Depression in Older Adults

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens.  According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.”  They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older. 

There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation.  People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms.  Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others.

Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health.  HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness.  Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems.  In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.”

All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one.  You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle.  Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

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.

Help Prevent Vision Problems

Did you know it is estimated 895 million people worldwide will have some level of vision impairment by 2050. The Lancet reports it signals a 150 percent increase over the next 30 years and includes loss of vision from cataracts and glaucoma. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits. 

If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.”  If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses.   

As the risk for eye diseases increases as we age, the National Institute on Aging recommends having your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For those over age 50, you should get a dilated eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care professional. Regardless of age, most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated exam at least once a year.

Other ways to protect your eyes as you age is to eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active. If you do have high blood pressure or diabetes, you need to learn how to manage them and follow your doctor’s guidelines. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our 55+ community offers a host of amenities, care services and wellness programs as well as activities to live life to the fullest.  Located on the west side of town with mountain views, MorningStar offers 56 private assisted living suites in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  For more information about luxury senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make her life easier and more interesting, most mothers are happy to get them.

If mom lives alone, there are several smartly designed dressing aids to make it easier for her and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for a bracelet fastener or magnetic necklace fastener, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary. 

For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs creates a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who like showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender. 

Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. Why not put on a fancy brunch with many of mom’s favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize her home or help her write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. 

Looking for exceptional senior living? Albuquerque’s MorningStar community offers 48 stylish suites for assisted living along with 21 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers.  Please see our website to learn more about MorningStar of 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 of Albuquerque Offers Holistic Memory Care

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Albuquerque provides compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar’s comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities are designed to calm or stimulate as the situation requires. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about outstanding senior 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 for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

MorningStar Offers Trusted Memory Care in Albuquerque

If you are looking for comprehensive, compassionate memory care for a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. 

Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted and safe. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, the area is completely secure, including the courtyard. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms.

We know it is devastating when a family receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease and we feel called to help by shouldering some of the burden. Our team is made up of the kind of individuals who recognize it is a privilege to serve and are trained in our signature “Lavender Sky” program, which uses Montessori-based therapies. Regardless of the level of memory loss, we strive to foster a nurturing environment for the highest quality of life. 

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create an individualized care plan to address their needs. 

As a resident, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from trained care managers and daily health monitoring. In addition, they will have access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers.  Residents participate in a variety of wellness programs and activities including exercise, music, dance, art and special events. Please contact us for more information about trusted 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.

What is Osteoporosis?

The Mayo Clinic explains our bodies constantly absorb and replace bone tissue. When a person has osteoporosis, their body is removing old bone but not keeping up with making new bone. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include bone fractures, lost height, curved back, sudden back pain and gastrointestinal problems. However, many people have no symptoms, and it isn’t until a bone fracture or a bone density test (measuring the proportion of minerals in the bones), do they learn they have osteoporosis. A step above osteoporosis is osteopenia, which affects approximately half of Americans over age 50.  

It is important to work with your doctor if your bone loss has progressed to osteoporosis as there are medications that can help build stronger bones. In addition, you can help increase bone strength with a healthy diet of foods high in calcium, vitamins D and K, and protein. Foods containing calcium include dairy and soy, fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. Additionally, many foods are fortified with calcium so check labels. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, soy and dairy products, beans, lentils, and legumes as well as seeds and nuts. Experts recommend people over age 70 increase their uptake of vitamin D to 800 IU daily, which they can also obtain from supplements. 

Consuming a lot of salt should be avoided as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports overconsumption of salt can cause the kidneys to excrete calcium. Studies indicate consuming caffeine in coffee or caffeinated drinks can additionally interfere with the body’ absorption of calcium and it is recommended older adults limit their coffee intake to no more than three cups a day. Limiting alcohol also helps maintain bone health. Another component to maintaining or building stronger bones includes weight-bearing exercises. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers assisted living residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of amenities. Amenities include beautifully prepared, nutritional meals; theater; fitness room; library; bistro; scheduled transportation; and a variety of wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living in Albuquerque, 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 to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-diet#diet-and-bone-health

MorningStar of Santa Fe Offers Trusted, Holistic Memory Care

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Santa Fe offers individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 memory care suites, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s holistic memory care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed.  

The Reflections Neighborhood was designed to provide a secure setting yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  We offer a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities including a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence.

Mealtimes are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care; and we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy of caring for seniors. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

Care Services at MorningStar of Albuquerque

For outstanding assisted living, Albuquerque, NM area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.  By defining health and wellbeing holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.  

We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand.  It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include five levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Residents have 24-hour care managers and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we have partnered with EmpowerMe Wellness.  They provide on-site access to wellness programs, personal training and physical, occupational and speech therapy services to help residents maintain their highest level of independence for as long as possible. 

Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Albuquerque. Our community includes 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

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 for more information about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a Welcoming Home for Our Residents

MorningStar of Albuquerque is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that we offer some of the best memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a welcoming home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.  

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart.  With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose.  Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our video that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.    Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or watching a favorite film in our comfortable theater? 

MorningStar of Albuquerque has 48 private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Belly Fat – Why You Should Try and Get Rid of It & How to Do It

Experts caution belly fat, a visceral fat that surrounds the organs, raises the risk for several common diseases. These include type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, heart attacks and heart disease as well as high cholesterol and liver disease. The journal, Circulation, explains even if your BMI is within normal range, the risks associated with heart attacks and excessive levels of belly fat are higher than normal. The Mayo Clinic defines an unhealthy level of abdominal fat in women to be a waist circumference of 35 inches or higher. For men, it is 40 inches or more.      

While it can be hard to lose belly fat, research suggests a multi-faceted approach including a healthy diet and consistent exercise; along with several other lifestyle changes should help make a difference. Your diet should include lean protein from foods like beans, salmon, chicken and turkey, Greek yogurt and nuts. While carbs are always blamed for weight gain, experts explained it has more to do with the type of carbs you consume. Slowly digested, high-fiber carbs can help improve blood sugar management and lower your body’s insulin resistance. Avocado, beans, lentils, oatmeal, quinoa and chickpeas are all good sources. 

Exercises should include some cardio as well as resistance training like Pilates, lifting or resistance bands. Core strengthening exercises like the plank or ab crunches are also helpful. Other lifestyle changes include managing stress and getting enough sleep each night and avoiding alcohol. If you have insurance, check to see if you are eligible for a dietitian’s services. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning new exercises or making changes to your diet. 

MorningStar at Arcadia offers a beautiful residential setting to safely and comfortably age in place. Our assisted living provides the level of support seniors need to maintain their independence and live life to the fullest. For families struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss, MorningStar provides individualized, specialized care to celebrate and elevate life.  We invite you to set up a tour to experience firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care Phoenix families can trust. 

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/best-ways-to-get-rid-of-belly-fat

Looking for Senior Living in Santa Fe, NM?

MorningStar of Santa Fe is a vibrant senior living community located on the city’s west side with mountain views. Our community offers 56 graciously appointed assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 29 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 beautiful 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 medical services, shopping and restaurants, and among our many services and amenities, we provide scheduled transportation.  MorningStar of Santa Fe 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 visitors, chatting with another resident, or just quietly reading a book.  In addition, our community has courtyards, a fitness room, bistro bar, 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 Santa Fe, NM offers.