needed more time to prepare sermons so it was held on the third Sunday of the month.   

Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts and certainly deserve to have their “own day;” however getting fathers nationally recognized was not as easy as it had been to get a designated national holiday for mothers.  Throughout the years there efforts to make it a national holiday but it never moved forward. It wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designated the third Sunday as Father’s Day.  In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law. 

When MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community opens late this year, we will offer 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living for our area’s beloved “mothers” and “fathers.”  Configurations will include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 sq. ft.). We will have another 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving 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 for more information about one of the area’s best senior living communities.

MorningStar at Englefield Green is Entirely Devoted to Memory Care

At MorningStar Memory Care at Englefield Green our entire community is devoted to dementia care.  We offer 50 secure suites for the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages.  

Our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our reimagined philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. 

We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and comfort.    

Furthermore, we take the time to get to know a resident through interviews with their family members in order to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences.  We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan for the person.    

In addition, we provide daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and enclosed, secure courtyards.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home.  Contact us to learn more. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia care in Boise.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs May Lower Risk Of Dementia

Recently a large study out of Europe found a link between older adults who take blood pressure-lowering drugs and a lower risk of developing dementia.  Medical News Today explains that while researchers are still unclear as to what causes dementia, much work is being done to improve prevention strategies.  By studying “potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of this condition,” scientists say they hope to learn more about connections between certain health conditions and higher rates of dementia.  

Another study published last year in the journal, Neurology, found that patients with hypertension had a higher risk of experiencing brain lesions related to dementia.  In this newest study from the University of Leipzig in Germany, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in France, and the Frankfurt, Germany branch of IQVIA, researchers had access to a large database that collects and stores health information on millions of people.  

Using the Disease Analyzer database, researchers looked at 12,405 people, aged 60 and older, with or without dementia.  They compared those who took antihypertensive drugs with those who had for periods of time or had never taken the drugs.  Results showed that those who took “certain antihypertensive drugs — including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers — seemed to have a lower risk of dementia.”  

The study authors warn that antihypertensive drugs do not guarantee a person will not develop dementia.  They say rather it highlights the benefits of such drugs.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we offer comprehensive care services including 24-hour care managers, medication care managers, routine Health & Wellness Evaluations, and much more.  We are scheduled to open late 2019 and our onsite Information Center is open and ready to answer questions.  Please visit our website to learn more.   

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 most exceptional senior living communities in Happy Valley.   

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325393.php

Find FAQs about MorningStar of Rio Rancho on Our Website

We are busy completing the finishing touches to MorningStar of Rio Rancho, which will be opening soon.   MorningStar’s new community has 51 bright suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our goal is to be the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer, providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community

We understand that the name MorningStar may be new to you so we are ready to answer any and all questions you have through a phone call or by visiting our Information Center (on the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road).   In the meantime, we encourage you to browse through our website and read about the exceptional care and resources we offer.  

One good place for general information is at our Family Resources section that offers a whole range of answers to FAQs.  It is here you will find that MorningStar was founded in 2003 in Denver and that we are not just a family of senior living communities, but of senior loving homes.  We consider our residents the heroes and recognize it is our “privilege to serve and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  And while we are rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths in our residents and team members. 

Other questions that get answered include information about our age requirements.  It is 62 years or older for our independent suites, assisted living and memory care.  And in case you wondered, of course couples are welcome and a suite can also be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. 

While pricing is discussed, we encourage you to contact us for more precise information.  As a general overview, our apartment suites’ monthly rental fee is based on square footage, location within the building and views.  If you or your family member will be in an assisted living suite, we offer five levels of care that are established after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director.  Medical and non-medical auxiliary services are priced a la carte. Memory care is all-inclusive and residents are charged one package price.  

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 soon, we invite you to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

Rio Rancho’s Newest Senior Living Community

The team of MorningStar of Rio Rancho is getting excited as the opening of the newest senior living community in Rio Rancho is drawing near.  Scheduled to open soon, our new community will offer 51 bright suites for assisted living, and another 26 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

For assisted living, we offer various levels of support for the activities of daily living designed to preserve and extend the independence, choices and privacy of our residents.  After a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, a Care Plan is put together in agreement with both the senior and their extended family. Our Care Managers are onsite 24/7 ready to ensure the safety of our residents and see to it that all of their needs are met.  As our private suites are available in variety of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some as large as 798 square feet, we are sure you will find one that is perfect for your needs.        

In our Reflections Neighborhood, we are set up to care for those in the early onset of the disease all the way to the most advanced stages.  MorningStar’s unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.

We may be new to Rio Rancho but MorningStar has communities across the country, including MorningStar of Albuquerque and MorningStar of Santa Fe. Our dedicated, experienced team knows how to provide a quality of life for our seniors that is unmatched by other assisted living facilities.  Visit our website for more information and while you are there, take a look at our time-lapse video to watch the construction of our community.   

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

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

We know it is devastating to have your loved one receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  While it’s a lot to process, please take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of resources to help you understand the disease as well as high-quality dementia care options. 

One good resource for information and support is the Alzheimer’s Association website.  Not only do they discuss the disease and publish results of the latest research, but they also link you to the numerous ways you can take action in the fight against Alzheimer’s.     

To get educated on the disease, you may want to read about the stages of Alzheimer’s so you know what to expect.  The Alzheimer’s Association says the disease “typically progresses slowly in three general stages — mild (early-stage), moderate (middle-stage), and severe (late-stage).”  However each person is different and so is the progression of the disease.    

In the early-stage of the disease, a person is typically still independent and engaged in normal life activities but is starting to have memory lapses including forgetting familiar words and the location of everyday objects.  In addition family members are starting to be aware there are problems. 

The middle-stage of Alzheimer’s is generally the longest and can last for years.  During this stage, a person requires much more care to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  Anger, frustration and a greater depth of forgetfulness are indicative of this phase.  In the late-stage, a person loses all sense of their environment and the ability to communicate, walk, sit and, eventually, swallow.  Extensive round-the-clock care is required. 

For families in the Boise area, MorningStar at Englefield Green is ready to help.  Our community is designed to care for those in the early-stage of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. Please visit our website to learn more.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best dementia care in Boise.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Offers a Wide Range of Services

While MorningStar of Fountain Hills is proud to provide high-quality assisted living and memory care for seniors, we also provide our families with some lesser known services.  One example is our Companion Living option that is designed for two unrelated people of the same sex to share an assisted living or memory care suite.  

This is an ideal solution for those wishing to share expenses as the rent of the suite is split between the two residents as well as a way to build a lasting friendship.  Even if you do not have someone in mind to share a suite, we will help you find a roommate and go to great lengths to match you with an individual who has common interests and similar background.  

A roommate can also help to ease your transition to senior living.  You and your roommate can look out for one another, and as you are familiar with each another’s habits and personalities, may be the first person to notice changes in health and abilities.  Shared lives can help to boost health through improved sleeping patterns and an increased appetite. When you take advantage of companion living, you are still offered all of the personalized care and first-class amenities extended to our other residents.   

We also feel privileged to have veterans as part of our community and when we hear of vets who are interested in MorningStar, we are pleased to direct them to the local resources that can expertly handle their application process for “Aid & Attendance.”  This is monthly benefit payments extended through the V.A. to certain wartime Veterans (and their survivors) with financial need and physician orders for regular assistance with the activities of daily living.

If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.”

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Get the Care You Need at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you or your loved one needs assisted living, we encourage you to take a look at one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer - MorningStar.  A quick look through MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ photo gallery will show you the lovely outdoor areas our residents enjoy as well as pictures of our comfortable and stylish common areas and beautiful private suites.  Although we provide a range of resort style amenities and services, our most outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors.

Before you even move in, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs.  For our assisted living residents, we offer as many as five Care Levels. Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Fountain Hills community, we adjust the level of care as needed.  In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by a simple point system that takes into account the cost and time of providing each service whether it is help with daily personal activities or medical assistance.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it.

For our Reflections Neighborhood memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed.   Also you should know that our community has the ability to care for residents from the onset of the disease all the way through to the advanced stages.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is comprised of 63 private assisted living suites and 28 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  While our website photos may show-off our beautiful home, you need to schedule a tour to see firsthand MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ loving community.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ offers.

Assisted Living May be Healthier and Safer than Living Alone

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that assisted living is not such a “terrible place” after all but rather a true home that offers many benefits.  Several studies also back up this assertion and have found that for many seniors, community living is a healthier, safer and more agreeable alternative to living alone.  

Initially it can be difficult for seniors to leave their familiar family home and often mistakenly think moving into an assisted living community will mean the end of their independence.  Actually the opposite ends up being true as when a senior receives the proper care he or she needs, they are able to lead a fuller life.

Another reason seniors can be reluctant to make the move is they do not realize that assisted living communities of today are not anything like nursing homes.  As a resident of an assisted living community, you not only will have you own private suite but an array of care options and amenities that are designed to provide your utmost comfort and security.    

In many cases assisted living is a much better option than trying to patch together the range of services the senior needs from in-home care providers.  Furthermore, assisted living communities are already set up to accommodate those who may have mobility difficulties, and it can be expensive to retrofit a private home to make it safe enough for a senior with physical limitations.  In addition, assisted living communities such as MorningStar provide 24/7 care and offer residents as well as their families the peace of mind knowing help is close at hand in an emergency.

As one of the most respected senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides seniors an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please see our website for contact information and to learn why assisted living or memory care may be the right decision for you or your loved one.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

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

Osteoporosis Puts You at Risk of Bone Fractures

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states 25 percent of American women aged 65 years or older suffer from osteoporosis.  They found that in men over 65 years, it is closer to 6 percent. Since anyone with osteoporosis is more at risk for dangerous fractures, it is important for seniors to be aware of whether they suffer from the condition.  

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, “Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Healthy bones look like a honeycomb when viewed under a microscope, but for those with osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycombs are much larger and the abnormal porous bone is compressible or sponge-like.  As the bones lose density or mass and are made up of more abnormal tissue structure, the bones become less dense, weaken and more likely to break.

Healthy, strong bone is composed of protein, collagen and calcium. Osteopenia is the term used when a person’s bones are slightly less dense than normal bones but are not considered as severely compromised as those with osteoporosis.   

Thankfully it is easy to evaluate a person’s risk of fracture with a painless X-ray absorptiometry test (also called DXA or DEXA).  The noninvasive test measures the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip or total body bone density and only takes about 10 to 20 minutes.   

Health care professionals recommend a bone mineral density test for all postmenopausal women with risk factors and all women 65 or older.  Men should be tested at age 70 or at age 50-69 based on risk factors. The test lets you and your doctor know if you have normal bone density, low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis, and if there appears to be a problem, what steps to take to help prevent broken bones in the future.  If you are taking osteoporosis medications, professionals advise having a bone density test by central DXA annually or once every two years to determine if your medication is working.

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.

Sources:webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20150813/1-in-4-senior-women-in-us-has-osteoporosis-cdc

nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/

A Holistic Approach to Memory Care at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

As one of the top senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides 28 secure memory care suites to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

MorningStar’s resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All of our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.

Memory care residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes an enclosed courtyard reserved just for our Reflections Neighborhood.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together. In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse.

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise as well as our special events and outings.

Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer.

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s Dining Experience

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that many people suffering from Alzheimer’s may be “overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or have difficulty with eating utensils.”   This can be a problem as we know healthy eating is especially important for those with dementia and that poor nutrition can result in weight loss and increase behavioral symptoms.   

This is why in addition to the many aspects of MorningStar at Englefield Green’s memory care; we take our residents’ nutritional concerns very seriously.  One of the things we do to encourage our tender memory care residents to eat is to make dining as much about Community as it is about nutrition.  At mealtime, team members sit with residents to help make meal time an enjoyable, shared experience.  We also regularly serve meals family-style on platters and serving bowls to prompt residents to connect with memories of meals they have eaten or prepared during their lives.  Family members are invited to join us at any time.      

