Medicare and Assisted Living

Most seniors will require some type of long-term assisted living as they get older. Assisted living benefits seniors who need extra help completing tasks, chores, and errands for themselves. Having a full-time caretaker may only be possible for some. This is why assisted living communities provide 24/7 care for seniors needing medication management, health monitoring, and daily check-ins. 

The downside is that Medicare does not usually cover assisted living communities and their costs. However, other financial options may benefit families looking for assisted living options. 

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering expenses up to the amounts outlined in the policy. Long term care insurance pays for various services in senior communities and can offer care options that may not be covered through Medicare and Medicaid. A long term care insurance policy also helps with the costs of care for seniors with a chronic medical condition or disability. 

Selling a Home

The equity built up in a private home is typically a retiree’s most significant asset, making the proceeds from selling extremely helpful when transitioning to a senior community. However, selling a home quickly can be challenging and time-consuming. This is especially true when adult children are not living nearby to assist.

Financial Services

There are still options for senior care without using Medicare. Financial resources are available beyond retirement savings and investments when paying for assisted living. To help you explore options, MorningStar has partnered with Elderlife Financial Services, whose agents offer education on the financial resources potentially open to you in paying for independent living, assisted living, or memory care. 

Contact Us Today

Do you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take 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. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Beaverton, Oregon.

Food and Dementia: How To Handle Changes in Eating Habits

A senior diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s may experience changes in food preferences and typical eating habits. More serious concerns can arise around eating too, such as forgetting to eat all together or refusing to chew and swallow. 

Eating can become difficult for an individual with dementia. In memory care, a senior receives individualized and specialized care plans that account for changes in eating behaviors. With 24/7 on-site care, trusted memory care professionals, and dementia-friendly programs and activities, you will find the most trusted memory care Arvada offers at MorningStar Senior Living. 

Loss of Appetite

A senior with Dementia may often tell you they are full when they haven’t eaten for hours. Because of their diagnosis, their body is not telling them they’re hungry. This is extremely dangerous for seniors who live alone. For seniors who struggle with eating regular meals, finding the most reliable assisted living Arvada offers is crucial. 

Textures may also impact a seniors appetite. Bananas, avocados, mushrooms, and other thick, slimy textures may no longer be appealing to a senior struggling with dementia. Not only this, but a senior may despise foods they thoroughly enjoyed. If they were huge fans of steak prior to their diagnosis, they may no longer be able to tolerate the texture. With trial and error, you can find foods they enjoy again.

Encourage Small Meals

Seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s in memory care may no longer be able to eat three large meals a day like they used to. Breaking large meals into multiple snacks throughout the day is the best way to make sure seniors in memory care are eating regularly. For breakfast, offer something small that they typically enjoy. Then, continue to offer options to them throughout the day, while monitoring how much is eaten. 

Find Trusted Memory Care

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s Alzheimer’s Care and Assisted Living options in Arvada CO. Our staff is 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 senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

A Key Communication Strategy for Dementia

A dementia diagnosis for a senior loved one or parent is disheartening. You will be on a journey of new battles and challenges, but hopefully, you will still find ways to appreciate what is still possible while on this new path with your loved one. 

A challenging aspect of dementia and Alzheimer’s is adjusting to new communication methods. Barriers in communication due to dementia can make caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s difficult. You may feel like you’re doing more harm than good. MorningStar’s Assisted Living and Memory Care Arvada Co offers a key communication strategy for dementia to help maintain your relationship with your loved one while seeking memory care near you. 

Alzheimer’s is a disease that progresses differently for each person diagnosed. Since dementia and Alzheimer’s present differently in every person, this means communication methods will vary. Alzheimer’s can also be a progressive disease that can become more disintegrating as time goes on which worsens symptoms and behaviors. These changes tend to lead to a lot of stress and frustration for your loved one, and for you as well.

Ask your parents with Alzheimer’s or dementia in memory care to show you how to do things. This can be any simple task. If you are being met with frustration about taking medication, bathing, or eating, simply ask the individual to show you how to do it. The key is pretending like you need help or that you’ve forgotten how to complete the task for yourself. 

Seniors, especially those struggling with dementia in memory care, continue to seek out independence and autonomy. While they may not be able to complete all the tasks they once could on their own, they still want to feel helpful. At MorningStar, you will find the most modern memory care Arvada Co has to offer for seniors needing memory care. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s Alzheimer’s Care and Assisted Living options in Arvada CO. Our staff is 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 senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

What is Assisted Living for Seniors?

