Seniors Find a Healthy Lifestyle in Community Living

There are many studies that suggest seniors are healthier when they stay socially connected and feel engaged with life.  Researchers have found that older people without such connections are more apt to “experience greater numbers of chronic and life-limiting health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”  In a 2010 article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, it reports that social interactions can also protect seniors’ cognitive skills. 

As seniors age, it often becomes harder to stay connected to the community and many older adults end up living fairly isolated from the outside world.  A number of factors contribute to the problem including health issues that limit mobility, no longer driving, and the loss of a spouse and other family members and friends. 

Furthermore, good nutrition can be a problem for seniors living alone as it may be difficult for them to prepare meals or to even buy groceries.  Some seniors have even been found to be suffering from malnutrition.  Physical safety can also be a problem as the elderly are more prone to falls due to common medical conditions that effect balance and physical strength including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.  In addition seniors living alone may not be as quick to recognize a health issue needs immediate medical attention. 

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, participating in a range of activities is just a way of life as we offer a full calendar of fun and stimulating activities every day.  Our residents enjoy nutritional meals served restaurant style that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the meal and to socially interact with others.  We also provide scheduled transportation for residents along with special outings to local places of interest and entertainment.

Living alone can be difficult for seniors and even affect their overall lifespan.  We encourage you to contact MorningStar at Golden Ridge and learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “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.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to see for yourself the finest in assisted and independent living.

Source: whereyoulivematters.org/community-living-its-healthier/ 

Congestive Heart Failure – Symptoms and Treatment

According to the American Heart Association, heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for adults age 65 years and older.  Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should and therefore is not able to meet the body’s blood and oxygen needs.  Since the amount of blood pumped is not adequate to circulate the blood returning to the heart from the body and lung, it causes fluid (mostly water) to leak from capillary blood vessels.  If left untreated, the condition can worsen. 

While symptoms of the condition can vary, common signs of congestive heart failure include fatigue and weakness, a reduced ability to exercise, swelling (edema) and shortness of breath.  The disease is commonly caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, disorders of the heart valves, and other problems.  Less common causes include viruses or thyroid disorders. 

If a person already has heart disease, certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and calcium channel blockers can also cause the condition to develop or become worse.   Also having diabetes as well as taking some of the drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of heart failure in some people.   

The Mayo Clinic explains that, “heart failure can involve the left side (left ventricle), right side (right ventricle) or both sides of your heart. Generally, heart failure begins with the left side, specifically the left ventricle — your heart's main pumping chamber.”  The disease is diagnosed by a thorough physical exam, a series of laboratory tests, and a patient’s medical history.  If you have the disease, you must carefully follow your doctor’s orders.  Treatment includes reducing sodium in your diet, lifestyle changes such as losing weight and managing stress, medications, mechanical therapies, surgery or a heart transplant.    

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

 

Have you been searching “assisted living facilities near me?”  Looking for something a step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Beaverton?  We invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Beaverton…far from a “facility,” MorningStar is a true home.  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.

Prevent Falls with Simple Exercises

We know that each year millions of people age 65 or older suffer a fall and many of those incidents cause serious injuries or in some cases even death.  This is why preventing falls is extremely important for the elderly, and balance as well as strength exercises can help to prevent falls.   

  

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends 3 simple exercises that do not require any special equipment other than a chair (and someone to assist you if needed) that can improve balance. The series of exercises include the following:  standing on one foot; walking heel to toe; and balance walk.

These easy-to-do exercises can be done throughout the day and only take a few minutes to do each of them.  For further instructions on how they should be done, the NIH website offers a video on each exercise.  In addition, the NIH recommends other lower-body exercises that strengthen your legs and ankles which will also improve balance.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, we provide our residents with a full calendar of daily activities that includes a variety of well-designed exercise programs.  If you are searching for the best assisted and independent living Peoria AZ has to offer, we encourage you to take a look at our exceptional community.

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

At MorningStar of Golden Ridge, we are proud to offer the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve in order to create a true home for residents in a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest communities for assisted and independent living Peoria AZ offers.

Source: go4life.nia.nih.gov/preventing-falls/

When is it Time to Consider an Assisted Living Community?

Have you been searching “assisted living facilities near me” for a parent or loved one?  Confused or unsure?  

Often a family is not sure whether it would be better for mom or dad to move into an assisted living community.  Making the decision more difficult is the fact that many seniors can be resistant to moving, and they do not like the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them.  However the most important thing to consider is whether your parent’s current living situation meets their overall health and medical needs, their physical needs, and safety.  If it doesn’t, it is time to start a conversation about making a change. 

Your parents or senior loved ones may no longer be safe at home if they are having falls.  The National Council on Aging reports that one in four adults over the age of 65 have a fall each year and those statistics are higher in older seniors.  In fact every 11 seconds a senior is treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall.  Other mobility factors that may comprise their safety include struggling to go up and down stairs as well as difficulty getting up from a chair or their bed. 

Another indication your parent may not be functioning well on their own is if you find they are looking disheveled and neglecting their appearance.  You probably will also want to take a look around the house and see if they are keeping it up or is it untidy and disorganized.  Furthermore, are they taking their medications as prescribed and are they eating well? 

The staff at MorningStar of Beaverton knows how to take care of these needs as well as to provide a warm, comfy atmosphere to make sure all of our residents feel right at home.  Our beautiful new community offers both assisted living suites 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 discover why we are a step above ordinary assisted living facilities.

Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that assisted living is not such a “terrible place” after all but rather a true home that offers many benefits.  Several studies also back up this assertion and have found that for many seniors, community living is a healthier, safer and more agreeable alternative to living alone. 

Initially it can be difficult for seniors to leave their familiar family home and often mistakenly think moving into an assisted living community will mean the end of their independence.  Actually, the opposite ends up being true as when a senior receives the proper care he or she needs, they are able to lead a fuller life. 

Another reason some seniors may be reluctant to make the move is they do not realize that assisted living communities of today are not anything like nursing homes.  As a resident of an assisted living community, you not only will have you own private suite but an array of care options and amenities that are designed to provide your utmost comfort and security.    

In many cases assisted living is a much better option than trying to patch together the range of services the senior needs from in-home care providers.  Furthermore, assisted living communities are already set up to accommodate those who may have mobility difficulties, and it can be expensive to retrofit a private home to make it safe enough for a senior with physical limitations.  In addition, senior living communities such as MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge provide 24/7 care and offer assisted living residents as well as their families the peace of mind knowing help is close at hand in an emergency.  

Please see our website for contact information and to learn why independent living, assisted living or memory care may be the right decision for you or your loved one. 

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 our exceptional assisted and independent living.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/   

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Arvada

If you are confused with what the term assisted living means, you are not alone. Relatively a new concept, assisted living is based on the European model and is not a nursing home. Assisted living is designed for seniors who require a little assistance with their daily personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc. Furthermore, rather than taking away a person’s independence, assisted living provides the services seniors need to maintain an independent lifestyle. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, our assisted living offers five levels of care. Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family. Also regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers (at least one team member is CPR trained on each shift) to meet needs and ensure your comfort and safety. 

On the MorningStar website, we list the many clinical services available to residents including Medication Management, which is performed by Certified Med Care Managers, routine care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations. In addition we have a licensed nurse on-site or on-call, and provide transportation to residents’ medical appointments. If you or your loved one is diabetic, we offer diabetes management as well as oxygen administration services. MorningStar also provides more advanced care such as catheter and colostomy care or palliative/hospice care. 

For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems, and is smartly-designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents. Assisted living also includes three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, housekeeping and laundry services, trash removal and full access to all onsite amenities (including pool, spa, and health club).

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our assisted living as well as our independent living and memory care options.

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.

Alzheimer’s Disease Takes a Toll on Caregivers

The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.7 million Americans with the disease.  They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease.  Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's.   Experts also predict that as we continue to live longer, the number of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s will grow to nearly million adults by 2050.  Right now it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured.

These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally.  Their studies show that close to 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers “rate their stress level as high or very high.”  Approximately 40 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression and required healthcare services related to the emotional and physical toll of their caregiving.

Experts recommend that if you are a family caregiver that you reach out for help from a variety of sources including relatives, friends, and local community organizations.  Caregiver support groups can also be helpful as you can connect with others who are dealing with the same problems.  Respite care and day care centers can also give you some relief from the responsibility and difficulties of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Another solution is to contact MorningStar of Beaverton and learn about our compassionate and loving memory care.  Along with 66 bright suites for assisted living, we also have 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living 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 area’s finest senior living.

Sources: alz.org/facts/overview.asp#prevalence

familydoctor.org/caring-for-a-relative-who-has-dementia/

The Finest Independent Living in Peoria

If you are looking for the best independent living Peoria AZ has to offer, we encourage you to consider our newest senior community in the area, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge. Offering stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, Golden Ridge has it all.  With 38 Casitas for independent living, we provide seniors with carefree, comfortable retirement years.

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer twice monthly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Our community offers smartly-designed Casitas in two floorplans, both with an attached garage.  The Casitas offer contemporary design with premium upgrades such as high-quality stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops.  And with priority access to MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s nearby assisted living and memory care suites, you have the security of knowing additional care is right next door if you should ever you need it.

In addition, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has beautifully-appointed, warm and inviting common areas where residents can comfortably gather and enjoy the day.  Even our outdoor area is inviting with a saline swimming pool and outdoor dining area. When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our Gallery renderings to get an idea of what our beautiful new community will look like.    

Moreover, as a resident, you get resort-style amenities and lots of services including continental breakfast in the clubhouse as well as another meal prepared by our Executive Chef served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.  All of our Casitas are equipped with their own washer and dryer and full kitchens so you can prepare meals on your own whenever you like. 

Please contact us to schedule a visit to our exceptional senior living community. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about the finest independent living Peoria AZ offers.

Happenings at MorningStar of Beaverton

When we say MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton is more like a resort community than an assisted living facility, we are not exaggerating. How does a beautiful, well appointed private suite along with striking common areas sound? How about three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our inviting dining room?  Or other onsite services such as a full salon, bistro, art studio, fitness room, spa bath, and much more? We are quickly coming upon our Grand Opening in late 2018.

Along with everything else MorningStar of Beaverton offers, we are proud to provide residents our signature Wellness Program.  Committed to the idea that there is always a reason to start the day confident in the promise it holds, our program strives to engage the mind, body and spirit.   We recognize it is important for seniors to continue learning and contributing.

MorningStar’s Wellness Program is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connection through a range of physical, intellectual, spiritual and social activities.  Each day our Life Enrichment team will present creative ways to help residents keep active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. 

By offering such a wide span of activities and programs, we are certain our residents will find something that peaks their interest.  For example, at another MorningStar community, their monthly calendar lists the following activities offered on one day: Fitness w/Advance Healthcare, Bingo, Sing Along, Guacamole Tasting, Page Turners, Resident Participation Council, Wine down Wednesday, Entertainment and Billiards.  Also, if we do not already offer it, we encourage our talented residents to form and lead special interest clubs and activities.  

We also offer special activities that may include trips to local cultural events, historic museums and scenic drives.  Once our community is up and running, our monthly calendar of activities will be updated and posted on our home page so future residents and their families can get an idea of what goes on at MorningStar of Beaverton.  You can also check our “Life Around our House” and “Upcoming Events” to see recent happenings and events at our community.  Please visit our website for contact information and 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 discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

Best Care Practices for Alzheimer’s Disease

Over the last several decades, there has been an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Along with efforts to develop medications to treat or to cure the disease, there has also been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease. 

In a publication from the Alzheimer’s Association titled the “Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes,” they explore ways that professional caregiving can be more effective.  Their first recommendation is to make sure a resident is receiving proper food and fluid consumption.  They note that “Inadequate consumption or inappropriate food and fluid choices can contribute directly to a decline in a resident’s health and well-being.” 

The next point they discuss is pain management.  They cite the fact that many times people with dementia have trouble communicating pain so it is often overlooked and not treated.  However, the problem with not managing pain appropriately is that it can “result in behavioral symptoms and lead to unnecessary use of psychotropic medications.”

Another important practice recommendation from the report is that assisted living communities provide social engagement and meaningful activities for memory care residents.  By engaging in activities, it helps residents to retain their functional abilities and thus provides a better quality of life.   These interactions should be designed to do with residents, not to or for them. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a new senior living community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. If you are a family member searching for quality memory care for your loved one, we encourage you to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood.  We have 35 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  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.  

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 our exceptional assisted and independent living.

Source:alz.org/national/documents/brochure_DCPRphases1n2.pdf

MorningStar of Beaverton - Answers to FAQs on Our Website

If you are looking for assisted living for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Beaverton, which is conveniently located in a western suburb of Portland.  Our community will open soon and team members are busy getting everything ready to welcome our new residents. 

Although we strongly recommend that families visit our model suites to experience our community firsthand, we give you lots of information in advance on our website under a section entitled “FAQ.”  This section is intended to provide answers to many of the questions families have when deciding if MorningStar of Beaverton is the best option for them. 

We start by answering some questions regarding our company.  You will learn that MorningStar is not just a family of senior living communities, but what we refer to as “senior loving homes.” We feel it is not only our privilege to serve but our pleasure to love all those beneath our roof.  In addition our staff is made up of individuals that have servants’ hearts and are prepared to meet the needs of others.  Our unique Radiance program guides the way we provide our service and is designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount. 

Our FAQs further explains MorningStar’s various senior living options.  Our assisted living suites are available to individuals 62 years and older and offer compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting.  Trained care managers are onsite 24/7 to monitor our residents’ health and make adjustments in care as needed.  At MorningStar of Beaverton, we offer both assisted living and memory care.   

You will also find answers to how we determine the level of care we provide to residents.  Once you commit to MorningStar, our Wellness Director will assess your current health, and review your medical history to ascertain how we can best meet your needs.  At this time, we discuss your personal preferences and routines to help us create a customized care plan. Please visit our website for more information, and while you are there, contact us for pricing and availability.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in assisted living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Built on a foundation of honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for our residents.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand the area’s best assisted living and memory care in the area.