Do You Need Hearing Aids?

Did you know the FDA has made changes to regulations regarding hearing aids, which now makes it possible to buy an FDA approved device over the counter (OTC)? While many of us have heard about the high cost of prescription hearing aids and that Medicare typically does not cover them, you may want to know whether the experts think an OTC purchase is a good idea. 

The Harvard Medical School went to Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to see if it is a viable option and to explain potential pros and cons. He explains that despite there being several types of hearing aids, they all amplify sound and use a combination of signaling processing and directional microphones to filter out background noise. However, he warns against confusing personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) with hearing aids as they only amplify sound. 

To determine your level of hearing loss, experts recommend you start by getting a hearing test from an audiologist like you would get an exam from an optometrist when buying eyeglasses. This is especially necessary for severe hearing loss, as OTC devices are not appropriate for all types of hearing loss. For mild to moderate hearing loss, it may be possible to get good results by purchasing an OTC device without a hearing exam and fitting by an audiologist. 

The next question routinely asked is if you will save money by purchasing an OTC hearing aid and the answer is most-likely yes as a single hearing aid’s average cost is $2000, and age-related hearing loss may be in both ears. OTC also helps reduce the price by eliminating the added expense of the hearing test along with the actual device being substantially lower. Doctors say the new regulations should increase competition and some estimates indicate prices could drop by as much as $1,600. 

Dr. Naples cautions that just as drugstore readers are a great option for many, some individuals have more complicated issues that require more precise solutions. Hearing aids are the same. The doctor states the safest bet is to get a hearing test to confirm an OTC device is right for you. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services as well as luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Contact us to learn more about exceptional 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 for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-get-an-over-the-counter-hearing-aid-202211162852

Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline With a Healthy Diet

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. 

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer assisted living residents a healthy engaged lifestyle with luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  Our chef also uses ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding 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.

How Can I Teach My Senior How to Use a Smartphone

Our senior living community in Phoenix, AZ offers a wide variety of activities that residents can participate in to broaden their horizons, as well as continue to learn new living techniques as they enter their golden years. However, one activity you can expect not to see held at an assisted living facility is a class that teaches residents how to use a Smartphone. Many seniors fear Smartphones because they believe the devices are too complicated to learn. They also tend to turn the learning part of the brain off because they do not understand how helpful a Smartphone can be in addressing daily living responsibilities.

If you have a loved one residing at a senior housing community in Phoenix, you might be asking yourself, “How can I teach my senior how to use a Smartphone?” Older adults learn differently than younger adults and adolescents. The key is to adjust your teaching style by starting with building patience during the learning process. You have to demonstrate each task, not just verbally describe it. Encourage your senior loved one to repeat each task until the task is mastered, which can be easy to do if you break down tasks into smaller steps. 

Here are the most important Smartphone tasks to help your senior loved one become more self-sufficient:

Operating a Smartphone

Smartphones come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but one thing remains the same regardless of the type of Smartphone: Your senior loved one needs to know how to operate it. You should explain how to turn the device on and off, as well as how to adjust the volume for delivering and receiving audio messages. Another important operating task to learn involves knowing how to charge a Smartphone and how often your loved one needs to charge it for the phone to maximize its performance. Learning how to navigate a Smartphone requires your senior loved one to understand the icons and how to set up different features to get the most out of the new device.

Managing Contacts

One of the most helpful Smartphone features that seniors benefit from is using contacts. Instead of trying to remember several phone numbers and other types of information, organizing and managing the contact features helps your loved one gain access to the phone numbers of friends and family members by simply clicking one name listed on the contacts page. You should teach your senior loved one how to add contacts, as well as manage the information by creating default phone numbers and email addresses. In addition, teach your loved one how to set up emergency contact information, such as the phone numbers of important healthcare-related businesses.

Sending Emails and Text Messages

One of the most popular features of Smartphones is the ability for users to communicate without having to hold a verbal conversation. Your loved one needs to know how to send emails and text messages to get the most out of their new devices. Make sure you do not assume your senior loved one knows the difference between emails and text messages. Explain the differences in the purpose of each type of written communication, and then show your loved one how to send and retrieve emails and text messages. For emails, help your senior loved one sign up for an account with a popular service such as Google or Yahoo. When it comes to text messages, education becomes much more thorough, as you want to demonstrate how to use a texting app and how to start a text conversation.

Learn about the highly-rated resident services offered by our assisted living facility in Phoenix, Arizona by submitting the short form found on our website.

Looking for Senior Living in the Denver Area?

