The Advantages of Senior Living

Today’s senior living communities are designed to offer older adults carefree retirement years, and many seniors report they prefer community-style living to living alone.  This is probably due to the fact that senior living communities, which are rather a new concept, are tailored to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. 

If an older adult is still a homeowner, a senior living community provides the opportunity to say goodbye to never-ending yard work, home maintenance and housekeeping chores.  After all who wants to spend their precious retirement years mowing the lawn or shoveling snow when you can use the time for more fulfilling activities? 

Another benefit senior living offers is it helps to eliminate the loneliness or isolation many seniors experience after they retire.  At MorningStar we offer all kinds of entertaining and meaningful activities that provide seniors a way to stay engaged and continue to grow.  Socializing at MorningStar is as easy as going to our beautiful dining room for a meal or participating in a morning exercise class.  Even if you are the type of person who values privacy, senior living offers the reassurance of having people around when you need them.  

Predictable budgeting is yet one more benefit of senior living as most of your living expenses will be included in your monthly fee.  At MorningStar that includes basic cable TV and utilities, daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, fitness centers, salon, onsite theatre, bistro, saline swimming pool with hot tub, and more. 

Furthermore, if you start out in one of our 38 Casitas for independent living, and down the road, require help with daily personal care or memory care, you get priority placement and will not pay an internal transfer fee.  We consider this just one of the many advantages to living in a community with more than one neighborhood under our roof.  

 

For luxury assisted or independent living, Peoria AZ’s new MorningStar of Golden Ridge is sure to impress.  We are a safe, comfortable community with resort-style amenities, meaningful activities and a staff who is honored to serve seniors.  Please contact us regarding availability and pricing.

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 assisted and independent living Peoria AZ offers.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s Great Leadership Team Makes a Difference

MorningStar of Beaverton is proud to offer exceptional assisted living and memory care in our beautiful new community overlooking a natural wetland in the greater Portland area.  A lot of our success has to do with our compassionate, loving staff, which starts at the top with our committed leadership team. 

Kerry Riley, our Executive Director, is one of the big reasons MorningStar of Beaverton feels like a true “home.”  Kerry explains that she feels happiest when she is serving others.  She adds that, “I was taught from a young age to laugh easily, love others, and to be compassionate.”  Kerry’s message in this month’s Newsletter says it all, “Our goal at MorningStar is to express daily in word and deed to each of our residents how much we appreciate and care for them. Our team and residents are a family, and while we will definitely enjoy a Valentine’s Day celebration on the big day, we plan to share our love with each other every day.”

Our Wellness Director, Allonah Podvin, relates how the first senior she ever loved was a neighbor, Jeanie.   Allonah describes the experience this way, “We shared a dream of having a beautiful flower garden. She provided expertise and resources, I gave my time and eager curiosity. Together, we created a garden oasis and cherished memories for years to come.”   She goes on to say that she is humbled every day to serve at MorningStar.

Jay Morin is MorningStar of Beaverton’s Community Relations Director. He tells us that his Grandmother showed him the meaning of God’s love and compassion. He sums up his feelings about the community by saying, “It’s an honor to present Oregon with MorningStar, a company that holds true standards, visions and core values.” Our community is certainly lucky to have such a caring leadership team. 

MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 well-appointed suites for assisted living that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  We also have 38 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please visit our website to learn more about why our community is so special, and if you like what you see, set up a tour to visit in person. 

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 set up a tour of our exceptional assisted living community.

Looking for an Assisted Living Community?

Just as MorningStar at Golden Ridge encourages anyone interested in our new community’s assisted living option to schedule a visit, so do most other senior living communities.   This is because you cannot really get an idea of what a community looks like or feels like without seeing it in person. 

In addition to wanting you or your loved one to be happy with the choice, your priorities most likely include finding a community that is well run, clean, and within your price range.   Experts recommend your first step should be to do some research over the Internet and on the phone.  Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to a pharmacy, medical facilities and shopping.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.   

Senior support networks like Caring.com has a great checklist (it is even printable) of tips to consider when touring an assisted living community.  To start with, they say you should always listen to your gut instincts.   From the moment you walk through the door, do you get a good feeling?  Regardless of how beautifully decorated, does it feel welcoming and have a home-like atmosphere?  If they offer the service, eat lunch with the residents as it will help to give you a more complete picture of the community. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge encourages families to schedule a visit as we are proud of each and every aspect of our community.  Not only is our community beautifully decorated and designed for residents’ every comfort and need, but we have a staff that is committed to serving seniors and come to work each day with a smile on their face.  Please visit our website for more information. 

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 learn more about our exceptional independent and assisted living community.

Source: caring.com/articles/assisted-living-facilities-choosing-the-right-one#research

MorningStar of Beaverton is Beginning to Feel Like “Home”

We opened our doors to residents in November committed to providing the best senior living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.  MorningStar of Beaverton has 66 bright suites for assisted living including a range of floor plans starting with spacious studio and one-bedroom units all the way to large two-bedroom floor plans.  If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

We are proud to report our opening has been a huge success and our team has been delighted to welcome residents to their new home as well as working hard to ensure everyone get comfortably settled in.  Also now that residents are here, our activities and special events have gotten underway.  To get an idea of the community’s goings on, you can now view our monthly calendar posted on our website.  As you will see, residents have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that are sure to suit many interests.  One example of a typical day includes: chair yoga, cooking club, word games, social hour, and an evening movie. 

