Looking for a Gift for Mom or Dad in Assisted Living?

It can be difficult to find the right Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift for a parent living in an assisted living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.  

One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. 

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift.  

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks. 

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your parent is not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Include with the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Our Vision is to Create a True Home

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our goal is to be one of the area’s best senior living communities, and the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents is our greatest priority.  This is why we have a group of team members who feel privileged to serve seniors and are the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face.  Our dedicated team is the heartbeat of our community and strives to deliver service that represents the mission and philosophy of MorningStar Senior Living, which includes honoring God and valuing seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.

Our vision is to create a true home for our residents, and we consider both our residents and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Fountain Hills family.  To provide caregivers and other team members with the tools they need to bring their best to the community, our staff receives training in “Radiance,” our proprietary brand of Service Excellence.  

Radiance embodies the ways we advance our mission and deliver our service - with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose.  Furthermore, it is reiterated each day during our daily Huddle so as to create a culture that is not only defined by what we do but by the kind of people who bring it all to life – our team members.  

Our community offers beautiful suites for assisted living in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood has secure memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from our fireside patio and porches.  

In addition, as a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against COVID-19.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Maintain a Healthy Diet as You Age

Regardless of your age it is important to have a nutrient-rich diet in order to stay as healthy as possible.  Even for people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, eating well can make a difference in how they feel; but unfortunately, many seniors do not always know what constitutes a healthy diet.  

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides some helpful tips for older adults to follow to improve their diet.  One of the first things they say is to make sure to stay hydrated because as we age, we lose some of our sense of thirst.  They recommend drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages with lots of added sugars.

Seniors’ diets should include fruits and vegetables in a variety of different colors, lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and lean protein.  While vegetables and fruits are a good source of fiber, full of vitamins, and low-calorie, they can be difficult to chew for some elderly people with dental problems.  If that is a problem, substitute softer foods including canned fruits and meats such as tuna.  Also adding herbs or spices to food is a good way to enhance flavor.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our residents are treated to three daily meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest produce by our Executive Chef.  We also incorporate BrainWise foods into our meals such as nuts, berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate. Recipes are modified to accommodate changing needs and diets including low-sodium, sugar-free, vegetarian, and low-fat choices.  

Please visit our website for more information on our loving assisted living and memory care community.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members during this hard time.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/choosing-healthy-meals-you-get-older

Music May Comfort Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

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

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

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

MorningStar of Englefield Green’s goal is to be one of the best Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise, and our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease.  Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise.

Gift Ideas for an Elderly Parent

Now that spring is here Mother’s and Father’s Day will be here before we know it.  For many of us that means trying to think of a thoughtful gift for an elderly parent.  

There are a couple of reasons this task can be difficult including the fact that seniors often have most everything they need already.  In addition, your parent may be living in a smaller apartment or resides in a senior living community where many of his or her day-to-day needs are met.  In other words, they are not running a full household including cooking daily meals or doing a lot of in-home entertaining.

Living in smaller quarters also makes gift ideas more challenging as they may not have a lot of extra room for more stuff.  This is why unique gifts that are practical, personal or help to improve quality of life make great presents and the Internet has lots of ideas.  

A popular suggestion is memory-making presents and each year there seems to be more and more clever options to choose from.   Throws and mugs with pictures of family are always welcomed as is a moving picture frame chocked full of recent photos of the grandkids (or great-grandkids).  Also remember your time is one of the best gifts of all and giving an elderly parent an empty photo album, a box of family photos and a commitment that you will help them put it together is a way to make new memories and share old ones.   

Another good gift is a sound machine for anyone with problems sleeping, and many can be set to run for a specific time.  Monthly subscriptions for baskets of particular foods they love, fancy lotions and soaps, teas or other goodies also make excellent gifts.  If a loved one is hearing-impaired, a wireless headphone set that clarifies dialogue from the TV is a gift they will appreciate as well as everyone around them.  For the sight-impaired, consider a lighted magnifying glass or oversized playing cards and such. Puzzles, fancy coloring books with a new set of colored pencils or markers, or brain games are also good ideas.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we proudly offer exceptional senior living southeast of Portland, OR.  Our beautiful assisted living and memory care community provides all of the services and amenities residents need to ensure their utmost comfort.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability or to set up a tour of the finest assisted living and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.

Facts About Our Senior Population

Many people make the mistake that they know everything there is about a senior and that one elderly person is much the same as another.  We are here to say nothing could be further from the truth.  As a company with a mission statement that reads to: value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence; it our calling to provide loving homes for our residents.

As we know that older adults are living longer than any other generation in the past, it is not surprising to hear that the numbers of seniors over 65 years of age is growing.  In fact, in a 2016 study, it reports that one of every seven Americans (49.2 million) was 65 years or older, and the number of seniors 65 or older is expected to almost double to 98 million by 2060.  By 2040, the number of seniors from 2000 will double up to around 82.3 million. 

Moreover, it is true that women make up a larger portion of adults 65 and older with 12.6 women to every 10 men, and the statistics grow as seniors’ age.  By the time seniors reach the age of 85, women outnumber men two to one.   However elderly women are more likely than men to suffer from functional limitations according to the Institute on Aging.  A 2009 study reports, “About 46 percent of female Medicare enrollees age 65+ had difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) or were in a facility, compared with 35 percent of their male counterparts.”  Also, in 2016, 82,000 seniors had reached the age of one hundred or older.  

The Albuquerque Journal reported in 2014 that the state’s number of individuals over 65 years increased by 12 percent from 2010 to 2013, compared with a national increase of 10 percent, according to estimates from the Census Bureau.  By 2030, the 65+ population will more than double to become the 4th largest percentage of individuals 65 years and older in the nation.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, a senior community located north of Albuquerque, we provide residents with compassionate assisted living and memory care.  Our beautiful community offers all of the amenities, care services and wellness programs residents need.  Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed senior living in Rio Ranch NM.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.     

MorningStar at Englefield Green Offers Exceptional Memory Care

MorningStar at Englefield Green is proud to offer exceptional specialized, loving memory care in Boise.  Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, operates senior living communities throughout the Western U.S.  This means MorningStar at Englefield Green benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained over their 16 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to provide care to our tender residents.  Our community was built in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with dementia-related memory impairment and residents have the independence to safely move about their spacious surroundings.

We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of the memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it.  MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to this kind of supported living is encompassed under the breadth of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Thus, each day we strive to thoughtfully “enter, embrace and explore” the world of dementia.  All of our team members regardless of their position will receive training in Lavender Sky, which will give them an expanded set of tools to provide residents with extraordinary care.   

MorningStar wants you to know that during the COVID-19 outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof.

Please visit our website for more information about our dedicated and compassionate memory care.  We consider it an honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our unique approach to memory care.  

MorningStar’s Approach to COVID-19

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we are staying vigilant in our approach to the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.   Our highest priority is to the health and safety of our residents, their families and our staff members.   

We are doing all we can to achieve this including instituting a policy that temporarily suspends non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our home.  MorningStar is also keeping up-to-date and following closely, and in many cases exceeding, guidelines set by the CDC to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone in our home.   

Some of these actions include having all assisted living residents dine in their suites with the exception of those with an Individualized Service Plan that requires assistance with eating.  They will be served in the dining room, widely spaced from one another.  Our memory care residents will dine as usual but they too will be spread out as far apart as possible.  Other steps include suspending all non-essential visits (medical personal and end-of-life situations are the exception), eliminating all resident outings, and cancelling all events and outside entertainment.  

All of our team members have received training on infection control with an emphasis on hand sanitation including information from the CDC on COVID-19 and the uniqueness of this viral strain.  We have ordered extra disinfectants and other cleaning supplies as we as modified and increased the frequency of our cleaning practices throughout our home.    

However most importantly of all, our team knows our residents well and is on high alert for any signs of respiratory illness, and has plans in place to address this including protocols for quarantine and relocation, as needed.  We invite you to visit our website to read our full coronavirus COVID-19 update.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 61 compassionate, comfortable assisted living suites with options that include spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans, some as large as 865 square feet.  We also have 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability or to set up a tour of the finest assisted living and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.

Visit Our Website to Learn More About MorningStar of Happy Valley

If you have started the search for senior living in the Happy Valley-Clackamas area we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community.  While we only opened to residents late last year, we are proud to say we have already earned a reputation as a beautiful and loving home.

We always suggest that families schedule a tour of MorningStar to get a firsthand look, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information.  Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.        

Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission.  We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members with servants’ hearts who are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  In addition, our service is guided by Radiance, and designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  

Within our FAQs, you will also find answers explaining what assisted living is, the type of services we offer, and how your level of care is determined (it is based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  This information allows us to set up a customized care plan that is reviewed periodically to keep up with any changing health needs.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.  Each day we strive to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged.  Please visit our website to set up a tour or to request information on pricing and availability on compassionate senior living in Happy Valley, OR.           

