Senior Living May Offer a Healthier Lifestyle

Did you know that studies show many older adults prefer the carefree life offered by senior living?  The idea of no longer having all of the responsibilities that come along with owning a home including the repairs and upkeep is very appealing to many seniors.  Furthermore, for seniors who still think moving into an assisted living community is a place people go to die, most likely have not visited one of today’s vibrant communities.  

There are even studies that suggest moving into senior living may be a healthier option for some than living alone.  This can especially be true for seniors after the death of a spouse as many begin to feel isolated and lonely.  Not to mention the burden of keeping up with household chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry or needing to move up and down stairs.  

Senior living communities offer an individual the opportunity to easily make new friends as well as gives them the time to pursue special interests or to explore new hobbies.  Also communities typically provide amenities such as onsite fitness centers in addition to offering a range of exercise classes geared toward the fitness level of older adults.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a new assisted living and memory care community that is set to open by the end of the year.  We understand that for some the “MorningStar” name may be new to Happy Valley, but we want to reassure you that MorningStar Senior Living is anything but new.  Our senior living communities are scattered throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened west of Portland last fall.  

In addition, we want you know that our community will be staffed by a compassionate, professional team of individuals who are experienced in all facets of senior living and committed to providing our residents a true “home.”  Visit our website for contact information and to find out more about our gorgeous new community. You are also welcome to stop by our Onsite Information Center which is open seven days a week.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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.

Help Prevent Falls

We have all heard stories or may have had an older relative take a fall that lead to serious injuries, hospitalization, or in the worst case, a fatality.  In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the fatal fall rate for people 65 years and older jumped 31 percent from 2007 to 2016, making falls the leading cause of injury-related death among people in this age group.  Falls are so common in the elderly that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says that many falls are preventable and publishes a one-page guide called “Take Control of Your Health: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall.”  Their first tip is to find a balance and exercise class that is specifically designed to help older adults built strength and improve their balance and flexibility.   

NCOA also recommends talking to your doctor about your fall threat.  Ask if any medications you are taking have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or other issues that could increase your risk for fall.  Moreover, be sure to share any recent falls you may have had with your healthcare provider as well as your family.  

Fall prevention includes having your vision and hearing tested annually.  If you need stronger glasses, get them and be sure to wear them. The next step is to do a survey of your home both inside and out to ensure you do not have unsafe areas that increase the likelihood of a fall.  Search the Internet for a checklist of things to look for in your home to improve safety. The NCOA suggests enlisting the aid of your family to help you keep your home safe for everyone.   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community comprehensively answers the demand for luxury senior living in Rio Rancho NM.  Along with our architecturally stunning building and resort-style amenities, we are most proud of our loving team of caregivers with a felt calling to serve.  Please visit our website to set up a tour.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Source: ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/NCOA-Falls-Free-Infographic-680pixels-0917.pdf

MorningStar of Happy Valley Opens in Late 2019

The entire MorningStar of Happy Valley team looks forward to welcoming residents to our new assisted living and memory care community, which is expected to open sometime before the end of 2019.  Designed from the ground up to serve the needs of seniors who require assistance with day-to-day personal care activities, our assisted living community will offer a true home for our residents.  

Our beautiful community has 61 bright suites for assisted living offered in a variety of configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet) to accommodate differing preferences and needs.  For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood’s 27 secure suites provide individualized, compassionate care for those in the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

While MorningStar of Happy Valley may be new to the area, MorningStar Senior Living is not.  We have senior living communities throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened last fall west of Portland.  We also want you to know our team is experienced in all facets of senior living and dedicated to providing residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  So along with the beautiful, welcoming design of our new community, we will be gathering a team of caregivers who have a felt calling to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

Located near the intersection of SE Sunnyside Rd and SE 145th Ave., our community enjoys a picturesque setting in an affluent residential neighborhood as well as the convenience of nearby shopping, banks, restaurants and medical facilities.  Please see our website, give us a call or drop by our Onsite Information Center.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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.

Rio Rancho’s Newest Senior Living Community Opens with Pomp & Ceremony

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho opened its doors with an Inaugural Reception that included plenty of pomp and ceremony on July 11th.  On our website, you will find a picture of the ribbon cutting by first depositor Wendy Alguero (with daughter Vicenta and son Andre), Shannon Barker, Executive Director, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger and Mayor Greg Hull.  The 150 attendees enjoyed a tour of MorningStar’s newest community in Rio Rancho, NM, a northern suburb of Albuquerque.

If a parent or loved one would benefit from the care and the many amenities and services assisted living offers but are reluctant to make a change in their current situation, please visit MorningStar’s Family Resource link to our helpful “Decision Guide.”   We know that while it is a good thing to have the various senior living options available today, it can lead to confusion and our Decision Guide helps to clarify them.   