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a vibrant senior living community located in a northern suburb of Denver. Our community offers 45 graciously appointed assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 19 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

We want you to know there are several things that set our community apart from others and that we strive to provide residents with the best of the best.  Whether it is our gorgeous interiors and exteriors, a host of wellness programs and activities, or most importantly a responsive staff that is honored to serve seniors, we feel MorningStar offers unparalleled senior living.  Our goal is to provide residents with the care they need to lead more comfortable, healthier lives and give them a place they are proud to call “home.”    

Our location makes it easy to get to hospitals, banks, shopping and restaurants, and among our many services and amenities, we provide scheduled transportation.  MorningStar of Wheat Ridge also gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the care they need with an individualized care plan, 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse, and other services.  

Amenities include three daily meals prepared largely from scratch under the direction of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.  At MorningStar we feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends.  Our community also has plenty of common areas that are perfect for entertaining family and friends, chatting with another resident, or just quietly reading a book.  In addition, our community has a fireside patio, fitness room, bistro, theatre/chapel, salon, private dining room and more. Please contact us or 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. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

When to be Concerned About Memory Loss

As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as at least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.

The question then becomes what the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease is. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start.

Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or confusion. Constantly repeating questions, forgetting the word for something or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood are other signs of a bigger problem. Judgement and planning may also be impaired, and tasks the person used to be good at like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe can become frustrating and difficult. 

To know for sure what is happening, you need to make an appointment with your doctor. They can do a complete medical work-up including looking at the medications you’re taking, and checking for signs of depression and other environmental issues, which could account for symptoms. If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, there are treatments that may lessen disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that may help symptoms.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Albuquerque.
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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 Albuquerque, NM offers.

Enjoy this Low Impact Exercise for Seniors this Summer

With temperatures rising, seniors are looking for effective ways to cool down, relax, and remain active while staying safe. As we age, joint pain and weaker muscles may make it difficult to participate in exercises from when we were younger. Water aerobics is a popular senior activity for this reason. Water aerobics in senior living facilities is a great, low-impact exercise that keeps seniors active, even if they have chronic health issues, such as arthritis, joint problems, and circulation issues. 

For seniors wanting to remain active, falling is a serious risk associated with exercise. The properties of water help seniors stay balanced and take the pressure off their bones and joints. This is why seniors enjoy this low-impact exercise in the summer. Senior living facilities, like MorningStar Senior Living, encourage seniors to live an active and safe lifestyle. Our Wellness Programs & Activities at MorningStar are always looking for fun and exciting ways to keep seniors active and engaged. 

Water Aerobics is also great for seniors recovering from injury. If you or someone you know has recently undergone a hip or knee replacement, water aerobics will help take the pressure off those areas. Many seniors find that water aerobics and walking in the pool, doing arm stretches, and leg kicks underwater are therapeutic and overall, painless. 

If you attend a water aerobics class, there is also the added benefit of socialization and friendship building. Afterward, you may find yourself grabbing a bite to eat in one of MorningStar’s bistros, cafes, or dining rooms. Perhaps you will even put together a book club or movie watching group. Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or social, our Life Enrichment Teams at MorningStar Senior Living and Assisted Living present creative ways to stay active and productive that encourage friendship and compassion.

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.

Companion Living Available at MorningStar of Santa Fe

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

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

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

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers residents an engaged lifestyle that includes a wide range of programs and activities as well as nutritional daily meals. Our many onsite amenities include a bistro bar, chapel/theatre, library, salon, fitness room, resident garden beds, courtyards and strolling paths.  If you are looking for a community with an exceptional care team along with amenities and services unmatched by other senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.  
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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 has to offer.

4 Art Activities for Seniors in Memory Care

Staying mentally alert during the golden years requires participating in activities that give the brain a robust workout. From solving crossword puzzles alone to completing Tai Chi exercises in a group setting, seniors have many opportunities at our memory care facility in Phoenix, Arizona to give the brains a welcome workout. One of the most popular activities for seniors at assisted living facilities is to finish creative art projects. Residents with dementia especially benefit from art therapy because art helps patients improve impaired language skills, as well as bolster cognitive skills.

Our memory care specialists plan art projects for residents with several planning tips in mind. First, we encourage a loved one to be around to provide encouragement, Second, we choose adult-oriented art projects to grab the interest of residents. Third, we interact with our memory care residents throughout the duration of an art project. Fourth, we help our residents remain patient even when an art project does not go in the direction it should.

Let’s review four art activities for seniors in memory care.

Coloring Books

Achieving small steps is an effective strategy to help someone with dementia gain the confidence to try taking larger steps. This philosophy applies to art activities as well. Have your senior loved one start by filling in the pages of simple coloring books before moving on to more complex pages. One of the most frustrating experiences for memory care patients is not being able to complete what were once easy tasks, which means slow and steady is the way to go for participating in art activities.

Sculpting

Working with our hands generates the type of mental stimulation that keeps us motivated to continue with a task. The same principle applies to memory care residents at our assisted living facility. Sculpting with clay or wood represents an engaging way to complete a creative art project. We encourage our memory care residents that participate in sculpting projects to at first look at another object before they attempt to create sculpted art by imagining another object.

Painting

After mastering coloring books, the next logical step on the path to creating art involves painting on a canvas. Painting is often the first art activity that comes to mind for memory care patients, but at the MorningStar at Arcadia memory care facility in Phoenix, our caregivers make sure a resident is ready to tackle a more intricate art activity such as painting. One of the most effective ways to engage memory care patients with a painting project is to follow the wet-on-wet painting technique, which makes it much easier to blend colors that create attractive landscapes and seascapes.

Create Collages

If a memory care resident is unable to use a crayon or paintbrush, we encourage the resident to create collages out of different materials. All the memory care resident has to do is choose from different sources such as newspaper articles and family photographs to create a visually appealing collage. Our memory caregivers prepare the material sources before starting to work on a collage project, as well as help residents paste images onto each collage page.

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we closely follow our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” when it comes to providing memory care at our Phoenix, AZ facility. We have developed an operating foundation based on the biblical principle of honoring God, as well as valuing the contributions made by our senior residents. Discover more about the loving atmosphere surrounded by spectacular scenery at MorningStar at Arcadia by scheduling a tour today.

Risk Factors for Falling

Many of us have heard about or know a senior who has had a fall that led to a serious injury. Each year statistics report one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury; and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. Falls result in over 32,000 senior deaths each year. 

The Harvard Medical School reports the highest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. While a senior may have fallen or tripped and not thought much about it, as they only twisted an ankle or didn’t sustain a serious injury, the event may be a precursor to another fall. 

There are things seniors can do to protect themselves from a fall and it starts by being aware of any risk factors you may have including vision and hearing problems, which can make a fall more likely. Experts say stiff joints can hamper your gait and balance and make it easier to fall, as do certain medications for blood pressure and antihistamines. As a deficiency in vitamin D decreases a person’s bone mineral density and strength of the bones, it too can cause instability and raise the risk for a fall. Experts report even something as unrelated as a head cold or the flu can cause dizziness and increase your risk.  

To help boost core strength and improve balance, talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of exercises to do. Other steps to decrease the likelihood of a fall are to keep moving to loosen stiff joints and help build strength, wear sensible shoes and remove home hazards. Finally make sure your home has plenty of good lighting.  
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MorningStar of Santa Fe is an assisted living and memory care community on the city’s west side with beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities.  Along with many support services, we provide the physical environment to ensure older adults live as safely and as comfortably as possible.  Suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and each unit has an emergency call system. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers and why MorningStar is 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 housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating and we want families to know we are here to help. Our community offers loving, compassionate care to those with memory impairment in our Reflections Neighborhood. The MorningStar Senior Living company brings 20 years of experience to memory care in senior communities across eleven states.  
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MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, the Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

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, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.  
       
Along with memory care, we offer assisted living as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us to learn more about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Reno and Sparks’ Most Trusted Choice in Senior Living

MorningStar at Sparks is a trusted choice in senior living. Families take great care in deciding on a senior living facility for their loved ones. For some, it’s hard to allow someone else to care for their elderly parent, family member, or senior loved one. At MorningStar, we make Senior Living transparent and support families during their transition. If you’re looking for trusted memory care, holistic assisted living, and modern senior living near you, MorningStar supplies all that and more to families in Reno. 

With so many senior living options available, it’s hard to know you’re making the right choice. You want to provide the very best care, safety, and community to your loved one. At MorningStar, we want to demonstrate to families our commitment to honesty and reliability through offering comprehensive services. Our resource guides available on our website and in our community have been thoughtfully developed to cover any question or concern you may have when looking for assisted living care or senior living options. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers the finest senior living Reno and Sparks, Nevada, have to offer, evidenced by its 2023 Best of Reno People’s Choice Award in the category of Assisted/Senior Living. Our entire team is engaged in finding ways to build trust within our community, one loving relationship at a time.

 If you are overwhelmed with senior living options, look over our intensive, yet easy-to-use, guides, checklists, and faq. In the end, don’t let the complexities of this decision mask the fact that your instincts are to be trusted. One place will just feel like home. And the staff will feel like family. You’ll know it straight away.

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.

Finding a Gift for a Loved One with Memory Loss

Do you find it hard to choose a gift for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral services, explains, finding the best gift for dementia patients may seem challenging as it is difficult to know what they’re experiencing.  However, picking a gift can actually be fun and rewarding — especially if you know what to look for.

They suggest taking a few minutes to think about the things the person used to enjoy, keeping in mind their past career, hobbies and stage of dementia. It is best to keep gifts simple, useful, and tailored to their personal likes and capabilities.

Ideas include a single gift or a yearly subscription for care packages filled with things your loved one would enjoy. This could include natural care products like scented soaps, shampoos, body lotions and scrubs. If a parent is in a memory care community, a large basket of specialty foods, fruits or sweets to share with their caregivers is sure to be a hit. Monthly baskets from a local bakery or flower shop can spread the joy over time and remind the person you are thinking of them. 
 
Smartly designed dementia board games are not only a fun way to spend time together but can help improve your loved one’s dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mental strength. Personalized puzzles or memory card games using pictures of the grandkids can be fun for the whole family. PicLink is another game for those with cognitive and memory impairment and is based upon exercises shown to assist with memory.  

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we provide compassionate care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Along with individualized care plans, residents participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs.  Please visit our website for more information about our memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 48 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 is just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals created by our Executive Chef.  All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  
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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 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. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

MorningStar at Arcadia is Designed with Seniors’ Safety in Mind

Peace of mind. That is what you get when a loved one calls our senior living facility home.

When you search for an assisted living facility in Phoenix, you consider several factors before making a well-informed decision. The quality of healthcare services represents one of the most important factors to consider, especially if your loved one suffers from memory loss. Other factors to consider include activities, amenities, and room comfort. Also at the top of your research list is the level of safety and security features.

Let’s discover why MorningStar at Arcadia is designed with seniors’ safety in mind.

Alert Systems

One of the greatest worries that keep you up at night is that your loved one might slip and fall. Our in-room alert system ensures our residents receive immediate assistance after an accident. The simple-to-activate alert system operates around the clock to protect our residents. As another type of alert system, the wander management system detects the presence of residents that have left the safe areas of our memory care facility in Phoenix. Residents wear a bracelet that sounds an alarm every time they leave a safe area and enter an area of our facility where they should not be located.

Access Control

One of the most effective strategies to protect our residents involves controlling access to our facility at every entry point. From the front entrance to the loading dock, MorningStar at Arcadia controls access at every entry point to our facility. The front entrance includes a registration area for guests, as well as an intercom that allows visitors to interact with one of our resident services specialists. Every door has a contact that immediately connects with a nurse call system to notify a nurse every time a door opens and closes after visiting hours. We also conduct frequent inspections after hours to ensure every visitor has left the building.

Resident Monitoring

One of the breakthroughs for securing an assisted living facility involves incorporating resident monitoring technology into a safety and security system. Since caregivers cannot be in every room around the clock, a resident monitoring system becomes the eyes and ears of the caregiver staff. An in-room resident monitoring system makes it much easier to manage medical care services, especially for residents that require memory care assistance. Tools such as motion sensors, wireless pendants, and watchdog systems represent some of the most recent technological developments for enhancing the safety and security of our residents.

Safety Cameras

Video security cameras are not just for surveillance. They also are used to protect the safety of the residents of our Phoenix assisted living facility. Our safety cameras ensure quality control when dispensing medications and managing other vital resources. Video cameras also act as a deterrent to criminals that want to steal property or try to make an unauthorized entrance into our memory care facility. Advanced surveillance technology allows us to program the system to record and notify staff members of trespassing. Safety cameras allow MorningStar to staff fewer security guards, which lowers the cost of staying at one of our senior living facilities.

Our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” in our residents resonates throughout the MorningStar assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ. Connect with one of our resident services representatives today to learn more about the comprehensive program to protect the safety of our residents.

6 Summer Meals for Seniors

As we grow older, diet and nutrition play increasingly important roles in helping us maintain healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, seniors start to lose interest in what they eat due to a decrease in appetite, as well as the diminishing senses of taste and smell. When summer rolls around in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, maintaining a diet that consists of the right amount of vitamins and minerals can be difficult to do because of the incredible heat.

At our senior living community in Phoenix, diet and nutrition play an integral role in creating 6 summer meals for seniors that generate universal appeal.

Sandwiches

Light, yet filling sandwiches represent the perfect alternative to a hot meal served on a scorching hot desert day. High in antioxidants, nutrient-packed salmon represents the ideal feature for a sandwich. Egg salad is another nutritious option for a sandwich, as eggs contain beneficial minerals such as zinc and iron, as well as vitamins, A, B12, and D. Tuna has a similar nutrition profile as salmon, as both types of seafood contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Ham, which is packed with protein and calcium, is the centerpiece of the popular ham and cheese sandwich.

Salads

To retain energy while cooling off from a mid-summer day, enjoying a fresh salad for lunch is the way to go. Salads can be basic such as a Greek salad or as exotic as a spiced chicken and pineapple salad. The key is to incorporate ingredients that contain high levels of helpful vitamins and minerals such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Soups

Serving soup on a blazing hot desert summer day seems counterintuitive. However, soup is much more than a body-warming winter dish. Soups like summer vegetable minestrone deliver a high level of nutritional value, without packing on pounds. One of the many appeals of soup is you can portion and freeze batches for future consumption.

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Using whole wheat pasta, which is a complex carbohydrate, you can enjoy a full-of-fiber dish that takes just a short time to make. The release of fiber slowly generates energy over an extended period to keep older adults on their feet throughout the day. Chicken represents the ideal protein counterpart for this chilled recipe. 

Spanish Omelet

This summer meal for seniors can be served any time of day, such as the main course at breakfast or a late-in-the-day snack that provides plenty of calories. A Spanish omelet requires only five ingredients that include vitamin and mineral-packed eggs. You can eat this meal hot or cold, as well as incorporate a wide variety of vegetables to combine with your favorite protein source. The omelet also pairs well with a fresh fruit salad.

Broccoli, Boiled Potatoes, and Sausage Rolls

The last meal on our summer list for seniors covers many of the nutrition bases. Broccoli is a great source of iron, vitamin K, and fiber, while potatoes deliver ample amounts of potassium and vitamin C. To make this meal feel more like a summer dish, you can serve the sausage rolls cold and serve a healthy side salad. If you want to serve each element of the meal cold, you have to prepare each element in advance for storage in a refrigerator.Learn more about the healthy summer meals served at our assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ by scheduling a free guided tour.

Looking for a Senior Living Community in the Phoenix, AZ Area?

Has a loved one hit one of the most significant forks in life’s many roads? This fork in the road appears late in life and it concerns transitioning from a fully independent lifestyle to one that involves at least some form of receiving assisted living services. A senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona is the ideal option for older adults who struggle with a few facets of daily living responsibilities, but generally do well living an independent lifestyle.

If you are looking for a senior living community in the Phoenix, AZ area, we operate the right venue that provides highly-rated caregiver services.

Let’s review a list of the factors you should consider when looking for an assisted living facility.

Location

Location represents one of the most important factors involved in choosing the right assisted living facility for a loved one. Not only does proximity matter, but the local laws governing the operation of a facility matter as well. MorningStar at Arcadia is conveniently located close to downtown Phoenix, as well as a short drive from suburbs such as Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Our facility also is located near the most popular social, cultural, and recreational destinations in the Phoenix metro region.

Size

Size refers to the number of beds in a senior living community. Varying greatly among facilities in the greater Phoenix area, size directly impacts the environment of an assisted living facility such as the types of services and amenities. For example, larger facilities typically offer more amenities like swimming pools and entertainment options. Larger facilities also can provide care for residents that live with some degree of memory loss. Size impacts the staff-to-resident ratio, which is a key indicator that measures the quality of care delivered at a senior living community.

Caters to All Senior Lifestyles

Transitioning to living at a senior living community in Phoenix does not have to wait until a loved one begins to show signs of requiring some form of care. At MorningStar at Arcadia, many of our residents join our fully independent living community not because they require focused healthcare or another type of service, but because they want to find new friends and/or participate in an active social calendar. We offer three broad lifestyle options, with each option allowing residents to customize the services that include memory care in Phoenix.

Activities

One of the proven strategies that prevent or delay the development of memory care issues is to participate in an active lifestyle that maintains both mental and physical skills. The best senior living communities in Phoenix offer an activities calendar that meets the needs of residents. Examples of a robust activities calendar include onsite art classes and musical performances, as well as trips to the most popular social and cultural venues located in the Valley of the Sun.

Cost

The timeless saying, “You get what you paid for,” is especially appropriate for an assisted living facility. You do not want to cut financial corners when choosing a home for a loved one. However, you do want to find an assisted living facility that does not put a substantial dent in your budget. One of the most effective ways to finance the move to an assisted living facility is to use the proceeds from selling a loved one’s home to put into an escrow account for meeting future senior housing payments.

Discover what makes MorningStar at Arcadia one of the most popular senior living communities in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area by scheduling a comprehensive tour.

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.