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Enhancing Quality of Life for Individuals With Alzheimer’s Disease

May 30, 2025 by MS Arcadia in Senior Assisted Living

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show those with Alzheimer’s disease do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease. 

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.  

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides holistic care for those with memory impairment.  Each resident has an individualized care plan which is designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Every day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior 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 senior apartments Albuquerque has to offer.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/helpful-daily-activities-for-dementia-patients-50-expert-tips-and-suggestions-to-keep-your-loved-one-engaged

May 30, 2025 /MS Arcadia
assisted living, senior assisted living, senior apartments
Senior Assisted Living

Nearly Twenty Million Americans Have Age-Related Macular Degeneration

May 26, 2025 by MS Arcadia in Senior Assisted Living

Just as the rest of our body ages, so do our eyes. Older adults often complain of dry, teary or tired eyes and may have problems driving at night, experience flashes and floaters or need glasses to read. As we grow older, we are also at a higher risk for serious eye diseases that can impact our vision. 

One of the most serious eye diseases is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among people aged 60 and older, affecting nearly 20 million Americans. The risk of developing AMD increases with age and if you are 75 or older, your risk is 1 in 3.  Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. Experts say while it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them.

You are at a higher risk of getting AMD if a relative has had it or you are Caucasian, and females are more susceptible to AMD than males. Lifestyle choices also increase your risk for AMD including smoking along with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sun exposure is another risk factor and doctors recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Maintaining a healthy diet by eating foods high in antioxidants like lutein found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are beneficial for our eye health.

Symptoms of AMD include visual distortions and can make straight lines appear bent, reduce central vision in one or both eyes, increase blurriness of printed words, and the need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work. The first signs of AMD are typically discovered by an eye doctor during an annual dilated eye exam. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful senior assisted living is designed to meet every need. Residents enjoy luxury amenities, care and hospitality services, and a range of wellness programs and activities. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living in Albuquerque, NM and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior apartments and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.  Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

May 26, 2025 /MS Arcadia
senior assisted living, senior apartments, assisted living
Senior Assisted Living

The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

May 02, 2025 by MS Arcadia in Senior Assisted Living

One thing we can do to maintain our health as we age is to get a good night’s sleep. Learning to prioritize and manage our sleep is important to good brain health including our cognitive health. However, for far too many older adults, it becomes harder and harder to sleep through the night.

Seniors often believe the myth that they no longer need as much sleep as they did when they were younger; but experts disagree. They say the truth is older adults require the same amount of sleep as their younger counterparts, which is at least 7 hours a night according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 

Moreover, studies show older adults are typically getting less REM (rapid eye movement) sleep per night. This is the phase when we dream and the brain is active; and is important for memory, learning, mental focus and mood.  

Another sleep cycle is the period when the brain purges toxins. AARP writes, “The glymphatic system uses cerebrospinal fluid to flush out toxins and waste products, such as amyloid beta.” Not adequately going through this cycle may accelerate the amount of amyloid beta that builds up and clumps together to form plaques; and lack of this slow-wave sleep may increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies also report that lack of sleep can affect our emotions. After all, who has not felt grumpy or sad when they have not gotten enough sleep? Several long-term studies have shown adults who report poor sleep patterns are also more prone to depression. Getting enough quality sleep can even strengthen your immune system. 

For the above reasons, it is important to try and improve your sleep quality. If you think stress and anxiety are interfering with your sleep, try mindful practices like keeping a gratitude journal or breathing exercises. Also, make a point to get enough physical exercise each day as that too can help you sleep better.

At MorningStar, our mission is to provide the best senior assisted living in Albuquerque, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Located on the popular northeast side of town, MorningStar of Albuquerque is convenient for medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services.  Our beautiful community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites and 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit.  

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.


Source: stayingsharp.aarp.org/articles/sleep-deprivation-loss/

May 02, 2025 /MS Arcadia
assisted living, assisted living Albuquerque, senior assisted living
Senior Assisted Living

Learn More About Hearing Loss

May 19, 2022 by MS Arcadia in Senior Assisted Living

The National Institute of Health reports approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Hearing loss causes someone a range of problems including difficulty understanding and following a doctor’s advice, responding to safety warnings, and hearing doorbells, phone calls, and alarms. Another all-too common problem is it can be hard to follow conversations with family and friends, and many start avoiding situations where they may be frustrated or embarrassed. 

Medical experts advise asking your primary care physician for a referral to an otolaryngologist, an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They will try to determine the cause of your hearing loss and treatment options. They may refer you to an audiologist who is trained in measuring the degree of loss as well as recommend treatment, which may include fitting you for a hearing aid. There are three different types of hearing aids and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you (most can be purchased for a trial period).  

In some cases, doctors may recommend Cochlear implants, small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing.  Other treatment options include hearing assistive devices for your phones to amplify sound; closed circuit systems for churches or theaters; and lip or speech reading classes.   

At MorningStar Santa Fe, our goal is to be the best senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, and we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our beautiful home has 56 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior assisted living home options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

May 19, 2022 /MS Arcadia
senior living, aging, seniors, senior assisted living homes
Senior Assisted Living

Is Assisted Living Right for Your Parent or Another Loved One?

February 21, 2022 by MS Arcadia in Senior Assisted Living

Sometimes a senior has a fall or another medical emergency that precipitates the need for a change in their living circumstances such as a move into an assisted living community.  Other times, the situation is not so clear-cut and is more a case of a senior slowly losing the ability to attend to their daily care needs.  We know it is upsetting for families to see their loved one decline, which is why experts offer advice to help determine if an assisted living setting would be an improvement in their lifestyle.  

One way to decide if assisted living is right for your parent or another loved one is to take an inventory of what they are having trouble doing for themselves and if assistance would improve their quality of life.  For instance, are they having a hard time preparing and cooking meals or need help bathing, toileting, and dressing?  Have they stopped driving and spent a lot of time alone?  Is your normally tidy parent now letting the household tasks go and/or mail is stacking up unopened and bills not getting paid?

Other factors that indicate the need for more help includes recent falls or burns from using water that is too hot or from cooking.  Warning signs also include a history of medication mismanagement or worsening chronic health problems, which could all benefit from the care received in an assisted living community.        

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer 56 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  We make it easy for retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities.   For trusted senior living Santa Fe, NM seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar of Santa Fe provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior assisted living homes Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

February 21, 2022 /MS Arcadia
assisted living community, senior living, senior assisted living homes
Senior Assisted Living

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