Is Your Aging Parent Not Doing Well Living on Their Own?

If you noticed a change in mom or dad or another loved one during a recent visit from out of town, you are not alone. Experts say when families spend time together after a prolonged separation many adult children realize their parents are not doing as well as they thought they were living on their own.   
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Some of the most obvious signs a parent is having problems caring for him or herself is an unintended loss of weight, change in grooming habits or signs of a fall. The ADLs or Activities of Daily Living are used by experts to evaluate the needs of a person and include personal care such as bathing, dressing and toileting as well as transferring (ability to get in and out of bed or chair), continence and eating. 

Other important signs a person is no longer doing well on their own and could benefit from some sort of assistance are based on what experts call the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These include things like paying bills, taking care of their home, preparing and cooking meals, being able to get out of the home, and socializing. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque we offer assisted living and memory care. Our assisted living is designed to provide the services residents need to maintain their independence with 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses and more. Moreover, all residents are treated to a delicious, healthy restaurant-style dining service, wellness programs and activities, and sponsored community outings and events. 

Our beautiful home has assisted living suites in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom.  In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) or trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  For trusted senior living in Albuquerque, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

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 Albuquerque, NM offers.

Gifts for Mom or Dad in an Assisted Living Community

It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent living in an assisted living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.  

One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However, if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. 

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift.  

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks. 

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your parents are not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Add to the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.  

MorningStar is proud to offer exceptional senior living in Albuquerque, NM with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our community offers 48 private assisted living suites and 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque and to set up a tour.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Medication Safety Tips

It may surprise you to know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions. 

Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including non-prescription and herbal supplements. 

Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are taking the right dosage and still need the medications. To see if any meds you take have a warning for usage in the elderly, check the American Geriatric Society’s Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. It is also recommended you properly dispose of older medications and drugs you no longer take.  

If you are on medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to continue to test your glucose level and BP numbers. Other drugs may be prescribed with the understanding you will have your blood tested periodically and it is important to follow through as too high or too low of a dosage can cause problems.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a 55+ community on the popular northeast side of town between Paseo del Norte and Palomas Ave. NE. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a responsive, loving staff.  Care services include medication management by certified Med Care Managers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about Morningstar’s memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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

Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/13-medication-safety-tips/

Is Mom or Dad Doing Well Living Alone?

Over the summer many adult children spend more time visiting with their parents in person rather than on the phone or over a video call. It is also the time when many families discover mom or dad living on their own isn’t working, and they are not actually doing as well as everyone thought. 

Experts say there are some signs to look for when visiting an elderly parent to determine if they need more help in their day-to-day life. One cause for concern can be if they have had an unintended change in their weight. Experts say weight loss is a common sign of a senior not doing well on their own. The same goes if they appear to have had a change in their balance and mobility such as difficulty getting up from a chair or walking up or down stairs, which could result in a higher risk of a fall. 

Another component of an older person’s wellbeing includes their emotional state. Do they have opportunities to get out and about and socialize or are they spending a lot of time alone and showing signs of forgetfulness or confusion? Is your formerly neat as a pin mother now living in a home that looks neglected and untidy or is she herself looking ungroomed?

Senior living specialists explain an elderly person’s physical and mental state can decline quickly and often catch families by surprise. If you find yourself in such a situation, it may be time to have a conversation with your parent regarding in-home help or a move to an assisted living community. Homes such as MorningStar of Albuquerque offer area seniors a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities that help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

We consider serving seniors to be our calling and gladly help guide families throughout the move-in process and transition to community living. Please visit our website for more information about luxury assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Trusted Assisted Living Care for Seniors in Reno

Moving to a new senior living community can be overwhelming for seniors. Especially if they are in need of assisted living care. If your parent or loved one is used to receiving senior care within their home, adjusting to a new assisted living community near you may be an adjustment. 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 trusted care providers and team members. The staff members at MorningStar ensure secure Assisted Living that families can rely on. MorningStar’s staff members and care providers are trained to provide specialized care to residents with even the most complex medical needs. Find out why MorningStar has the most trusted assisted living care for seniors in Reno. 

