Serve Seniors by Becoming a MorningStar Team Member

Going through the pandemic has taught many of us just how precious life is and maybe it is time we did something to make a difference in the world. After all, using our “special gifts” to serve others is probably some of the most satisfying work we can do. At the MorningStar Senior Living communities, we are blessed to have team members who feel honored to serve and know if anyone deserves our respect and compassionate care it is seniors. 

Currently four of our Phoenix area communities are recruiting individuals to fill a variety of positions. Communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  Some of our positions are caregiver jobs while others are essential to the smooth operation of our communities.  Current open positions include Care Manager, Server, Maintenance Assistant, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Wellness Nurse, Cook, Housekeeper and more.  

Too often people mistakenly think working and hanging out with old folks is depressing but studies report many seniors say they are happier than they have ever been. At MorningStar we proudly recognize seniors as courageous heroes who have faced triumphs and trials in which they have gained a lifetime of wisdom. Living long, rich lives, they have witnessed everything from world wars to the World Wide Web. We encourage you to take a few minutes and really listen to an elderly relative or neighbor. We are sure you will be surprised by how much they can teach us. 

If you would love to assist our efforts to provide our remarkable residents with the care they now require from us, how about joining our team. MorningStar’s jobs are varied, and unlike many other senior living communities, we put virtues such as kindness and character on the same level as experience and education. We are proud of our culturally diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. 

Morningstar is happy to offer our team members a very generous benefit package. Our benefits start with competitive wages, plus bonus and incentive opportunities in some positions, and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, training, and employee leave and support programs.  No matter what our employee’s needs are, MorningStar has a benefit program designed to support our most valued asset – the MorningStar employee family.  Please visit MorningStar’s Careers Here page for an online application as well as a full list of our extensive benefits. 

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 a life of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver jobs) in the Phoenix area.

What Exactly is Art Therapy?

Art therapy combines allopathic and complementary therapies to better serve mental health and concentration which enriches lives through active artmaking, creative process, and human experience within a therapeutic relationship. Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, community clinics, senior and assisted living communities, and more. Art therapy is especially beneficial for seniors in memory care. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, and other methods, art therapy allows for creative expression that can overcome the limitations of language only. MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada Co utilizes this holistic approach of art therapy in memory care.

Art therapy for seniors in memory care offers many advantages. Class for art therapy for seniors in memory care cultivates emotional resilience, enhances social skills, and improves cognitive and sensory-motor functions. These abilities usually diminish as memory loss and dementia progresses. Art therapy is a great way to combat these symptoms of memory loss in seniors. At MorningStar memory care Arvada Co, our community offers a mix of art therapy and other creative activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach.

Our creative programs built upon by our Life Enrichment Teams, are an essential component to maintaining cognitive health and quality of life for all our senior residents in memory care. Crafting lessens a senior’s anxiety and reduces feelings of isolation. Certain colors may even function as a bridge to bring back happy memories for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. At MoringStar senior living and memory care Arvada, Co, we have plenty of creative crafts to keep our residents busy and their minds engaged to promote insight and community involvement.

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

 
To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Purposeful Memory Care Amenities in Oregon

Are you looking for the right community for a loved one of parent in need of assisted living or memory care? The options may be overwhelming, but we are confident MorningStar Senior Living will check all your boxes for what you need in an assisted living community in Oregon. MorningStar’s community offers 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our two Reflections Neighborhoods, we offer 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care Beaverton OR is designed as a calm and homelike environment that inspires comfort and community. This senior living community provides plenty of opportunities for independence. Residents of MorningStar live in their own, specialized, separate wing of the building. Each well-appointed suite or private room is created to be both accessible and easily navigable and opens onto a spacious, yet cozy living area.

We encourage all our Oregon residents to bring their own belongings and make their new residence their home. MorningStar’s private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has its own beautiful secure courtyard as well as a personal kitchenettes and bathrooms. Common area decorations are specifically chosen to inspire an active community for building friendship and creating happy memories. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to encourage social interaction, like a cozy fireside living room, fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room.

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton OR takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Beaverton, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Beaverton, Oregon.

How Did You Sleep Last Night?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep every night.  Good sleep quality is also important. Signs of poor quality sleep include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, repeatedly waking up during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.  Experts say a good night’s sleep enhances memory, improves mood and regulates appetite. 

Experts offer some tips to help individuals achieve better sleep by the choice of foods consumed as well as what food or drink to avoid. Foods interfering with sleep include caffeine and large meals as well as alcohol consumed too close to bedtime. As a deficiency of folate is linked to insomnia, a study from the Taipei Medical University found eating two kiwis, which are high in B vitamin folate and vitamins C and E, an hour before bed helped participants fall asleep faster, sleep longer and more efficiently. 

Another food to help induce sleep is tart cherries. They contain natural melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles, and a phytonutrient linked to promoting better sleep. Additionally, nuts like almonds and walnuts contain melatonin; and pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted to melatonin. Passionflower tea, chamomile tea and warm milk can also help promote sleep. Other sleep-inducing foods include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and help regulate sleep, mood and other functions.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides residents with all the amenities and services they need to ensure carefree retirement years. Residents enjoy chef-inspired meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious and include BrainWise super foods. These are foods known to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as acai and other berries, fish, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful assisted living homes in Peoria, AZ.

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 homes, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

How to Better Communicate with a Loved One with Dementia

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, in addition to memory problems, they may have trouble completing familiar tasks like paying bills or doing laundry, misplacing things, being unable to retrace their steps, and experience changes in mood, or personality. All these changes make it more difficult to experience the same level of communication you once did with your loved one. Memory care specialists know that communicating with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia requires patience and understanding. MorningStar of Arvada offers the most holistic memory care Arvada Co has seen that encourages safe and effective communication with seniors dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Caring for your loved one that is struggling with memory loss can be difficult and overwhelming at times. If you are in need of compassionate and trusted memory care, MorningStar of Arvada Colorado is here to walk at your side through this journey. MorningStar senior living offers these memory care tips that can help both you and your loved one understand and communicate more effectively with each other.

Don’t exclude your loved one from conversations about their disease or treatment. It’s important at MorningStar that seniors have an active role in their memory care regime. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affects everyone differently and no two memory care plans are the same. Speak directly to your loved one with dementia and ask what they are comfortable doing or what they feel they may need help with. In the earlier stages of memory loss, your loved one will still be able to participate in meaningful conversations about their quality of life and want to feel respected and independent.

Your love and support are important to seniors with dementia in memory care communities. The diagnosis of memory loss is difficult for everyone involved, but don’t abandon your loved one as this could lead to peak emotions of isolation, depression, and neglect. It’s okay if you don’t always know what to say. Sometimes just being present and listening is enough. MorningStar’s senior living communities in Colorado offer memory care that encourages visitation and community for seniors struggling with dementia.

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Cozy, Homestyle Living, Pumpkin Spice, and Everything Nice at MorningStar’s Senior Living

It’s time! The weather is starting to cool, and the leaves are changing. This means pumpkin spice drinks and treats are back in season. However, these seniors in Oregon don’t need to venture out to a busy coffee shop. At MorningStar Assisted Senior Living in Beaverton, seniors are spoiled with their very own 24-hour Bistro to supply them all their favorite fall flavors and goodies. The Bistro isn’t the only thing that keeps this Assisted Living community feeling like home. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care in Oregon is filled with warm and inviting common areas both inside and out. From the cozy fireside living room to a comfortable dining room and scenic outdoor courtyards, residents are sure to feel right at home.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer. We are dedicated to providing carefree retirement years and creating a true home for our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community for our seniors in assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar, we ensure that seniors and their families can enjoy all the best things about autumn without any stress.

As a resident of MorningStar, you will be treated to a host of creative programs and resort-style amenities and services. One of those services includes providing residents with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our dining room. Our executive chefs love to be creative in the kitchen and are excited to incorporate festive fall flavors into their menus. Other on-site services for seniors in Oregon include a full salon, bistro, art studio, fitness room, spa bath, and much more.

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton OR takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Beaverton, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Beaverton, Oregon.

Stimulating Activities for a Loved One with Dementia

If a loved one is dealing with memory loss through an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, you may be asking a lot of questions on what choices to make for this person close to you and how to continue to give this person a fully enriched life. Memory care specialists know that participating in activities with your loved one is extremely beneficial to stimulate the brain and memory recognition. Dedicating quality time with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias creates a lasting, positive impact. Memory care that offers different brain-stimulating activities will help improve the life of your loved one. You can trust that you will find the most compassionate memory care Arvada Co can offer to your loved one or parent in need of dependable memory care.

It's important to find a memory care community that looks at memory loss as a journey with a deeper understanding of the condition for which your loved one is experiencing. MorningStar recognizes the benefits of holistic memory care and offers the best modern memory care Arvada Co has seen. Through the mantra of “Lavender Sky,” MorningStar recognizes the importance of holistic memory care for seniors in Colorado. Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, MorningStar’s life enrichment teams present creative ways to keep seniors in memory care active and productive. MorningStar encourages senior’s unique talents and experiences, and some residents choose to lead special interest clubs themselves.

Additionally, MorningStar memory care Arvada Co has a private senior living neighborhood that offers 29 secure suites devoted entirely to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. A private neighborhood for memory care residents is the best way to ensure safety and undivided attention. This neighborhood offers safe outdoor walks and patios. Taking a walk through a garden or a short stroll with people they trust is a great way to keep senior’s bodies and minds active. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often suffer from depression, high-stress, and agitation. Going outside can enhance mood and lower stress levels.

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Improve Flexibility and Balance with Stretching Exercises

Have you noticed you are no longer as flexible as you used to be and the movements of your limbs and joints feel more restricted? If it is harder to do things like turning your neck to look behind you when driving or getting up from a low chair, you would probably benefit from incorporating stretches into your routine. Experts say daily stretching can make significant improvement in flexibility, the ability of the muscles and tendons to lengthen and stretch in response to movement, and allow a joint to move through its range of motion.

In addition, being more flexible improves balance and lowers the risk for a fall. Stretching increases the range of movement in the joints, improves posture and eases muscle tension and soreness as well as increases circulation. Along with dedicated stretching exercises, seniors can increase flexibility with yoga, Pilates, swimming, tai chi, dancing and massage.

A study on a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults reported by the Journal of Gerontology found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.”

It is easy to do stretching exercises as they do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. However, before beginning any new exercise routine including stretching, consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level. Experts say you should warm up before stretching such as taking a walk around the block, which in itself helps to stretch muscles and tendons. Also, don’t stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension; or bounce when stretching. Typically hold the stretch for no more than 30 seconds.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with resort-style amenities, care services and a range of programs including exercise classes tailored to seniors’ needs. Visit our website for more information about our beautiful senior living community 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. 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.

Source: healthline.com/health/senior-health/stretching-exercises#Benefits-of-stretching-
morelifehealth.com/articles/regaining-flexibility-guide

Learn More About MorningStar at Golden Ridge

Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition, we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security.   Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining, outdoor dining patio and private dining rooms, we have an onsite bistro bar, theatre, and more.  Other amenities include a saline swimming pool, salon, library and fitness centers as well as scheduled transportation. 

To serve the various needs of seniors, we offer 38 well-designed Casitas with attached garages for independent living.  MorningStar’s independent living promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle with maintenance-free living, built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and activities. Housekeeping services help keep life simple and frees up time for other interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community. 

 

If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides various levels of assisted living. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our Reflections Neighborhood not only provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being but also fully encourages and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  Memory care residents participate in recreational and purposeful activities, including exercise, music, life skills, and art, and as well as outings and special events. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 exceptional senior living in the Peoria area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge.

Are You Worried About Memory Loss?

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that anyone worried about memory loss to make an appointment with their health care provider.  While we all know it is scary just thinking about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of reasons why it is to your advantage to know.  

The process for getting a diagnosis starts with a full evaluation with a healthcare provider that includes your medical history and any medications you are taking as well as a series of mental status tests.  If the initial evaluation indicates problems, your doctor will recommend further physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging.

One of the top reasons to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s is your symptoms may be from another treatable cause.  If it is determined you have Alzheimer’s, experts explain that while there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment options that can lessen the symptoms including memory loss and confusion for a limited time.  Also, they say an early diagnosis gives you a better chance of benefiting from treatment.

An early diagnosis also means you may be eligible for clinical trials that could provide some medical benefit.  In addition, recent research suggests that certain lifestyle changes such as “controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active, may help preserve cognitive function.”   

Perhaps most importantly you will have more time to plan for your future and to do things now, rather than wait.  Planning for the future also helps family members know what your wishes are and prevents future feelings of guilt or arguments over your care.  The Alzheimer’s Association adds that an early diagnosis can save your family and the U.S. Government money spent on care.        

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we offer loving memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our community is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful community in Peoria, AZ.

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 in Peoria, AZ.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

What Does Assisted Living Provide?

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home.  The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.    

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities.  In some cases, people move into an assisted living community knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.  

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone.  As many senior living communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.  

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary in size and number of bedrooms, all our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and many offer a stackable washer/dryer.  In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required.  Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping and delicious meals they no longer need to cook.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  Along with assisted living, we provide independent living for active seniors and memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

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 in Peoria, AZ.