Understanding Holistic Memory Care

Unfortunately, there is still no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is why a memory loss diagnosis is so disheartening for families and patients. While some medications state to offer resolutions to some memory loss symptoms, the truth is that Alzheimer’s is not easily solved. However, there has been great success for senior living communities that utilize holistic memory care techniques in their care plans. 

Understanding holistic memory care is the first step to giving your loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia the empathetic care they deserve. By utilizing different therapies, activities, foods, and social engagement, memory care teams promote holistic well-being for seniors impacted by memory loss. 

What is Holistic Memory Care?

Trusted memory care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living in Beaverton, utilize holistic memory care methods to care for memory care patients. 

Holistic memory care focuses on providing individualized and specialized care to each resident. Personalized care plans are highly personal and can be changed as time goes on. These plans are based on each resident’s interests, abilities, and desires. 

Understanding each resident is crucial in memory care. Holistic memory care treatments encourage social and mental activities that combat negative memory loss symptoms. While medication is utilized and managed, holistic therapies can sometimes combat the need for medication altogether. 

Find Holistic Memory Care Options Near You

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of "to honor, to serve, to invest." With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

How to Better Understand Memory Care

Families battle with difficult emotions when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. A memory loss diagnosis may lead families to consider new approaches to their loved one’s senior living care. To make an informed decision about your loved one’s care going forward, it is important to better understand memory care as a whole. 

Keep reading to learn how MorningStar Senior Living has developed some of the most trusted memory care Arvada CO has to offer for seniors and their families. 

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of senior care that provides empathetic and customized care to seniors struggling with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. This is a more intensive form of senior living care, as individuals with a memory loss diagnosis will often need 24/7 care, medication management, help with everyday activities, and more supervision. 

Finding the right memory care community for your loved one is extremely important. When searching for memory care near you, find senior living communities that provide a safe environment with structured activities that help seniors' lives feel full and exciting. A senior memory care facility should be focused on managing memory loss symptoms holistically through proper care. 

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 are able to 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.

Memory Care Tips for Weather Change

With colder weather approaching, seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or Dementia in memory care communities may experience issues related to their diagnosis when the weather changes. Increased social isolation and loneliness is a major concern for families with a loved one who has Dementia. In colder temperatures, similar to extreme heat, family members and friends may slow their visitations. 

Seniors with dementia may also have difficulty preparing themselves for the change in temperature. If they venture out of their home alone during winter, they may forget to wear proper clothing to protect themselves against the cold, ice, and snow. Memory Care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living, offer the safest memory care Arvada co has to offer, ensuring that seniors with dementia are kept healthy and happy. 

Plan Trips During Winter Vacations

For families with children, it may be difficult to visit relatives struggling with memory loss in their memory care community. While these are active and engaging memory care communities, seniors still want to see family and familiar faces. 

Planning trips to visit these loved ones during the children’s winter holiday ensures that seniors experience excitement when the weather changes. Because of cold temperatures, individuals in memory care may be limited to staying indoors. Bringing the family to visit during these times is a great remedy for feelings of social isolation and loneliness. 

Indoor Activities

As stated above, memory care residents are often sequestered indoors during the winter to avoid falls and frostbite. When outdoor activities are limited, bringing festive activities indoors keeps seniors active and social while limiting any shock from changing temperatures. Preparing exciting activities during winter months keeps seniors in memory care excited. Memory Care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living, work hard to offer the most engaging memory care Arvada co has to offer, ensuring that seniors with dementia are kept healthy and happy during changes in weather. 

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.

Activities and Therapies for Seniors with Memory Loss

Are you considering memory loss treatment for an elderly parent or loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia? If a senior’s memory loss symptoms seem to be getting worse, it is probably time to consider memory care services available in Beaverton, Oregon. If you are unable to provide the care your loved one requires, trained professionals at MorningStar Senior Living are here to assist seniors and their families. These facilities provide memory care specific activities and therapies for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

Memory care assisted living at MorningStar Senior Living provides long-term care facilities specializing in memory services and holistic therapy for seniors in memory care. The following are the most popular memory care activities for seniors struggling with memory loss. 

Animal Therapy

Inviting animals into senior care facilities is great fun for everyone in the community. Not only do fluffy and friendly animals make us smile, but animal therapy provides seniors in memory care extra benefits. Animal therapy reduces stress and promotes calm in seniors struggling with memory loss. Interacting with friendly animals reunites us with nostalgia and makes seniors feel safe. 

Music Therapy

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

Art Therapy

Art therapy for seniors in memory care cultivates emotional resilience, enhances social skills, and improves motor functions. These abilities usually diminish as memory loss and dementia progresses. At MorningStar Memory Care Arvada Co, our community offers a mix of art therapy and other creative activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach. 

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. 

Myths and Facts About Arthritis

In an article in Medical News Today experts discuss some of the common myths and facts regarding arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two main types of arthritis, and a national survey found nearly half of adults 65 years and older have been diagnosed with arthritis. OA, the most common form and leading cause of disability in older adults, is the result of cartilage between the bones in a joint wearing down. 

Many people believe arthritis is only a disease of the elderly but RA, while not as common as OA, typically starts in individuals as young as 20 to 40 years old. People also mistakenly think if a joint hurts, it must be arthritis. Doctors say there are several reasons a person may experience pain in and around joints including old injuries, bursitis, and tendinitis. 

Another myth is you shouldn’t exercise if you have arthritis; however, studies show exercise can actually help with range of motion and strength in the joint (consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or activity). The American College of Rheumatology says, “Exercise and arthritis can and should coexist. People with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, improved sleep, and better day-to-day function.”

Then there is the debate on whether heat is better than ice for sore joints. The Guy’s and St Thomas’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in the UK, explains, “Used in the right way, heat can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Cold application can help reduce joint inflammation and swelling.” Moreover, experts say believing arthritis is unpreventable is only partially true as there are things people can do to mitigate risk or slow down the progression such as maintaining a healthy body weight. 

If you are looking for outstanding independent or assisted living in Peoria, AZ, MorningStar at Golden Ridge may be the place for you. Our community provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers individualized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for a full list of amenities, suite plans and to inquire about availability and pricing.  

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 luxury amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

The Benefits of Walking for Exercise

The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is quoted as saying that walking is "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” Many in the medical profession agree. While it is universally acknowledged that any exercise is beneficial to our overall health, walking offers some unexpected advantages. 

A study from a group of Harvard scientists concluded that walking seems to counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes. The project involved looking at “32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much the genes actually contribute to body weight.” Within the group of participants who walked briskly for an hour a day, researchers found the effects of the weight-promoting genes were cut in half.    

Another surprising result of walking is it was shown to actually diminish a person’s sweet tooth. In a study out of the University of Exeter, researchers found walking appears to curb cravings for chocolate and other sugary treats. Their study showed even 15 minutes of walking a day could reduce the habit of eating sweets when stressed.  

While doctors recognize any physical exercise is beneficial to reducing the risk of breast cancer, an American Cancer Society study found women who walked seven or more hours a week “had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.” Researchers say walking helped decrease a woman’s risk for breast cancer even when she had an increased risk due to obesity or supplemental hormones. Other studies show walking helps to reduce joint pain and lubricates and strengthens muscles as well as boost the immune system.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our vibrant 55+ community is designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Along with beautiful suites in a variety of floorplans, we offer a whole host of amenities, care services, and wellness programs.  Please visit our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care 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 independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking

Tips for Communicating With Those Suffering From Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.    

Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words.  Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back.  

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition, you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions.  Also, use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.       

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words.  Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity.  

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our community is tailored to serve the needs of our special residents from purposeful activities to nutritional, easy-to-eat foods.  Please visit our website for more information about loving memory care 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 to learn more about the finest independent, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications