Serving Others Is a Key Ingredient for Life Satisfaction

 

A 2017 survey found just half of those surveyed said they were satisfied with their jobs. In fact study after study has shown salary, titles, perks, fancy offices and other external rewards do not necessarily motivate people for long. Since a large part of our day is spent at our jobs, evidence suggests a different set of qualities result in higher satisfaction.  

Turns out one of the key ingredients for life satisfaction is serving others as studies find people in these types of jobs are less depressed and healthier. Another component of job satisfaction is whether the work has meaning. Do you feel like you are doing something important, something that will make a different? People also report being more satisfied with work when they feel valued and recognized for their contribution. Lastly studies find shared connections are important in how a person feels about the work. Is it a team effort, are employees encouraged to problem solve and be a part of the solution? 

At the MorningStar Senior Living’s communities of MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills and MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we feel it is a privilege to serve. Working with seniors, we know our lives are enriched by listening to residents’ life stories and recognizing their sage advice is based on a wealth of experience.  We love the fact that seniors teach us to appreciate each new day and help us to better understand the aging process.  

Our Phoenix caregiver jobs offer a full range of benefits and competitive wages. Moreover we provide meaningful training and support to each employee to ensure their success. In addition as our philosophy includes promoting from within whenever possible, it gives team members a chance for a career they can be proud of. 

If you have the heart of a caregiver, we invite you to join our MorningStar family. Visit our Career page for a link to fulfilling caregiver jobs in Phoenix, and use our convenient online application to apply.

Amenities Designed to Enhance Quality of Life

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, our goal is to make residents’ lives better, richer. We do this through hiring a staff that feels privileged to serve seniors as well as providing a broad range of care and hospitality services and resort-style amenities. 

We start with all day, restaurant-style dining featuring Executive-chef inspired meals. If you like eating outside, you can do so on our attractive outdoor dining patio. When it’s time to get your hair done or treat yourself to a pedicure or manicure, visit our onsite salon. If a relaxing swim before dinner or a soak in the hot tub sounds good, stroll down to our beautiful saline pool and hot tub. Our onsite fitness center makes it easy to get to the gym.

For entertainment, we have a theater that also serves as our chapel. Our bistro bar is the ideal place to meet up with friends before dinner for a drink, and our life enrichment room is used for group activities including competitive trivia games, bingo and more. Independent living residents also have a neighborhood clubhouse. To keep you connected, we offer WiFi in all of our common areas and each suite has wired Internet.  

If you plan to bring a car, we have 77 surface parking spaces in addition to the attached garage on our Casitas. Moreover even if you still drive, you may want to relax and let someone else take the wheel when we hit the road to regional places of interest.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living includes 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 private suites for assisted living and 35 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our community is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Fall is a Great Time to Begin a Healthier Lifestyle

For large parts of the country, 2021 turned out to be a very hot summer. Now that fall is here, most of us can look forward to more moderate temperatures, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors. Medical experts say spending time outside has a beneficial impact on our mental health as well as boost our immune system; and a nice sunny fall day can increase our vitamin D. In addition, engaging in many types of exercise is not only more enjoyable but safer in temperate weather.   

Another healthy habit to incorporate into our fall routine is getting a flu shot. While we all know the dangers of COVID-19, influenza can also be deadly. Dr. Phillip Kadaj, an internal medicine specialist based in Midland, Michigan, says it is still important to remember to "Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer when needed, wear a mask when in indoor public places and try to avoid large crowds in tight quarters unless absolutely necessary."

Fall is also time for healthy, immune boosting vegetables and fruits. Pumpkins are a good example of a tasty, nutritional vegetable. They are high in beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, as well as vitamins C, E, potassium and fiber. The versatile pumpkin can be used in everything from chili to soups, pastas, breads, drinks and yummy desserts. Moreover don’t forget to save the seeds as they are high in plant-based protein, fiber and magnesium. 