One of the first tips in the guide is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve in terms of your parent’s comfort, wellbeing and safety.  We recommend doing this with an eye to not just next year, but to the next 5-10 years. If you are new to the concept of assisted living, it is a relatively new idea that first emerged in the late 1990s, and provides a refreshing change from nursing homes of old that were often institutional and depressing.  

For additional help with starting a conversation on senior living, request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent” from us.  It provides a thorough explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy.  

Please give us a call or use our online form to set up a tour if you or a loved one requires a little help with daily personal care activities and would benefit from companionship and the stimulation of our wellness programs and activities.  MorningStar of Rio Rancho is committed to providing the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer, and we look forward to meeting you.  

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

Does Mom or Dad Need More Help?

If your elderly parent lives alone, you may have wondered if they have an adequate support system to ensure their safety and comfort.  We encourage you to read some advice from the experts to determine if your parent needs more help to not just survive but to thrive!

Some of the things to find out are if they have had any recent falls or driving mishaps.  Do you have any reason to suspect they may be endangering their safety by forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances?  Do you see signs that they are having difficulty bathing and attending to personal daily care activities? Does their house look unusually unkempt with dirty dishes lying around and mail stacking up?  Are there signs of spoiled food or an empty refrigerator?   

Also consider if your parent has health conditions that are making it more difficult for them to care for themselves.  Poor balance and failing eyesight can increase the likelihood of a fall and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if your parent no longer drives, they may be having a hard time getting out to the grocery store or to doctor appointments as well as becoming too socially isolated.   

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision.  Our MorningStar of Happy Valley community, scheduled to open by the end of 2019, will offer the area both assisted living and memory care.  We now have an Onsite Information Center open seven days a week and invite you to stop by or call us for more information. 

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

How Alzheimer’s and Dementia-related Diseases are Diagnosed

In spite of all of the research done on Alzheimer’s and dementia, there is still no single test used to diagnose the disease.  Rather the Alzheimer’s Association explains that a diagnosis is made based on “a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function and behavior associated with each type.” 

In some cases, a person with signs of the disease may be referred to a neurologist or geriatrician to ensure an accurate diagnosis.  Laboratory testing includes blood tests and brain imaging, which are used to rule out other causes that may be contributing to dementia-like symptoms.  Other conditions doctors are looking for are signs of depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excessive use of alcohol and vitamin deficiencies.  If memory loss does stem from any of these other causes, it can be dealt with and generally reversed.   

Although Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, the Alzheimer’s Association emphasizes the importance of getting an early diagnosis as it gives someone a better chance of benefiting from available treatments.  If you need the name of a physician who is experienced in Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for a referral.  In addition the organization offers a worksheet that you can fill out beforehand to help prepare for your visit with your physician.   

Another reason why it is beneficial to understand what is happening to you or your loved one is that it not only can lessen anxieties, but also provides your family more time to prepare for the future.  Knowing what lies ahead also offers the individual an opportunity to be involved in future plans such as living options, dementia care, transportation and financial matters.   

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

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 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 the finest dementia care in Boise.   

Sources: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia, alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis

It’s Never Too Late to Benefit from Exercise

Too many seniors feel it is a waste of time to start exercising as it won’t do them any good and may actually harm them or that they cannot do it due to physical limitations.  In fact, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published a report that found about 67 percent of older adults are sedentary for at least 8.5 hours each day, which strongly suggests a need to improve activity levels for senior health.  Experts explain there are many unexpected benefits that can be gained from regular physical exercise regardless of your age or fitness level.  

One benefit as reported by the National Council for Medicine is exercise is one of the “most crucial options for arthritis management.”  In addition to lubricating the joints, it helps to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Regular exercise can also help seniors lose weight.  This is important as obesity is a risk factor for arthritis as well as type II diabetes and other medical conditions.  

Other studies seem to suggest exercise may lessen your chance of getting cancer including data that found women who perform moderate to regular exercise may “have shown a 30 to 40 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.”  Another study indicates exercise may also slow the effects of dementia.  It reported a “37 percent reduced risk and a 66 percent reduction in risk of dementia when older adults performed moderate-intensity exercise suggesting every adult ought to exercise to help lower the risk of mental decline and to help prevent mental disability later in life.” 

MorningStar of Happy Valley also recognizes the importance of older adults living a healthy lifestyle.  When our assisted living and memory care community opens at the end of the year, we will offer an array of services and wellness programs along with healthy daily meals that are designed to ensure our residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Please visit our website to learn more, or stop by our onsite Information Center.   

Please consult your health care provider before starting any new physical activity.

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 the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.

Moderate Exercise is Important for Learning and Memory

Decreases in brain metabolism have been shown to be a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and predictive of cognitive decline and the conversion to Alzheimer’s in older adults. Scientists believe that physical activity can modulate brain glucose metabolism but until now it was unclear what level of intensity and duration of exercise was most beneficial.   

Recently the National Institute on Aging published an article that found “even moderate physical activity may increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory.”   The NIA-supported study was led by Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo of the University of Wisconsin.   

Researchers had cognitively normal, late-middle age (average age 64 years old) participants wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure their daily physical activity.  Afterward, they looked at the amount of time each participant engaged in “light (e.g., a slow walk), moderate (e.g., a fast walk), and vigorous activities (e.g., run).”  The data was analyzed to determine how they “corresponded with glucose metabolism within brain areas that have been demonstrated to be impacted in people with Alzheimer’s.” 

Increasing the levels of moderate physical activity showed an increase in cerebral glucose metabolism across all brain regions examined.  Participants that engaged in light physical activity had no changes to the metabolism in any of the brain regions examined.  Another thing that impacted the amount of brain glucose metabolism was the duration of time spent in moderate physical activity.  Researchers found that the more time a person spent doing moderate levels of physical activity (average 43.3 min/day to average 68.1 min/day), the greater the increase in brain glucose metabolism. 

The NIA says it is encouraging evidence that physical activity may be beneficial for neurometabolic function.  Moreover, they say it is a “critical contribution to the efforts to identify the intensity and duration of physical activity that confer the most advantage for combating Alzheimer’s-related changes in mid-life.” 

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.

Source:nia.nih.gov/news/moderate-physical-activity-linked-increases-metabolism-across-brain-regions

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is Designed for a Carefree Retirement

If you would like the freedom to enjoy your retirement years without many worries, we invite you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills.  Located in Fountain Hills, AZ, our community has views of the celebrated lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of over 500 feet every hour. We are also conveniently located to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores.

For assisted living, we offer 63 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans on two levels, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Each unit offers high-end finishes and includes lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  

For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Furthermore, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities to engage residents intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.   If you take a look at our monthly calendar posted on our website, you will see a variety of daily activities that are inspirational and motivating as well as just plain fun. If all this sounds like something you or a loved one would be interested in, we invite you schedule a visit to see our beautiful community in person.     

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 and memory care in the area.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Unique Approach to Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family.  All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path.    

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills understands that families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one. Along with 63 private suites for assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss.  We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.   

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.  Additionally, as we believe that many of the adverse behaviors associated with dementia are often side effects of antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have less than 10% of our residents on any of these types of drugs.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed.  Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ need in mind and are as good to look at as they are to eat.     

Please contact us or visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Proudly Welcomes Vets

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pleased to provide families with ideas for additional financial solutions beyond traditional retirement savings and investment income to help pay for assisted living or memory care.  On our website, you will find extensive information on several under-utilized financial benefits and resources including a full explanation of the generous “Aid & Attendance” pension from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.   

Aid & Attendance is a monthly benefit payment available to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities.  To be eligible, the vet must have served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days spent serving during a period of a foreign war. Furthermore, the vet cannot have been dishonorably discharged.  The benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired from the military. Surviving spouses of the vet are also eligible for the Aid & Attendance pension if they were married to the vet at the time of their death and have not remarried.      

When we find out that a vet or the family of a vet is interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to local resources that can help to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.  In every state including Arizona, there is a Department of Military/Veteran Affairs staffed with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who will help you complete the 41-page Aid & Attendance application free of charge. The approval process typically takes 3 to 4 months.  

Throughout our many MorningStar’s communities, we are privileged to have veterans from all five branches of military service call us home.  Please visit our website and take a look at our Family Resources information regarding ways to finance assisted living including “Aid & Attendance” pension benefits for Veterans.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

It is Important that Seniors Stay Hydrated

Now that we are in mid-summer and outside temperatures are soaring, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.  

There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age.  This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration.  Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink.  

Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink  something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time.  The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to see to the needs of our residents.   Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Memory Care Designed to Feel Like Home

As one of the area’s top assisted living communities, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 28 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

In fact every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities and scheduled outings and events.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers exceptional assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

Stylish, Well-designed Floors Plans at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our community, you most certainly will understand why MorningStar of Fountain Hills is the type of assisted living and memory care you want for you or your loved one.  Along with a whole array of amenities and services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we also offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences.  We have 63 assisted living suites on two levels that offer a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 28 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and  other types of dementia.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ stylish suites are designed for our residents’ utmost comfort and safety and include ceiling llighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  Each unit is equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and separate heating and air conditioning controls. In addition your monthly fee will include basic cable TV and utilities as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.   We also offer weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services, and additionally have onsite laundry facilities available to residents.  

So all you need to do is bring your furnishings and personal items to your new home and we will provide the rest including three daily tasty and nutritional meals, a 24/7 care staff, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation and much more.  And in case you wondered, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pet friendly. When you visit our website, please use our convenient form to learn more about pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour of our gorgeous 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 and memory care in the area.

