Do You Want to Improve Your Health?

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health.   One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly.  While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits.  It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices.  

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed.  Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid.  Also, fresh fruit fills you up more than juice.  Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar.  

Also, experts advise watching the fat in your diet.  Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet.  Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart.  

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress.  Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure.   Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living community, we provide healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years.  Please see our website for more information.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

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

Tips to Help an Elderly Parent Organize Their Medications

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interaction, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “is it taken with food,” and the adverse side effects.  

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Now store the medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense to your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents have their medications when they need them, and as we even order meds, there is no danger of them running out.  We are currently accepting new residents and offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Visit our website to learn more.  

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

If You're 100 Years Old, You've Seen Many Changes

Many of us are lucky to have family or friends that are well into their 90s or even a 100 + years old.   They are not alone as in 2014, the CDC reported there were 72,197 Americans aged 100 or older. Also, according to 2017 projections from the Social Security Administration, it reads, “For those who are 65 today, a man has a 3% chance of living to 100, a woman a 5.9% chance, and at least one member of a couple an 8.7%.”   

When we take the time to think about the many changes that has occurred over the last hundred years, it is incredible to think we know someone who has lived through much of it.  During the 1920s, most Americans lived in rural settings or in small towns, and all members of the families worked in one form or another including children who had routine duties around the farm or in the house.  Imagine the Ford Model T, which was considered to be the first affordable car that our grandparents may have rode in as children and the cars they drive today.  In addition, they were old enough to be captivated by the first transatlantic airplane flight made by Charles Lindbergh in 1927.  

Our parents or grandparents have lived through world wars and world depressions, saw airline travel become an everyday convenience and men land on the moon.  They saw the start of the computer age and witnessed the impact of the worldwide web.  Together these are some of the reasons why MorningStar at Arcadia believes seniors are heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials.   Moreover, it is why we believe if anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. 

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About MorningStar at Arcadia

MorningStar at Arcadia is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care.  Our outstanding team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study.  It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications.  Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents.  

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms.  In addition, all 80 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 30 secure suites devoted to caring for those with memory impairment and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings.  

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members. We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

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

Telehealth Doctor Visits

Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers.  Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits.  

While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone.   Now with the outbreak of COVID-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.”  

First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line.  Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smartphone, tablet or computer that allows you to connect visually.  Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit.  

Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider.  Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?”  He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc.   Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc.  

If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis.  However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit

Staying Abreast of Developing Changes in Our Approach to COVID-19

Right from the start of the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect all those who reside beneath our roofs.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last three months and have stayed tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  

Now as the nation is slowly coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Sparks is judiciously following our state’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Sparks community to our Executive Director, Amanda Jenkins.  

Also we would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank all of our residents and their families for their overwhelming love and support during this time.  In addition we want to express gratitude to our dedicated team members who have helped us every step of the way to get through this crisis with grace and courage.  In other words, it was a team effort!   

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn more about beautiful, vibrant senior living in Reno. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing has 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are accepting new residents and are confident in our protocols for keeping our MorningStar family safe, and look forward to hearing from you.      

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Contact us for more regarding unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Reno. 

Positive Affirmations Can Help You Change the Way You Think!

An affirmation is a statement repeated and believed, which can shape our thoughts and feelings.  When we focus on positive affirmations, we can re-program negative thought patterns and change the way we think and feel about things. Positive affirmations help us concentrate on our goals, rid ourselves of negative beliefs, and find solutions we didn’t even know existed.   

Getting into the habit of turning the negative into a positive is especially helpful for seniors including developing a positive attitude toward the aging process.  In fact the Yale School of Public Health conducted a study led by Becca Levy, a professor of public health and psychology, which found a positive outlook on aging, can add 7.5 years to someone’s life.  The study also suggests a positive attitude toward growing older can reduce the risk of one of the most established genetic risk factors of dementia, the ε4 variant of the APOE gene.   

So how do we change to glass half-full thinking?  Experts say it starts with little things.  Rather than berating yourself for forgetting where you left the keys, and worrying you getting old and forgetful, remind yourself you were busy putting groceries away and not paying attention to where you set the keys.  

Other positive ways to grow old is to remain confident in your abilities to try new things.  Make a point to broaden your horizons and remind yourself retirement is your time to try the things you have always wanted to do but didn’t have time.  Tell yourself you are strong and capable, and ready and able for new adventures.  Don’t define yourself by boundaries, and remember pain is not a part of old age but rather your body telling you something is wrong and you need to see a doctor.  Remind yourself you still have a lot to contribute and that you deserve to be treated with respect. 

