Keep Your Mind Sharp While Having Fun

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health.  Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper.  Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.    

Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four day a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week.  

Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter.  Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.”  The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking.  

The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options.  To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of game of which some may be new to you.  Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get.  They also make great gifts for seniors.  

We want you to know that MorningStar of Fountain Hills is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Our community offers 63 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options.  We also have 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s mission of servant-leadership.   

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: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/

Learn More About MorningStar of Fountain Hills

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care.  Our exceptional team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study.  It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications.  Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents.  

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms.  In addition, all 63 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings.  

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus 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 still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

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.

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our Reflections Neighborhood is a dedicated area that cares for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia-care specialists, the entire area is designed to accommodate the need of our most tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages.  

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to dementia care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is safely accepting new residents and we are very confident in our enhanced protocols for dealing with COVID-19.  To ensure the safety of residents and team members alike, we have temporarily suspended non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our senior living communities, ramped up our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and more.  Please see our website for more information.

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 contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Father’s Day is June 21st

Especially in these unusual times when many of us will be unable to visit an elderly loved one, we want to make sure our parents or grandparents know how special they are to us.  With Father’s Day just around the corner, let dad or grandpa know that while they may be out of sight, they are not out of mind.  

So what is a good gift that lets him know he is not forgotten?  As you know dad best, ask yourself if he’s a guy who loves practical gifts, tech toys or something on the humorous side?  I know many dads may not buy one themselves but would love a plush new bathrobe; so why not personalize it with a monogram?  If he is more of a t-shirt kind of guy, order him a personalized shirt.  A popular one has handprints with the names of all the grandchildren and a message calling him out as “Hands Down Best Grandpa,” or how about one that says “Great Dads Make Great Grandpas?” 

If dad gets chilly and loves to fish, how about getting him a cozy throw decorating with fish bearing the names of his grandkids.  Another idea is an indoor gardening kit for the dad who loves to grow things.  If granddad is a gamer at heart, how about getting him a lap-sized Nintendo Switch.  A recent study showed in addition to fun, 3D-platform games can help improve cognitive health.  Don’t forget the gift of music or audio books targeted to his interests, and if he doesn’t already own a set, consider noise cancelling headphones for the ultimate listening experience.  If dad still gets around, a step tracking device is a fun way to keep him moving. 

While the MorningStar senior living communities are temporarily closed to non-essential visitors, we are still open to the love that is pouring in for our residents.  At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.    Please visit our website and take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. 

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 contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

End of Life Decisions for Advanced Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer’s can be a very difficult disease for families to deal with as we slowly watch our loved ones slip away from us until they do not even know us.  We watch a loving parent or spouse gradually lose their thinking, remembering, and reasoning abilities, until at the very end, no longer even respond to their name. 

As a person with Alzheimer’s can live for years, we sometimes forget that it is a terminal disease with no cure.  In addition this may mean that at a certain point families are faced with difficult end-of-life decisions, and these decisions sometime have to be made without knowing our loved one’s direct wishes. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has published some guidelines to help families traverse through these challenging issues.  One of their foremost recommendations is to have this conversation with mom or dad or a spouse early-on, before the disease takes away their ability to seriously weigh in on their feelings regarding end-of-life decisions.  The article relates a story about a woman in the later stages of Alzheimer’s who ended up with pneumonia.  Without her mother being able to communicate any longer, the daughter did not know what her mother’s wishes were in regards to feeding tubes and antibiotics to treat the illness.  

Other decisions regarding the care of those with Alzheimer’s include whether to continue medications to treat medical conditions or to have surgery in the end stages of the disease or to just provide palliative care.  Thus family members must weigh quality of life with quantity of life.  The NIA reports that the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease include some of the following:  being unable to move around on one’s own, being unable to speak or make oneself understood, and eating problems such as difficulty swallowing.   

If you need memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we invite you to consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.  We proudly and lovingly provide compassionate care from the onset of the disease to the very most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more.

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.  Amidst a beautiful home-like setting, we provide care based on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us for information on one of Boise’s most trusted Alzheimer’s care homes. 

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia

Memory Care at MorningStar of Happy Valley

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 27 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

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

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

Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Tips to Prevent a Fall

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

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

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

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

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our senior living community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse.  In addition, residents are offered plenty of opportunities to get moving in our various exercise classes.

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 at this difficult time.

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community. 

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

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is Safely Accepting New Residents

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s goal is to offer the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and we want area families to know we are safely accepting new assisted living and memory care residents.   After a thorough screening new residents are moved directly into their private suite, remaining there for a 14-day quarantine.  Team members entering the resident’s room wear full personal protection equipment during that time. In the entire community, to fight back against the coronavirus outbreak, we have set up protocols that meet, or in some cases even exceed, CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our residents, their families, and team members.  

As a loving son, daughter, or relative of a vulnerable senior, we want you to know that MorningStar of Rio Rancho is working every day to ensure the wellbeing of our residents.  This includes providing nutritional meals and keeping residents hydrated as well as access to 24/7 healthcare and basic and protective supplies.  Our services also include ordering, delivering, and dispensing residents’ physician prescribed medications.   

Another thing MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers to your mom or dad is loving, social connections.  Based on the MorningStar name, our mission, and our ministry, we have a team of extraordinary individuals who know the value of building meaningful relationships with our residents.  Just take a look at our Twice the Story video series that showcase the tender relationships between residents and team members throughout our MorningStar communities.  These friendships testify to the fact that we need to lean upon and lean into each other—that each might receive a blessing, that each might be served, and that each might come away changed. 

Our community offers a choice of 51 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 26 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Visit our website for more information or contact us for answers to any questions.   

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

Provide Your Body with Key Nutrients for a Strong Immune System

Right now, we are all looking for ways to help keep our families healthy.  In addition to practicing social distancing and washing our hands, experts remind us that eating healthy is more important than ever as it provides our bodies with the key nutrients that boost our immune systems.  This is important as a strong immune system helps defend us against the viruses that cause illness.  

Foods that are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  One vegetable especially nutrient-rich, readily available, and easy to cook is broccoli. It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as “sulfur compounds that research suggests may boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound. In terms of immune support, glutathione works by attacking free radicals to minimize their potential damage.” 

Another good source of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy, is fortified orange juice and just one cup gives us 100% of our required daily dose. Fortified OJ also has vitamin D as do eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms that help make us more resistant to illnesses.  Beans, nuts, cereal and seafood all contain zinc which research has found may shorten the duration of the common cold.  Other foods high in nutrients include spinach, salmon, lean beef, and yogurt.  

As one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities, MorningStar of Happy Valley provides a 5-star dining service to our residents that starts with meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Our team is dedicated to providing residents a safe, comfortable environment where they can enjoy their well-deserved retirement years.  Also, during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), MorningStar 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.  

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Source:allrecipes.com/article/foods-that-boost-immune-system/?utm_medium=browser&utm_source=allrecipes.com&utm_content=20200322&utm_campaign=498042

As You Age, a Nutrient-Rich Diet is More Important than Ever

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  This is why the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

Along with all of the other amenities and care services we provide, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients.  We get much of our produce from home-grown or local high-quality producers.  

Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch, and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions.  

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho’s MorningStar of Rio Rancho may be your answer.  We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time of the coronavirus outbreak, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

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

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/seniors-nutritional-needs/

Finding Happiness in Uncertain Times

As many of us know, cooperating and caring for others are traits that make us happy, and an expert hopes the coronavirus pandemic will encourage people to practice these qualities even more so across the globe.  The co-director of the Wellbeing programming at the LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance, Prof Richard Layard explains that “To get through this we’re going to have to develop a much higher level of social responsibility. Some people are going to have to stay in quarantine, and others are going to have to support them to do that. My hope is that it will encourage a move from an atomized society to a much more caring one.” 

Thus we need to remember that it is not “us against them” but rather it is all of us against this virus, and that we are in this together.  Moreover, social scientists say that it is the feeling of powerlessness that makes us unhappy, and when we take control, especially in times such as these, it helps us to cope.  

Vanessa King, lead psychologist for Action for Happiness, the UK partner organization to the World Happiness Report, gives us some tips for finding happiness.  She says we should all be conscientious about how much news we consume each day.  While it is okay to update ourselves with the situation at hand, it does not help to obsess.  Instead make sure to stay in touch with people including your family and friends as well as someone you care about that may not have a good social network. 

When we concern ourselves with the welfare of others, it helps us to feel good. Remember even when we practice social distancing, we can still be friendly and smile at others.  You will feel better inside as you spread a little cheer.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community offers 61 bright suites for assisted living and 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 our community and the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our incredible residents.           

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community. 

Source:theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/20/happiness-is-contagious-too-caring-for-each-other-makes-us-feel-better-experts

Is It Time for Memory Care?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move into memory care.      

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages of the disease bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

MorningStar at Englefield Green is one of the finest Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise, ID and is staffed by a team of caring individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Additionally every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.   

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating.  Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications.  Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.  So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you do.  Please contact MorningStar at Englefield Green to learn more about compassionate memory care.  

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 provide loving care amidst a beautiful home-like setting.  Contact us to learn more about one of the area’s best Alzheimer’s care homes.   

A Possible Benefit of High Blood Pressure Medications

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

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

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

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

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, an assisted living and memory care community, offers comprehensive care services including 24-hour care managers, medication care managers, routine Health & Wellness Evaluations, and much more.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.  

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

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325393.php

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s “Radiance” Program

At MorningStar, we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership.  We feel extremely blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by their hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  They are the kind of people that do the right thing even when no one is looking and willingly go the extra mile to help our residents.  

MorningStar’s care is guided through “Radiance,” our proprietary program, which celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light.  It forms the framework for how our service is delivered – with warmth, sincerity and depth!  Additionally, our Radiance program provides a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.