At MorningStar, our assisted living community incorporates personalized care plans for senior care. This means that each resident receives care that is tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and abilities. You can find Assisted Living support at various levels at MorningStar.

Around-the-clock Care Managers are on-site and at the ready to ensure the comfort and safety of our residents. The care plans are developed in collaboration with residents, their families, and their healthcare providers to ensure that they receive the care they need to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Find assisted living near you that has a team of trained and experienced staff members who are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to residents. At MorningStar, our personalized care staff are knowledgeable about the best practices in holistic senior care and are committed to providing high-quality care to each resident.

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. 

Find Trusted Assisted Living Near You

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. 

How to Emotionally Support Your Senior When He’s Feeling Down

If you care for a senior loved one, you spend a considerable amount of time trying to meet the physical issues that often arise as we grow older. You implement steps to mitigate pain, ensure consuming food and beverages that deliver sufficient vitamins and minerals, and drive to different healthcare providers to address a wide variety of physical ailments. Although taking care of your senior loved one’s physical health is important, you should devote as much time and money to considering the emotional toll aging takes.

We fulfill emotional needs at every stage of our lives. As we grow older, our emotional needs change and the strategies used to meet those needs change as well. The key is to know how to support your senior loved one emotionally. You also should be able to identify the emotional needs of your senior loved one. A few of the most common emotional needs that senior loved ones need to meet include social interactions, developing meaningful relationships, and understanding what it takes to find a sense of belonging.

At our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, our caregivers recommend four ways to support your senior when he’s feeling down.

Listen

When your senior loved one discusses feeling down, your role is to listen and understand what is said. You should not follow up with an immediate response, but instead, you listen to let your senior loved one know that what she said carries enough significance to warrant a little time of contemplation. When your senior loved one knows you have listened, you should be able to develop a stronger connection that provides emotional support.

Respect

Unless your senior loved one needs memory care in Phoenix, he is capable of expressing ideas that advocate a point of view. The last thing your senior loved one wants is to be treated like a child, which unfortunately, far too many family members do when they interact with an older adult. Your senior loved one wants to be in control of her life, which means you need to respect what he wants to do in terms of choosing an assisted living lifestyle.

Make Safety and Security a Priority

Safety and security represent two of the most important emotional needs for a senior. If your loved one does not feel safe and secure, she might not be able to generate the energy to have other emotional needs met. One of the most common reasons why seniors want to live in a facility with other seniors concerns the issues of safety and security. MorningStar at Arcadia installs safety and security measures such as advanced security systems and emergency call buttons to give residents peace of mind.

Participate in Activities

Assisted living facilities offer a wide variety of activities to keep residents engaged, as well as foster social interactions. The activities planned at our memory care community in Phoenix are not just for residents. To support your senior loved one emotionally, stop by our facility to join your senior loved one in an activity or two. We offer regularly scheduled activities such as yoga and tai chi, as well as special events like bus tours that take residents to area cultural and historical landmarks.

Professional caregivers represent the front line of defense to prevent the development of emotional issues such as fear and anxiety. Loved ones are the second line of defense, which means you should focus on ways to help your senior loved one feel valued, understood, and appreciated. At our assisted living community in Phoenix, AZ, we follow the mission of “to honor, to value, to invest” in our seniors. Learn more by contacting a resident care representative at MorningStar at Arcadia.

5 Important Supplements for Seniors

As we grow older, it is important to get the minimum daily requirement of vitamins and minerals in our bodies. From the quick rejuvenation of cells to enhancing the circulation of blood, vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in determining our health status. However, older adults tend to miss out on the daily minimum requirements for mineral and vitamin intake. They do not eat the right foods, which means seniors typically require the addition of supplements in their diets to bolster strength and fend off the development of debilitating diseases such as osteoarthritis.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 75 percent of adults at least 60 years old take at least one daily vitamin and/or mineral supplement. Adding vitamin supplements to your senior loved one’s diet might be the most effective way to prevent the development of diseases, while at the same time improving cognitive skills. At our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, our team of nutritionists customizes diets for residents that often include taking at least one vitamin supplement.

Let’s look at five important supplements for seniors at our assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix.

