Saturday, June 30, 2018

Learn More About MorningStar of Glendale

MorningStar Senior Living of Glendale will open later this year and team members are busy getting everything ready to welcome residents to their new home.  All hands on deck are committed to making the transition for our seniors as smooth as possible and look forward to the happy event. 

Once open, we are committed to looking after each resident as if they are family and offer an array of services designed to ensure their comfort and safety.  Residents will be provided with meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both nutritional and tasty.   Meals are served our Clubhouse or dining room and assistance with eating is available if needed.  

Our community has a chapel/theatre, a library, our own salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, fitness centers, saline swimming pool with hot tub, and much more.  MorningStar’s common areas include two story great rooms, outdoor dining patio, veranda and life enrichment rooms as well as Clubhouse for independent living residents.  Scheduled transportation is available to get out and about town as well as participate in special outings and planned events. 

MorningStar’s signature wellness program called WellStar is designed to provide activities to enhance health and wellness; stimulate your brain; and encourage connection.  Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, our wellness activities present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

MorningStar of Glendale has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities.  Please visit our website for more information, and while you are there, look at our latest photos of the construction of our community. 



Independent Living Offers a Carefree Lifestyle

Independent living can be a refreshing change of lifestyle.  In fact according to A Place for Mom, “Most seniors who have moved to assisted living or independent living communities report that they prefer life at their new home to living alone.”

Today’s senior living communities such as MorningStar at Dayton Place offer the benefit of predictable budgeting, built-in companionship, and great food that they no longer have to cook. Instead, our residents enjoy a fine dining experience every day of the week. Independent living also means you no longer have the worry of maintaining a home, and as we provide scheduled transportation, you can rely on us to do the driving.  Our independent living suites are equipped with a kitchen for when you feel like preparing a meal on your own and we also offer weekly housekeeping.

Moreover, as a resident of Dayton Place you have the peace of mind knowing that people are around if you should need them as each unit has an emergency call system and a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom.  We also offer a weekly laundry and linen service, and we are pet friendly. 

MorningStar at Dayton Place’s 104 independent living suites are within their own neighborhood and include one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans spread out over three levels.  Your suite fee includes basic cable TV and utilities, three meals a day, and the chance to participate in a whole host of wellness programs and activities. 

The Cottages at Dayton Place is designed for active seniors and is adjacent to our community.  The 41 free-standing patio homes have their own clubhouse and pool and are tucked into a private neighborhood.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community and our hospitality and care team who feel honored to serve seniors.

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/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Friday, June 29, 2018

MorningStar of Beaverton offers Progressive Care for Dementia Diseases

Opening in late 2018, our Reflections Neighborhood will provide 38 secure suites devoted to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our specially trained staff will provide personalized care for residents using progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Furthermore, our community is equipped to care for individuals in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we will take a gentle, resident-directed approach to calm and awaken memories as well as to support capabilities for our memory care residents.  Along with using multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, our residents will be provided with recreational and meaningful activities including music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercises.    

The goal of MorningStar’s methods is to affirm dignity and value of each resident and to support choice and independence as much as possible.  By interviewing family members, we will gather together a complete history of a resident’s preferences, abilities and idiosyncrasies and use that information to create trust between staff and residents. 

One of our unique approaches to memory care includes life skill stations where we incorporate a variety of props that may have played a role in a person’s background to help awaken dormant memories.  When individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases harken back to their past, they have the opportunity to take joy in the present and feel calm and connected. 

Our warm and loving Reflections Neighborhood will provide an atmosphere of safety and well-being along with the utmost respect and compassion for each individual. We understand that a diagnosis of a dementia-related disease is devastating for the entire family and MorningStar is here to provide the support you need.  Visit our website to learn more about our community.


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 our exceptional community in Beaverton Oregon.

Monday, June 25, 2018

The Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors



The good news is that today’s seniors are living longer than ever before.  New data suggests that if you reach the age of 65 years old, you can expect to live on average another 20 years.  Another encouraging survey reports that as many as 41 percent of people over age 65 say that they are in very good or excellent health. 

However, experts want to remind seniors that by making some lifestyle changes, they can make their senior years even better.  Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, notes that, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet." She further adds that individuals must “make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.”  Furthermore, doctors recommend that if you are a senior coping with a chronic medical condition that a geriatrician may help you to better manage your disease and improve your quality of life. 

Arthritis, heart disease, and cancer are the three most common diseases facing seniors.  Dr. Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, reports that arthritis affects almost 50 percent of those 65 and over.  Also while the severity of the disease varies, for some seniors the condition and associated pain lowers their quality of life.  If you have arthritis, experts suggest that you work closely with your doctor to develop an activity and treatment plan.    

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading killer of adults over age 65, and that 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Dr. Bernard advises those with heart disease to “exercise, eat well, and get a good night’s rest.”  In addition she recommends maintaining a healthy weight.

The third most common disease among seniors is cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in individuals over 65.  The CDC reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer.  They recommend that seniors get routine screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, as many cancers detected early are treatable. 

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 senior living in Glendale AZ.

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/    


Sunday, June 24, 2018

Depression is Not Part of the Aging Process

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 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 our exceptional community in Beaverton Oregon.

Sources:webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-elderly
helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm


Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Our Resort-style Amenities Let You Enjoy Your Senior Years

MorningStar at Dayton Place provides seniors with a lifestyle of wellness, comfort and community.  By offering the finest independent and assisted living in the area, it allows our residents to enjoy carefree retirement years and gives them the time to pursue interest both new and old. 

Our first-class amenities start with delicious three daily meals largely prepared from scratch and served restaurant style in our charming dining room.  We also have our own bistros, a fitness room, a general store, and an in-house salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures.  If you are looking for a massage, we can accommodate you.  In addition we have a chapel, library and a private dining room that if available for intimate dinners. 

Each day, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that are designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connections.  Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have serene strolling paths, and our memory care residents have a secure courtyard where they too can safely enjoy the outdoors.  Along with scheduled transportation, we routinely take road trips to a variety of cultural destinations, shopping malls, restaurants, parks and more.  

To ensure your utmost comfort and wellbeing, MorningStar at Dayton Place has a compassionate 24-hour care staff and a full-time licensed nurse on call 24/7.  If there is something you need, our team is right there ready to help. 

We encourage you to visit our website for more details about our remarkable senior living community.  Our property has 104 independent living suites and 76 assisted living suites, in a choice of spacious studios or one and two-bedroom floor plans, on three levels.  Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  The Cottages at Dayton Place, just adjacent to us, includes 41 free-standing patio homes with clubhouse and pool for active, independent seniors.  If this all sounds good, please 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.


Tuesday, June 19, 2018

MorningStar of Glendale Offers a Lifestyle of Comfort, Wellness and Community

Opening in late 2018, MorningStar of Glendale offers the security and comfort to age in place and is designed to provide our residents carefree retirement years.  As a resident, you will have a beautifully-appointed Casita or suite to provide you with all the privacy you need as well as the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a wide assortment of wellness programs and activities. 

Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our scenic outdoor courtyards.  If you look at our web page’s photo gallery, you will find renderings of our beautiful new community.

As a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  We recognize that staying physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our activities include a variety of exercise programs of which you are sure to find some of them to your liking.  Other activities may include word and board games, puzzles, trivia, Bingo, movie nights and much, much more.  We also have interesting special outings and events as well as scheduled transportation.   

With 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 bright suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Glendale is designed with all the comforts of home.  In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living community. 



Friday, June 15, 2018

Improve Your Health at Any Age


Since Americans are living longer, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself to ensure your later years are good ones.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains there are real benefits to a healthy lifestyle and adds that it is never too late to begin.  Another recently published study by Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, also emphatically states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."  

Experts advise that one of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet and to keep their minds and bodies active.  Other healthy habits include not smoking, getting regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls.   

At the FamilyDoctor.org website, they remind seniors that even small changes such as daily physical activity can make a difference.  Moreover as you increase your physical activity, it will help to strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help prevent falls.  If you do fall, stronger bones are less susceptible to breaking.   

Participating in routine physical activity also helps your brain and studies indicate that people who regularly exercise make better decisions.  In fact exercise is so important to our health that experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury.  Even chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may improve with exercise.   The NIH does suggests that seniors new to exercising start slowly; and before you begin any new exercise, consult your health care provider.   

Another easy-to-do tip from Family Doctor is to eat food high in fiber.  Not only does it help your colon work better but it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Some research suggests it may help to lower your cholesterol levels.   Whatever healthy changes you decide to incorporate into your everyday life should help you feel better and can be done over a period of time.  

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.

 

Sources:

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html

medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_169515.html

familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

List of Important Questions for Your Doctor


Too often right after a visit to our doctor’s, we think of a question that we wished we had asked.  This is the reason why the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has put together a list of questions you should look at before your next visit. 

The purpose of the questionnaire is to facilitate better communication between a patient and their doctor, and the AHRQ stresses the fact that by asking questions and getting answers will help to improve the quality of your care.  They state that, “Talking with your doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety, and satisfaction.”  Furthermore, by preparing questions beforehand to ask your doctor, it allows you to more efficiently use your time and not feel as rushed.    

Questions from the AHRQ include: what is the test for; how many times have you done this procedure; when will I get the results; and why do I need this treatment.  They also suggest that you ask if there are any alternative treatments, what are the possible complications, and which hospital is best for my needs.  Other questions include asking how to spell the name of the drug and are there are any side effects.  The last question, and an important one, is how will this new medication interact with the other medicines I am currently taking.  

Experts explain that rather than being reluctant to be asked these questions that doctors and nurses actually welcome them.  It assures them that you understand the information and are actively partnering with them in your care

The AHRQ website further adds that it may be helpful to take a family member or trusted friend with you to an appointment to assist you in understanding and remembering all of the answers to your questions.  The site also offers a list of questions to think about after your appointment.   
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 senior living in Glendale AZ.


