Salmon is an Excellent Source of Omega-3 for Seniors

One of the most important features of an assisted living facility concerns the emphasis on residents eating healthy meals. At the MorningStar at Arcadia senior living facility, our team of dieticians and nutritionists work closely with the kitchen staff to create menus that follow the healthiest guidelines. One of the most important components of healthy menus is to include plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as flax, broccoli, and avocados. Heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids also are found in fish like tuna, herring, and salmon.

In fact, salmon represents an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The question is not should your loved one consume salmon as part of a healthy diet. Instead, the question is, “What are the health benefits of consuming salmon?”

Improves Heart Health

As with other types of unsaturated fat, Omega-3 fatty acids dramatically reduce the risk of developing heart disease. In regions of the world such as Asia and the Mediterranean, residents who consume plenty of seafood experience extremely low rates of strokes and heart attacks. Fish oil, which chefs use to heighten the flavor of certain dishes, also stimulates the proper level of blood flow that helps prevent the development of heart disease.

Decreases the Level of Triglycerides

Research indicates that Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream. To lower the risk of developing clogged arteries, seniors that live with an imbalance between HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol should include salmon in their diets to ingest more Omega-3 fatty acids. Not only does reducing the level of triglycerides help prevent the development of heart disease, but it also lowers the risk of stroke and the need to receive post-stroke memory care services.

Mitigate Inflammation

As we grow older, the body tends to flare up more often in a wide variety of places. The answer to an increase in inflammation episodes is to consume more salmon. Studies conducted around the world have verified the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent suffering from the pain caused by episodes like migraines and sore muscles. Healthcare providers recommend seniors include more Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets from both wild and farm-raised salmon. Incorporating Omega-3 supplements into a senior loved one’s diet also helps mitigate inflammation.

Better Mental Health

Although nothing represents a cure for dementia, your loved one can delay and lessen the impact of dementia symptoms by eating more Omega-3-rich salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in ensuring normal brain functions, especially when it comes to memory and motor functions. A study conducted over 10 years of more than 8,000 participants discovered that consuming a Mediterranean diet high in fish such as salmon can slow down cognitive decline. A healthy diet that includes Omega-3 fatty acids also decreases the risk of developing mental disorders such as depression by balancing the chemical receptors operating in the body’s nervous system.

We encourage you to schedule a tour of MorningStar at Arcadia to see firsthand the importance our healthcare team places on residents eating healthy foods. With an operation principle centered around God, our assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona creates a loving atmosphere in a facility known for its world-class amenities.

Aim to Read and Finish 1 Book Each Month

English writer Joseph Addison summed up the benefits of reading in one quote: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” The analogy makes sense if you picture the brain’s network of neurotransmitters working as hard as muscles work to strengthen the body. Addison’s analogy is an especially relevant one for seniors who benefit from reading in several ways. With reading benefiting seniors, aim to read and finish one book each month to reap the rewards of getting lost in a book.

Let’s review the benefits of reading for residents of an assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Boosts Memory

A research study of nearly 300 participants discovered that people who engaged in mentally stimulating activities over their lives experienced slower rates of memory decline. Reading is one of the most stimulating mental activities because it constantly requires the brain to store information such as the names of characters and vivid descriptions of scenery. To paraphrase the quote attributed to writer Addison, “Reading works out memory skills like a treadmill works out the cardiovascular system.

Improved Decision-Making Skills

Reading a book requires the brain to use its analytical powers to solve dilemmas before they reach a resolution. For example, if two characters square off in a conflict, the brain works hard to determine how to resolve the conflict. This is a phenomenon called fluid intelligence that typically declines in power as we grow older. A significant study conducted with Americans between 25 and 74 years old found that regardless of a participant’s age, participants who regularly exercised the brain by reading possessed much stronger levels of fluid intelligence.

Alleviate Stress and Anxiety

Transitioning from living at home to a senior living community in Phoenix often triggers considerable stress and anxiety. If your loved one lives with stress and anxiety, suggest reading a good book to slow down the mental turmoil. According to research completed at Mindlab International, which is part of the University of Sussex, people who read take an average of six minutes to relax their muscles and to slow down their heart rates. Reading also is known to help seniors act less impulsively when feeling anxious.

Enhanced Sleep Patterns

We hear about what not to do before bed, such as eating a large meal or stimulating the brain by playing computer games. What we do not hear much about concerns how to improve our sleep patterns. According to several research studies, including one conducted by the Mayo Clinic, reading before bed appears to be the most effective way to fall asleep. Instead of following the bedtime ritual of watching television, your senior loved one should allow a good book to slow down the busy neurotransmitters buzzing around in the brain.

Consider a Senior Living Community That Values Reading

MorningStar at Arcadia does much more than encourage our residents to read a good book at least one time a month. Because we understand that some seniors are hesitant to read because of physical limitations, our assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix has taken steps to encourage reading, such as offering books in much larger print. MorningStar’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” includes ensuring our residents enjoy all the amenities required to thrive during the golden years.

Connect with one of our resident care services representatives to discover the joy of reading at MorningStar at Arcadia.

Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

According to a recently released study, more than 100 million Americans live with a much higher risk than average of contracting heart disease as the direct result of high cholesterol. Although high cholesterol is a major contributor to the development of heart disease among all age groups, it is an especially worrisome problem for older Americans. With September 1 kicking off National Cholesterol Education Month, the caregivers at MorningStar at Arcadia present several tips to help our assisted living and memory care residents in Phoenix lower their cholesterol levels.

Know Where You Stand

You cannot know if you live with high cholesterol unless you have it tested by your physician. Unlike many other types of ailments that strike seniors, high cholesterol does not trigger any symptoms. A simple blood test educates you on where you stand with good and bad cholesterol. Although the recommendation for cholesterol screening is once every five years, seniors should consider getting cholesterol checks at least one time per year.

Once you know your cholesterol numbers, you and your caregiver can come up with a reasonable plan of action to lower the numbers.

Focus on Diet

They say you are what you eat, and if you consume an unhealthy diet, what you decide to eat makes you someone who is highly vulnerable to developing heart disease. One of the many benefits of a senior living community such as MorningStar at Arcadia is that residents eat healthy meals. If you spend some of your meals outside our dining room, consider following a few tips to eat healthier.

First, read the nutrition labels of the food products that you buy at grocery stores. Nutrition labels explain how much fat is in a food product by type like trans, saturated, and unsaturated fat. Second, limit the portions consumed at each meal. Portion control represents a vital strategy to ensure you eat healthier meals. Third, cut down on unhealthy foods, such as foods rich in monosaturated fats. Fourth, consume a fiber-heavy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Finally, eat seafood like salmon and tuna that contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Exercise Regularly

A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role in the development of high cholesterol levels. Only 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you enjoy the health benefits attributed to lowering cholesterol. Your exercise regimen does not have to be high-octane. Just five, 30-minute brisk walks a week should help you improve your heart health.

Another benefit of living at MorningStar at Arcadia is we offer several ways for our residents to exert themselves physically, such as cycling, swimming, and playing tennis.

Abstain from Bad Habits

You have a million reasons to stop smoking, but no other reason resonates as much as improving heart health. Smoking reduces the body’s good cholesterol, which puts you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol intake can be the difference between enjoying robust heart health and succumbing to debilitating heart disease symptoms.

Learn More About How to Keep Your Cholesterol in Check

The MorningStar mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” separates our assisted living and memory care facility from every other facility in Phoenix, AZ. Our operating foundation is based on the principles shared by God that include treating our bodies like a temple. Learn more about how to keep your cholesterol in check by connecting with one of our senior care representatives.

The Advantages of Making Friends in a Senior Living Community

Friendships that we develop at every stage of our lives give us meaning and purpose. From the first playmates in nursery school to the college classmates that become lifetime friends, the benefits of friendship include enhanced social skills and resources to confide in both personal and professional struggles. Although developing friendships should be the cornerstone objective of our lives, many friendships tend to fade in significance as we grow older. After we retire from the workforce, we lose touch with our professional peers. Another reason for fading relationships concerns moving into a senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

Just because a loved one moves into an assisted living facility does not mean your loved one should end friendships, many of which have developed over a lifetime.

What Are the Benefits of Friendships at Assisted Living Facilities?

Although it is important to maintain friendships with lifelong acquaintances, it is equally important for seniors to make new friends at the MorningStar assisted living and memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ for the following reasons.

Here’s to Your Loved One’s Health

Is developing friendships at an assisted living facility the perfect prescription for curing the blues? According to numerous studies, developing peer friendships in an assisted living and memory care facility eases mental health issues such as depression and acute anxiety. Friendships also deliver many physical health advantages like lowering blood pressure and creating a sharper memory.

Continue Learning

One of the keys to keeping your loved one’s cognitive skills high involves providing learning opportunities. MorningStar at Arcadia schedules weekly and monthly activities that provide our residents with several opportunities to learn new skills and concepts. Without friends, your loved one might not be motivated enough to participate in our full slate of learning activities. The types of learning opportunities at our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ include classes, lectures, book clubs, and cooking demonstrations.

All of our learning activities encourage group events that make it easier to develop friendships.

Receive Comfort

One of the many types of praise received by our team of caregivers concerns their unsurpassed level of compassion and empathy. Sometimes, it is much easier to confide in a friend to receive comfort for an issue that negatively impacts the senior living experience, as well as life itself. Although your loved one receives the full support of our team of caregivers, as well as friends and family members, some problems are better solved by someone who can claim “Been there, done that.”

Live With a Sense of Purpose

One of the most important elements that make for a successful living environment at a MorningStar assisted living and memory care facility involves residents that rise and shine each day with a sense of purpose. Developing a network of friends helps your loved one live with a distinct purpose every day, whether the purpose involves taking a day trip or meeting a group of friends over a game of cards. Living with a purpose means your loved one is more likely to take pride in his or her appearance, as well as develop healthy habits and behaviors.

We encourage you to schedule a tour of our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ to discover how your loved one can make new friends, as well as continue to foster the development of old friendships.

Do You Use the Internet for Medical Information?

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice.

Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. 

Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; and advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site.

The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization.   

At MorningStar of Albuquerque we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has 48 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior living in Albuquerque.

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.
​
Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where

Convenient Assisted Living and Memory Care Community Located in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, Arizona has morphed from a sleepy little desert town in the Southwest to one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. Year-round sunny, albeit sometimes hot weather, has attracted a large population of retirees who called the city home, as well as outlying towns such as Chandler, Glendale, and Mesa. The explosion in the retiree population coincides with the construction of planned communities to help seniors make the transition from a fully independent lifestyle to a blended or purely assisted living lifestyle.

With the robust growth in senior living facilities in Phoenix, how do you find the right choice for a loved one? The answer is to start your search by touring our convenient assisted living and memory care community located in Phoenix, AZ.

Our History

MorningStar’s foundational values spring from the heart and mind of our founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger. Ken developed his bedrock values as the result of his childhood as part of a family of 12 children raised on a large Midwest farm. Ken learned the significance of diligently working hard every day, as well as important business principles to form his thoughtful observation and enthusiastic leadership skills. After 15 years of executive leadership experience in the senior living industry, Ken embarked on his path in 2003 by starting the MorningStar assisted living brand.

Ken cherishes the first chapter of our story by describing the opening of the first MorningStar Facility. “I had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” Ken established a three-part mission that includes honoring God, treating seniors as gifted contributors to our community, and generously investing in our team members’ ability to serve the community.

What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar is that our residents can start in the community as part of the independent living program and eventually transition into an assisted living environment as factors develop that require more personal support. Some of our residents move into our assisted living program before one day requiring more intensive support in the form of memory care services. Four factors define the major differences between the MorningStar assisted living and memory care programs.

First, memory care residents live in environments that place more emphasis on environmental security features such as daily check-ins and room emergency alert systems. The typical memory care room includes keypad-enabled entrances and a doorbell system that alerts caregivers when residents leave and re-enter their rooms.  Second, caregivers working in our memory care program receive much more extensive training, as well as require more education than is required for assisted living caregivers. 

Third, the activities planned for assisted living residents require minor support. This means assisted living residents participate in more social events that take place outside our facility, such as cookouts and day trips. Memory care residents participate in activities that we create just for those living with some level of memory loss. Fourth, because of the need to receive specialized care and nursing services, our memory care program costs more than our assisted living program.

Connect with one of our resident services representatives to learn more about MorningStar at Arcadia.

Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Meals at MorningStar of Santa Fe

As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Santa Fe is designed to meet the needs of our assisted living residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. 

Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. 

One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So, our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. 

MorningStar provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For more information about exceptional senior housing in Santa Fe, 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 senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Specialized Memory Care at MorningStar of Albuquerque

In addition to assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community provides suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar of Albuquerque is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living company, which was founded in 2003 and has 40+ communities in eleven states either in operation or under construction.

At MorningStar, our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with dementia on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together.  By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope.  

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow.  When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Albuquerque, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.  

As you can see, memory care at our senior care community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion.   Please visit our website to learn more about senior living, 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 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.

Discover Luxury Senior Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

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

Add to that, our dedicated team members who are the heartbeat of our community and the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face.  They understand it is a privilege to serve and many come to know and treat our residents as they do their own moms and dads.  As a true home, we consider our residents, their families and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Albuquerque family. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers 48 private assisted living suites for residents that need help with daily activities. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 21 suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. To ensure our suits fit the needs of all our residents, we offer floor plans that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Each suite has a handicapped-accessible bathroom, emergency call system and includes weekly housekeeping as well as laundry and linen service.  And yes, we welcome your pet.  

Our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  Also, regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers to meet your needs and ensure your comfort and safety.       

As a resident of MorningStar, you will get three daily meals designed by our Executive Chef and prepared largely from scratch.  Each meal is nutritious as well as delicious and recipes are modified to address several different dietary restrictions including low sodium or low fat, sugar-free, no sugar, and vegetarian options.   In addition, residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and programs that are designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Please visit our website 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. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque offers.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Santa Fe

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Santa Fe.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 56 assisted living suites are equipped with all the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes and private heating & air conditioning.  For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with emergency call systems to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms.

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and created largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  
​
Why we believe our care to be different from that of other senior communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are just as important as education or experience.  Moreover, many of our team members come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s luxury 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.

Find a Continuous Care Retirement Community Near You

As the golden years approach, many seniors seek a community that provides comprehensive care and a vibrant lifestyle supporting their evolving needs with age. MorningStar Sparks, located in the beautiful city of Reno, Nevada, offers individuals and continuous care for seniors looking for senior living or assisted living in Nevada. Being a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), MorningStar Sparks presents many advantages for seniors, such as promoting an enriching and fulfilling retirement experience through many options, independence, and socialization.

A CCRC, or a Continuing Care Retirement Community, is a residential community that provides a continuum of care services for seniors as they age and their healthcare needs change. This means that senior living communities, like MorningStar in Sparks, Nevada, offer seniors different options in their care regime and the ability to change that regimen later on down the line, without having to move to a completely new facility for assisted living or memory care. This model allows residents to age in place and receive the appropriate level of care within the same community, ensuring continuity and convenience, while maintaining comfort and friendships.

MorningStar is a Continuous Care Community in Nevada that offers peace of mind to seniors and their families. Seniors that move into a MorningStar senior living community with the appropriate level of care they need to remain healthy and happy. In our traditional senior living arrangements, retirement years are just made simpler by our community handling chores, having executive chefs for meal cooking, and offering amenities and social activities daily. As residents age, their need levels may change. By providing care for changing needs, MorningStar provides a sense of security and eliminates uncertainties associated with aging and potential future healthcare needs.

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 senior living Sparks, Nevada offers.

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/

Explore the Affordable Senior Living Options in Nevada

Worrying about the cost of senior living care for yourself, a parent, or a loved one is normal. Changing living arrangements can cause significant stress for seniors and their families. If you are considering all-inclusive senior living options, you may also be wondering about hidden fees or unexpected costs that you won’t be aware of until after moving. 

MorningStar Sparks offers some of the most cost-effective senior living options Nevada has to offer for those looking for assisted living and senior living near them. By having specialized levels of care and partnering with financial services, MorningStar in Sparks, Nevada, can offer quality financial advice and support to families needing trusted retirement living.

MorningStar retirement homes provide top-quality care that is easily accessible to seniors looking for reliable senior living and assisted living. When debating on the affordability of this living arrangement, just know that our communities believe that seniors deserve exceptional care and support, illustrated through our numerous financial resources, like ElderLife Financial Services.

The equity built up in an individual’s private home is typically a retiree’s most significant asset. Selling a home is the usual route individuals take when they decide to move to senior living, as it is the most profitable. It is more than likely that the house will be empty, or those still residing within will be ready to downsize. 

While selling a home is the quickest way to make senior living affordable, it can take time to accomplish promptly. MorningStar has partnered with ElderLife Financial Services to assist families in the senior living transition. Elderlife offers access to real estate professionals and other resources to help with cleaning, packing, listing, and selling.

While selling a home is one way to move to a retirement community, some seniors have other options. MorningStar senior living in Nevada offers various payment options, including private pay, which can be possible through savings, income, or investments. Still, payment is also possible through long-term insurance and veterans’ benefits.

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. 
​
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.

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.