Things to Consider When Visiting a Loved One in Senior Living

Especially during the holiday season, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in assisted living by letting them know them are very special to us.  To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.  

You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit.  Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game. You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or to start a new one.  If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together. If they love listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together. If they love sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help them get them ready to mail.   If they love to be pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure.   

If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink.  Bringing the kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will even give the resident some bragging rights long after the grandkids have gone home. However do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits.    

If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big.  Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community. Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs.   

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents but we know they always look forward to seeing their family.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community, our amenities and care services.  

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 contact us for more details on the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Medication-Free Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and up until recently offered few options in terms of treatment.  Typical treatments included prescription drugs to help alleviate symptoms and/or a special device implanted in patients, used to help control tremors.  

However since Parkinson’s affects the whole body, doctors and researchers have been looking at different complementary and alternative methods to treat the many symptoms of the disease.  The U.S. News and World Report published an article describing some of those different methods of treatment.   

As Parkinson’s occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain stem die off, doctors say exercise is key to managing some of the effects of Parkinson’s.  Dr. Dean Sutherland, a neurologist and Parkinson’s disease specialist in Sarasota, Florida, explains, “Exercise releases dopamine into the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by taking medication. That helps with motor issues like stiffness, tremors and muscle freezing.”

Other activities that appear to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease include massage therapy to help alleviate stiffness and pain; and acupuncture, which helps some people reduce tremors and also relieves stiff muscles and pain.   Physical therapy appears to help patients improve balance and gait as well as flexibility. There are even programs specifically targeted to Parkinson’s patients that focus on teaching them to take bigger steps to avoid common walking problems such as shuffling.   

In addition, people with Parkinson’s are discovering that alternative treatments such as singing can help improve voice volume, which in turn, can improve their social interactions.  When you can control the volume of your voice to be heard by others, you are more likely to feel comfortable interacting socially. Another thing proving to be helpful to people with balance problems is aqua therapy.  Parkinson’s patients have found that being in the water gives them the freedom to move about without the fear of falling. And finally as swallowing can become difficult for some people with Parkinson’s, swallowing therapy is also recommended.  

MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living community, offers a wide range of care services including physical, occupational, respiratory, speech, and massage therapy.  We offer 80 suites for assisted living and 30 suites dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more.

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.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2019-01-11/medication-free-ways-to-treat-parkinsons-disease

MorningStar at Arcadia’s Beautiful Assisted Living Suites

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our goal is to provide one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ has to offer.  Starting with a full array of amenities, services and fine dining along with entertaining and enriching activities, we provide 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 at Arcadia home.  

You will find our gorgeous selection of assisted living suites are designed to please the most discerning seniors.  Available in a range of configurations including studios and one- and two-bedroom floorplans (including penthouse suites), 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 refrigerator 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 at Arcadia offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about our 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 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.

MorningStar of Albuquerque Offers Support to Both Residents and Families

MorningStar of Albuquerque understands you may feel guilty about moving your spouse or parent into assisted living.  If you are the adult child of the senior, you may worry you have let them down by not having them move in with you even though you know your other commitments make it impractical.  Or you may already be the caregiver and realize the job is becoming too big to continue caring for your loved one properly at home.  

If any of this sounds familiar, you need to know you are not alone.  At MorningStar we understand the mixed-emotions that come with such a big lifestyle change.   However just as we are committed to caring for our residents, the MorningStar of Albuquerque staff is there to offer support for the families of our residents.  

Also, when your parent makes their home with us, we are not replacing you in their life, but rather are providing the specialized care they need.  In fact, we think by letting us handle all of the caregiver duties, it frees you up to enjoy the time you do spend with your loved one and to start relaxing together and sharing memories or a laugh.      

Our experience has taught us it is best to introduce the idea of assisted living to your parent or spouse during a time and place when everyone is gathered and feeling relaxed.  Remember a decision does not have to be made all at once but typically it is better to let it come in stages. Sometimes a family worries they may get resistance to the idea but are surprised to find it is something the person has been thinking about for some time.     

Ultimately the decision should be a consensus among family members as well as the senior.  If you have questions or want to talk to someone about it, the MorningStar staff is here for you.  Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior living Albuquerque has to offer.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque 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 the finest senior living Albuquerque NM offers.

A Broad Range of Care Services to Live Life at its Best!

The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is a true destination for successful aging.  By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and our Wellness Care services complement one other to ensure each resident get the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.     

We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand. It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, a licensed nurse.  Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7. MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management.  Furthermore we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as pharmacy services, onsite dental and podiatry services and more.    

Please visit our website for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.  Our community includes 56 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms 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.  Please visit our website for more details on unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Independent Living at MorningStar of Sparks

At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to provide the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer, which includes an independent living option for seniors who seek a streamlined lifestyle free of the responsibility of private home ownership, but without the need of any care services.   

Our 128 spacious private independent living suites are available in several floorplans including one bedroom–one bath, two bedroom–one bath, and two bedroom-two bath configurations.  Each unit has high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling lighting, and mini blinds as well as private heating & air conditioning controls, basic cable TV, utilities and much more.   All of our independent living suites are equipped with their own washer and dryer and full kitchens so you can prepare meals on your own whenever you like.  Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.  

As a MorningStar resident, you will get resort-style amenities and lots of services including three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.  In addition, a range of convenient services including a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, a spa bath, fitness room, library, and bistro.  For entertainment, residents enjoy our on-site theatre, billiards and game room, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.  Other amenities include a fireside patio and all-season porches, strolling paths, full-time licensed nurse and a caring and responsive 24-hour staff. 

MorningStar of Sparks is the perfect place to call “home.”   With beautiful surroundings and a hospitality and care team who feel honored to serve seniors, we have succeeded in creating a life of comfort and community for our residents.  We would love the opportunity to tell you more.   

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

Looking for Senior Living in Santa Fe, NM?

If you are searching for the finest senior living in the area for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to take a look at our MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community.  Every aspect of our gorgeous home, from the ground up, has been meticulously designed to ensure our residents the utmost comfort, safety and wellbeing.  

Just knowing a loved one is being cared for by the compassionate, loving staff of MorningStar is sure to give you peace of mind.  If it is you who is thinking of making MorningStar your new home, you will be surprised to find that once you get the daily assistance you need, you will not feel as if you lost your independent but rather be better able to lead a full life. As one MorningStar resident writes, “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.”

One thing that sets MorningStar of Santa Fe apart from other senior living in the Santa Fe area is the fact that our team consists of the type of people who believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.  They are individuals with big hearts who are drawn to the idea of serving seniors. They are also the kind of men and women that understand seniors are true heroes who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  

If fact our community is not just a place for the elderly to live out their days, but a true home filled with love and laughter.  Along with 5 star dining and a whole list of resort-style amenities, we provide a wide range of care services and wellness programs.  Every day our calendar is filled with fun and meaningful activities that allow residents to expand their mind, enjoy the company of friends, and enhance their health and wellness.  After all when given the opportunity to learn and to contribute, it allows us to shine. Please visit our website to learn more about what the best senior living in Santa Fe, NM looks like!

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 give us a call for more information on luxury senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Try Scrapbooking with Your Elderly Parent

If an elderly parent is in a senior living community and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit.  By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows anything about.   

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook.   

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parent, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one.   

MorningStar of Sparks is committed to providing seniors with the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer.  Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities including many arts and crafts projects.  Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing.   

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

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 insurance policies, 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 Sparks, our goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Reno or Sparks 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 and a staff that feels privileged to serve seniors.  Contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful 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. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer.

Doctor Visits for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

It is important to schedule routine doctor appointments for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease.  The Mayo Clinic explains that checkups ensure health and behavioral issues are regularly addressed and provide tips for caregivers accompanying the person to help them get the most out of the limited time spent with the doctor.  Also they suggest that while your loved one is still able, to have them sign a privacy release form at the doctor’s so their medical condition can be freely shared with you.   

You should try to schedule appointments during the person’s best time of day, and if you can, coordinate it with the doctor’s least busy time.  You should bring along snacks and water as well as an activity you can do together.  If your loved one has been uncooperative about going to the doctor’s in the past, wait and let them know about the appointment that day. 

The Mayo Clinic says the caregiver should prepare a list of things they wish to discuss with the doctor including medication side effects or issues with aggressive behaviors.  Also have a list of medications the person is taking and include over-the-counter medications and other supplements.   If your loved one is in a memory care community, ask the staff about any concerns they would like you to relay to the doctor.   