We also present food on long appetizer-style plates with separate cups and bowls for individual items.  The plates are often in a variety of colors to increase the visual and mental appeal of the meal.    

As our MorningStar at Englefield Green team is extremely experienced in caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we know it is important to serve foods that taste as good as they look.  Furthermore, we understand some residents’ abilities at the table may be compromised, which is why we also serve finger foods; mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids; and easy-to-recognize balanced meals.  If the best option for your loved one is to eat pureed meat and vegetables, we offer elegant dishes that are both beautifully plated and purely delicious.       

Please visit our website to learn more about one of the best Alzheimer’s care homes in the Boise area.  To ensure the comfort of our residents, our 50 suites are offered in a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. 

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.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.   

Assisted Living Offers Seniors Many Benefits

As people grow older, their needs change and many require help with daily personal care activities.  This can present a dilemma in families as some elderly seniors firmly state that they do not want to move into assisted living.  However when the pressure to assume caretaking responsibilities continues to grow for family members and even safety is a concern, they may have to look into alternatives.   

It is important to know that research shows assisted living can be a healthier lifestyle for seniors than living alone.  They have access to 24/7 care as well as the benefits that come from socializing with others.  In addition keep in mind that your parent’s home may need costly modifications to make it safe for them to continue to live there while assisted living communities are designed to address those needs.  Moreover along with the assistance they need with daily personal care, communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho provide a range of wellness programs and activities that support residents’ mental, physical, spiritual, and social connections.

In addition, wholesome, nutritional daily meals as well as housekeeping and laundry services mean your parent will have their basic needs met seamlessly.  Lastly something often overlooked regarding assisted living is that with the proper assistance, rather than your parent’s fear of losing their independence becoming true, they will actually get it back.  Also by getting the needed assistance from the staff, it allows families to just enjoy spending time together without the added responsibility of being caregivers.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer 51 assisted living private suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we will offer 26 secure suites.  

While our community is new, MorningStar Senior Living has assisted living facilities across the country, including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Rio Rancho or come out and visit us at our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road.

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.  We invite you to visit our Information Center and to speak to our team about unsurpassed senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Worried About Your Parent’s Safety & Wellbeing?

Have you started to suspect that your parent is not doing so well living on their own?  Experts say there are several things you should look for that will help you determine if it is time to make a change in their living situation.  

One of the biggest concerns for families is safety as they begin to see their parents struggle with health issues that can make them more vulnerable to accidents and medical crises.   Things to be on the lookout for include poor balance or failing eyesight that increases their risk for a fall; or the worry that comes from knowing they have already fallen.  Maybe you have noticed bruises or cuts they are reluctant to talk. In addition if your parent is still driving, have they recently had a fender bender or another mishap while driving?

Are you worried your loved one’s forgetfulness is putting their safety in jeopardy?  Do you have reason to believe that they are prone to wander or that their forgetfulness is leading to behaviors such as leaving the stove-top or oven on?  

Other signs that your parent needs more help is if you have noticed a change in their hygiene such as wearing the same clothes day after day and having difficulty with personal bathing and toileting.  Do they look as if they have lost weight recently? Is the refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food? Also look around their home. Has there been a change in their housekeeping such as dirty dishes in the sink, mail stacking up and unread, and a general neglectful look to the home.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley will provide area seniors with compassionate, inclusive assisted living and memory care.   Our community is designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and will offer all of the services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  Located between Sunnyside Road and SE Princeton Village Way, we invite interested families to visit our onsite Information Center, open seven days a week, with model suites 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.  As one of the best senior living communities in the area, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.

Exploring Our Creative Side Can be Beneficial to Our Wellbeing

The arts enrich the lives of the artist as well as the viewer.  While some of us may not feel creative, it is probably just more of a result of not having the opportunity to explore your creative side.  Expressing ourselves in the creative arts has been proven to be beneficial to every age group including the elderly. As artist Norman Rockwell explains, “The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.”

Over the last several decades studies in the “fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing.”  The first major study to look at the effects the arts have on our health and illness as we age was done by the George Washington University in Washington, DC.  The national longitudinal study was led by Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, director of the University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, who found the arts positively affect the quality of seniors’ lives.  Some of the benefits included helping seniors relax, reducing depression and anxiety, assisting in socialization, improving cognition, reducing boredom, nurturing spirituality and increasing self-esteem.   

