Keep Your Brain Sharp with Smart Foods

Many specialists studying memory loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s advocate for an array of diets and supplements to reduce Dementia symptoms or get rid of them all together. So far, there is no evidence that eating or avoiding a specific food can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. However, caring for your brain health through your diet is still important to take into consideration. Eating healthy foods promotes not only a healthy brain but whole-body health as well. When a family member or loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, composing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is one major way to support a healthy brain and a healthy body.

It may surprise you to know, but our brains are made up largely of fat. Therefore, our brains utilize fats to work properly. However, the type of fat we ingest is important to note. Natural fats, omegas, and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) are proven to nourish, protect and enhance the performance of our brain’s cells. These healthy fats are found in salmon, olive oil, avocados, and most nuts. Not only do these support your brain’s health, but fats such as these, help you stay full and satisfied for longer.

Enjoying a whole food diet is one way to promote overall health. Incorporating green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, or spinach with healthy fats supports your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. If you’re not a huge fan of vegetables, fruits are beneficial and important as well. Blueberries and other dark-colored berries deliver anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, are also high in fiber and calcium.

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living dining experience is inspired by the belief that diet is the centerpiece of personal wellness. Through proper diets and healthy choices, food is a healing medicine unlike any other. BrainWise is a lifestyle at MorningStar by which we prioritize the use of ingredients known to support brain health. The charge of MorningStar’s culinary team is not just to create flavors to delight the eye and palate, but to leverage the phenomenal benefits of these aptly named “Super Foods,” items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of Dementia, please contact MorningStar of Arvada to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care or memory care in Arvada, Co. Unlike many memory care communities, our home was designed to promote independence and to give residents the freedom to safely explore their spacious surroundings. Our staff is trained to give loving, experienced care from the onset of the disease to its advanced stages.

MorningStar of Arvada proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

How Alzheimer’s Affects the Brain

Alzheimer’s disease destroys communication between neurons in the brain, resulting in cell death that leads to a loss of brain function. A Dementia-free brain contains billions of neurons that easily transfer information between chemical signals that tell different muscles and organs of the body how to perform correctly. Damage is widespread with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and can be challenging to navigate, especially if a family member or loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s or another Dementia-related disease. MorningStar of Arvada serves those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related diseases in need of memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

As we age, a healthy human brain shrinks to a slight degree but with Alzheimer’s, the neurons stop functioning and die. When this happens, memory is often the first to be impacted by neuron death. If you notice a loved one having difficulty remembering important dates, places, or people, it may be time to have them checked for Dementia or Alzheimer’s. With Dementia, it is more than experiencing a little forgetfulness. It may appear as though your loved one is unable to function as they previously would and may need more help around the house or in their personal lives.

Later, Alzheimer’s affects areas of the brain that deal with language, reasoning, and behavior. You may notice your loved one struggling with speech or pronunciation. They may be participating in risky or alarming behaviors and may appear more aggressive and frustrated. Eventually, Alzheimer’s damages other parts of the brain until the individual loses their ability to function independently. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia and the disease is fatal. The best way to navigate a diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s is to catch it early on and take the precautionary steps to keep your loved one safe and fulfilled. Facilities that can offer memory care and specialize in handling an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are often sought out as they may have more advanced tools to keep your loved one safe.

At MorningStar of Arvada, we feel it is our privilege and calling to serve those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related diseases. Using holistic methods under our mantra of a “Lavender Sky” we work to “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of Dementia. Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate life.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of Dementia, please contact MorningStar of Arvada to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care or memory care in Arvada, Co. Unlike many memory care communities, our home was designed to promote independence and to give residents the freedom to safely explore their spacious surroundings. Our staff is trained to give loving, experienced care from the onset of the disease to its advanced stages.

MorningStar of Arvada proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

Ways Communication with Your Loved One Changes After a Dementia Diagnosis

Dementia is a progressive illness that diminishes a person’s memory over time and will affect how they understand everyday facts, such as people’s names, important dates, and specific places. If your loved one is struggling with a dementia diagnosis or other memory loss illnesses, the way in which they communicate with you and with the world may feel confusing and frustrating. For a person with dementia, their ability to process information changes and response time will often be weak or delayed. While communication with a loved one struggling with memory loss or dementia is difficult, it is not impossible. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Beaverton offers some examples of how to better communicate and maintain a relationship with your loved one struggling with memory loss.

It is devastating to watch someone you love struggle with dementia. It may feel as though you are losing that person entirely. At MorningStar of Beaverton, consistently working and communicating with an elder struggling with memory loss has been shown to be beneficial, even if the communication method appears different. Often, the communication will be nonverbal, or incoherent. It is important to remain patient, calm, and empathetic during these moments. Maintain eye contact and pay attention to changes in body language. Body language and physical contact may become stronger and more apparent for a person with dementia. Holding your loved one’s hand or giving a gentle pat is encouraging and maintains the bond between you.

Your loved one’s input and independence are important as a senior dealing with dementia. However, you may not be able to ask for it as much as you were once used to. When routing the world of dementia, try not to ask your loved one too many questions. Questions may confuse someone struggling with memory loss and they can become frustrated. Instead, try to focus on the present when you are with them. Comment on the surroundings around them that they can notice immediately. Things such as taste, feel, smell, and sound are great things to comment on when trying to understand your loved one’s input or comfortability. Remaining in the present will aid in easy communication between you and your loved one in assisted living or memory care.

To learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living Facility and Memory Care of Beaverton and the other specialized care regarding Dementia care in Beaverton, OR please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care facilities in Oregon.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.

How to Better Understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Many people have a difficult time deciphering the differences between Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as an umbrella term for a severe decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a specific disease and the most common cause of Dementia. Many different types of Dementia exist, and it is important to note that Dementia is not a normal part of aging. If you are concerned that a family member or loved one may be struggling with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, MorningStar of Arvada can help you better understand memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

As stated by The Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first. Simply being forgetful is not enough for a doctor to make the diagnosis of dementia, instead, they will run a series of tests to determine if there is other evidence of cognition problems.

In some cases of Alzheimer’s, your loved one may exhibit poor judgment and trouble performing common household chores, paying bills, or preparing food. They may have problems with organizing thoughts, and repeatedly ask the same questions or relate the same stories. A person with dementia can get lost or confused even in a familiar environment. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing, and a body’s physical movement become difficult or lost altogether.

At MorningStar of Arvada, we feel it is our privilege as well as our calling to serve those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related diseases. Using holistic methods under our mantra of a “Lavender Sky” we work to “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of Dementia. Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate life.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of Dementia, please contact MorningStar of Arvada to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care or senior living in Arvada, Co. Unlike many memory care communities, our home was designed to promote independence and to give residents the freedom to safely explore their spacious surroundings. Our staff is trained to give loving, experienced care from the onset of the disease to its advanced stages.

MorningStar of Arvada proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

MorningStar Offers a Holistic Approach to Memory Care

As of 2022, there is no cure for dementia. Every day MorningStar of Beaverton is exploring new ways to respond to the diagnosis of dementia with holistic care and tenderness in search of breakthroughs and a greater understanding of the disease. With a holistic approach to memory care, it’s crucial to create a relationship with the person and body in front of you, not just the disease. Showing tenderness, attentiveness, and value to a senior struggling with dementia while in memory care maximizes the well-being of our residents through enhanced health, independence, and overall happiness.

MorningStar Senior Living believes in the idea that we must “enter, embrace, and explore” memory loss. Through holistic health care, we are utilizing an empathetic way to understand our residents and the reality of dementia. It is important to get to know each of our memory care residents on a personal level and understand who they are presently, as well as who they were and the interests and passions they carried. While a dementia diagnosis is heartbreaking for families and our loved ones, it is important to not fall blindsided by the diagnosis and lose sight of the individual who is struggling. Instead, we encourage and actively teach our memory care providers to willingly enter into the territory of dementia.

Our holistic approach, “Lavender Sky,” is MorningStar of Beaverton’s fundamental standard in specialized memory care for seniors struggling with dementia and memory loss. As a community, we help to remove the stigma surrounding memory loss and dementia by creating a holistic treatment that is individualized and highly customizable for each of our residents dealing with memory impairment.

To better understand memory loss, we must embrace it. With a Dementia diagnosis, how your loved one communicates with you and the world around them will begin to change. Under a “Lavender Sky,” we practice empathy and patience towards the individuals in our care and work to comfort their mind, body, and spirit. When we better understand our residents, we can better understand the ways in which dementia and memory loss portrays itself.

To learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Beaverton and the other specialized care regarding Dementia care in Beaverton, OR please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care facilities in Oregon.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Dementia Care Under a “Lavender Sky”

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   

Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.  

We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be.  Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care.  This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch.  However, most importantly, we embrace hope.  

Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions.  Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families.  Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones.  Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care in Peoria, AZ.  

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

Did You Sleep Well Last Night?

As more and more research shows, getting enough sleep each night is important for everything from better mental health to better physical health. Some studies have even reported findings of an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in people who routinely have sleep problems.

If you are someone who has trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, the US News & World Report published several tips from sleep experts to help reset your sleep clock and improve your sleep habits. They recommend beginning with reestablishing waking and bedtime rituals by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time. It may even be a good idea to eat meals at the same time. Your bedroom should be dark and use a light-blocking sleep mask if needed. Also, keep your bedroom a work free zone. Other recommendations include avoiding caffeine after noon, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and exercising each day. 

Dr. Kannan Ramar, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a pulmonologist, critical care specialist and sleep medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, says, “Pervasive worry is a major factor in sleep disruption.” He advises his patients to turn off the TV and your tablet one or two hours before bedtime. Stop drinking alcohol at least one or two hours before sleep and consider moderating your consumption. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is situated on a vibrant 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.  Our community offers 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living.  In addition, we have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/sleep-reset-getting-your-sleep-back-to-normal 

A Move to a Senior Community May Improve Your Quality of Life

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends.   

Problems contributing to loneliness in seniors are that they no longer work outside the home and social circles begin to shrink with the passing of spouses or friends, and family members moving away. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites studies showing seniors who say they feel socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease associated with loneliness. 

For many seniors the answer is moving to a retirement community where they find comfort, wellbeing and security as well as companionship. The experts at AgingCare.com say one of the biggest advantages of senior living (aside from receiving necessary care) is that opportunities for socialization and fulfillment are available right outside a resident’s door. 

Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors who do not need care services but love the idea of built-in social and mental stimulation within a maintenance-free environment. They may offer amenities such as meal plans, housekeeping and transportation along with meaningful wellness programs. Assisted living is designed after the European model and provides a supportive, compassionate environment with the right amount of help seniors need to maintain their independence. 

The most supportive level of senior living is memory care. At communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide compassionate, professional memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 suites and uses therapeutic methods to calm and stimulate with purposeful activities. In addition, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 suites for assisted living. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge 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 exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

The Benefits of Regular Exercise to Cognitive Health

We know exercise contributes to a person’s overall health and results in stronger muscles, a healthier heart and even a better night’s sleep. Now a neuroscientist is speaking up about the benefits exercise offers to our cognitive health. Wendy Suzuki, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University, explains, “I’ve found that exercising is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, memory, focus and reasoning — all of which can help you become smarter and live longer.”

Suzuki says each time we move our bodies’ beneficial neurotransmitters are released into the brain including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine, which transmits signals from nerve cells to target cells. These target cells may be in muscles, glands, or other nerves and can affect our sleep cycles, moods and concentration including a decrease in feelings of depression and anxiety. Research has shown it only takes as little as 10 to 30 minutes of exercise per day to elevate mood. 

Another important study shows how exercise promotes neurogenesis (the birth of new brain cells) and improves the brain’s function. The longitudinal study out of Sweden spans 44-years, and reports “women who scored high on a fitness test in midlife were nearly 90 percent less likely than their moderately fit or unfit peers to develop dementia decades later.” Moreover, researchers say the fittest women held dementia at bay at least 10 years longer than their peers. So the next question is how much exercise do we need to get results? Suzuki says to try for 90 to 120 minutes a week. This can be broken down in daily increments or three to four sessions a week.     

MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a senior community in Peoria, AZ, offers a vibrant campus on which your retirement years can be carefree.  One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar is that we make it easy for residents to live a healthy lifestyle.  Our amenities include a saline swimming pool, fitness centers and exercise classes to keep our residents moving.  Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

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

Sources: 

cnbc.com/2021/10/22/neuroscientist-shares-the-brain-health-benefits-of-exercise-and-how-much-she-does-a-week.html 

alzforum.org/news/research-news/44-year-study-ties-midlife-fitness-lower-dementia-risk

Working in Senior Living is a Rewarding Career Choice

At the Phoenix area MorningStar senior living communities, we are proud of the fact that when we provide the support and care seniors need, it helps them to lead fuller lives and retain their dignity and independence in the latter stages of life.  We know that serving seniors is a rewarding career choice as it allows us to make a real difference in their quality of life and can turn a resident’s difficult day into one of laughter and fun. 

At MorningStar, we consider all roles to be essential to the smooth operation of our homes and to the wellbeing of our residents.  This is why each is designed to be an exceptional environment for residents as well as an atmosphere that allows the staff to flourish.  The career opportunities at MorningStar are varied as they must provide for our residents’ comfort, safety and wellbeing.   Current openings in Greater Phoenix include Caregiver, Maintenance Assistant, Concierge, Dining Room Server, Housekeeper and more.  Also, as a 24/7 operation, jobs may be full or part-time and include weekend, night and evening shifts.  

Along with a generous compensation and insurance benefit package, MorningStar wants all our team members to be equipped with the knowledge required to do their jobs well and take pride in their work.  To that end, we invest in comprehensive employee training programs such as:  O2 (Orientation & Onboarding); Lavender Sky (Dementia Care); Radiance (Culture, Customer Service); Inhabit (for the Community Relations team); Brain Boosts (for the Reflections care team); and Relias Video Courses (paid to view from home).  This training enables our team to be the best at what they do, and do each job with confidence.

Communities in Greater Phoenix include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  Please visit MorningStar’s “Careers Here” page for a link to open positions.  Look at our job descriptions, use our convenient online application and view the video “Work That Matters. . .Find It Here.” As you will see, serving seniors can be a rewarding, enjoyable career!  

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.

Stretching Can Increase Flexibility, Improve Balance and Relieve Pain

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do for their independence. If you are unable to get up from a chair or out of bed each morning, you will need assistance. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

For luxury senior living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is sure to please.  Our community in Peoria, AZ provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help stay fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. To learn more about our wide range of resort-style amenities and services, please visit our website.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge 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 exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.