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

Take a Tour of MorningStar at Arcadia

MorningStar at Arcadia offers assisted living and memory care to Phoenix area seniors and is committed to providing a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community for our residents.  Although we think we are the area’s top assisted living home, don’t just take our word for it. Finding the best senior living yourself or a loved one is a very important decision, and a tour allows you to experience a community firsthand.   

When you tour MorningStar at Arcadia, we know from the moment you walk through our door, you are sure to be impressed. Our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need and is beautifully decorated throughout to provide an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation and serenity.  In addition our stylish suites reflect the rest of the community.

A Place for Mom has a few tips for you when visiting an assisted living community.  Look around, does the community feel fresh and clean? Observe a community activity to get an idea if residents are enjoying themselves. Also they suggest you pay attention to the staff’s friendliness.  In addition ask to see the outdoor space. If you can they recommend eating a meal as you will not only get a chance to sample the cuisine but will get to see residents in a relaxing setting. Be sure to ask questions about personal care, safety and security, housekeeping and laundry services, and move-in and move-out criteria.  Above all, A Place for Mom advises that you trust your instincts.

For your tour, MorningStar at Arcadia asks that you allow at least 45 minutes in order for us to show off our community.  If you would like to join us for a meal (just let us know when you are setting up your tour), please expect to be with us for at least 90 minutes to allow for a leisurely meal.   Visit our website and use our quick link to set up a personalized tour of our lovely community or give us a call.  

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.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

The Safest and Best Exercise for Seniors

There have been a number of studies done that document the benefits of walking for older adults, and it is considered by many experts to be the safest and best exercise for the elderly.  Not only can it be performed at a low or moderate intensity and is easy on the joints, but it is also easy to start as it does not require any special equipment.   

To get the most benefit out of walking, it is recommended you do it regularly.  The heart-healthy exercise can improve cardiovascular health and has been linked to lower risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and strokes.  Furthermore, researchers   have found that “even small amounts of walking each week have been shown to reduce these risks around 15% to 20%.”  Daily walking regimens have “shown a 30% to 50% reduction in participants’ risk of cardiac arrest.”    

Other benefits of walking include stopping or decreasing bone mass loss as well as strengthening leg and abdominal muscles, which can improve balance and stability.  Walking can also lead to weight loss or help maintain weight if needed.  Seniors who regularly walk have shown an improvement in their sleep patterns and an increase in mental sharpness.  In addition it assists with joint support by moving the fluid within our joints/cartilage.  It can also help make you feel happier.    

At MorningStar of Sparks, we are committed to provide the best senior living Reno or Sparks offers, and we provide seniors plenty of opportunities to stay fit and keep moving.  Our daily calendar includes a variety of physical activities such as Sit and be Fit, Swimming, and Adaptive Seated Yoga.  We also have lots of other activities to engage residents including concerts, crafts, games, movies and much more.  Please visit our website to learn more about Sparks’ best independent living, assisted living and memory care.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno/Sparks has to offer. 

Source: thecaregiverspace.org/8-science-backed-health-benefits-to-walking-for-seniors/

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

Is it Alzheimer’s Disease? Get a Professional Diagnosis

Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life.  To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.”   

During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on: 

·         Whether you have impaired memory or thinking (cognitive) skills

·         Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors

·         The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes

·         How your thinking problems affect your ability to function in daily life

·         The cause of your symptoms 

Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills.  Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests.  While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke.  They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans.   

Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now.  All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms. 

It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s.  Furthermore, many feel that since there is no cure, what is the point?  However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future. 

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

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living and independent living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075

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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

Have Questions Regarding Assisted Living?

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we understand that making the move to assisted living is a big step for a senior. This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and/or to inquire about availability. In addition our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more. 

Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Family Resources” tab. Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 62 years old). You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure.

FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty health care provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair. 

You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too. Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs. Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration. 

