Things Seniors Should Look for in a Healthcare Provider

As we age, our healthcare needs change, which is why seniors should have a primary healthcare provider who understands their special needs.  Experts recommend finding someone that “talks to you” and clearly explains what they are saying; and then most importantly listens to what you have to say.  Also you do not want a healthcare provider that makes you feel like they only have ten minutes to spend with you.

Many seniors want to have a geriatrician, a physician dedicated to the care of seniors, on their team, but as Dr. Michael Wasserman, himself a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, says, “There are 7,000 board-certified geriatricians in the country, and the number's going down every year."  However he explains that even if you do not have access in your area to a geriatrician, there is no reason to worry as a family doctor is able to manage your needs and can refer you to a specialist when appropriate.     

One way to find the right healthcare provider is to get a referral from family, friends or neighbors.  When you call the office, ask if they are accepting new patients, and if not, is there a waiting list? Also check to see if they accept your insurance including various Medicare plans.  Another important thing, especially for seniors, is to find out if they have extended hours and after-hours availability as this can help keep older adults out of the hospital.  Experts further advised that you routinely use a single pharmacy as this can help to avoid dangerous drug interactions.    

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we have created a true home for our residents to ensure their comfort, wellness and safety.  Our assisted living is designed for seniors who require some help with their day-to-day personal care. Our memory care compassionately provides for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and 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.  Please visit our website for more information about compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider

MorningStar’s Unique & Compassionate Approach to Memory Care

MorningStar of Albuquerque is committed to provide the best senior living Albuquerque NM offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team will expertly provide the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All of our employees, regardless of their position in our community, will receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care.  At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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 Albuquerque NM has to offer.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we proudly offer seniors in Phoenix assisted living and memory care.  As experienced specialists in caring for those with memory loss from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, our community is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

Our loving and compassionate team considers it their calling as well as their privilege to care for your loved one.  Also, MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease.  

When a resident joins our community, we spend time with them and their family to learn as much as we can about their life before the memory loss including their talents, vocation, and preferences.  From there, we create a daily care plan based on their needs and designed to stimulate or calm in response to their mood or situation. We know that whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains and our calling is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.  

Residents are invited to join scheduled outings and special events, as well as participant in a daily calendar of activities in our Great Room or on our enclosed patio.  As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  

MorningStar at Arcadia offers 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.  All of our units are ready to move into and just need your furnishings and personal items to feel like home. Please contact us for information on pricing and availability.  

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted 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 tour of our exceptional community.

Don’t Underestimate the Benefit of Socializing that Senior Living Offers

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we know that senior living offer many benefits including the often overlooked benefit of socialization.  Senior living provides a natural, easy way to be around people that share your interests as well as encourages older adults to stay engage in life.  In fact the National Institute of Health (NIH) has substantial research that shows socialization is an important component to our good health.   

One thing the NIH studies consistently found is a “strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being among older adults.”  Moreover they found that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults. They report that social relationships are strongly associated with biomarkers of health and that loneliness may have a physical as well as an emotional impact such as a higher risk for symptoms of depression.  

MorningStar’s assisted living and memory care community offers residents the benefit of a relationship with a whole team of caregivers that not only gets to know them but is instrumental in coordinating a comprehensive care plan.  Our collaborative care includes 24/7 compassionate care managers, medication management, nutritional meals, routine review of care plans, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and access to licensed nurses as well as physical, occupational, respiratory, speech and massage therapists.  

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we proudly offer services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit, and consider Wellness to be a joint effort between Life Enrichment and our Wellness Care Team.  In addition we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior living in Santa Fe, NM.   

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 for more information about unsurpassed assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive 

How We Meet Each Resident’s Needs

As one of the most respected Phoenix assisted living communities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers seniors an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our experienced team also understands that when families are looking into assisted living for a loved one, they want to know how we meet each resident’s needs to ensure their utmost comfort and safety.  

At MorningStar, that process starts as soon as you make the decision to join our community.  Each new resident and their family meet with our Wellness Director to allow us to get to know your personal preferences and normal routines.  Our Wellness Director will also review your medical history to enable us to create a customized care plan that meets your approval.  Furthermore, your care plan will be regularly re-evaluated to address any changing needs. 

