Normal Aging or Memory Loss Problem?

As we age, many of us experience occasional memory loss.  While it may be worrisome, most likely it is just a normal part of growing older.  In the case of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life.  The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and recommends if you or a loved one has any of them, to see your health care provider. 

The first sign that you or a loved one’s memory loss may be a sign of a bigger problem is constantly forgetting new information.  Memory loss may include: needing to have the same information repeated over and over; forgetting important dates and events; and relying more and more on family members or memory aids to handle things.  

Another way memory loss can adversely affect a person’s life is when it becomes difficult to problem solve.  He or she may find it hard to do things they have done well in the past such as keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe.  Some individuals with Alzheimer’s have problems losing their way when traveling familiar routes or keeping track of the month or season of the year.  Also, a person may start putting things away in odd places and not remember where they put them.  We encourage you to read the Alzheimer’s Association’s full list of common signs of Alzheimer’s. 

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we compassionately provide care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our beautiful new community offers 35 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood designed to care for those in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Please visit our website to learn more.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the Peoria/Glendale area.

Sources:alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers dementia.asp?gclid=CjwKCAiA5OrTBRBlEiwAXXhT6GgfGndmLCyUKJeoYgXhfT3VTwaijPzav4tZA07yxVBjxgPJzwGVdRoCcKwQAvD_BwE

MorningStar of Beaverton Provides Comfort, Wellness and Community

Have you been searching “assisted living facilities near me?”  Looking for something above ordinary assisted living facilities in Beaverton?  We encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Beaverton…far from a “facility,” MorningStar offers a true home.  Our community will open soon and we are working hard to be ready to welcome our new residents. 

MorningStar of Beaverton will offer 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 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 gorgeous contemporary common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our scenic courtyards.  If you take a look at our web page’s gallery, you will find renderings of our beautiful living areas, comfortable dining room, our suites, and more. 

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 66 bright suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Beaverton 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 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 discover why we are a step above ordinary assisted living facilities.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Resort-style Amenities

Starting with our community’s exceptional architecture and design, every detail of MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is intended to ensure our resident’s utmost comfort and wellbeing.  Our community offers a beautiful campus on 8+ acres, conveniently located in Peoria at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane, near Cardinal’s Stadium.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 bright assisted living suites in a nearby building, and our Reflections Neighborhood devotes 35 secure suites for those with memory impairment. While our community is three separate neighborhoods all residents receive a whole host of resort-style amenities unmatched by our competitors.  From beautiful gathering areas that are perfect to sit and enjoy a visit from family and friends or a chat with other residents to your well-appointed apartment, you are sure to feel right at “home.”

Other amenities enjoyed by our independent living and assisted living residents include a saline swimming pool with hot tub, library, bistro bar, fitness centers, Wi-Fi in common areas, and a full-service salon.  We also offer attached garages (Casitas), as well as onsite theatre/chapel, outdoor dining patio and much more.

Furthermore, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s dining services are topnotch.  Meals are prepared by our own Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining areas.  Assisted living and memory care residents received three daily meals, and Casitas residents (independent living) receive two daily meals.  Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the Peoria/Glendale area.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

Many families with elderly parents or loved ones are uncertain just what to expect from an assisted living community.  While each community has its own personality and differs from the type of services and amenities offered, typically “assisted living” is a long-term care option that provides personal care support services such as bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, and transportation.  According to aPlaceforMom.com, assisted living may offer “a more cost effective, residential approach to delivering many of the same services either by employing home health agencies or personal care staff.”

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we offer 66 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations as well as provide residents with a whole host of resort-style amenities and services.  Upon joining our community, the resident and their family will meet with our Wellness Director for a thorough assessment of their needs that is used to create a customized care plan. 

Furthermore, regardless of the level of care you receive, all residents have an onsite 24/7 Care Manager that is ready to ensure their safety and comfort.  We also offer a licensed nurse onsite 5 days a week and on call 24/7; medication management by certified med care managers; periodic care plan reviews; and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we are proud to offer a range of services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit.  We consider wellness to be a joint effort between our Life Enrichment and Wellness programs, which play a critical role in making MorningStar the destination for successful aging.

Please visit our website for more information about our new community opening soon.  In addition to our 66 assisted living suites, we offer 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted 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.

Make Your Senior Years Healthy

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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the Peoria/Glendale area.

Exceptional Memory Care at MorningStar of Arvada

At MorningStar of Arvada, we proudly offer exceptional memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood. As experienced specialists in caring for those with memory loss from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, MorningStar’s communities are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

Our loving and compassionate team considers it their calling as well as their privilege to care for your loved one. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. 

When a memory care resident joins our community, we will spend time with them and their family to learn as much as we can about their life before the memory loss including their talents, vocation, and preferences. From there, we will create a daily care plan based on their needs and designed to stimulate or calm in response to their mood or situation. We know that whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains and our calling is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. 

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. 

Opening in late 2018, MorningStar of Arvada offers 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of those with memory impairment along with independent living and assisted living options. Please contact us learn more about our beautiful new community. 

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 living, assisted living and memory care.

Making the Holidays More Enjoyable for Those with Dementia

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the upcoming holidays.  When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia.  Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting. 

The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer's disease so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them.  They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner.  

If you are visiting your loved one at an assisted living facility, bring along some pictures of the family and take the time to quietly sit and talk about them.  If you are bringing your loved one to your home, play familiar music and serve foods you know they like.  Set time aside to do some activities with the family such as making a memory book or telling stories.  Other suggestions include taking a short walk or decorating cookies together. 

Be sure to warn family members and friends about any changes in their behavior and condition so they do not expect more than the person has the ability to offer.  Remind them that Alzheimer’s can diminish a person’s ability to communicate and that it is helpful to speak slowly and in a relaxed tone.  The Alzheimer’s Association says to avoid saying things like, “Don’t you remember?”  Also address the person by name and to be patient, stay calm and supportive.   

Have you been looking for an assisted living facility offering memory care for a loved one?  We encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Beaverton…far from an “facility,” MorningStar is a true home. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of individuals with memory impairment.  Set within a gentle, loving environment, our care takes a resident-directed approach that utilizes multi-sensory cues to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and, above all, to affirm dignity and value.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community. 

MorningStar of Beaverton exemplifies the finest in senior living with a 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about trusted memory care in Beaverton Oregon.

Senior Living at MorningStar Meets a Variety of Needs

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers a range of living options that meet the varying needs of seniors.  Our community’s independent living offers 38 Casitas as quadraplexes with attached garages.  In a neighboring building, we have 65 assisted living suites and 35 secure suites dedicated to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s Casitas are the perfect answer for independent seniors who wish for a carefree, active lifestyle that provides built-in companionship and predictable budgeting.  As a resident, you will not need to spend so much time cooking but rather can take advantage of two daily, tasty meals as well as our vast assortment of activities and wellness programs primarily held in our Clubhouse.  

As a part of our community, you give up having to worry about maintaining a home both inside and out.  Our Casitas are equipped with everything you need including a washer/dryer along with full kitchens featuring a breakfast bar, high-quality appliances and premium quartz countertops.  Our community also has spacious common areas to enjoy the outdoors as well as a saline pool.   

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require a little assistance on a daily basis.  We offer various levels of support with activities of daily living along with 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse and more to ensure the comfort, well-being and safety of our residents.

In terms of our memory care, we feel privileged to help those suffering from memory loss and our goal is to find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual every day. By learning about a person’s life, history and preferences, we are able to personalize their care and treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s senior living options. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the Peoria/Glendale area.

The Link Between Physical Activity and Memory

Decreases in brain metabolism have been shown to be a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and predictive of cognitive decline and the conversion to Alzheimer’s in older adults. Scientists believe that physical activity can modulate brain glucose metabolism but until now it was unclear what level of intensity and duration of exercise was most beneficial. 

The National Institute on Aging published an article that found “even moderate physical activity may increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory.”   The NIA-supported study was led by Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo of the University of Wisconsin. 

Researchers had cognitively normal, late-middle age (average age 64 years old) participants wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure their daily physical activity.  Afterward, they looked at the amount of time each participant engaged in “light (e.g., a slow walk), moderate (e.g., a fast walk), and vigorous activities (e.g., run).”  The data was analyzed to determine how they “corresponded with glucose metabolism within brain areas that have been demonstrated to be impacted in people with Alzheimer’s.”

Increasing the levels of moderate physical activity showed an increase in cerebral glucose metabolism across all brain regions examined.  Participants that engaged in light physical activity had no changes to the metabolism in any of the brain regions examined.  Another thing that impacted the amount of brain glucose metabolism was the duration of time spent in moderate physical activity.  Researchers found that the more time a person spent doing moderate levels of physical activity (average 43.3 min/day to average 68.1 min/day), the greater the increase in brain glucose metabolism.

The NIA says it is encouraging evidence that physical activity may be beneficial for neurometabolic function.  Moreover, they say it is a “critical contribution to the efforts to identify the intensity and duration of physical activity that confer the most advantage for combating Alzheimer’s-related changes in mid-life.”

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted 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 area’s finest assisted living.

Source:nia.nih.gov/news/moderate-physical-activity-linked-increases-metabolism-across-brain-regions

Help Your Parent Transition to Assisted Living

Now that MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is close to our grand opening, we will soon be busy welcoming new residents and enjoying getting to know them.   We want to help make the transition for our assisted living residents a smooth one and our team will be working to that end. 

MorningStar understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life.  For some seniors, moving into assisted living can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them.  Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches.

    

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change.  We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose.  Also, while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of senior living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones.   Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community. 

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance.  Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community.  After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home.   Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen.   Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful, loving community.       

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the Peoria/Glendale area.

MorningStar’s Decision Guide for Assisted Living

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton, we know families often go through a range of emotions once they realize their loved one needs more daily help in order to ensure their comfort and safety.  Furthermore, moving into a retirement community, especially assisted living is often precipitated by a major life change, which is why we have put together a commonsense Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process.  

One thing to consider before making any decision is to think about what you are trying to solve, and not just next year, but with an eye to the next 5 to 10 years.  Also keep in mind that the concept of “assisted living” is only a few decades old and is intended to feel like a home – not an institution such as nursing homes of old.  Today’s assisted living is based on the European model and is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement.

Reading through our decision guide, you will find information on what families should look for in terms of determining whether their loved one needs more help.  It talks about safety issues such as recent falls and balance problems, forgetfulness that could lead to a dangerous situation like leaving the stove-top on, and driving mishaps.  The guide also cautions families to notice things like weight loss, poor hygiene, and failing eyesight. 

Additionally, MorningStar has tips to help you narrow down your choices of assisted living communities.  Along with considering location, price, and amenities, one of our most important tips is to take a tour of the community or communities you are most interested in.  Beyond the website and all the promotional materials, a tour provides an up close and personal look at the place you or your loved one is considering making their new home. 

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted 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 Beaverton Oregon offers.