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability or to set up a tour of the finest assisted living and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Extensive Care Services

For the area’s finest senior housing, Rio Rancho area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  By defining health and well-being holistically, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and our Wellness Care services complement one other to ensure each resident get the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.     

We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand.  It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management.  Furthermore, we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as pharmacy services, onsite dental and podiatry services and more.    

Please visit our website for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour. Our community includes 51 bright suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.     

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s Holistic View of Healthcare

MorningStar of Happy Valley, located southeast of Portland, OR, offers residents a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for senior living in the area.  

To start with, all assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more).  Also they have access to a licensed nurse onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock; and every shift has an employee who is CPR certified.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically do Care Plan reviews and update residents’ care plan as needed.   

Our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system ensures accurate records of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system maintains accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents as well as enhances privacy and security of the data.  

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  

This wide scope of care services is reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health and helps to extend the stay of our residents even when health conditions change.  We also pride ourselves on finding creative solutions that can result in higher quality of care at a lower cost for families.  For a full list of care services, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at our Care Services page.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability or to set up a tour of the finest assisted living and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.

Looking for a Community Offering Comfort, Wellness & Love?

How does a senior living community with a picturesque setting offering resort-style amenities and a choice of stylish, private apartments sound?  How would you like to live in a home with its own 24-hour bistro or salon offering haircuts, manicures or pedicures?  Our recently opened MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community is just that as it is filled with warm and welcoming common areas both inside and out.  Want to sit and chat with family or friends?  Spend some quiet time in our library, or take advantage of the beautiful weather in one of our courtyards?  Or do you want to enjoy a little exercise and take a walk along our strolling paths?

To ensure we satisfy the need of the most discerning seniors, our 61 assisted living, bright suites are available in configurations that include spacious studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet).   Each suite is ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal items (we are also pet friendly).    

How does a wide range of meaningful wellness programs and activities along with all of the care services you need right at hand sound?   Again, MorningStar of Happy Valley has that completely covered.  Our enrichment programs include everything to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connection.  MorningStar’s care services are broad and include a licensed nurse both onsite and on call 24/7; 24-hour care managers; a CPR-trained staff member on every shift; medication management by certified med care managers; care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and more.  

But wait; have we mentioned our delicious, nutritional meals?  MorningStar of Happy Valley is extremely proud of our daily food service, which is prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and graciously served restaurant-style in our elegant dining room.  If you would love to learn more, please see our website for to set up a tour of our beautiful home! 

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability or to set up a tour of the finest assisted living and memory care in the Happy Valley–Clackamas area.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur at home.  In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it happening.  

Many elderly adults experience a general overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that make them more susceptible to a fall.  Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision.  This can make it more difficult to detect fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the ground. 

Certain types of medications, especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure, which can all increase the risk of a fall.  Also keep in mind it is not just prescription drugs but over-the-counter medications can contribute to balance problems as well.  Other factors that make seniors more susceptible to falls are chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis as well as surgical procedures including hip or knee replacement.   

The NIA recommends installing night lights in the hallways and bathrooms and to have a light switch and phone within reach of the bed.  Keep walkways free of clutter and avoid using throw rugs and area carpets.  Use hand rails when going up and down the stairs, and if you have a pet, make sure they are not underfoot.  In the bathroom, install grab bars in the tub and near the toilet, and use non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our loving assisted living and memory care community makes residents’ safety and wellbeing a priority.  We provide 24-hour care, a licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system and more. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.     

Have Questions about MorningStar of Rio Rancho?

If you are looking for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho. We understand for many seniors, assisted living is a new experience and that there are lots of questions in regard to how personalized care is managed and how much it will cost.  

The MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community.  In addition, our website offers lots of resources regarding MorningStar Senior Living including our company’s history and philosophy as well as details on how we determine the individualized care each resident will receive. 

Under our website’s FAQ section, we explain that our assisted living care is based on a thorough assessment of the resident’s medical history and personal preferences.  We learn this information by sitting down with the person, their family, and our Wellness Director before they move in.   From there, a care plan is created that is approved by both the resident and their family.  To ensure our residents’ needs continue to be met, we do schedule plan evaluations as well as update plans as needed.     

Within our assisted living, we have five levels of care along with a wide range of auxiliary medical and non-medical services that are priced a la carte.  Care services determine a part of your monthly fee, but it is also based on the type of suite you choose within our choice of 51 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.  Square footage as well as location and views are additional factors in the overall monthly fee.   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho also provides 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  The monthly fee in our memory care Reflections Neighborhood is all-inclusive at a one-package price for both the suite and care.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.     