Calcium

As the most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is critical to help maintain healthy bones and teeth. Older adults are especially at risk for suffering the loss of bone and tooth density. Without enough calcium, seniors become much more vulnerable to sustaining bone fractures that take a longer than average amount of time to heal. You can find ample calcium in foods such as fish, milk, and dark-green, leafy vegetables. However, adding a calcium supplement to a senior’s diet ensures the proper amount of calcium intake.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, which is found in fish and fortified milk products, is an integral vitamin for seniors to have in their bodies. During spring and summer, just a daily 10-minute exposure to the sun can generate enough vitamin D. This vitamin is important for seniors to prevent the development of osteoarthritis and other types of bone diseases. Supplementing food sources like fatty fish with a daily pill can generate enough vitamin D for older adults.

Vitamin B12

The bones are not the only part of the body that benefits from the ingestion of vitamin supplements. Older adults also need to maintain the health of nerves and blood cells, which is the primary reason for taking a vitamin B12 supplement. As we enter our golden years, natural sources such as eggs, fish, and poultry of vitamin B become more difficult to absorb.

Vitamin B9

Also referred to as folate or folic acid, vitamin B9 can prevent or slow down memory loss in adults at least 60 years old. Vitamin B9 also plays an important healthcare role by converting carbohydrates into energy. Seniors who do not consume enough fruits like oranges and vegetables such as spinach are candidates for ingesting a vitamin B9 supplement.

Vitamin B6

Our bodies require vitamin B6 to form red blood cells, as well as maintain healthy connections between the brain and nerve cells. Far too many seniors do not get enough B6, which can mean the development of memory loss. Ingesting a vitamin B6 supplement can complement natural food sources such as potatoes and citrus fruits.

The team of nutritionists at MorningStar at Arcadia carefully plans meals for our residents to ensure they receive the right amount of vitamins and minerals. At our memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ,  vitamin and mineral supplements also play an important role in helping residents maintain strong mental and physical health.  Learn more about the five important supplements for seniors by scheduling a tour of our assisted living community.

Assisted Living Communities Offer Many Benefits

Many times, a move to assisted living is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved. 

Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting. 

Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of community and social activities.” These typically include arts and crafts, physical exercise classes such as chair yoga, live concerts and other entertainment, and educational and technology classes. At MorningStar, we tell our residents if we don’t already have a class addressing one of your interests, to start one. 

Special outings and trips are another component of many assisted living communities including MorningStar of Albuquerque. Bus trips to local points of interest, shopping or cultural events are just some of the activities enjoyed by residents.  

Another important service is medication management as statistics show the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, and as high as 39 percent of seniors take five or more. Medical management ensures seniors take the proper medication they need when they need it. 

MorningStar is proud to offer exceptional assisted living in Albuquerque, NM with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our community offers 48 private assisted living suites and 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.
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Source: 
health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/slideshows/how-assisted-living-improves-quality-of-life?

Should I Transition My Parent from Assisted Living to Memory Care

One of the most important decisions faced by most of us concerns moving a parent into an assisted living facility. Guilt can consume you and fear can overwhelm your parents. However, the hand-wringing does not end after your parents move into a senior housing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. For example, MorningStar at Arcadia offers three lifestyle options, one of which is the availability of memory care services. A new dilemma arises and it begs the question, “Should I transition my parents from assisted living to memory care?”

Assisted living involves a team of caregivers providing support in the form of meals, transportation, and medication management. It is a much more hands-off approach to providing care than the services provided by memory care. Memory care residents typically receive much more intensive attention, such as supervised care around the clock and personal care assistance like providing support for bathing. 

Our team of resident care professionals acts as a valuable resource to determine when the time has arrived to move a parent into memory care from an assisted living arrangement. However, you should contribute to the important conversation by understanding the three signs that it is time for a parent to transition from assisted living to memory care.

Safety Becomes a Major Concern

As dementia symptoms become worse, older adults can become vulnerable to a large number of safety issues. For example, a simple stroll around the grounds of an assisted living facility can quickly turn dangerous, as a resident forgets how to get back to the starting point. Basic personal care tasks such as bathing and cooking also have the potential to harm an older adult developing the symptoms of dementia. Signs that safety should be a concern include difficulty eating, taking the wrong prescription pills, and developing unexplained bruises on the body.

A Decline in Cognitive Skills

Because assisted living arrangements give residents more autonomy, a decline in cognitive skills is a red flag that alerts you to the need to transition your parents into memory care. From trouble holding conversations to failing to understand what goes on during certain activities can be signs your parent needs to receive more intensive personal care services. Assisted living residents who suffer from cognitive skills decline often isolate themselves from the rest of the community. Our memory care residents not only receive more intensive personal care, but our caregivers also can help residents recover some diminished cognitive skills.

Physical Impairments

Detecting a decline in a parent’s cognitive skills can be difficult to do because you do not spend as much time with your loved one. However, you can determine if it is time to transition a parent from assisted living to memory care by noticing physical impairments. Perhaps your loved one has lost significant motor control, which negatively impacts balance and coordination. Other types of physical impairment signs that might indicate the development of dementia symptoms include acute pain and chronic fatigue. 

Moving a Parent from Assisted Living to Memory Care

If you decide to move a parent from assisted living to a memory care community, make sure your parent has every cognitive need met to ensure safety. Keep the transition simple, which means choosing an assisted living facility in Phoenix that also offers memory care services. Allow your parents to maintain the same routine, as familiarity represents a powerful feeling that eases stress and anxiety. Seniors who develop dementia symptoms still want to retain control, dignity, and independence.

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we help older adults transition from assisted living to memory care because we devote an entire wing of our facility to providing memory care services. This means you do not have to leave our facility to enroll a parent in a different memory care program located on the other side of the Phoenix metro area. Learn more about the assisted living and memory care services provided by MorningStar at Arcadia by submitting the Contact form.

How Can I Teach My Senior How to Use a Smartphone

Our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ offers a wide variety of activities that residents can participate in to broaden their horizons, as well as continue to learn new living techniques as they enter their golden years. However, one activity you can expect not to see held at an assisted living facility is a class that teaches residents how to use a Smartphone. Many seniors fear Smartphones because they believe the devices are too complicated to learn. They also tend to turn the learning part of the brain off because they do not understand how helpful a Smartphone can be in addressing daily living responsibilities.

If you have a loved one residing at a senior housing community in Phoenix, you might be asking yourself, “How can I teach my senior how to use a Smartphone?” Older adults learn differently than younger adults and adolescents. The key is to adjust your teaching style by starting with building patience during the learning process. You have to demonstrate each task, not just verbally describe it. Encourage your senior loved one to repeat each task until the task is mastered, which can be easy to do if you break down tasks into smaller steps. 

Here are the most important Smartphone tasks to help your senior loved one become more self-sufficient:

Operating a Smartphone

Smartphones come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but one thing remains the same regardless of the type of Smartphone: Your senior loved one needs to know how to operate it. You should explain how to turn the device on and off, as well as how to adjust the volume for delivering and receiving audio messages. Another important operating task to learn involves knowing how to charge a Smartphone and how often your loved one needs to charge it for the phone to maximize its performance. Learning how to navigate a Smartphone requires your senior loved one to understand the icons and how to set up different features to get the most out of the new device.

Managing Contacts

One of the most helpful Smartphone features that seniors benefit from is using contacts. Instead of trying to remember several phone numbers and other types of information, organizing and managing the contact features helps your loved one gain access to the phone numbers of friends and family members by simply clicking one name listed on the contacts page. You should teach your senior loved one how to add contacts, as well as manage the information by creating default phone numbers and email addresses. In addition, teach your loved one how to set up emergency contact information, such as the phone numbers of important healthcare-related businesses.

Sending Emails and Text Messages

One of the most popular features of Smartphones is the ability for users to communicate without having to hold a verbal conversation. Your loved one needs to know how to send emails and text messages to get the most out of their new devices. Make sure you do not assume your senior loved one knows the difference between emails and text messages. Explain the differences in the purpose of each type of written communication, and then show your loved one how to send and retrieve emails and text messages. For emails, help your senior loved one sign up for an account with a popular service such as Google or Yahoo. When it comes to text messages, education becomes much more thorough, as you want to demonstrate how to use a texting app and how to start a text conversation.

