Transitioning to Memory Care

Memory Care offers beneficial support for seniors struggling with memory loss. In a memory care community, you can find active social opportunities, cognitive engagement, and overall enhanced well-being and happiness. These communities hire highly trained professionals adept at handling the obstacles that come with memory loss needs. While the benefits of memory care are high, discussing transitioning to memory care with your senior parent or loved one can be difficult. At MorningStar Senior Living, we offer support for families in need of successful memory care in Arvada, Colorado. 

Discussing the transition to memory care with your loved one is better when you have others on your side. Other family members or friends can offer their support in finding the proper memory care options. Once research has been completed, you and your trusted team can discuss the options with your loved one in need of supportive memory care. 

Trust your instincts. If you are a close caregiver and/or provider for a loved one that you believe is struggling with memory loss, keep a log of accidents or wearisome behaviors. Has the home remained clean? Are they preparing meals for themselves with fresh ingredients? Are they struggling with remembering important information, dates, and appointments? Bring your findings to others to discuss a better care plan for your loved one while expressing your feelings about your loved one’s well-being. 

Have open and honest communication with your loved one about their changing needs. Be careful to not infantilize your loved one struggling with memory loss. Like you, they want to have autonomy and choice about their future. After stating your worries, allow them to chime in on their options. Perhaps they will want to tour the facilities, scope out a roommate, or be involved in the process of selling their home. Ultimately, express your worries about their health and know that memory care facilities, like MorningStar Senior Living, bring the most modern memory care Colorado has to offer. 

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Senior Living in Arvada, Co is aware of the mental pain and frustration that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic communication with our residents struggling with memory loss and do not shy away from difficulties. Incorporating holistic methods of care and treatment enhances the overall health and happiness of seniors in memory care.

Contact us today if you want to know more about 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.

Seniors Can Experience This in Pet Therapy

While cuddling with pets makes us comfortable and relaxed, did you know the presence of an animal can have a significant impact on our health? For seniors, pet therapy is not only a heartwarming event, but it actually can improve cardiovascular health and manage chronic conditions. Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or social, our Life Enrichment Teams at MorningStar Senior Living present creative ways for seniors to stay active and productive in memory care communities near you.

The physical benefits of pet therapy in assisted living and memory care are just as valuable as the emotional benefits. The act of spending time around animals like puppies, rabbits, ducklings, and kittens, can significantly lower blood pressure in older adults. Not only this, but a therapy animal’s companionship alleviates pain by encouraging our bodies to release endorphins. Endorphins are like our body’s natural painkiller. This is great news for seniors experiencing chronic pain.

For seniors in memory care or assisted living, pet therapy has even more benefits for seniors. Being around therapy animals, or spending time with animals in general, reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seniors who have not had visits from their families tend to feel a level of loneliness. Thankfully, pet therapy sessions can bring these individuals joy and companionship and help them feel more connected to the world around them.

Being in the presence of an animal can also reduce agitation and aggressive behavior. Seriously, when was the last time you were angry petting a puppy? Pet therapy calms seniors struggling with cognitive impairment and provides them with a nonverbal channel for connection. As you consider memory care options for your loved one, we encourage you to explore the potential of pet therapy at MorningStar at Beaverton.

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. 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 retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

 
MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best-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. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

Coping with a Loved One’s Memory Loss

It’s heartbreaking to watch an elderly parent or loved one struggle with the effects of memory loss. For a senior in need of memory care, everyday chores and activities are overwhelming. As a caregiver, you may be wondering how you can offer the best memory care. MorningStar in Arvada, Colorado, offers the best memory care for seniors struggling with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. Here are some helpful tips to help you and your family cope with a loved one’s memory loss. 

Your hands are likely full taking care of your senior parent or loved one. Now, with added memory loss symptoms, the financial and emotional burden has expanded on your shoulders. Now is the time to discuss your loved one’s new needs with a medical provider or memory specialist. At MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care, we can consider and establish your loved one’s memory care needs in open collaboration with you and your family. 

Divvying up responsibilities with a memory care community is helpful to you, your family, and your loved one struggling with memory loss. MorningStar Senior Living offers personalized care plans for seniors in memory care. This means your loved one will receive the amount of care necessary for their success. No more, no less. This aids in senior independence, autonomy, and safety. Our personal care manager considers chores, meal times, hygiene activities, and hobbies into consideration with the amount of care and attention that might need to be supplied. 

Be patient with yourself, your family, and your loved one struggling with memory loss while you look for memory care options. Not everyone will agree on how to handle this new obstacle. At MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care, we allow you and your family members to share opinions and possible solutions to figure out the perfect memory care plan. 

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Senior Living in Arvada, Co is aware of the mental pain and frustration that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic communication with our residents struggling with memory loss and do not shy away from difficulties. Incorporating holistic methods of care and treatment enhances the overall health and happiness of seniors in memory care.

Contact us today if you want to know more about 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.

The Benefits of an Active Lifestyle for Memory Care Residents

Participating in an active lifestyle is highly beneficial for a senior with dementia or Alzheimer’s. An active lifestyle can mean anything from participating in group stretches, going on daily walks with a chaperone, working on crafts or other hobbies, and socializing. At MorningStar at Beaverton, you can find the most social senior living community Oregon has to offer seniors with memory care needs.

Engaging in activities plays a significant role in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. While a senior struggling with memory loss may not be able to drive a car or play sports, there are still plenty of activities that will keep them feeling fulfilled and happy. With some assistance, seniors in memory care will begin to live full lives again. With our art therapies, active community, and exciting social events, our life enrichment teams are sure to provide your loved one with a vast array of activities they’ll enjoy.

Understanding the individual with dementia better helps our community plan activities for them that they will enjoy. We take a person-centered approach to memory care at MorningStar Senior Living. This means getting to know your loved one’s lifestyle and routine, former activities and hobbies, career history, social interests, and even past travel excursions and significant life events. Our person-centered memory care approach makes use of your loved one’s skills that have not been forgotten. Through this technique, families can see improvements in their loved one’s behavior and overall happiness.

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. 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 retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best-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. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

Three Top Holistic Therapies for Seniors in Memory Care

When an elderly parent or loved one receives a memory loss diagnosis with symptoms that seem to be getting worse, it may be time for you to consider the memory services available in Arvada, Colorado, and whether or not you should move your parents to a memory care facility. Memory care assisted living at MorningStar Senior Living provides long-term care facilities specializing in memory services and holistic therapy for seniors in memory care. The following are the most popular memory care activities for seniors struggling with memory loss. 

Music Therapy

Music is a huge part of our culture. Evidence suggests that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. This makes music, and music therapy, a valuable memory care tool that relieves some of the effects of dementia and other types of cognitive memory loss in the brain. Setting aside a few hours to play music that seniors would have enjoyed in their youth is beneficial in bringing old memories to the surface. 

Art Therapy

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. 

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy is a top holistic therapy for seniors in memory care because it incorporates the five senses and reawakens memories associated with those feelings. Showing your loved one with dementia old photos, having them touch familiar fabrics, or cooking them a meal that they loved are all examples of reminiscence therapy. 

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Senior Living in Arvada, Co is aware of the mental pain and frustration that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic communication with our residents struggling with memory loss and do not shy away from difficulties. Incorporating holistic methods of care and treatment enhances the overall health and happiness of seniors in memory care.

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.

Downsizing to a Senior Community is the Start of a New Adventure

Instead of feeling sad about moving from a home that perhaps is too large or costly for you to care for, think about moving into a smaller apartment or condo as the start of a new adventure.   However, to do it right, you should be organized.  Experts suggest you only take with you the things that bring joy and find ways to get rid of the rest.  If that piece of advice still finds you with way too much stuff, then take a moment to picture how you want your new life to look.  Is it a sleek, minimalist décor or more like a smaller, compact version of your present home?

Some simple solutions to help you decorate your new apartment include bringing with you or buying multi-purpose furniture.  This could include upholstered storage benches or cubes, nesting coffee tables, extension desks, and sized-down sofa and chairs more suited to a compact footprint.  Attractive baskets and storage carts also help to make a small place feel more organized.  

If you want to use some of your current furniture, measure it, and then draw up a floor plan of the new place and lay it all out to see how it will fit.  In addition, since your new place is smaller, it will most likely not have as many closets as your old home so go through your clothing and only take the items you truly enjoy wearing.  Give the rest to charity.  Lastly, consider the amenities at your new place.  For example if they have an onsite fitness center, you probably do not need to bring along your own in-home treadmill or stationary bike.    

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our beautiful senior community offers stylish Casitas and suites that are ready to move into and just require your furnishings and personal items. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, swimming pool, fitness center, life enrichment rooms, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  If you are looking for independent or assisted living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please schedule a tour to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Engaged in Activities

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show those with Alzheimer’s disease do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease. 

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.  

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides holistic memory care individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, loving memory care in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Sources: 

seniorlink.com/blog/helpful-daily-activities-for-dementia-patients-50-expert-tips-and-suggestions-to-keep-your-loved-one-engaged, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684326/

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Luxury Assisted Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 65 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety. 

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7.  We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.    

In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that will create daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and includes low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low-fat choices.  We feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends.

Our beautifully designed community has plenty of common areas to sit and relax or enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friend.  To keep residents as busy as they want to be, our calendar is loaded with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. We offer scheduled transportation services and special outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  If you are looking for trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. 

Lifestyle Options at MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge

Many seniors and their families are confused as to what exactly assisted living offers and how it differs from independent living. At MorningStar’s community in Peoria, we explain our senior living supports residents as they age with freedom and choices, resort-style amenities and best-in-class dining and hospitality. Spacious Casitas and suites come in a variety of well-designed floor plans and configurations that are sure to meet your needs. Wellness programs and activities help keep residents socially engaged and offer opportunities for personal growth. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers beautiful common areas both inside and out.  Amenities include all-day dining, fitness center, salon, library, theater/chapel, bistro bar, and outdoor dining patio. For your safety, our entire community is designed to facilitate safe mobility with wide doorways and halls as well as apartments equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24/7 emergency call systems. 

Independent living is designed specifically for seniors who want to and can live without any assistance. Residents enjoy predictable budgeting, hospitality services and a community of friends. Our independent living community is in its own neighborhood made up of 38 Casitas offering attached garages, a clubhouse and swimming pool.  All that’s missing are your personal furnishings and treasures—even the furry kind (yes, we’re pet friendly).

For our assisted living residents, we work hard to ensure you get the personalized services needed to help maintain your independence. After the decision to move to Morningstar, assisted living residents meet with our Wellness Director to assess their current health, review medical history and learn about their preferences. From there we create a Personalized Service Plan based on five levels of care. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. 

Our trusted independent living and assisted living in Peoria, AZ provides seniors a refreshing, maintenance-free lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar at Golden Ridge, and give us a call to set up a tour or ask about availability. Don’t forget to ask about our current Move-in Special.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Specialized Memory Care

In addition to independent living and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ provides suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Golden Ridge is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living company, which was founded in 2003 and has 40+ communities in eleven states either in operation or under construction.

At MorningStar, our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.” Our philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia. With insight and intentionality, we enter our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with dementia on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together. By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope.

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow. When memory care residents come to MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.

As you can see, memory care at our senior care community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about senior living, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation our communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Interested in Independent Senior Living but Feel it May be Too Expensive?

While a retirement community may sound appealing, many seniors worry the cost is too high. The truth is, there is a wide range in the cost of independent senior living communities based on things like geographic location, services and amenities that all impact your monthly fee. 

Luxury communities in metropolitan areas tend to be priced higher as do those in more desirable neighborhoods. Also, the apartment’s square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, location within the community such as sought-after views or end-units, balconies or private patios can all up the price. 

Experts say it is important to consider the value of the services and amenities you receive. In your own home, you may have paid for things like lawn care and landscaping services as well as encountered unexpected home repairs and maintenance upkeep. Utilities and property taxes for a home that may have more space than you need at this stage in your life can be costly.  Additionally, safely aging in place can often require expensive home modifications. 

The social aspect of community living is something many seniors say they were surprised by the amount of value it offers. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we make it easier to connect formally as well as informally with restaurant-style dining, outdoor dining patio, bistro/bar, clubhouse, life enrichment rooms, fitness centers, swimming pool, theater/chapel and a complement of wellness programs. For your convenience, we offer surface parking spaces as well as attached garages on the Casitas.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the finest in luxury senior housing. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years with opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting and activities amid beautiful surroundings. Our contemporary-style Casitas are maintenance free and allow you to spend more time doing what you love best, including being able to travel without worry. In addition, independent living residents have priority access to our assisted living and memory care suites, which gives you the security of knowing extra supportive care is available—if you ever need it. 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ.

What Are 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 several 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 worsens, at some point you will most likely need surgery.  

If you are looking for exceptional independent living or assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge may be your answer. We are a vibrant 55+ community in Peoria, AZ with well-designed Casitas and suites ranging from 404 to 1236 square feet. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide luxury amenities, five-star dining, and senior care and hospitality services. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care to those with memory impairment. Please 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ.