Finding Community and Connection in Senior Housing: A Guide for Older Adults

Even though senior housing communities are supportive, enriching environments, many older adults hesitate to participate in the social scene when they first move into senior housing. 

If you feel uneasy about the social environment in your senior housing area, don’t worry. You are not alone. Follow this guide to improve your social life and connect with other residents. 

Reflect on the Past

Looking back on your younger years as you move into senior housing might seem odd. However, this can be useful for finding your tribe in your new community. 

You probably had to start your social life from scratch when you entered middle school, high school, college, or even new workplaces. Moving into senior housing is no different. You can apply some of the same strategies you used then to make new, long-lasting friendships now. 

Remember what you learned about people’s personalities and habits back then. Are there any personality traits you want to avoid? What stood out to you when you met different people throughout your life? 

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back and reflect on what you’ve learned. 

Have a “Yes” Mindset

Start saying “yes” more! 

Of course, there will be times when you have to say “no” to an activity, event, or gathering, but try to limit this as much as possible. Part of building a strong sense of community is trying new things while meeting new people. 
Even if you don’t enjoy everything you try, you can store this knowledge for future use. You never know what you might gain from the experience of trying something new.

Pay Attention to Community News

Most senior housing communities have bulletin boards and other central areas for current news and events. Senior housing communities often host various recreational activities to encourage team building and socialization. 

Pay attention to the upcoming activities in your community. These are great opportunities to connect with familiar and new people alike. You might meet your new best friends at the next art class or outdoor hike.

Keep an Open Mind

It can be difficult to adjust to a brand-new social scene, especially if you are used to your family or solo time. Keeping an open mind will help you break out of your shell and meet new friends. 

Try not to judge anyone you meet at first glance. Getting to know someone’s heart and personality takes time, so give everyone a fair chance.

Find Your Tribe in Senior Housing 

Follow these tips to improve your social life in senior housing. These tips work for almost any senior housing community in the country. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised by what — and who — you discover!

How to Address 4 Common Fears Aging Parents Have About Senior Housing

You love your parents, so it’s hard to see them worried, upset, or fearful. Unfortunately, this is the reality many adult children and caregivers face when they consider moving their parents to senior housing. 
Luckily, there are steps you can take to prepare your loved ones to move into assisted living facilities. Here are four common worries about senior housing and how you can gently address them: 

1. “My Family Will Forget About Me”

Many aging adults worry that moving into assisted living or other senior housing will cut them off from their loved ones. 
The best way to address this fear is with honesty and compassion. 
Acknowledge your parents’ fears with validating statements. You can say things like, “I understand your worries. I promise we will visit as often as possible.” 

Of course, it’s important to follow through on these promises. Your parents need to know that you are not abandoning them but giving them the best possible care. 

2. “I’ll Get Bored and Lonely”

Many elderly people struggle to keep up with friends and hobbies. Your parents might worry that moving into senior housing will seal the deal: They’ll be unoccupied for the rest of their days. 

However, assisted living facilities offer residents many activities, hobbies, and gatherings. There are plenty of opportunities for socializing and exploring their interests. 

You can ease your parents’ fears by taking them on a tour of the senior housing you are considering. Allow the residential staff to show them the wide array of activities and social opportunities they will have. 

3. “I Won’t Have Control Over My Life Anymore”

Sadly, many aging parents feel that moving into senior housing will remove their autonomy. 

Assisted living facilities are designed to give aging adults as many choices as possible. The goal is to assist seniors with daily tasks, not to control them. 

Your parents may benefit from looking at assisted living brochures and websites. Explain how they will be cared for each day while emphasizing the autonomy they get to keep. The staff will be there to help your parents, not limit them. 

4. “I’m Not Important Anymore; My Kids Are Getting Rid of Me”

A common worry among aging adults is that their lives have lost meaning, so their children are shipping them off to get away from them. 

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Reassure your parents that their lives are important to you, and they will receive much better care in senior housing. You aren’t abandoning them; you’re supporting them, just as they have supported you throughout your life. 

Ease Your Parents’ Fears for a Smooth Transition

 If you take the time to address your parents’ fears now, they will have an easier transition into senior housing. These fears are understandable, but they are not true. You will love your parents just as much in senior housing as you do now.

When Is the Best Time to Consider a Move to Senior Housing?

According to the American Health Care Association, almost one million adults in the U.S. live in assisted living communities. Assisted living communities can be beneficial for a wide variety of people, often providing a significant boost to any senior’s quality of life.

But how do you know when it’s the right time for you or a loved one to consider moving into senior housing?

