Cataracts are the Most Common Age-related Eye Condition

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year an estimated 3.7 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

For outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  MorningStar of Albuquerque offers a true home for residents with all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Community Assistant (lower right-hand corner) to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful assisted living community.  

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

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source:  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812090/

Are You Responsible for Caring for an Elderly Parent?

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change.  Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence.  Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together.  Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar of Albuquerque provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.  

Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by you and your parents.  MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits and supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.  While this is not a substitute for the time your loved one spends with family, you may find your mom or dad is not always available to take your call as they are busy having fun with other residents and staff.  

Our services also include providing housekeeping to help ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we see to it your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also offer assistance with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services.  

Please contact us for more information regarding exceptional senior living in Albuquerque, NM.  Our community offers 48 stylish suites for assisted living and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We look forward to hearing from you.  
​
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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE COGNITIVE DECLINE SIGNS

MorningStar at Arcadia is more than just a place for a senior loved one to call home. Our caregivers also provide memory care services, which include being able to recognize the signs of cognitive decline. Recognizing the signs of cognitive decline in the earliest stage allows our caregivers to take steps that help our residents improve their cognitive skills,

Although everyone experiences some form of forgetfulness, a decline in cognitive skills goes well beyond the standard bad day when we forget something. Between 15 and 20 percent of seniors 65 and older live with some form of cognitive impairment. Symptoms of cognitive decline can remain stable or even improve over time. However, some cases of cognitive decline indicate the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Let’s see how the caregivers at our assisted living facility in Phoenix recognize the signs of cognitive decline.

Misplacing Items

Does a senior loved one frequently set an item down, walk a few steps away from the item, and then forget where the item is located? Misplacing things happen most often for common-use items such as room keys and wallets/purses. It can trigger an incredible amount of frustration that eventually morphs into a mental condition such as depression. Not only does misplacing items indicate one of the signs of cognitive decline, but it is also considered an especially worrisome sign when a senior places an item in an inappropriate location.

For example, a senior who typically places the room keys on a coffee table starts placing the keys in strange locations like inside the freezer or under the bed.

Difficulty Completing Ordinary Tasks

It is one thing for a senior to have trouble solving a complex crossword or jigsaw puzzle. It is quite another thing for seniors to have difficulty completing routine daily tasks, such as cooking meals and grooming themselves. A senior loved one showing signs of cognitive decline cannot complete the same tasks they have completed all their lives. This also includes dressing and using the oven for baking.

Speaking Difficulties

One of the most noticeable signs of cognitive decline is when a senior begins to slur speech. Slurred speech indicates a disruption in the transmission of signals inside the brain. Speaking difficulties also include forgetting words and substituting words that have no place in a conversation. Seniors with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also can blurt out words at the most inappropriate times and places.

Disorientation

Another highly visible sign of cognitive decline concerns a senior who has trouble knowing the day of the week or getting lost while at a familiar place. Seniors suffering from cognitive decline can walk on a once familiar street, only to panic when they cannot remember how to return to the place where they started. Disorientation can turn into a dangerous sign of cognitive decline if not detected. A senior loved one can walk outside of an assisted living facility and wander off to a place the senior no longer recognizes.

The MorningStar mission of “To honor, to value, to invest” includes providing the best memory care services. Our caregivers receive extensive training to detect the signs of cognitive decline, as well as implement steps that enhance brain performance. Connect with one of our caregivers to learn more about the highly-rated memory care services provided at our assisted living facility.

EASY HOBBIES TO PICK UP IN A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

One of the many reasons why seniors thrive at our senior living facility in Phoenix is the jam-packed calendar for daily, weekly, and monthly activities. MorningStar at Arcadia operates on the principle that an engaged senior is a senior who enjoys robust mental and physical health, as numerous research studies confirm the connection between an active senior and a healthy senior. Activities also improve resilience, as well as enhance memory and creativity.