MorningStar of Sparks represents the best senior living Reno offers.  Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living.  We also provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Currently we are accepting new residents and invite you to visit our website for contact information.  

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

Senior Living Designed to Help You Be Your Best!

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our first priority is to provide residents a true home where they can lead a comfortable, carefree lifestyle.  In addition to a whole host of resort-style amenities, tasty meals, gorgeous surroundings, and compassionate care services, residents enjoy the many benefits that come from our signature wellness program, WellStar. 

As part of our Mission statement includes valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, we consider it our calling to give seniors purpose in their lives and to provide an atmosphere that allows them to live life to the fullest.  Thus each day our Life Enrichment team presents fun, entertaining, and interesting ways for our community to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. 

Our meaningful activities encourage residents to continue learning and contributing with a wealth of programs that enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage social connections.  We tap into a wide range of interests, hobbies, and talents, and if our programs do not address a resident’s special interest, we encourage he or her to start a club.  

Visit our website’s home page and scroll to the bottom for pictures of residents enjoying themselves like the one from our enthusiastic Movin’ and Groovin’ exercise class.  Activities also include things like live music concerts as well as fun arts and crafts classes. If are a trivia buff, we have game nights; if you love classic movies, you will surely enjoy our movie nights along with all of the other interesting activities that constantly go on at MorningStar of Santa Fe.   

In fact our whole community is designed for your enjoyment from a cozy kiva fireplace in our beautiful courtyard, an artfully-designed dining room with open kitchen, sunroom and a living room complete with a cozy fireplace. Other onsite amenities include a 24-hour bistro with full bar, a workshop and art studio, spa and massage therapy room, fitness center, salon, and a theatre/chapel.  And if you wondered, MorningStar of Santa Fe is pet friendly. 

The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community offers assisted living and memory care in a true home setting.  We feel privileged to serve seniors and our care is delivered with warmth, sincerity and depth.  Please visit our website to set up a tour of our loving community.    

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for more information about compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Expert Advice to Help Prevent the Spread of Colds and the Flu

With lots of stories about viruses in the news every day, it is probably a good time to review some basics from experts about how to prevent spreading a cold or the flu.  To start with it is important to know how long someone is contagious.   

In the case of the common cold, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention explains that different viral strains cause the symptoms of a cold, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses.  Since each of these viruses evolves and adapt to their environment, it explains why we do not have a cure for the common cold. Experts also say that a cold typically lasts for about 10 days and that we are probably contagious for that amount of time.  

Depending on the person, influenza typically last for up to 10 days.  Doctors explain a person is contagious one day before they start having symptoms and up to seven more days.  The flu affects people of all ages but some groups more severely than other such as the elderly, young children and people with compromised immune systems.

Both the common cold and the flu are highly contagious and it requires all of us to be vigilant in not passing them along to others.  There are several good habits we need to adopt, especially in cold and flu season, and they start with washing our hands frequently (alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective), to avoid touching our mouth, nose and eyes, and to avoid contact with people who are sick.  Moreover if you get sick, stay home.  

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we help our residents and employees to all get a flu shot each year.  We also ask that if a staff member is sick, they stay home, and discourage families from visiting residents if they are sick or feel like they may be coming down with something.  MorningStar takes our responsibility to keep our residents as healthy as possible with tasty, nutrient-rich meals, wellness programs and a whole range of care services and onsite amenities.    

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

To Achieve the Best Health, Seniors Need a Nutrient-Rich Diet

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  This is why the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road. Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

Along with all of the other amenities and care services we provide, the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients.  We get much of our produce from home-grown or local high-quality producers.  

Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch, and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions.  

If you are looking into senior living in the Santa Fe area, and in particular assisted living, we invite you to set up a tour, and while you are here, plan to share lunch with us to experience for yourself our culinary treats.  Please visit our website’s community page or give us a call for pricing and availability or to set up your tour.   

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

As We Age, a Good Medical Team is More Important than Ever!

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to a have great team of doctors on your side.  This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you.  Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.   

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference.  Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist. In addition before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed.   

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we understand that the best care comes from the heart.  Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services.  These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits.  Please visit our website to learn more about pricing and availability, and while you are there, set up a tour to experience firsthand the finest senior living in Santa Fe.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please visit our website for more information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Are Caregiving Duties Leaving You Feeling Overwhelmed?

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties for 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 senior living communities like MorningStar of Santa Fe 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 first priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, follow by a care plan approved by you and your parent.  MorningStar’s services also help out our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits, choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry care.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participant 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 parent 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 charming 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 visit our website for more information regarding the area’s finest senior living in Santa Fe.  Our community offers 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our team looks forward to hearing from you.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a ‘true home” for residents. To get a look at the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please set up a tour.

