After a Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there are no drugs to treat MCI but doctors say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize its effects. 

MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or take away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is important to treat these conditions and manage them through medications, diet and healthy lifestyle habits. 

Other things you can do to thwart, delay or minimize the effects of MCI are to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, which is good for our brains as well as our bodies. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods and foods high in sodium; and reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Isolation has also been linked to a higher risk for dementia, so it is important to stay social.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Santa Fe provides compassionate, individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is tailored to serve the needs of our special residents from purposeful activities to nutritional, easy-to-eat foods.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Learn More About Cataracts

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know if you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision makes night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year an estimated 3.7 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

For outstanding senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.    MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care offers a true home for residents with all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Community Assistant (lower right-hand corner) to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  

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

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other assisted 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 luxury amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Source:  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812090/

MorningStar Offers Senior Housing in Santa Fe, NM

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s goal is to be one of the best assisted living communities in the area. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. 

Our founding principles are based on “casting a new light” on senior living and treating each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily as we care for, inspire and love the residents under our roof. At MorningStar we want seniors to recognize they are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream.

We take great pride in a reputation for excellence and authenticity in both how we serve and why we serve throughout our MorningStar communities in eleven states. Specializing in compassionate care delivered by our distinguished team and guided by our proprietary program “Radiance,” we know the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our talents, time and energy. 

As people are living longer than any other time in history, senior living is quickly becoming a popular option for older adults. Residents appreciate predictable budgeting, luxury amenities and services, companionship and a carefree lifestyle.

Seniors’ wellbeing, comfort and safety are something MorningStar of Santa Fe takes very seriously.  Our beautiful community has 56 assisted living suites as well as 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us today to see how we can help support you or a loved one.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Santa Fe

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Santa Fe help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways.  Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.  

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat.  Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion.  Services also include housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.  

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year about 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar feel comforted knowing that help is nearby as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars.   

Along with assisted living, families trust MorningStar to compassionately care for their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with kindness and thoughtfulness.

Our beautiful community is on the city’s west side and offers mountain views. We are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services. Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior housing in Santa Fe, NM. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Snacks Can Be Tasty and Healthy

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

If you are looking for the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, MorningStar is it.  Our beautiful senior community provides assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar of Santa Fe’s warm, loving environment provides care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website for more information about our home and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.
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Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Risk Factors for Falling

Many of us have heard about or know a senior who has had a fall that led to a serious injury. Each year statistics report one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury; and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. Falls result in over 32,000 senior deaths each year. 

The Harvard Medical School reports the highest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. While a senior may have fallen or tripped and not thought much about it, as they only twisted an ankle or didn’t sustain a serious injury, the event may be a precursor to another fall. 

There are things seniors can do to protect themselves from a fall and it starts by being aware of any risk factors you may have including vision and hearing problems, which can make a fall more likely. Experts say stiff joints can hamper your gait and balance and make it easier to fall, as do certain medications for blood pressure and antihistamines. As a deficiency in vitamin D decreases a person’s bone mineral density and strength of the bones, it too can cause instability and raise the risk for a fall. Experts report even something as unrelated as a head cold or the flu can cause dizziness and increase your risk.  

To help boost core strength and improve balance, talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of exercises to do. Other steps to decrease the likelihood of a fall are to keep moving to loosen stiff joints and help build strength, wear sensible shoes and remove home hazards. Finally make sure your home has plenty of good lighting.  
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MorningStar of Santa Fe is an assisted living and memory care community on the city’s west side with beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities.  Along with many support services, we provide the physical environment to ensure older adults live as safely and as comfortably as possible.  Suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and each unit has an emergency call system. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Santa Fe

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar of Santa Fe is senior living at its best.  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.  

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart.  With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose.  Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our virtual tour that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living.  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.    Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or watching a favorite film in our comfortable theater? 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers 56 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

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 Santa Fe, NM offers.

Four Habits That Are Bad for Your Brain

Our modern-day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change. 

Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact, a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people aged 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6½ hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s authors recommend getting up and moving at least every 30 minutes. Your activity could be a quick round of squats or pushups or a walk around your front yard, or something similar for a few minutes. 

Lack of socialization can also lead to a thinning of the MTL as a number of studies link loneliness to a higher risk of dementia. Experts say you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle but rather try to routinely connect with three or four family members or friends. The number of social connections is less important than the degree of meaningful interactions.  

Other healthy cognitive behaviors include getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and reducing your level of stress. Research shows chronic stress “can kill brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.” To manage stress, experts suggest breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services and luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior housing in Santa Fe, NM. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-worst-habits-for-your-brain

Four Habits That Are Bad for Your Brain

Our modern-day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change. 

Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact, a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people aged 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6½ hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s authors recommend getting up and moving at least every 30 minutes. Your activity could be a quick round of squats or pushups or a walk around your front yard, or something similar for a few minutes. 

Lack of socialization can also lead to a thinning of the MTL as a number of studies link loneliness to a higher risk of dementia. Experts say you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle but rather try to routinely connect with three or four family members or friends. The number of social connections is less important than the degree of meaningful interactions.  

Other healthy cognitive behaviors include getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and reducing your level of stress. Research shows chronic stress “can kill brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.” To manage stress, experts suggest breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services and luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior housing in Santa Fe, NM. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-worst-habits-for-your-brain

Medications That May Increase the Risk of a Fall

The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women. 

Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. 

Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM.  

If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we provide comprehensive memory care. For trusted senior housing Santa Fe seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source:health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls

Dining at MorningStar of Santa Fe

A move to senior living can mean a lot of changes for a person. Our job at MorningStar of Santa Fe is to make sure that experience is full of positive changes. One of the things we feel showcases our home is an outstanding food service, which is under the direction of our own Executive Chef.  

As an assisted living resident, you will be treated to a variety of seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible, or even from our own resident-gardens. You will also enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining in our beautifully designed, relaxing dining room. For those times you wish to have an intimate dinner with friends or family, go ahead and reserve our private dining room. 

Our Chef is specifically trained in culinary skills and menu creations that appeal to seniors and knows how to modify recipes to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies as well as changing needs. A variety of nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  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. 

Along with five-star dining, other amenities include a general store, massage room, library, fitness room, and a full-service salon.  We also offer a bistro, as well as a theatre/chapel, outdoor courtyard with cozy kiva fireplace, strolling paths, salon and more. And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

While under our roof, residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and join a variety of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to meet your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  Please visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers and why MorningStar is such a great place to call 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 for more information about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

The Best in Assisted Living at MorningStar of Santa Fe

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 Santa Fe. Our goal is to provide the best senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, with the services and care needed to give residents the best quality of life. Our beautiful community has 56 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 “Come In & Welcome” video, read the home page, and 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. 

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 Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Seniors Benefit from Stretching Exercises

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe has 56 assisted living suites, and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our beautiful community provides tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to meet the needs of residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

Are you considering a community setting for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about an assisted living community offering memory care is whether or not they are up to the task of caring for your loved one.  Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road?  A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need.     

Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one.  Do they have a tendency to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors?  Do they require help with eating and drinking?  Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker?  Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes.   

Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one, now ask questions including how experienced is the staff; and do they have any special training.  If so, is it on-going?  Will your loved one have an individualized care plan?  Also what is the staff-ratio during the day and at night?  

Inquire about safety protocols starting with secured doors, courtyards, and grounds as well as an emergency call system.  Are hallways color-coded making it easier for residents to navigate about more independently?   Is there a nurse on duty, and how extensive are medical services?   Also, ask about the type of memory care activities and treatments available.  After you have learned what you can, experts say the final decision will most likely come down to your peace of mind. 

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to the most advanced stages.  Our holistic approach to care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  Beginning with dedicated caregivers to activities, programs and meals tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care.  Please see our website for more information about MorningStar of Santa Fe.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer. 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 Santa Fe provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/memory-care-facility-checklist

Trying to Drop a Few Pounds?

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 your 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.”

For the area’s finest senior housing, Santa Fe, NM seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Santa Fe, a true destination for successful aging.  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 for more information.

MorningStar of Santa Fe 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 for more information about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers

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