MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 stylish assisted living suites.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. 

MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We now have 40+ communities throughout the Western U.S. either operating or under construction. Please visit our website for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’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 outstanding independent living, glendale, assisted living and memory care. 

MorningStar of Arvada Provides Loving Memory Care

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada offers studio and one- bedroom suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our home is honored to provide individualized, compassionate care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced.

The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents. As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including enclosed gardens and courtyards. In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve. Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences. From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.

If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Arvada team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for more information on retirement homes near me.

MorningStar of Arvada’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 living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

It May Be Time for a Loved One to Move to an Assisted Living Community

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties for an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change.  Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence.  Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together.  Moreover, communities offering assisted living like MorningStar at Golden Ridge provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.  

Our first priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need.  This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by you and your parents.  MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits and supportive services from third-party providers including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  

Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.  While this is not a substitute for the time your loved one spends with family, you may find your parents are not always available to take your call as they are busy having fun with other residents and staff.  

Our services also include providing housekeeping to help ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we see to it your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also help with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers active seniors an independent living option with 38 Casitas, quadruplexes with attached garages and premium upgrades.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. 

MorningStar Senior Living takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

If You Are Lucky to Live a Long Life, You Will Develop Cataracts

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page.

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.

For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Arvada. Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please contact us for more information.

MorningStar of Arvada provides the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Confused About What Assisted Living Offers?

While assisted living has been around in the U.S. for the last several decades, some people are still confused as to what it means. Senior living communities that offer assisted living provide long-term housing for seniors to safely age in place. As it is not skilled nursing care, assisted living residents are overall active and independent, but may need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. As a resident, you get 24/7 care and nutrition, daily meals as well as benefit from a range of wellness programs, the company of fellow residents and staff, and peace of mind knowing help is at hand if needed.   

The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA NCAL) reports assisted living is a fast-growing sector of senior living with over 800,000 Americans currently residing in an assisted living community. Experts say in some cases, depending on the level of services provided, in-home care can actually be more expensive and doesn’t offer all the services and amenities found in many assisted living communities.

Homes like MorningStar of Beaverton provide residents with much more than supportive care. Our Life Enrichment programs offer physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement with creative ways to stay active and productive as we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. 

MorningStar of Beaverton is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for our residents, made possible by a dedicated team who understands the highest expression of living is to share their talents, time and energy with others. Please visit 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care beaverton oregon. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/assisted-living

Summer is Right Around the Corner – Remember to Stay Hydrated

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated.  

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a vibrant senior living community situated on an 8.8-acre campus with exceptional architecture and award-winning design.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, amenities and care services as well as inquire about our Move-in Specials and availability. 

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. 

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

Studies Show the Benefit of Eating Fruits & Vegetables with Flavonoids

New research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20 year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower amount of flavonoid-enriched foods.

Researchers found a significant difference between the bottom one-fifth of participants who reported the lowest intake of flavonoids compared to the upper one-fifth who were 19 percent less likely to report forgetfulness or confusion. Additionally, the study reported “higher intakes of Brussel sprouts, strawberries, winter squash and raw spinach were most highly associated with better scores on the test of subjective cognitive decline.” Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging who was not involved in the study, said “There’s some really good data here with 20 years of follow-up.”

MorningStar of Arvada is a senior living community committed to making your retirement years carefree. Along with resort-style amenities and hospitality and care services, we offer residents a 5-star dining experience enriched with a variety of healthy, fresh foods. Our contemporary suites range in size with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. Suites feature sleek fixtures, high ceilings, large windows, and many have spacious balconies or patios. For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care Arvada, CO seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Source: nytimes.com/2021/08/09/well/brain-health-fruits-vegetables.html

MorningStar of Beaverton Offers Respite and Short-Term Stays

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we understand it can be difficult to decide if it is the time to move into assisted living as many seniors do not like the thought of giving up their home and their independence.  However, if you have not looked into today’s senior living communities, you may be unaware that many are like true homes.  Also, when you move into a community and start receiving the daily help you need, you will most likely start feeling more independent than you did before.     

While change can be hard for anyone, it can be especially hard for elderly adults who like things a certain way.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think.

A respite stay ensures you get the personal attention you need in a quiet, restful place as you recover from surgery or to convalesce from an illness.  Also, you have the advantages offered by companionship and community that can make the healing process easier.   

In addition, there may be times when your regular caregiver needs a vacation.  A short-term stay with us gives you a chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.  During your stay, you will receive all the amenities offered to full-time residents such as 24-hour care managers, medication management, and daily meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  Onsite amenities include a bistro, theatre/chapel, fitness room and more, and a broad array of activities and wellness programs, in-house entertainment and fun outings.  And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

In other words, while under our roof, you will enjoy delicious, nutritional meals, meet new friends and have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to see to your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  

Please contact us or visit our website for more information on unsurpassed senior living in Beaverton, OR.  We offer 66 stylish suites for assisted living and 38 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Be Careful When Using the Internet for Medical Advice

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice.

Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. 

Other things to look for include name recognition such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Moreover, remember sites that end in .gov, identity U.S. government agencies; .edu, educational institutions; and .org, usually designates nonprofit organizations (such as professional groups; scientific, medical, or research societies; and advocacy groups). A .com is a commercial site.

The NIH says to look for the date of the information (often can be found at the bottom of the page) and see if the authors and contributors are identified. If the author is listed, what is his/her background and what is their goal in writing the article or the intent of the organization it is written for. Is there any financial motive for the information? Check out the About Us or Contact Us pages as they provide background information about the organization.   

Looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ? MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a 55+ community that provides carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. As a resident you will enjoy an array of onsite amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Please visit our website for more information including contact information, selection of floorplans and a list of amenities. 

MorningStar Senior Living takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/online-health-information-it-reliable#where

How is Mild Cognitive Impairment Diagnosed?

Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss. So, how is MCI diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” 

Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. 

Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses slowly. 

Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized, loving care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of MorningStar’s memory care is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit 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 outstanding assisted living facilities and memory care. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/evaluating-mci-mild-cognitive-impairment

Take it Slow When Starting an Exercise Routine

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. 

Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition, neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. 

As one of the area’s finest senior living communities, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar has a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately

Career Opportunities at Metro Phoenix Senior Communities

If you are unfamiliar with the career opportunities in senior living, we want you to know that there is a wide variety of positions at MorningStar Senior Living communities in Metro Phoenix.  Our open positions are diverse and require a broad range of skill sets, education and/or experience.   We are looking for people with big hearts to fill both full and part time positions for day, evening, night and weekend shifts.  These include Care Manager, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Driver, Dining Room Server, Cook, Housekeeper and more.

Some of our positions are very hands-on and have team members working directly with our residents.  Roles such as Care Manager and Medication Care Managers see to it that residents’ personal daily living needs are met and that they receive their medications in a timely, safe fashion.  

As a MorningStar Cook, you will enjoy preparing seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from the highest quality producers, often homegrown and locally sourced (sometimes from our own resident gardens) in a calm and supportive environment.  For people currently in a hospitality job including wait staff, you may want to consider working as a Dining Room Server in one of our homes where you will provide residents with an upscale restaurant experience in a sociable and friendly setting.  

In addition to competitive wages, insurance, and training, MorningStar offers a host of other benefits that are designed to enrich and support our employees’ lives on a broad variety of fronts. Just some of these benefits include: 

 

• the opportunity to participate in global philanthropy 

• leave granted for jury duty, bereavement or voting, extended leave of absence beyond federal requirements 

• Greater Good (benevolence fund)

• Employee Assistance Fund (counseling at no charge)

• easy transfer to another MorningStar community 

Don’t wait a moment longer to start building a fulfilling career!  If you have a big heart, we invite you to join our MorningStar family. Please visit our website for the complete list of openings, detailed job descriptions and an easy-to-use online application.  

MorningStar Senior Living exemplifies the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to offer seniors lives of comfort, joy and wellness. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver jobs) in the Phoenix area.

Does a Parent Need More Care than You Can Provide?

Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living, designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together.   

Additionally senior living communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities, concierge services, wellness programs and activities and opportunities to make new friends.

  

Once the family decides to entrust MorningStar at Golden Ridge with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences. Then we create a care plan approved by you and your parents, which is also routinely updated to address any changes in care. Mom or dad will receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. We also offer medication management services.

Other services include scheduled transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry care. Weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal keeps mom or dad’s suite spotless, and linen and laundry services keep life simple. A 5-star meal service ensures your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 65 suites for assisted living in a range of floor plans along with 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For active seniors, we have 38 Casitas with attached garages that are set within their own private neighborhood. Please contact us today to learn more.   

The Best Foods for Satisfying, Healthy Snacks

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating a pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how to make chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s offers the finest independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care. Our warm, loving environment includes exceptional architecture, care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition we are proud of our 5-Star dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Aging is Inevitable – Here’s Some Tips to Help Do it Better

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover it is worthwhile to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and upward.

In fact recent studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.”

Spending decades working in the field of gerontology, Harry "Rick" Moody reminds older adults that even if they are living with health challenges, they should not lose sight of the opportunity for living a meaningful and positive life. He says at 76 his hearing is bad but he compensates by wearing a hearing aid. His advice is "If you compensate, you’ll age successfully. If you don’t, you won’t age successfully.”

Strategies for healthy aging include not limiting yourself by saying you are too old, to keep learning, keep exercising and to eat a healthy diet. Staying close to family and friends, getting enough sleep and using adaptive skills to compensate for things like short-term memory loss and a general slow-down of cognitive and physical abilities are also part of the process.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide seniors the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections to lead productive and engaged lives. Along with independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more.


Source:

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Learn More About Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.

Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury.

If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery.

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