The best strategy for staying mentally and physically active while living at a memory care facility in Phoenix involves picking up a hobby or two. According to Dictionary.com, a hobby is “an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure and relaxation.” The key to picking up a hobby is finding one that brings you joy, while at the same time giving you a purpose in life. You have many hobbies to choose from, with the following hobbies representing the easiest ones to pick up.

Swimming

The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that older adults should strive to complete at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activities. When you think of aerobic activities, you probably think of walking, hiking, and cycling. However, swimming is one of the most beneficial aerobic activities for enhancing your mental and physical health. The best part is that at an assisted living facility such as MorningStar at Arcadia, a senior has access to a swimming pool every day.

Gardening

Gardening requires physical exertion, but the most significant benefit of gardening concerns boosting mental health. This hobby has a calming, almost meditative effect that alleviates stress and anxiety. It also teaches seniors how to become more food self-sufficient, as well as eat fruits and vegetables that increase stamina and improve the functioning of the immune system. Gardening also represents a hobby that you can share with other members of our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Genealogy

You probably have watched at least one commercial promoting the services of a genealogy research company that provides the tools to trace a family’s history that goes back as far as several centuries. Learning your family’s roots can help you connect with a long-lost relative, as well as genealogists who can help you dig deeper into your background. All you need to get started with this hobby is Internet access and a keen interest in conducting investigative research.

Birdwatching

Invest in a pair of binoculars and a book that describes the birds native to your region, and you have acquired the essential tools to launch a bird-watching hobby. Discovering when and where seasonal birds migrate helps you establish a location to watch birds leave in fall, as well as come home to roost in spring. Birdwatching also is a great hobby for interacting with your peers and members of your family. You can teach your grandchildren how to watch birds and help them learn more about each species.

Picking up one or more hobbies is an effective strategy for seniors to remain active while staying at the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia facility in Phoenix. Established to build a foundation for honoring God, our senior living facility in Phoenix offers a warm, caring environment for a senior to call home. Learn more about our activities calendar at MorningStar at Arcadia by connecting with one of our staff members.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS YOUR SENIOR LOVED ONE CAN READ TO YOUR CHILDREN

The close relationship between a grandchild and a grandparent leaves behind memories that both cherish for a lifetime. From going on nature walks on sunny days to solving jigsaw puzzles on days when it rains, the bond between grandchildren and their grandparents is as strong of a bond as it gets.

One of the ways a grandparent connects with a grandchild, especially a younger one, involves reading books together. As a parent, you welcome the social and educational benefits that develop from your child reading with a grandparent. Research has discovered that reading to children of all ages enhances the communication skills of kids that they carry with them into adulthood. 

The question is not whether a grandparent should read to your child. Instead, the question is what children’s books can your senior loved one read to your child?

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia in Phoenix, Arizona, we provide our residents with a place to call home that welcomes guests such as grandchildren. With National Grandparents Day only a few months away on September 11, we have compiled a list of children’s books your senior loved can read to your children. A list of great books for kids includes timeless classics such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Pat the Bunny, as well as the entire Sesame Street collection. For our list, the books feature the close bond formed in grandchildren-grandparent relationships.

Here Comes Grandma!

This popular book follows the journey of a grandmother and her small dog that travel by car, horse, train, and even skis to see grandma’s grandchild. Written for grade school-age children, the book playfully highlights the positive trait of perseverance.

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa

Winner of several literary awards in the children’s category, this book describes the special bond forged between grandchildren and grandparents. The book also addresses the issue of separation, as the lead character Emily deals with separation anxiety every time the visits with her grandparents end. Her grandparents explain to Emily how her imagination keeps the relationship close by remembering all the good times they spent together.

Old Bear

During winter when bears hibernate, Old Bear falls asleep and begins to dream of becoming a cub once again. Children enjoy the Old Bear’s vivid dreams and grandparents relate to Old Bear’s memories of his youth and the joy of waking on a beautiful spring day. Old Bear’s description of the four seasons offers an educational moment for your child, while your parent discusses what it is like to grow older.

