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Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

January 10, 2022 by Rena Phillips in senior living

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude. 

Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”  

Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume. 

Additionally remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask. 

Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking and alcohol use and taking meds as prescribed.  

If you are looking for senior living, please visit MorningStar of Happy Valley. We provide area seniors trusted assisted living and memory care with a wide array of amenities, care services and wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website.   

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

January 10, 2022 /Rena Phillips
senior living, medical experts, Senior Wellness, senior health, senior living communities, senior living community
senior living

Provide Your Body with Key Nutrients for a Strong Immune System

May 29, 2020 by Rena Phillips

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

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

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

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

Our team is dedicated to providing residents a safe, comfortable environment where they can enjoy their well-deserved retirement years.  Also, during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), MorningStar could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

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


May 29, 2020 /Rena Phillips
Alzheimers, senior living communities, Senior Wellness
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Less Hospitalization for Those in Senior Living Communities

December 05, 2019 by Rena Phillips

A Place for Mom posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist.  The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.”

Hospitalization information from participants in the Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?”  Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone. Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions.  

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills we provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.  Our residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more.  In addition, we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like.  

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.”  While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up a tour.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/   


December 05, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Alzheimer's, Senior Wellness, assisted living community
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Dealing with a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

October 30, 2019 by Rena Phillips

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for everyone in the family and an uncomfortable, difficult topic for people to talk about.  In some cases, even physicians do not discuss the disease with their patients, and sometimes a person is unaware of the diagnosis.  Others may try to hide their memory problems, and as a result, end up with little time to put their affairs in order and plan for the future.  

However experts say it is important to discuss the diagnosis and its ramifications with your family in order to make your wishes known regarding your care.  One of the things you will want to do is to designate a family member to make decisions on your behalf once you are unable to do so. With the help of your family, you will also need to make financial decisions such as setting aside assets to pay for long-term care in an assisted living community or for home care.  Keep in mind that planning ahead also gives your family peace of mind as they will know they are following your wishes.

Another one of the recommendations from experts who work with Alzheimer’s patients is to have the person tell their life story.  This can be in a journal form or recorded and provides a meaningful way for the family to bond together.  Furthermore, it helps to make the person feel that they are a valued member of the family.   

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho, which includes individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We treat each of our special residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence. Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website for more information.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.


Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-26/5-steps-to-ending-the-stigma-surrounding-dementia 


 


October 30, 2019 /Rena Phillips
dementia, Alzheimers, Senior Wellness
morningstar general 4.gif

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Unique Approach to Memory Care

August 12, 2019 by Rena Phillips in senior living

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family.  All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path.    

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills understands that families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one. Along with 63 private suites for assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss.  We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.   

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.  Additionally, as we believe that many of the adverse behaviors associated with dementia are often side effects of antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have less than 10% of our residents on any of these types of drugs.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed.  Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ need in mind and are as good to look at as they are to eat.     

Please contact us or visit our website for more information.  


MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

August 12, 2019 /Rena Phillips
memory care, Alzheimers, Senior Wellness
senior living
memory-care-reno.jpg

It is Important that Seniors Stay Hydrated

August 10, 2019 by Rena Phillips in senior living

Now that we are in mid-summer and outside temperatures are soaring, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.  

There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age.  This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration.  Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink.  

Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink  something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time.  The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to see to the needs of our residents.   Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

August 10, 2019 /Rena Phillips
senior health, Senior Care, Senior Wellness
senior living
assisted-living-reno-nv.jpg

Memory Care Designed to Feel Like Home

August 09, 2019 by Rena Phillips in senior living

As one of the area’s top assisted living communities, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 28 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

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

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

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers exceptional assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  


MorningStar of Fountain Hills represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our loving, compassionate memory care.

August 09, 2019 /Rena Phillips
assisted living, Alzheimers, Senior Wellness
senior living
memory-care-reno(1).jpg

Seniors and Heat-related Illness

July 21, 2019 by Rena Phillips in senior living

While beautiful, summers in Rio Rancho are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the upper-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 years old.”  

Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature.  When people over the age of 65 heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features.  Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun.   

Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.  Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out. Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems.  Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease.   

Diet can also play a role in becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided.  If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and our residents enjoy a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our deliciously prepared 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 visit our website for more details and contact information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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.

July 21, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Senior Care, Healthy Seniors, Senior Wellness
senior living
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Greater Verbal Memory Decline in Seniors Who Watch More TV

July 12, 2019 by Rena Phillips

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults.   A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory.  The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older.  

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV.  Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.”   For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected.  

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults.  One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, residents have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV.  Our assisted living and memory care community provides the care services residents’ need as well as a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  With such a broad range of activities, we are sure you will find something of interest, such as exercise classes, reading and writing groups, painting classes, trivia and card games, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more.  Please call or visit our website for more information.  

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

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php


July 12, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Alzheimers, Healthy Seniors, Senior Wellness
memory care 4.jpg

Exploring Our Creative Side Can be Beneficial to Our Wellbeing

May 29, 2019 by Rena Phillips

The arts enrich the lives of the artist as well as the viewer.  While some of us may not feel creative, it is probably just more of a result of not having the opportunity to explore your creative side.  Expressing ourselves in the creative arts has been proven to be beneficial to every age group including the elderly. As artist Norman Rockwell explains, “The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.”

Over the last several decades studies in the “fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing.”  The first major study to look at the effects the arts have on our health and illness as we age was done by the George Washington University in Washington, DC.  The national longitudinal study was led by Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, director of the University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, who found the arts positively affect the quality of seniors’ lives.  Some of the benefits included helping seniors relax, reducing depression and anxiety, assisting in socialization, improving cognition, reducing boredom, nurturing spirituality and increasing self-esteem.   

Researchers explain that taking part in art expression classes should not be looked at as simply a way to fill time but rather as a way to find meaning and purpose in life regardless of your age.  Moreover it is important that as we grow older, we do things that keep us engaged and give us a reason to look forward to each day. Expressive arts include visual arts, music, dance, writing, and poetry.  

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  As a resident, you will have a wide array of care services, resort-style amenities and meaningful wellness programs to engage your mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.   We look forward to meeting future residents and their families at our onsite Information Center. Our model suites will open in June.  Please visit our website for details.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Opening at the end of the year, we will be one of the area’s top senior living communities.

Source: todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml


May 29, 2019 /Rena Phillips
assisted living community, Senior Wellness, Aging
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A Wide Range of Care Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

May 10, 2019 by Rena Phillips

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we are committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families.   

Moreover, we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data.   

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills has 63 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.  

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


May 10, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Healthy Seniors, Senior Care, Senior Wellness
assisted-living-memory-care-jordan.jpg

Assisted Living Supports & Encourages Good Health Habits

April 30, 2019 by Rena Phillips

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into assisted living facilities, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

Along with supplying built-in companionship, assisted living facilities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho strive to enrich the lives of our residents with a range of activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.  In addition it solves the problem of many elderly adults who live alone that find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our gorgeous community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that also with scheduled transportation to area shopping malls as well as trips to the doctors and to run errands.

Our holistic approach to assisted living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassionate.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment.  And if we do not have a program or activities that peaks your interest or offer a hobby you would love to explore, we invite you to start a club.

Our assisted living and memory care Rio Rancho, NM community is set to open any day now.  We are conveniently located within a residential setting and just blocks away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, stores, restaurants, and banks.  Contact us via email, give us a call, or visit our onsite Information Center.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best 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 in a beautiful setting.  Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.


April 30, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Healthy Seniors, Senior Care, Senior Wellness
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May is Mental Health Month

April 24, 2019 by Rena Phillips

Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as "Mental Health Month") was first observed in the United States in May 1949 and raises awareness of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.  In mid-March the organization releases a toolkit of materials that serves as a guide to prepare for the year’s various outreach activities. This May will mark the organization’s 70th year celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.   

Last year’s theme was Fitness #4Mind4Body and focused on helping individuals determine what they could do to increase their fitness for the future regardless of where they were on their own personal journey to health and wellness.  The 2019 theme continues along those lines and takes it to the next level. It explores the “topics of animal companionship (including pets and support animals), spirituality, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.”  

The National Mental Health Association says that each year more than one in five Americans experience a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.  Thus their goal is to make people aware of the signs and symptoms of these problems so they can help affected family members or friends get the care and treatment they need.    

The University of Michigan suggests several things we can do to protect our mental health.  The first is to value ourselves. They say be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Each day make time for hobbies or enjoyable projects and try to broaden your horizons.  Then care for your body, which includes avoiding cigarettes, drinking plenty of water, eating nutritional food, and exercising. Also get plenty of sleep. Maintain strong family and/or social connections and try to do something to help someone else.  They also it is important to learn how to deal with stress, and remember to smile.

As one of the most exceptional assisted living facilities in the area, MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community will offer wellness programs and activities, resort-style amenities and fine dining.  Visit our website for pricing and availability.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best 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 in a beautiful setting.  Please visit our Information Center to learn more about the most luxurious and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source:

mentalhealthamerica.net/may?gclid=CjwKCAjwv6blBRBzEiwAihbM-aJ26fekuOY7UWmuIvN30xSrigALt1YrKIgxKpmsGRrvo293M7QPsRoCF5QQAvD_BwE

uhs.umich.edu/tenthings

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare


April 24, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Healthy Seniors, Senior Wellness, assisted living community
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At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, We Take Dining to the Next Level

April 11, 2019 by Rena Phillips

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer, MorningStar of Fountain Hills proudly takes dining to a new level with beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style.  We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why we put so much emphasis on ensuring our food service is A+.

Furthermore, we believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting.  When we break bread together, it is much more than just physical nutrients as it helps to bond us as a family and as friends.

To ensure our food service is both delicious and nutritional, we have our own highly-trained professional chef who is in charge of all meal prep.  Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients of which come from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  Meals are also modified to include an array of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat choices so that residents can self-manage any dietary restrictions. 

Recognizing that nutrient-rich foods can help stimulate the appetite as well as support brain health, MorningStar meals are also prepared using ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.   These “super foods” include leafy, dark greens; dark chocolate; acai; berries, and Omega 3 fats. Most importantly mealtime at Fountain Hills is a time for residents to relax and enjoy the company of fellow residents or family and friends.  

Located in a scenic desert community east of Scottsdale, MorningStar of Fountain Hills residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within a loving, family atmosphere.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best assisted living and memory care community, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself why residents are proud to call us home.  

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

April 11, 2019 /Rena Phillips
Healthy Seniors, Memory Care, Senior Wellness

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