How MorningStar of Rio Rancho Cares for Seniors

One of the newest communities for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier.  The way we deliver our exceptional service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our daily Huddle.  

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

We use the program to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  It distinguishes our compassion and care as well as our service professionalism and provides residents the respect and dignity they deserve.  As Courtney Sonnier, Director of Community Relations so eloquently stated, “What attracts me most to MorningStar is teamwork. There is no “that’s not my job” attitude. Knowing you have a strong supportive group of people makes all the difference.”

Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar of Rio Rancho was designed to best serve our residents’ needs.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floorplans.  We offer 51 suites for assisted living and 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

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.

Making Your Suite Feel Like Home

We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted living is certainly a major change for many seniors.  However, experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period.   

One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite.  Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space."  

Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display.  Trigging happy memories with sentimental items is a big step toward making their new place a real home. Also accent pillows and pictures are an easy way to add a lot of color and attractiveness to their place.  

Please keep in mind safety concerns when placing furniture and avoid using area rugs that can become trip hazards or overcrowding a room and not leaving enough space to easily navigate.  Install hand rails where needed and make sure there is easily accessible lighting in the bathrooms and hallways if the person is getting up at night.    

Helping your loved stay organized can improve the home’s safety as well as the aesthetic.  Consider any mobility issues the person may have and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach on a shelf.  Chairs and sofas should be firm and stable.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we have 61 private bright suites for assisted living and another 27 secure memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.    We are committed to provide the best senior living in the area, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/health-care/best-assisted-living/slideshows/decorating-tips-for-assisted-living

Preventing Common Illnesses

With lots of stories about viruses in the news every day, it is probably a good time to review some basics from experts about how to prevent spreading a cold or the flu.  To start with it is important to know how long someone is contagious.   

In the case of the common cold, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention explains that different viral strains cause the symptoms of a cold, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses.  Since each of these viruses evolves and adapt to their environment, it explains why we do not have a cure for the common cold. Experts also say that a cold typically lasts for about 10 days and that we are probably contagious for that amount of time.  

Depending on the person, influenza typically last for up to 10 days.  Doctors explain a person is contagious one day before they start having symptoms and up to seven more days.  The flu affects people of all ages but some groups more severely than other such as the elderly, young children and people with compromised immune systems.

Both the common cold and the flu are highly contagious and it requires all of us to be vigilant in not passing them along to others.  There are several good habits we need to adopt, especially in cold and flu season, and they start with washing our hands frequently (alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective), to avoid touching our mouth, nose and eyes, and to avoid contact with people who are sick.  Moreover if you get sick, stay home.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, an assisted living and memory care community, we encourage our residents and employees to all get a flu shot each year.  We also ask that if a staff member is sick, they stay home, and discourage families from visiting residents if they are sick or feel like they may be coming down with something.  MorningStar takes our responsibility to keep our residents as healthy as possible with tasty, nutrient-rich meals, wellness programs and a whole range of care services and onsite amenities.    

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.

Is it Time for Assisted Living?

It is sometimes difficult for adult children to realize their parent needs more care in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  This is why MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers a Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process of making the move to senior living, especially assisted living, which is a relatively new paradigm in wellness and engagement.  

Some of the typical signs that indicate your parent needs more help include falling, driving mishaps, and forgetting significant things such as leaving the stove-top on.  Also, really take a look at how they are living. Does their home seem a lot more cluttered and less tidy? Is unopened mail piling up? Does your parent suffer from failing eyesight, poor balance or forgetfulness?  Another sign your parent is not doing well on their own is if they look less groomed or appear to be wearing the same clothes for days at a time?  

When you put all of this together, it probably means your loved one is not able to care for themselves as they once did, and it is time to begin discussing alternatives to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  Start by gathering your family together in a relaxed atmosphere and approach the conversation slowly. Remember your first conversation is just a starting point and the decision will most likely be made in stages.  During the conversation it should be noted that getting the care your loved one needs will benefit the whole family. You may even be pleasantly surprised to learn your parent has started to think they need a change.  

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, newly opened in July, offers 51 private assisted living suites along with 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We provide residents a lifestyle of wellbeing, comfort and community with a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities.  Please give us a call to set up a tour to see our beautiful community for senior living in Rio Rancho NM.  

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.

Experience MorningStar of Happy Valley with a Short Stay

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we understand it can be difficult to decide if it is the time to move into assisted living as many seniors do not like the thought of giving up their home and their independence.  However, if you have not looked into today’s senior living communities, you may be unaware that many are like true homes.  Also, when you move into a community and start receiving the daily help you need, you will most likely start feeling more independent than you did before.     