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Offers a Holistic Approach to Wellness

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our mission is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  To ensure residents the finest assisted living and memory care, we define health and well-being holistically and back it up with an array of services and programming that support the whole person in mind, body and spirit. 

Wellness is enhanced through our Life Enrichment wellness programs and activities as well as through our Wellness Care Team.  At MorningStar, we have the expertise and authority to provide the level of resident care that can extend the stay of residents in spite of changing health conditions.  To this end, we pride ourselves on working hard to create solutions for residents and their families that result in higher quality of care at lower costs.  

Assisted living residents are thoroughly evaluated by our Wellness Director when they join our community in order to create a care plan that is appropriate to their needs.  In addition, we do routine Care Planning Reviews and scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations to make sure residents continue to get the right amount of assistance as they need it.

Our care services include 24-hour Care Managers and a CPR trained staff member on every shift, Licensed Nurses on call 24/7, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and palliative/hospice care.  We also offer oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care, diabetic management and more. Our residents are provided transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  Please visit our website to read the full list of all of our services, and if you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to give us a call.  

Located in the beautiful Valley of the Sun, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 private suites for assisted living in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Also, 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. Please visit our website 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.

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar at Englefield Green provides 50 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community is specially designed to encourage residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires. 

At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with dementia on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together.  By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope. 

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow.  When residents come to MorningStar at Englefield Green, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.  We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members.

As you can see, memory care at our community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion.   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 our exceptional memory care.

Planning Your Next Visit to an Assisted Living Resident

If an elderly parent is in assisted living and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit.  By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows anything about.  

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook.  

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parent, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is committed to providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities including many arts and crafts projects.  Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing.  

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.

Have You Noticed Signs of Memory Loss in a Loved One?

Have you recently noticed some signs of memory loss or confusion in a parent or another loved one?  Are you worried it may be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  We understand this may be a touchy subject to broach with your loved one, which is why experts recommend you do your homework first and learn about the common signs of the disease.   

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in cognitive abilities, executive function and behavior.  Those afflicted may start having memory problems along with difficulty completing familiar tasks.  They may also become confused as to time and place.  Other problems involve a marked change in their judgement and trouble with language skills and abstract thinking.  Mood swings or changes in personality can also signal Alzheimer’s.  All of these are common signs that can point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia but only a specialist can make a diagnosis.  You should ask your loved one’s healthcare provider for a recommendation to a neurologist who will perform test to eliminate other causes for the behavior.     

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is committed to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. Please contact us for more information about our compassionate, loving community. We look forward to meeting you and your family.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.     

Isolated Seniors are at Risk for a Range of Health Problems

Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity.  Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression.  

Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis.  This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition, daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age.  A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated.  

Offering the best in senior living communities, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills provides a healthy lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness and community.  Our mission is to care for residents’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a loving, secure setting. MorningStar’s monthly calendar consists of a range of exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, and enjoyable, challenging games.  We also have fun celebrating holidays and hosting special events and outings.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 870 square feet.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please visit our website to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 schedule a visit to our exceptional community.

Source: 

actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

As we age, engaging in memory exercises is just important as physically excising our bodies. The Alzheimer’s Association offers recommendations on some easy ways to daily exercise our brain with activities that include reading, writing and doing crossword or other puzzles, playing games and attending events such as lectures or plays.  

They state that there are four areas we can work on to help reduce our risk of cognitive decline: physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement.  In fact, research has found that simply by keeping our brains active, we can actually increase its vitality and may even help to generate new brain cells.   

An article on the “6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age” from the Harvard Health Publication outlines ways to help prevent cognitive decline and reduce your risk of dementia.  The article stresses the importance of continuing to learn as challenging our brains with mental exercises is “believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them.”

MorningStar of Fountain Hills could not agree more.  Our assisted living community is loaded with activities that are not only fun but also help to stimulate our brains.  Just a quick look at our monthly calendar shows an abundance of activities such as word, board, and trivia games that help to challenge our brains.  Residents at MorningStar enjoy games such as Rummikub, Bingo, Blackjack, and Yahtzee.    

Regardless of personal interest, our seniors find plenty to do to keep them interested in life.   With a range of activities such as poetry readings, writing club, arts and crafts, and fun-filled card games, residents stay social and keep their brains active.  

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.