The Transition to Assisted Living

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we recognize for many seniors change can be both difficult and challenging. While moving to an assisted living community may be the best decision for the person and their family, this doesn’t mean there won’t be a transition period. 

Many seniors mistakenly think touring assisted living communities, deciding on one, figuring out budget considerations, and perhaps selling the family home is the most difficult part of moving to community living. However, experts report it can typically take anywhere between 30 to 90 days before a senior feels comfortable in their new assisted living home, but there are few things that can be done to help the process go more smoothly. 

To start with it is important to make sure your loved one’s new home is filled with familiar and beloved objects such as personal photos, books, and knick-knacks. As the new resident, you should try to keep a positive attitude toward the move and be a good sport about joining community activities and socializing with others. After all, making new friends can make all the difference in the world. Furthermore, remember the staff is there to help and will be more than glad to answer all of your questions.

As a family member, be open to listening to your loved one’s fears and concerns. While you will want to visit, be sure not to be “too supportive” as the senior needs to find their own way in their new home. Experts say it is also important to not waste time feeling guilty about moving your loved one into assisted living. Remember it is a safe place for them to find comfort, wellness and community. Please visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care. 

Our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers residents an exceptional assisted living home.

Everyone Benefits from Regular Exercise

Regardless of your age, you can benefit from regular physical exercise. Studies show exercise can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer as well as reduce the pain associated with arthritis. It can also improve balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Staying active can even improve sleep quality and duration and enhance your mood. 

Different forms of exercise offer different benefits but please remember to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise. Stretching exercises can improve mobility and flexibility and relieve sore and stiff muscles. They can also help to reduce lower back-pain, improve posture and increase blood flow and energy. 

Aerobic exercises can help improve endurance and increase your breathing and heart rate. Moderate aerobic exercises for seniors include walking briskly, swimming and dancing. Doctors suggest you start slowly and build up your endurance, and if you have been inactive, start with 5 minutes of cardio a day several times a week and build from there.

In addition experts say it is important for the elderly to routinely do balance exercises as they can help prevent falls. Most are easy to do and do not require any special equipment. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we are committed to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, and our residents have plenty of opportunities to stay fit and keep moving. WellStar, our signature wellness program, supports and encourages a healthy lifestyle that includes a wide range of programs and activities as well as nutritional daily meals. Visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Senior Living Offers Many Benefits to Its Residents

Several studies have shown that the majority of seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone. A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.” Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community. 

When a senior lives alone, they can become pretty isolated especially if they have stopped driving. In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults. Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly. Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is a fear of falling. Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. 

If you are looking for one of the best senior living communities Phoenix has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia. We have 80 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Our Reflections Neighborhood offers an additional 30 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar at Arcadia provides creative programs and activities that encourage and enhance health and wellness, socialization, and mental stimulation. At MorningStar we also provide scheduled transportation as well as arrange special outings to local destinations such as museums, parks, plays, shopping malls and scenic drives. Residents no longer have to worry about fixing meals as we provide three daily meals that are both healthy and delicious. Contact us for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/senior-living-comforts-safety/

Assisted Living May be a Better Value than In-home Care

According to a survey conducted by Genworth Financial in 2017 and published by the US News & World Report, “the median monthly cost for an assisted living community is $3,750 (costs vary depending on the community) – totaling $45,000 annually.” They add that long-term care by a home health aide tops $4,099 monthly or nearly $50,000 annually. 

The fact that many assisted living facilities are actually less expensive than seniors choosing to live in their own home and bring in a team of caregivers to provide the services they need surprises many people. The reason for this is so many of the services a senior pays separately for to stay at home are included in the cost of assisted living. 

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia eliminate the costs of such things as property taxes, property insurance, condominium maintenance fees, and 24-hour security. You no longer need to pay for lawn mowing, snow removal, and other repair and replacement costs. Also, as a resident of MorningStar, you will no longer need to buy groceries and prepare meals as we take care of food prep and serve three daily meals restaurant-style. Moreover, each suite is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system, and weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal are part of our services. 

Other features offered by many assisted living communities including MorningStar at Arcadia are free entertainment and ready-made socializing. With a wide selection of wellness programs, activities, and special events and outings, residents at our community can stay as busy as they like. In addition, onsite amenities such as a movie theatre, chapel, fitness room, library with a computer, and more adds to the convenience as well as the value an assisted living community can offer. 

MorningStar at Arcadia has 80 private assisted living suites and 30 secure studios devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are dedicated to providing the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, and we encourage you to visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Sources: health.usnews.com/wellness/aging-well/articles/2018-10-10/how-should-i-finance-assisted-living
aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/assisted-living-in-home-care-compared

It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a study from multiple flu seasons that proves getting a flu shot can decrease the risk of severe influenza in adults. As reported, a flu vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization admission to a general ward bed by 37 percent and being admitted to an ICU with flu by 82 percent. Of the adults admitted to a hospital, those vaccinated were 59 percent less likely to have severe illnesses. The results also showed that vaccinated patients on average who were admitted to the ICU spent 4 days fewer in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated previously.

The CDC says that even though flu shots were available starting in early October, it is not too late to protect yourself for the rest of the flu season. In fact they recommend that “vaccination should continue to be offered throughout flu season, even into January or later.” Just keep in mind that the vaccine takes about two weeks for the antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older and states that flu viruses are most common in the fall and winter months. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide area seniors with compassionate assisted living and memory care within a true home setting. Our loving approach incorporates the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents and includes around-the-clock Care Managers who are ready to meet every expressed (and even unexpressed) need. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar Senior Living and the wide variety of amenities and services as well as support we offer to our residents and their families. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the highest quality of memory care and assisted living in Santa Fe.

Sources:

cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/vaccine-reduces-risk-severe-illness.htm
cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2018-2019.htm

Beautifully-designed Floorplans for Your Utmost Comfort!

MorningStar of Santa Fe is a newly opened, luxury assisted living and memory care community that has been meticulously designed to meet our residents’ every need. Starting with a full array of amenities and services and fine dining along with entertaining and enriching activities and outings, we are committed to providing residents with a carefree lifestyle. Whether you are relaxing in our spacious common areas (inside or out) or in your own private suite, you will be proud to call MorningStar of Santa Fe home. 

You will find our gorgeous selection of assisted living suites is designed to please the most discerning seniors. Available in a range of configurations including large studios and one- and two bedroom floorplans (some as large as 820 square feet), each one is ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal items to make it feel like home. Beautifully designed with high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, mini-blinds, and lots of lighting, our suites also offer safety features such as an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathrooms. To ensure your apartment’s temperature is set for your personal comfort, your suite will have its own heating and a/c system. 

Furthermore even though we provide delicious, nutritional meals each day, your assisted living suite is equipped with a kitchenette with fridge for the times you want to prepare your own snacks or meals. Housekeeping and laundry and linen services are provided weekly and we do daily spot cleaning and trash removal. Most importantly we have a team of loving caregivers that are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

As you can see, MorningStar of Santa Fe offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more about our new community and to inquiry about availability and pricing. In addition to assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Conveniently located on the west side of town, please call for more details on unsurpassed senior housing in Santa Fe.

Companion Living at MorningStar Makes Senior Living More Affordable

Searching for affordable Reno assisted living, independent living or memory care?  Look no further than MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs.

MorningStar of Sparks recognizes that for some, senior 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 independent living, 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 which 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.  Also we all know, when a friend is present, everything else suddenly feels that much better.

We encourage you to visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website to learn more about companion living and our exceptional community. 

MorningStar of Sparks provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of our Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care community.

Balance Exercises Can Help Prevent Falls

If you are a senior, having good balance can help to prevent falls and maintain your independence. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 years and older, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. By age 80, over half of seniors fall annually. 

Some of the reason for this is a decline in seniors’ overall physical fitness as well as chronic diseases, certain medications, and surgeries. One example is diabetes, a common disease in the elderly that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage and cause numbness in the hands, feet, and other parts of the body. Medications that lower blood pressure may cause faintness or dizziness, and hip replacements and knee surgeries can result in the elderly being unsteady on their feet. 

While many exercises help with balance including something as simple as walking, experts recommend that older adults incorporate exercises into their daily routine that are specifically designed to improve balance. Most balance exercises can be done at home without any special equipment and only take a few minutes to do. 

The National Institute on Aging offers several balance exercises on their website. One example is to put the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should touch or almost touch. Focus on a spot ahead of you as this will help to keep you steady as you walk. Now take a step and put your heel just in front of the toes of your other foot. They suggest trying to do 20 steps. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe knows it is important for our residents to stay as active as possible, which is why our monthly calendar will include a whole hosts of exercises designed to help residents improve their flexibility, balance and muscle and joint strength. We also have other classes and activities designed to enhance residents’ mental, social and spiritual connections. Please visit our website or our onsite Information Center to learn more. 

Please check with your doctor before starting any new form of exercise. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. We invite you to give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on compassionate memory care and assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: 

go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercise-type/balance