Recommendations for Elderly Drivers

Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others. The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease. They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake.

A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision. Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars. Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done.

Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness; review the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy. It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good. Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills. You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidents of accidents that almost happened.

The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors:

Planning before you leave:

• Plan to drive on streets you know.

• Limit your trips to places that are easy to get to and close to home.

• Take routes that let you avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns.

• Add extra time for travel if driving conditions are bad.

• Don't drive when you are stressed or tired.

While you are driving:

• Always wear your seat belt.

• Stay off the cell phone.

• Avoid distractions such as listening to the radio or having conversations.

• Leave at least two car lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If you are driving at higher speeds or if the weather is bad, leave even more space.

• Make sure there is enough space behind you.

• Use your rear window defroster to always keep the back window clear.

• Always keep your headlights on.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we are happy to offer residents scheduled transportation along with many other amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our transportation services ensure residents get to doctor appointments and other errands safely. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living in Peoria, AZ and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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

Transitioning a Parent to Memory Care

A memory loss diagnosis, like Alzheimer’s or dementia, can be debilitating news. You may be wondering what senior care options you have for your parent, spouse, or loved one. While it may be a difficult process, MorningStar Senior Living offers families the support they need to make the right memory care choice.

Transitioning a parent into Memory Care is difficult for everyone involved. We understand the grief associated with a memory loss diagnosis and relying on someone else to care for your loved one. Trusted memory care communities give seniors a new way of living that encourages their independence and promotes safety. Below are some practical tips to make the transition to memory care easy and seamless.

Keep Open Communication

While researching memory care communities, you should keep an open dialogue with your loved one so that they feel involved in the process. You may find it more difficult to communicate openly due to their memory loss diagnosis, but asking questions about their preferences may be beneficial. Find time throughout the process to let them know what’s going on and how you will be with them every step of the way.

Pack and Prepare

Downsizing and packing is a very mentally and physically demanding process for families to go through when transitioning a loved one to memory care. Throughout the years, we gather a lot of things we love and cherish, making it difficult to downsize and focus on what is most important to pack. While it may be difficult, downsizing will help your loved one ease into their memory care transition. Once you start decorating their space with some of their most beloved items, they will feel more comfortable and safe.

Explore Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

Stimulating Activities for Seniors in Memory Care

There is so much still unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia. When it comes to treating a memory loss diagnosis, it is best to utilize holistic approaches that work to soothe and comfort the individual with the condition. While medication can be used as a supplemental treatment, the best memory care uses a whole-body approach, bringing in stimulating activities that both calm and engage the individual.

Whether a person is in a memory care community or receiving care at home, mentally stimulating activities like the ones below should be incorporated regularly to promote overall health.

Spending Time Outdoors

Being in nature is relaxing for almost everyone, especially seniors struggling with memory loss. The calming sounds, fresh air, and stimulating surroundings work to calm the brain and bring people to peace. If a senior can move and walk for short distances, nature walks are a great way to incorporate exercise and calming techniques at the same time, which work to reduce stress and anxiety together. Make sure to provide the safety measures if you and an elderly loved one are planning to do a nature walk. Try to remain on flat terrain that is void of rocks, tree roots, or water as these can cause unnecessary accidents.

Puzzles and Games

Board games, like puzzles, chess, or checkers, offer great brain exercise for seniors. Puzzles encourage problem-solving skills and are great to play in a group to aid in communication and connection. It is especially important to consider any past games your loved one was very fond of, as these could help to bring back good memories or thoughts about the games they played. Remember to remain patient, as readjusting to rules and guidelines may be overwhelming for some seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

An Active, Social Lifestyle Can Benefit the Mind, Body and Spirit

The National Institute on Aging explains that while eating healthy and exercising is important for seniors, socializing and participating in activities you enjoy can be just as beneficial. Being lonely or feeling isolated is not good for our health and well-being; and can lead to depression or anxiety, neither of which is good for our health.

Taking part in social activities can increase a person’s sense of purpose and give more meaning to their life. Whether it is starting a new hobby, renewing an old interest, or making the effort to spend more time with family or friends, being social and having an active lifestyle can benefit the mind, body and spirit.

The NIA reports on various studies that find seniors who participate in hobbies and other social activities may lower their risk for developing some health problems “including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.” A longer lifespan is linked to those who say they are satisfied with life; and other studies show staying physically active and having purpose appears to keep seniors happier and less depressed.

Experts say when seniors are happier; they are more resilient and better able to cope with life’s various challenges. More research suggests seniors who routinely participate in physical or mental activities may have fewer memory problems; while other data finds creative activities such as dancing or listening to music may help with memory problems or dementia.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our residents joyfully participate in meaningful activities and wellness programs. We have something for everyone and our calendar includes activities to mentally, physically, socially and spiritually stimulate and engage. We also encourage residents to tap into their unique talents and experiences to lead special interest clubs themselves.

Located northwest of downtown Phoenix, we offer 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide compassionate, all-inclusive services. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ and to schedule a tour to experience our beautiful community firsthand. 

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ.

When Should You Look Into More Memory Care Support

There is still a lot that is unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia, which makes the diagnosis devastating for many families. With no cure available, families often feel discouraged about their loved one’s future and treatment. This is especially true for spouses or children of senior parents who develop dementia, as it brings about a lot of uncertainty and grief.

While finding the most trusted memory care Arvada Co has to offer for your loved one, it is also important to care for yourself and find peace while navigating this new journey. Keep reading to understand when you should look into finding more memory care support for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Burnout is not uncommon for caregivers to feel after caring for an elderly parent or loved one with dementia for an extended period. Caregiver burnout can feel like constant anxiety, insomnia, GI difficulties, depression, and guilt. While providing care for your loved one can be very rewarding, the added hardships can make it difficult for you to feel like a great caregiver every day. If it’s time to consider other memory care options near you, MorningStar Senior Living Arvada can provide caregivers with the trusted memory care support they desperately need.

MorningStar Memory Care Support for Dementia

Seniors experiencing memory loss shouldn’t have to sacrifice a high quality of life. As memory care experts, MorningStar understands the difficulties associated with a memory loss diagnosis and we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. To deliver MorningStar’s exceptional care, all team members complete holistic memory care training under our “Lavender Sky” program. With Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s memory care leverages the power of music, art, dance, animal therapy, and other holistic techniques to encourage a fully enriched life.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

Stretching Exercises Are Appropriate for Any Level of Fitness

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer independent and assisted living in Peoria, AZ with a wide range of amenities and wellness programs that include exercise classes. Our beautiful community is in a friendly residential area, but still convenient to quality medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about luxury senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

How Families Can Find Memory Care Support at MorningStar

When a loved one is given a memory loss diagnosis, the world can become a little more difficult to navigate. A dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis can be hard to navigate, which is why families need to have access to the best memory care support for their loved one.

MorningStar Memory Care Arvada has been recognized as a leader in dementia care, providing necessary memory care support for seniors and their families in the following ways:

Innovative Memory Care Under a Lavender Sky

MorningStar Memory Care Arvada has a unique approach to memory care that has gathered a lot of attention in recent years. MornigStar’s memory care community combats worries surrounding a memory loss diagnosis through a compassionate and holistic dementia treatment approach they have coined “Lavender Sky.”

Under a “Lavender Sky,” memory care providers and staff at MorningStar are taught to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the realm of dementia. Instead of falling into a passive approach toward memory loss, “Lavender Sky” is a holistic approach that accepts the difficult diagnosis while pledging to enter into this new reality with intentional care and empathy.

Some more traditional memory care approaches overutilize pharmaceuticals. While medication can be beneficial for some seniors, it may not fix an underlying problem. Understanding seniors at a personal level provides great memory care support for seniors and their families.

Specialized Memory Care Training

MorningStar requires all of our staff (culinary, housekeeping, front desk, and caretakers) to go through Lavender Sky memory care training. This training program ensures that all staff have a deeper understanding of what dementia is and how to properly respond if a resident might require additional support or changes to their memory care plan.

Specializing memory care provides adequate support to families by giving them peace of mind about their loved one’s treatment. Through open communication, families get to have a say in their family member’s treatment.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.