Various auxiliary services provided by MorningStar include medical and non-medical and are priced a la carte.  For example, if you require medication management, it will be administered by a Certified Med Care Manager.  Other ways we provide our residents with a higher quality of living are diabetic management, oxygen administration, pharmaceutical services, transportation to medical appointments and much more.  

Regardless of the level of care you will be receiving, all residents have access to 24-hour Care Managers and a licensed nurse who is onsite 5-7 days a week and on call 24/7 as well as receive scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  In addition, we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift.  

In the Reflections Neighborhood, which is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment, our all-inclusive services (suite and care) are one packaged price.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Arcadia and for contact information to set up tour.  

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted 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 tour of our exceptional community.

Decorating Tips to Make Your Assisted Living Suite Feel Like “Home”

We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted is certainly a major change for many seniors.  However experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period.   

One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite.  Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space."  

Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display.  Trigging happy memories with sentimental items is a big step toward making their new place a real home. Also accent pillows and pictures are an easy way to add a lot of color and attractiveness to their place.  

Please keep in mind safety concerns when placing furniture and avoid using area rugs that can become trip hazards or overcrowding a room and not leaving enough space to easily navigate.  Install hand rails where needed and make sure there is easily accessible lighting in the bathrooms and hallways if the person is getting up at night.    

Helping your loved stay organized can improve the home’s safety as well as the aesthetic.  Consider any mobility issues the person may have and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach on a shelf.  Chairs and sofas should be firm and stable.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we proudly offer unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.  Our community has 56 private bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Visit our website to learn more.       

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 contact information and more details about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/best-assisted-living/slideshows/decorating-tips-for-assisted-living

Good Nutrition is Important to Seniors’ Health

The National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging states that, “1 in 4 older Americans have poor nutrition.”  They explain that malnutrition puts them at risk of becoming overweight or underweight as well as cause weakened muscles and bones.  

Poor nutrition also leaves you more vulnerable to disease and makes it harder to manage the diseases you may already have such as heart disease and diabetes.  An unhealthy diet can even jeopardize a senior’s immune system and make them more susceptible to colds and flus.     

Furthermore, as many seniors experience a decrease in their appetite, they need to increase the nutrient density of their food, not necessarily portion size.  This means eating a well-balanced diet chock-full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as well as more fiber. Avoid foods high in processed sugars, saturated and trans fats, and salt.  Eating alone can also decrease a senior’s appetite so make meals a more social occasion and serve foods that taste as good as they look and smell. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve our residents.  Starting with having our own Executive Chef, our meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients. In addition, we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet.  MorningStar’s chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. Furthermore, meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room, which is an ideal setting to socialize and enjoy a meal together.    

Please visit our website for more details on all of the amenities and services offered at MorningStar at Arcadia.  We suggest you schedule a tour to see our beautiful community in person rather than just relying on our pictures.   

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour of one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers.

Source: healthline.com/health/healthy-eating-for-seniors

Your Safety is Our First Priority!

As one of the newest senior living communities in Santa Fe, NM, MorningStar of Santa Fe’s beautiful community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors.

Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact a National Institutes of Health study recently found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many of 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.  MorningStar’s med managers will oversee both the ordering and supervised administration of a resident’s medications.  

Each of MorningStar of Santa Fe’s 56 assisted living bright suites is equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System.  In addition all have handicap-accessible bathrooms as well as wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, mini-blinds, large windows and lots of lighting.  Of course our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways.  

Reflections Neighborhood, our memory care wing, is designed to encourage our most tender residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely.  We offer 29 secure memory care suites in a range of configurations, including studio and one-bedroom options.

Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.  You will discover we also offer residents a wealth of luxury amenities as well as a wellness program and activities designed to keep you active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  

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 about the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Keep Learning at MorningStar of Sparks

At MorningStar of Sparks, we believe that seniors have a lot to contribute as well as a desire to continue learning, which is why we are proud to offer our signature wellness program, WellStar.  Each day our Life Enrichment team finds ways to help residents celebrate life by engaging the mind, body and spirit in purposeful and productive activities.   

One look at our monthly calendar posted on our home page will give you an idea of the entertaining, enjoyable activities we invite our residents to participate in. A few examples of the goings-on at MorningStar include a Painting Group, Documentaries, Bible Study, Travelogues, Financial Discussion Group, and Computer Classes.   We also offer Games, Arts and Crafts, Needle & Hook Club, Happy Hours and Movie Nights. 

Along with the pure fun of the experience, you will have the chance to bond with fellow residents and staff and become a part of our philosophy of building “Family for Life.”  As one of our MorningStar Senior Living resident’s explains, “My wife and I were just existing in our former home, but we’re living here at MorningStar. It’s all in how you look at the changes in your life.”  

In addition, activities often include a road trip to local areas of interest or a pleasant scenic drive that may end up with lunch at a nearby park or restaurant.  We also invite residents to tap into their unique talents and life experiences by leading special interest clubs.   

MorningStar of Sparks has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a variety of floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability and to set up a tour to see firsthand all our amenities and comforts.       

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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Sparks, NV.

Are You Afraid Assisted Living is Beyond Your Budget?

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we are honored to provide our residents with the finest senior living in the area.  However we are aware that too many seniors and their families do not fully understand all of the services and amenities communities like ours provide.  Rather they think that assisted living is much more expensive than it actually is as they are not considering all it offers. In fact a 2016 study found that for full-time care, assisted living is a less expensive option than cobbling together comparable in-home care, which can end up costing considerably more.   

You need to keep in mind that assisted living care at MorningStar of Santa Fe not only includes nutritious, delicious daily meals, but a full range of services including 24/7 care managers, and access to a licensed nurse.  We also provide scheduled transportation, medication management services, CPR-trained staff on every shift, scheduled physician visits, choice of physician, pharmacy services, and much, much more.  

Your level of care (we have five) is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, who is also a licensed nurse, and based on your medical history and current needs.  Due to the nature of memory care, it is provided at an all-inclusive packaged price.  

Furthermore assisted living does not mean you will lose your privacy or independence.  When you receive the proper assistance you need each day, it will actually free you up to live a fuller life.  Also our beautiful suites are designed with our residents’ needs in mind and have their own entrance to ensure your privacy and comfort.  Another thing that makes living at MorningStar of Santa Fe feel just like home is we are pet friendly so you will not have to leave behind a beloved “member of the family” to move into our community.  

In order to really get an idea of all our beautiful community offers, we encourage you to schedule a tour.  Please visit our website to use our convenient link to set up a tour as well as 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 firsthand look at the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please set up a tour.

Visiting Your Loved One in an Assisted Living Community

Experts say that one of the most important things you can do for a parent or another loved one in an assisted living community is to commit to visiting on a regular basis.  We are not suggesting every day or even every other day, in fact you need to give your loved one time to bond with those in their community, but rather to be consistent with your visits.  

If you worry about what you will talk about or do during your visits, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, has some tips to help you spend meaningful time together.  One of their suggestions is to do a craft project together. You will find all kinds of ideas on the Internet and can use upcoming holidays for appropriately themed projects.    Scrapbooking is another idea and will give your parent the chance to reminisce about the past and to share old family stories. Pick up scrapbooking supplies at your local craft store and bring along plenty of photos (be sure to get some of your newer digital photos printed out) to use in the book.  

Visits to your loved one can be as simply as scheduling the time to coincide with a favorite TV show both you and your parent love to watch.  Not only can you enjoy the show together but then discuss the twists and turns that the program is taking afterward. The same can be said for starting a book club, and if your parent’s eyesight makes reading difficult, you can read a chapter or two and then talk about the story.   If family members live far away, you could help them set up a video chat as many seniors are not comfortable with the technology to do it themselves. Other suggestions include playing cards or board games, having a picnic on the grounds of the assisted living community, and creating a playlist of favorite tunes and then listen to it together.   

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Albuquerque seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our community offers 48 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans along with 21 secure suites devoted the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting. Please visit our website for more information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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 Albuquerque has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-activities-for-your-next-visit/

Preventing Falls with Balance Exercises

A fall can have serious consequences especially for an older adult.  The National Council on Aging cites statistics showing “one in four Americans 65 years or older falls each year, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”  They add that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.  

