Taking Care of Your Senior at Home Might Be More Expensive Than You Think

Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is one of, if not the most difficult decision to make. After deciding that some level of assisted care is needed for a loved one, you then have to conduct research to find the best senior living community in the Phoenix area. Several factors come into play to help you decide which facility is the best option for the next phase in your loved one’s life. Factors such as types of care and the ratio of caregivers to residents point you in the right direction.

For many people, cost represents the pivotal factor for deciding which assisted living facility to choose for a senior. The average cost of a one-bedroom assisted living facility in the United States runs more than $3,700 a month, with the cost running much higher in metropolitan areas such as Phoenix. However, did you know taking care of your senior at home might be more expensive than you think?

Let’s look at the reasons why.

Healthcare

There is no getting around it: Healthcare costs soar for seniors. If you decide to take care of a senior at home, you can expect healthcare costs to consume a substantial percentage of your budget. According to a study released by AARP’s Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs Report, nearly 80 percent of respondents said they incur some form of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. When the time comes to consider healthcare options at a senior living community in Phoenix, determine whether your loved one qualifies for Medicare assistance to help reduce healthcare costs.

Accessibility

Providing home care for a senior frequently requires an investment in accessibility infrastructure such as an entrance ramp and/or a wheelchair lift. These types of accessibility infrastructure cost a considerable amount of money, along with accessibility equipment like a motorized shopping cart. You can make home care more accessible by moving a senior’s bedroom to the first floor or hiring a state-licensed home care professional, but you still have to pay out-of-pocket for accessibility costs.

Daily Expenses

Unlike healthcare and accessibility costs that take large chunks out of your bank account, daily expenses nibble away at your cash flow until one day you realize that you can save money on daily expenses by moving a senior loved one into an assisted living facility. Daily costs such as food, fuel, and utilities can quickly consume an entire monthly budget before you reach the middle of the month. You might be able to save money on a program such as Meals on Wheels, but in the long run, a senior living community such as MorningStar at Arcadia saves you money on daily expenses.

Time

You cannot place a dollar and cents value on it, but time might be the costliest item on your senior’s caregiving bill. The amount of time it takes to run errands for your loved one, as well as cook meals and wash clothes can make it difficult, if not impossible to meet all your personal and professional obligations. Moving your senior into a highly-rated senior living facility such as MorningStar at Arcadia frees up a significant amount of time.Find out more about how you can save money on senior care services by moving a loved one into our assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ.

Is It Time to Start Thinking About a Memory Care Community for Your Senior?

It is not a sudden shift that you notice from one day to the next. Instead, memory loss represents one of the slowest-developing medical conditions. A senior loved one might show occasional signs such as forgetting where he put the car keys or temporarily failing to remember the name of one of her grandchildren. Because of its slow-developing nature, memory loss often goes unnoticed until it reaches the critical stage of development. This begs the question: How do you notice the signs of memory loss suffered by a loved one? 

If you notice the signs of memory loss, you are faced with just as important of a question. Is it time to start thinking about a memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona?

What Are the Signs of Dementia?

Memory loss is just one of several signs that indicate a loved one might be suffering from some form of dementia. Forgetting the placement of car and house keys once in a while does not indicate your loved one has dementia. However, combined with other signs in addition to memory loss, the time might have arrived to think about a memory care community for your senior.

Difficulty concentrating represents one of the most common signs of dementia. What was once a leisurely and mind-stimulating activity such as completing a crossword puzzle has turned into an exercise in immense frustration. The inability to concentrate can reach the point when a loved one becomes frustrated enough to lash out at you and other family members. A loved one with memory loss might struggle to hold a conversation, as well as become confused about time and place.

Another telltale sign that a loved one has at least reached the early stage of developing dementia concerns finding it difficult to complete standard daily tasks like bathing and cooking meals. When a loved one has trouble completing basic daily living responsibilities, the time has come to consider moving your senior loved one into a memory care facility in Phoenix.

What Should I Look for in a Memory Care Community?

Every one of the residents at our senior living facility has unique needs that need to be met in an assisted living environment. To begin your quest to find the best memory care facility, make sure the environment exudes a home-like environment. You should avoid facilities that present austere design features such as white linoleum floors and super-bright fluorescent lighting. Safety should be an important criterion as well, as the best assisted living facilities like MorningStar at Arcadia feature safety elements like an in-room alert system.

Providing memory care requires an incredible amount of patience and empathy. During a visit to a memory care facility, observe how the staff interacts with memory care residents. They should display genuine compassion for the residents, as well as receive ongoing training to remain current with dementia care topics. Because memory care patients typically require mental stimulation, the memory care facility that you choose should offer a busy and engaging activities calendar. In addition, one-on-one interactions between staff and residents are important for typically solo activities like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

Set in a scenic area of greater Phoenix, AZ, our senior living facility provides highly-rated memory care for older adults that struggle with all stages of dementia. Learn more about our memory care facility by scheduling a comprehensive tour.

Make Sure Your Senior is Getting the Right Nutrients by Including These 4 Ingredients in His Meals

One of the most important services provided by our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona concerns ensuring our residents consume healthy meals. The key to achieving this goal is to serve menu items that are chock-full of the nutrients seniors need to live robust lives. This is an especially relevant goal for seniors that require memory care support in Phoenix.

As we age, it becomes more important to eat healthy foods and drink healthy beverages. Changes in the physiology of our bodies result in lower energy requirements, which translates into eating meals that contain fewer calories. Reducing portion sizes is a vital factor in decreasing caloric intake, but seniors also should pay attention to what they eat. The days of grabbing a second slice of cake or a second helping of macaroni and cheese are not gone, but the number of them has dramatically declined.

At the MorningStar at Arcadia assisted living facility, we have a team of nutritionists that help our chefs devise the healthiest meals consisting of foods that deliver the right nutrients. Not one single food group provides all the nutrients our residents need. Instead, our menus include a wide variety of nutrient sources, which include the 4 most important ingredients of fruits, vegetables, pasta, fish, and healthy oils.

What Are the Right Nutrients That Should Be a Part of a Senior’s Diet?

Seniors need to eat foods that contain certain vitamins and minerals that foster the development of a healthy lifestyle.

Calcium

Osteoarthritis is a frequent ailment for older adults, especially older adults over the age of 65 years old. The medical condition receives plenty of attention, such as commercials running throughout the day highlighting the seriousness of the medical condition, as well as strategies to delay or even prevent weakening bones. Calcium represents the most effective vitamin and mineral to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The most abundant sources of calcium come from dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Seniors also receive ample calcium by consuming green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

Iron

Iron represents a mineral that the body requires for growth and development. The body absorbs iron to produce hemoglobin, which is a protein that supplies oxygen to muscles. Iron also helps the body generate hormones. The most prolific source of iron comes from red meat, but some seniors might have to leave red meat out of their diets because of heart health concerns. Other plentiful food sources of iron include peas, beans, and lentils, which seniors can consume as part of heart-healthy soups and salads. Oily fish like sardines also deliver ample amounts of iron to the bloodstream

Vitamin C and Vitamin D

Foods and beverages that are rich in vitamin C help the body absorb iron in the bloodstream. Consuming citrus fruits, as well as vegetables such as peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, deliver the right amounts of vitamin C for the body. Vitamin D helps develop and maintain strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, but you must be careful not to be overexposed to the sun. For seniors residing at an assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ, the team of nutritionists might recommend taking vitamin D supplements.The MorningStar mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” is especially relevant for the diets our residents follow. Discover how our senior living facility ensures residents consume the right nutrients by connecting with one of our resident services specialists.

Tai Chi is a Good Exercise Alternative for Older Adults

As an older adult, living a healthy lifestyle requires following a few time-tested tips. Diet and nutrition play a significant role in maintaining both mental and physical health. A daily exercise routine bolsters the immune system, as well as enhances the brain and heart. Simply interacting with other seniors and your loved ones reduces stress and develops memory skills. Of all the options for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle, one option does not receive the attention it deserves, but it should.

Tai chi is a good exercise alternative for older adults that reside at a senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is Tai Chi?

You might see a group of residents at our assisted living facility moving about in an exercise room in a slow, symmetrical manner. They most likely are participating in a tai chi routine, which goes back as far as 2,500 years as an exercise routine that originated in China. Based on improving coordination and breathing patterns, tai chi involves slow, repetitive, and low-impact movements. The goal of the exercise routine is to achieve balance with the body and harmony with the mind. Many tai chi experts describe the exercise routine as meditation in motion.

There are five primary tai chi styles: Yang, Chen, Wu, Wu/Hao, and Sun. Each style concentrates on a specific movement while participants maintain a certain posture.

What Are the Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors?

Tai chi delivers several benefits for participants from any age group, but the exercise routine is the ideal strategy for seniors to maintain mental and physical health. The exercise routine helps older adults improve balance and coordination, both of which diminish as we grow older. Improved balance results from the slow, deliberate movements conducted during any type of tai chi exercise routine. Tai chi is well-known for building strength, particularly in the back and thighs. Slow, deliberate body movements also help seniors sharpen their hand-eye coordination, which allows them to enjoy playing recreational sports such as golf and tennis.

At our memory care facility, we emphasize the importance of tai chi as an effective way to enhance cognitive function and memory. The controlled repetitive breathing patterns relax the mind to help older adults retain cognitive skills, as well as maintain a robust memory. Because of the meditative qualities of tai chi, the exercise routine has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety symptoms. The exercise routine triggers neurotransmitters in the brain to make them more active. One of the keys to achieving vibrant health for seniors concerns getting enough sleep, which tai chi is considered a highly effective tool for achieving the important healthcare goal.

Getting Started with a Tai Chi Program

As with any exercise regimen, seniors should consult with their doctors before embarking on an extended tai chi program. Let the instructor know your experience level, as well as mention any physical concerns. Make sure to follow the instructor’s suggestions on how to warm up before each session, as warming up the body can help prevent injuries. Do not overexert your body, especially during the first few sessions. Take breaks when your body lets you know it needs to rest.MorningStar at Arcadia offers a wide variety of classes to help our residents maintain healthy lifestyles, including the centuries-old tradition called tai chi. Learn more about what we have to offer at our memory care facility in Phoenix, AZ by submitting the Contact Us form found on our website.

The MorningStar Foundation

MorningStar of Santa Fe 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 was held on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations included 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. 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Santa Fe for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Our beautiful community offers 56 stylish assisted living suites and 29 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. 
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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.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Albuquerque

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to provide residents with a comfortable, inviting home where they can safely age in place. Our services, amenities and wellness programs are all geared toward accomplishing this. Residents also receive the often overlooked benefits of community living such as healthy social connections and peace of mind knowing loving support is available whenever they need it.  

All assisted living residents have an individualized care plan created to help them maintain their independence, and our 24/7 care managers make sure the plan is carried out.  MorningStar’s care managers are dedicated, hard-working individuals who provide loving care to our incredible residents and enjoy building strong relationships with them. 

Many of our daily activities are just plain fun and include movie nights, trivia and card games, craft classes, exercise classes and much more. Our all-day meal service is targeted to seniors’ palates as well as their nutritional needs. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is the centerpiece of personal wellness that starts with proper diets and healthy choices. When enjoyed in community, it provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.

We also have a partnership with Genesis Rehabilitation, a leading provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy for older adults. The alliance includes full-time, in-house Genesis therapists and expands our resident services in integrated wellness, promoting optimal independence and abundant life for seniors. 

Along with many support services, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides the physical environment to ensure older adults live as safely and as comfortably as possible.  Assisted living suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and each unit has an emergency call system. In addition to 48 assisted living suites, we have 21 suites devoted to residents with memory impairment.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Albuquerque offers and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

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.

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Santa Fe

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s goal is to provide the best senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, which includes 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 Santa Fe 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 a 2nd floor sky terrace. Suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. 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 Santa Fe.
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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 Santa Fe, NM offers.

As We Age, Social Connections Have a Big Impact on Overall Health

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. 

In addition, we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. For exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque, NM area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Seniors are More at Risk of Dehydration

With summer bringing hotter 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. 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 Santa Fe is a beautiful senior living community located on the west 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 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.

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

MorningStar of Albuquerque Offers Comprehensive, Compassionate Memory Care

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar of Albuquerque is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, we are committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.
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We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Moving a parent into a memory care community is often a difficult decision to make. However, once a family chooses MorningStar, we are there every step of the way to walk your loved one through the transition. Our first step is to get to know all we can about the individual such as their background, talents and personal preferences by using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized service plan in accordance with the family. 

Along with memory care, we offer exceptional assisted living, with a broad range of amenities, wellness programs and activities.  We also welcome residents for short-term stays (30 days or less) for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a vacation or when recovering from surgery or an illness. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Albuquerque.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. Medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
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However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.

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

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

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

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living 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 senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

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

These Senior Living Options at MorningStar will Make You Feel Right at Home

As you know, change is both exhilarating and unnerving. When it comes to transitioning to an assisted living community, our team at MorningStar understands that uncertainty may be overwhelming you as you embark on this new chapter of your life. You have incredible resilience and strength as you navigate this new terrain, and you certainly won’t be doing it alone. The community at MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks is ready to embrace you with open arms and provide you with a nurturing environment that will create a true sense of belonging by offering personalized living situations, a private community, and plenty of opportunities to socialize. 

Our assisted living community at MorningStar is intentionally crafted to offer our residents the freedom to embrace whatever life they desire. Conveniently located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, our community provides residents with freedom and choices, resort-style amenities, maintenance-free living, and best-in-class dining and hospitality.

Within our community itself, residents have the option to choose what floorplan they want and how they wish to furnish their homes. Morningstar of Sparks offers a range of living options including 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment. Our homes are unfurnished and we encourage seniors to bring the possessions they love the very most to help make their new community feel a little bit more like home. 

Moving to a new senior living arrangement can be challenging. But when you are being welcomed by an active community of seniors in quality care, the worry starts to lessen. At MorningStar, you will quickly adjust to our welcoming environment with luxury-style amenities and exciting activities. Socialize with friends in family in the full-service dining room or bistro or relax on the weekends at the fireside patio. You might even enjoy spending time in our library discovering new books or joining a workout class in our fitness room. Whatever activities you love, we’ve built them all into our senior living community at MorningStar. 

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. 

Dining at MorningStar of Albuquerque

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”  

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day which means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule.

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes.  Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar-free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.    
MorningStar of Albuquerque also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats.  

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  

Located on the northeast side of town, MorningStar of Albuquerque has wonderful mountain views and is convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  We have 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For more information on outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM please visit our website. 
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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 has to offer.

MorningStar Redefines Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living community no longer means bidding farewell to your independence. MorningStar assisted living in Sparks is here to bust the myth that senior living is drab, unkept, and isolating. At MorningStar, seniors experience an assisted living community where they receive the support they need while enjoying their freedom and independence to the fullest. Find a MorningStar assisted living community near you where independence thrives in harmony with superior senior care by offering personalized care plans and vibrant senior living possibilities through various amenities and exciting activities. 

Many seniors fear that an assisted living community will mean relinquishing their independence and freedom. You may have heard your parents or loved ones discuss how an assisted living community will disrupt their daily routines, decision-making, or personal space. On the contrary, MorningStar senior living in Sparks, Nevada, offers assisted living that encourages independence and freedom of choice. 

Of course, safety is always a top priority, and while MorningStar provides supreme senior care through medication management, safety protocols, and supervision, the team at MorningStar also encourages every senior to be themselves. Through a variety of different activities like board games, exercise classes, gardening, and other community activities, there is something for every senior to build their skills and practice their hobbies just as they would at home. 

Not only this, but personalized care plans offered at MorningStar ensure that every senior receives the correct level of care and supervision. Depending on what your parent or loved one’s needs are, assistance with daily activities and medical support will be met by our compassionate staff. 

Moving to a new senior living arrangement can be challenging. But when you are being welcomed by an active community of seniors in quality care, the worry starts to lessen. At MorningStar, you will quickly adjust to our welcoming environment with luxury-style amenities and exciting activities. 

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. 
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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.

Senior Living Community Designed to Make Senior Living Exciting

Welcome to a senior living community in Phoenix that is designed to make senior living exciting.

One of the greatest concerns of many prospective senior living residents is that their new lifestyles do not have the same lifestyle options that they once enjoyed while living at home. In other words, they view assisted living as a boring way to spend their time. Although many senior living communities have deservedly earned the reputation for creating dull ambiances, MorningStar at Arcadia has broken free of the reputation by offering our residents plenty of amenities onsite, as well as regularly scheduled outings that keep them highly motivated to get the most out of their lives.

Senior Outings Make Senior Living Exciting

MorningStar at Arcadia offers a unique living environment for residents by establishing a three-tier system. Not only do we offer assisted and memory care living environments, but we also provide home environments for seniors looking to maintain independent lifestyles. Regardless of the type of living environment for your loved one, rest assured that our community keeps them busy throughout the year by scheduling frequent outings.

A Taste of Phoenix Culture

Phoenix, Arizona is home to many renowned cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites. A day outing centered around visiting a cultural venue such as the Phoenix Art Museum or the Heritage and Science Park can create memories that last a lifetime. A vast majority of our cultural trips involve bus transportation to ensure residents do not have to walk far.

Connect With Nature

Nothing beats spending an entire day outdoors immersed in the spectacular scenery that surrounds the Valley of the Sun. Planning a day trip outdoors does not have to involve a high-risk activity like white water rafting. Our residents enjoy nature by breaking bread at a picnic and spending the day strolling around the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ. MorningStar at Arcadia also schedules attending local outdoor festivals and other types of special events.

Entertainment at Its Best

Although MorningStar at Arcadia hosts numerous entertainment activities throughout the year at our senior living community, we encourage residents to sign up for entertainment activities that take place outside our assisted living and memory care facility. Some examples of offsite entertainment activities scheduled for our residents include plays, concerts, and sporting events. Phoenix is one of the few cities in the United States that is home to the four major professional sports franchises.

Take a Tour of Our Exciting Senior Living Community in Phoenix

MorningStar at Arcadia offers several onsite amenities that allow residents to stay active throughout each day. One of our most popular onsite amenities is the state-of-the-art theatre that incorporates Wii video game technology. MorningStar at Arcadia offers a full-service dining room, as well as a bistro that highlights locally sourced fresh ingredients. Your loved one has the opportunity to remain physically fit by leveraging the equipment located in the fitness room. The onsite tropical aquarium presents a wide variety of marine life that comes with a bounty of insightful information,

Schedule a tour of MorningStar at Arcadia to learn more about how we make senior living exciting.

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