Unsure Whether Assisted Living is Right for You?

MorningStar at Dayton Place understands that for many seniors making the decision to move to assisted living can be difficult.  While change for any one can be hard, for seniors contemplating assisted living, it can feel like they are losing their independence.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think. 

A respite stay offers the perfect place to recover from surgery or to convalesce in quiet quarters while getting the personal attention you need.  At the same time, you will have the companionship and community that can be just as important in the healing process. A short-term stay gives you chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.   

During your stay, you will be afforded all of the amenities offered to our regular residents including 24-hour care, medication management, three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, and a whole range of activities, entertainment and outings.  We also offer group transportation along with exterior courtyards and strolling paths that allow you to take advantage of our beautiful grounds.  Additionally we have an onsite library, theatre, fitness center and more. 

While under our roof you will have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful meals, meet new friends and join in our many intellectual, physical, social and spiritual activities offered to all residents. Our caregivers are a team of truly special individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are the type of people who go out of their way to see to it that our residents have all of their needs met, even their unexpressed ones. 

If you are interested in a senior living community that feels like home, please visit our website for more details.  We are honored to offer the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in the Denver area.   

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Seniors are More Susceptible to Dehydration

According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among one of the groups of people that are more susceptible to dehydration.  They cite the following reasons for this including the fact that a senior’s ability to conserve water is lessened while at the same time they experience a diminished sense of thirst.  Furthermore, a senior’s capacity to respond to changes in temperature is reduced and many do not adept well to extremely hot or cold weather.  These issues are often compounded by the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, dementia and kidney problems.  There are even certain medications that can contribute to the elderly being more susceptible to dehydration.   

As we age our kidneys’ lose some of their ability to concentrate urine and retain water during episodes of fluid deprivation.  Also a reduced sensation of thirst means that many seniors forget to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Moreover disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia can create swallowing problems that make it more difficult to drink.  Other factors that can contribute to dehydration include a decrease in mobility and incontinence.    

The dangers of dehydration are many and often results in emergency visits and hospitalization and have even been associated with increased mortality rates in the elderly.  Additionally it is related to a range of health issues such as falling, constipation, and impaired cognition and confusion.    

So what steps should you take to ensure you or your loved one stays hydrated?  Experts advise that every time you take a pill to drink a full glass of water.  Also have healthy fluids readily available throughout the day and avoid sugar-laden drinks as well as salty foods.   

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

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale AZ.

 

Our Team is the Heart of MorningStar

At MorningStar of Arvada, we recognize that our wonderful assortment of amenities and our beautiful surroundings are fantastic; however, we know that the real heart of our community rests in our staff.  We will hire individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors and understand the magnitude of their contribution when they work at our senior living community.    

The MorningStar team will consist of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members will have a smile for the residents and will be quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed.   

In fact as part of MorningStar’s on-going commitment to the well-being and care of our residents, we train all of our new hires as well as reiterate every day with our full staff the principles of our mission.  Our Radiance program teaches and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place like a beam of light and reinforces our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  MorningStar was founded on the premise that we operate with “servants’ hearts” and our Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take service professionalism to the next level.    

We are sure that once you learn more about our new community you will agree with us that MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today for more information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted senior living.

 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.   We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease.  Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.      

Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications.  Also even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and prevent the onset.  

The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes.  Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.  Know your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your doctor.  In addition make the appropriate changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your risk for heart disease.  

Another important part of living with diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal ranges.  Many of the same lifestyle changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure.  The ADA advises that “people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 140/80, but check with your health care professional about what target is best for you.”  Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising.   

You can also manage your diabetes better if you stop smoking.  We recognize that smoking is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes.  Finally if you increase your physical activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure.    

This post is for information purposes only; please consult your health care providers with any health concerns.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Beaverton Oregon.

 

Source:diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and care/seniors/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

Find Happiness and Wellness at a Senior Living Community

More and more older adults are discovering that senior living communities are the ideal place to enjoy their retirement years whether they are a senior who requires assistance or someone who is able to live independently.  This is probably due to the fact that over the last several years, senior living communities have changed dramatically.  Today’s modern communities are tailored to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs and provide a comfortable and secure lifestyle.   

Many seniors, especially those living alone, find themselves becoming more and more isolated as they have retired from careers and may even have stopped driving.  In contrast, senior living communities offer residents a friendly place to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities. Even for someone who values their privacy, senior communities offer the comfort of having other people around.  It is reassuring if you experience a fall or a medical emergency to know help is close at hand.  

Also owning a home means a lot of physical upkeep such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores which can be difficult for seniors.  The advantage to senior living communities is that someone else does the work while the residents have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. 

