Does a Parent or Spouse with Alzheimer’s No Longer Recognize You?

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless.  When we take time to go visit a family member with AD in memory care and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort. 

However a long-term caregiver reminds us how can we be certain the person is not reacting to our presence is some way like the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make you more recognizable to your parent or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture of them from their early days as a couple to the present. 

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person. 

At the MorningStar at Englefield Green memory care community, we are dementia care specialists who provide both compassionate and professional care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  Visit our website for pricing and availability and 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.  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 one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Falls are Common Among the Elderly

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports that more than one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.

Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such as replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs.  Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed.  Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning.   

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane.  Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative.  Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes.   

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our beautiful assisted living and memory care 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. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed home.  Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. 

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’s Memory Care Residents Enjoy Nutritional and Tasty Meals

Along with 63 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Fountain Hills has another 28 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.  

Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees.  The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety.    

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional.  Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat.  

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents.  Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.  Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, be sure to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community.    

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. 

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Fountain Hills, AZ community

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into senior living communities offering assisted living.  When you begin your search, please add the beautiful MorningStar of Fountain Hills to the top of your list.  Located east of Scottsdale in the scenic desert community of Fountain Hills, our spacious suites have views of the town’s famous fountain.

Too often a senior worries that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom.  They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions.  

All of this could not be further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar of Fountain Hills has to offer.  Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.  

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging.  In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.  

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members.  Along with our 63 suites for assisted living, our community has 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, 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.

Suggestions for Managing Chronic Pain

Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries.  While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain.  

One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness.  Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial.  If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place.   

Another way to manage pain is through exercise.  However, the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning.  In addition, they caution that “if you have pain from an injury, recent surgery, a physical disability or a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, it's best to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to be sure you can exercise safely and avoid hurting yourself.”

They also say it is important to get enough sleep.  If you are a restless sleeper and have difficulty sleeping through the night, you should talk to your doctor about your pain management medications.  If a medication is a stimulant, ask your doctor about taking it early enough so as to not interfere with your sleep, and if it causes drowsiness, see if you can take it right before bed.  Try using relaxation techniques right before bed and get into the habit of a regular bedtime.   

Also, avoid napping longer than 30 minutes during the day and do not eat a heavy meal too close to bedtime.  Doctors caution against drinking too much alcohol as it can cause sleep problems.  Yet another suggestion helpful to many people suffering from pain is to join a support group.  This puts you in touch with others who understand what you are going through.  However, if you feel you need more personal support, ask your doctor to recommend a mental health professional.  

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/lifestyle-strategies-for-pain-management/art-20367321

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Virtual Assistant

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our goal is to provide residents with a true home designed for their comfort, wellbeing and security.  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.  In order to effectively reach all families interested in our community in a timely fashion, we have added a Virtual Assistant to our website.  

The Virtual Assistant service lets you learn more about our community’s: Pricing, Request a Tour, Ask a Question, See Our Floor Plans, View Virtual Tour, or make a Job Inquiry.  You can ask if there is anyone available to talk to at the time of your request or just send a message.  If you simply wish to inquire about pricing and availability, you can also use our website link, just give us your name, email address, topic of interest and send along your message.  We will happily get back to you within 24 hours.

To get you started, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions: residents of MorningStar of Fountain Hills must be at least 55 years old, and yes couples are welcome to move in together and share the same suite.  In addition, we welcome Companion Living, which is two unrelated people of the same sex sharing a suite in either assisted living or memory care. The benefits of Companion Living are not only the cost-savings but you can both look out for one another.  

We are often asked if someone can move in who is not in need of assisted living services, and the answer is yes.  MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you no longer need to cook.  We also give you peace of mind knowing that extended care is close by if the need ever arises.  

We want you to know that MorningStar of Fountain Hills is safely accepting new residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Please visit our website to use our new Virtual Assistant or give us a call.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

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. 

Tips to Helping Your Loved One Transition to Memory Care

Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into memory care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change.  This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one. 

While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change.  However please remember you did your homework and wisely chose the community you thought was the best option from a number of Alzheimer’s care homes.  You also recognize the new home is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one.  So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice. 

First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem.  Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help.  Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them.  

If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia.  Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change.  While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary. 

In addition you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the home.  And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move.  Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own. 

If you are looking for the area’s best memory care, please consider MorningStar at Englefield Green.  Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents.  Moreover you will be pleased to know that we consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and that we are here to help.  Visit our website for contact information, and 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.  Please contact us; your loved one deserves compassionate, experienced memory care.

What does an Occupational Therapist Do?

As we age, we can experience health issues such as a stroke or other disabilities that may benefit from the services of an occupational therapist (OTs).  When asked, many people have no idea what an OT does; while others think they help individuals find work.  Actually, an OT may be an instrumental part of your healthcare team who will work with you to facilitate your best recovery.  If you are wondering what the difference is between a physical therapist (PT) and an OT, a PT focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion; while an OT works on improving the motor skills you need to perform daily tasks. 

If a loved one has suffered from a stroke, they may have lost the ability to perform tasks known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, toileting, dressing, eating grooming, etc.  The job of the OT is to teach the person how to carry out daily, functional activities despite the impairment in order to improve quality of life and maximize independence. 

For instance, if the stroke caused damage to one side of the body, an OT focuses on therapies that promote motor recovery.  One common intervention is to limit or constrain the person’s movement on the unaffected arm, while having them use the affected arm to do repetitive or functional tasks.  OTs may also recommend special equipment to improve their patients’ lives such as a wheelchair, walker, electric can opener or toothbrush, a special keyboard for the computer, or eating aids and then teach the person to use them.   

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho’s MorningStar community may be the place for you.  MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho provides a wide range of amenities and services to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of our remarkable residents.  In addition, if one of our residents requires OT, PT or other auxiliary services, we have trusted partners we will recommend.  Please visit our website for further information, and email us regarding pricing and availability.  

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.     

Tough Conversations with Elderly Loved Ones

Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice.  While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.  

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids.  After all to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do.  That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects including healthcare.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary.  This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place.  Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed.  Once you do calmly tell them your concerns, give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen.  Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.  

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive not controlling.  In fact, you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website provides useful resources to help families through the process.  We also encourage you to contact us to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho NM, MorningStar may be your answer.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in assisted living and memory care 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.  

Growing Older has its Benefits

Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it.  Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better.  Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.

Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger.  Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.”  

In addition, while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep.  Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them.  If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances. 

Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident.  The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts.  And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better.  

Finally, researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote.  This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in assisted living and memory care 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 our exceptional senior living community.

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises 

Looking for Assisted Living for a Loved One in the Happy Valley, OR Area?

MorningStar of Happy Valley wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need.  Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director, who is also a registered nurse, will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences.  In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.  

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly.  If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services.  We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.  

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly.  Or it may be you worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day.  We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents.  To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure their have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. 

Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 61 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some over 900 sq. ft.  You will find all of our suites have high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items.  Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly!  

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19).  As the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar of Happy Valley is judiciously following Oregon’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   Please visit our website for more information about our loving senior living community.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in assisted living and memory care 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 our exceptional senior living community.

Looking for Senior Living in Rio Rancho NM?

If you are looking for luxury senior living in Rio Rancho NM, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho.  We are currently accepting new assisted living and memory care residents, confident in our safety protocols during the pandemic.  Please visit our website for lots of information about Morning Senior Living and the Rio Rancho community, including a virtual tour.

The virtual tour will give you a good look at some of our beautiful common areas including our bistro, dining rooms, fitness room, theater, salon, patio 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.  Recently, we have begun to use Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology in our communities. It is harmless to you but deadly against infectious disease.  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.  

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 Rio Rancho represents the finest in assisted living and memory care 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.  

Every Aspect of Our Home Caters to Memory Care Including Our Meals

As one of the best Alzheimer’s care homes in Boise Idaho, MorningStar at Englefield Green, professionally and compassionately cares for seniors with mild to the most advanced stages of dementia-related diseases.  Moreover every aspect of our loving home is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents’ right down to our food service. 

As you may already know, many people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease find even the simple act of using a fork and knife difficult, which is why many communities’ food programs include lots of finger foods.  While this is one way to ensure residents can easily eat, finger foods often include things like chicken strips and fish sticks that are usually fried.

At Englefield Green, we make a point to have our lovingly prepared meals include foods that are texture-modified (mechanically soften and puréed, thickened liquids) as well as easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  Meals include pureed meats and vegetables prepared in pastry, molded and sliced, or in egg whites and poached as well as one- and two-bite hors d’oeuvres. 

All of our meals are elegantly plated in eye catching, sometimes colorful dishes that are both visually and mentally stimulating to our residents.  In addition meals are sometimes served family-style from large platters to help residents connect to memories of past family meals and the way they have eaten throughout most of their lives.   

At the MorningStar at Englefield Green memory care community, we offer 50 suites in an array of configurations including studio and one-and two bedrooms floor plans along with all of the amenities and services required to provide the finest care for our tender residents.  We encourage you to give us a call if a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia; we want you to know we are here to help.  Please visit our website for contact info.

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 one of the area’s most trusted Alzheimer’s care homes.    

Does a Parent or Spouse with Alzheimer’s No Longer Recognize You?

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless.  When we take time to go visit a family member with AD in memory care and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort. 

However a long-term caregiver reminds us how can we be certain the person is not reacting to our presence is some way like the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make you more recognizable to your parent or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture of them from their early days as a couple to the present. 

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person. 

At the MorningStar at Englefield Green memory care community, we are dementia care specialists who provide both compassionate and professional care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  Visit our website for pricing and availability and 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.  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 one of the area’s finest Alzheimer’s care homes.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered in a separate area of our community and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 26 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  

Normally, mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. During the coronavirus outbreak, however, memory care residents still take meals in the dining room with tables spread out for social distancing.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

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

Another thing that makes MorningStar a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho represents the finest in assisted living and memory care 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.     

MorningStar of Happy Valley’s Clinical Services Help Manage Health Conditions

If you are considering assisted living, and like many older adults suffer from a chronic health condition, MorningStar of Happy Valley is designed to help you better manage it.  We define health and well-being holistically, and as such, offer a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Both our Enrichment Team and our Wellness Care Team play an important role in making our community the best choice for assisted living in the Happy Valley - Clackamas area.    

We are pleased to offer assisted living residents the many benefits provided by our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This ensures an accurate record of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The EHR system not only allows us to maintain accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents, but enhances privacy and security of the data.  

Some of our services to residents include a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and onsite throughout the week, and CPR-trained team members on each shift.  We also offer 24-hour Care Managers and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.   Our team does routine Care Plan reviews as well as scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations. 

In addition, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers care services such as mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  Residents receive scheduled physician visits (with a choice of physicians), pharmacy services and onsite dental services and podiatry.  Please visit our website’s Care Services page to see our entire list of services.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley 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 for more information.           

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.

Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Happy Valley

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey.  MorningStar of Happy Valley offers assisted living as well as experienced, compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  

Our memory care is in a separate area we call Reflections Neighborhood and consists of 27 secure suites.  The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings.  Also, given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss.  

As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.”  We know the essence of the person remains despite the level of memory loss, and our job is to nurture and support the individual by finding ways to calm or stimulate as the situation demands.  Lavender Sky provides the path for us to enter, embrace, and explore the “purple world” of memory loss, and to cross over the physical, emotional, and relational boundaries that would otherwise separate us.    

Every aspect of our home is designed to provide the comfort, wellness and safety our special residents require including mealtime.  We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table.  We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley invites area families to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  We look forward to meeting you.

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.

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.