Monday, November 27, 2023

How to Move a Parent to Assisted Living

When the day comes to move a parent to assisted living, you may face feelings of guilt, sadness, and anxiety. You have spent your whole life watching your parents care and provide for themselves and others and now things have changed. For many, this is just a part of aging. 

You’re not expected to have all the answers as you relocate your loved one to a senior living community. Assisted living communities provide support and guidance to families looking for trusted senior living or memory care. Part of that support is teaching families how to successfully move a parent to assisted living in a kind and gentle way. It may surprise you just how much you and your loved one will love this new assisted living home

Be Gentle and Kind

While deciding to move your loved one to assisted living care can ignite negative thoughts and emotions, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Assisted living communities at MorningStar Senior Living are specially designed with the special needs of seniors in mind. Society is not built for seniors to thrive, this is why senior living communities fulfill the desires of seniors and their families. Trusted assisted living caregivers and providers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to keep your loved one safe and happy. 

Be Mindful of Budget 

Finding affordable assisted living communities near you is important. You also want to make sure that your senior living facility provides your loved one with all the necessities and perks they would require. Be sure to assess your budget and take into account the needs of your loved one.

Ask For Guidance

If you feel lost, don’t forget you can ask for guidance from trusted assisted living professionals. While many pathways are open to you in securing the necessary care for your parent, a great first step is to ask us for a copy of our Senior Life Guide which provides detailed advice and recommendations for senior living options and what amenities we offer at our retirement homes. 

Find Compassionate Memory Care

Contact us today If 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. 


The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.


Why Individualized Memory Care is So Popular

The news of a memory loss diagnosis can lead seniors and their families onto a winding and uncertain road that often feels misguided. Individualized and holistic memory care for seniors is specific to their unique needs, goals, and current health status. Holistic senior living is inclusive memory care that focuses on the individual, not the illness. 

MorningStar is a senior living facility that offers specialized memory care for seniors in Arvada, Colorado. At MorningStar of Arvada, we understand a diagnosis of dementia is devastating and we want to reassure our families we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. Keep reading to understand how individualized memory care has become so popular. 


When a family makes the decision to entrust our memory care community with their loved one, we meet with them to learn as much as we can about the individual’s background, talents, interests, and personal preferences as possible. 


Once they become part of the community, all memory care residents participate in a range of purposeful and meaningful activities that engage their passion, interest, and creativity collectively to encourage collaboration and socialization. These activities are individualized to the personal needs and preferences of every senior. Unlike traditional nursing homes, memory care provides seniors with a sense of understanding and support. 


As dementia care experts, our unique philosophy and approach to memory care are encompassed under the possibilities MorningStar calls “Lavender Sky.” This holistic and individualized memory care method compassionately requires caregivers to choose to thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore a memory loss diagnosis. By leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals, we comfort and heal, and have proudly created a community that feels like a true home. 

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.


Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Arvada. We 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 Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.


Friday, November 24, 2023

Why Music is Popular for Memory Care Residents

Music therapy has been proven very beneficial for seniors in memory care communities. Evidence suggests that music is deeply rooted in our 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. Incorporating music therapy benefits seniors in memory care communities in the following ways:


Improving Cognitive Function

Harvard concluded that music can activate almost all brain regions and networks. Music therapy for seniors improves cognitive function by keeping a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong. Music can reinvigorate networks that are involved in well-being, learning, cognitive function, and happiness.


Unlocking Memories

Many people have experienced the phenomenon of hearing a song and remembering old memories out of the blue. This isn’t magic. It turns out that music can help humans unlock memories and experiences they thought they had forgotten. For seniors struggling with dementia, memory care facilities like Morningstar use music therapy to promote memory recognition and bring a sense of calm to seniors. 


Alleviating Anxiety and Stress

At morningStar, you can find holistic senior living that is focused on alleviating stress and anxiety. Music therapy is one way assisted living can improve the lives of seniors with dementia. Playing relaxing music like Jazz puts us in a relaxing state that allows us to enjoy the moment and the people around us. Classical music sends vibrations through our bodies that bring down heightened emotions and fears. 

Find Compassionate Memory Care

Contact us today If 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. 


The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.


Learn More About Holistic Memory Care

Holistic memory care options for seniors with Alzheimer's are becoming an increasingly important approach to treating memory loss. Holistic memory care addresses all aspects of the individual's well-being and focuses on their strengths by providing personalized care plans and promoting a positive environment through highly skilled and compassionate team members and caregivers. 

