Tai Chi is a Good Exercise Alternative for Older Adults

As an older adult, living a healthy lifestyle requires following a few time-tested tips. Diet and nutrition play a significant role in maintaining both mental and physical health. A daily exercise routine bolsters the immune system, as well as enhances the brain and heart. Simply interacting with other seniors and your loved ones reduces stress and develops memory skills. Of all the options for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle, one option does not receive the attention it deserves, but it should.

Tai chi is a good exercise alternative for older adults that reside at a senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is Tai Chi?

You might see a group of residents at our assisted living facility moving about in an exercise room in a slow, symmetrical manner. They most likely are participating in a tai chi routine, which goes back as far as 2,500 years as an exercise routine that originated in China. Based on improving coordination and breathing patterns, tai chi involves slow, repetitive, and low-impact movements. The goal of the exercise routine is to achieve balance with the body and harmony with the mind. Many tai chi experts describe the exercise routine as meditation in motion.

There are five primary tai chi styles: Yang, Chen, Wu, Wu/Hao, and Sun. Each style concentrates on a specific movement while participants maintain a certain posture.

What Are the Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors?

Tai chi delivers several benefits for participants from any age group, but the exercise routine is the ideal strategy for seniors to maintain mental and physical health. The exercise routine helps older adults improve balance and coordination, both of which diminish as we grow older. Improved balance results from the slow, deliberate movements conducted during any type of tai chi exercise routine. Tai chi is well-known for building strength, particularly in the back and thighs. Slow, deliberate body movements also help seniors sharpen their hand-eye coordination, which allows them to enjoy playing recreational sports such as golf and tennis.

At our memory care facility, we emphasize the importance of tai chi as an effective way to enhance cognitive function and memory. The controlled repetitive breathing patterns relax the mind to help older adults retain cognitive skills, as well as maintain a robust memory. Because of the meditative qualities of tai chi, the exercise routine has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety symptoms. The exercise routine triggers neurotransmitters in the brain to make them more active. One of the keys to achieving vibrant health for seniors concerns getting enough sleep, which tai chi is considered a highly effective tool for achieving the important healthcare goal.

Getting Started with a Tai Chi Program

As with any exercise regimen, seniors should consult with their doctors before embarking on an extended tai chi program. Let the instructor know your experience level, as well as mention any physical concerns. Make sure to follow the instructor’s suggestions on how to warm up before each session, as warming up the body can help prevent injuries. Do not overexert your body, especially during the first few sessions. Take breaks when your body lets you know it needs to rest.MorningStar at Arcadia offers a wide variety of classes to help our residents maintain healthy lifestyles, including the centuries-old tradition called tai chi. Learn more about what we have to offer at our memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ by submitting the Contact Us form found on our website.

The MorningStar Foundation

MorningStar of Santa Fe is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s senior living communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which was held on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations included hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer's,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Santa Fe for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Our beautiful community offers 56 stylish assisted living suites and 29 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We also offer short-term stays to see if we are a good fit as well as respite care. Please contact us for availability and pricing. 
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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 living Santa Fe, NM offers.

Seniors are More at Risk of Dehydration

With summer bringing hotter temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors, to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated.  

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe is a beautiful senior living community located on the west side of town with wonderful mountain views and convenient medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  For more information about MorningStar’s senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, please contact us or visit our website. 

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.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

MorningStar of Albuquerque Offers Comprehensive, Compassionate Memory Care

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar of Albuquerque is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, we are committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.
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We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Moving a parent into a memory care community is often a difficult decision to make. However, once a family chooses MorningStar, we are there every step of the way to walk your loved one through the transition. Our first step is to get to know all we can about the individual such as their background, talents and personal preferences by using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized service plan in accordance with the family. 

Along with memory care, we offer exceptional assisted living, with a broad range of amenities, wellness programs and activities.  We also welcome residents for short-term stays (30 days or less) for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a vacation or when recovering from surgery or an illness. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Albuquerque.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

These Senior Living Options at MorningStar will Make You Feel Right at Home

As you know, change is both exhilarating and unnerving. When it comes to transitioning to an assisted living community, our team at MorningStar understands that uncertainty may be overwhelming you as you embark on this new chapter of your life. You have incredible resilience and strength as you navigate this new terrain, and you certainly won’t be doing it alone. The community at MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks is ready to embrace you with open arms and provide you with a nurturing environment that will create a true sense of belonging by offering personalized living situations, a private community, and plenty of opportunities to socialize. 

Our assisted living community at MorningStar is intentionally crafted to offer our residents the freedom to embrace whatever life they desire. Conveniently located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, our community provides residents with freedom and choices, resort-style amenities, maintenance-free living, and best-in-class dining and hospitality.

Within our community itself, residents have the option to choose what floorplan they want and how they wish to furnish their homes. Morningstar of Sparks offers a range of living options including 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment. Our homes are unfurnished and we encourage seniors to bring the possessions they love the very most to help make their new community feel a little bit more like home. 

Moving to a new senior living arrangement can be challenging. But when you are being welcomed by an active community of seniors in quality care, the worry starts to lessen. At MorningStar, you will quickly adjust to our welcoming environment with luxury-style amenities and exciting activities. Socialize with friends in family in the full-service dining room or bistro or relax on the weekends at the fireside patio. You might even enjoy spending time in our library discovering new books or joining a workout class in our fitness room. Whatever activities you love, we’ve built them all into our senior living community at MorningStar. 

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

Senior Living Community Designed to Make Senior Living Exciting

Welcome to a senior living community in Phoenix that is designed to make senior living exciting.

One of the greatest concerns of many prospective senior living residents is that their new lifestyles do not have the same lifestyle options that they once enjoyed while living at home. In other words, they view assisted living as a boring way to spend their time. Although many senior living communities have deservedly earned the reputation for creating dull ambiances, MorningStar at Arcadia has broken free of the reputation by offering our residents plenty of amenities onsite, as well as regularly scheduled outings that keep them highly motivated to get the most out of their lives.

Senior Outings Make Senior Living Exciting

MorningStar at Arcadia offers a unique living environment for residents by establishing a three-tier system. Not only do we offer assisted and memory care living environments, but we also provide home environments for seniors looking to maintain independent lifestyles. Regardless of the type of living environment for your loved one, rest assured that our community keeps them busy throughout the year by scheduling frequent outings.

A Taste of Phoenix Culture

Phoenix, Arizona is home to many renowned cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites. A day outing centered around visiting a cultural venue such as the Phoenix Art Museum or the Heritage and Science Park can create memories that last a lifetime. A vast majority of our cultural trips involve bus transportation to ensure residents do not have to walk far.

Connect With Nature

Nothing beats spending an entire day outdoors immersed in the spectacular scenery that surrounds the Valley of the Sun. Planning a day trip outdoors does not have to involve a high-risk activity like white water rafting. Our residents enjoy nature by breaking bread at a picnic and spending the day strolling around the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ. MorningStar at Arcadia also schedules attending local outdoor festivals and other types of special events.

Entertainment at Its Best

Although MorningStar at Arcadia hosts numerous entertainment activities throughout the year at our senior living community, we encourage residents to sign up for entertainment activities that take place outside our assisted living and memory care facility. Some examples of offsite entertainment activities scheduled for our residents include plays, concerts, and sporting events. Phoenix is one of the few cities in the United States that is home to the four major professional sports franchises.

Take a Tour of Our Exciting Senior Living Community in Phoenix

MorningStar at Arcadia offers several onsite amenities that allow residents to stay active throughout each day. One of our most popular onsite amenities is the state-of-the-art theatre that incorporates Wii video game technology. MorningStar at Arcadia offers a full-service dining room, as well as a bistro that highlights locally sourced fresh ingredients. Your loved one has the opportunity to remain physically fit by leveraging the equipment located in the fitness room. The onsite tropical aquarium presents a wide variety of marine life that comes with a bounty of insightful information,

Schedule a tour of MorningStar at Arcadia to learn more about how we make senior living exciting.

Salmon is an Excellent Source of Omega-3 for Seniors

One of the most important features of an assisted living facility concerns the emphasis on residents eating healthy meals. At the MorningStar at Arcadia senior living facility, our team of dieticians and nutritionists work closely with the kitchen staff to create menus that follow the healthiest guidelines. One of the most important components of healthy menus is to include plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as flax, broccoli, and avocados. Heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids also are found in fish like tuna, herring, and salmon.

In fact, salmon represents an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The question is not should your loved one consume salmon as part of a healthy diet. Instead, the question is, “What are the health benefits of consuming salmon?”

Improves Heart Health

As with other types of unsaturated fat, Omega-3 fatty acids dramatically reduce the risk of developing heart disease. In regions of the world such as Asia and the Mediterranean, residents who consume plenty of seafood experience extremely low rates of strokes and heart attacks. Fish oil, which chefs use to heighten the flavor of certain dishes, also stimulates the proper level of blood flow that helps prevent the development of heart disease.

Decreases the Level of Triglycerides

Research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream. To lower the risk of developing clogged arteries, seniors that live with an imbalance between HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol should include salmon in their diets to ingest more Omega-3 fatty acids. Not only does reducing the level of triglycerides help prevent the development of heart disease, but it also lowers the risk of stroke and the need to receive post-stroke memory care services.

Mitigate Inflammation

As we grow older, the body tends to flare up more often in a wide variety of places. The answer to an increase in inflammation episodes is to consume more salmon. Studies conducted around the world have verified the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent suffering from the pain caused by episodes like migraines and sore muscles. Healthcare providers recommend seniors include more Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets from both wild and farm-raised salmon. Incorporating Omega-3 supplements into a senior loved one’s diet also helps mitigate inflammation.

Better Mental Health

Although nothing represents a cure for dementia, your loved one can delay and lessen the impact of dementia symptoms by eating more Omega-3-rich salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in ensuring normal brain functions, especially when it comes to memory and motor functions. A study conducted over 10 years of more than 8,000 participants discovered that consuming a Mediterranean diet high in fish such as salmon can slow down cognitive decline. A healthy diet that includes Omega-3 fatty acids also decreases the risk of developing mental disorders such as depression by balancing the chemical receptors operating in the body’s nervous system.

We encourage you to schedule a tour of MorningStar at Arcadia to see firsthand the importance our healthcare team places on residents eating healthy foods. With an operation principle centered around God, our assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona creates a loving atmosphere in a facility known for its world-class amenities.

The Advantages of Making Friends in a Senior Living Community

Friendships that we develop at every stage of our lives give us meaning and purpose. From the first playmates in nursery school to the college classmates that become lifetime friends, the benefits of friendship include enhanced social skills and resources to confide in both personal and professional struggles. Although developing friendships should be the cornerstone objective of our lives, many friendships tend to fade in significance as we grow older. After we retire from the workforce, we lose touch with our professional peers. Another reason for fading relationships concerns moving into a senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Just because a loved one moves into an assisted living facility does not mean your loved one should end friendships, many of which have developed over a lifetime.

What Are the Benefits of Friendships at Assisted Living Facilities?

Although it is important to maintain friendships with lifelong acquaintances, it is equally important for seniors to make new friends at the MorningStar assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ for the following reasons.

Here’s to Your Loved One’s Health

Is developing friendships at an assisted living facility the perfect prescription for curing the blues? According to numerous studies, developing peer friendships in an assisted living and memory care facility eases mental health issues such as depression and acute anxiety. Friendships also deliver many physical health advantages like lowering blood pressure and creating a sharper memory.

Continue Learning

One of the keys to keeping your loved one’s cognitive skills high involves providing learning opportunities. MorningStar at Arcadia schedules weekly and monthly activities that provide our residents with several opportunities to learn new skills and concepts. Without friends, your loved one might not be motivated enough to participate in our full slate of learning activities. The types of learning opportunities at our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ include classes, lectures, book clubs, and cooking demonstrations.

All of our learning activities encourage group events that make it easier to develop friendships.

Receive Comfort

One of the many types of praise received by our team of caregivers concerns their unsurpassed level of compassion and empathy. Sometimes, it is much easier to confide in a friend to receive comfort for an issue that negatively impacts the senior living experience, as well as life itself. Although your loved one receives the full support of our team of caregivers, as well as friends and family members, some problems are better solved by someone who can claim “Been there, done that.”

Live With a Sense of Purpose

One of the most important elements that make for a successful living environment at a MorningStar assisted living and memory care facility involves residents that rise and shine each day with a sense of purpose. Developing a network of friends helps your loved one live with a distinct purpose every day, whether the purpose involves taking a day trip or meeting a group of friends over a game of cards. Living with a purpose means your loved one is more likely to take pride in his or her appearance, as well as develop healthy habits and behaviors.

We encourage you to schedule a tour of our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ to discover how your loved one can make new friends, as well as continue to foster the development of old friendships.

Do You Use the Internet for Medical Information?

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice.

Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. 

Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; and advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site.

The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization.   

At MorningStar of Albuquerque we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has 48 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior living in Albuquerque.

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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.
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Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where

Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Meals at MorningStar of Santa Fe

As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Santa Fe is designed to meet the needs of our assisted living residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. 

Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. 

One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So, our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. 

MorningStar provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For more information about exceptional senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, please contact us or visit our website.

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.

Discover Luxury Senior Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best senior living in Albuquerque; and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach considers every aspect of senior living from the design of our beautiful community to a broad range of care services, amenities, and wellness programs.  In fact, Ken Jaeger, MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder, had specific ideas on how to foster the ultimate environment for the wellbeing of seniors and it is the guiding spirit in which our community operates.

Add to that, our dedicated team members who are the heartbeat of our community and the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face.  They understand it is a privilege to serve and many come to know and treat our residents as they do their own moms and dads.  As a true home, we consider our residents, their families and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Albuquerque family. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers 48 private assisted living suites for residents that need help with daily activities. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 21 suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. To ensure our suits fit the needs of all our residents, we offer floor plans that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Each suite has a handicapped-accessible bathroom, emergency call system and includes weekly housekeeping as well as laundry and linen service.  And yes, we welcome your pet.  

Our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  Also, regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers to meet your needs and ensure your comfort and safety.       

As a resident of MorningStar, you will get three daily meals designed by our Executive Chef and prepared largely from scratch.  Each meal is nutritious as well as delicious and recipes are modified to address several different dietary restrictions including low sodium or low fat, sugar-free, no sugar, and vegetarian options.   In addition, residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and programs that are designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Please visit our website for more information.

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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

Explore the Affordable Senior Living Options in Nevada

Worrying about the cost of senior living care for yourself, a parent, or a loved one is normal. Changing living arrangements can cause significant stress for seniors and their families. If you are considering all-inclusive senior living options, you may also be wondering about hidden fees or unexpected costs that you won’t be aware of until after moving. 

MorningStar Sparks offers some of the most cost-effective senior living options Nevada has to offer for those looking for assisted living and senior living near them. By having specialized levels of care and partnering with financial services, MorningStar in Sparks, Nevada, can offer quality financial advice and support to families needing trusted retirement living.

MorningStar retirement homes provide top-quality care that is easily accessible to seniors looking for reliable senior living and assisted living. When debating on the affordability of this living arrangement, just know that our communities believe that seniors deserve exceptional care and support, illustrated through our numerous financial resources, like ElderLife Financial Services.

The equity built up in an individual’s private home is typically a retiree’s most significant asset. Selling a home is the usual route individuals take when they decide to move to senior living, as it is the most profitable. It is more than likely that the house will be empty, or those still residing within will be ready to downsize. 

While selling a home is the quickest way to make senior living affordable, it can take time to accomplish promptly. MorningStar has partnered with ElderLife Financial Services to assist families in the senior living transition. Elderlife offers access to real estate professionals and other resources to help with cleaning, packing, listing, and selling.

While selling a home is one way to move to a retirement community, some seniors have other options. MorningStar senior living in Nevada offers various payment options, including private pay, which can be possible through savings, income, or investments. Still, payment is also possible through long-term insurance and veterans’ benefits.

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. 
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To learn more about MorningStar’s Senior Living in Reno, contact our staff, who are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see the most exceptional and dependable memory care Sparks, Nevada, offers.

Are You Responsible for Caring for an Elderly Parent?

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change.  Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence.  Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together.  Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.  

Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by you and your parents.  MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits and supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.  While this is not a substitute for the time your loved one spends with family, you may find your mom or dad is not always available to take your call as they are busy having fun with other residents and staff.  

Our services also include providing housekeeping to help ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we see to it your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also offer assistance with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services.  

Please contact us for more information regarding exceptional senior living in Albuquerque, NM.  Our community offers 48 stylish suites for assisted living and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We look forward to hearing from you.  
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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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

EASY HOBBIES TO PICK UP IN A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

One of the many reasons why seniors thrive at our senior living facility in Phoenix is the jam-packed calendar for daily, weekly, and monthly activities. MorningStar at Arcadia operates on the principle that an engaged senior is a senior who enjoys robust mental and physical health, as numerous research studies confirm the connection between an active senior and a healthy senior. Activities also improve resilience, as well as enhance memory and creativity.

The best strategy for staying mentally and physically active while living at a memory care facility in Phoenix involves picking up a hobby or two. According to Dictionary.com, a hobby is “an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure and relaxation.” The key to picking up a hobby is finding one that brings you joy, while at the same time giving you a purpose in life. You have many hobbies to choose from, with the following hobbies representing the easiest ones to pick up.

Swimming

The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that older adults should strive to complete at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activities. When you think of aerobic activities, you probably think of walking, hiking, and cycling. However, swimming is one of the most beneficial aerobic activities for enhancing your mental and physical health. The best part is that at an assisted living facility such as MorningStar at Arcadia, a senior has access to a swimming pool every day.

Gardening

Gardening requires physical exertion, but the most significant benefit of gardening concerns boosting mental health. This hobby has a calming, almost meditative effect that alleviates stress and anxiety. It also teaches seniors how to become more food self-sufficient, as well as eat fruits and vegetables that increase stamina and improve the functioning of the immune system. Gardening also represents a hobby that you can share with other members of our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Genealogy

You probably have watched at least one commercial promoting the services of a genealogy research company that provides the tools to trace a family’s history that goes back as far as several centuries. Learning your family’s roots can help you connect with a long-lost relative, as well as genealogists who can help you dig deeper into your background. All you need to get started with this hobby is Internet access and a keen interest in conducting investigative research.

Birdwatching

Invest in a pair of binoculars and a book that describes the birds native to your region, and you have acquired the essential tools to launch a bird-watching hobby. Discovering when and where seasonal birds migrate helps you establish a location to watch birds leave in fall, as well as come home to roost in spring. Birdwatching also is a great hobby for interacting with your peers and members of your family. You can teach your grandchildren how to watch birds and help them learn more about each species.

Picking up one or more hobbies is an effective strategy for seniors to remain active while staying at the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia facility in Phoenix. Established to build a foundation for honoring God, our senior living facility in Phoenix offers a warm, caring environment for a senior to call home. Learn more about our activities calendar at MorningStar at Arcadia by connecting with one of our staff members.

5 POPULAR SUMMER DRINKS FOR SENIORS

Summer is the time of year to spend much more time outdoors, but seniors must be careful not to overdo it. According to research, 40 percent of all heat-related deaths occur among seniors at least 65 years old. Seniors are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses for several reasons, including lower body water content and a compromised bodily heat detection system.

Keeping seniors adequately hydrated during the summer months is one of the many healthcare priorities of the caregivers at our senior living facility in Phoenix. Let’s look at five categories of beverages that do a great job of hydrating seniors, and at the same, deliver robust flavors that keep them coming back for more.

Milkshakes

Ice cream stands see lines form early in the day for their delectable selection of milkshakes. With milk and ice cream as the base ingredients, milkshakes come in a wide variety of flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. If a senior is lactose intolerant, our assisted living facility substitutes an ingredient like rice or almond milk. Adding nutritious fruits to a milkshake reduces the need to enhance the flavor profile with processed sugar.

Smoothies

With a consistency similar to milkshakes, smoothies eliminate the dairy component from their recipes. Instead, smoothies consist of much more fresh fruit that delivers crucial nutritional benefits such as vitamins A and C. Smoothies represent a refreshing way to hydrate during summer, especially for active seniors who spend time enjoying outdoor recreational activities like hiking and cycling. They also make ideal breakfast drinks to complement other dishes.

Slushies

Unlike milkshakes and smoothies, slushies consist of an ice base that eventually melts to provide water hydration for seniors. Slushies remain in liquid form by including fruit and non-sugary liquids in the recipe. Because of the significant percentage of ice, slushies withstand the heat of summer much better than the base ingredients of smoothies and milkshakes, which makes them the perfect beverage for serving at outdoor events.

Fruit/Veggie Juice

Freshly squeezed juices represent one of the most popular summer drinks for seniors. Without the need to add sugar or preservatives, juices offer the most nutritional option for hydrating a parched senior. Naturally high fructose fruits such as grapes, apples, and blueberries might require consumption moderation for seniors who live with certain medical conditions like diabetes. As a more savory version of fruit juices, veggie juices work well for seniors who require hydration, as well as enjoy the nutritional benefits offered by vegetables without having to chew them.

Flavored Water

Flavored waters contain the highest percentage of water than any of the other beverages on this list. This type of beverage is the right choice for seniors who want to be thoroughly hydrated, without increasing their calorie intake. For seniors that find fruit and vegetable juices to be too strong, flavored waters deliver the most neutral flavor profile. However, seniors with less sensitive taste buds might find it difficult to taste some of the milder flavors.

Ensuring the strong health of our residents is one of the most important services provided by MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia. This includes providing our residents with the proper amount of hydration to maintain robust health. Phoenix is notorious for its super-hot summers when temperatures frequently soar above 100 degrees. Learn more about our senior living facility in Phoenix by connecting with a staff member.

Are You Worried About Your Parents Getting the Care They Need?

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need. 

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. 

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of getting them settled into a community and then face another move if their needs can no longer be met. 

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. 

Another important step is to visit (either in person or virtually) the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.    

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM.
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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 living Santa Fe, NM offers.

MorningStar’s Philanthropic Initiatives at Home and Around the World

MorningStar of Albuquerque is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s senior living communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which will be on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations include hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer's,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Our beautiful community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We also offer short-term stays to see if we are a good fit as well as respite care. Please contact us for availability and pricing. 
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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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Be an Active Member of Your Health Care Team

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’ office 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, alcohol use and taking medications as prescribed.  

For outstanding senior living, Albuquerque, NM seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar. Our beautiful home provides assisted living and memory care with a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or see our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque.

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 living Albuquerque, NM offers.
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Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

As the Temperatures Soar – Remember to Stay Hydrated

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated. 

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a beautiful senior living community located on the northeast side of town with wonderful mountain views and convenient medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  For more information about MorningStar’s memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, please contact us or visit our website. 
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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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

Father’s Day is June 18th

Father’s Day was first officially celebrated in the United State on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.  It then took another 58 years (in 1972) after President Woodrow Wilson had declared Mother’s Day to be an official holiday for dads to get their own official national holiday.  This year Father’s Day is June 18, as the holiday is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.   

The earliest public event honoring fathers was in 1908 at a West Virginia church.  It was held in memory of 362 area men who had been killed in a tragic coal mine accident the year before.  It was a one-time commemoration and not intended to be an annual holiday.   

The first recognized celebration of all fathers took place at the Spokane, WA YMCA on June 19, 1910.  It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd.  Her father, William Jackson Smart was a single parent who raised six children.  Ms. Dodd had heard a sermon about the Mother’s Day celebration at Central Methodist Episcopal Church a year earlier and encouraged her church to have a similar event honoring fathers.  She had wanted it to be on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but her church’s pastors needed more time to prepare sermons so it was held on the third Sunday of the month.   

Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts and certainly deserve to have their “own day;” however getting fathers nationally recognized was not as easy as it had been to get a designated national holiday for mothers.  Throughout the years there were efforts to make it a national holiday but it never moved forward.  It wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designated the third Sunday as Father’s Day.  In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law. 

For exceptional assisted living and memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our beautiful community is designed to meet residents’ every need.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please see our website for more information about trusted senior living in Albuquerque, 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 for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.