In terms of special events, in February we had two special events on the calendar. First on the 3rd we gathered together in the theater with friends and family to watch the Super Bowl together.  And of course, yummy game day snacks were served! On the 14^th of the month we all enjoyed a fun-filled Valentine’s Day party.

We invite Beaverton area families to keep in touch with us through our website for information on upcoming events and news of our community.  Furthermore, please use our online forms to request pricing and availability or to set up a tour to experience our exceptional community firsthand. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 senior living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Finding the Perfect Gift for Your Favorite Senior

It can be difficult to find the right gift for an elderly parent, grandparent or relative who has moved into an assisted or independent living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running a larger household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space. 

The A Place for Mom website has a few suggestions for gifts that are sure to please.  One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special.

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift. 

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks.

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your loved one is not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Include with the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.   

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.

Dementia Care Specialists at MorningStar of Arvada

When MorningStar of Arvada opens soon, we will provide 29 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, in addition to our 112 private suites for independent and assisted living. Dedicated to providing the best memory care Arvada has to offer, our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to encourage residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires. 

At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.” Our philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia. With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together. By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope. 

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow. When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Arvada, we explore the person’s life including their background, interest and preferences to create a specialized care plan. We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members. 

As you can see, memory care in Arvada’s newest senior living community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion. Please visit our website to learn more. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “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 in a beautiful setting. We encourage you to visit to see firsthand the most loving, compassionate memory care Arvada CO offers.

MorningStar’s New Community in Beaverton Oregon

MorningStar of Beaverton is now open and our staff is doing what we do best - serving seniors.  Our community has 66 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 974 square feet).  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

While the name “MorningStar,” may be new to the area, rest assured we are not new to senior living. On the contrary, MorningStar has 25 communities open or under construction in eight states and more on the way in 2020 and 2021.  In addition, MorningStar of Beaverton has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unrivaled by other assisted living facilities. 

MorningStar began in 2003 when founder, Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on:

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all of our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them.  The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, fill out our online form to set up a tour of our beautiful new 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.

Learn More About Memory Care Communities

The most recent statistics from the Alzheimer's Association indicate that one in ten people 65 years and older in the U.S. have Alzheimer's, and as baby boomers age, the number is expected to grow.  Furthermore, the Alzheimer’s Association cites a statistic showing that more than 16 million Americans are caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.  If you are currently in that position, remember you are not alone and there are many resources designed to help. 

It is a fact that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a big job and it can take a toll on the health and wellbeing of a family caretaker, which is why it is imperative to recognize when the task becomes too difficult.  This is the time to make meaningful lifestyle changes for both you and the person with dementia, and one option is to look into an assisted living community that offers specialized memory care. 

At A Place for Mom website, they discuss some of the reasons why memory care should be considered for both the safety of the person suffering with the disease as well as for the benefit of caretakers.  The habit of “wandering” is one of those circumstances and can be a frequent problem of dementia, posing a safety risk including an increase in falls and injuries. Another common trait of Alzheimer’s is a condition known as “sundowner syndrome,” which causes a person to become agitated and to exhibit aggressive behavior later in the day that can be very disruptive.  

Also, communities with devoted memory care neighborhoods like MorningStar at Golden Ridge are specifically designed to safely and securely care for a person with Alzheimer’s unlike most private homes.   In addition memory care offers 24/7 care providers that are available to deal with situations even in the dead of night.  Furthermore, as the disease progresses, care needs become even more demanding and can be overwhelming for a family caregiver.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge proudly provides the very best in independent and 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 memory care at our new community.

Ask Your Doctor These Important Questions

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 take a 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.  

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.

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

Seniors Still Need Good Nutrition

Even for older adults, good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle.  A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.” 

As a part of their findings, they recommend avoiding foods loaded with empty calories such as potato chips, cookies, soda and alcohol to ensure you get your proper amount of daily nutrients.  Instead they advise eating wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats.

One of the benefits of eating well is that it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and bone loss as well as some types of cancer.  In fact if you already suffer from one of those diseases, maintaining a healthy diet along with staying physically active can help you to better manage them.  Additionally adopting a healthy diet can help to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. 

Wholesome, healthy foods help keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and vitamin-rich food can boost immunity and fight against illness-causing toxins.  Furthermore, a healthy diet can help you feel better as well as give you more energy.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we wholeheartedly agree that good nutrition is important for seniors.  This is why our residents are served meals that are not only very healthy but also delicious. Our Executive Chef prioritizes the use of ingredients which support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Our beautiful community offers a choice of 65 well-appointed, private assisted living suites, including two-bedroom, one and one-half bath floor plans. In addition, if you’re looking for independent living, we offer 38 Casitas as quadraplexes with attached garages. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we devote 35 secure suites to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. 

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 at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  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 area’s finest independent and assisted living.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s Reflections Neighborhood

Searching for memory care a step above what a typical assisted living facility offers?  We encourage you to consider the newly opened MorningStar of Beaverton. 

In our community memory care takes place within our Reflections Neighborhood.  We offer 38 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages. The philosophy motivating our care is based on one of MorningStar’s mission statements that says, “To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.” From this principle comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences, of each resident.

We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and comfort.   

Furthermore, we take the time to get to know a resident through interviews with their family members in order to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences.  We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan for the person.  

In addition our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and an enclosed, secure patio and courtyard.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home.  Contact us to learn more about our exceptional 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 an ordinary assisted living facility.