Begin a Fulfilling Career Serving Others

At the Phoenix MorningStar Senior Living communities we take a unique approach to serving seniors. We start with our mission statement: to honor God, to value seniors and to invest in our team. We then strive to adhere to our core values of love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness and respect to guide the way we treat our residents, their families, fellow team members and the community at large. Together this has enabled us to create a workplace that supports and inspires team members to thrive personally and professionally, and where they understand it is a privilege to serve.      

As our mission statement includes investing in our employees, we not only provide great jobs for them but ones filled with opportunity for growth. Each employee, regardless of position, is treated as an integral part of our success by helping us create true homes filled with love and laughter. To ensure their personal success, we offer meaningful training in Radiance, which is more than a Customer Service program, but rather a powerful way to build trust through a Culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others.

Our Phoenix area communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar of Fountain Hills that all offer assisted living and memory care. MorningStar at Golden Ridge additionally offers 38 Casitas for independent living (quadraplexes with attached garages) along with assisted living and memory care. All of our communities are seeking individuals who love the idea of serving seniors as well as working for a company promoting such values. Roles are varied, and open positions include caregivers as well as cooks, maintenance assistants, food servers and housekeeping job in Phoenix’s beautiful MorningStar homes. 

We know our employees are the heart of our communities and understand the importance of building a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered. If you feel called to serve, please visit our website and take a look at our “Career” page. There we go through our comprehensive benefit package and a little something about our hiring process along with current openings. We are intentional and articulate about the kind of culture we wish to build, and would love to welcome you to our MorningStar family.

Is it Time to Consider an Assisted Living Community?

 

If you are worried about an elderly parent who lives alone and may not be getting the kind of personal daily care, meals, or company they need; it may be time to consider assisted living. At MorningStar of Beaverton, we specialize in providing care for seniors who need a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.

We have seen first-hand how the transition to assisted living eases the stress of either or both the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s life. Moreover, we recognize that senior living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive. We achieve this with a wide range of care services, fine dining, and meaningful wellness programs and activities. In addition, residents enjoy built-in companionship as they make new friends with fellow residents and our truly loving staff.

To give families a good idea of what services are provided with assisted living, we are happy to answer any questions. Also, we suggest you take a look at our website where you will find a lot of information. A good place to start is our Decision Guide under the “First Steps” tab. Here we go over things to look for that may indicate your parent needs more help such as recent falls, unexplained weight loss, poor balance, and/or poor personal hygiene. From there, take a look at our FAQs for more details.

Under our “Wellness” tab we go over our dining experience, life enrichment, and clinical services. We also like to direct interested families to “Our Heart” to read a little background on how MorningStar Senior Living began and what its mission and precepts are all about.

While you will discover our company was founded on Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews as we believe it is our responsibility to respect residents’ spiritual preferences. In fact, our goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs as part of creating a comfortable home and compassionate care.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our 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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

Life Lessons Younger People can Learn from the Elderly

 

As someone said, “We should listen to our elders, not because they are always right, but because they have more experience in being wrong.” Most elderly people have gained insights into life and have an understanding of what is truly important. They bring a sense of gratitude from childhoods or of young adults living through hardships such as the Great Depression and World War II. Many grew up without much and were grateful for gifts like new shoes, coats or hand knit sweaters and scarves.

In an article in Time magazine, a group of seniors were asked for any advice they would give to younger people. Many agreed it was important to follow your dreams and to remember it is easy to miss opportunities that come our way. One senior counseled, "Do not hesitate to switch interests, majors or fields of concentration," adding, "Find your preference or your passion, then focus on it to your heart's content."

Another senior advises to not exclusively think about your own needs and those of your family and friends; but to remember charity, faith and spirituality enrich our lives. He explains, “Faith or the belief in a power greater than oneself seems to be important for humans, for spirituality is a part of every culture. If this spirituality fosters concern for the welfare of others, it is of great benefit to society.”

Many elderly adults stress the importance of being flexible and open to change; and some say it is as important to tend to our own happiness as it is to spread happiness to others. Lots of seniors said volunteering is a good way to give back, and in many cases, meet new friends. Finally they stress the importance of continuing to grow and learn no matter how old you are.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has a foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Our loving home offers exceptional architecture, resort-style amenities, and hospitality and care services. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: time.com/2853974/10-life-lessons-you-can-learn-from-the-smartest-older-people/

True Happiness Comes from Serving Others

 

 

Regardless of our age or station in life, helping others is one of the keys to true happiness. Saint Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Leo Tolstoy wrote the “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity,” and Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

Researchers have used fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technology to show how “giving activates the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by food and sex.” Thus helping others may be the secret to a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful. Experts recommend giving to causes you are passionate about and remember often time is more appreciated than money.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge we are a community founded on principles of serving others and along with our dedicated team, our remarkable residents are also ready to help. Our vision to love and honor others stretches beyond MorningStar’s senior living communities—and into the world. Starting at the top as Ken Jaeger, our Founder/CEO takes the lead. Ken does not mince words when it comes to inspiring others to live a life of selfless giving. Whether speaking to his MorningStar team or to any audience, his words are often these: “Don’t wait to serve. Serve now. Today. Get involved somewhere. It will make you a better person. And don’t wait to give until the day you make a million dollars. Don’t wait until your children are grown. Don’t wait until you retire. Give now, give generously. And just see what happens. For you cannot out-give God.”