The Hello, Goodbye Window

Children’s books that are told from a child’s perspective especially capture the attention of children. The young girl in this book tells the story of what happens when her grandparents babysit her. This book is perfect for grandchildren and their grandparents to read aloud together.

Me with You

Told in a simple rhyme, this book captures the close bond established between a granddaughter and her grandfather. It is a book dedicated to the positive influence grandfathers have on their grandchildren that is written in an appealing format for grandchildren of all ages

“To honor, to value, to invest” is the mission statement at our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Our loving home for seniors provides resort-style amenities surrounded by spectacular views of natural splendor. Learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia by connecting with one of our representatives.

5 POPULAR SUMMER DRINKS FOR SENIORS

Summer is the time of year to spend much more time outdoors, but seniors must be careful not to overdo it. According to research, 40 percent of all heat-related deaths occur among seniors at least 65 years old. Seniors are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses for several reasons, including lower body water content and a compromised bodily heat detection system.

Keeping seniors adequately hydrated during the summer months is one of the many healthcare priorities of the caregivers at our senior living facility in Phoenix. Let’s look at five categories of beverages that do a great job of hydrating seniors, and at the same, deliver robust flavors that keep them coming back for more.

Milkshakes

Ice cream stands see lines form early in the day for their delectable selection of milkshakes. With milk and ice cream as the base ingredients, milkshakes come in a wide variety of flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. If a senior is lactose intolerant, our assisted living facility substitutes an ingredient like rice or almond milk. Adding nutritious fruits to a milkshake reduces the need to enhance the flavor profile with processed sugar.

Smoothies

With a consistency similar to milkshakes, smoothies eliminate the dairy component from their recipes. Instead, smoothies consist of much more fresh fruit that delivers crucial nutritional benefits such as vitamins A and C. Smoothies represent a refreshing way to hydrate during summer, especially for active seniors who spend time enjoying outdoor recreational activities like hiking and cycling. They also make ideal breakfast drinks to complement other dishes.

Slushies

Unlike milkshakes and smoothies, slushies consist of an ice base that eventually melts to provide water hydration for seniors. Slushies remain in liquid form by including fruit and non-sugary liquids in the recipe. Because of the significant percentage of ice, slushies withstand the heat of summer much better than the base ingredients of smoothies and milkshakes, which makes them the perfect beverage for serving at outdoor events.

Fruit/Veggie Juice

Freshly squeezed juices represent one of the most popular summer drinks for seniors. Without the need to add sugar or preservatives, juices offer the most nutritional option for hydrating a parched senior. Naturally high fructose fruits such as grapes, apples, and blueberries might require consumption moderation for seniors who live with certain medical conditions like diabetes. As a more savory version of fruit juices, veggie juices work well for seniors who require hydration, as well as enjoy the nutritional benefits offered by vegetables without having to chew them.

Flavored Water

Flavored waters contain the highest percentage of water than any of the other beverages on this list. This type of beverage is the right choice for seniors who want to be thoroughly hydrated, without increasing their calorie intake. For seniors that find fruit and vegetable juices to be too strong, flavored waters deliver the most neutral flavor profile. However, seniors with less sensitive taste buds might find it difficult to taste some of the milder flavors.

Ensuring the strong health of our residents is one of the most important services provided by MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia. This includes providing our residents with the proper amount of hydration to maintain robust health. Phoenix is notorious for its super-hot summers when temperatures frequently soar above 100 degrees. Learn more about our senior living facility in Phoenix by connecting with a staff member.

HELP YOUR SENIOR BE MORE CONNECTED WITH TECHNOLOGY

As we grow older, many of us tend to avoid trying to learn new skills, especially when it comes to technology skills. Seniors and technology mix about as well as oil and water, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, seniors can get a lot out of technology just for completing responsibilities such as paying bills and scheduling healthcare appointments. Technology serves a highly functional purpose in the lives of most seniors.

Yet, the resistance to technology continues to be a problem for seniors.

At the MorningStar at Arcadia assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, technology plays an important role in the lives of our residents. We not only encourage our residents to increase their technical knowledge, but we also offer activities that help them learn new skills. However, family members can help as well by encouraging their seniors to be more connected with technology in the following ways.

Alleviate Security Concerns

In an AARP survey, 85 percent of respondents between the ages of 50 and 64 stated they are concerned about privacy and data protection while using the Internet. Helping your senior be more connected with technology starts by taking steps to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive information. Demonstrate how to create secure passwords that meet the criteria established by multi-factor Authentication (MFA). Help your senior loved one set their privacy information on social media networks to allow just their friends to view profiles.

Emphasize Online Safety

Seniors are the most vulnerable segment of the population to succumbing to financial scams. Before the Internet exploded into the gateway for all communications, seniors fell victim to mail and telephone call scams. Now, seniors must implement measures to prevent falling victim to online scams. Help your senior learn how to separate junk emails from important emails, and then immediately empty the junk email file. Make sure your senior understands the importance of never sending sensitive information via chat, text, and email.

Take Small Steps

For seniors that have been out of the workforce for many years, trying to learn new technology skills triggers stress and frustration. The best way to help your senior be more connected with technology involves starting slowly and interacting during multiple visits to prevent information overload. Taking small steps can include explaining how to upload a favorite photo to a social media profile page or teaching your senior how to maximize the tools offered by live chat options such as Zoom. You must exhibit plenty of patience, which includes allowing your senior to complete each step without assistance.

Access Free Online Resources

You do not always have to be there when your senior loved one wants to learn additional technical skills. Show your senior loved one how to access free online learning resources to help them develop the type of technology skills that they want to develop. The Internet also offers many programs that help seniors access free and low-cost apps and devices to enhance their learning environment.

With a focus on honoring God, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia values our seniors, which is reflected by the compassionate professionals that fulfill the role of caregivers. At our senior living facility in Phoenix, we offer residents access to fast broadband Internet service to help them achieve their goals. Connect with one of our representatives to learn more about what MorningStar at Arcadia has to offer.

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Albuquerque

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community provides experienced care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other senior communities in that every aspect of our care is designed to accommodate those with memory impairment. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is equipped to care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas including an enclosed courtyard. Suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. 

Care in our Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach.  This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Once a family decides MorningStar is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests.  Contact us for more information about compassionate and loving memory care in Albuquerque.

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Are You Worried About Your Parents Getting the Care They Need?

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need. 

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. 

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of getting them settled into a community and then face another move if their needs can no longer be met. 

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. 

Another important step is to visit (either in person or virtually) the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.    

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM.
​
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 senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

The Surprising Cost Effectiveness of Assisted Living Communities

With the rising cost of living, you may be wondering how your senior parent or elderly loved one can continue to afford to live alone. Assisted living communities like MorningStar Senior Living, are surprisingly affordable for assisted living care when you consider the bundling of services and amenities. MorningStar is a senior living community that is committed to providing top-notch care, luxurious amenities, and a vibrant lifestyle at a competitive price. Our all-inclusive packages cover various services, including accommodation, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and personalized care plans. By bundling these services, we offer cost savings and eliminate the stress of managing multiple bills.

Assisted living communities, Like MorningStar of Sparks, often provide all-inclusive services, including utilities like electricity and water, as part of their monthly fees. This means that seniors can enjoy a comfortable living environment with regulated temperatures without worrying about the financial burden of high energy bills. Assisted living communities also remove the worry and stress of remembering to pay monthly bills. Even with helping your parents or loved one, remembering multiple sets of bills becomes overwhelming and can often be forgotten about until they are past due which comes with fees. 

In assisted living, seniors often have access to shared living spaces and amenities such as communal dining areas, activity rooms, and lounges. These areas are centrally cooled or heated, efficiently managing temperature control for multiple residents. This can significantly reduce individual energy usage compared to maintaining a private home. Also, these rooms encourage community involvement and host regular activities that come included in every resident’s package. There are daily meals, an exercise room, and hobbies to explore that come free of charge. 

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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 Reno, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see the most exceptional and dependable memory care Sparks, Nevada offers.

MorningStar’s Philanthropic Initiatives at Home and Around the World

MorningStar of Albuquerque is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s senior living communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which will be on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations include hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer's,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Our beautiful community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We also offer short-term stays to see if we are a good fit as well as respite care. Please contact us for availability and pricing. 
​
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.

When to Consider a Memory Care Community

A Place for Mom’s website explains how many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can live independently with or without the help of in-home caregivers or family members. However, they also stress there may come a time when the disease progresses to a stage where the person’s safety and physical well-being is in jeopardy and more care is needed. 

As a person with Alzheimer’s may have good days and bad, it can be hard to tell if they would be better served in a memory care community. Experts say signs include: has their appearance changed? Do they look unkempt and have they lost weight due to forgetting to eat? Do they appear agitated and confused? Are they unable to carry on a conversation?  

Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help you decide if it is time for memory care. Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says, “When talking about memory care, or some form of a different living arrangement, I’ll center the talk around their ability to perform the activities of daily living and safety.” 

A Place for Mom says to gauge a senior’s abilities and safety, your doctor may ask if they:

• Get lost on routes they take frequently, such as going to the grocery store or taking a walk around the neighborhood

• Have trouble remembering to eat or drink

• Are forgetting to take their medication appropriately

• Are struggling to bathe regularly or get dressed as usual

• Had a fall or been to the emergency room recently

• Leave the stove on after preparing food​

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to the most advanced stages.  Our holistic approach to care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  Beginning with dedicated caregivers to activities, programs and meals tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care.  Please see our website for more information about MorningStar of Santa Fe.
​
MorningStar of Santa Fe’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer. 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

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

How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke for Seniors

It's essential to address heat-related concerns regarding senior health and wellness. With the summer quickly approaching, it’s important to be observant of the symptoms and warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in seniors. Assisted living communities like MorningStar Senior Living offer a safe and comfortable environment for seniors during the summer by addressing these worries so that seniors and their families can enjoy a worry-free and enjoyable summer season.​

Seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As people age, their ability to regulate body temperature decreases and the body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, may not be as efficient in seniors. Because of this, it’s harder for seniors to cool down in hot weather. Make sure your loved one is staying hydrated and taking many breaks if they are outdoors this summer. Try to bring shaded protection if you’re worried about your parent or loved one getting too hot on walks or other outdoor activities.

Seniors often have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory problems that may make it difficult for seniors to regulate their body temperatures. These conditions can affect the body's response to heat and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, certain medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, and antihistamines can interfere with heat regulation and hydration. MorningStar’s 24/7 on-site senior living staff are skilled in observing the early signs of heat exhaustion in seniors and are aware of the medications seniors may be taking that could hinder their ability to stay out in the sun for long periods of time.

Given these factors, it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect seniors from heat-related illnesses. This includes ensuring proper hydration, providing a cool environment, encouraging frequent breaks in shaded areas, and monitoring their well-being during hot weather. Assisted living communities like MorningStar Senior Living prioritize the safety and well-being of seniors, implementing strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses and providing necessary support to residents.

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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 Reno, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Nevada. We encourage you to see for yourself the most exceptional and dependable memory care Sparks, Nevada has to offer.

Be an Active Member of Your Health Care Team

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude. 

Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ office or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”  

Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition, let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume. 

Additionally, remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask. 

Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking, alcohol use and taking medications as prescribed.  

For outstanding senior living, Albuquerque, NM seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar. Our beautiful home provides assisted living and memory care with a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or see our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque.

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.
​
Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

As the Temperatures Soar – Remember to Stay Hydrated

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated. 

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a beautiful senior living community located on the northeast side of town with wonderful mountain views and convenient medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  For more information about MorningStar’s memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM, please contact us or visit our website. 
​
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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

Father’s Day is June 18th

Father’s Day was first officially celebrated in the United State on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.  It then took another 58 years (in 1972) after President Woodrow Wilson had declared Mother’s Day to be an official holiday for dads to get their own official national holiday.  This year Father’s Day is June 18, as the holiday is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.   

The earliest public event honoring fathers was in 1908 at a West Virginia church.  It was held in memory of 362 area men who had been killed in a tragic coal mine accident the year before.  It was a one-time commemoration and not intended to be an annual holiday.   

The first recognized celebration of all fathers took place at the Spokane, WA YMCA on June 19, 1910.  It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd.  Her father, William Jackson Smart was a single parent who raised six children.  Ms. Dodd had heard a sermon about the Mother’s Day celebration at Central Methodist Episcopal Church a year earlier and encouraged her church to have a similar event honoring fathers.  She had wanted it to be on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but her church’s pastors needed more time to prepare sermons so it was held on the third Sunday of the month.   

Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts and certainly deserve to have their “own day;” however getting fathers nationally recognized was not as easy as it had been to get a designated national holiday for mothers.  Throughout the years there were efforts to make it a national holiday but it never moved forward.  It wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designated the third Sunday as Father’s Day.  In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law. 

For exceptional assisted living and memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our beautiful community is designed to meet residents’ every need.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please see our website for more information about trusted senior living in Albuquerque, NM. 

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 senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

REMIND YOUR SENIOR LOVED ONE IS STILL LOVED

When a loved one goes to live in an assisted living facility, it can be difficult to maintain the same close relationship you both shared when your loved one lived at home and enjoyed a more independent lifestyle. However, maintaining a close relationship with your senior loved one is even more important when the time comes to transition into living at an assisted living facility.

At our memory care facility in Phoenix, we emphasize the importance of friends and family members staying in close touch with their senior loved ones. This is an especially important point for seniors who have just moved into a senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Let’s see how to remind your senior loved one is still loved.

Schedule Regular Visits

Routine becomes an integral part of your senior loved one’s life when making the transition to living in an assisted living facility. Meals take place at the same time each day, and certain social events occur on the same day and time weekly and monthly. Scheduling regular visits with your loved one gives your loved one something to look forward to at the same time and day each week. Following a routine also keeps you accountable to uphold your end of the bargain when reminding your senior loved one is still loved.

Send Your Love Through the Mail

Catching up with your senior loved one via email is an effective way to stay in touch, but it is also an impersonal way to say, “I love you.” On the other hand, sending gifts through snail mail does a much better job of reminding your senior loved one is still loved. You do not have to wait for a holiday, birthday, or anniversary to send a gift via snail mail. Receiving an unexpected pleasant surprise from a friend or family member is a good way to light up the life of a senior loved one living in an assisted living facility.

Get the Grandchildren Involved

If your senior loved one has grandchildren, nothing will light up your senior loved one’s eyes more than spending time with grandchildren. Your senior loved one has demonstrated a strong bond of love with the grandkids, and now the time has arrived to pass it back through the love shared by your senior loved one’s grandchildren. Either plan a special event for all family members, grandchildren included, at the assisted living facility, or even better, plan a celebration outside of our memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ.

Work on a Mutual Hobby

One of the most effective strategies that caregivers recommend for improving memory involves participating in activities that work the mind. Activities such as crossword puzzles, as well as board games like chess and checks, help seniors keep their minds active. Another way to help your senior loved one keep an active mind is to work on a mutual hobby. Maybe you and your senior loved one both like to work on developing a garden. Whatever the activity, spending time with your senior loved one demonstrates that you care.

The mission statement at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia is both simple and life-enriching: “To honor, to value, to invest.” Our team has created a foundation based on honoring God, while placing an immeasurable value on taking care of our residents. Discover how our senior living facility in Phoenix is the right home for your loved one by submitting the short Contact form found on our website.

MAKE SURE YOUR SENIOR GETS ENOUGH REST EVERY NIGHT

Did you know that we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, or at least that is how much time we should spend in slumber to maintain our health and well-being? A good night’s sleep is one of the successful ingredients for the recipe to aging successfully. According to the National Sleep Foundation, seniors should sleep at least seven hours of sleep each night to stay both mentally and physically strong as they age.