If a new medication is prescribed, ask questions about the side effects.  Also be ready to answer questions regarding any changes in their memory and mood as well as their diet and sleep habits.  Write down significant information including recommended follow-up appointments with specialists.  Most importantly, if you feel you need help, your doctor is a good source for referrals to various community resources and care providers.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to provide the best senior living Reno or Sparks offers, which includes specialized, loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling, and privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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

Health Concerns for Seniors

Statistics indicate we are living longer, and if you do reach the age of 65, you can expect to live on average another nearly 20 years.  Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of those over the age of 65 reports they are in very good or excellent health.  

Experts recommend that older adults should be aware of chronic health conditions common to seniors and make lifestyle changes that may help stave off those diseases and improve their quality of life.  Some of the things they suggest are to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.  

If you are already coping with a chronic medical condition, following those suggestions can help you to better manage your disease as well as improve your quality of life.  Experts also recommend if you do not already have a geriatrician on your healthcare team, to add one, as they have a special understanding of what seniors are going through.  

The three most prevalent diseases affecting older adults in order are arthritis, heart disease and cancer.   The CDC estimates arthritis affects almost 50 percent of all adults over the age of 65, and can cause pain and a lower quality of life.  While the disease can “discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65, and an estimated 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women over 65 are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Doctors say it is important to exercise, eat well, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy weight in order to stave off heart disease or to better manage it. 

Cancer is the next most common disease in seniors and the second leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65.  CDC statistics show 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer. It is a disease that if caught early, is often treatable so be sure to get routine screening such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and skin checks.   

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

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.

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/     

Study Shows Those in Senior Communities Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist.  The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.” 

Hospitalization information from participants in the Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?”  Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone.  Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, our goal is to be the best independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers, and we provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.  Services available to residents (depending on lifestyle option) include 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more.  In addition, we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like.   

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.”  While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up a tour.   

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. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/    

Our Many Resources Include FAQ’s

If you have started the search for senior living in Santa Fe, NM, we encourage you to take a look at the gorgeous MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community.  While we opened to residents in January of this year, we are proud to say we have already earned a reputation as one of the top senior living communities in the area.

We always suggest that families schedule a tour of MorningStar to get a firsthand look, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information.  Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.        

Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission.  We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members with servants’ hearts who are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  In addition our service is guided by Radiance, and designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  

Within our FAQs, you will also find answers explaining what assisted living is, the type of services we offer, and how your level of care is determined (it is based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  This information allows us to set up a customized care plan that is review periodically to keep up with any changing health needs.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.  Each day we strive to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged.  Please visit our website to set up a tour or to request information on pricing and availability on compassionate 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.  Please contact us for more information as you or your loved one deserves the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.   

A Consistent Social Life is Important for a Senior’s Wellbeing

Just because someone is older, it doesn’t mean the need for company, support and love lessens any.  Studies have found a consistent social life is particularly important to seniors’ emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.  However due to lifestyle changes many seniors experience such as retiring from the workplace, the death of a spouse and/or other close family and friends, and no longer driving, older adults can find themselves socially isolated.  

Having a healthy social life alleviates feelings of loneliness as well as helps to reduce the likelihood of depression, which is common among seniors.  It also helps to stave off cognitive decline and lessen anxiety.   

Seniors with a more robust social life have been found to exercise more, which in itself can lead to better mental as well as physical health by strengthening the heart and immune system.  Researchers have found longevity to be another benefit of socialization, and maintaining a healthy social life is believed to improve seniors’ self-esteem and sense of worth.  

Committed to be one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers, MorningStar at Arcadia provides a true home for our residents with a mission of building a “Family for Life.”  Our team consists of compassionate, loving individuals who have a felt calling to serve. In addition, we offer a wide range of onsite amenities and services to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of our residents.  Our monthly calendar is loaded with meaningful wellness programs along with fun, entertaining activities. Moreover, both assisted living and memory care residents can participate in scheduled outings and special events.  

Please visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website to learn more about our loving community.  Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community along with beautifully appointed common spaces and well-designed suites, we are confident you will be impressed. 

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: healthfully.com/543831-the-importance-of-elderly-exercise-socialization-programs.html

What You May Not Know about Our Senior Population

Many people make the mistake that they know everything there is about a senior and that one elderly person is much the same as another.  We are here to say nothing could be further from the truth.  As a company with a mission statement that reads to: value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence; it our calling to provide loving homes for our residents.

As we know that older adults are living longer than any other generation in the past, it is not surprising to hear that the numbers of seniors over 65 years of age is growing.  In fact in a 2016 study, it reports that one of every seven Americans (49.2 million) was 65 years or older, and the number of seniors 65 or older is expected to almost double to 98 million by 2060.  By 2040, the number of seniors from 2000 will double up to around 82.3 million. 

Moreover it is true that women make up a larger portion of adults 65 and older with 12.6 women to every 10 men, and the statistics grow as seniors’ age.  By the time seniors reach the age of 85, women outnumber men two to one. However elderly women are more likely than men to suffer from functional limitations according to the Institute on Aging.  A 2009 study reports, “About 46 percent of female Medicare enrollees age 65+ had difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) or were in a facility, compared with 35 percent of their male counterparts.”  Also in 2016, 82,000 seniors had reached the age of one hundred or older.  

The Albuquerque Journal reported in 2014 that the state’s number of individuals over 65 years increased by 12 percent from 2010 to 2013, compared with a national increase of 10 percent, according to estimates from the Census Bureau.  By 2030, the 65+ population will more than double to become the 4th largest percentage of individuals 65 years and older in the nation.   

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we provide residents with compassionate assisted living and memory care.  Our beautiful community offers all of the amenities, care services and wellness programs residents need.  Please visit our website to learn more about the unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM’s newest luxury community.    (MorningStar is a private pay community and we do not accept Medicaid).  

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, NM.

Worried that Assisted Living in Albuquerque is Too Expensive?

Looking for the best senior living Albuquerque NM offers? Do you need assisted living but worry that it may be too expensive?  At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand the concern but want families to know we can help direct them to often overlooked sources of funding.   

However, first, we want you to remember that our senior living community offers a whole new lifestyle.  Monthly fees will include the necessities and much more including a fully equipped private suite, daily meals, and transportation services.  Additionally, each suite includes Cable TV and utilities as well as an emergency call system. We also supply a full range of meaningful wellness programs and fun activities and entertainment.     

One of the sources of income we discuss with potential residents and their families includes the generous “Aid & Attendance” Pension issued by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.  The monthly benefit pays for assisted living to qualified veterans, as well as their surviving spouse. We will direct you to a local resource that can help ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.

We also remind seniors to take a look at their Long-term Care insurance policies.  They can help to protect your personal assets by paying for senior care up to the amounts set forth in the policy.  To determine your LTC policy’s coverage, check the Benefits Summary section for specifics on the type of coverage, daily benefit, policy limits and elimination period.  Keep in mind premiums may be tax deductible, and benefits from tax-qualified plans are non-taxable, which makes this option even more attractive.      

Another source of funding to help with assisted living costs can be to leverage your life insurance policies.  Many whole life and universal life policies build a cash reserve through interest-earning excess premiums known as the policy’s “cash value”.  

Before taking advantage of any of these funding methods, please consult with a financial advisor.  MorningStar of Albuquerque’s team is ready to answer questions regarding pricing and availability 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 learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Do You have Questions about MorningStar of Sparks?

At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to be the best senior living Reno or Sparks has to offer, and we understand it is important to have answers ready for all of the questions and concerns that potential residents and their family members may have regarding our community.  

In fact, even before you contact us, you can visit our website and browse through the many informative resources we offer.  To get a sense of our history, mission and philosophy as well as the type of services we assume both locally and globally, take a few minutes to read through MorningStar’s “Our Heart” links.  

To find answers to some of the questions you may have regarding care and services, we encourage you to take a look at our FAQs page.  One important question is how our prices are structured.  For assisted living residents, monthly rental fees are based on the apartment’s square footage, location within the building, views and suite choices along with the level of care we will provide (based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  Also we offer various auxiliary medical and non-medical services priced a la carte. 

Another important resource from MorningStar is our Decision Guide, which is designed to help families decide whether the time is right for senior living, particularly assisted living.  You will find warning signs to look for and advice on how best to broach the subject of making the move to assisted living.   

Please keep in mind that while our website is a great way to familiarize your family with the amenities and services offered by MorningStar of Sparks, our team is more than happy to answer any questions not addressed.  Our beautiful community has 128 suites for independent living and 80 assisted living suites.  In addition, we have 32 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.   