MorningStar’s volunteer efforts include local community nonprofits; organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and helping people in need across the globe. Whenever possible, MorningStar residents are invited to join us in these acts of service by the giving of their time and talent as well.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our dedicated team knows seniors deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria. Be sure to ask about our Move-In Specials.

Medical Advice on How to Prevent a Stroke

 

 

Doctors stress the importance of getting emergency medical help if you think you are having a stroke. They warn every second counts once the brain is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients provided by the blood as “brain cells die at a shocking rate of 1.9 million per minute.” Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability. Not only is it important to recognize the signs of a stroke but to learn how to prevent one in the first place.

While the risk for stroke is increased by family history and age, Harvard Medical School explains there are steps we can take to lessen our risk. The first is to lower high blood pressure. HBP presents the greatest risk for stroke and a reading of less than 120/80 is ideal. Doctors say to get HBP under control reduce salt in your diet to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon); eat foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats; and avoid saturated fats. Your daily diet should include 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Eat fish two to three times a week. If you smoke, quit.

Additionally start exercising. Healthcare providers recommend at least 30 minutes a day or five days a week of moderate intensity exercise. They say exercise not only helps you lose weight and lower blood pressure, but in itself is a stroke reducer. If you drink alcohol, experts say no more than one glass a day. The standard size glass of wine is 5oz, beer is 12 oz. and hard liquor is 1.5 oz.

Another step is to treat diabetes and keep blood sugar levels in control. Also get treatment for atrial fibrillation as it has an almost fivefold risk of stroke. Most importantly consult your doctor regarding any recommended treatments including medications.

This article is informational only and not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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. Our 38 quadraplexes have attached garages and are designed for active seniors. The main building offers 65 assisted living suites where we provide a helping hand with daily personal care activities. MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ.

The Importance of Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Low

An alarming new report from the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC) finds 34.2 million people in the U.S. (10.5% of the country’s population) are diabetic. Within that group, “7.3 million, or 21.4%, have not yet received a diagnosis. The CDC also estimates that 34.5% of people over 18 years old, or 88 million, have prediabetes.” 

Adding to the problem, researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD found over the last decade fewer people are controlling their blood sugar at healthy levels. They also report the management of cholesterol is down, which is especially troubling as diabetics are at a higher risk of developing heart disease as well as developing kidney disease and nerve, eye and organ problems.

Dr. Elizabeth Selvin, of the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology and senior author of the study, said: “These are concerning findings. There has been a real decline in glycemic control from a decade ago, and overall, only a small proportion of people with diabetes are simultaneously meeting the key goals of glycemic control, blood pressure control, and control of high cholesterol.” 

Experts say some of the problem may stem from the fact that doctors think it is too difficult to help patients maintain healthy blood sugar levels but with some of the newer medications now available this is no longer true. Dr. Selvin explains new drugs carry less risk of hypoglycemia, and the process of managing blood sugar levels “may not be as complicated and daunting as physicians and patients might have come to expect.”  

  

It is important to get regular checkups, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise (both cardio and strength training). You also need to follow your doctor’s or dietician’s advice regarding diet. Diabetics need to eat at the same time each day and to watch portion size. 

The beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community believes serving seniors is our calling. We are committed to creating a community catering to the needs of residents and promoting independence through a healthy, engaged lifestyle. MorningStar has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites and another 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for availability of assisted living and independent living as well as to learn more about compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

google.com/search?q=diabetes+and+heart+disease&oq=diabetes+and+hear&aqs=chrome.0.0l3j69i57j0l4j46j0.5742j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Thinking About Moving to a Retirement Community?

Unlike years ago when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact studies indicate retirement communities provide a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. 

Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore a retirement community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. 

Another reason a senior living community such as MorningStar of Arvada enhances quality of life for its residents is we offer a five-star dinner experience for better nutritional health. Additionally wellness programs, social activities and special events mean there is something to look forward to each day. Whether taking in a yoga class, playing a challenging game of trivia, relaxing with friends on the patio or sharing a drink during Happy Hour, you will be engaged, stimulated and have a sense of purpose.    

At MorningStar of Arvada, our all-inclusive community offers independent living and assisted living with all of the amenities, services and enrichment programs to give you the best retirement years. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we have 29 secure suites devoted entirely to highly individualized, specialized care. Starting with a scenic location on 1.5 acres encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir, our home-like environment allows seniors to thrive. Visit our website for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.  

For instances, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get to home or how to perform routine tasks. 

It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. 

Other example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically get worse. A 2009 study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.”   

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we have 29 secure memory care suites staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living, assisted living and compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences