Tuesday, April 30, 2019

See Our Website for Answers to FAQs



If you are in the beginning stages of looking for senior living in and around Peoria and the Glendale area, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  Our community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   

One good way to get to know our community is through our website where you will find lots of information regarding our amenities and services as well as information and floor plans for our Casitas and suites.  Furthermore, the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which encompasses over 30 communities under operation or development, has lots of information about how our communities are run and what they offer. 

One of the areas you will find especially informative is the “FAQ” section.  Here we go through a whole list of questions we have been asked in the past and provide families with answers.  Topics include why we are different, what we offer, and just what is an assisted living community.  We also provide help in determining if your loved one needs assisted living along with suggestions on how to begin the conversation on why it may be the time to start thinking about making a change in their living situation.

The FAQ page is also an easy way to see if you or your loved one meets our age requirement (for an IL, AL, or MC suite, you must be at least 62 years of age, for Cottages 55 years of age).  It also provides answers to questions regarding Companion Living, couples living together, respite stays, pets, and much more.  Additionally, while we provide answers as to how our fees are structured and how we determine the care you or your family member will receive in assisted living, we are more than happy to answer all and any questions personally.  Once you have looked over our website, we invite you to set up a tour of MorningStar at Golden Ridge to see for yourself our beautiful, vibrant community.                  

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.



Sunday, April 28, 2019

Learn & Contribute at MorningStar of Beaverton

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we believe that seniors have a lot to contribute as well as a desire to continue learning, which is why we are proud to offer our signature wellness program, WellStar.  Each day our Life Enrichment team finds ways to help residents celebrate life by engaging the mind, body and spirit in purposeful and productive activities. 

One look at our monthly calendar posted on our home page will give you an idea of the entertaining, enjoyable activities we invite our residents to participate in. A few examples of the goings-on at MorningStar include a Stitching Club, Flower Arranging, and Craft Classes; meetings of our Writing and Book Clubs; or join the Walking Club.  We also offer games such as Bingo and Trivia, Card and Board Games, Social Hours and Movie Nights. 

Along with the pure fun of the experience, you will have the chance to bond with fellow residents and staff and become a part of our philosophy of building “Family for Life.”  As one of our MorningStar Senior Living resident’s explains, “My wife and I were just existing in our former home, but we’re living here at MorningStar. It’s all in how you look at the changes in your life.”

In addition weekly activities typically include a road trip to local areas of interest or a pleasant scenic drive that may end up with lunch at a nearby park or restaurant.  We also invite residents to tap into their unique talents and life experiences by leading special interest clubs. 

As one of the area’s top choice for assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton is a beautiful, compassionate community that is served by a loving team of extraordinary caregivers.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability and to set up a tour to see firsthand all of our amenities and comforts.     

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 schedule a tour to discover our new assisted living and memory care community.


Thursday, April 25, 2019

Independent Senior Living Convenient to Peoria and Glendale

Newly opened in January, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is committed to provide the best independent living Peoria AZ has to offer. Our beautiful community, set on 8.8 acres, has   38 Casitas for independent living set back on the property in their own neighborhood.  A nearby building is home to two other neighborhoods, assisted living for seniors who require help with daily personal care, and our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

Independent living at Golden Ridge provides seniors with carefree retirement years, and as our Casitas are rented on a month-to-month basis and not a buy-in community, it does not require a large upfront investment such as many other area properties.  The Casitas offer a good value when compared to our competitors, given the premium upgrades that characterize our homes, and the host of services and amenities included.

Our stylish, contemporary Casitas offer high-quality stainless-steel appliances, including an electric stove, garbage disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator, and above-stove microwave and/or hood with vent.  All kitchens have premium quartz countertops, stained wood cabinets and high-end wood-laminate plank flooring.  In addition, the Casitas have a one car attached garage and additional uncovered surface spaces throughout our campus.

Included in your monthly fee, you will receive a daily continental breakfast (M-F) and one meal per day in the restaurant.  Our community has a liquor license and liquor and wine is available in our main dining room as well as at our Bistro and Clubhouse.  As a resident you will have access to a range of amenities including a variety of life enrichment programs, saline swimming pool, fitness center, theater, salon and much more.  Please visit our website and 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.


Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Join the MorningStar of Beaverton Family

If you are looking for the best senior living Beaverton Oregon has to offer, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar of Beaverton “home.”  Our whole team is committed to being the best and living up to our unique mission statements as follows:

·         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    

MorningStar Senior Living’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Fifteen years later, MorningStar has continued to grow and prosper as with the recent opening of MorningStar of Beaverton as well as another Oregon community, MorningStar of Happy Valley, which is scheduled to open late this year. 

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Our compassionate community is filled with love and laughter as we aspire to and nurture our core value of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  

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.


Friday, April 19, 2019

Is it Time for Assisted Living?


At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, 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.  On our home page, we have a convenient link to an online form to set up a tour with us.   

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.


Monday, April 15, 2019

Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we opened in November 2018 committed to providing the best senior living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.  We proudly provide the area’s seniors high-quality assisted living and memory care.  As experienced specialists in caring for those with memory loss from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, our community is 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.  Also 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 resident joins our Reflections Neighborhood, we 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 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. 

All memory care residents are encouraged to participate in a full range of daily wellness programs and activities designed to support and engage their physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connections.  Each day offers a variety of physical exercise suitable for our residents.  We also offer musical entertainment, crafts, games and sing-alongs as well as planned outings.  A few examples of our scheduled activities include Chair Exercise, Noodle Baseball, Baking Club, Name that Tune, Bingo, Word Games, and Evening Meditation. 

MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 private assisted living suites and 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  All of our suites are ready to move into and just need your furnishings and personal items to feel like home.  Please contact us for information on pricing and availability. 

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.


Saturday, April 13, 2019

Learn More About Newly Opened MorningStar at Golden Ridge


If you are searching in the Peoria and Glendale areas for the finest senior living, we would like to introduce you to MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  We opened our doors to residents earlier this year with the goal of providing the best assisted and independent living Peoria AZ has to offer.  Within a beautiful 8.8-acre campus our community has three neighborhoods: 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living, 65 assisted living suites for seniors who require help with personal daily activities, and 35 memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. 

Our beautiful, vibrant home is designed for carefree retirement years and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Golden Ridge’s independent living Casitas, structured as quadraplexes, are set back on the property within their own private neighborhood with a clubhouse and swimming pool. Included in our independent living, residents receive a continental breakfast (Monday – Friday) in the Clubhouse and one meal per day in the restaurant.  Also included in monthly rent is access to all onsite amenities, twice monthly housekeeping, utilities, group transportation and all life enrichment programing.

Assisted living and memory care residents have a choice of floor plans including studio, one-and two-bedroom options.  These suites offer a kitchenette, handicap-accessible bathroom, emergency call system, private heating and air conditioning, weekly housekeeping and linen service along with daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  Residents in both assisted living and memory care are treated to three delicious meals daily. Furthermore, everyone in our community benefits from exceptional wellness programs and activities. 

Most importantly, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is proud to have a hospitality and care team who feels called to serve seniors and works to create a true home for all of our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most sought-after senior living community. 



Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Resort-style Amenities at Beaverton’s Newest Senior Living Community


Newly opened in November, MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community offers 66 bright suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Our community was meticulously designed to provide our residents with all the comforts of home to ensure carefree retirement years.   In addition to the warm and welcoming common rooms and private suites that are all ready to move into, we have a loving, dedicated staff that is honored to serve seniors. 

As a resident, you will enjoy three daily meals that are expertly prepared by our own Executive Chef.  Our meals are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room, and for intimate dinners, we offer a private dining room.  Our community also includes a chapel/theatre that includes a Wii, a bistro, fitness room and spa bath.  MorningStar of Beaverton also has an onsite salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures. 

Around our exterior spaces, we have an outdoor patio overlooking wetlands, raised garden beds, strolling paths and two enclosed courtyards.  Inside, our community has a cozy, inviting fireside library and beautiful sun rooms as well as our life enrichment room where many of our wellness programs and activities take place.  Other services include scheduled transportation, a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse and much more.    

We encourage you to set up a tour to see for yourself the best senior living community in Beaverton.  Our suites are available in a variety of configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.   Please visit our website 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 schedule a tour to discover the newest community in Beaverton.



Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Seniors Need to be Aware of Their Fluid Intake


Now that we are approaching the summer months and outside temperatures will begin to rise, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake. 

There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age. This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss.  Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration.  Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink. 

Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink  something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time.  The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period.  Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to see to the needs of our residents.  Included in the many services and amenities we provide are daily nutritional meals served in the Clubhouse or restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We feel that good food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community.  Please visit our website to learn more about our independent living, assisted living, and memory care options.
  
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.

Source: betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/

Sunday, April 7, 2019

MorningStar of Arvada’s Unique Approach to Memory Care

morningstar general 2

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family.  All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path.   

Newly opened, MorningStar of Arvada is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community located on 1.5 acres near shopping, medical services, restaurstern U.S, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists.

Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss.  We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed.  Even our meals are designed with our most tender residents’ needs in mind and are as good to look at as they are to eat.

MorningStar of Arvada offers 112 independent and assisted living suites along with 29 secure suites for memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood.  Please visit our website or contact us for more information

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

Friday, April 5, 2019

Osteoporosis in Seniors


While one in four women 65 years and older (one in two women over the age of 80) have osteoporosis, it is not a disease that only affects women.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in ten men older than 80 also have some level of bone loss. 
 
So what is osteoporosis?  Experts state that the disease is the gradual weakening of the skeletal system and causes bones to become weak and brittle.  This results in an increased risk of fractures from falls or mild stresses as the bones thin (a decrease of bone mass and density) and become depleted of bone calcium and protein.

To diagnose the disease, patients are screened using a dual X-ray absorptiometry, also called a DXA or DEXA.  Doctors use the test to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip or total body to help evaluate a person’s risk of fracture.  The noninvasive scan is painless and usually takes only 10 or 20 minutes.

While there are risk factors associated with a greater likelihood of developing osteoporosis, some people develop it without any of them.  Gender, family history, age, body size and ethnicity are risk factors you cannot change but there are other things you can change.   Bone loss can be caused by a lifetime diet that is low in calcium and vitamin D as well as the long-term use of several medications such as glucocorticoids. Lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to osteoporosis.

Many doctors would like to see more adults tested at a younger age so if there are any signs of the disease, it can be identified early and treatment and lifestyle changes made years before bones become brittle.  Right now bone mineral density screening is recommended for all postmenopausal women and for men age 50 years and older based on risk factors and on the advice of their health care provider.   

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 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 in Beaverton Oregon.

Sources: agingcare.com/articles/an-overview-of-osteoporosis-133147.htm
webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20150813/1-in-4-senior-women-in-us-has-osteoporosis-cdc#1



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