Loss of balance in seniors can be caused from many things including inner ear problems such as vertigo, failing eyesight, numbness in feet and legs, arthritis, chronic diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis), medications and heart problems.  A condition called orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure, can also result in feelings of dizziness, light headedness, or feeling faint and lead to falls.  

To keep your muscles strong and help prevent falls, you need to keep moving, and the best way to improve mobility and balance is through training exercises.  Participating in twice-weekly programs for aerobic, balance, flexibility and resistance/strength training can increase your ability to walk and allow you to continue exercising more over the long term.   

You can also lessen your risk of falling by practicing balance-training exercises throughout the day.  One example is to place your hand on the kitchen counter and balance on one foot and then the other, then if you feel comfortable, remove your hand and try again.  Another at-home exercise is to stand behind a sturdy chair and grip it for balance while lifting one leg directly behind you without bending your knee or pointing your toes, then switch to the other leg.  You can also do side leg raises in much the same way but extend your leg to the side keeping your back straight, and your toes pointing forward. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we encourage residents to join one of our fitness classes and work out with friends!  Please visit our website to learn more about one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ has to offer.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour of one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers.

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

healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:balance-problems/info:causes-and-symptoms/

Thinking About a Move to Assisted Living?

If you are ready to move from your family home into an assisted living community, we have some helpful suggestions to help you organize and downsize your life’s possessions.  Organizing experts caution that while the task may seem overwhelming, you need to create a plan, take it one step at a time, and give yourself plenty of time.  If you are unable to do the work due to your health, there are professionals you can hire that specializing in helping seniors move.  

It is recommended you start in one room and work from there.  Recruit as much help as you can from family and friends and set up piles of items you will keep, stuff to donate or sell at a yard sale, and things you want to gift to people.  

Always keep in mind that your new space is most likely going to be smaller so get rid of duplicates and consider how your new lifestyle will be different from how you are now living.  For instance, if you are moving into a community that offers meals, chances are you will need only the barest amount of kitchen items.  

The same goes for furniture.  It is suggested you make a floor plan of your new place so you have an idea of the scale of what will fit.  Consider selling furniture such as a coffee table or couch that seems too big and use the money toward purchasing pieces that are more suited to the size of the place.   Not only will your place be more comfortable and look better, but it is important to have open pathways throughout your suite to help prevent the risk of a fall.     

Looking for a Phoenix assisted living community?  MorningStar at Arcadia offers 80 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 30 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. Visit our website to learn more, set up a tour or email us for pricing and availability. We love showing off our community and we think you will see why our residents are proud to call us “home.” 

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted 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 tour of our exceptional community.

The Many Benefits of Assisted Living

As people grow older, their needs change and many require help with daily personal care activities.  This can present a dilemma in families as some elderly seniors firmly state that they do not want to move into assisted living.  However when the pressure to assume caretaking responsibilities continues to grow for family members and even safety is a concern, they may have to look into alternatives.   

It is important to know that research shows assisted living can be a healthier lifestyle for seniors than living alone.  They have access to 24/7 care as well as the benefits that come from socializing with others.  In addition, keep in mind that your parent’s home may need costly modifications to make it safe for them to continue to live there while assisted living communities are designed to address those needs.  Moreover, along with the assistance they need with daily personal care, communities such as MorningStar of Albuquerque provide a range of wellness programs and activities that support residents’ mental, physical, spiritual, and social connections. 

In addition, wholesome, nutritional daily meals as well as housekeeping and laundry services mean your parent will have their basic needs met seamlessly.  Lastly something often overlooked regarding assisted living is that with the proper assistance, rather than your parent’s fear of losing their independence becoming true, they will actually get it back.  Also by getting the needed assistance from the staff, it allows families to just enjoy spending time together without the added responsibility of being caregivers.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque is dedicated to providing the finest senior living Albuquerque has to offer, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Options include 48 assisted living private suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, devoted to caring for seniors suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 21 secure suites. Located on the northeast side of town between Paseo del Norte and Palomas, our community has wonderful mountain views and is convenient to shopping and other services.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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 Albuquerque NM has to offer.

A Healthy Lifestyle for a Healthy Heart

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease.   

As older adults’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt.  Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts.  In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemicals.   

Other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of heart disease are quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and lowering your blood pressure.   A heart healthy lifestyle must also include daily exercise and even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.  If it has been a while since you have exercised, check with your doctor and start slowly.  The Heart Association cites research that indicates 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. 

MorningStar of Sparks, one of the top Greater Reno retirement communities, proudly provides residents a lifestyle of comfort and wellbeing. Our meals are both tasty as well as healthy and we offer lots of fun physical activities to keep our residents moving.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability information.   

Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises.   

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 our exceptional community.

Looking for Independent or Assisted Living in the Reno Area?

Seniors often end up feeling confused about whether independent living or assisted living is their best senior living option.   Experts say the most important thing is to base your decision on is how well you manage your daily personal care activities on your own.    

If you need help with things like meal preparations, personal hygiene, managing medications, and household chores, assisted living is probably your best bet.  However, if you are an active senior who is handling these tasks on your own but would like convenient access to hospitality services such as dining, wellness programs and activities, housekeeping, and companionship, independent living is perfect for you.   

Moreover, for seniors who still feel comfortable managing their own personal care for now but worry things could change in the future, communities such as MorningStar of Sparks are the answer.  Along with offering 128 bright suites for independent living, we also have 80 suites for assisted living and 32 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  If down the road, you feel you need more assistance than our independent living offers, you will have priority for one of our assisted living or memory care suites.   

MorningStar of Sparks’ goal is to be one of the best Greater Reno retirement communities, and we work hard to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar of Sparks is that we make it easy for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle.  Please visit our website for more information and to inquire about pricing and availability.   

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 our exceptional community.

Socialization Continues to be Important as We Age

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.   

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. 

As one of the top Greater Reno retirement communities, MorningStar of Sparks offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit and find ways to learn and contribute.  Please visit our website to learn why our independent living, assisted living and memory care community is such a great place to call home. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 our exceptional community. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

MorningStar of Sparks Offers Dementia Care Under a “Lavender Sky”

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks provides 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.    

Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be.  Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care.  This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch.  However most importantly, we embrace hope.   

Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions.  Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan.  

At MorningStar of Sparks, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families.  Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones.  Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate 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 see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Sparks, NV.

Get Trusted Dementia Care at MorningStar of Sparks

When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through.  It is traumatizing to get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family.  As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of assisted living care your loved one will need.

At MorningStar of Sparks, we want you to know we are here to help.  As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages.  Before residents even move in, we meet with them and their family to get to know their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  We then use that information to help create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm, in response to a particular mood or situation. 

Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors.  We use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.  

In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and a secure patio and courtyard for the exclusive use of our memory care residents.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at 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 our exceptional offering for independent living, assisted living and memory care in Sparks, NV. 

family:"Verda

Organizing Your Elderly Parents’ Paperwork

Many adult children who live a distance away from elderly parents often feel there is not much they can do to help with day-to-day care.  However, one of the things experts suggest that can be done long-distance is to help mom or dad get their paperwork organized.

Initially the job requires more time and energy, but once you have everything gathered together, you will just need to make sure to keep it updated.  In fact, having all of your parents’ pertinent information up-to-date and in one place, will make caregiving long-distance much easier as it allows you to more quickly make decisions and respond to a crisis.  

Paperwork should include maintaining and managing current information about your parent’s health and medical care including the type of medications and the dosage they are taking.  Other important information includes details regarding sources of income and assets, i.e. bank accounts, pensions, life insurances, IRAs, 401 (k)s and other investments, their home and monthly liabilities.  

To do long-distance, it may be easier to schedule a visit or two to their home to begin the process.  Also, if you do not already know, ask if they have a will, and if so, make sure it is in order. Furthermore, discuss with them the benefits of drawing up a durable power of attorney, which legally gives the person named on the document the right to handle their financial decisions should the need arise.    

Sometimes older adults can be protective of their financial and personal information.  You will need them to understand that you are not trying to invade their privacy or take over their personal lives but rather want to be prepared to assist in the case of an emergency.   

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide the best senior living Albuquerque offers, and we are ready to care for your parent’s physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs.  Amenities and services include wellness programs and activities, three tasty, daily meals that feels privileged to serve seniors.  Contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful assisted living and memory care community.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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 schedule a tour and see for yourself the finest senior living Albuquerque NM has to offer.