Are you unsure about the differences between Senior Living Communities and Assisted Living for Seniors? To help differentiate, let's explore MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton, which proudly brings the finest memory care Beaverton, Oregon, has to offer. This contemporary assisted living facility provides carefree retirement years regardless of need and creates a proper home for residents. 

MorningStar might be a new assisted living community in Beaverton, Oregon. Still, their care highlights their highly experienced assisted living team.

Assisted Living:

Assisted Living is for seniors aged 55 and up who need extra help with daily activities and chores. These are seniors who need medication management, meal preparation, and guidance on their own hygiene and health. Seniors in assisted living at MorningStar enjoy independence and autonomy while still experiencing safety and care.

Inside Assisted Living Communities:

At MorningStar of Beaverton, you will find warm, inviting common areas that relax residents. From a cozy fireside living room to scenic outdoor courtyards, residents will feel right at home. Residents at MorningStar easily make friends in assisted living and enjoy participating in clubs and activities. MorningStar of Beaverton is also pet and roommate-friendly.

MorningStar’s assisted living has various creative programs and resort-style amenities and services. One of those services includes providing residents daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our dining room. Other on-site services include a full salon, bistro, art studio, fitness room, spa bath, and more.

Most importantly, we are proud of our responsive and compassionate care team, the heart of MorningStar’s care philosophy. We recognize the key to our success is hiring the right people committed to serving with love, kindness, honesty, and humility.  It is together, as a team, that we can provide the most genuine, loving care possible.

Contact Us Today

 Suppose you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take 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. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Beaverton, Oregon.

Making the Move to a Senior Community

If you are moving from your own home into a senior living community, most likely you will want to downsize. While it can sound overwhelming to go through a whole household of stuff and whittle it down to fit into a modest sized apartment, a few tips will help. 

Without question it is a lot of work and can be stressful and emotional but the Internet offers useful information from organizing experts. Most say the trick is to prepare in advance by making a plan and allowing plenty of time. Remember, if you are interested, there are companies who offer these services and will do everything from helping with the downsizing process to packing up, and moving your things to your new home. 

Now you are ready for the sorting out process deciding what you will bring and what to give to family, donate, or throw away. This is the hardest task as your house is full of memories but again here is where a system works. Experts say sort by rooms and simplify the task by making a “yes” pile and a “no” pile. They warn not to make a “maybe” pile as it can end up growing in size and complicate your plan. Again, remember the goal is to simplify your life and not overcrowd the new place with useless items.   

Things to consider are the size of your new place and its layout (get measurements). You will want furniture scaled to fit as well as room for hobbies or musical instruments that are important to you. Also consider the amenities your new place offers such as a dining service. If most of your meals will be prepared by your new community, you will just need the basics in your kitchen. If the new place has a fitness center, there is no need to bring your own equipment.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is an independent and assisted living community that offers a vibrant, active lifestyle. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, care services and a community of friends. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

 

Brighten the Day of Your Favorite Senior

Do you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community who lives too far to visit?  How about sending something special to show your thinking of them even if it’s not their birthday or a holiday.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Do they love chocolate or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s goal is to be the best senior living community in the Peoria, AZ area, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. And be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.  

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

A Positive View on Aging May Help You Live Longer

Social scientists say “aging gracefully” should not be just an expression but rather something people should take to heart as they enter their senior years. Maintaining a positive attitude as we age can help us better weather the many ups and downs we encounter along the journey. 

A comprehensive study from the Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health followed 660 seniors aged 50 years and older and found those who held a more positive view on growing older lived on average 7.5 years longer than those with a negative view. Researchers added negative views on old age may even make someone more susceptible to developing the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, they report if a person shifts to a more positive way of thinking, the adverse outcome may be mitigated.   

Dr. Manfred Diehl, professor of human development and family studies at Colorado State University, advises people on how to develop a more positive approach to aging. His first recommendation is to be physically active at least 30 minutes each day. Then he says to keep your brain active and challenge it by continuing to learn new things. Other tips include: get enough sleep each night, stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy weight and follow a healthy diet. Dr. Diehl says a healthy social life is important and to nurture a healthy relationship with your spouse, family and friends.   

Another positive step is to get regular medical check-ups and screenings. Additionally, protect your mental health by taking the time to relax, unwind and to have fun. 

Let us introduce you to MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a 55+ community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Centrally located in Peoria and minutes from Glendale, we are convenient to health care facilities as well as shopping, restaurants and other services. Our beautiful home is designed to meet all the needs of our residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities. Please visit our website to learn more.

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.

Exercise Helps Seniors Maintain Independence

While we know exercise is good for us, certain ailments can make it more challenging for some seniors. However, you may want to be mindful of advice from the Harvard Medical School that says, “Regular exercise promotes an older adult’s ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” In fact, study after study has found exercise offers older adults a longer, healthier, and happy life; but before you begin, please check with your doctor on the best ones for your level of fitness.   

Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and chair yoga are especially good for seniors as they offer lots of benefits and are easy on the body. With water aerobics, the natural buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints, and it can improve balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga puts less stress on the body than regular yoga and can easily being adjusted to the level of fitness for each person. It too offers many of the same benefits as water aerobics. 

An easy to start exercise that doesn’t require special equipment or skills is walking. While it can be done almost anywhere, studies have found walking on a nature trail offers physical exercise as well as a calming influence on the spirit. Another good exercise for seniors is Tai chi. According to the Harvard Medical School, it is shown to “strengthen the heart, improve balance and flexibility, slow the onset of dementia, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and more.” Other exercises for older adults include using resistance bands or doing Pilates to develop core strength and improve balance and flexibility.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge we offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle where they can comfortably and safely age in place.  Along with our swimming pool and fitness center, residents have many opportunities to exercise and keep moving.   We offer independent and assisted living with Casitas and suites in a variety of floor plans and configurations. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving care to those with memory impairment.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living in Peoria, AZ and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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.

The Emotional Side of Moving Your Parent to Assisted Living

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they need to move to a place where they will receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

For outstanding assisted living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage families to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a true destination for successful aging.  We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers stylish Casitas and suites for independent and assisted living in a range of floor plans to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information about luxury senior living at MorningStar.  

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.

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Preventing Falls

When an older adult trips and falls, it can be life changing. Consequences include serious head injuries, hip fractures and broken bones, and in the worst cases, fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Furthermore, more problems can arise as many seniors need several months to recover, which can cause a decline in strength and mobility as well as mental agility.  It can also lead to the loss of independence and isolation. 

Statistics show most falls happen for a handful of reasons and being forewarned may help prevent one. The environment, especially the person’s home and surrounding outdoor area is one of the biggest culprits. Danger spots include slippery bathtubs, high mattresses, steep stairs, poorly lit hallways, loose rugs, obstacles in walkways and clutter. Experts say a little bit of time spent addressing these problems with things like non-slip bath mats and grab bars, more lighting, removing clutter, etc. can help prevent a fall. 

Another risk factor for a fall is chronic health conditions that affect balance and mobility. Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure can mean a person might experience dizziness or be unable to control muscles to stop a fall. 

Growing older also puts us at risk for diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, which in turn, leads to more accidents. Solutions include having yearly eye exams and making sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date.

Experts say it is important for seniors to stay as fit as possible as aging affects muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. Check with your doctor for information on balance and strength exercises. If a medication is making you dizzy or drowsy, talk to your doctor about it. There may be another drug just as effective and doesn’t have the same side effects.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer residents comfort, security, and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home has Casitas and suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, activities and care services. Our residents’ safety is important to us, and each apartment is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

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.

Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/5-biggest-causes-seniors-falling/

Hearing Loss May Contribute to Cognitive Decline

According to the Medical News Today website, studies find hearing loss may contribute to social isolation, lower quality of life, disability, depression, and dementia. This can be especially problematic for people aged 80 years and older, who tend to have more advanced hearing losses. 

In 2015, researchers reported on a 25-year study, which focused on a link between hearing loss and dementia. At the start of the study, the 3,670 participants were 65 years or older and followed for over 25 years. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive decline, researchers say there appeared to be a correlation between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids did not show a significant cognitive decline, suggesting the use of hearing aids may offer a protective effect.

Experts say hearing loss may adversely impact a person’s ability to socialize as they miss out on vital verbal and emotional information that may directly impair brain structure and function. Or it could be that the person uses more energy to make sense of what they hear; and reduces the energy they have left for memory, language processing and attention.

It is recommended at age 60, all adults get a baseline hearing test and be rechecked every couple of years, regardless of whether they experience symptoms. John Hopkins Medicine reports one in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, but due to a gradual change in their hearing, they may not be aware of it.  

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, include the speech of others sounding muffled or slurred; high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" being hard to distinguish; and having difficulty understanding conversation, especially if there is background noise. The person may notice men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s, because it is lower-pitched. 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is ready to help. Along with independent and assisted living, we provide comprehensive memory care that supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis