Do You Need Hearing Aids?

Did you know the FDA has made changes to regulations regarding hearing aids, which now makes it possible to buy an FDA approved device over the counter (OTC)? While many of us have heard about the high cost of prescription hearing aids and that Medicare typically does not cover them, you may want to know whether the experts think an OTC purchase is a good idea. 

The Harvard Medical School went to Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to see if it is a viable option and to explain potential pros and cons. He explains that despite there being several types of hearing aids, they all amplify sound and use a combination of signaling processing and directional microphones to filter out background noise. However, he warns against confusing personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) with hearing aids as they only amplify sound. 

To determine your level of hearing loss, experts recommend you start by getting a hearing test from an audiologist like you would get an exam from an optometrist when buying eyeglasses. This is especially necessary for severe hearing loss, as OTC devices are not appropriate for all types of hearing loss. For mild to moderate hearing loss, it may be possible to get good results by purchasing an OTC device without a hearing exam and fitting by an audiologist. 

The next question routinely asked is if you will save money by purchasing an OTC hearing aid and the answer is most-likely yes as a single hearing aid’s average cost is $2000, and age-related hearing loss may be in both ears. OTC also helps reduce the price by eliminating the added expense of the hearing test along with the actual device being substantially lower. Doctors say the new regulations should increase competition and some estimates indicate prices could drop by as much as $1,600. 

Dr. Naples cautions that just as drugstore readers are a great option for many, some individuals have more complicated issues that require more precise solutions. Hearing aids are the same. The doctor states the safest bet is to get a hearing test to confirm an OTC device is right for you. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services as well as luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Contact us to learn more about exceptional 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 for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-get-an-over-the-counter-hearing-aid-202211162852

Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline With a Healthy Diet

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. 

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer assisted living residents a healthy engaged lifestyle with luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  Our chef also uses 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.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living 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 for more information about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

Looking for Senior Living in the Denver Area?

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a vibrant senior living community located in a northern suburb of Denver. Our community offers 45 graciously appointed assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 19 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

We want you to know there are several things that set our community apart from others and that we strive to provide residents with the best of the best.  Whether it is our gorgeous interiors and exteriors, a host of wellness programs and activities, or most importantly a responsive staff that is honored to serve seniors, we feel MorningStar offers unparalleled senior living.  Our goal is to provide residents with the care they need to lead more comfortable, healthier lives and give them a place they are proud to call “home.”    

Our location makes it easy to get to hospitals, banks, shopping and restaurants, and among our many services and amenities, we provide scheduled transportation.  MorningStar of Wheat Ridge also gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the care they need with an individualized care plan, 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse, and other services.  

Amenities include three daily meals prepared largely from scratch under the direction of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.  At MorningStar we feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends.  Our community also has plenty of common areas that are perfect for entertaining family and friends, chatting with another resident, or just quietly reading a book.  In addition, our community has a fireside patio, fitness room, bistro, theatre/chapel, salon, private dining room and more. Please contact us or 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. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

When to be Concerned About Memory Loss

As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as at least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.

The question then becomes what the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease is. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start.

Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or confusion. Constantly repeating questions, forgetting the word for something or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood are other signs of a bigger problem. Judgement and planning may also be impaired, and tasks the person used to be good at like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe can become frustrating and difficult. 

To know for sure what is happening, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. They can do a complete medical work-up including looking at the medications you’re taking, and checking for signs of depression and other environmental issues, which could account for symptoms. If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, there are treatments that may lessen disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that may help symptoms.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Albuquerque.
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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 senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Enjoy this Low Impact Exercise for Seniors this Summer

With temperatures rising, seniors are looking for effective ways to cool down, relax, and remain active while staying safe. As we age, joint pain and weaker muscles may make it difficult to participate in exercises from when we were younger. Water aerobics is a popular senior activity for this reason. Water aerobics in senior living facilities is a great, low-impact exercise that keeps seniors active, even if they have chronic health issues, such as arthritis, joint problems, and circulation issues. 

For seniors wanting to remain active, falling is a serious risk associated with exercise. The properties of water help seniors stay balanced and take the pressure off their bones and joints. This is why seniors enjoy this low-impact exercise in the summer. Senior living facilities, like MorningStar Senior Living, encourage seniors to live an active and safe lifestyle. Our Wellness Programs & Activities at MorningStar are always looking for fun and exciting ways to keep seniors active and engaged. 

Water Aerobics is also great for seniors recovering from injury. If you or someone you know has recently undergone a hip or knee replacement, water aerobics will help take the pressure off those areas. Many seniors find that water aerobics and walking in the pool, doing arm stretches, and leg kicks underwater are therapeutic and overall, painless. 

If you attend a water aerobics class, there is also the added benefit of socialization and friendship building. Afterward, you may find yourself grabbing a bite to eat in one of MorningStar’s bistros, cafes, or dining rooms. Perhaps you will even put together a book club or movie watching group. Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or social, our Life Enrichment Teams at MorningStar Senior Living and Assisted Living present creative ways to stay active and productive that encourage friendship and compassion.

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. 
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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 senior living Sparks, Nevada offers.

Companion Living Available at MorningStar of Santa Fe

MorningStar of Santa Fe recognizes that for some, assisted living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable.  One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.”  This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in assisted living or memory care.

Obviously, it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them.  However, we know that option is not always available, so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you.  We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interests as that provides a good basis for building a friendship.  With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split.  

Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community.  The presence of a roommate can encourage more confident socialization with the broader community, and having someone around who knows the ropes is always helpful.  Also, you can look out for one another’s interests and most likely be the first one to notice a change in the other’s health or abilities.  As we all know, when a friend is present, everything else suddenly feels that much better.

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers residents an engaged lifestyle that includes a wide range of programs and activities as well as nutritional daily meals. Our many onsite amenities include a bistro bar, chapel/theatre, library, salon, fitness room, resident garden beds, courtyards and strolling paths.  If you are looking for a community with an exceptional care team along with amenities and services unmatched by other senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.  
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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 has to offer.

Reno and Sparks’ Most Trusted Choice in Senior Living

MorningStar at Sparks is a trusted choice in senior living. Families take great care in deciding on a senior living facility for their loved ones. For some, it’s hard to allow someone else to care for their elderly parent, family member, or senior loved one. At MorningStar, we make Senior Living transparent and support families during their transition. If you’re looking for trusted memory care, holistic assisted living, and modern senior living near you, MorningStar supplies all that and more to families in Reno. 

With so many senior living options available, it’s hard to know you’re making the right choice. You want to provide the very best care, safety, and community to your loved one. At MorningStar, we want to demonstrate to families our commitment to honesty and reliability through offering comprehensive services. Our resource guides available on our website and in our community have been thoughtfully developed to cover any question or concern you may have when looking for assisted living care or senior living options. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers the finest senior living Reno and Sparks, Nevada, have to offer, evidenced by its 2023 Best of Reno People’s Choice Award in the category of Assisted/Senior Living. Our entire team is engaged in finding ways to build trust within our community, one loving relationship at a time.

 If you are overwhelmed with senior living options, look over our intensive, yet easy-to-use, guides, checklists, and faq. In the end, don’t let the complexities of this decision mask the fact that your instincts are to be trusted. One place will just feel like home. And the staff will feel like family. You’ll know it straight away.

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. 

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 senior living Sparks, Nevada offers.

6 Summer Meals for Seniors

As we grow older, diet and nutrition play increasingly important roles in helping us maintain healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, seniors start to lose interest in what they eat due to a decrease in appetite, as well as the diminishing senses of taste and smell. When summer rolls around in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, maintaining a diet that consists of the right amount of vitamins and minerals can be difficult to do because of the incredible heat.

At our senior living community in Phoenix, diet and nutrition play an integral role in creating 6 summer meals for seniors that generate universal appeal.

Sandwiches

Light, yet filling sandwiches represent the perfect alternative to a hot meal served on a scorching hot desert day. High in antioxidants, nutrient-packed salmon represents the ideal feature for a sandwich. Egg salad is another nutritious option for a sandwich, as eggs contain beneficial minerals such as zinc and iron, as well as vitamins, A, B12, and D. Tuna has a similar nutrition profile as salmon, as both types of seafood contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Ham, which is packed with protein and calcium, is the centerpiece of the popular ham and cheese sandwich.

Salads

To retain energy while cooling off from a mid-summer day, enjoying a fresh salad for lunch is the way to go. Salads can be basic such as a Greek salad or as exotic as a spiced chicken and pineapple salad. The key is to incorporate ingredients that contain high levels of helpful vitamins and minerals such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Soups

Serving soup on a blazing hot desert summer day seems counterintuitive. However, soup is much more than a body-warming winter dish. Soups like summer vegetable minestrone deliver a high level of nutritional value, without packing on pounds. One of the many appeals of soup is you can portion and freeze batches for future consumption.

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Using whole wheat pasta, which is a complex carbohydrate, you can enjoy a full-of-fiber dish that takes just a short time to make. The release of fiber slowly generates energy over an extended period to keep older adults on their feet throughout the day. Chicken represents the ideal protein counterpart for this chilled recipe. 

Spanish Omelet

This summer meal for seniors can be served any time of day, such as the main course at breakfast or a late-in-the-day snack that provides plenty of calories. A Spanish omelet requires only five ingredients that include vitamin and mineral-packed eggs. You can eat this meal hot or cold, as well as incorporate a wide variety of vegetables to combine with your favorite protein source. The omelet also pairs well with a fresh fruit salad.

Broccoli, Boiled Potatoes, and Sausage Rolls

The last meal on our summer list for seniors covers many of the nutrition bases. Broccoli is a great source of iron, vitamin K, and fiber, while potatoes deliver ample amounts of potassium and vitamin C. To make this meal feel more like a summer dish, you can serve the sausage rolls cold and serve a healthy side salad. If you want to serve each element of the meal cold, you have to prepare each element in advance for storage in a refrigerator.Learn more about the healthy summer meals served at our assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ by scheduling a free guided tour.

Looking for a Senior Living Community in the Phoenix, AZ Area?

Has a loved one hit one of the most significant forks in life’s many roads? This fork in the road appears late in life and it concerns transitioning from a fully independent lifestyle to one that involves at least some form of receiving assisted living services. A senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona is the ideal option for older adults who struggle with a few facets of daily living responsibilities, but generally do well living an independent lifestyle.

If you are looking for a senior living community in the Phoenix, AZ area, we operate the right venue that provides highly-rated caregiver services.

Let’s review a list of the factors you should consider when looking for an assisted living facility.

Location

Location represents one of the most important factors involved in choosing the right assisted living facility for a loved one. Not only does proximity matter, but the local laws governing the operation of a facility matter as well. MorningStar at Arcadia is conveniently located close to downtown Phoenix, as well as a short drive from suburbs such as Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Our facility also is located near the most popular social, cultural, and recreational destinations in the Phoenix metro region.

Size

Size refers to the number of beds in a senior living community. Varying greatly among facilities in the greater Phoenix area, size directly impacts the environment of an assisted living facility such as the types of services and amenities. For example, larger facilities typically offer more amenities like swimming pools and entertainment options. Larger facilities also can provide care for residents that live with some degree of memory loss. Size impacts the staff-to-resident ratio, which is a key indicator that measures the quality of care delivered at a senior living community.

Caters to All Senior Lifestyles

Transitioning to living at a senior living community in Phoenix does not have to wait until a loved one begins to show signs of requiring some form of care. At MorningStar at Arcadia, many of our residents join our fully independent living community not because they require focused healthcare or another type of service, but because they want to find new friends and/or participate in an active social calendar. We offer three broad lifestyle options, with each option allowing residents to customize the services that include memory care in Phoenix.

Activities

One of the proven strategies that prevent or delay the development of memory care issues is to participate in an active lifestyle that maintains both mental and physical skills. The best senior living communities in Phoenix offer an activities calendar that meets the needs of residents. Examples of a robust activities calendar include onsite art classes and musical performances, as well as trips to the most popular social and cultural venues located in the Valley of the Sun.

Cost

The timeless saying, “You get what you paid for,” is especially appropriate for an assisted living facility. You do not want to cut financial corners when choosing a home for a loved one. However, you do want to find an assisted living facility that does not put a substantial dent in your budget. One of the most effective ways to finance the move to an assisted living facility is to use the proceeds from selling a loved one’s home to put into an escrow account for meeting future senior housing payments.

Discover what makes MorningStar at Arcadia one of the most popular senior living communities in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area by scheduling a comprehensive tour.

Make Sure Your Senior is Getting the Right Nutrients by Including These 4 Ingredients in His Meals

One of the most important services provided by our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona concerns ensuring our residents consume healthy meals. The key to achieving this goal is to serve menu items that are chock-full of the nutrients seniors need to live robust lives. This is an especially relevant goal for seniors that require memory care support in Phoenix.

As we age, it becomes more important to eat healthy foods and drink healthy beverages. Changes in the physiology of our bodies result in lower energy requirements, which translates into eating meals that contain fewer calories. Reducing portion sizes is a vital factor in decreasing caloric intake, but seniors also should pay attention to what they eat. The days of grabbing a second slice of cake or a second helping of macaroni and cheese are not gone, but the number of them has dramatically declined.

At the MorningStar at Arcadia assisted living facility, we have a team of nutritionists that help our chefs devise the healthiest meals consisting of foods that deliver the right nutrients. Not one single food group provides all the nutrients our residents need. Instead, our menus include a wide variety of nutrient sources, which include the 4 most important ingredients of fruits, vegetables, pasta, fish, and healthy oils.

What Are the Right Nutrients That Should Be a Part of a Senior’s Diet?

Seniors need to eat foods that contain certain vitamins and minerals that foster the development of a healthy lifestyle.

Calcium

Osteoarthritis is a frequent ailment for older adults, especially older adults over the age of 65 years old. The medical condition receives plenty of attention, such as commercials running throughout the day highlighting the seriousness of the medical condition, as well as strategies to delay or even prevent weakening bones. Calcium represents the most effective vitamin and mineral to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The most abundant sources of calcium come from dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Seniors also receive ample calcium by consuming green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

Iron

Iron represents a mineral that the body requires for growth and development. The body absorbs iron to produce hemoglobin, which is a protein that supplies oxygen to muscles. Iron also helps the body generate hormones. The most prolific source of iron comes from red meat, but some seniors might have to leave red meat out of their diets because of heart health concerns. Other plentiful food sources of iron include peas, beans, and lentils, which seniors can consume as part of heart-healthy soups and salads. Oily fish like sardines also deliver ample amounts of iron to the bloodstream

Vitamin C and Vitamin D

Foods and beverages that are rich in vitamin C help the body absorb iron in the bloodstream. Consuming citrus fruits, as well as vegetables such as peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, deliver the right amounts of vitamin C for the body. Vitamin D helps develop and maintain strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, but you must be careful not to be overexposed to the sun. For seniors residing at an assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ, the team of nutritionists might recommend taking vitamin D supplements.The MorningStar mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” is especially relevant for the diets our residents follow. Discover how our senior living facility ensures residents consume the right nutrients by connecting with one of our resident services specialists.

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.