Source:  ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html 

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Don’t Let the Fear of Falling Keep You from Moving

It is important for older adults to take precautions to prevent fall as the resulting injuries tend to be more serious such as a broken hip or head trauma.  However doctors also point out that being sedentary is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is important to keep moving.    

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year but say there are things that seniors can do to help prevent a fall.  The trick is to find a way to safely move about while taking into account any balance issues you may experience. 

As many adults are less active as they get older, it can exacerbate the physical effects of aging. Experts say, “Failure to engage in even mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”  Other issues that can lead to falls include poor eyesight and taking medications with side-effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and low blood pressure.  Chronic health conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and arthritis as well as problems with numbness in the feet can also increase the risk of falls. 

The good news is there are a variety of easy-to-do balance-training exercises that can help seniors improve their balance. Even if you rely on a cane or other assistive devices, balance exercise can improve your mobility.  While many senior living communities such as MorningStar at Dayton Place offer balance-training exercises, there are also exercises that can be done throughout the day right at home.  One example is to try standing on one foot while close to the kitchen counter.  If you need, keep your hand on the counter for support and as you feel more confident try taking your hand off.   Another thing you can do is to try and get up from a chair without using your arms.  If you decide to take a walk, it is safer to have a walking buddy. 

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: agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Learn More about MorningStar of Glendale’s Memory Care

MorningStar of Glendale’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances.  Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior.

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and include an enclosed courtyard that is reserved just for their use.  Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.    

MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve.  Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure.  In addition, MorningStar of Glendale will participate in Alzheimer’s events including Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Please visit our website for contact information as well as to learn more about our senior living community

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 senior living in Glendale AZ.


Is it Time for Assisted Living?



At MorningStar of Beaverton, we understand there are all sorts of emotions that occur when a family begins to look into assisted living for a parent or a loved one.  Often it is a complete learning experience as many people do not know what assisted living offers and how it differs from a nursing home.   

Assisted living is a fairly new concept that started in the late 1990’s and is designed for seniors who want to maintain their independence but need a little help with daily living activities.  Based on the European social model, it creates a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and we believe that the structure and society offered in Assisted Living communities introduces a return of healthy routines and healthier lives.   

It is estimated that approximately one million Americans are living in senior care communities and that number is expected to almost double by 2030 as people are living longer.  Most assisted living residents moved into a community from their own home, family residence or an apartment while others move in after a hospital or rehabilitation stay.    

Our recommendation for opening a conversation about making some changes in the way your parent is living should be done when everyone is gathered and relaxed.  Also remember nothing has to be decided on all at once, and while it should ultimately be a family decision, the person involved needs to be given a voice.     

We also understand that searching for the most suitable community is difficult as there are many factors to consider.   We suggest that once you narrow down several choices, you set up tours to experience the communities firsthand.  The child of the person or healthier spouse should do the tours, and not more than two a day, as there is a lot of information to take in.   

Assisted living communities like MorningStar of Beaverton are designed to allow seniors’ their independence and give them the opportunity to stay socially active.  We have put together a “Conversation Guide” that goes into even greater depth regarding helping families to make the transition.  When you contact us, please ask for a copy.  

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: ascseniorcare.com/assisted-living-statistics-a-deeper-dive-into-the-demographics/

Friday, June 1, 2018

MorningStar of Beaverton’s WellStar Program


Once MorningStar of Beaverton opens, we will lovingly provide our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel right at home.  We also will provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar program consisting of five wellness components – physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and food philosophy.  Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the programs integrates different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind.   

Introduced by our Life Enrichment coordinator, the activities will tap into the unique talents and experiences of our residents and includes encouraging residents to start and lead special interest clubs themselves.  Along with recognizing a range of capabilities and a variety of interests, the goal of our activities is to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain, and help them to rely less on medications.     

We know that physical exercise is imperative to seniors’ health and we offer a variety of activities for our residents’ enjoyment.  In addition meeting the spiritual needs of our residents is also important to their wellbeing, which is why a chapel, open to all faiths, is an integral part of our community.  We also offer intellectual wellness with entertaining daily doses of challenging brain games designed to practice cognitive skills and introduce new ideas.  In addition to all of this, is a natural, welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and helps to strengthen the bonds of our community.       

Last but not least our wellness program includes serving residents healthy, nutritional food.  This is why we have an Executive Chef on staff who will be preparing the tasty meals that are served in our beautiful dining rooms restaurant style.    

You will find the one thing that sets MorningStar of Beaverton apart from other senior living communities is the fact that our entire team is working to build a true community and our WellStar programs exemplify that philosophy. Please visit our website to learn more about our new assisted living and memory care community.  

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.

 

Start Your Day With a Healthy Breakfast

Growing up, most of our mothers told us it wasn’t healthy to skip breakfast. While we listened, many of us still went off to school without ...