What Does Assisted Living Offer?

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home.  The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.    

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities.  In some cases, people move into assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.  

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone.  As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.  

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms (including penthouse suites), all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and both natural and overhead lighting.  In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required.  Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  We have 80 bright suites for assisted living and another 30 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving community.

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 the finest assisted living Phoenix has to offer.

Fall Prevention is Important for Seniors to Practice!

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls.  As we age, medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall.  Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.   

However the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving.  The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving.  To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.    

Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor.  Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives.  It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else.  Also talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition.   

In addition discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you.  Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait.  

Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention.  Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed.  Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home.  Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance.  Install grab bars and railings where needed.           

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need.  Moreover our cherished residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest 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 visit our website for more information on unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

Positive Thinking Can Change Senior’s Lives for the Better

There are many examples of how the power of positive thinking has changed people’s lives for the better.  When we take a positive attitude, it helps us to be more successful in most every aspect of our lives; and experts say it can be even more important as we age.    

Tom Caklos, founder of the www.positivecreators.com website, explains that positive thinking “is a critical ingredient for the well-being and health when a person is on the last leg of his or her life after completing all responsibilities and fulfilling all goals.”  He adds it is an important tool to help the elderly transform their lives and fill it with passion, energy and joy.”     

So how can a senior who may be experiencing the loss of independence or a loved one, challenging health problems, and/or chronic pain cultivate positive thinking?  Experts suggest getting into the habit of using positive affirmation to change negative thinking into positive thoughts.  Moreover, when we focus on the changes we wish to make in our lives, it can help boost self-esteem and confidence.  

Positive affirmations can be simple and include things like giving thanks each day for your longevity and for all of the people in your life who you love and who love you.  Be grateful for the wisdom you have learned in life and recognize your ability to contribute.   Affirm that these are the best years of your life, that you have the right to good health, and the right to live with joy and purpose.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.  We have 80 stylish assisted living suites, with another 30 secure suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Phoenix offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

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.

Source: seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/the-hidden-power-of-positive-affirmations/  

Did You Get Your Flu Shot? It May Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s.  This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.  

The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot.  Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health.  Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%.

The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older.  In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” 

While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories.  One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage.  Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s.   

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.

Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows

Cataracts are a Common Problem in Aging Eyes

The Mayo Clinic defines cataracts as a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye and explains it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. While they develop slowly and do not affect our vision much early-on, as the condition progresses, people find it is difficult to read and drive a car, especially at night. Symptoms also include hazy or less colorful vision; sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, and the need for brighter lights for reading and other activities.

About half of Americans will have cataracts by the age of 75 but they can also be the result of an injury or certain genetic disorders. In addition diabetes, the long-term use of a steroid medication, or past eye surgery can cause cataracts to develop.

Doctor say when cataracts start interfering with your vision as the “clouding becomes denser and involves a bigger part of the lens, to the point your vision becomes blurred,” it is time to think about cataract surgery. The good news is that the surgery is typically very safe and effective.

Cataracts and other eye problems are more common in seniors and is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults over the age of 65 get a complete eye exam every year or two. During your exam, your ophthalmologist will check not only for cataracts but age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma as well as help to identify certain health conditions such as diabetes or stroke. They also recommend wearing sunglasses to screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays or wear regular eyeglasses with a clear anti-UV coating to slow down the formation of cataracts.

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn about beautiful, vibrant senior living in Reno. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing has 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our website has contact information as well as a link to inquire about 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. Contact us for more regarding unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Reno.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

Finding Things to be Grateful for will Make You Feel Better!

As we come to the end of a very different, difficult year, it is important to take time to think about the things we are thankful for in our own lives.  While many people are feeling depressed, isolated, or a sense of loss, behavioral scientists have found that expressing gratitude can be good for us.  When we express gratitude, we acknowledge what is good in our lives and give thanks to both tangible and intangible gifts bestowed upon us.  

One recent study focusing on the benefits of gratitude from psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, found people who expressed gratitude felt more positive emotions and even improved their health.  During the 10-week study, one group of participants wrote down everything that had happened during each week that they were grateful for.  The other group was told to record everything that had irritated them throughout the week.  

At the end of the study, participants were interviewed and researchers found that the group that wrote about gratitude was more optimistic and felt better about their lives. “Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.”  In another study, couples were asked to take the time each day to express their gratitude to their partner.  Participants said they felt more positive toward their partner as well as more comfortable discussing things that were upsetting to them about the relationship.  

While it is hard to categorically say expressing gratitude will make us feel better about ourselves, most of the studies done on gratitude appear to support the premise.  We know that at the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we all try to be thankful for our many blessings.  For compassionate senior living, Santa Fe, NM’s families trust, we are their top choice.  We are grateful for our team of dedicated individuals who understand the intrinsic value of serving others, especially seniors.  Please contact us!

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 to learn more about pricing and availability for the most exceptional senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.  

Source: health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier#:~:text=Gratitude%20is%20a%20thankful%20appreciation,the%20goodness%20in%20their%20lives.&text=Gratitude%20helps%20people%20feel%20more,adversity%2C%20and%20build%20strong%20relationships.

Moving Your Parent to Memory Care

Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into memory care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change.  This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one.  

While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change.  However, please remember you did your homework and wisely selected the community you thought was the best option.  You also recognize the community is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one.  So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice.  

First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem.  Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help.  Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them.   

If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia.  Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change.  While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary.  

In addition, you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the community.  And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move.  Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, which includes loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases.  Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents.  We consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and we are here for them as well.  Visit our website for contact 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.

Discover the Many Benefits of Senior Living

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of support. For older adults who are still homeowners, senior living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to a senior living community provides an extra layer of security as well as easy interactions with people in a similar time of life. Moreover communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer the kind of independent and assisted living Reno seniors depend on with a broad range of services including delicious, nutritional daily meals.

Senior living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse of other close loved ones. In addition our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contribute. In fact part of our mission statements is to “value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals with a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” We too know that research has found intellectual stimulation to be an important step in mitigating and slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and we want to help in that effort.

Remember even if you are the type of person who values their privacy, keep in mind that senior living gives you peace of mind knowing that people are around when you need them. Moreover if you start out in one of our 128 independent living suites, and later, you require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) as offered in assisted living, you will have first priority to available suites. The same goes for our memory care wing. This is just another example of the benefits of living in a community with more than one neighborhood under its roof. Please visit our website to learn more about the senior living Reno families have come to trust.

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 contact us for availability and pricing on exceptional senior living in Reno.

Assisted Living in Santa Fe is More Affordable than You Think!

For many seniors, there comes a time in their life that they have to open themselves up to the idea of getting a little help in order to continue to live life to the fullest.  At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we define assisted living as giving a senior the care they need to become more independent not less.  

We know many families worry that assisted living is just too expensive but according to many trusted resources, including A Place for Mom, assisted living can actually be less expensive than piecing together lots of in-home care.  In addition senior living communities like MorningStar of Santa Fe offer much more than just care services.  Residents get peace of mind knowing help is always at hand if needed and enjoy the companionship of other residents and that of our dedicated team members.    

In terms of affordability, please remember that assisted living is a whole new lifestyle.  Your monthly fees include a fully-equipped private suite (you just need to bring your furnishings and personal items), all of your meals, and much of your entertainment in the form of wellness programs and activities.  We also provide scheduled transportation so you will no longer have to worry about how you will get to your doctor appointment or to the bank.  In addition the cost of basic cable TV and utilities are included and each unit has its own emergency call system.  

We also want families to know we can help direct them to often overlooked sources of funding to help make assisted living more affordable.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community, our services, and our pricing and availability.  We look forward to getting to know you and your family.    

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.

Foods That Can Boast Immunity

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 of Albuquerque, 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 accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving community.

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.

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

When a Parent is Having Serious Memory Problems

If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time.  Medical experts recommend to do some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is.  You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parent.  

Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms.  This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with you parent about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam.   

Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm.  Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask.  Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing.  However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw.  

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia.  If you are looking for trusted Phoenix assisted living or memory care, please give us a call.

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.

Source: alzheimers.net/how-to-talk-with-a-parent-about-dementia-symptoms

Comfortably and Safely Age in Place at MorningStar of Albuquerque

MorningStar of Albuquerque is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place.  By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit.  Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.  

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families.  For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family.  

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services.  These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque has 48 bright suites for assisted living including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 21 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

For more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. 

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.

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