Falls are the Leading Cause of Injuries for Older Americans

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.”  They report one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms annually, and result in over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.

However they say falls do not have to be an inevitable result of aging.  Rather with some practical lifestyle adjustments as well as public campaigns on how to reduce the problem from the NCOA and other organizations, the number of yearly falls can be reduced.  The NCOA’s evidence-based Falls Free® National Action Plan was updated in 2015, and includes “goals, strategies and action steps to increase physical mobility, reduce the impact of medications as a falls risk factor, and improve home and environmental safety.”

The National Institute on Aging explains some of the steps seniors can take to help protect themselves from a fall.  The first thing is to stay physically active. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking or climbing stairs improves muscles strength and keeps joints, tendon, and ligaments more flexible.  Another fall-prevention tip is to have your eyes and hearing tested. If you need glasses, wear them, and if you have a hearing aid, wear it.

In addition ask your healthcare provider if your medications have side effects that can make you dizzy or sleepy.   It is also important to get enough sleep and to limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance.   

Stand up slowly, and have your blood pressure checked if you feel dizzy.  If you feel wobbly when walking, use an assistive device such as a cane or walker.  A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose the right device and teach you how to safely use it.

During wet or icy conditions, use extra caution when walking, and always wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes.  Lace-up shoes give you the ability to adjust the amount of support you need, but do not buy shoes with soles that are too thin or too thick.  Around the house, wear shoes or slippers with non-slip bottoms.

MorningStar at Arcadia is committed to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, and our assisted living and memory care community was designed from the ground up to provide a safe, supportive and loving environment.  We provide 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, and much more.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing.  

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: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures

Remember to Stay Hydrated as the Temperatures Soar

Now that spring is here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated as the temperatures warm up.  There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink.  In addition, medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids.  Also our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger.  Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker.    

Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing.  Furthermore, seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents.     

Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care.  Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more.  

To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer.  Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas.        

At MorningStar of Sparks, we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months.  Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Our Greater Reno assisted living and independent living community offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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.

The Old Adage that Laughter is the Best Medicine May be True!

Research suggests that laughter can actually have a therapeutic value for people.  A recent study showed, “Women with a strong sense of humor were found to live longer in spite of illness, especially cardiovascular disease and infection.”  The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study tracked 54,000 Norwegians over a period of seven years and discovered that people who thought life was the funniest were 35% more likely to survive longer.  

Other similar studies have found laughter helps people sleep better and diffuse anger.  A good laugh relaxes the whole body and produces a general sense of well-being that can last for as long as 45 minutes.  Some believe it may also be a useful tool in the fight against cancer, and as laughter releases a cocktail of hormones, neuropeptides and dopamine, it may help to stave off depression.   

HelpGuide.org, a website that deals with issues of mental health and wellness, writes, “Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.”  Experts say laughter triggers the release of endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals that can temporarily relieve pain) as well as helps to improve the function of blood vessels and increase blood flow.  It can even burn calories. Perhaps most important of all, laughter is free medicine without any harmful side effects.

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we too believe in the power of a good laugh.  Our assisted living and memory care community is setup to allow our residents to live each day to the fullest whether it is participating in one of our wellness programs or activities or simply sharing a delicious meal with friends.   We are now open and welcoming new residents to Santa Fe’s most beautiful 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.  Please visit our website for more information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5331/laughter-is-good-medicine.aspx

helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm/

sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190204170932.htm

Everyone Benefits from Regular Exercise

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

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

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

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

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

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

Often Overlooked Benefit to Help Vets Pay for Assisted Living

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we proudly welcome vets into our community.  In fact throughout MorningStar communities, we have vets from all five branches of military service.  Recognizing the courage and self-sacrifice they made to serve our country, we are committed to helping them get the services they now need to improve their quality of life.

One of the ways we help is to direct prospective residents who are vets or surviving spouses to local resources that can to determine if they qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit.  This monthly benefit payment is provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and is available to qualifying wartime vets or their survivors.

Requirements to qualify include financial need and a physician’s order for regular assistance with activities of daily living.  In addition the vet must have received an honorable discharge and served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days served during a period of foreign war.  In order for a surviving spouse to qualify, he or she must have been married to the vet at the time of their death and never remarried.

The reason we recommend going to accredited VA advisors for assistance in filing a claim for an Aid & Attendance benefit, is they are authorized by the VA to help claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for the benefit.  Once approved for the benefit, the monthly payment goes directly to the qualified applicant and can be used to pay for any kind of assistance, including assisted living.  The National Care Planning Council estimates that up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance.

Now that MorningStar of Santa Fe is open to residents, we encourage you to schedule a tour to experience unsurpassed senior housing in Santa Fe.  Please our website for contact information and availability and pricing.

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

Stylish, Well-designed Floor Plans at MorningStar of Sparks

At MorningStar of Sparks, we are committed to providing the best senior living Reno or Sparks offers and to create a “true home” for our residents.  Our community has 128 stylish, private independent living suites.  Additionally, we have 80 assisted living suites for those needing some help with daily tasks and 32 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.   

All of our spacious suites come with lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds and more.  All you need to do is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  We offer one-bedroom, one bath and two-bedroom, one/or two bath options in a range of floorplans to meet seniors’ personal preferences and needs. In memory care we also have a shared suite option.  If you take a look at our website, you will see a few examples of floorplans but keep in mind that additional floor plans are available.   

Each of our suites are equipped with a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom and an emergency call system as well as offer a private heating & air conditioning system, basic cable TV, and utilities.  We also provide weekly housekeeping and laundry/linen services in addition to daily spot cleaning and trash removal.   

While our suites are beautiful, we understand that our senior community’s success lies with our team.  We are proud of the fact that our staff is comprised of people who champion our mission and have a sense of calling to serve seniors.  They not only believe that Senior Living, at its best, is love in action but do it every day.   

Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Sparks.  However, to really appreciate the loving, home-like atmosphere, we encourage you to set up a tour and see for yourself our exceptional community.    

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.

seniors/

Senior Living Offers Many Benefits to Its Residents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn More About MorningStar of Sparks

Looking for Greater Reno assisted living?  Independent living or memory care?  MorningStar of Sparks may be your answer.  Starting with our community’s exceptional architecture and design, every detail of MorningStar of Sparks is intended to ensure our resident’s utmost comfort and wellbeing. We are conveniently located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, convenient to shopping, restaurants and medical facilities. Among the nearby attractions are Golden Eagle Park and Red Hawk Golf Course. 

Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living with a choice of well-designed floorplans.  Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  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 and raised garden beds, transportation that makes it easy to get out and about, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities. Three daily meals are prepared by our own Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining areas.  Additional on-site services include a full salon, billiards and game room, bistro, library, theatre, fitness room, and spa bath. 

Not only is our community beautifully decorated and designed for residents’ every comfort and need, but we have a care team that is committed to serving seniors and works hard every day to give our resident’s a true “home.”  Please visit our website or contact us to learn more, or to really understand why our residents are proud to call MorningStar of Sparks home, we recommend that you set up a tour. 

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.

>

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

*W

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.