Music May Help Calm Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”  Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.  

Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.  Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”  When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time.  

Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person.  It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.”   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is one of the top assisted living communities in the area offering dedicated memory care.  As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease.  Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  Please contact us to learn about our assisted living and memory care community.

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

Sources: 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php

Wellness Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you are considering assisted living, and like many older adults suffer from a chronic health condition, MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ community is designed to help you better manage it.  We define health and well-being holistically, and as such, offer a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirt.  Both our Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play an important role in making our community the best choice for senior living in the Fountain Hills area.  

We are pleased to offer assisted living residents the many benefits provided by our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This ensures an accurate record of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The EHR system not only allows us to maintain accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents, but enhances privacy and security of the data.  

Some of our services to residents include a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and onsite throughout the week, and CPR-trained team members on each shift.  We also offer 24-hour Care Managers and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Our team does routine Care Plan reviews as well as scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations. 

In addition, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers care services such as mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  Residents receive scheduled physician visits (with a choice of physicians), pharmacy services and onsite dental services and podiatry. Please visit our website’s Care Services page to see our entire list of services.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 bright suites for assisted living and 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us for more information, pricing and availability.           

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

MorningStar Senior Living was Founded to Create a “True Home” for Seniors

Do you think all senior living communities are pretty much the same?  If so, it may surprise you to learn that MorningStar of Fountain Hills is committed to a distinct mission statement that guides the way we do business and how we deliver our care services.  

It reads as follows:  

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence 

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents   

MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, who after fifteen years of working in the industry was determined to start his own brand of senior living.  It would be one that was defined by human touch and lovingly meet the residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.  MorningStar communities were thus created as a true home for seniors – one in which the sense of family prevails and residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Most importantly communities are staffed by individuals who have a felt calling to serve and view seniors as heroes.    

Those values have served our company well for over the past 15 years, and we now fast forward to November 2016 when MorningStar of Fountain Hills opened as MorningStar’s third community in the Phoenix area (today there are four).  Fountain Hills’ warm and welcoming community was designed from the ground up to be a place where residents are proud to call “home.” Our two-story building has 63 assisted living suites in a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  In addition, we offer 28 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.      

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

MorningStar at Fountain Hills Believes Seniors Have a Lot to Contribute

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we strongly believe that older adults still have a lot to contribute and are eager and open to learning new ideas and pursuing new interests.  This is why in addition to our exceptional care services; our community offers an inspirational and engaging life enrichment program. Our Life Enrichment is designed to stimulate your brain, enhance health and wellness, and encourage social connections.

Headed by our talented Life Enrichment team, our assisted living calendar is filled with optional activities that use creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.  We tap into our residents’ unique talents and experiences, and if we do not already have one, encourage residents to take the lead in establishing special interest clubs.  

From art classes, to physical activities such as total body workout, poetry readings or writing classes, and live music, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is committed to engaging the mind, body and spirit each day.  We also take outings to cultural destinations, casinos, scenic drives, out to lunch and more.  We suggest you take a look at our monthly calendar, Life Around Our House and Upcoming Events on our website to get a better idea of the fun and entertainment enjoyed by MorningStar residents and their families as well as our staff.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 private assisted living suites studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations (some as large as 870 square feet). In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. All of our suites are ready to move into and just need your furnishings and personal items to feel like home.  Please contact us for information on pricing and availability.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Helps Seniors Live Life to the Fullest!

If you or a loved one has started to slow down a bit and needs a little help with day-to-day activities or could benefit from more companionship and socialization, assisted living may be the answer.  Sometimes older adults resist the idea of assisted living as they think they will lose their independence and freedom but this could not be further from the truth.  Making the move to an assisted living community like MorningStar of Fountain Hills actually improves the quality of life for many seniors.  

If you are picturing dark and dreary assisted living facilities like your grandparent’s nursing home years ago, you need to update yourself to today’s modern senior housing available in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.  We suggest visiting MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ website and follow the link to our Gallery where you will find stunning interior and exterior photos.  Also follow our links to a list of amenities and floor plans.  

While at our website, we suggest you take a look at our monthly calendar of wellness activities and special events to get an idea of the daily goings-on.  For example, on a Tuesday in June, assisted living residents could enjoy a scenic drive, catch up on current events, go to a Total Body Workout class, attend a Weekly Praise & Worship Service, play Bingo, and join our Inklings Writing Club all before dinner!  Activities are optional but participating can sure be fun and most likely you will be missed if you do not join in.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 assisted living suites on two levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, we have 28 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to learn more about 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the area.

Greater Verbal Memory Decline in Seniors Who Watch More TV

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults.   A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory.  The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older.  

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV.  Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.”   For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected.  

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults.  One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, residents have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV.  Our assisted living and memory care community provides the care services residents’ need as well as a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  With such a broad range of activities, we are sure you will find something of interest, such as exercise classes, reading and writing groups, painting classes, trivia and card games, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more.  Please call or visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.   

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php

Sleep Issues and Sundowning in Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome.  Those providing Alzheimer’s care to a loved one should be aware of the syndrome and know that there are coping strategies. 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also, because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.  

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.    

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors.   

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

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 Alzheimer’s care in a beautiful residential setting.  We encourage you to schedule a tour to see our exceptional community.

Sources: agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/sleep-issues-sundowning

Learn More about MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Memory Care

Unlike many other assisted living facilities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it is our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. 

Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances.  Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior. 

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise. They are also included in special events and scheduled outings.  

The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and includes an enclosed patio and courtyard that is reserved just for their use.  Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.   

MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve.  Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure.  In addition, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will participate in Alzheimer’s events such as Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Please visit our website for more information.

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.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we will provide our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our gorgeous new residential home offers resort-style amenities, a wide range care services and enrichment programs to enhance residents’ health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.   

Headed up by an enthusiastic Life Enrichment Team, each day MorningStar will present creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our activities will engage residents physically, mentally, spiritually and socially and help them to tap into their unique talents and experiences.  

We also will take to the road with outings and field trips to local parks, museums, shopping malls, and other areas of interest.  To get an idea of some of the activities our other MorningStar Senior Living communities offer, please visit our website and go to another community’s home page.   At the bottom of the page, you will find photos of “Life Around our House” or “Upcoming Events.” Pictures often include holiday celebrations or special events such as dances, family picnics and fundraising activities.  MorningStar communities never miss an opportunity to have fun! Furthermore take a look at one of our established communities’ monthly assisted living calendars to get an idea of everything that is offered to our residents.    

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our extensive grounds will include outdoor courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit and strolling paths as well as an in-house salon for hair-styling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, and much more.  We will also have a Bistro open 24-hours a day, and along with our beautiful restaurant-style dining in our main dining room, we offer residents a private dining area for intimate dinners with family and friends. 

Our website has a lot more information on our Happy Valley community including a direct link to find out more about pricing and availability.   You will also find directions to our onsite Information Center.  

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 top senior living communities in the area, we invite you to contact us or visit our onsite Information Center, which is open seven days a week! 

A Whole Array of Services Offered at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

MorningStar of Rio Rancho will open soon and we are busy getting everything ready to welcome residents to their new home.  Our team will work hard to make the transition for our seniors as smooth as possible and we look forward to the happy event.  

Once open, we are committed to looking after each and every resident as if they are family and offering an array of services designed to ensure their comfort and safety.  Residents will be provided with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both nutritional and tasty. Meals are served restaurant style in our dining room and assistance with eating is available if needed.   

Our community has a chapel/theatre, our own salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, courtyards, strolling paths, resident gardening areas, and a barbecue with outdoor kitchen and fire pit.  MorningStar’s common areas include a living room with computer, spa bath, massage room and a bistro. Residents can also take advantage of scheduled transportation to get out and about town as well as participate in special outings and planned events.  

MorningStar’s life enrichment program is designed to provide activities to enhance health and wellness; stimulate your brain; and encourage connection.  Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, our wellness activities present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

Although MorningStar of Rio Rancho is new, MorningStar Senior Living has communities across the country, including MorningStar of Albuquerque and MorningStar of Santa Fe.  Our Rio Rancho home will have an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other assisted living facilities.  Please visit our website for more information.  

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.

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.