Researchers explain that taking part in art expression classes should not be looked at as simply a way to fill time but rather as a way to find meaning and purpose in life regardless of your age.  Moreover it is important that as we grow older, we do things that keep us engaged and give us a reason to look forward to each day. Expressive arts include visual arts, music, dance, writing, and poetry.  

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  As a resident, you will have a wide array of care services, resort-style amenities and meaningful wellness programs to engage your mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.   We look forward to meeting future residents and their families at our onsite Information Center. Our model suites will open in June.  Please visit our website for details.

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 will be one of the area’s top senior living communities.

Source: todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml

Make Your Visits with a Loved One in Assisted Living Meaningful

Experts say that one of the most important things you can do for a parent or another loved one in an assisted living community is to commit to visiting on a regular basis.  We are not suggesting every day or even every other day, in fact you need to give your loved one time to bond with those in their community, but rather to be consistent with your visits.  

If you worry about what you will talk about or do during your visits, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, has some tips to help you spend meaningful time together.  One of their suggestions is to do a craft project together. You will find all kinds of ideas on the Internet and can use upcoming holidays for appropriately themed projects.    Scrapbooking is another idea and will give your parent the chance to reminisce about the past and to share old family stories. Pick up scrapbooking supplies at your local craft store and bring along plenty of photos (be sure to get some of your newer digital photos printed out) to use in the book.  

Visits to your loved one can be as simply as scheduling the time to coincide with a favorite TV show both you and your parent love to watch.  Not only can you enjoy the show together but then discuss the twists and turns that the program is taking afterward. The same can be said for starting a book club, and if your parent’s eyesight makes reading difficult, you can read a chapter or two and then talk about the story.   If family members live far away, you could help them set up a video chat as many seniors are not comfortable with the technology to do it themselves. Other suggestions include playing cards or board games, having a picnic on the grounds of the assisted living community, and creating a playlist of favorite tunes and then listen to it together.   

The MorningStar of Rio Rancho team is excited as we are busy getting our beautiful new community ready to welcome our first residents.  As one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we are set on 5.5 acres at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road.  We encourage you to visit our website or to stop by our onsite Information Center to learn more. Our community will offer 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

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 shortly, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source: .aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-activities-for-your-next-visit/

Research Proves Smiling Can Make You Feel Happier

Research has proved what many of us already knew, that smiling makes you feel happy.  A 30-year study from the University of California, Berkeley reports that smiling has many health benefits including helping you celebrate more birthdays.  Smiling is even easier to do than frowning as it only takes 17 facial muscles to smile and 49 muscles to frown.

The study led by psychologists Dacher Keltner, PhD and Lee Anne Harker, PhD, found that smiling generates our “feel good” endorphins that are associated with exercise.  Smiling can help us look younger as those who smiled more appeared to be three years younger than their less smiley counterparts. Psychiatrists also report that patients naturally smile more as they start to recover from depression.

In addition smiling causes a morphine-like action that helps to relieve stress and reduce the perception of pain in the brain.  A 1980s study even showed smiling makes us more approachable and friendly. The study examined the way men approach women at a bar.  The women who smiled more were 60% more likely to be approached by a man.

Smiling may even help a person earn more money or to be promoted in the workplace, as studies show that people who smile a lot are considered more trustworthy and generous.  Researchers say smiling is instinctive as they now have evidence of babies in the womb smiling. Also don’t forget we have all had the experience of smiling at someone and having them smile back at us.  Scientists explain that the act of smiling is contagious as we have a subconscious tendency to match others’ emotions.

A smile is an international language that is universally understood and one that is easy to use over and over again.  Next time you are feeling sad, try and think of something that makes you smile as you are sure to start feeling better!   

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 one of the area’s newest senior living communities, we invite you to visit our website or our onsite Information Center for more details on compassionate assisted living.

Source: telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7584633/Smiling-could-help-you-live-longer.html