Holistic memory care has been shown to improve outcomes for seniors struggling with memory loss. This memory care method provides seniors with the highest quality of life possible. If you are considering memory care options for your loved one with Alzheimer's, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a holistic approach offered at MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care.

Reinventing Memory Care

Unlike traditional memory care approaches, which tend to focus on the individual's weaknesses and limitations, holistic memory care emphasizes a senior’s strengths, passions, abilities, and personality. 


At MorningStar, a specialized care plan is tailored to every senior’s unique needs, interests, and abilities, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity and independence for as long as possible while also giving them the appropriate level of care needed whether it is at the onset of the disease or more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. 



At MorningStar of Arvada, we understand a diagnosis of dementia is devastating and we want to reassure our families we are here to help shoulder some of the burden.

Holistic Memory Care Living Options

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you will want the most trusted memory care Arvada offers. MorningStar of Arvada’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around the individualized needs of each resident. With 29 suites, we can care for residents in an intimate, supportive, and loving environment, where independence is encouraged through clear wayfinding and inviting common areas.

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.


Friday, November 17, 2023

Is there Any Benefit From Taking Multivitamins?

As we age, it becomes more important than ever to protect our health but making decisions on how we do it can be confusing at best. One day it seems this diet is better than another and they have lots of initials such as DASH, MIND, TLC or KETO as well as Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets. Adding to the challenge is whether we need a daily multivitamin. 

While it is a good idea to get advice from your healthcare provider, it doesn’t hurt to hear what some other experts say. For example, the Harvard School of Public Health says if you eat a healthy diet, a multivitamin may have little or no benefit. A healthy diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, good protein sources and healthy fats. 

However the National Academy of Medicine cautions some Americans may not be getting enough of specific vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and vitamin E from food sources alone. Vitamin deficiency can also occur in people with diseases like celiac, ulcerative colitis, or cystic fibrosis, which cause their digestive systems to not function properly. Others who may benefit from the addition of specific vitamins include the elderly or conditions such as pregnancy, alcoholism and taking certain medications including treating high blood pressure. 

Doctors say even those with diseases such as osteoporosis may only need to increase their intake of nutrients targeted toward maintaining bone health, or if that is not possible to take a supplement. If in doubt, ask your healthcare team if you should consult with a dietician. Remember to let your doctors know about any supplements you are taking in case of drug interactions with prescription medications.   

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

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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.


Source: hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/multivitamin/


Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Moving to an Assisted Living Community

No matter what age we are, moving can be a big deal. Whether as a high schooler changing schools, or a retiree embarking on a new chapter to an assisted living community, moving is a big deal. 

For older adults, a move to assisted living may include giving up a beloved family home. In this case, they probably have a whole house full of things and will need to downsize. That alone can be tough, as the person will most likely need to give up possessions they have had for years. For more on downsizing, the Internet offers a variety of suggestions to help you get started.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s team understands every resident’s move is unique and recognizes it for what it is – a major lifestyle transition. This is why we approach each move-in with the utmost sensitivity, and sincerely strive to nurture a good relationship right from the start. We seek to reinforce the positive aspects of community life, and do all we can to help the person embrace their new adventure.

Once your family decides assisted living at MorningStar is a good fit, we request a deposit to secure your chosen suite. From there our “House to Home” process begins in earnest. This includes getting together vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move such as a medical assessment and a physician’s plan of care, along with other documentation.  

Practical advice from us includes recommending moving companies experienced in senior transitions. Furniture carts and dollies are available to borrow, if needed. We also offer packing tips and suggestions on the best items to bring. Most importantly we keep the lines of communication open as we know it is vital to a satisfactory experience. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, hospitality and senior care services, wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life. In addition, our beautiful community offers Casitas for independent living and specialized memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Since 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living. assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.


Monday, November 13, 2023

Research on the Benefits of Walking for Exercise

Over the last several years, reports on the “optimal” number of steps we should take each day seem to vary. Early on it was all about getting 10,000 steps but the Medical News Today’s website explains the idea of 10,000 steps was conceived in the 1960s as a marketing tool and was not based on any actual medical research.   

A study from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, decided to take a “fresh look at how many steps a person should take each day — and what kind of steps are most beneficial — to promote good health.” The data was obtained with fitness trackers and the information led researchers to suggest a goal of 8,200 steps a day significantly lowers a person’s risk of chronic disease. 

