Perform Hands-on CPR to the Beat of a Favorite Song

If you haven’t kept up with new guidelines regarding CPR, the American Heart Association (AHA) says the first step when someone has stopped breathing is to call 911 or have someone else call, and use simple, direct words such as "Heart stopped. I need help."  Now begin chest compressions, which help to move the blood around the body.  Several years ago, the AHA stopped recommending doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately as “in the seconds before a heart stops, the person takes a big deep breath and fills their lungs with air.”

Chest compressions on an adult or teen should be done by putting the heel of one hand on the breastbone of the chest and the other hand on top of it.   Now start pressing down at least two full inches or more (not less) hard and fast, about 100 to 120 pushes per minutes. 

Experts suggest several songs in a variety of genres to pace your compressions by.  For county music fans, recommendations include Blake Shelton's "All about Tonight" or Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire."  There are songs for fans of Lady Gaga like "Just Dance," Dianna Ross’ fans with “Ain't No Mountain High Enough," or "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.

While anyone can do CPR, getting certified by an American Red Cross CPR class gives you the extra confidence to response quickly as well as information regarding rescue breathing.  Once you complete the course, you are certified for two years but to keep yourself up-to-date, it is suggested you take a refresher course before your certificate expires. 

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For assisted living and memory care residents, our 24/7 care managers are certified in both CPR and First Aid.  In addition all team members, regardless of their role, complete three foundational one-day training sessions that include Radiance (our culture and customer service initiative); and Lavender Sky (our dementia care philosophy and approach to programming).  We also provide continuing education through in-services and online video training.  Our Med Techs (QMAPs) are also trained in medication administration.  Visit our website to learn more about our loving 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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. 

 

Source: cnn.com/2020/03/09/health/cpr-living-to-100-wellness/index.html 

Are You Eating Too Much Sugar?

 

We all may be eating and drinking foods we consider to be healthy but they may contain far more sugar than we think they do. It can even happen with foods we do not necessarily think of as sweet such as ketchup or barbeque sauce. Also making what we assume is the healthier choice like “low fat” or “light” yogurt may actually contain more sugar than the regular variety. Some low-fat yogurt has over 30 grams of sugar; and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends men consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) of added sugar per day. For women, the amount is just 6 teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day.

Another food we think of as healthy is granola. While it is true that the main ingredient is rolled oats, which provides protein, healthy fats and fiber, it also can be loaded with lots of sugar and calories. This is where label reading can help as the Washington Post did a story on granolas and found a single serving can range from one gram of sugar to 14 grams. Another thing to look for are the words “added sugar” as the sugar from dried fruit is not bad for us (more calories for those watching) as is corn syrup or cane sugar. However, do keep in mind that while honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar may be healthier, they still add empty calories.

Drinks such as sugared ice teas and flavored coffees also add a lot of sugar to our diets as do some sport drinks and vitamin waters so be sure to read the label. If you want to avoid empty sugary drinks altogether, make flavored waters by adding fruit or vegetable slices. Toss in some lime and cucumber slices to your water or a handful of berries, orange slices, or mint leaves; use your imagination.

If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Beaverton Oregon’s Morningstar community may be your answer. Our delicious meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Common Misconceptions About Alzheimer’s Disease

 There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.

One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over. In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise. Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain. As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital.

People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it. The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly. While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as their 40s and 50s.

Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease. Studies have shown no such correlation between the two. Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable.

Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider. Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, an assisted living facility in the Portland, OR area, we provide compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We take a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website for more information.

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.

Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer

alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease

Pets Help Reduce Stress and Lift Our Spirits

Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms.  In fact even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress.  Also during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.  

The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship.   Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life.  Moreover how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr?  Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.  

Also many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.”   In addition dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing.  However experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses.  Also if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need? 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ, we understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly.  Our gorgeous community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 assisted living suites, and another 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of our services and amenities including à la carte services for pet feeding, dog walking and pet grooming. 

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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria.  

Despite What is Going on Around Us, It is Important to have Your Eyes Examined

Ophthalmologists want to remind seniors to not neglect their eyes and to know that all is being done to keep them safe during routine eye exams.  In fact several of the most common leading causes of blindness including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are more effectively treated when discovered early. 

Doctors explain that people often do not realize their eyes are weakening as the brain does a good job of compensating for a creeping loss of vision, and may be putting themselves at risk for future blindness.  A dilated-eye exam can catch eye diseases early and may not only help save your vision but in some cases reverse damage.   

Yvonne Ou, associate professor in ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, says when glaucoma is caught early through a comprehensive eye exam, it is a very treatable disease and generally can prevent vision loss that affects quality of life.  Doctors recommend getting tested every year at the age of 50 and older.  Those with a family history of glaucoma may need to be tested more often. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that causes damage to the macula, and as its name suggests, age is one of the biggest risk factors.  There are two type of AMD, wet and dry, with dry AMD being the most common.  Treatments for early-detected dry AMD involve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and taking steps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and eating a healthy diet. 

Another eye problem picked up with a dilated-eye exam includes diabetic retinopathy, which is “the top cause of blindness in working-age adults in the U.S., according to the CDC.”   Cataracts are also a condition that is age-related but fortunately very treatable.  When your doctor first sees signs of a cataract, experts say it may be 10 or 20 years before you will be bothered enough to do something about it.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Our wide range of services are designed to make life easier for our residents including scheduled transportation so you never have to worry about getting to a doctor’s appointment or other important trips.   Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about availability and pricing.  

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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s top independent living & assisted living in Peoria.  

Source:

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/eye-disease-blindness-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY 

New Blood Test to Detect Alzheimer’s Disease Earlier & More Accurately

Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future.  However medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin.  Moreover up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”

Now JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article at the end of July regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this years Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020.  Researcher explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently be testing for.  

In fact Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!”

Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions.  And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure.  In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it. 

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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

  

Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/

Ensure Your Parent Gets the Support They Need

Now may be the time to consider moving your parent into assisted living as a way to ensure they get the daily support they need in a safe, comfortable environment. Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton provide all of the comforts and care residents need to thrive! 

Assisted living also provides peace of mind if your mom or dad has poor balance or failing eyesight, which can increase the likelihood of a fall, and not having help close at hand can be dangerous. In addition, if a parent no longer drives, it may be difficult for them to get groceries and other necessary supplies including prescription medications or to see a doctor. 

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission is to provide the best assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer. Our beautiful community provides assisted living residents help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to help maintain their independence. Residents and their families take comfort knowing our trained care managers are there to help them navigate through any changes in their health condition. And if you wondered, couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or a suite can be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. 

Another thing you will no longer have to worry about is whether mom or dad is getting enough good, healthy food to eat. MorningStar’s daily meals feature the freshest ingredients and are prepared using the highest quality produce, often homegrown and locally sourced as we know there is nothing like fresh foods to stimulate the senses and the appetite. 

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during this time of the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Assisted Living Designed to Respect Your Independence!

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that is starting to lose a step and needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into assisted living communities.  When you begin your search, please add the gorgeous MorningStar at Golden Ridge community in Peoria, AZ to the top of your list. 

Too often a senior worries that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom.  They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions. 

All of this could not be more further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar at Golden Ridge has to offer.  Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity. 

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging.  In addition we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. 

In fact our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members.  Along with our 65 suites for assisted living, our community has 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, and availability and pricing.  

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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.   

Our Memory Care Caters to the Specialized Needs of Residents

Along with 112 bright independent and assisted living suites, MorningStar of Arvada has another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service. 

Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees.  The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; they are not very nutritional and lack variety.   

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional.  Our menus now consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat. 

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents.  Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.  Please contact us for availability and pricing at the most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.  While you are visiting our website, be sure to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving independent living, assisted living and memory care community.   

MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please visit our website for availability; your loved one deserves the finest memory care Arvada CO offers.    

Floor Plans to Suit Your Needs & Wants

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge community, we offer a range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays.  Starting with 38 quadraplexes with attached garages designed for independent living, our Casitas are tucked into their own private neighborhood in Peoria near the Cardinal’s stadium and offer active seniors carefree retirement years.  We have another 65 suites for assisted living for those requiring a helping hand with daily activities. In addition, our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Currently we are accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe and encourage you to contact us to inquire about availability.  Our spacious Casitas offer two-bedrooms, two baths and feature contemporary designs such as kitchens with a breakfast bar, high-quality stainless-steel appliances, premium quartz countertops, stained wood cabinets and high-end wood-laminate plank flooring.

Among our gracious assisted living suites, we have a range of configurations from studio apartments to one-bedroom, one bath; two-bedroom, one-bath; and two-bedroom, one ½ bath units.  MorningStar’s memory care also offers several floor plans and configurations.  

Each suite in assisted living and memory care has a kitchenette with quartz surfaces, stainless full-size fridge and breakfast bar.  Moreover all units have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems.  Most AL suites come with a stackable washer/dryer.  If you require, we do have suites that are fully wheelchair accessible.   

Throughout our community, all of our senior living options are designed with lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds. In other words, all that is missing is your personal furnishings and mementos, and as we know you would not wish to leave behind a beloved family member, we are pet friendly.  

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 on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in beautiful Peoria.   

Falls are Very Common Among Seniors

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal. Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom. The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes. 

Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations. In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall. Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs. Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed. Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning. 

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane. Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative. Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our beautiful community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations. All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed assisted living facility. Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. 

MorningStar of Beaverton 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.

Have Questions About MorningStar of Beaverton?

MorningStar of Beaverton’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, and we understand that looking at communities and deciding which one is right for you is a big step for a senior. This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have. In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more. 

Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Family Resources” tab. Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 62 years old). You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure. 

FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty healthcare provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair. 

You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too. Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs. Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration. 

Please visit our website for more answers to FAQs, contact information or to get pricing and availability by email. We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.