Dieticians recommend considering healthier alternatives to traditional snacks on game day such as fresh vegetables and dip, homemade trail mix, hummus with veggies and fresh fruit. Not only are they more heart healthy but may help take off a few inches from your waistline.  

The senior living community of MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living and another 65 suites for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s warm, loving environment offers exceptional architecture, resort-style amenities, and hospitality and care services. Visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

It’s Not Too Late to Join the “2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's”

If you live in or around the Denver area, this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd. The Walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, and is one of the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. 

Organizers say every precaution will be taken to ensure the health and safety of walkers such as social distancing, masks (where required) contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local guidelines, our event will adhere to the most up-to-date recommendations, keeping it safe for all attendees. 

Anyone planning to walk can go to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website to register online (every participant will need to sign a standard waiver through their official registration). Sponsors say even children should be registered, and parents can sign the waiver on their behalf. There is no fee to register but participants are encouraged to raise funds in support of the Alzheimer’s Association’s goal of providing 24/7 care and support along with advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association’s site provides some suggestions on ways to fundraise online. Additionally you will find answers to a whole range of questions as well as links to resources.   

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. As senior care providers, an obvious step for us to take is to support the Alzheimer’s Association; and each year we have teams, residents and family members joining in the “Walk to End Alz” events. We feel it is a privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey, and invite you to visit our website for availability. Give your loved one the finest memory care Arvada CO offers.

Want an Easy Way to Remember Important Medical Information?

The WebMD website recently published an article regarding using mnemonic devices (techniques that help improve your ability to remember something) to remember important medical information. One example is “FAST” to help you recognize stroke symptoms. Starting with F for face drooping (ask the person to smile to check); A for arm weakness (to test, have them raise both arms); S to evaluate any speech difficulty (test by having them repeat a simple sentence), to T telling you it is time to call 911. 

To help you remember the order of steps for performing CPR, use “CAB.” The C stands for chest compressions, A for airway, and B for breathing. Experts say you should give 100-120 compressions per minute over the middle of the person’s chest to help blood pump to the brain. After 30 chest compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. WebMD says if you are trained in CPR, you can include rescue breaths. 

Another important first aid technique is to know how to stop bleeding. Physicians advise you to remember the ABC’s for injury. It starts with Alert: Call for help or have someone do it for you, if possible. Bleeding: Find the location of the bleeding wound. Compress: Apply pressure to stop the flow of blood using a tourniquet. If you don’t have one, place bandages or a clean cloth on the wound and push directly on the wound with your hands.  

To treat injuries such as knee or ankle sprains, use RICE. Starting with R, which stands for Rest and protecting the injured area, I for Ice should is used to stop or lessen swelling and pain. C stands for Compression. Doctors say to wrap the area (not too tightly) with an elastic bandage to lessen swelling. The E in RICE stands for Elevate the injured area at or above heart level with pillows when lying down to alleviate swelling. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, we offer lots of choices for seniors interested in independent living or assisted living with 112 bright suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. We also provide 29 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about the area’s finest independent living and assisted living as well as memory care in Arvada, CO.    

Source: webmd.scom/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-lifesaving-mnemonics

Get Your Loved One Trusted Memory Care

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we offer residents a warm and welcoming home to safely age in place with the added benefit of several neighborhoods under one roof. This includes 112 bright independent and assisted living suites available in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Fully equipped, all you need to bring are your furnishings and personal treasures; and yes we are pet friendly. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide 29 secure suites and can lovingly care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.    

Our Reflections Neighborhood memory care in Arvada, CO begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach, giving employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. To keep residents engaged, we provide a gentle flow of concurrent activities and meaningful wellness programs. 

Residents additionally receive full-time non-medical care, transportation, a meal service geared toward their special needs as well as assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL). Once you decide MorningStar of Arvada is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests.  

Arvada’s memory care is in a secure wing within our larger community and includes an enclosed courtyard and suites equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our transportation services include trips to doctor appointments as well other essential care to give families the utmost peace of mind. Please visit our website for more info and to set up a tour to see our home firsthand.