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 eating anything. Based on current research, it turns out our mother’s advice was right again, and eating breakfast is good for us for several reasons.

Registered Dietician Erin Palinski-Wade explains when we eat a healthy breakfast upon rising in the morning; it helps regulate our appetite for the rest of the day. If we break our nightly fast with a good meal, we are less likely to indulge in sugary or fat-laden food later in the morning. A healthy breakfast also helps to prevent blood sugar highs and lows and Palinski-Wade says this is important for diabetics as well as the rest of us.

While many breakfast foods such as cereal, baked goods, and granola bars are high in sugar and refined grains, experts say we should refuel our body each morning with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Protein makes us feel fuller and keeps us from later snacking on unhealthy foods. Eggs, yogurt, sausage, and peanut butter spread on whole wheat toast are good sources of protein. Fiber helps our digestive system work well and is found in oatmeal and whole grain cereals. Many meals can be partly prepared the night before to make your morning routine easier.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, senior living we provide a wide range of services and amenities including beautifully prepared, nutritious meals. Created by our Executive Chef and largely prepared from scratch, meals are served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. Menus include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat options for residents to self-manage. Residents also enjoy a bistro bar, fitness centers, salon, theatre/chapel, library, wellness programs and activities. For more information about exceptional senior living in Peoria, Arizona, please visit our website.

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, Arizona.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/does-eating-breakfast-help-you-lose-weight

Why Assisted Living is Often Better Than Living Alone

Many older adults are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them. In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone. The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the years especially in terms of care options and amenities.

Today’s communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer assisted living that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. Also, for many seniors, offered a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions. Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.

Another reason you may want to consider is that communities such as MorningStar are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were. To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as shopping, parks or cultural events. Furthermore, for many older adults cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals. Please contact us to set up a tour to determine if assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.

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 us or visit our website to learn more.

Caring for a Person With Alzheimer’s Disease

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be a time-consuming job. As the disease is progressive and symptoms worsen over time, the person’s needs also evolve. Things they used to do for themselves may no longer be possible or safe. Moreover, experts say like many older adults, a person with Alzheimer’s is likely to experience health changes over time. Therefore, it is important he/she continues to get routine checkups with their primary care physician as well as with any specialists they may be seeing.

The National Institute on Aging (NIH) says some of the problems caregivers should look for are signs of fever, or sickness like the flu or pneumonia. They say a fever could be signs of infection, dehydration caused by lack of fluids, heat stroke or even constipation. When taking a person’s temperature, use a digital thermometer rather than a glass one as the person might bite down on the glass and break it. Let their doctor know right away if they do have a fever. To help prevent serious illness from flu or pneumonia, have the person get a yearly flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine if recommended.

Dehydration can occur in people with Alzheimer’s as they may forget to drink fluids throughout the day. Caregivers should look for signs of dry mouth, dizziness and rapid heart rate. Experts say dehydration can even cause hallucinations; however, they are also a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

As the disease progresses, the person will most likely need help brushing their teeth. It is important to look for any sores in the mouth or oblivious signs of dental problems.

NIH cautions caregivers to be on the lookout for signs of pain as the person may not have the ability to tell you. They recommend watching the person’s face for outward signs of pain, or sudden changes in their behavior such as yelling or striking out. If you are not sure what is happening, call their doctor for help.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 35 suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our loving community in Peoria, Arizona is staffed by a team of individuals who understand the unique needs of each resident in assisted living and deliver that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

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, Arizona.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving/alzheimers-disease-common-medical-problems

Luxury Independent Living at MorningStar’s Community in Peoria, Arizona

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers. In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Our independent living option is tucked into its own intimate neighborhood made up of 38 two-bedroom Casitas with attached garages, a clubhouse and swimming pool. Casitas are equipped with everything you need including a washer/dryer along with full kitchens featuring a breakfast bar, high-quality appliances and quartz countertops. For your safety, each apartment has an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom. Also, we are happy to welcome your furry friend as we are pet friendly.

Along with independent living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 65 suites for assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 35 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar may be your answer. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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, Arizona.

Coping With the Loss of a Loved One

Death is part of life and if we are fortunate to live a long one, most likely we will have to deal with the loss of a beloved spouse, life partner, child, sibling or friend. As loved ones give our lives purpose, coping with their loss and finding new purpose is difficult as many seniors do not have the opportunities to socialize or get out as they once did.

Grief counselors suggest some things a person’s family and friends can do to help them get through the worst of the grief. If it was your parents who died, be sure to let your surviving parents know how much you miss dad or mom, and share memories you have of the good times. Ask your parents if they have more difficult times during the day dealing with the loss as you could come over or give them a call. Also, be sure to not shy away from saying the deceased person’s name.

Offer to do things with them you know they once did with their spouse such as grocery shopping. If dad did the yard work, either offer to do it or help mom hire a company to take care of it. Help your parents find outlets for socializing, and encourage them to pick up an old hobby or find a new one, or take a class.

Being part of a senior living community such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge can be very supportive and give the person a sense of belonging. Other residents most likely have had similar experiences and have a special understanding of what the person is going through.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is designed to provide seniors everything they want and need in a retirement home. Along with beautiful surroundings, an array of luxury amenities, hospitality services and five-star dining; we offer a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a responsive, loving staff. For independent living, assisted living or senior living in Peoria, Arizona, contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Women’s Bone Health

Endocrinologist Kendall Moseley, MD, medical director of the Johns Hopkins Metabolic Bone & Osteoporosis Center, says most women do not know anything about their bone health. A recent survey from the National Osteoporosis Foundation backs up that sentiment finding around 94 percent of women do not worry about their skeletons. However, they add they should, as one in five women under 30 already have osteopenia, which is a step above full out osteoporosis. The good news is there are things you can do to protect your frame and avoid the things that are not good for bone health.

Experts say our bones constantly break down and rebuild every 10 years resulting in a new skeleton. The problem lies in the fact that after the age of 30, our bodies start to lose more bone than they make. Women’s estrogen levels also begin to drop around 30, which is another protector of women’s bone health.

An unbalanced diet or severely restricting calories in an effort to stay thin or lose weight can be another cause of low bone density; and too much caffeine, salt and alcohol all interfere with retaining calcium, our primary bone builder. Even some medications deplete calcium and include certain anti-depressants and contraceptives so be sure to ask your doctor about side effects of medications you take. It is important for women to include dairy products or foods like beans and nuts to increase their calcium intake. Protein from plants and lean meats are also good ways to get calcium.

Along with a good diet, exercise is an important element of keeping bones strong. While some exercises are better than others, scientists recommend weight bearing exercises like walking and running as good ways to build strong bones. Strength training exercises may be the ultimate bone builder and include things like pushups and squats or kickboxing.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our beautiful campus offers 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living and 35 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. To enhance quality of life, residents can take advantage of our many meaningful wellness programs and activities as well as our onsite luxury amenities. Contact us to learn more about our lifestyle choices, array of smartly designed suites, and senior care and hospitality services.

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 earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona.

Understanding Medicare Coverage

If you recently had a medical procedure or were hospitalized, you may be confused about a recent bill and are wondering what Medicare will cover, what your gap insurance will cover, and what you will be responsible for. It may help to have a better understanding of the four main parts of Medicare.

Part A helps pay for inpatient stays in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, some home care and end-of-life hospice care that accept Medicare. Hospital services covered include a semi-private room and meals, general nursing, drugs and supplies, inpatient rehabilitation, and some blood transfusions. Skilled nursing services include care for things like recovering from hip replacement surgery or stroke. Part A charges a deductible for hospital stays (the fee for 2024 is $1,632) but your Medigap insurance may cover that expense as well as other deductibles. Hospital stays for up to 60 days and virtually most services are covered by Medicare; but the one exception is not in a private room.

Part B covers doctors and outpatient services, and together with part A make up what is considered “Original Medicare.” Part B pays for diagnostic screenings, lab tests, preventive services, some medical equipment and transportation. It covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. There is a monthly premium with Part B, and in 2024 it is $174.70. For those making over $103,000 annually it may be higher.

Part C is what Medicare Advantage comes under, and is privately held insurance rather than Medicare, which is run by the federal government. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you will still need to sign up for Medicare part A and B and pay the premium for part B. Medicare Advantage plans set their own deductibles and you typically need to stay in a Network and use your plan’s approved providers or pay higher out of pocket costs.

Part D is again from a private insurer and pays for some of your prescription drugs. Generally there is a co-pay for each prescription, and you may have a premium, and a yearly deductible. Check with Medicare regarding rules for higher yearly drug costs and your responsibility.

Remember Medicare offers an open enrollment period each year to allow recipients to make changes to their plan. The period starts on October 15 and ends December 7. Any changes you make during this time will go into effect the following year.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our contemporary 55+ community offers luxury independent living and assisted living a variety of configurations and floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 35 suites in a choice of studio or one-bedroom units. 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.