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

Signs Your Parent May Require Help with Daily Living

We know that seniors value their independence and that many are reluctant to let families and friends know they may need more help.  Often older adults fear they may become a burden or worry their family. However, experts advise that even if your parent is not expressing a need for more help, there are signs to look for that indicate they need it.  

Michael Perskin, a geriatrician at NYU Langone Health explains that, “Sometimes you’re shocked when you visit.”  He adds it is troubling if “you walk into a parent’s house and the bathrooms are dirty or there’s no food in the refrigerator.”   Other signs include weight loss and a general decline in their appearance. Often older adults in need of more care can no longer safely bath themselves and their health problems can make dressing difficult.   

Driving can also become a problem for seniors and evidence of scrapes and dents on their car may indicate they should not be driving anymore.  For other seniors, failing eyesight can make driving at night or in rainy or snowy weather difficult and can result in missed doctor appointments or not being able to buy groceries and run errands.   

MorningStar at Arcadia is committed to provide one of the best assisted living homes Phoenix AZ offers, and we take our residents wellbeing very seriously.  Our expertise is to fill in the gaps and provide the level of care you or your loved needs. We offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community that includes three daily nutritional meals, the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs, and to enjoy ready-made companionship.  

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents, we have 24/7 care managers, a full-time nurse, suites equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We encourage you to visit our website and use our online form to set up a tour of our beautiful, loving community.  

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 has to offer.

Source:health.usnews.com/senior-care/caregiving/articles/2018-02-09/what-are-the-signs-your-aging-parents-need-help

Loving Senior Living Santa Fe Style!

How does a stunning pueblo-style senior living community offering resort-style amenities and a choice of stylish, private apartments ready for you to move into sound?  How would you like to live in a home with its own Bistro Bar or Salon offering haircuts, manicures or pedicure? Our recently opened MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community is just that as it is filled with warm and welcoming common areas both inside and out.  Want to sit and chat with family or friends? Relax in our living room complete with a cozy fireplace, or take advantage of the beautiful New Mexico weather in one of our courtyards or take a pleasant stroll on our campus’ designated paths. Or if you want to enjoy a little sunshine, soak up the rays in the sunroom.  

To ensure we satisfy the need of the most discerning seniors, our 56 assisted living, bright suites are available in configurations that include spacious studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 820 square feet).   Each suite is ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal items (we are also pet friendly).    

How does a wide range of meaningful wellness programs and activities along with all of the care services you need right at hand sound?   Again MorningStar of Santa Fe has that completely covered. Our enrichment programs include everything to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connection.  MorningStar’s care services are broad and include a licensed nurse both onsite and on call 24/7; 24-hour care managers; a CPR-trained staff member on every shift; medication management by certified med care managers; care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and more.  

But wait; have we mentioned our delicious, nutritional meals?  MorningStar of Santa Fe is extremely proud of our daily food service, which is prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and graciously served restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  If you would love to learn more, please see our website for a link to set up a tour of our loving home! 

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

Making the Move to an Assisted Living Community

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand seniors may feel anxious when facing a move into assisted living.  Often the decision is necessitated by a sudden change in the person’s ability to continue to live safely at home.  Even if the decision is of a more gradual nature, it is still a big change; but there are things family members can do to help make it a smoother transition.   

One thing experts agree on is that you need to remember to include your senior loved one in on the plans.  This starts with including them in the process of choosing the community - remember it will be their new home.  When you forget to ask for their input, it can make them feel as if they are losing their independence. While it is time consuming to visit senior living communities, we suggest you only take your parent or loved one with you after you have narrowed the choices down to a couple.  Be sure to encourage their opinion and make sure they have an opportunity to ask questions during the community’s tour.  

Another thing your loved one will most likely need is help with the moving process.  If they are still living in the family home, they will have to do lots of downsizing, which in itself can be stressful.  Trying to decide what is important to keep, what to give away to family or friends, and what to donate or sell is not easy.  Keep in mind the move to their new home will be smoother if they have familiar furnishings and treasured mementos around them.  Also while respecting their feelings, gently remind them their new home may be smaller and they do not want to be overwhelmed with too much “stuff.”  

If you are looking for the best senior living Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our beautiful community has 48 well-appointed assisted living suites along with 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Set on the popular northeast side of town, MorningStar of Albuquerque has wonderful mountain views and is conveniently located near banks, churches, medical care, shopping, and restaurants.  

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.