Unfortunately, far too many seniors carry poor sleeping habits into their Golden Years.

What Are the Common Sleep Issues for Seniors?

Research studies indicate that as many as 70 percent of seniors have chronic sleep issues, with nearly 50 percent of the cases remaining undiagnosed. Several types of sleep issues diminish both the quality and quantity of sleep for seniors.

First, pain and discomfort represent one of the most common sleep issues faced by seniors. Second, many seniors have to deal with nocturia, which causes frequent nighttime urination. Up to 80 percent of seniors have to deal with the sleep disrupter called nocturia. Third, insomnia, which is difficulty falling asleep, can be treated by different methods. Fourth, sleep apnea leads to fragmented sleep in which a senior wakes up frequently during the night. Finally, restless leg syndrome, which is the urge to move the legs while sleeping, impacts more than 20 percent of seniors.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia helps our residents identify and then address sleep issues before they become major health problems.

Tips for Seniors to Sleep Better

One of the most effective ways to develop better sleep habits is to go to bed at the same time each evening. The body works on a schedule, and following the schedule can help your senior get enough rest every night. Another important tip concerns turning off all sources of stimuli at least one hour before bedtime. This includes turning off your senior’s computer, television, and smartphone. The bedroom should be dark, quiet, and exude a relaxing ambiance. Listening to audio that promotes a relaxing environment represents a good way to unwind. 

Exercise during the day can help a senior fall asleep, but your senior should stop giving the body a workout at least two hours before bedtime. Your senior should not consume a large meal before bedtime, as well as limit or eliminate caffeine from the daily diet.

Why Does Sleep Matter?

Getting enough sleep boosts mood, and thus, reduces the likelihood of your senior developing a mental health condition such as depression and/or acute anxiety. Lack of productive sleep can lead to the development of diseases like diabetes, as well as contribute to the development of high blood pressure. A well-rested senior’s body maintains the proper weight, as well as supports the ideal metabolism rate. A good night’s sleep enhances memory and concentration, both of which deteriorate with the onset of dementia.

One of the lesser-known benefits of proper sleep for seniors concerns the removal of harmful toxins. The brain remains active during sleep and the toxins released need to be cleared by getting enough healthy sleep. According to Dr. Maiken Nedergaard of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, “Sleep is critical to the function of the brain’s waste removal system…These findings also add to the increasingly clear evidence that quality of sleep or sleep deprivation can predict the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

At our senior and memory care facility in Phoenix, Arizona, we dedicate both time and resources to help our residents develop the healthiest sleep habits. Learn more about the warm, loving environment at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia by submitting the short Contact form.

LOOKING FOR MEMORY CARE NEAR PHOENIX, AZ?

Are you looking for memory care near Phoenix, Arizona? At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia, we are here to help your senior loved one address memory loss issues in a warm, welcoming environment.

Taking care of a loved one who develops the symptoms of dementia can be difficult to do. From handling the emotional roller coaster ride to keeping your senior on the right path for treatment, the stress of taking care of a loved one who has developed memory loss symptoms can become overwhelming. However, relying on a team of memory care specialists to provide assisted living services for your senior loved one should alleviate the tremendous burden that you carry on your shoulders.

A highly-rated memory care facility not only assumes the responsibility of encouraging independent living for your senior, but it also ensures the comfort and safety of your loved one to give you the ultimate peace of mind. The question is not whether you should find the right memory care facility for your loved one. Instead, the question should be, what do you look for in the right assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ?

Home Sweet Home

Moving your senior from the comfort of a home environment to an unknown facility can trigger a wide variety of negative emotions. The first factor to consider when choosing the best memory care facility in Phoenix, Arizona involves finding the venue that reminds your loved one of home. Stay away from facilities that present an austere ambiance, such as one that includes harsh fluorescent lighting and/or white linoleum floors. A facility that exudes charm, while projecting a social ambiance, is a good choice for your senior loved one.

Compassionate and Knowledgeable Staff

Every staff member at a memory care facility should possess the knowledge required to provide the highest quality of dementia care. Ask the facility manager how much training each staff member receives, as well as how long they receive updates on the latest proven techniques for treating and managing memory loss symptoms. Although staff knowledge is one of, if not the most important factor to consider before choosing an assisted living facility, you also should ensure the staff members at a facility display compassion for the residents. You cannot measure compassion as accurately as measuring knowledge. 

Nonetheless, spend plenty of time with the staff members responsible for providing memory care to gain insight into their empathy for residents.

Active Social Calendar

One of the most effective tools assisted living facilities use to attract residents involves promoting their social calendars. Social interactions with other residents should boost the awareness of your senior loved one. Activity calendars should include programs that keep residents busy not only during the week, but on weekends as well. Providing your senior loved one with numerous opportunities to engage with other residents empowers your loved one to remain busy, which stimulates both the mind and body.

Around-the-Clock Registered Nurse Availability

Seniors that suffer from memory loss require constant monitoring to ensure optimal health. Unfortunately, many memory loss facilities retain the services of a registered nurse during normal business hours, while CNAs take over healthcare responsibilities for the remaining hours of the day. Make sure any assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ on your shortlist of candidates spends the money required to retain the services of at least one registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Submit the brief online form to learn more about how MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia can help your senior loved one address memory loss issues.

6 GOOD BRAIN GAMES FOR SENIORS

When you think of exercise, you probably think about the many options you have to work out the body. As we age, physical exercise becomes even more important to help us maintain strength and agility.

Did you know that exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body?

According to the National Institutes of Health, exercising the brain can improve memory, reasoning, and the speed of processing information. Other studies show that seniors who exercise the brain enjoy greater independence and a lower risk of developing dementia. One of the most effective ways to exercise the brain involves playing what mental health experts call brain games.

If you are searching for an assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, you should verify that any of the senior housing facilities on your shortlist promote healthy brain games for their guests.

Let’s look at six good brain games for seniors.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles do a great job of exercising the brain because they require developing keen foresight to see how words form several steps before the time comes to create them. Your senior loved one can find crossword puzzles in a wide variety of print publications. Crossword puzzles do not require the participation of another person, which means your senior loved one can work on one at any time during the day.

Bingo

We go from crossword puzzles that can be done alone to a good brain game that requires the participation of dozens of other people. Many assisted living facilities host bingo night, which attracts a large group of residents. Bingo requires staying on top of the numbers you have in front of you, as well as reacting quickly whenever one of your numbers gets called out. Senior centers typically put on a bingo night once a month as well.

Checkers

The next two good brain games provide the ultimate tests of exercising brain power. Checkers is a fun game to play, as well as a relatively easy one to learn for seniors. This good brain game is less about developing strategy and more about the process of making logic-based decisions and improving hand-eye coordination. Games sets come in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate the vision needs of seniors.

Chess

Chess represents a much more complex game than checkers because of the multiple layers of strategy involved in moving the pieces around the board. However, learning chess is highly beneficial because it improves problem-solving skills, as well as enhances deductive reasoning. Chess even can improve your senior’s patience, which is something that often diminishes as we grow older.

Scrabble

As the classic brain game associated with seniors, playing Scrabble is an entertaining activity while at the same time giving memory a robust workout. Scrabble also is one of the best games for improving or restoring a senior’s vocabulary. This good brain game brings together seniors, which is a plus considering the isolation that can develop while living apart from family members.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Your senior loved one can work on a jigsaw puzzle alone or with one or more friends. Jigsaw puzzles strengthen problem-solving and strategy-developing skills, while also requiring your senior loved one to exhibit a high level of patience. This good brain game varies in complexity, depending on the number of pieces and the type of picture design.At the MorningStar Arcadia assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, our culture is “to honor, to value, to invest” in our residents. This type of culture separates us from other memory care facilities in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about our beautiful community by submitting the online Contact form.