Signs It May Be Time to Consider Senior Living

It’s often the best time to consider an assisted living community when you encounter certain signs. Some of those signs include:

• Needing help with activities of daily living (ADLs)

• Increasing forgetfulness

• A need for socialization opportunities

• A need for care coordination

• Increased difficulty performing household chores

In general, when a person needs more help on a daily basis to comfortably and happily live, it may be time for a move.

Help with Activities of Daily Living

ADLs include mobility and hygiene, such as bathing, brushing teeth, and getting dressed properly. It also includes medication management, which can become increasingly difficult for seniors. Senior living homes offer help with all of these things and more.

Increasing Forgetfulness

Sometimes, it can be more difficult to remember things with age. Forgetting to take medications, change clothes, make doctor appointments, or even eat can become more common. If remembering daily tasks is proving to be a challenge, senior housing can be a helpful solution. 

A Need for Socialization

People of any age can benefit from an increase in socialization opportunities. This includes meeting new friends and being surrounded by others who share similar experiences. 

Senior living communities and homes offer activities designed to cultivate friendships and fun for residents, so if you or your loved one is lonely, bored, or both, a senior home may be the key.

A Need for Coordination of Care

It can easily become overwhelming to keep up with hospital stays, doctor visits, specialist appointments, and routine tests and exams. Between the costs and the transportation, it’s often stressful and confusing. Assisted living communities and senior homes coordinate care for their residents, lifting it all off their shoulders.

Increased Difficulty Performing Household Chores

Many people find it difficult to keep up with household chores, and seniors are no exception. If you find it’s becoming too taxing to tackle chores like vacuuming, laundry, cooking, and other household maintenance, a move to senior housing can be especially beneficial and convenient.

Is It Time to Move?

Senior homes are designed to ease the everyday burdens of residents and clear the way for fulfilling friendships and exciting lives during the golden years. If you find that many things are getting in the way of enjoying those retirement years, it may be a great time to consider moving to senior hsenior housingusing.

Are You a Procrastinator?

The Medical News Today (MTN) recently published an article exploring the various reasons we procrastinate. They say we all do it, such as putting off making a doctor appointment or paying a bill but for some people it can be a problem. The article looks at the downside of the habit as well as to see if there is an upside. It explains the changes in our brains, in our minds and what we can do to change the habit. 

Procrastinating occasionally is normal and typically doesn’t cause much disruption in our lives. However the problem becomes detrimental when it is habitual. Studies show approximately 20% of adults in the United States are chronic procrastinators, and also found high levels of procrastination in the workplace can have negative effects on employment duration and income. Habitual procrastinators also report higher levels of stress, anxiety and even sleeping problems. 

Sharon Greene, an LCSW specializing in treating anxiety and depression at Providence Saint John’s Child & Family Development Center in Santa Monica, CA, explains procrastination results from a struggle between a person’s limbic system and prefrontal cortex of the brain. She says the limbic system is an older part of the brain that is automatic and seeks out pleasure and/ or avoids things that cause distress, while the prefrontal cortex helps with planning, decision-making, and long-term goals. Other studies have found “people who often procrastinate have a larger amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotions, particularly negative ones.”

Certain conditions such as anxiety disorders, ADHD and depression can make it harder for people to determine the course they should take, resulting in habitual procrastination. Others with addictive tendencies may always wait until the last minute to finish a project or task seeking a “saving the day,” high. Experts say treating the symptoms of these various conditions, may help lessen the tendency toward procrastination. 

Experts say procrastination can be a good thing like when we put off a task to do something we enjoy. If it is a beautiful day, it may be more beneficial to get out and play a round of golf or picnic in the park with your loved ones, than sitting home finishing something that can be done tomorrow. 

If you are searching for senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM, we invite you to take a look at the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community. Conveniently located in the northern suburb of Albuquerque, we offer seniors a stylish, comfortable community in which to safely age in place. Visit our website for contact information and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.  

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-we-procrastinate-experts-explain-the-science?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=MNT%20Daily%20News&utm_content=2022-10-22&apid=32549197&rvid=e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855#What-happens-in-the-brain?

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes. 

If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need.  We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. 

MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as solutions to challenging behaviors.  For trusted senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM, contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Learn More About MorningStar of Rio Rancho

A highly respected senior housing company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents.  MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho is one of four MorningStar communities in New Mexico.

MorningStar was started in 2003 based on unique mission statements, principles and philosophy.  As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains, his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” 

Out of this vision, came three mission statements that still guide the way we deliver service to our residents:  Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  The name “MorningStar” was inspired by Mr. Jaeger’s contemplation of the bible and his commitment to relieve poverty around the world.  

However, while founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition; please know that we welcome and honor all faiths and worldviews in our communities, and are committed to meeting not only residents’ social, emotional, and physical needs but their spiritual ones.  In our pursuit of creating a loving home, honoring spiritual preferences is part of caring for the whole person. 

In addition, we recognize our mission is advanced by hiring team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life.   

Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a range of floor plans to meet our senior living residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

Today’s assisted living is not just another term for a nursing home, which is intended for people who require skilled, around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Rather assisted living, the most popular and fastest growing long-term care option for older adults in the U.S., is designed for seniors who cannot get the help they need or afford while living at home or in an independent living community. The first community in the U.S. opened in the late 1980s. The concept quickly took hold out of consumers’ distaste for nursing homes and the desire for something offering the services, safety and amenities seniors required while still supporting and encouraging their independence.  

Assisted living recognizes seniors as productive, contributing individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover, unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities offer private suites and most are equipped with kitchenettes. At communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho, meals and transportation are provided, and residents can get help with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, toileting, etc.  Residents feel comforted having the security and safety of 24-hour support, and families’ rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever their loved one needs it. 

Residents of MorningStar appreciate the ease of built-in social connections and predictable budgeting as well as activities designed to engage them physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Amenities include a bistro, theater/chapel, fitness room, library, salon and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho NM’s MorningStar community may be the place for you.  If you would like to see if we are a good fit, we offer short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) and respite care for those recovering from an illness or surgical procedure. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM has to offer.

Looking for Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, NM?

MorningStar of Rio Rancho 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 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 you may 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 they 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 floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 51 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations that provide residents privacy, comfort, and security.  You will find our suites have high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds. All that is missing to make it feel like home are your own furnishings and personal items.  Also, you will not need to leave behind a beloved family member as we are pet friendly!   

For more information about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. 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. 

Making Your Assisted Living Suite Feel Like Home

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

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

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

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

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

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are committed to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful community.  We have 51 private suites for assisted living and another 26 secure suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  The stylish floor plans of our spacious suites are well-appointed and all that is missing are your own furnishings and personal items.  Also, you will not need to leave behind your furry friend – yes, we are pet friendly!   

MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides 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 an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho has to offer.

Source: 

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

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Rio Rancho

Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at MorningStar of Rio Rancho. Our goal is to provide the best senior housing Rio Rancho offers, with the services and care needed to give residents the best quality of life. Our beautiful community has 51 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.

We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our website and watch the Virtual Tour, read the home page, and take a look at the full list of amenities and floor plans for an overview of our community.

Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our assisted living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs.  

Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training.  Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). 

In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to request our “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elder parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. 

Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Moving a Parent into Assisted Living is Often a Hard Decision

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they need to move to a place where they will receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

For exceptional senior housing, Rio Rancho area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho, a true destination for successful aging.  We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 51 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 26 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.  

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

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Senior Living Can Help Maintain Your Independence

If you live alone, no longer drive, have problems with mobility, and feel like you would welcome more social interaction into your life, please consider community living. Homes like MorningStar of Happy Valley provide residents with all of the services, amenities and wellness programs to help them safely age in place. Moreover as one of our cherished residents, you get peace of mind knowing help is at hand whenever you need it. 

Right from the ground up, our home is set apart from other senior living communities as we were designed by the award-winning senior interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design. We offer gorgeously-appointed common areas including all-day, restaurant-style dining, a 24-hour bistro, fitness and wellness center, life enrichment room, spa, massage/therapy room, salon, theatre/chapel and more. Situated on a 2-acre campus, we also showcase expansive outdoor amenities such as courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, barbecue and fire pit and strolling paths. 

Too often seniors assume assisted living means an end to their independence but studies actually show the opposite is true. When older adults get the daily personal care they need, it helps to restore their confidence and frees them up to move forward with living life to the fullest. In addition to extensive support services, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of amenities, our contemporary suites are ready to move-in to and just require your furnishings and personal items. For your safety and wellbeing, each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. 

The MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community offers 61 assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website for more information about the area’s most trusted assisted living and memory care and to learn more about what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities.   

Tis the Season to be Happy

If you haven’t found anything to feel joyful about this holiday season, you are probably not alone. The Mayo Clinic says the holidays can affect people by bringing up unhappy memories of loved ones no longer here or making you feel you are not doing enough. They offer some coping mechanisms on how to relieve your stress and depression; take stock of the situation; and perhaps even figure out how to enjoy the holidays. 

The first tip they offer is to acknowledge your feelings. For instance, it is normal to feel sorrow if you are dealing with a recent death of a loved one or unable to be with someone who means a lot to you. Give yourself the time to mourn and accept the fact that you cannot force yourself to feel happy right now.

It is also more difficult to go through the holidays if you are feeling alone and isolated. Try to reach out to your church, community or other social organizations; or go online to find virtual gathering, religious services or set up zoom calls with those you cannot be with this year. Another way to feel better is to do something special for someone like cooking a meal and dropping it off or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. 

Experts say another problem that interferes with holiday joy is setting unrealistic expectations. The holidays are not going to solve all your problems and your family is still your family. Moreover, don't get upset over changes in family traditions as kids grow up and things change. Rather suggest new traditions that everyone can agree on. Other tips to smooth the holidays are to plan ahead, stick to your budget, make time for yourself, and set aside your differences and grievances. If depression and anxiety continue to plague you, seek professional help. 

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, our goal is to provide residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can safely age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents enjoy the benefits of community living and get peace of mind knowing loving support is available whenever they need it. Visit our website to learn more about the area’s top assisted living and memory care.  

Source:  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544

Are You Getting Enough Protein in Your Diet?

Information on what constitutes a healthy diet continues to evolve as researchers discover more and more about the human body and how it reacts to the food we consume and the way it affects the aging process. Not too long ago, medical professionals touted diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Now newer studies emphasize the role protein plays in our overall health and the importance of eating healthy proteins.   

Experts say the best proteins should contain vitamins and minerals. Cesar Sauza, clinical nutrition manager of health education and wellness at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, explains his "top go-to protein foods sources are fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines.” A 3 oz. A serving of tuna steak contains 24 grams of protein and salmon 17 grams of protein. Fatty, cold water fish also contain omega-3s; fatty acids that help maintain eye and brain health as well as heart and circulatory health. Omega-3s DHA and EPA are linked to brain and cardiovascular health.

Another item back on the menu is eggs. Cage-free eggs are a good source of protein (one egg has 6 grams), fairly inexpensive, easy to prepare and provide several essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamins B2, B5, B6 and B12, folate, phosphorus and selenium.

Bean and legumes are other easy ways to get your daily dose of protein and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you lose weight as they contain a carbohydrate known as “resistant starch," that like fiber, is hard to digest and makes us feel fuller longer.

Other healthy suggestions for protein include low-fat dairy products. Along with the probiotic benefit, Greek yogurt has almost twice the protein as regular yogurt along with calcium and is typically fortified with vitamin D. Nuts and seeds are also loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals. Dieticians say if you eat meat, concentrate on lean meat and avoid processed ones like bacon, ham, deli meats, and hot dogs. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with a 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.  Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley.  

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/top-healthy-protein-rich-foods?slide=3&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Dec%2005%2007%3A49%3A18%20EST%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health 

Even Good for You Foods Should be Eaten in Moderation

In addition to the types of food we eat, dieticians say it is also important to pay attention to portion size when attempting to shed a few pounds as it will help us reach our goal.  When trying to diet, sticking to nutrient-dense, relatively low-calorie foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and poultry are your best choices; but no matter how healthy a food is, you still should not over consume.  

This is where portion control plays a part.  Amy Gorin, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats, a collection of curated meal plans, grocery lists and nutrition tip sheets, explains that whole foods like almond butter and dark chocolate are good for us, they should be eaten in moderation and in proper portions.  In other words, the bottom-line is a large chocolate bar should not be consumed in one sitting.    

However, to complicate matters, experts explain that in many cases, strictly following portion sizes suggested on the container would differ from what a registered dietician would recommend.  The problem with across-the-board portion sizes is they do not address age group, gender, and activity level of the particular person.  Add to that, portion size is a critical component to actually losing weight especially in foods that are higher in calories.  

Also eating the right amount of food helps to maintain a balanced gut. The Harvard Health Men’s Watch, suggests “a healthy gut microbiome stimulates the body’s immune system and may shield against an array of chronic diseases, including: cancer, heart disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.”

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we provide residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting.  Our beautiful home provides assisted living and memory care with a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service.  Contact us or visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other seniors living in Rio Rancho, NM.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, NM

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/portion-control-what-you-should-know

Looking for Gift Ideas for Your Elderly Mom or Dad?

While you want to show mom or dad your love through a thoughtful gift this holiday season, it can be tough to figure out one. If they live in a senior living community that provides for many of their needs or in an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up major space or already has it. 

This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy.

If they haven’t gotten an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice-operated. Alexa can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use.  

Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain, a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep, or a light-therapy lamp for the dark days of winter. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids. 

If you are looking for the finest senior housing Rio Rancho offers, consider MorningStar of Rio Rancho. Our all-inclusive senior living community offers a range of luxury amenities, while providing all of the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every private suite is smartly-designed to maximize space and include floor plans in studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations. All have wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, lighting, and safety features such as full, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. In addition, one- and two-bedroom suites in assisted living have a stacking washing machine and dryer.  Please visit our website to learn more and be sure to ask us about our Move-in Specials.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho, NM offers. 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, MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.