Learn about the highly-rated resident services offered by our assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona by submitting the short form found on our website.

Finding a Gift for a Loved One with Memory Loss

Do you find it hard to choose a gift for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral services, explains, finding the best gift for dementia patients may seem challenging as it is difficult to know what they’re experiencing.  However, picking a gift can actually be fun and rewarding — especially if you know what to look for.

They suggest taking a few minutes to think about the things the person used to enjoy, keeping in mind their past career, hobbies and stage of dementia. It is best to keep gifts simple, useful, and tailored to their personal likes and capabilities.

Ideas include a single gift or a yearly subscription for care packages filled with things your loved one would enjoy. This could include natural care products like scented soaps, shampoos, body lotions and scrubs. If a parent is in a memory care community, a large basket of specialty foods, fruits or sweets to share with their caregivers is sure to be a hit. Monthly baskets from a local bakery or flower shop can spread the joy over time and remind the person you are thinking of them. 
 
Smartly designed dementia board games are not only a fun way to spend time together but can help improve your loved one’s dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mental strength. Personalized puzzles or memory card games using pictures of the grandkids can be fun for the whole family. PicLink is another game for those with cognitive and memory impairment and is based upon exercises shown to assist with memory.  

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we provide compassionate care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Along with individualized care plans, residents participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs.  Please visit our website for more information about our memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 48 assisted living suites are equipped with all the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes and private heating & air conditioning.  For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with emergency call systems to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms.

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or is just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals created by our Executive Chef.  All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  
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Why we believe our care to be different from that of other senior communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are just as important as education or experience.  Moreover, many of our team members come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s luxury 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. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

MorningStar at Arcadia is Designed with Seniors’ Safety in Mind

Peace of mind. That is what you get when a loved one calls our senior living facility home.

When you search for an assisted living facility in Phoenix, you consider several factors before making a well-informed decision. The quality of healthcare services represents one of the most important factors to consider, especially if your loved one suffers from memory loss. Other factors to consider include activities, amenities, and room comfort. Also at the top of your research list is the level of safety and security features.

Let’s discover why MorningStar at Arcadia is designed with seniors’ safety in mind.

Alert Systems

One of the greatest worries that keep you up at night is that your loved one might slip and fall. Our in-room alert system ensures our residents receive immediate assistance after an accident. The simple-to-activate alert system operates around the clock to protect our residents. As another type of alert system, the wander management system detects the presence of residents that have left the safe areas of our memory care facility in Phoenix. Residents wear a bracelet that sounds an alarm every time they leave a safe area and enter an area of our facility where they should not be located.

Access Control

One of the most effective strategies to protect our residents involves controlling access to our facility at every entry point. From the front entrance to the loading dock, MorningStar at Arcadia controls access at every entry point to our facility. The front entrance includes a registration area for guests, as well as an intercom that allows visitors to interact with one of our resident services specialists. Every door has a contact that immediately connects with a nurse call system to notify a nurse every time a door opens and closes after visiting hours. We also conduct frequent inspections after hours to ensure every visitor has left the building.

Resident Monitoring

One of the breakthroughs for securing an assisted living facility involves incorporating resident monitoring technology into a safety and security system. Since caregivers cannot be in every room around the clock, a resident monitoring system becomes the eyes and ears of the caregiver staff. An in-room resident monitoring system makes it much easier to manage medical care services, especially for residents that require memory care assistance. Tools such as motion sensors, wireless pendants, and watchdog systems represent some of the most recent technological developments for enhancing the safety and security of our residents.

Safety Cameras

Video security cameras are not just for surveillance. They also are used to protect the safety of the residents of our Phoenix assisted living facility. Our safety cameras ensure quality control when dispensing medications and managing other vital resources. Video cameras also act as a deterrent to criminals that want to steal property or try to make an unauthorized entrance into our memory care facility. Advanced surveillance technology allows us to program the system to record and notify staff members of trespassing. Safety cameras allow MorningStar to staff fewer security guards, which lowers the cost of staying at one of our senior living facilities.

Our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” in our residents resonates throughout the MorningStar assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ. Connect with one of our resident services representatives today to learn more about the comprehensive program to protect the safety of our residents.

Taking Care of Your Senior at Home Might Be More Expensive Than You Think

Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is one of, if not the most difficult decision to make. After deciding that some level of assisted care is needed for a loved one, you then have to conduct research to find the best senior living community in the Phoenix area. Several factors come into play to help you decide which facility is the best option for the next phase in your loved one’s life. Factors such as types of care and the ratio of caregivers to residents point you in the right direction.

For many people, cost represents the pivotal factor for deciding which assisted living facility to choose for a senior. The average cost of a one-bedroom assisted living facility in the United States runs more than $3,700 a month, with the cost running much higher in metropolitan areas such as Phoenix. However, did you know taking care of your senior at home might be more expensive than you think?

Let’s look at the reasons why.

Healthcare

There is no getting around it: Healthcare costs soar for seniors. If you decide to take care of a senior at home, you can expect healthcare costs to consume a substantial percentage of your budget. According to a study released by AARP’s Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs Report, nearly 80 percent of respondents said they incur some form of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. When the time comes to consider healthcare options at a senior living community in Phoenix, determine whether your loved one qualifies for Medicare assistance to help reduce healthcare costs.

Accessibility

Providing home care for a senior frequently requires an investment in accessibility infrastructure such as an entrance ramp and/or a wheelchair lift. These types of accessibility infrastructure cost a considerable amount of money, along with accessibility equipment like a motorized shopping cart. You can make home care more accessible by moving a senior’s bedroom to the first floor or hiring a state-licensed home care professional, but you still have to pay out-of-pocket for accessibility costs.

Daily Expenses

Unlike healthcare and accessibility costs that take large chunks out of your bank account, daily expenses nibble away at your cash flow until one day you realize that you can save money on daily expenses by moving a senior loved one into an assisted living facility. Daily costs such as food, fuel, and utilities can quickly consume an entire monthly budget before you reach the middle of the month. You might be able to save money on a program such as Meals on Wheels, but in the long run, a senior living community such as MorningStar at Arcadia saves you money on daily expenses.

Time

You cannot place a dollar and cents value on it, but time might be the costliest item on your senior’s caregiving bill. The amount of time it takes to run errands for your loved one, as well as cook meals and wash clothes can make it difficult, if not impossible to meet all your personal and professional obligations. Moving your senior into a highly-rated senior living facility such as MorningStar at Arcadia frees up a significant amount of time.Find out more about how you can save money on senior care services by moving a loved one into our assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Albuquerque

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can safely age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents also receive the often overlooked benefits of community living such as healthy social connections and peace of mind knowing loving support is available whenever they need it.  

All assisted living residents have an individualized care plan created to help them maintain their independence, and our 24/7 care managers make sure the plan is carried out.  MorningStar’s care managers are dedicated, hard-working individuals who provide loving care to our incredible residents and enjoy building strong relationships with them. 

Many of our daily activities are just plain fun and include movie nights, trivia and card games, craft classes, exercise classes and much more. Our all-day meal service is targeted to seniors’ palates as well as their nutritional needs. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is the centerpiece of personal wellness that starts with proper diets and healthy choices. When enjoyed in community, it provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.

We also have a partnership with Genesis Rehabilitation, a leading provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy for older adults. The alliance includes full-time, in-house Genesis therapists and expands our resident services in integrated wellness, promoting optimal independence and abundant life for seniors. 

Along with many support services, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides the physical environment to ensure older adults live as safely and as comfortably as possible.  Assisted living suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and each unit has an emergency call system. In addition to 48 assisted living suites, we have 21 suites devoted to residents with memory impairment.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Albuquerque offers and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

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

As We Age, Social Connections Have a Big Impact on Overall Health

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. 

In addition, we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. For exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque, NM area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. Medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
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However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.

Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also, talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition.

In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait.

Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Albuquerque.

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

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

Dining at MorningStar of Albuquerque

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”  

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day which means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule.

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes.  Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar-free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.    
MorningStar of Albuquerque also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats.  

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  

Located on the northeast side of town, MorningStar of Albuquerque has wonderful mountain views and is convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  We have 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For more information on outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM please visit our website. 
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MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

MorningStar Redefines Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living community no longer means bidding farewell to your independence. MorningStar assisted living in Sparks is here to bust the myth that senior living is drab, unkept, and isolating. At MorningStar, seniors experience an assisted living community where they receive the support they need while enjoying their freedom and independence to the fullest. Find a MorningStar assisted living community near you where independence thrives in harmony with superior senior care by offering personalized care plans and vibrant senior living possibilities through various amenities and exciting activities. 

Many seniors fear that an assisted living community will mean relinquishing their independence and freedom. You may have heard your parents or loved ones discuss how an assisted living community will disrupt their daily routines, decision-making, or personal space. On the contrary, MorningStar senior living in Sparks, Nevada, offers assisted living that encourages independence and freedom of choice. 

Of course, safety is always a top priority, and while MorningStar provides supreme senior care through medication management, safety protocols, and supervision, the team at MorningStar also encourages every senior to be themselves. Through a variety of different activities like board games, exercise classes, gardening, and other community activities, there is something for every senior to build their skills and practice their hobbies just as they would at home. 

Not only this, but personalized care plans offered at MorningStar ensure that every senior receives the correct level of care and supervision. Depending on what your parent or loved one’s needs are, assistance with daily activities and medical support will be met by our compassionate staff. 

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. 

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.

Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

According to a recently released study, more than 100 million Americans live with a much higher risk than average of contracting heart disease as the direct result of high cholesterol. Although high cholesterol is a major contributor to the development of heart disease among all age groups, it is an especially worrisome problem for older Americans. With September 1 kicking off National Cholesterol Education Month, the caregivers at MorningStar at Arcadia present several tips to help our assisted living and memory care residents in Phoenix lower their cholesterol levels.

Know Where You Stand

You cannot know if you live with high cholesterol unless you have it tested by your physician. Unlike many other types of ailments that strike seniors, high cholesterol does not trigger any symptoms. A simple blood test educates you on where you stand with good and bad cholesterol. Although the recommendation for cholesterol screening is once every five years, seniors should consider getting cholesterol checks at least one time per year.

Once you know your cholesterol numbers, you and your caregiver can come up with a reasonable plan of action to lower the numbers.

Focus on Diet

They say you are what you eat, and if you consume an unhealthy diet, what you decide to eat makes you someone who is highly vulnerable to developing heart disease. One of the many benefits of a senior living community such as MorningStar at Arcadia is that residents eat healthy meals. If you spend some of your meals outside our dining room, consider following a few tips to eat healthier.

First, read the nutrition labels of the food products that you buy at grocery stores. Nutrition labels explain how much fat is in a food product by type like trans, saturated, and unsaturated fat. Second, limit the portions consumed at each meal. Portion control represents a vital strategy to ensure you eat healthier meals. Third, cut down on unhealthy foods, such as foods rich in monosaturated fats. Fourth, consume a fiber-heavy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Finally, eat seafood like salmon and tuna that contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise Regularly

A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role in the development of high cholesterol levels. Only 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you enjoy the health benefits attributed to lowering cholesterol. Your exercise regimen does not have to be high-octane. Just five, 30-minute brisk walks a week should help you improve your heart health.

Another benefit of living at MorningStar at Arcadia is we offer several ways for our residents to exert themselves physically, such as cycling, swimming, and playing tennis.

Abstain from Bad Habits

You have a million reasons to stop smoking, but no other reason resonates as much as improving heart health. Smoking reduces the body’s good cholesterol, which puts you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol intake can be the difference between enjoying robust heart health and succumbing to debilitating heart disease symptoms.

Learn More About How to Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

The MorningStar mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” separates our assisted living and memory care facility from every other facility in Phoenix, AZ. Our operating foundation is based on the principles shared by God that include treating our bodies like a temple. Learn more about how to keep your cholesterol in check by connecting with one of our senior care representatives.