While change can be hard for anyone, it can be especially hard for elderly adults who like things a certain way.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think.

A respite stay ensures you get the personal attention you need in a quiet, restful place as you recover from surgery or to convalesce from an illness.  Also you have the advantages offered by companionship and community that can make the healing process easier.   

In addition, there may be times when your regular caregiver needs a vacation.  A short-term stay with us gives you a chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.  During your stay, you will receive all the amenities offered to full-time residents such as 24-hour care managers, medication management, and daily meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  Onsite amenities include a library, theatre, fitness room and more; and a broad array of activities and wellness programs offered on a daily basis, in-house entertainment and fun outings. And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

In other words, while under our roof, you will enjoy delicious, nutritional meals, meet new friends and have the opportunity to join in a variety of intellectual, physical, social and spiritual activities.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to see to your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.

Learn More About Osteoporosis

The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  These injuries often lead to serious complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care. 

The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most commonly in the hip, wrist or spine.  They explain that our bones are made up of living tissue that is “constantly being broken down and replaced.”  The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with the removal of old bone. As we age, bone replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can recreate it.   

The bones of people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point that a mild fall may cause a broken bone.  In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even movements such as coughing or bending over. The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  

There are a number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis.  These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors.  

A painless test is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones.  To treat osteoporosis, patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of medications. For others at a lower risk, they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in weight-bearing exercises. 

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 of Rio Rancho represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho offers.

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

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808  

The Link Between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have suggested a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection.  Moreover while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  

One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline.  However we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.  

Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the damage caused by the other.   With new research, experts hope to get a better understanding of the connection between the two diseases.  “That link may occur as a result of the complex ways that type 2 diabetes affects the ability of the brain and other body tissues to use sugar (glucose) and respond to insulin.”

We also know that diabetes increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may eventually lead to full blown dementia.  In addition, MCI can also appear years earlier in people who later are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, a memory care unit in Boise, our loving community was specifically designed to serve the needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As dementia specialists, we recognize that the essence of the person still exists – our job is to find ways to connect with that essence regardless of the level of memory loss. Please contact us for more information.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care unit in Boise, ID.

Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987

Learn More About MorningStar’s New Community in Happy Valley

MorningStar of Happy Valley is so pleased to finally get the chance to serve as well as get to know our wonderful residents now that our beautiful assisted living and memory care community has been opened for several months.  While new to Happy Valley, we are not new to the state and have another community, MorningStar of Beaverton, which opened in the fall of 2018.  

Our leadership team brings their vast experience of serving seniors to MorningStar, and understands all it takes to give residents a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities.  In addition, they are building and coaching a loving team of individuals with a felt calling to serve who willingly embrace our mission to help elevate the lives of our residents.    

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

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers secure suites for memory care.  MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to provide care to our most tender residents.  MorningStar’s philosophy and approach is encompassed under the breadth of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” All of our team members receive training in Lavender Sky, which will give them an expanded set of tools to provide residents with extraordinary care.      

Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.  We enjoy a picturesque setting in a residential neighborhood southeast of Portland, and are convenient to stores, restaurants, and other services.

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.

Hearing Loss is Common in Older Adults

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have some difficultly hearing.  This can cause seniors to experience difficulty understanding and following doctor's orders, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.” Hearing loss can leave people feeling isolated as they have problems following and engaging in conversations with family and friends.   

The medical term for hearing loss is presbycusis; and typically starts gradually by affecting the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  A person may feel like the volume is loud enough on the TV but the dialogue is mumbled. Experts explain this is caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Generally age-related hearing loss affect both ears equally.  

High blood pressure and diabetes, both common health conditions in older adults, can also affect the hearing as does some types of chemotherapy drugs.  Furthermore, people of all ages are at risk of hearing loss with long-term exposure to loud noise such as on a jobsite.  

If you or a loved one seems to be having trouble hearing, NIDCD has a checklist of questions to answer.  For example, do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?  Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper? Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem?   If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, discuss the problem with your health care provider. They will refer you to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  If a problem is found, you will be referred to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. From there you may be fitted for a hearing aid. 

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 of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Cost of Assisted Living Compared to In-Home Care

As seniors get to the point in their lives where they need daily help in order to live comfortably and safely, many families worry that assisted living will cost more than they can afford.  The reality according to aPlaceforMom is that assisted living may actually be less expensive than the cost of cobbling together everything you need to support your parent.  They state that after “dealing with the initial sticker shock and touring a community most families change their minds and realize assisted living is a great value.”

You may be asking yourself how this can be true.  To start with, if your parent is living alone in the family home, they have on-going expenses such as mortgage payments or yearly taxes and insurance as well as routine maintenance and repair costs.  If your parent is renting, costs continue to rise each year with increases in rent and utility bills.

In addition, many elderly adults no longer feel comfortable driving and are not getting out like they used to, which can lead to feelings of isolation.  Studies show seniors who live alone often “experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.”  Furthermore, if they are unable to drive, they will require assistance with getting to and from doctor appointments, running errands and buying groceries.  

Another expense you may encounter when your parent is living in their own house is the modification that may be required to allow them to move safely about the home.  These types of changes can be expensive, and when it comes time to sell, may impact the worth of the home. The bottom line is that after you add up all of the services and amenities included in the cost of assisted living, aPlaceforMom concludes it may actually be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home.  

If you are looking for the best senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho.  See our website to check on pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour.   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho offers.

Searching for Senior Living in the Fountain Hills or Scottsdale Area?

Are you and your family beginning the search for senior living and trying to determine the services offered at different communities?  If you live in and around the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale, AZ area we want you to know that MorningStar of Fountain Hills is worth a look!  

MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 with the intention of providing senior living defined by the human touch. As Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger explains, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  MorningStar of Fountain Hills is one of four MorningStar communities in the Greater Phoenix area, and one of more than 30 open or under construction across the country.

We truly believe that the more you get to know about our loving home, the more you will discover just how different we are from other senior living communities.  One of those things is that we view seniors as heroes who have gone through a lifetime of trials and tribulations and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.    MorningStar accomplishes this mission by hiring a team of service professionals who have a felt calling to serve and are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  

This means our staff treats our residents much like they would their own moms and dads by greeting residents by their names, learning their preferences, and asking with real interest about their families.  Our loving team is comprised of people who go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents (even their unexpressed ones), and do the right thing even when no one is watching. After all, our goal is to create a true home for our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Is Your Parent Doing Well Living Alone?

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!

Have they had any recent falls or driving mishaps lately?  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 socially isolated.   

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) at home or an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision.  MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area exceptional assisted living and memory care.  We provide the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  

We are certain MorningStar’s well-designed suites and welcoming common areas will impress you from the first but the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated, loving care team.   For more information, please see our website.    

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Studies Show a Link Between Social Interaction and Wellbeing

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we know that senior communities offer many benefits including the often-overlooked benefit of socialization.  Senior living provides a natural, easy way to be around people that share your interests as well as encourages older adults to stay engaged in life.  In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has substantial research that shows socialization is an important component to our good health.   

One thing the NIH studies consistently found is a “strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being among older adults.”  Moreover they found that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults.  They report that social relationships are strongly associated with biomarkers of health and that loneliness may have a physical as well as an emotional impact such as a higher risk for symptoms of depression.  

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we proudly offer services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit, and consider Wellness to be a joint effort between Life Enrichment and our Wellness Care Team.  In addition, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.  

Please visit MorningStar of Fountain Hills’s website to learn more about our beautiful senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  Our community has 63 suites for assisted living, and an additional 28 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive 

Avoid Possible Drug Interactions

Often seniors take multiple medications daily that in some cases have been prescribed by a couple of different doctors for different conditions.  In addition, they may also be taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All of this can lead to problems with drug interactions and side effects that range from mild to severe including death.

In a report by the US News & World Report, it cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that suggest each year there are four visits to the ER per 1,000 adults attributed to adverse drug effects.  First published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, statistics find that almost 60 percent of Americans take at “least one prescription drug, and nearly 20 percent are taking more than five prescriptions medicines.”  The study also looked at OTC medications and warns that there is a huge potential for “side effects, drug-drug interactions and negative outcomes.” It also states that for the elderly, the possibility of dangerous drug interactions is even greater.  

One of the most important things that a patient or family member can do to reduce the likelihood of this happening is to communicate with all of your health care providers about the prescription and OTC medications that you take.   It is a good idea, especially if you take more than one medication, to write down the names of the drugs and the amount you take each day and carry it in your wallet. You can also take a picture of the list of medications with your cell phone so you always have it handy.  Another tip is to fill your prescriptions at the same drug store and to build a relationship with the pharmacist as he or she can help to spot potential problems involving drug interactions.   

Annually review the need for each medication with your health care provider and discuss how long you will need to take the drug.  Lastly be sure to check each new prescription container for accuracy as pharmacies sometimes do make mistakes.  

Looking for senior living in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area for yourself or a loved one?  MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides the utmost care for our assisted living and memory care residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Finding the Best Memory Care Community

While it is difficult to select an assisted living community for a parent or loved one, it is even harder to decide on memory care for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  However, there are a few things you should know that will help to make your decision easier before you move your parent or loved one into a community.   

To start with, it is important to visit the communities you are interested in at least once before you make a decision as you will want to see firsthand what the place looks and feels like and not just rely on their advertisements.  When looking for the best memory care, it is important to know if the community is equipped to handle residents in the early stages of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages. Furthermore, ask if your loved one will have a written care plan, and what methods are used to assess each resident and how often are they updated.

Other questions that are important to know include the level of care a resident will receive at the community.  Is there assistance with daily personal care and, if needed, will your parent receive help with meals? You will also want to know if the lay-out of the community is specifically designed to accommodate those with memory loss as well as offer secure outdoor spaces.  Does the community provide recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainment and physical exercise? Most importantly does the staff appear to be compassionate and caring as well as knowledgeable about the disease?   

If you are looking for memory care in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills.   MorningStar’s approach to memory care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained team uses gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities. Contact us to learn more.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Source: caring.com/articles/checklist-choosing-memory-care-facility   

Does Your Loved One with Dementia Need More Care?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task.  As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe.  For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver. 

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly? Have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately?  Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication?  Have they fallen recently?  Have you found the burners on the stove left on?  Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wandering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. 

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout.  Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing.  They also suggest the person may be bored at home.  Alzheimer’s care homes have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation. 

If it is time to look for a community with specialized memory care in the Boise area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.   MorningStar’s loving community of 50 secure suites is devoted to the individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.   Our building is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom allowing them to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily.  Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.

Social Isolation and Loneliness May Affect Your Health

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.   

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health. Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute. Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to give us call or visit our website for more information about our new senior living community. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

MorningStar of Happy Valleys’ Reflections Neighborhood Offers Hope

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We do not just care for our special residents’ needs but also provide support to their families.  We know that a dementia diagnosis and prognosis is met with all kinds of questions and anxiety, and part of our job is to help families cope with the uncertainty.  As they try to adjust to their new reality, we deliver hope, and for the memory-impaired, hope comes wrapped in intentionality and creativity. 

Our extensive experience in dementia care has shown us that healing always comes from human touch, from empathy, and from purposeful engagement.  Dementia sufferers live in a purple world – an alternative reality, and the best way to reach them is to “get purple” too.  Right from the beginning of our relationship with a resident, we find out as much as we can about their history, their preferences and special talents and use that to help us sort through what their behavior is really trying to communicate.  For example, if a resident is getting agitated and saying they must go home, we respond with, “Tell me about your home; what is it like? Why do you love it so?”  

In addition, our team encourages families not to dwell on what has been lost but rather to be surprised by what is found.  We have discovered that if we truly enter the moment, we can embrace what comes next. To help guide our families, we recommend they learn as much as they can about the disease because with understanding, comes acceptance.  We also think it is beneficial to join an Alzheimer’s Association support group. Lastly our families are always welcomed and encouraged to join us as we participate in one of our Alzheimer’s Association events to help raise funds and awareness of the disease. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving memory care.  While you are there, use the link on our home page to setup a tour or to inquire about pricing and availability.  

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 create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Seniors and Driving

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence.  This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?” Also it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries.  

Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving.  To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life.  So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions.  

The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them.  Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so.  For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action.  Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow. Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents.  

Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways.  They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain. Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic.   

One of the many advantages of senior living is that most communities offer services for transportation.  This ensures your loved one will get to their doctor appointments safely and any other errands they need to do.  If you would like to learn more about the best senior living in Rio Rancho, NM, please contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho.  We welcome any questions and will be more than happy to speak with you and your family.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  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 see for yourself the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

MorningStar at Englefield Green Provides Loving Memory Care

At MorningStar at Englefield Green, our whole community is committed to providing loving, experienced memory care.  Our compassionate, professional team has a good understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and takes a holistic approach to caring for our tender residents. 

MorningStar’s memory care is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  Our spacious building has 50 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Suites are offered in a range of configurations and include studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom options.

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Englefield Green a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Our distinct mission statement reads to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  Please visit our website to set up a tour of one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes or to inquire about availability and pricing.     

MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.