After a Loved One Moves to an Assisted Living Community

Many times, a move to assisted living for an elderly loved one is due to an event such as a recent hospitalization for a fall or a worsening medical condition. This means the person does not have the time to process the move from a beloved home, and the sudden change may be very upsetting. Even for seniors who have had the time to plan a move into assisted living, it may be challenging. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we know the many benefits assisted living communities such as ours afford to residents; but at the same time, we recognize any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly one of those events. In addition to our own experience, experts also offer suggestions to families on how best to support their loved one during the transition. 

It may ease the transition for the person to get as familiar as possible with the new community and staff before the move.  Also, after a decision is made, let your loved one decide what furniture and keepsakes they want to move with them and help them decorate.   If possible, arrange furniture and decorations in a similar way and display photos and other keepsakes to make the new place feel like “home.”  

Keep in mind the person may feel abandoned, or frustrated with their perceived loss of independence and decision making, and have a hard time adjusting to a change in their routine. Give the person plenty of support during the first days and weeks at the community, but don’t overdo it. This could actually be counterproductive and prevent a loved one from making an adjustment. Instead, emphasis the move is an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life.  

In some cases, seniors make a quick adjustment and recognize the advantage of no longer worrying about their homes’ maintenance or preparing meals. They like the ease of a more robust social life and feel a peace of mind knowing help is around whenever they need it. For others it may take a little more time.

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.  Please visit our website for information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living in Phoenix.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Phoenix.

Medications That May Increase the Risk of a Fall

The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women. 

Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. 

Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM.  

If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we provide comprehensive memory care. For trusted senior housing Santa Fe seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source:health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls

Thoughtful Gifts for an Elderly Parent or Grandparent

Trying to find thoughtful gifts for an elderly parent or grandparent can be a challenge.  If they live in a senior community that provides for many of their needs or an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up a lot of room or already has it. 

This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy.

If they haven’t gotten a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice operated. They can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use.  

Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain or a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids. 

For exceptional senior living, Phoenix area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arcadia. Our all-inclusive assisted living and memory care community offers a range of luxury amenities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every suite is well designed to maximize space and options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans (including penthouse suites). All have high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows and safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar at Arcadia and be sure to ask us about our Move-in Specials.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About MorningStar’s WellStar program

Wellness is a holistic strength, a personal responsibility, and a dynamic process of change and growth that optimizes every dimension of the human experience. At MorningStar of Sparks, seniors are invited to engage in social, educational and entertainment activities, all offered through our signature WellStar program. MorningStar’s community and suite amenities include all-day, restaurant style dining, bistro, massage room, fireside patio, and so much more that truly creates lively and luxurious senior living that is focused on wellness. 

Find exceptional and elevated dining at MorningStar of Sparks. A good diet is the centerpiece of personal wellness, especially as we age. Through proper diets and healthy choices, food is a healing medicine unlike any other. Food is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Meals on our all-day menu are largely prepared from scratch, just as our residents would have done in years past, with daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Some communities feature full bar service, others, wine and beer selections during happy hour and at meals.

Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or social, MorningStar’s Life Enrichment Teams present creative ways to stay active and productive. Tapping their unique talents and experiences, some residents choose to lead special interest clubs themselves. There is always reason to arise confident in the day and the promise it holds. MorningStar Assisted Living encourages engagement with the day through the mind, body, and spirit. Even though we may feel like we know everything in old age, we never stop learning and growing. Experiencing new things, spending time in the community, and meeting new friends is what keeps us young at heart. 

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Sparks NV has seen. MorningStar Assisted Living Retirement Homes in Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

To learn more about MorningStar’s Senior Living in Sparks, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see for yourself the most exceptional and dependable memory care East Reno, Nevada has to offer.

Trusted, Holistic Memory Care at MorningStar of Albuquerque

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community offers individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 memory care suites, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s holistic memory care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed.  

The Reflections Neighborhood was designed to provide a secure setting yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Residents especially enjoy being outdoors in the enclosed courtyard.  We offer a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities including a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. 

Mealtimes are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care; and we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to caring for seniors. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers

Exceptional Senior Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

If you are looking for memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, MorningStar may be your answer. Located on the popular northeast side of town between Paseo del Norte and Palomas, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.

MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. 

For assisted living, MorningStar Albuquerque offers 48 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

For more information, please contact us or visit our website.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Care Services at MorningStar of Santa Fe

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

In fact, MorningStar’s comprehensive care services can help extend the stay of a resident if their health changes and they require more care. Furthermore, our dedicated team has experience finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Along with 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Care Managers, CPR-trained staff on every shift and access to licensed nurses; we assist residents with obtaining a wide range of therapeutic and medical services from third-party providers. Individualized service plans may include things like mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. We also offer pharmacy services to keep your prescriptions filled and medications dispersed as needed. Other services include transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, and specialty medical and dental care.

We are located on the west side of town with mountain views and offer 56 assisted living suites with a selection of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. For your comfort and convenience, amenities include a full salon, bistro bar, fitness room, sunroom, strolling paths and more. In its own wing, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We like to say that MorningStar’s assisted living provides seniors “a little help from friends” to live life on their own terms. Our community offers carefree retirement years with the chance to meet new friends, try new hobbies and explore new interests. Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Experience the Charm of MorningStar’s Modern Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada

Voted one of the best places to live in Nevada for its sense of community, friendliness, and all the benefits of a big city with the safety and convenience of a small town, MorningStar of Sparks excels in senior living and assisted care for seniors aged 55 and up in East Reno. At MorningStar of Sparks, seniors are invited to engage in social, educational, and entertainment activities, all offered through our signature WellStar program. MorningStar’s community and suite amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining, a bistro, a massage room, a fireside patio, and so much more that truly creates lively and luxurious senior living.

MorningStar of Sparks is a recently renovated senior living community that includes beautiful new chairs and tables in the large dining areas, new furniture and fixtures in the relaxing library, garden room, theater, and lounge areas, and fresh paint inside and out. If you want to spend time with family or friends, a new bistro area and wine bar has been designed for the community and there is brand new carpet throughout the entire building. 

If you are an older adult in search of exceptional senior living, Reno’s MorningStar of Sparks should be at the top of your list. There are 128 suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a vast array of choices in floorplans and configurations These modern suites deliver style and comfort. All that’s missing are your personal furnishings and treasures—even the furry kind (yes, this senior living community is pet friendly).

Contact us today if you want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and memory care Sparks NV has seen. MorningStar Assisted Living Retirement Homes in Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 
To learn more about MorningStar’s Senior Living in Sparks, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see for yourself the most exceptional and dependable memory care East Reno, Nevada has to offer.

MorningStar is Committed to the Comfort, Wellbeing and Safety of Our Residents

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at Arcadia 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 believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, 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.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our virtual tour that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.    Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or watching a favorite film in our comfortable theater? 

MorningStar at Arcadia offers 80 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  For trusted memory care or assisted living Phoenix seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest memory care or assisted living Phoenix offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arcadia. 

Is Your Elderly Parent Still a Good Driver?

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence.  This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?”  Also, it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries.  

Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving.  To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life.  So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions.  

The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them.  Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so.  For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action.  Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow.  Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents.  

Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways.  They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain.  Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque, we are happy to offer residents scheduled transportation along with many other amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our transportation services ensure residents get to doctor appointments and other errands safely.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Albuquerque offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque has to offer.

Want to Start Exercising Again?

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin.  For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did.  And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.  

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin.  In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints.  Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair.  Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere.  The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.”  They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some.  Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself.  Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.  

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents.  We are committed to provide the best assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  Please see our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque has to offer.

Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

Companion Living Available at MorningStar’s Community in Phoenix

MorningStar at Arcadia recognizes that for some, assisted living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable.  One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.”  This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in assisted living or memory care.

Obviously, it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them.  However, we know that option is not always available, so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you.  We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interests as that provides a good basis for building a friendship.  With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split.  

Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community.  The presence of a roommate can encourage more confident socialization with the broader community, and having someone around who knows the ropes is always helpful.  Also, you can look out for one another’s interests and most likely be the first one to notice a change in the other’s health or abilities.  As we all know, when a friend is present, everything else suddenly feels that much better.

MorningStar at Arcadia offers residents an engaged lifestyle that includes a wide range of programs and activities as well as nutritional daily meals. Our many onsite amenities include a bistro, chapel, theatre, library, salon, fireside courtyard, general store, and a fully equipped fitness room.  If you are looking for a community with an exceptional memory care team along with amenities and services unmatched by other senior living in Phoenix, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.   

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Using Music and Art to Improve the Lives of Those with Dementia

Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages.  

Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” 

If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life. 

Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s goal is to provide the best senior living Albuquerque, NM offers, which includes compassionate care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque has to offer.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music

Have Questions About MorningStar at Arcadia?

MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Phoenix offers, and we understand that deciding which community is right for you is a big step for a senior.  This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and/or to inquire about availability.  In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more.  

Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “First Steps” tab.  Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 55 years old).  You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure.  

FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty healthcare provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair. 

You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too.   Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs.  Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration.   

FAQs go over senior housing options such as Companion Living that allows two unrelated adults of the same sex to share a suite, and of course, married couples are welcome!  MorningStar at Arcadia also offers short-term stays based on availability that allows someone to get an idea of whether senior living is right for them.  

Please visit our website for contact information, to set up a tour, or to get answers to any other questions.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

MorningStar 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.

Learn More About MorningStar of Albuquerque

For exceptional memory care or senior living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our community offers 48 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 21 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 suite plans, a list of amenities, 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 assisted living is the right choice for your loved one.  You will also find links discussing affordability and Aid & Attendance for veterans as well as other options such as companion living.  

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 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.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

The Dining Experience at MorningStar of Santa Fe

If you are looking for the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Santa Fe. Our beautiful pueblo-styled community is located on the city’s west side and is ideally situated for mountain views. We are one of 40+ MorningStar Senior Living communities either operating or under construction in 11 states.

As a MorningStar resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services including a five-star dining experience.  All residents are treated to three daily meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.  We also know food always tastes better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bond us as a family and as friends.  

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions.  At each meal, residents have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat dishes.  

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus, as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens.

Our community offers 56 private assisted living suites as well as 29 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has inviting common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  Please contact us for more information.      

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

Simple Stretches Can Increase Flexibility, Improve Balance and Relieve Pain

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

MorningStar at Arcadia has 80 assisted living suites, and another 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our beautiful community provides tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to meet the needs of residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. If you are looking for a senior living in Phoenix, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Six in 10 People with Dementia Will Wander

The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander.  The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home.  Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home.  

Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering.  Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease, they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe.  

It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parents or another loved one.  Find out if your area has a “Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times.  Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas.  

Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and trying to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out.  In addition, reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out.  You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone.   

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers memory care in a secure environment that allows residents to safely explore their surroundings, including an enclosed patio and courtyard. In addition, our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque and our compassionate, loving memory care.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest retirement homes and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Sources:

alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering 

agingcare.com/articles/when-is-it-time-to-place-a-loved-one-with-dementia-188309.htm

How to Have Successful Aging

American society is greatly concerned with aging. While some fads are simply aesthetic and vapid, other concerns are valid. In terms of senior health, assisted living facilities should see wellness as a dynamic process of change and growth that optimizes every aspect of a resident’s life during their stay in a senior living community. MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks defines wellness as a comprehensive, holistic strength. Whether in clinical matters or life enrichment. Find out how senior living at MorningStar in Greater Reno has optimized assisted living with creative solutions that benefit the health and longevity of seniors.

To strengthen the independence of residents, MorningStar senior living of Sparks partners with ONR or, Orthopedic and Neurological Rehabilitation, to provide expanded services in integrated wellness. Every community team has a full-time Director of Rehab who oversees ONR Touch, a concierge-style program offering education; fitness, and wellness classes; rehabilitation services inclusive of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy; and other therapeutic solutions to help heal arthritic pain, or issues surrounding cardiac/respiratory health concerns, or osteoporosis.

Care levels is a special process for assisted living residents at MorningStar senior living that determines the amount of individualized care a resident requires through a simple point system that considers the cost and time of providing each service such as grooming, bathing, ambulation, and medical assistance. The cumulative score determines the level of care, resulting in an individualized assisted living service plan within your senior living facility that offers the right amount of help to keep you comfortable and safe.

MorningStar of Sparks in Greater Reno is dedicated to creating a true home for its residents and helping both them and their families adjust to their new lifestyles. Contact us today to learn more about our senior living options in Sparks, Nevada. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Nevada.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other retirement communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Sparks, Nevada.

When to Consider a Memory Care Community

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However, they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Other questions doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own include: is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also, if a diagnosis is made early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Santa Fe has 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  For trusted senior housing Santa Fe, NM families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care