FAQs go over senior housing options such as Companion Living that allows two unrelated adults of the same sex to share a suite, and of course, married couples are welcome! MorningStar of Santa Fe also offers short-term stays based on availability that allows someone to get an idea of whether senior living is right for them. 

Newly opened, MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community is ready to provide residents with the best senior living in Santa Fe. Please visit our website for contact information, to set up a tour, or to get answers to any other questions. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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 call or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Santa Fe.

New Treatment Options for Neurological Diseases

Over the next fifteen years, the elderly population in the U.S. is expected to grow by 40 percent.  With that growth, experts expect the rate of neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and strokes to grow at an unprecedented rate.   In fact Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase threefold and affect up to 16 million people. 

To meet these challenges, researchers such those at the Cleveland Clinic, a world leader in the treatment of neurological diseases, have approached the fight with a combination of cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and clinical research.  For example, they are one of only a few centers in the world conducting the first-ever study of an immunotherapy that targets Parkinson’s disease.  Dr. Hubert Fernandez, directory of the Center for Neurological Restoration at Cleveland Clinic, says, “It’s a treatment that works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses to help break down the abnormal clumps of protein found in the brains of Parkinson patients.”

In terms of Alzheimer’s, research is focused on improved treatments for symptoms as well as ways to treat the disease itself.  Dr. Leverenz, a director of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Cleveland, explains that medications include “an antibody that attacks amyloid deposits, the sticky, neuron-destroying protein plaques found in the brains of people with disease.” 

Other advances include a FDA approved stent retriever for stroke victims.  The device removes large clots from the blood vessels leading to the brain.  Also there has been promising results using surgically implanted electrodes in the cerebellum of stroke survivors who suffer from long-term paralysis.  Using a combination of the electrodes and therapy, patients have had restored movement.  

At MorningStar of Sparks, we proudly serve the needs of our residents by providing the finest independent living and assisted living Reno and the surrounding area has to offer.  Our community offers 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 suites in assisted living for those needing help with the activities of daily living.  In addition, 32 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living Reno/Sparks has to offer.

Source:washingtonpost.com/brand-studio/cleveland-clinic/keeping-your-mind/?noredirect=on

UTIs Can Present a Danger to the Elderly

The Senior Living website says that, “One of the many unseen, hard-to-detect dangers that senior citizens face today is urinary tract infections, more often known as UTIs.” They explain that while the infection is usually easy to treat, the symptoms of UTIs in the elderly can often mimic much more serious conditions including dementia. 

The reason why UTIs often are undiagnosed in the elderly is that many of them do not experience the common symptoms associated with the infections such as frequent urination, burning pain, cloudy urine and lower back pain. As seniors’ immune systems typically do not function at optimal levels, UTIs symptoms can manifest in a range of behaviors including confusion, disorientations, agitation, poor motor skills, dizziness, falling and even depression. They can even cause a sudden onset of urinary incontinence. 

Many of these symptoms may be attributed to more serious illnesses or old age; however, once the infection is finally diagnosed, the treatment is relatively straightforward. A simple urinalysis can confirm the infection and most cases will be cured by antibiotics in a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the infection and the health of the person. Doctors recommend drinking four to six 8-ounce glasses of water a day to flush the bacteria from the system and to add cranberry juice or cranberry tablets to your diet. 

The new MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community is designed to care for our residents’ every needs. Along with a whole host of resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, we also provide residents with three wholesome, delicious meals each day with beverages as well as have an onsite 24-hour bistro. Please visit our website or drop by our Information Center. We expect to open sometime around Christmas. 

This blog is for informational purposes only, please see your healthcare provider if you have a medical problem.

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. Located on the west side of town, we invite you to call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more information about unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Santa Fe.

Source: seniorliving.org/healthcare/uti/

MorningStar of Santa Fe is Hosting a “Grief Support Group”

We strongly believe that grief comes in many forms but is always shaped by LOVE. This is why our newly opened senior housing community, MorningStar of Santa Fe is proud to host the “Hearts & Health Grief Support Group.” Sponsored by Heritage Home Healthcare & Hospice, an Affiliated Entity of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, we welcome those struggling through any kind of grief including the death of a spouse or child, divorce or the loss of a pet. 