Another common problem with seniors who live alone is that many do not eat well.  Cooking may be difficult and/or they may not be able to easily get out to grocery shop.  Again the problem of good nutrition is solved in senior living communities as they provide healthy daily meals designed around the needs of the residents.   

For older adults that have given up driving, senior living provides a safe solution.  Most provide scheduled outings to places such as shopping malls, outdoor parks, plays and other entertainment venues, museums and more.   

MorningStar Senior Living of Glendale offers residents a safe, comfortable place to age in place and to take advantage of resort-style amenities and meaningful activities.  We encourage you to stop by our onsite Information Center or contact us for more information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale AZ.

 

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

 

See Our Beautiful Community Firsthand – Take a Tour!

MorningStar at Dayton Place is extremely proud of our community starting with our unpretentious, loving and homey environment.  Outdoors we are surrounded by mature trees and landscaping year-round that encourages residents and their families to get out and take daily strolls around the grounds.  Residents also benefit from a whole host of resort-style amenities as well as wellness programs and activities.  Lastly the best part of Dayton Place is our dedicated team who has a felt calling to serve and see seniors as heroes.  

To get the real feel of our lovely community, we encourage you to schedule a tour by visiting our website and follow the “Schedule a Tour” link to our online form.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  If you let us know your priorities, we will tailor your tour to make sure those are addressed and ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit.  If you care to join us for lunch, please allow 90 minutes for your tour in order to enjoy a leisurely meal.  Let us know if you intend to do lunch when you set up the appointment.    

The A Place for Mom’s website, which is the largest assisted living referral service, offers some tips on what to look for when taking a tour of a senior living community.  One of their suggestions includes “following your nose.”  In other words does the place smell and look clean and fresh?  Also ask about housekeeping and laundry services and what are the costs?   

While you are there, look in at any activities going on in the community.  Do the staff and residents look like they are enjoying themselves (before you visit us, take a look at MorningStar at Dayton Place’s monthly calendars online)?  Additionally ask about the level of personal care we provide as well as about our safety and security procedures.  Do not forget to look at the outdoor spaces.  Finally, A Place for Mom suggests that you think about whether you or your loved one would be happy living there, and in the end, trust your instinct and follow your heart.    

Please visit MorningStar at Dayton Place’s website to learn more about our gorgeous community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and schedule a tour.    

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

MorningStar’s “Radiance” Program

One essential thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is our unique approach to service.  At MorningStar of Beaverton, all of our new team members are trained in our proprietary service program known as “Radiance.”  The program is much more than just a way to offer customer service to our residents but rather our brand standard of Service Excellence.   

The very essence of Radiance begins in a deep and sincere place, much like a beam of light, and celebrates an attitude of selflessness.  The program provides us with a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and is the basis for how we dispense service - through warmth, sincerity and depth.  Along with introducing the program to each new team member, we also will be reiterating and strengthening the program’s concepts during daily short meetings called the “Huddle.”   

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community rests in the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.  

MorningStar of Beaverton’s goal is to have a compassionate and caring team with a ready smile for our residents as well as the time to listen to a story and lend a helping hand where needed.   We invite you to visit our website to learn more about Beaverton’s newest and most assuredly the best assisted living and memory care.    

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Beaverton Oregon.

Facts About Osteoporosis

The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  These injuries often lead to serious complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care.  

The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most commonly in the hip, wrist or spine.  They explain that our bones are made up of living tissues that is “constantly being broken down and replaced.”  The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with the removal of old bone.  As we age, bone replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can recreate it.    

The bones of people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point that a mild fall may cause a broken bone.  In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even movements such as coughing or bending over.  The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.   

There are a number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis.  These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors.   

A painless test is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones.  To treat osteoporosis, patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of medications.  For others at a lower risk, they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in weight-bearing exercises.  

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before you begin any physical exercise, please contact your health care provider. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale AZ.

 

Sources: nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808 

 

Senior Independent and Assisted Living Explained

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.   

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals.  Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.    

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.   

We are pleased to report that MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton is set to open in late 2018.  Located in a western suburb of Portland, we enjoy a beautiful setting overlooking natural wetlands near the Progress Ridge Townsquare, a popular retail and entertainment center.  If you are looking for the area’s best assisted living, please visit our friendly team in the Information Center on our construction site or contact us to learn more. 

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Beaverton Oregon.

 

Visit Our Website for FAQs

We are busy completing our MorningStar Senior Living of Glendale community, which will open in late 2018.   Our community offers 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living, 65 bright suites for assisted living and another 35 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We understand that the name MorningStar may be new to you so we are ready to answer any and all questions you have through a phone call or by visiting our onsite Information Center.  In the meantime, we encourage you to browse through our website and read about the exceptional care and resources we offer.   

One good place for general information is at our Family Resources section that offers a whole range of answers to FAQs.  It is here you will find that MorningStar was founded in 2003 in Denver and that we are not just a family of senior living communities, but of senior loving homes.  We consider our residents the heroes and recognize it is our “privilege to serve and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  And while we are rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths in our residents and team members.   

Other questions that get answered include information about our age requirements.  It is 62 years or older for our independent suites, assisted living and memory care.  And in case you wondered, of course couples are welcome and a suite can also be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company.  

While pricing is discussed, we encourage you to contact us for more precise information.  As a general overview, our apartment suites’ monthly rental fee is based on square footage, location within the building and views.  If your family member will be in an assisted living suite, we offer five levels of care that are established after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director.  Medical and non-medical auxiliary services are priced a la carte.   Memory care is all-inclusive and residents are charged one package price. Our Casitas have their own unique pricing.  Please see our website to learn more about MorningStar of Glendale and for contact information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale AZ.

Physical Activity Offers Benefits for Seniors

Being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, so says the National Institute of Health (NIH).  They go on to say that, “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.” 

One of the benefits of staying physically active is that it not only provides long-term health benefits, but also can improve the health of older adults who are already suffering from diseases and disabilities.  In fact, researchers have discovered that regular exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.  It can also be beneficial for those dealing with conditions such as high blood pressure, balance problems and walking difficulties. 

The NIH advises that being inactive is in itself risky for your good health.  While you need to consult your health care provider before you begin to exercise, studies show that if seniors take it “too easy” it can impact their ability to do things on their own.  They state that, “lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.”   

Another reason why it is important to exercise regularly is it can help to elevate your mood and relieve stress.  Furthermore, research points to the fact that exercise may help seniors improve or maintain cognitive function.  The NIH says the type of mental activities that improve with exercise is the ability to shift quickly between tasks and an easier time with planning 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 of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Beaverton Oregon.

 

Source: nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

 

Discover the Benefits of Walking

Experts agree that walking is beneficial to seniors’ health as it can stop bone mass loss, strengthen leg and abdominal muscles, and improve circulation by helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for heart disease.  Walking can also lead to weight loss or to maintain your weight, help you sleep better, increase your mental sharpness, and improve balance and stability.  It can even increase your lifespan.  However if you have not exercised in a while, doctors recommend you start slowly and only gradually increase your distance and pace.  

If you let your health care provider know you are going to start walking, they can help you determine a safe starting point.  From the onset you may only be able to walk a block, but over time, you will be able to go farer and should start noticing benefits fairly quickly.  Additionally experts say even if you need a cane or a walker to safely move about, don’t let that stop you from walking, just take it with you.  Also wear properly fitted comfortable shoes that provide good arch support.   If you have foot problems, talk to your doctor about orthopedic shoes.   

Remember do not overexert yourself.  Walk at a safe pace and keep in mind that the most important thing is to just get started.  For your safety, tuck your cell phone into a pocket that you can easy get to if the need arises and stay hydrated.  To help keep you motivated, walk with a buddy or join a walking group.   

At MorningStar at Dayton Place, we wholeheartedly agree that walking is great exercise for seniors and we have a Walking Club for both our assisted living residents and independent living residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community, activities and programs, and our wide range of amenities.   

Please consult your health care provider before starting any type of exercise. 

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Glendale’s Newest Senior Living Community

The team of MorningStar of Glendale is getting excited as the opening of the newest senior living community in the area is getting closer.  Scheduled to open in late 2018, our new community will offer 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 bright suites for assisted living, and another 35 secure suites devoted the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

The Casitas for independent living offer incomparable value, which you will readily discover upon seeing all that is included with our homes. With easy access to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and recreation, your lifestyle at MorningStar of Glendale can be as active or relaxed as you choose.  And with priority access to our adjacent assisted living and memory care suites, you have the security of knowing additional support is nearby—if you should ever need it. 

For assisted living, we offer various levels of support for the activities of daily living designed to preserve and extend the independence, choices and privacy of our residents.  After a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, a Care Plan is put together in agreement with both the senior and their extended family.  Our Care Managers are onsite 24/7 ready to ensure the safety of our residents and see to it that all of their needs are met.  As our private suites are available in variety of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, we are sure you will find one that is perfect for your needs.   

In our Reflections Neighborhood, we are set up to care for those in the early onset of the disease all the way to the most advanced stages.  MorningStar’s unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life. 

Please stop by our onsite information center during construction, visit our website or contact us for more information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living in Glendale AZ.