Once a team member is hired, they are trained in Radiance. and it is reiterated and strengthened each day during our daily “Huddle.”   We feel Radiance is lived out in a variety of ways throughout our community, and helps us to create an atmosphere of love, compassion and care as well as service professionalism.

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers well-designed private suites for assisted living, available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We are still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  After a thorough screening new residents are moved directly into their private suite, remaining there for a 14-day quarantine.  Team members entering the resident’s room wear full personal protection equipment during that time. Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

Virtual Healthcare Visits

Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers.  Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits.  

While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone.   Now with the outbreak of Covid-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.”  

First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line.  Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smart phone, tablet or computer allows you to connect visually.  Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit.  

Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider.  Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?”  He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc.   Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc.  

If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis.  However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention.  

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

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit

Connecting with a Loved One Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.    

Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words.  Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back.  

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition, you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions.  Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.       

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words.  Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we have 51 bright suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our goal is to be the best senior housing Rio Rancho offers, providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 statement from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe.

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

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

MorningStar of Fountain Hills was Designed for Your Comfort

Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of the most discerning senior, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills’ goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in the area.  We have lots of warm, inviting common areas both inside and out and the amenities and services to ensure residents feel right at home.   

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  All of our delicious meals are served in our charming dining room, restaurant-style, and created largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  We even offer a private dining room for intimate dinners.     

Also, our Bistro offers a relaxing place for residents as well as their guests to gather and enjoy a beverage or a light snack.  Other beautifully-appointed, comfy gathering places include our interior patio, second floor veranda, and living room.  Our fireside patio and porches give residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  

Other onsite amenities include our own chapel/theatre, a fitness center, a convenient salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, and much more.  In addition a monthly calendar filled with meaningful wellness programs and activities will allow you to stay as busy as you like.  

While our array of amenities and services are vast, we haven’t even mentioned our devoted and loving team who are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors.  Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against COVID-19. 

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

Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

While we have all heard a lot about Alzheimer’s and may even know someone suffering from the disease, we may not be aware of the common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s.  Many people think that forgetting things is a sign of Alzheimer’s, while others too readily accept certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s as just getting older.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a website full of useful information and resources for families dealing with the disease and publishes a list of the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's.  One of the first signs they say is a symptom of Alzheimer’s is not occasional forgetfulness but forgetfulness that disrupts daily life.  For example the person is having problems retaining recently learned information and trouble remembering important dates or events, or they are asking the same questions over and over again.   

People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may have more difficulty doing things they used to do easily such as paying bills or following recipes.  Even driving to well-known locations or remembering the rules of a favorite game can be troublesome.  Other signs include feeling confused about the passage of time and finding it harder and harder to keep track of dates, time and seasons.  

Experiencing vision problems such as judging distances and determining color or contrast as well as problems following or partaking in a conversation are also common signs of the disease.   Other signs can include changes in personality and mood, and withdrawing from social activities the person used to enjoy.  For the full listing and description of the 10 Common Signs of Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website. 

MorningStar at Englefield Green is proud to offer compassionate memory care in Boise, ID.  Our loving community has 50 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our community provides highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against COVID-19.

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.  

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Offers Trusted Memory Care

When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through.  It is traumatizing get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family.  As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of care your loved one will need. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we want you to know we are here to help.  Our beautiful assisted living and memory care community is located in the center of town, with views of the celebrated fountain.  As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages.  

Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow residents the independence to safely explore their surroundings and includes an enclosed patio and courtyard.  Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the unique needs of our residents with a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus 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 see our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep our community safe during this difficult 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.

Finding the Best Walker

Many older adults, especially those in assisted living communities, are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be.  This puts them in danger of a fall, which can have many serious repercussions on a seniors’ health.  If you are considering getting a walker to help you move more safely around, you need to know something about them.  

For starters since there are several kinds of walkers, you should consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to assist you on finding the most suitable one.  They will make sure it is your size as well as the right type.  To determine size, you should be able to stand between the rails, and the width of the walker should be level with the insides of your wrists. A professional will also teach you how to use the walker and provide tips for normal activities such as sitting down while using a walker.  This is done by backing up until you feel the seat of the chair behind you.  Now bend forward at your hip and reach behind with one hand to grab the armrest.  Do the same with your other hand as you carefully lower yourself onto the center of the chair.        

Common types of walkers include a basic walker that has four legs with rubber tips on each one.  To use, a person must pick up the walker as they take a step.   A wheeled walker can have two fixed wheels on the front that do not swivel side to side or have rubber tips on the front legs and small wheels on the back.  These walkers allow people to walk more naturally as they do not need to be picked up with each step.  A three-wheel walker has one wheel in front and two in back and offers the advantage of being lighter and easier to move around in smaller spaces.  

Rollators are four-wheeled walkers and can be equipped with a seat for a basket.  These walkers are equipped with hand brakes and are ideal for people who do not need to apply a lot of weight to the walker.  However, they are not recommended for people with dementia as they may forget to use the hand brake.  

Are you in the process of looking at senior living communities in the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale, AZ area for yourself or a loved one? We encourage you visit MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ website for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

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