This free community event will be a loving place to share your feelings and get experienced counsel from the group’s leader, Chaplain Jerry Reynolds, a spiritual Care and Bereavement Counselor at Heritage Home Health & Hospice (Good Samaritan). His extensive experience includes providing spiritual care for terminally ill patients and their family members and friends. 

The group will meet every Thursday starting on March 7 - April 11th from 1:00–2:00 PM. In order to attend, we ask that you RSVP as the group is limited to 10.  We will meet at MorningStar of Santa Fe’s assisted living and memory care community located at 2041 S Pacheco Street. Please visit our website for details and contact information to RSVP. 

If you are unfamiliar with MorningStar of Santa Fe, we are a beautiful new pueblo-styled community offering 56 bright suites for assisted living. Our floorplans include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with some as large as 820 square feet. We also offer experienced, compassionate memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood, which has 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MorningStar is a private pay community and we do not accept Medicaid. Please visit our website to learn more about Santa Fe’s newest luxury senior housing. 

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 encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe.

Schedule a Tour of MorningStar of Sparks

Searching for 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.

The gallery pictures on our website do a very good job of showing off MorningStar of Sparks’ gorgeous senior living community, but to really get an ideal of what we are all about, we encourage you to schedule a tour.  Located on our home page is a link to “Schedule a Tour” that takes just a few minutes to fill out.  If you plan to tour a couple of senior living communities, you may want to read a few articles on the Internet regarding things to look for on your tour.  

An onsite tour is important for many reasons and gives you the chance to experience it with your own eyes, ears, and instincts.  Remember this may be the place where you or your loved one decide to make their new home.  A tour also allows you to evaluate the community for cleanliness and to get an idea of the daily routine of the residents.  Additionally you will get to meet the staff and talk to residents.

Some of the questions you will want to ask include information regarding staff members’ credentials and have they gone through background checks or received any special training.   Does the staff seem friendly and do residents appear to be well cared for and happy?  If you can, eat a meal at the community as it gives you an idea of the quality of food as well as time to visit with staff and residents. 

At MorningStar of Sparks, we recommend that you plan on spending at least 45 minutes with us during your tour.  You are welcome to join us for lunch (please let us know when you set up the tour) and if you do, please allow approximately 90 minutes so you can enjoy your meal.  We will tailor the visit to your priorities and let us know if you have any special concerns.  Once you complete our online form, we will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient time for you.  

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.

Listen to the Debut Podcast of Our “Aging Gracefully” Radio Program

If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, we encourage you to visit our website to listen to a Podcast of the debut of MorningStar of Santa Fe’s radio program, Aging Gracefully. The program is hosted by MorningStar’s Executive Director, Bill Bouvier and Director of Community Relations, Leslie Castaneda, and is scheduled to air Saturdays at 1:00–2:00PM on KTRC AM/FM. 

On our first program, we discuss “Alzheimer’s Dos and Don’ts” with guest speaker, Dr. Jytte Lokvig. Dr. Lokvig is a nationally recognized Alzheimer's and dementia care specialist, and author of several books including Alzheimer's A to Z, A Quick Reference Guide. 

During the Podcast, Dr. Lokvig recommends ways to help your parent or spouse transition to memory care. One of her suggestions is to take the time to introduce the person to the community and help them feel comfortable in the new surroundings. Another tip is to take advantage of respite care if offered by the community as this can be a good way to get your parent into the home if they think it is only for a short time. As they get comfortable there, they should be more open to the idea of staying put. 

During the Podcast, Dr. Lokvig goes over the most common signs of Alzheimer’s such as repeating the same thing over and over again as well as getting lost in familiar places. In addition she says to listen to the person’s concerns about changes they may be noticing. She also cautions families to not ask a person with memory loss a direct question as it can cause more stress and confusion. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe invites you to give us a call to set up an appointment to tour one of our model suites or to drop by our Information Center, located on the city’s west side on S. Pacheco St. Our team is committed to providing assisted living and memory care that affirms the dignity and comfort of each resident, and from the moment you step through our doors, you will discover a community that feels like a true home.

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. Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Senior Housing from an Award-winning Company

The MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care is excited to open its doors to our first residents. While area seniors may not be familiar with the MorningStar Senior Living Company, we want you to know that many of our communities located throughout the Western U.S. have received awards and honors from outside organizations.

An example is the “Best Of’ award from A Place for Mom, SeniorAdvisor.com, one of the nation’s most widely respected senior living referral and review websites, which has been awarded to several of our communities. The exclusive designation honors the top 1% of senior living providers in the U.S. and Canada and is based on consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to Senior Advisor.com. 

Our communities have also been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association for the training and education our staff receives. Additionally MorningStar communities take part in Alzheimer’s fundraising and awareness activities including hosting and participating in annual events several times a year. At MorningStar Senior Living, we too think it is important to honor our outstanding communities and annually designate one as “Community of the Year,” an award all of our communities strive to receive. 

However most importantly we are proud of the compassionate care our senior living communities offer residents, and are gratified by the consistently high reviews we get from residents and their families. As one family from our MorningStar of Albuquerque community writes, “Our family thanks the MorningStar team for the selfless and loving care you provided Mom. The entire staff always showed professionalism, yet it was clear that everyone sees their jobs as more than a paycheck; it is a commitment to the comfort and well-being of residents. The concierges were always bright, cheery and friendly. The management team always there to support, including just sitting with Mom when she needed a friend.”
Please visit our website for information on unsurpassed senior housing in Santa Fe. Also give us a call for pricing and availability. 

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. Visit our website to set up a tour of the finest senior living in Santa Fe.

MorningStar of Sparks Takes Dining to the Next Level

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is dedicated to providing the finest senior living Reno NV and the surrounding area has to offer.  To that end, we proudly take dining to a new level with beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style.  We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why we put so much emphasis on ensuring our food service is A+.

Furthermore, we believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting.  When we break bread together, it is much more than just physical nutrients as it helps to bond us as a family and as friends.

To ensure our food service is both delicious and nutritional, we have our own highly-trained Executive Chef.  Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients of which come from high-quality producers.  Meals are also modified to include an array of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat choices so that residents can self-manage any dietary restrictions. 

Recognizing that nutrient-rich foods can help stimulate the appetite as well as support brain health, MorningStar of Sparks’ meals are also prepared using ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.   These “super foods” include leafy, dark greens; dark chocolate; acai; berries, and Omega 3 fats.  Most importantly mealtime MorningStar is a time for residents to relax and enjoy the company of fellow residents or family and friends. 

Nestled in a quaint neighborhood east of Reno, MorningStar of Sparks’ residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within a loving, family atmosphere.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best senior living community, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself why residents are proud to call us home. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Reno NV area offers.

Looking for Gift Ideas for an Elderly Parent?

Now that the holiday season is almost here, many of us are having a hard time coming up with fresh gift ideas for elderly parents and other seniors in our lives.  Not only do many older adults live in smaller, paired down apartments with not much room for a more “stuff,” but most likely do not need much. This is why the most appreciated gifts are often practical ones that improve their quality of life or are meaningful. 

Memory-making presents are usually a hit and the marketplace has lots of options to choose from. One example is a Memory Journal, which provides a series of questions to get people thinking about the things they would like to share about their life. Other books are designed to make it easy to put together a scrapbook full of memories.

If your loved one has a hard time getting to sleep at night, you may want to consider a sound machine. Most of them have timers that can be set for as little as 15 minutes or up to an hour. Another useful gift is a humidifier. Kathrin Nicolacakis, MD of the Cleveland Clinic say “dry air can wreak havoc on your nose and lungs and make existing conditions worse.” A humidifier helps to relieve a variety of respiratory symptoms such as sinus congestion, asthma and allergies, and nose bleeds. 

