MorningStar’s Website is Full of Information & Resources

For exceptional senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our community offers 80 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and 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.  To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.     

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including floor plans, a list of amenities, lots of pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company.  We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if senior living is the right choice for your loved one.  You will also find a link discussing affordability and Veterans aide as well as other options such as companion living and short-term stays.  For families who need memory care, we offer lots of information regarding our compassionate expertise and holistic program. 

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy.  Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services. 

While this is just a small portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, email, Facebook, or use our Virtual Assistant that lets you start a live chat.  We look forward to hearing from you and are ready to serve.  

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

Fight Off Viruses by Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

Medical experts say changing our daily habits to include a healthier diet and routine exercise can help stave off viruses and improve our overall health.  They recommend starting our day with fiber such as eating a bowl of unsweetened bran cereal and then add a dark colored berry like blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.  Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut, and antioxidants and flavonoids “improve the health of macrophages and other virus-eating cells.”

Then they suggest you take a walk, ride a bike, swim or jog for about 30 minutes to an hour.  Doctors say exercising helps to circulate our immune cells and that the benefit lasts for up to two to three hours after we are done.  

Lunch or your afternoon snack should include a salad or a veggie and fruit smoothie.  Dietitians advise varying the fruits and veggies you eat and to try to get ten servings a day. Another tip to help ward off viruses include taking time each day to destress and relax. This could include listening to music, meditating, gardening, crafting, painting, drawing, working on a hobby, etc.  

Experts also say a healthy lifestyle habit is to connect with others whether you now have to do it virtually or meet outdoors.  Social interactions are important to our wellbeing and even more so as we age as “emerging research indicates that loneliness and social isolation can increase inflammation throughout your body.”          

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, we provide delicious, nutritionally balanced meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally sourced.  Our friendly, loving community also ensures no one feels alone but rather are part of the MorningStar family.  Please contact us to learn more and to ask about pricing and availability.   

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

Source: 

aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/daily-virus-prevention-tips.html?intcmp=HEA-HL-FEED

Getting the Medical Care You Need During the Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report that found almost 41% of US adults have avoided getting medical care because of concerns about COVID-19.  The survey, which was conducted online during the last week of June reports that even 12% avoided urgent or emergency care.  Doctors say the decline in getting proper healthcare since the start of the pandemic has resulted in increased deaths.    

While delaying or avoiding routine medical care may not directly have the same negative impact of not getting emergency care, medical experts explain that it interferes with managing chronic conditions as well as detecting new conditions.  It also interrupts routine care such as vaccinations.  Moreover, the group that most often postponed routine or urgent care were those most at risk for complications from COVID-19 due to preexisting conditions, and would have greatly benefitted from care for those conditions.  

After learning a lot about dispensing care in the time of COVID-19, many doctors have gone back to in-office visits along with telemedicine visits.  In fact, medical providers around the country are trying to determine the right balance of being seen in person or seen remotely, and how it may vary from one specialty to the next.  For instance, Robert Bart, a physician and chief medical information officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says the Center is working “with our specialists and primary care physicians along disease states to figure out how care should be delivered for patients who have diabetes or lupus.”  However right now, doctors stress the most important thing for patients to remember is to continue routine care and to take the proper steps to deal with medical emergencies.   

MorningStar at Arcadia is a beautiful senior community that offers Phoenix assisted living as well as memory care.  Our community was designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve seniors, and we help residents get the care they need when they need it.  Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community.

Sources:  cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6936a4.htm

statnews.com/2020/09/01/telehealth-visits-decline-covid19-hospitals/

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Albuquerque

If you are new to the name MorningStar allow us to introduce ourselves.  MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger whose intention was to create senior housing that felt like the loving atmosphere of his grandmother’s Mid-west home.  We now have 25+ senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US including MorningStar of Albuquerque, a beautiful assisted living and memory care home.  

We sincerely believe our astounding success is attributed to a mission statement of honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing in our team’s ability to serve well.  MorningStar communities are also deliberate in the type of culture we strive to create, which is why it is important for us to hire individuals that believe residents are to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.   

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers 48 suites for assisted living, and each of our stylish apartments is a true home designed to provide residents privacy, comfort, and security.  We-+--++- also have a whole range of resort-style amenities such as an onsite theatre, chapel, bistro, fitness room, salon and more.  For residents’ convenience, we have scheduled transportation, and offer beautifully prepared meals under the direction of our Executive Chef.

In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide compassionate, loving care to our most tender residents.  Please visit our website to see what sets MorningStar apart from other memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Foods Loaded with Vitamins that Help Protect Your Eyes

As we age, many of us unfortunately start to have problems with our eyesight but medical experts say certain foods may help to keep our eyes healthy. Most of the recommended foods are readily available and tasty as well as good for our overall health. One of these foods is blueberries, which are rich in anthocyanins, “potent antioxidants that bolster collagen structure in the retina and provide extra vision protection.”

Another healthy eye food (not a hardship for many of us to eat) is dark chocolate. In a 2018 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, it found adult participants who ate a bar of dark chocolate experienced greater improvement with visual clarity and contrast sensitivity about two hours later than those participants who ate a bar of milk chocolate. Experts explain it is the flavonoids found in dark chocolate that may help improve the vision of people with glaucoma as well as reduce the risk for macular degeneration.

To protect your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun, it is recommended you eat foods high in zinc. Oysters are one of the best sources of mineral zinc but you can also get zinc from lean red meat, poultry, beans, legumes and fortified cereals. Moreover a list of foods good for the eyes would not be complete without mentioning carrots. A rich source of beta-carotene, carrots contain “an antioxidant carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.” Other orange and red veggies and fruits with beta-carotene include winter squash, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots as well as spinach and kale.

Doctors also say almonds are good for eye health as they are a good source of vitamin E. Studies show “people who have relatively high dietary intakes of vitamin E have a 20 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.” Foods other than almonds with high amounts of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and vegetable oils. Other healthy eye foods to include in your diet are eggs, tomatoes, kale and salmon.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living in Reno.

Source:

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/superfoods-for-eyes.html

It is Not Our Imagination, Nature is Soothing to Our Spirit!

While there are many different techniques designed to help us relax, one easy thing we can do it is to get outside and enjoy nature.  Watching a sunrise or sunset or just taking a quiet walk through a local park is soothing to our soul, and it isn’t just our imagination.  Studies have shown that for many people simply interacting with nature is one of the best self-improvement tools we have.  

The Harvard Health Publishing website reports that “research in a growing scientific field called ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.”  Scientists admit they do not have a clear idea why contact with nature has such a positive effect on people’s outlook, but a 2015 study proved it did.  Comparing the brain activity of healthy people who walked for 90 minutes in either a natural setting or an urban one; researchers found that “those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.”

When we interact with nature, our spirits are calmed by the sounds of birds singing, running water, wind rustling through the trees, and the soothing silence of the outdoors.  Therapeutic benefits can include lowering blood pressure as well as levels of the stress hormone cortisol that calms the body's fight-or-flight response.  To get the calming benefits of nature, you should try to spend about 20 to 30 minutes, at least three days a week out in it.   In addition research has found that even watching nature programs can offer some of the same calming effect as actually being outdoors.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our senior living community prides itself on our stunning views, enclosed courtyards, and peaceful strolling paths.  With relaxing, beautiful common areas both inside and out, we create a true home for our residents.  MorningStar provides both assisted living and memory care in a range of floor plans and strives to meet our residents’ every need.  Please visit our website for contact information and availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a ‘true home” for residents.  To learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, please visit our website.   

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

Warm and Welcoming Senior Living in Phoenix

If you are considering senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be the answer.   Unlike many other senior communities in the area, our warm and welcoming community was designed from the ground up to serve both assisted living residents as well as our most tender memory care residents. 

MorningStar at Arcadia is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives.  We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes.  Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents.  

A sign that a loved one would do better in senior living includes a person who lives alone and has had a fall (or more than one) over the last six months.  While hopefully they were not seriously injured, please keep in mind how dangerous falls are for seniors.  The CDC reports that, “each year one in four older adults aged 65 and older will fall. Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury.”  In 2017 this resulted in 29 million falls, 3 million emergency department visits, 800,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths.  At MorningStar, every resident has around-the-clock Care Managers and access to full-time Licensed Nurses (on call 24/7).  In addition, each of our private suites has an emergency call system installed.    

