Live a Better Life by Being Positive

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking may provide several benefits including a longer life span.   They base this on lots of studies done regarding the effects of positive thinking and optimism as related to our health.  While researchers are not sure why individuals who routinely take the glass half full approach to life experience measurable benefits, some think it could be that positive thinking helps us better handle stressful situations and we know that stress can have harmful effects on our bodies.   

In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports positive thinkers may not only increase their life span but lower their risk for depression and level of distress, and even have a greater resistance to the common cold.  Positive thinkers also typically enjoy better psychological and physical well-being as well as better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.  Maintaining a positive attitude during times of stress and hardships helps us to weather the storm easier.  

Experts recommend analyzing your behavior to determine if you are routinely a positive or negative thinker.  Common habits of negative thinkers include: personalizing everything that happens as if it is because of something you did wrong; catastrophizing is another common trait of negativity in which you automatically think the worst; and polarizing, which is where you only see things as either good or bad.   

If you recognize yourself as a negative thinker and would like to turn your life around and live more on the sunny side, start by identifying things about yourself you would like to change.  Think about positive ways to turn around negative thoughts, and make time to see the humor in everyday happenings.  Finally adopt a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with positive people.  

For the area’s finest senior housing, Rio Rancho seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho.  Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all of the amenities and services needed for their comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us for more information. 

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: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

Whatever Your Age, You Can Make Changes to Improve Your Health

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health.   One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly.  While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits.  It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices.  

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed.  Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid.  Also, fresh fruit fills you up more than juice.  Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar.  

Also, experts advise watching the fat in your diet.  Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet.  Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart.  

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress.  Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure.   Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, an assisted living and memory care community, we provide healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure residents’ comfort, wellness and safety.  Please see our website for more information.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar of Happy Valley proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.

Avoiding Too Much Sugar in Your Diet

We all may be eating and drinking foods we consider to be healthy but they may contain far more sugar than we think they do.  It can even happen with foods we do not necessarily think of as sweet such as ketchup or barbeque sauce.  Also making what we assume is the healthier choice like “low fat” or “light” yogurt may actually contain more sugar than the regular variety.  Some low-fat yogurt has over 30 grams of sugar; and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. For women, the amount is just 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.

Another food we think of as healthy is granola.  While it is true that the main ingredient is rolled oats, which provides protein, healthy fats and fiber, it also can be loaded with lots of sugar and calories.  This is where label reading can help as the Washington Post did a story on granolas and found a single serving can range from one gram of sugar to 14 grams.  Another thing to look for are the words “added sugar” as the sugar from dried fruit is not bad for us (more calories for those watching) as is corn syrup or cane sugar.  However, do keep in mind that while honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar may be healthier, they still add empty calories.   

Drinks such as sugared ice teas and flavored coffees also add a lot of sugar to our diets as do some sport drinks and vitamin waters so be sure to read the label.  If you want to avoid empty sugary drinks altogether, make flavored waters by adding fruit or vegetable slices.  Toss in some lime and cucumber slices to your water or a handful of berries, orange slices, or mint leaves; use your imagination.

If you are looking at senior living communities in the Fountain Hills, AZ area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  Our community has 63 graciously-appointed assisted living suites along with 28 memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our delicious meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage.    Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

The Loss of a Spouse May be Bad for Our Brains

We all understand how heartbreaking it is when a senior loses a beloved life partner but recent research now suggests that a surviving spouse may also be at a higher risk for cognitive decline.  The study reports that individuals who were widowed with high levels of beta-amyloid plaque ( a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease), were found to decline cognitively three times faster than their counterparts who had not suffered the loss of a spouse.   Dr. Nancy Donovan, the study’s lead researcher and chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, says, "The associations of widowhood and amyloid were compounded, not simply additive, indicating that widowhood is a specific risk factor for cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease."

While the Alzheimer’s Associations cautions that the study was a small one, practicing geriatrician and internist, Dr. Marzena Gieniusz, of the Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., said she often sees signs of cognitive decline in surviving spouses in her practice.  Experts say it could be that mild memory loss was already present beforehand but was not obvious when the person had the support of a loving spouse.  Another reason may be the surviving spouse had day-to-day, steady companionship and socialization that helped them stay emotionally engaged.   

Not only is it easier for many of us to face the world as a couple, but when a spouse dies, the survivor may be more socially isolated, which in itself puts a person more at risk for cognitive decline.  The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that surviving spouses make an effort to follow the guidelines for decreasing their risk for Alzheimer’s by exercising, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.  Also even if you are avoiding in-person contact due to COVID 19, it is important to stay socially engaged.  Remember to make the effort to call a friend, do facetime calls with grandkids and family, write emails and snail mail letters, or join an online support group.   

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact one of the area’s most loving, professional Alzheimer’s care homes.  The compassionate team at MorningStar at Englefield Green takes a holistic approach to memory care that is both specialized and individualized. Please visit our website for pricing and availability.   

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.  Visit our website to learn more about one of Boise’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Looking for Assisted Living in the Fountain Hills AZ Area?

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills may be the place for you.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 63 assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of windows, ceiling lights, and mini-blinds.  

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

Why we believe our assisted living to be different from that of other communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are more important than education or experience.  Moreover, many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Learn More About MorningStar of Fountain Hills

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our whole team is committed to being one of the finest senior living communities in the area and to live up to our unique mission statements as follows:

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

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

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

MorningStar Senior Living’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Seventeen years later, MorningStar has continued to grow and prosper with over 30 communities in 10 states open or under construction.

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Our compassionate community is filled with love and laughter as we aspire to and nurture our core value of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  These are the ways by which we want to offer care and build Family for Life. 

While we have had to make many changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, as the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Culture of “Radiance”

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we provide exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  To achieve this, we recognize it could not be done without the help of our team members who we consider to be the very heartbeat of our community.  

Our team consists of a unique group of individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  They are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching, and have perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  MorningStar’s team members see seniors as heroes and feel privileged to have a rewarding career that offers both professional as well as personal growth.  

To direct us in our service, all team members, including our management team, are guided by Radiance, our exclusive brand standard of Service Excellence.  The program’s precepts are introduced to every team member upon being hired, and then reiterated and strengthened every day during our daily Huddle.        

Radiance allows us to take service professionalism to the next level and offers a purposeful way for us to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  As “Radiance” is like a beam of light, it epitomizes the ways we serve others – with warmth, sincerity, and depth and is reiterated through interpersonal communications and special touches throughout our community.   

We invite you to take a look at our website to learn more about our Radiance program and MorningStar of Fountain Hills.  We offer 63 assisted living suites in addition to our Reflections Neighborhood that has 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. We are certain MorningStar’s well-designed suites and welcoming common areas will impress you from the first but it is our dedicated, loving care team that makes our community a true home.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

See Our Website for a Virtual Tour of MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills may be your answer.  We want you to know that we are accepting new residents, and that we have every confidence in the safety protocols we are taking in our aggressive defense against the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Please visit our website for lots of information about Morning Senior Living and the Fountain Hills community, including a virtual tour.

The virtual tour will give you a good look at some of our open common areas including our atrium with a water feature, dining rooms, fitness room, theater, salon, patios and more.  You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  

We think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense against the coronavirus in every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves.  MorningStar is following closely—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.

To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the letters MorningStar has received from our families.  They write, “Although, it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Seek Medical Advice if You Are Having Memory Problems

Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life.  To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.”  

During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on:

• Whether you have impaired memory or thinking (cognitive) skills

• Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors

• The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes

• How your thinking problems affect your ability to function in daily life

• The cause of your symptoms

Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills.  Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests.  While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke.  They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans.  

Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now.  All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms.

It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s.  Furthermore, many feel that since there is no cure, what is the point?  However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future.

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

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075

Common Foot Problems in the Elderly

As we age, many seniors suffer from chronic foot pain that includes stress fractures, tendonitis, fat pad atrophy, plantar fasciitis, acute and chronic osteoarthritis and more.  Sometimes the problem can be the result of old injuries, or in the case of women, wearing high heels or shoes with too small of a toe box.  Other foot problems may be caused by systemic diseases like diabetes, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In the case of stress fractures, they are more commonly found in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis but men can also suffer from them.  If you are at risk, experts recommend strengthening your bones by exercising, and if you are overweight, by dieting.  They also say to talk to your doctor to ask if you should be on a medication.    

While osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the mechanical wear and tear on joints and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, both can cause tenderness, pain, or stiffness and swelling in the feet, and make mobility more difficult.  Sometimes RA even causes alignment changes that result in foot deformities.  

Another common problem especially for seniors is fat pad atrophy.  Even if you have put on a few extra pounds with age, the one place you do not want to lose fat or a cushioned padding is on the bottom of your feet.  Fat pad atrophy causes pain in the ball of your foot and heel and can be eased by extra cushioning or custom-made foam shoe inserts.  In the most extreme cases, filler injections are used to replace the fat pad.    

Also the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons report that approximately 2 million patients each year are treated for plantar fasciitis that occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed.  Plantar fasciitis is typically the result of repetitive strain to the ligament of the sole of the foot and is caused by walking, running, jumping, or poor footwear. Treatments include icing to reduce pain and inflammation, stretching exercises, and shoe inserts.  

MorningStar at Englefield Green’s memory care 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.  Looking for one of the area’s top Alzheimer’s care homes?  Visit our website.

How MorningStar of Happy Valley Cares for Seniors

MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community in the Portland, Oregon metro area, is honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier.  The way we deliver our outstanding service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our daily Huddle.  

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

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community depends on the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.   

Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to best serve our residents’ needs.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floor plans.  We offer 61 suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.

Help Reduce Inflammation with a Healthier Diet

Medical experts say that while inflammation helps our bodies to fight illness and can be a necessary part of the healing process, there are some people whose immune systems do not work as they should, and they suffer from chronic inflammation.  This condition manifests itself in various diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, asthma and metabolic syndrome (“a collection of conditions that tend to occur together, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease”).

However, the good news is researchers have found evidence that shows our diet may help us manage many of the symptoms of these diseases.  They report that, “An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and spices.”  Foods to avoid or to limit consumption of include processed foods, red meats, and alcohol.

Doctors recommend approaching an anti-inflammatory diet as less of a specific regimen but more as a new, healthier style of eating. Two examples of diets that incorporate anti-inflammatory foods are the Mediterranean and DASH diets which favor foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids over those that increase the production of free radicals, which are believed to lead to cell damage.  

Research shows that sugary or processed foods can trigger or worsen inflammation, and that some foods such as those fried in very hot cooking oil can trigger the formation of free radicals.  Other factors that can increase the body’s free radicals include stress and smoking.   

The Arthritis Foundation also notes that research has identified foods that can help control inflammation.  These include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards, nuts like almonds and walnuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, and fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.  Please keep in mind that anyone with a chronic health condition involving inflammation should consult their healthcare provider about the best dietary options for them.

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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320233#takeaway

Organizing Medications for an Elderly Parent

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interaction, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “is it taken with food,” and the adverse side effects.  

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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. 

Learn More About MorningStar of Rio Rancho

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, located north of Albuquerque, 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 Rio Rancho NM.  

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 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.     

Brighten Your Elderly Loved One's Day

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a “thinking of you” basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley is proud to offer residents a lifestyle of comfort and wellness along with resort-style amenities. Our beautiful senior living community has 61 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 27 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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. 

Is it Time to Consider Care Options for Your Loved One with Dementia?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease 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 them 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 adversely impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers 26 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of 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 can do.  

Please visit MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website for more information about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.  While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 update from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our 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.     

Enjoy Healthy Meals at MorningStar of Happy Valley

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 Happy Valley 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.  

During the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar of Happy Valley’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members, and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting new assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information.

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

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

Some Good News in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  For example, the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s disease easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future.  

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition, the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men.  

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our mission is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers, which includes compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.  Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we recognize that a person’s essence remains, and we feel it is our calling, as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Please visit our website for more information.

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/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

MorningStar's Aggressive Defense Against COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Happy Valley is judiciously following Oregon’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Happy Valley community to our Executive Director, Tiana Jackson.  

Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time.  In addition, we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage.  In other words, it was a team effort!   

Newly opened last November, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  Residents have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Currently we are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe.  Please visit our website for more information. 

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

Looking for Exceptional Senior Living in Rio Rancho, NM?

If you have started the search for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Rio Rancho 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 interested families contact us by phone or email, 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.  

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the nation slowly reopens, we are judiciously following New Mexico’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors.  

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.