Something a hearing-impaired adult as well as everyone else around them may appreciate is a wireless headphone set designed to clarify dialogue from a TV. The device allows the TV to be set at mute or the volume at a level comfort for other listeners. 

Other practical gifts include things like a lighted magnifying glass, a big-button phone, or a “reacher” for someone with mobility or dexterity problems. Entertaining gifts include jigsaw puzzles, oversized playing cards, or adult coloring books and markers. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we consider the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents to be of the utmost importance. Our compassionate caregivers are the type of people who consider seniors to be heroes and feel privileged to serve them. Our luxury senior living community is scheduled to open sometime around Christmas so be sure to check our website for details regard our “Grand Opening Celebration.” 

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. Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on exceptional assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/

seniors.lovetoknow.com/Gift_Ideas_for_the_Elderly

Alzheimer’s Disease Can Result in Feelings of Grief & Loss for the Family

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all. Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold. Most are left with questions about what to expect next. 

As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.” They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages.

Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better. Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors. Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned. You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care. 

Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day. A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feeling. They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses. Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our memory care residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. We look forward to bringing incomparable senior living to Santa Fe now that our new community is open. Please visit our website for information on pricing and availability or to set up a 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 for more details on unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe.

Independent Living Located in the Reno/Sparks Area

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we offer comfort, wellness and community with an array of amenities, making us the best senior living Reno NV and the surrounding area has to offer. Along with 128 independent living suites, our community is also home to two other neighborhoods, assisted living for seniors who require help with daily personal care, and our Reflections Neighbor devoted to those with memory impairment. 

Independent living at MorningStar provides seniors with carefree retirement years, and as our suites are rented on a month-to-month basis and not a buy-in community, it does not require a large upfront investment as many other area properties.  In addition, we offer a selection of floor plans with one and two-bedroom configurations.   Our stylish, contemporary suites offer ceiling lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds and laundry facilities. And yes, we are pet friendly!

All of our MorningStar residents are treated to a host of creative programs and resort-style amenities and services.  Our promise of a carefree lifestyle includes beautiful, relaxing outdoor strolling paths, transportation that makes it easy to get out and about, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.  Furthermore, we have a professional chief on staff and residents are served three healthy and delicious meals daily in our elegant dining room.  Additional on-site services include a full salon, billiards and game room, bistro, library, theatre, fitness room, and spa bath.

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks.  We are conveniently located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs. The Reno-Sparks area is just 59 miles from Lake Tahoe and adjacent to Sun Valley, Nevada.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Reno NV area offers.

Join Us at a United Way of Santa Fe Early Childhood Programs Fundraiser

MorningStar of Santa Fe is proud to be a sponsor of the United Way of Santa Fe’s “Coats & Cocktails” fundraiser for their Early Childhood Programs. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Casa Espana. Guest speaker will be Abby Bordner of the United Way. Appetizers and cocktails will be served as well as a raffle that offers multiple staycations from local hotels and resorts. 

The United Way is seeking cash donations along with children’s coats and other articles of clothing suitable for winter weather. They are requesting new clothing only and in sizes 0-7. If you would just like to make a donation, there is a convenient drop off bin at MorningStar of Santa Fe. 

Anyone interested in being a part of this great cause, please RSVP 505-919-7989 by December 10th. The United Way of Santa Fe County provides free, high-quality early learning programs for area families, including home visits, Pre-K, caregiver support and early literacy projects. We encourage you to take a look at their website to learn more about the wonderful programs they provide to the community, which increase opportunities for Santa Fe children and families to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Please visit MorningStar of Santa Fe’s website for all the current news of our new community as we get closer and closer to our opening date. Also we will keep you posted on details regarding our Grand Opening, which is expected to be sometime around Christmas. Our new community will have 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. 

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. Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.