Dementia Care Offering Wellness Programs and Meaningful Activities

MorningStar at Englefield Green provides individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Our holistic care is designed to affirm the dignity and value of the person within a supportive, loving atmosphere. 

MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore. To aid us in this quest, our Life Enrichment team provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities that help to connect with and nurture the essence of the person regardless of the level of memory loss. 

Our monthly calendar includes a variety of exercise classes appropriate for our residents’ level of fitness.  The classes start with Sunday Strong, to Monday Movements, Tuesday Workout, Wednesday Workout, Aerobic Thursday, Friday Fitness, and Saturday Strong.  Residents are encouraged to participate in whatever capacity they are most comfortable with. 

Additionally, Englefield Green residents enjoy a range of activities and games that not only use cognitive skills but are fun for staff and residents alike.  Examples include Brain Games, Craft Corner, Bingo, Trivia Time, Baking Buddies and much more.  Furthermore, each month we have special events and programs such as the sounds of Cowboy Andres, Dan Costello on guitar, and an Apple Pie Social while enjoying Rachel play the harp.

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website to learn more about our specialized memory care and to set up a tour.   From the moment you walk through the door, you will see why our community is a true home.     

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.

Dining Together Helps to Bond Us as Family and Friends

MorningStar of Happy Valley is slated to become one of the premier senior living communities in the area when we open later this year.  We are MorningStar Senior Living’s second assisted living and memory care community in the Portland area, the other being MorningStar of Beaverton which opened late last year.

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

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

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

Our community will offer 61 private assisted living suites as well as 27 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has lots of common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  To learn more about pricing and availability, please email or give us a call.      

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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.

Our New Happy Valley Community is Designed as a “True Home”

Great News! MorningStar of Happy Valley’s Information Center is now open seven days a week.  We invite you to stop by and learn more about our new assisted living and memory care community opening later this year.  We are located in a residential neighborhood southeast of Portland, at the intersection of SE Sunnyside Rd. and SE 145th Ave.

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.  Residents will have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our wellness programs and activities will be designed to engage and support residents’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs.

Starting with our attractive exterior, MorningStar of Happy Valley will be a place anyone would be proud to call home.  Situated on an expansive 2-acre parcel, it will provide residents and their families the opportunity to get out and enjoy Oregon’s beautiful weather.  The exterior areas feature comfortable courtyards with unique artwork and trellises, strolling paths, resident gardening areas, and a barbecue and fire pit.

In addition, our spacious 3-story building will offer lots of common areas that include a general store, salon, game room, fitness and wellness center, and a 24-hour bistro with full bar.  As a resident, you will be treated to delicious, healthy meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  And for special occasions, we offer a private dining room for intimate diners.  

Beautifully-appointed throughout, our interior is designed by the award-winning senior interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design, known for their passion and expertise in designing comfortable, functional, innovative and dignified environments for seniors.  Please visit our website or stop by the Information Center for more information. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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 the Happy Valley – Clackamas area.   

Join the “MorningStar Family” at Our New Happy Valley Community

When our beautiful MorningStar of Happy Valley opens its doors later this year, we will be excited to finally get the chance to start serving our special residents.  Our whole team is committed to being one of the finest senior living communities in the area and to live up to our unique mission statements 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’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Fifteen years later, MorningStar has continued to grow and prosper including MorningStar of Happy Valley as well as another Oregon community, MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened last year.

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Our compassionate community is filled with love and laughter as we aspire to and nurture our core value of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as for information on pricing and availability.           

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 Happy Valley’s Assisted Living Caters to All of Your Needs

MorningStar of Happy Valley is getting ready to open its doors later this year.  As the area’s newest assisted living and memory care community, we will fill a well-needed niche for senior housing in Happy Valley Oregon, a fast-growing suburb of Portland.  Our community has 61 private assisted living suites, and another 27 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.  

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

You monthly fee is based on a couple of things including your choice of apartment (we offer spacious studios and one-and two bedrooms suites) and its location within the building and views.  In addition we offer five levels of care for assisted living, and your level will be determined by your care plan. MorningStar also offers a range of auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, which are priced a la carte.     

MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Amenities include a bistro, life enrichment room, fitness and wellness center, library and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. Our equally enjoyable outdoor areas include courtyards featuring artwork and a trellis, barbecue, fire pit and strolling paths.   Please visit our website for more information.  

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

Help Prevent Falls with Balance Exercises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year.  Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and number of falls will continue to increase as America’s baby boomers grow older.

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life.  

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere.  The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability.  They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises.  To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.  Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.   

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot.  Your heel and toes should be touching. Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk.  Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

As one of the area’s top senior living communities, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility.  Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful new community opening later this year.

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Happy Valley, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/balance-exercises/sls-20076853