Researchers report results show an association between walking 8,200 steps and a reduced risk of chronic conditions, including:

  • obesity

  • sleep apnea

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • major depressive disorder (MDD)

  • diabetes

  • hypertension

In addition, they found even more steps a day could reduce the risk even more for some of these diseases. However, Dr. Evan L. Brittain, associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt, explained, in the case of “diabetes and hypertension, we observed a plateau at around 8–9000 steps per day, above which there wasn’t any obvious benefit.” He also reminded people there is no reason to not get in more steps a day as they can be beneficial for other health conditions.   

Looking for exceptional independent or assisted living?  MorningStar at Golden Ridge has a broad range of amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Onsite amenities include fitness centers, exercise classes and a saline swimming pool making it easy for residents to keep active. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ.


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 the finest independent and assisted living in Peoria, AZ. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.


Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-8200-steps-a-day-may-lower-your-risk-of-chronic-disease-study-finds


Friday, November 10, 2023

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Is Senior Living at Its Best

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at Golden Ridge is senior living at its best.  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.  


Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart.  With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose.  Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.


We encourage you to visit our website and view our video that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as gives more information about MorningStar Senior Living.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.    Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or enjoying a film in our comfy theater? 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living in their own secluded neighborhood.  In our main building we have 65 stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides another 35 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

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.


Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Finding a Gift for a Loved One With Memory Impairment

We all like to bring our elderly parents or loved ones a gift to show them just how much we care about them. It is often hard to know what to give to a senior, and especially difficult if a loved one is suffering from dementia.  Experts suggest you help them find ways to reminisce about their lives and accomplishments, and give them things that will bring a smile to their face and some joy into their life.    

Many ideas for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia include personalized gifts.  One such gift is a talking photo book that allows you to record your own personal commentary to go along with each photograph.  This can be a fun book to sit and enjoy with your family member as it helps to trigger memories and conversation.  Many companies offer such books, and prices typically vary with the number of photos and recording time available.  


Buying an interactive book featuring vivid photographs and large print on a subject your mom or dad loves such as animals or flowers can also promote conversation and provide a way to spend relaxing time together.  To ease stress or agitation, you may want to consider getting them a fiddle muff.  A fiddle muff can provide comfort and warmth as well as activity to promote increased hand flexibility and brain stimulation. 


Another meaningful gift is a cozy, customized blanket filled with photos of the grandkids or a beloved family pet.  On the Internet you can find companies that will do a collage of family photos or a singular one in a variety of materials.  Many of the blankets have surprisingly sharp images and can be machined, washed and dried.  


If the person has a hard time falling asleep or relaxing, calming visual and or audio stimulation may help.  Several companies have all-in-one cubes that offer a range of calming music and visual displays that can turn the ceiling into a beautiful night sky.  


At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents, allowing them as much independence as possible.  Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participants in a wide variety of wellness programs and purposeful activities including exercise, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events.   Please contact us or visit our website for more information.


Since 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living. assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source:

store.best-alzheimers-products.com/alzheimers-dementia-gift-ideas/alzheimers-gift-guide.html

Monday, November 6, 2023

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Independent Living and Assisted Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers seniors a carefree lifestyle in which to comfortably and safely age in place with an option of independent living or assisted living. Our location in Peoria, AZ is a friendly residential area that is convenient for shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s independent living Casitas are designed for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping to have more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Seniors enjoy stress-free living and a lifestyle that extends their independence and lets them continue the adventure. 

Assisted living is for seniors who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. 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.


Among the many advantages of MorningStar at Golden Ridge is if you start out with us as an independent living resident, it is easy to adjust the level of care you need by a move into an assisted living suite. All residents enjoy a range of amenities including a bistro bar, fitness centers, swimming pool, theater/chapel, life enrichment rooms, library, wellness programs and activities.


With a choice of studio (AL), one-bedroom (AL) and two-bedroom floorplans, you are sure to find one to suit your needs. Each apartment features upscale finishes and handicap-accessible bathrooms.  An emergency call system gives you peace of mind knowing someone is always available to lend a hand if needed. 


In addition, we offer memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ.


Friday, November 3, 2023

The Importance of Healthy Nutrition for Seniors

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  Also, their metabolism slows down so they need fewer calories than before.  Therefore, the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is more important than ever. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are full of fresh ingredients from high quality producers.  Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch and consider seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions.  

MorningStar’s stylish Casitas and suites come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Amenities include a theater/chapel, fitness centers, bistro bar, library, swimming pool, salon, and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our independent living, assisted living, or 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 to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Start Your Day With a Healthy Breakfast

Growing up, most of our mothers told us it wasn’t healthy to skip breakfast. While we listened, many of us still went off to school without ...