Another reason assisted living makes sense for so many seniors right now is the isolation from sheltering at home due to the pandemic.  For elderly adults who live alone, this can be very lonely as many are not able to spend time with their family members including their grandchildren.  While it is great to be able to Skype or Facetime, we all know it is not the same thing.    

While just a few examples of the numerous advantages senior living offers, a community like MorningStar at Arcadia is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of our residents on all levels.  Think about the benefit of no longer having to grocery shop and prepare meals as we offer a 5-star dining service, or worry about getting safely to doctor visits and other important errands as we provide scheduled transportation.  

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. Please visit our website for more information. 

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

Seniors are More Susceptible to Dehydration & Over-Hydration

A number of studies show that older adults may be at risk for both dehydration and over-hydration according to a recent article from Medical News Today. It reports this may be due to a number of reasons including the person’s medical conditions, medications they take, loss of muscle mass, a reduction in kidney function, and other factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states while recommendations regarding a person’s daily water intake have changed over the last several decades, the amount of fluid seniors require is not much different than it is for younger people but should be evaluated on a person-to-person basis. Current U.S. Dietary Guidelines do not actually recommend a specific daily water or fluid intake, but rather include the daily amount of water consumed form foods, plain drinking water and other beverages. That being said older adults should typically consume at least 6 to 8 cups of fluids per day, which should be taken throughout the day.

The health benefits of older adults staying hydrated include fewer falls, less constipation, and in men, a lower risk of bladder cancer. On the other hand, dehydration in seniors can lead to everything from urinary infections to confusion, kidney failure and slower wound healing. In addition one study found that “dehydrated people hospitalized with a stroke are more than twice as likely to experience impairment afterward.” Over-hydration can result in mild to life-threatening conditions and include congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema, confusion, high blood pressure, seizure, and more.

At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, we are committed to our residents comfort and wellbeing. Among our many amenities and services, we provide three delicious, nutritional daily meals and additionally have an onsite bistro to serve residents’ needs. Our large community offers 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 assisted living suites. We also have 32 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Visit our website for pricing and availability regarding the finest senior living Reno offers.

Source:

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306638

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327349

Time to Reschedule those Appointments You Put Off Earlier in the Year

Medical professionals are recommending you reschedule all of your medical and dental appointments that were cancelled or postponed earlier this spring and summer when we were sheltering in place to get the coronavirus outbreak under control.  Early-on in the crisis, doctors did not have the procedures and protective measures in place or the personal protective equipment to ensure your safety as well as theirs.  

Moreover as Dr. Carrie A. Horn, a hospitalist and chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, explains, “We did not have the knowledge of what was going on to feel comfortable bringing people into a public setting.”   Now more knowledgeable, medical facilities have the equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns, and the understanding of how long the air turnover is between patient rooms to keep people safe when visiting the doctor.  Also facilities have implemented temperature screening and other symptom checks to help keep sick patients from infecting others.   

Thus healthcare providers are urging those people who have not yet set up their mammograms and other routine cancer screenings to do so as they are an important preventive or diagnostic tool in our wellness.  The sooner a problem is detected, the quicker it can be addressed.  In addition think about scheduling annual physicals, blood pressure checkups, and other non-emergency health care visits. 

Another thing that was put off early in the pandemic was elective surgery, which doctors reminds us, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s optional or unimportant.  In fact many elective surgeries help improve one’s health and quality of life.   

Doctors stress any health conditions that require urgent care should be addressed immediately, and to call 911 if it is life threatening.  Other medical conditions that should be a priority include diabetes management, heart disease, and follow-up visits after urgent or emergency care.   Lastly do not forget to get routine vaccinations including your flu shot!  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 all residents.  Please visit our website for contact info regarding trusted, loving senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-health/how-to-best-seek-medical-treatment-during-the-pandemic?int=hp_coronavirus_health

MorningStar’s Compassionate Memory Care in Albuquerque

Caring for a loved one suffering from dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover, for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much. If it becomes time to consider other options, MorningStar of Albuquerque is here to help. 

Our goal is to provide the best assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. Unlike most private homes, the Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is specifically designed to safely and securely care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages.  

As dementia specialists, our team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” This how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

During the coronavirus outbreak, MorningStar of Albuquerque’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents, their families and staff. Our community is still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols.  Please visit our website for more information.   

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Learn More About Mild Cognitive Impairment

If you or a loved one is experiencing some mild memory problems or were recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), you may find yourself wondering what that means for the future.  MCI is defined as the fine line between what we think of as normal memory or thinking and dementia.  Dr. Scott M. McGinnis, an associate neurologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, clarifies it by explaining, “We diagnose dementia when a person has changes in memory and thinking that significantly interfere with functioning in usual activities.” He cites examples such as getting lost driving to familiar places or having difficulty writing a check.  

MCI is diagnosed when a person has changes in their memory and thinking that goes beyond normal aging but does not qualify as full-blown dementia.  Medical experts explain that MCI may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease but are also quick to add that not all cases of MCI result in Alzheimer’s but rather may increase the person’s risk.  In fact, MCI is caused by other things including medications and infections.  

Doctors suggest one way to cope with MCI is to get into the habit of writing out a list of “to do’s” each day and checking it throughout the day.  Some people want to know more and thus pursue medical tests that can identify if they will develop Alzheimer’s eventually, while others wish to take a more wait and see approach.  Whatever your decision, medical professionals say it may be helpful to learn as much as you can about MCI as a way to help you cope.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  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 for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/5-ways-to-cope-with-mild-cognitive-impairment

Surprise Your Favorite Senior with a Gift Basket

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

If you are looking for outstanding memory care or assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar of Albuquerque may be the place for you.  Our beautiful community has 48 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 21 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  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 options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Does Your Elderly Parent Need Help Organizing Their Medications?

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects.  

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. 

Eating Healthy is More Important Than Ever

Right now, we are all looking for ways to help keep our families healthy.  In addition to practicing social distancing and washing our hands, experts remind us that eating healthy is more important than ever as it provides our bodies with the key nutrients that boost our immune systems.  This is important as a strong immune system defends us against the viruses that cause colds and flus as well as the coronavirus.  

Foods that are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  One vegetable especially nutrient-rich, readily available, and easy to cook is broccoli. It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as “sulfur compounds that research suggests may boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound. In terms of immune support, glutathione works by attacking free radicals to minimize their potential damage.” 

Another good source of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping our immune systems healthy, is fortified orange juice and just one cup gives us 100% of our required daily dose. Fortified OJ also has vitamin D as do eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms that help make us more resistant to illnesses.  Beans, nuts, cereal and seafood all contain zinc which research has found may shorten the duration of the common cold.  Other foods high in nutrients include spinach, salmon, lean beef, and yogurt.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, we provide a 5-star dining service to our residents that starts with meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Our team is dedicated to providing residents a safe, comfort environment where they can safely enjoy their well-deserved retirement years.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. 

Source: allrecipes.com/article/foods-that-boost-immune-system/

Senior Housing Designed for Your Utmost Comfort & Wellbeing

The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach takes into account every aspect of senior living from the design of our gorgeous community to a broad range of care services, amenities, and wellness programs.  In fact Ken Jaeger, MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder, had specific ideas on how to foster the ultimate environment for the wellbeing of seniors and it is the guiding spirit in which our community operates on.

Add to that, our dedicated team members who are the heartbeat of our community and the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face.  They understand it is a privilege to serve and many come to know and treat our residents as they do their own moms and dads.  In fact our Executive Director, Susie Peterson, speaks for many of us when she says, “I’m passionate about serving seniors and to making each day special for them.”   As a true home, we consider our residents, their families and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Santa Fe’s family.      

And as a loving home, we don’t want you to think that with everything going on in the world, we have forgotten how to have fun.  Nothing could be further from the truth as you will see when you take a look at our home page or Facebook.  For example a few weeks ago we were keeping things fun with a 1950’s Spirit Day that included a homemade chocolate Bundt cake, round-after-round of 1950’s trivia, and topped off with some bowling.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers 56 private assisted living bright suites and 29 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our intention is to provide a loving environment where seniors can safely and comfortably age in place.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

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

Planning for Long-Term Care

As we grow older, we start to think more and more about “what if” this or that happens.  Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need.  

Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC).  While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren.  Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care.   

The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care.  As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it  is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.”   Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances.   

If you are looking for memory care or assisted living, Albuquerque’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us for more information about our beautiful home.  While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living.  Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety services in senior communities that may not be covered through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Offer Big Health Benefits

For years most of us have heard we need to watch the amount of fat in our diet; however medical experts clarify that not all fats are the same. Bad fats, the ones to watch out for, include artificial trans fats and saturated fats that drive up our total cholesterol and LDLs, and cause clogged arteries, weight gain and an increase risk of certain diseases.

Good fats include unsaturated fats as well as omega-3 fatty acids that deliver lots of health benefits. Two important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are primarily found in certain fish including: anchovies, bluefish, salmon, sardines, tuna, lake trout, mackerel, wild swordfish, and others. Doctors recommend eating these oily fish, non-fried, and twice a week, and to watch the amount of mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish and shark you consume as they may contain mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or other toxins.

ALA, (alpha-linolenic acid), is another powerful omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, soybean oil and chia seeds. While oils and nuts are good for us, experts caution these foods are high in calories and to eat in moderation.

So what are the benefits of a diet rich in omega-3s and ALAs? Doctors say for one thing, it can help reduce triglycerides, which accumulate in the blood and lead to heart disease and stroke. You may also slow the development of plaque in your arteries and reduce the chance of an abnormal heart rhythm. In addition omega-3s and ALAs may decrease your likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke.

The MorningStar of Sparks senior living community offers all-inclusive independent living and assisted living in the Reno area with a broad range of care service, resort-style amenities and wellness programs. This includes a full dining service featuring meals largely prepared from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition we include ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Our Chef deliciously incorporates “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens into many meals. Please visit our website for availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Reno.

Senior Housing in Santa Fe Provides Experienced, Loving Memory Care

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?  At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes.  

If the diagnosis is recent, you are all most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what will the future bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need.  We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss.  

Our 29 memory care suites are in a separate wing called Reflections Neighborhood that was designed from the ground up to give residents the freedom to safely explore their surroundings.  Once a family decides on our community, we personalized care by interviewing the senior and their family in order to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, their preferences, medical history, and other pertinent information.  Then we create a care plan that is design to stimulate or calm as a situation requires.   

Our assisted living and memory care community is located on the city’s west side near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael and offers serene mountain views.  As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for the person from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Visit our website for contact info and give us a call, email, or use our Virtual Assistant for immediate help.  

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

Assisted Living Offers 24/7 Care

If you or a loved one is in need of daily care to ensure your safety and wellbeing, you may be weighing options such as in-home care services versus assisted living.  Most experts suggest a good way to start is to make a list of all the areas in which you or your loved one needs assistance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  

From a strictly affordable standpoint (we know there is much more to it), the rule of thumb to determine if in-home care services or an assisted living community is less expensive is does the person require more than 40 hours of paid care a week?  If that’s the case, then assisted living is most likely cheaper.  

Also remember that in-home care is a piecemeal approach and each additional service you need adds to the cost of care.  Moreover, in an assisted living community like MorningStar at Arcadia, individuals receive 24/7 care from our compassionate, trained care managers in the activities of daily living (ADL).  Another benefit of our community is it is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile aids as well as has bathrooms equipped with handicap grab bars, and suites equipped with emergency call systems.  

Many people get sticker shock when they learn how much they will pay for assisted living, but you need to remember that virtually all your living expenses including food as well as care services are factored in.  No longer will you pay out-of-pocket for home insurance, property taxes, heat, electricity, trash pickup, cable, and Internet service.  In addition, you will not be hit with unexpected repair bills and routine upkeep on your home.  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving community. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 80 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 30 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Senior Living - Our Reno Area Community is designed to Serve

Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar of Sparks is senior living at its best. In fact the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family. We belief our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.

To meet our residents’ needs and ensure their comfort, wellbeing and safety, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team. Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character. We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart. With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose. Also its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

When you visit our website, take a moment to view a few of our Twice the Stories video series featuring the tender relationships that forms between our residents and team members. We believe these friendships testify to the fact that we all need to lean upon and lean into each other, and that we all come away changed for the better.

Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, MorningStar of Sparks has another 80 suites for assisted living. This means if you start with us in independent living and later find you require help with daily personal care, it is easy to move into one of our assisted living suites. We also have 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information and a link for pricing and availability.

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno.