The Importance of Person-Centered Care in Memory Senior Living Communities

With dementia or Alzheimer’s, there is no one sided approach to care. Because memory loss is so unpredictable and varied, every person will have a different response to their new reality and struggle with different symptoms at different times. The best memory care communities understand that senior care should be tailored to each individual, prioritizing their set of unique challenges and goals. 

What is a person-centered approach in memory care?

A person-centered approach to memory care prioritizes the unique needs and preferences of each resident while recognizing the personality of the individual. This holistic approach to memory care recognizes the importance of treating each person separately from another. Person-centered care in memory senior living communities can look like this:

• Increased Independence

Person-centered care and individualized care plans promote independence in seniors by treating them as an individual and not as a group. Person-centered care supports autonomy and allows residents to participate in activities that bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment while receiving the level of care they need, no more and no less. 

• More Meaningful Activities 

Person-centered care allows memory care communities to know their residents on an individual level. This means we quickly learn your loved one’s likes, dislikes, wishes and fears. Understanding what our community likes allows us to plan more meaningful activities that we know will engage and inspire our residents. 

• Regular Assessments 

Dementia is not stagnant. While we wish the disease didn’t progress, we know a senior may struggle with consistent changes in their memory loss diagnosis. Regular assessments, family involvement and medical input allow us to update our personalized care plan, giving you and your loved one a flexible memory care experience that works. 

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

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.

Understanding the Benefits of Person-Centered Memory Care Plans

Every senior deserves autonomy and should get a say in their healthcare routines. However, input may not be possible for every senior, especially if they struggle with a debilitating memory loss condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia. This makes it difficult to involve every senior in their memory care plan fully. However, MorningStar Memory Care Arvada Colorado may have a solution to this problem. 

At MorningStar, seniors deserve a person-centered approach to memory care. This means seniors in our retirement homes receive an empathetic and holistic approach to memory care that improves their quality of life and independence. 

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

A person-centered approach to memory care places seniors at the heart of their care. This new memory care approach provides support for seniors with dementia or other memory-related disorders by emphasizing the unique needs, preferences, and experiences of that person. 

Person-centered memory care brings autonomy back to the individual by considering their likes, dislikes, background, personality and abilities. By seeing them as an individual, memory care communities can tailor care to each senior and therefore provide the best care that senior requires.

How to Create Personalized Care Plans?

To create your personalized memory care plan, an assessment needs to be made. When choosing your memory care community, be sure to come prepared with medical information about your loved one like: 

• Their current diagnosis 

• Past surgeries 

• Potential challenges

• Medications

• Dietary Restrictions

After discussing your loved one’s medical needs, your memory care manager will want to know your loved one on an individual level. They will be curious about their personality and what challenges they are currently facing. Person-centered care aims to provide care that empathetically embraces memory loss and therefore can provide more attuned memory care.

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.

Explore Holistic Memory Care Options for Senior Living

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory care. As our understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia has expanded, so too have our care options. Caring for seniors with memory loss requires a nuanced approach to memory care that looks past debilitating medication or hospitalization if possible. Holistic memory care addresses many other needs of the individual to improve their overall quality of life, making their memory loss symptoms more manageable. 

Because of the growing research in Alzheimer’s care, we can now better understand the needs of many seniors struggling with memory loss holistically. Keep reading to better understand the various parts of holistic memory care and what this treatment can offer your aging parent or loved one. 

What is Holistic Memory Care?

Holistic memory care refers to an approach to dementia and Alzheimer's disease care that aims to consider and address the needs of a singular person, not the condition. 

This memory care initiative considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the individual with memory loss. This approach recognizes that every individual is unique and that no two memory loss diagnoses affect seniors in the same way. Here are the key components of holistic memory care:

1. Comprehensive Assessment 

Before your loved one moves in, a comprehensive assessment is done by care managers to get a full picture of what level of care your loved one will require and what treatment plans will be most beneficial. This is a collective and cooperative project, as we value and require family and medical input to build a care plan that is best suited to your loved one. 

2. Staff Training 

Holistic memory care would be moot if not for properly trained caretakers and staff. Senior living communities that offer holistic memory care should be certain that caregivers and staff are thoroughly trained in dementia care. This means every member of the staff has a focus on providing person-centered care that regularly evaluates the needs of residents to evolve their caregiving methods. 

3. Stimulation and Engagement

Seniors, no matter their health, require social, physical, and cognitive engagement and stimulation. This means senior living communities should be equipped with easily accessible amenities that seniors can enjoy. As well as weekly activities and outings that help seniors feel engaged and excited. Holistic therapies should be regularly utilized, as well as hands-on crafts and community parties. 

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.

How Memory Care Provides Professional Support for Families

Navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be very overwhelming for most families. If you are someone who just found out about their loved one’s new memory loss diagnosis, you are likely feeling emotions of anxiety, grief and uncertainty. What options do you have to provide your loved one with the best senior care possible?

Memory care facilities are specifically designed to provide professional support for seniors aged 55 and up with Alzheimer's or dementia, as well as their families. Here are some of the ways memory care facilities offer professional Alzheimer’s and dementia support:

Benefits and memory care services at MorningStar

By offering a comprehensive range of services and holistic memory care support, MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care ease the burden on families caring for loved ones with dementia while ensuring the well-being and safety of the individuals in their care.

• Specialized Staff and Nursing Options

Families need a senior living community that has specialized memory care staff and on-site nurses available in case of emergencies. Dedicated memory care staff are more empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding to the needs of a senior struggling with dementia. Staff at MorningStar monitors seniors’ health, manages medications and maintains loving relationships throughout the community.

• Holistic Therapies and Activities 

Seniors in Senior living communities that specialize in memory care have more access to therapeutic activities and group events. Attending music therapy or arranging animal therapies in your home can be costly and overwhelming to organize. Event planners at MorningStar start each week excited to plan new events to boost communication and relaxation. 

• Nutritional Support

It can be hard for seniors to get adequate nutrition in their homes. Memory care communities at MorningStar provide restaurant-style meals rounded out by an assortment of necessary vitamins and minerals. Care providers at MorningStar ensure residents eat regularly and can monitor any changes in diet or weight. 

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

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.

Mitigating Fall Risk in Older Adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury.  However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving.  Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”

They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall.  Their first piece of advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention.  Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls.  

While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk.  Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and staying focused on the task at hand.  Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet.  If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms.    

Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed.  In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside.  Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom.  Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety.  Each of our suites is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom. We also recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide a full calendar of activities that includes a variety of exercise programs.  For more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ please visit our website or give us a call.

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 senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Sources:cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/, agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm, alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

Put Grandparents Day on Your Calendar This Year

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year. 

For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids.  

Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can include the role of caregiver, teacher, playmate and cheering squad depending on where they live; and does not come with the responsibilities of being the parent. Grandparents can uniquely provide the child with a sense of their family history, heritage, and identity. They know great stories about the child’s parents and can help pass on family traditions and life stories. 

If your child does not have any grandparents, consider adopting an elderly person who does not have grandchildren.  If you don’t know any senior citizens personally, call a senior community in your area and ask about activities where your child would be welcome. If you missed Grandparents Day last year, put it on the calendar and celebrate it with some of your favorite seniors on September 8th. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a one-of-a-kind senior living community with a mission statement to: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals 

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. 

Our campus offers 38 two-bedroom Casitas for independent living along with 65 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Reflections Neighborhood provides the people, programs and security to enhance quality of life. Please call today to set up a tour of our beautiful community. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the very best in independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Learn More About MorningStar at Golden Ridge

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers seniors a carefree lifestyle in which to age in place comfortably and safely. Our location in Peoria, AZ is the perfect blend of a friendly residential area that is close to quality medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s independent living is in a separate neighborhood comprising 38 Casitas with attached garages, a clubhouse and swimming pool.  It is perfect 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 is if you start out with us as an independent living resident and your needs change, you will have priority access to supportive care right next door. All residents enjoy a range of amenities including a bistro bar, fitness centers, salon, movie theatre, library, wellness programs and activities.

With a choice of floor plans, you are sure to find a Casita or suite to suit your needs. All are equipped with high end 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. Residents enjoy nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef and served all day.

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 luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ.

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 for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Make Your Senior Years Healthier Than Ever

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever.  The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.

The Family Doctor website also offers some common sense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior.  Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and make changes to your diet.

By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles.  In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and if you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break.  By daily exercising, you can also help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes.  

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin.  Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly.  Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts suggest breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into increments if it is easier for you.  Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or doing 10 minutes 3 times a day.   Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly.  Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time.  Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. 

The article also suggests making changes to your diet. Try making small changes one at a time that add up to improved health.  Adding more fiber to your meals gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A heart healthy diet to try is the Mediterranean diet which promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lastly, they recommend you drink more water and eat more whole foods.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to promote residents’ health and well-being with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities.  Our beautiful property has 38 independent living Casitas for residents who do not require care services. For assisted living, we offer 65 suites and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 35 suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Source:familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Learn More About Strokes

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2019; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood. 

One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart. 

The second most important thing to know about stroke is in many cases it is preventable. The most common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and exercising can help lessen your risk for a stroke. Managing stress and watching your consummation of alcohol can additionally reduce the risk. 

Another thing many people do not know about stroke is it is treatable and the faster you get treatment the better the outcome. This is why it is important to pay attention to symptoms such as trouble speaking, double vision, paralysis or numbness. If you do experience symptoms, call an ambulance. Remember stroke does not only occur in the elderly. While your risk for stroke does increase with age, a study reports 34% of stroke hospitalizations in 2009 were under the age of 65. 

Not all strokes have symptoms and some are only found through MRIs and other diagnostic tests. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” can be a warning and requires an emergency work-up and management to prevent a possible larger stroke.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is situated on a spacious campus in Peoria, AZ and features exceptional architecture and award-winning design.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  Our community offers 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living.  In addition, we have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’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 independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us to discover why MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a great place to call home.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-stroke