MorningStar at RidgeGate Offers Specialized 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 at RidgeGate is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, MorningStar at RidgeGate is committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.

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, MorningStar at RidgeGate offers independent and assisted living in the Highland Ranch, CO area 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.

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

A Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is Hard on the Entire Family

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs. 

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also, ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby. 

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we know the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors with memory loss.  If you are looking for trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please visit our website for more information.

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 Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis

Can the End of Daylight Savings Time Affect Seniors?

Older adults are more vulnerable to changes in routine and sunlight. This means that Daylight Savings Time can be particularly tough in senior living communities in Phoenix. With preparation and guidance, seniors can successfully navigate the end of Daylight Savings Time. Here’s what you should know about time changes and senior living. 

How Daylight Savings Time Interrupts Your Circadian Rhythm

Your body has an internal clock that’s known as your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm depends on sunlight and darkness to tell what time of day it is. 

When you’re in darkness, you should feel more tired and be able to fall asleep faster. During daylight, you might feel more energized and active. Daylight Savings Time can interrupt this precious rhythm. 

What Is Daylight Savings Time, and How Does It Work?

Each spring, we set our clocks forward to combat shortened daylight hours. This means everyone loses one hour of sleep. In the fall, we set our clocks back to the original time (“falling back” one hour). These changes can throw seniors off and make routines much more difficult. 

Changes in Sunlight and Darkness 

When Daylight Savings Time ends, you get an extra hour of sleep. However, this means you’re exposed to darkness for longer periods. You have to wait longer for sunlight to appear. This can keep you tired and sluggish in the early morning hours, especially if you have a set morning routine. 

Mood Changes After Daylight Savings Time Ends

Older adults might experience feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety, and apathy after Daylight Savings Time ends. It’s important to be prepared for these mood changes. They aren’t permanent, and as your body adjusts to the new hours of sunlight and darkness, so will your brain. 

Try to make time for extra self-care as the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches. Doing activities that make you happy will help combat the mood changes that accompany the time change. 

Difficulties With Routines

In your post-retirement years, you probably rely on routine to keep you organized and active. The end of Daylight Savings Time can change your morning routine and leave you feeling scattered. 

Expect some difficulty completing your normal rituals for a few weeks after the time change. You will slowly adjust to the longer hours of darkness and fall back into your active morning routine. 

For seniors with cognition and memory challenges, the time change can be especially troublesome. If you care for a loved one or resident with memory problems, expect some pushback while carrying out daily routines after Daylight Savings Time ends. 

Work With Your Body to Combat Time-Change Problems

As a senior, you might have to put more effort into maintaining normalcy after Daylight Savings Time ends. Rest assured, knowing you’ll be back to normal soon and can enjoy your routines again!

Try to make time for extra self-care as the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches. Doing activities that make you happy will help combat the mood changes that accompany the time change. 

Difficulties With Routines

In your post-retirement years, you probably rely on routine to keep you organized and active. The end of Daylight Savings Time can change your morning routine and leave you feeling scattered. 

Expect some difficulty completing your normal rituals for a few weeks after the time change. You will slowly adjust to the longer hours of darkness and fall back into your active morning routine. 

For seniors with cognition and memory challenges, the time change can be especially troublesome. If you care for a loved one or resident with memory problems, expect some pushback while carrying out daily routines after Daylight Savings Time ends. 

Work With Your Body to Combat Time-Change Problems

As a senior, you might have to put more effort into maintaining normalcy after Daylight Savings Time ends. Rest assured, knowing you’ll be back to normal soon and can enjoy your routines again!

Seniors Can Help Protect Themselves From a Fall

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.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque is an assisted living and memory care community on the city’s northeast 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 living in Albuquerque and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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.

It is Possible to Grow Older Without a Significant Decline in Health

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover, it is worthwhile to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and beyond. 

In fact, studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.”

Spending decades working in the field of gerontology, Harry "Rick" Moody reminds older adults that even if they are living with health challenges, they should not lose sight of the opportunity for living a meaningful and positive life. He says at 76 his hearing is bad but he compensates by wearing a hearing aid. His advice is "If you compensate, you’ll age successfully. If you don’t, you won’t age successfully.”

Strategies for healthy aging include not limiting yourself by saying you are too old, to keep learning, keep exercising and to eat a healthy diet. Staying close to family and friends, getting enough sleep and using adaptive skills to compensate for things like short-term memory loss and a general slow-down of cognitive and physical abilities are also part of the process.  

At MorningStar at RidgeGate in Lone Tree, CO, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing so residents can lead healthy, engaged lives. Along with independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care. 
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Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-age-well

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Santa Fe

Located on the city’s west side with mountain views, MorningStar of Santa Fe is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree.  Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other assisted living communities simply cannot match.

MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. 

Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. 

Our assisted living suites are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day.  Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7.  We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services and more.

In addition, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with 29 suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents.  To accomplish this, our staff is trained in the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care.  In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, meals, activities and programs.  For exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please contact us or visit our website.

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

6 Relaxing Hobbies for Adults in Assisted Living

Do you have a parent or another loved one who resides in assisted living? Assisted living communities are designed to keep residents happy, healthy, and safe, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies can play a key role in supporting that experience.

Here are six relaxing hobbies for residents of memory care in Phoenix.

1. Perfecting Art Skills

One great way to relax while in assisted living is with arts and crafts. Painting landscapes, drawing portraits, and sculpting pottery are all relaxing activities that allow people of any age to express their creativity and individuality. Another plus is that arts can be practiced alone or with friends!

2. Working Through a Reading List

Many people love getting lost in written adventures, including seniors in assisted living. Residents can immerse themselves in exciting stories by working their way through a reading list. This can be done at a relaxed pace, allowing them to read through a single novel for weeks or months.

3. Becoming a Film Critic

For seniors who love cinema, acting as an amateur film critic can be an activity that is both fun and relaxing at the same time. Having a weekly movie night and then critiquing the film with their peers will also support recall and critical thinking skills.

4. Compiling Memories in a Scrapbook

What better way to relax than taking a trip down memory lane? Seniors who have a large collection of family photos may enjoy scrapbooking while in assisted living. They can even make themed books that detail various chapters of their lives and histories.

5. Writing Letters to Pen Pals

The older adult who loves sharing their life and keeping in touch with friends will find that writing letters can be very relaxing. They can even make new friends by joining a pen pal program that sets them up with a new person to communicate back and forth with. 

6. Practicing Meditation

Few activities are more relaxing than practicing the art of meditation. Meditation teaches you to focus on your breathing and clear your mind of negative, stressful thoughts. For seniors in assisted living, meditation can be the perfect way to start each morning and feel calm and relaxed for the remainder of the day.

Memory Care in Phoenix Can Still Be Relaxing

Assisted living homes are safe environments that can facilitate healthy, happy aging. From arts and crafts to daily meditation, there are many ways for seniors to relax while in assisted living. 

If you have a loved one who is a resident for memory care in Phoenix, suggest some of these activities to help them make their time more relaxing and enriching.

Is Your Aging Parent Not Doing Well Living on Their Own?

If you noticed a change in mom or dad or another loved one during a recent visit from out of town, you are not alone. Experts say when families spend time together after a prolonged separation many adult children realize their parents are not doing as well as they thought they were living on their own.   
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Some of the most obvious signs a parent is having problems caring for him or herself is an unintended loss of weight, change in grooming habits or signs of a fall. The ADLs or Activities of Daily Living are used by experts to evaluate the needs of a person and include personal care such as bathing, dressing and toileting as well as transferring (ability to get in and out of bed or chair), continence and eating. 

Other important signs a person is no longer doing well on their own and could benefit from some sort of assistance are based on what experts call the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These include things like paying bills, taking care of their home, preparing and cooking meals, being able to get out of the home, and socializing. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque we offer assisted living and memory care. Our assisted living is designed to provide the services residents need to maintain their independence with 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses and more. Moreover, all residents are treated to a delicious, healthy restaurant-style dining service, wellness programs and activities, and sponsored community outings and events. 

Our beautiful home has assisted living suites in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom.  In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) or trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  For trusted senior living in Albuquerque, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

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

Gifts for Mom or Dad in an Assisted Living Community

It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent living in an assisted living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.  

One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However, if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special. 

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift.  

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks. 

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your parents are not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Add to the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.  

MorningStar is proud to offer exceptional senior living in Albuquerque, NM with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our community offers 48 private assisted living suites and 21 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque and to set up a tour.

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.

Share a Suite at MorningStar of Albuquerque

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

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

Memory Care at MorningStar of Santa Fe

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, 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.  

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. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence.

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 housing in Santa Fe, NM.
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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 housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Visiting Your Doctor for Memory Loss

If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician.  

To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

• Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors.

• Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment.

• Create a list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

• Write down any vitamins or supplements you’ve added to your medication regimen.

• Make a list of questions you want to ask.

Writing down questions you have beforehand makes sure you don’t forget them, and don’t be reluctant to ask questions if you don’t understand something. The Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, made up of men and women in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, put together a list of questions to help others make the most out of a doctor’s visit. Questions range from asking about the type of tests used to make a diagnosis, what to expect from the disease, and what type of treatments may be used. When seeing a specialist, ask how familiar they are with caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we offer 41 assisted living suites and 21 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website for more information about trusted 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 has to offer.

Source: alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-communicating-doctor-health-care-pro-ts.pdf

Hearing Aids are Now Available Without a Prescription

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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe, 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. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

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

Medication Safety Tips

It may surprise you to know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions. 

Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including non-prescription and herbal supplements. 

Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are taking the right dosage and still need the medications. To see if any meds you take have a warning for usage in the elderly, check the American Geriatric Society’s Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. It is also recommended you properly dispose of older medications and drugs you no longer take.  

If you are on medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to continue to test your glucose level and BP numbers. Other drugs may be prescribed with the understanding you will have your blood tested periodically and it is important to follow through as too high or too low of a dosage can cause problems.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a 55+ community on the popular northeast side of town between Paseo del Norte and Palomas Ave. NE. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a responsive, loving staff.  Care services include medication management by certified Med Care Managers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about Morningstar’s memory care and 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.

Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/13-medication-safety-tips/

MorningStar of Santa Fe is Designed to Meet the Needs of Our Residents

If you live alone, no longer drive, have problems with mobility, and feel like you would welcome more social interaction into your life, please consider community living. Homes like MorningStar of Samta Fe provide residents with all the services, amenities and wellness programs to help them comfortably and safely age in place. Moreover, as one of our cherished residents, you get peace of mind knowing help is at hand whenever you need it. 

Right from the ground up, our home is designed to meet the needs and comfort of our residents.  We offer beautifully appointed common areas including inviting gathering areas, bistro bar, salon, fitness room, chapel/theatre, and an attractive dining room for all-day, restaurant-style dining. Residents also enjoy the outdoors with a fireside patio and all-season porches.

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we recognize that good nutrition is vital to seniors’ health, which is why we put such an effort into the food we serve. Our Executive Chef inspired meals are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients.  In addition, we offer a range of nutritional choices including low sodium, sugar-free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet.  MorningStar’s Chef even uses “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega-3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens. 

Too often seniors assume assisted living means an end to their independence, but studies show the opposite is true. When older adults get the daily personal care they need, it helps to restore their confidence and frees them up to move forward with living life to the fullest. At MorningStar, we help you do so with extensive support services, wellness programs and activities. Our contemporary suites are move-in ready and just require your furnishings and personal items. For your safety and wellbeing, each suite is equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. We are also pet friendly!

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers 56 assisted living suites with the choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other senior living in Santa Fe, NM and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

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

Is Mom or Dad Doing Well Living Alone?

Over the summer many adult children spend more time visiting with their parents in person rather than on the phone or over a video call. It is also the time when many families discover mom or dad living on their own isn’t working, and they are not actually doing as well as everyone thought. 

Experts say there are some signs to look for when visiting an elderly parent to determine if they need more help in their day-to-day life. One cause for concern can be if they have had an unintended change in their weight. Experts say weight loss is a common sign of a senior not doing well on their own. The same goes if they appear to have had a change in their balance and mobility such as difficulty getting up from a chair or walking up or down stairs, which could result in a higher risk of a fall. 

Another component of an older person’s wellbeing includes their emotional state. Do they have opportunities to get out and about and socialize or are they spending a lot of time alone and showing signs of forgetfulness or confusion? Is your formerly neat as a pin mother now living in a home that looks neglected and untidy or is she herself looking ungroomed?

Senior living specialists explain an elderly person’s physical and mental state can decline quickly and often catch families by surprise. If you find yourself in such a situation, it may be time to have a conversation with your parent regarding in-home help or a move to an assisted living community. Homes such as MorningStar of Albuquerque offer area seniors a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities that help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

We consider serving seniors to be our calling and gladly help guide families throughout the move-in process and transition to community living. Please visit our website for more information about luxury assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Trusted Assisted Living Care for Seniors in Reno

Moving to a new senior living community can be overwhelming for seniors. Especially if they are in need of assisted living care. If your parent or loved one is used to receiving senior care within their home, adjusting to a new assisted living community near you may be an adjustment. 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 trusted care providers and team members. The staff members at MorningStar ensure secure Assisted Living that families can rely on. MorningStar’s staff members and care providers are trained to provide specialized care to residents with even the most complex medical needs. Find out why MorningStar has the most trusted assisted living care for seniors in Reno. 

At MorningStar, our assisted living community incorporates personalized care plans for senior care. This means that each resident receives care that is tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and abilities. You can find Assisted Living support at various levels at MorningStar.

Around-the-clock Care Managers are on-site and at the ready to ensure the comfort and safety of our residents. The care plans are developed in collaboration with residents, their families, and their healthcare providers to ensure that they receive the care they need to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Find assisted living near you that has a team of trained and experienced staff members who are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to residents. At MorningStar, our personalized care staff are knowledgeable about the best practices in holistic senior care and are committed to providing high-quality care to each resident.

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. 

Find Trusted Assisted Living Near You

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. 

Luxury Senior Living Options Near You

Senior living options are abundant these days. It may feel overwhelming to explore all the senior living choices Google recommends. Most senior and assisted living communities offer apartment living, daily meals, amenities, and necessary services. However, modern, luxury senior living communities offer amenities and services that let you retire in comfort and style, without sacrificing care and safety. 

Modern, luxury senior living options have much to offer older adults who want to experience all aging has to offer. Assisted living at MorningStar offers stylish and holistic luxury senior living in Sparks, Nevada. 

Assisted living communities should be crafted to offer seniors the freedom and safety to enjoy a comfortable retirement. In our senior living community, residents enjoy on-site shopping, dining, activity classes, pampering in the salon, and relaxing in the movie theatre or library.  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.

Finding active senior living is important. But, so is enjoying a relaxing, modern home. After you’re done socializing at the downstairs bistro or Fireside Patio, put your feet up in one of our carefully designed senior living apartment options including 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living. These floor plans are crafted with easy routing and give plenty of space to fill with all your favorite things that feel like home. 

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. 

Find Luxury Style Assisted Living Near You

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. 

4 Ways to Treat Your Senior with Something Special

Every year on August 21, we celebrate the lives of our loved ones on World Senior Citizens Day. The special day highlights the achievements and contributions of seniors, as well as promotes their rights. Although August 21 has passed, you can celebrate the special day by treating your senior to something special.

At our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, we help residents with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Meeting our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” also involves helping seniors feel engaged and fulfilled during their golden years. On behalf of celebrating World Senior Citizens Day regardless of the time of year, let’s take a look at four ways to treat your seniors to something special.

Ask for Help

One reason why seniors can become detached emotionally is they no longer feel wanted by their friends and family members. After years of providing primary and secondary care for family members, they lose their sense of belonging the minute they move into an assisted living facility. You can rejuvenate the sense of belonging by asking your senior loved one to teach you how to do something. Asking for help on a project is another way to treat your senior to something special. 

Just because your senior loved one needs a little help taking care of a few responsibilities does not mean you cannot complete projects together such as planting a garden or restoring an old piece of furniture.

Highlight History and Achievements

One of the goals of World Senior Citizens Day is to honor the history and achievements of older adults. You do not need the pomp and circumstance of a formally declared day to highlight the history and achievements of your senior loved one. Preserving your senior loved one’s history and achievements helps him feel appreciated. You can work together on a personalized scrapbook, as well as give her a do-it-yourself memoir journal such as The Story of My Life. Another great idea involves conducting an interview chronicling the life of your senior loved one.

Get Involved in Your Senior’s Life

Moving into an assisted living community can trigger a wide range of negative emotions, such as fear, stress, and anxiety. One of the most effective strategies to alleviate emotional distress for a senior is to get involved in her life. This can mean volunteering for the same organization, as well as donating financially to your senior’s favorite cause. You also can work together with your senior loved one, which should give him a sense of purpose and a feeling of worthiness.

Dine Together

One of the best ways to treat your seniors to something special is to enjoy meals together. At our memory care facility in Phoenix, we encourage family members to join us at mealtimes to provide emotional support for their loved ones. Dining onsite with a senior loved one helps you meet her friends, as well as catch up on what has unfolded since the two of you last interacted in person. We also encourage family members to take their senior loved ones out to their favorite restaurants, which is a clear sign that you are treating your senior loved one to something special.

The Bottom Line: Make Your Time Together Quality Time

As a family member, you might feel a sense of regret when your senior loved one moves into an assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ. To compensate for the feeling of regret, you might try to make it up by visiting your senior loved one every day. It is not how often you treat your senior to something special. Instead, the quality of the special treat matters more than how often you treat your senior to a special event.Discover why our memory care facility receives five-star reviews by scheduling a tour today.

How to Emotionally Support Your Senior When He’s Feeling Down

If you care for a senior loved one, you spend a considerable amount of time trying to meet the physical issues that often arise as we grow older. You implement steps to mitigate pain, ensure consuming food and beverages that deliver sufficient vitamins and minerals, and drive to different healthcare providers to address a wide variety of physical ailments. Although taking care of your senior loved one’s physical health is important, you should devote as much time and money to considering the emotional toll aging takes.

We fulfill emotional needs at every stage of our lives. As we grow older, our emotional needs change and the strategies used to meet those needs change as well. The key is to know how to support your senior loved one emotionally. You also should be able to identify the emotional needs of your senior loved one. A few of the most common emotional needs that senior loved ones need to meet include social interactions, developing meaningful relationships, and understanding what it takes to find a sense of belonging.

At our senior living facility in Phoenix, Arizona, our caregivers recommend four ways to support your senior when he’s feeling down.

Listen

When your senior loved one discusses feeling down, your role is to listen and understand what is said. You should not follow up with an immediate response, but instead, you listen to let your senior loved one know that what she said carries enough significance to warrant a little time of contemplation. When your senior loved one knows you have listened, you should be able to develop a stronger connection that provides emotional support.

Respect

Unless your senior loved one needs memory care in Phoenix, he is capable of expressing ideas that advocate a point of view. The last thing your senior loved one wants is to be treated like a child, which unfortunately, far too many family members do when they interact with an older adult. Your senior loved one wants to be in control of her life, which means you need to respect what he wants to do in terms of choosing an assisted living lifestyle.

Make Safety and Security a Priority

Safety and security represent two of the most important emotional needs for a senior. If your loved one does not feel safe and secure, she might not be able to generate the energy to have other emotional needs met. One of the most common reasons why seniors want to live in a facility with other seniors concerns the issues of safety and security. MorningStar at Arcadia installs safety and security measures such as advanced security systems and emergency call buttons to give residents peace of mind.

Participate in Activities

Assisted living facilities offer a wide variety of activities to keep residents engaged, as well as foster social interactions. The activities planned at our memory care community in Phoenix are not just for residents. To support your senior loved one emotionally, stop by our facility to join your senior loved one in an activity or two. We offer regularly scheduled activities such as yoga and tai chi, as well as special events like bus tours that take residents to area cultural and historical landmarks.

Professional caregivers represent the front line of defense to prevent the development of emotional issues such as fear and anxiety. Loved ones are the second line of defense, which means you should focus on ways to help your senior loved one feel valued, understood, and appreciated. At our assisted living community in Phoenix, AZ, we follow the mission of “to honor, to value, to invest” in our seniors. Learn more by contacting a resident care representative at MorningStar at Arcadia.