Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care

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Medications Can Affect Balance and Lead to a Fall

December 09, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women. 

Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. 

Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM.  

If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

If you have started the search for senior living communities in the Peoria area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful home has 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 private assisted living suites.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has another 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. 
Source:health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls

December 09, 2022 /Karla A
independent living, assisted living, memory care
Independent Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Seniors a Range of Options

September 14, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we proudly offer seniors a range of options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term stays and respite care. Located in a northwest suburb of Phoenix, we are convenient to medical facilities, entertainment, shopping and other services.

Senior living is a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely.  Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends.  Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation.  Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them.  Also, you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.

Golden Ridge’s independent living Casitas, structured as quadraplexes with attached garages, are set back on the property within their own private neighborhood. Residents enjoy two meals daily prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  All independent living residents are welcomed to join in with our community activities and wellness programs as well as enjoy our many amenities such as a saline swimming pool with hot tub, fitness centers, theatre/chapel, full-service salon, and more. 

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities.  For families searching for assisted living, our community ensures seniors get the help they need when they need it.  Along with our dining services, wellness activities, and onsite amenities, we offer a full range of care services based on an individualized care plan that includes 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses, and more.   

Lastly, we provide suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments staffed by dementia care specialists who have a deep understanding of the disease.  Our philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore.  Please visit our website for more information.

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.

September 14, 2022 /Karla A
senior living, independent living, assisted living
Independent Living

A Move to a Senior Community May Improve Your Quality of Life

July 13, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends.   

Problems contributing to loneliness in seniors are that they no longer work outside the home and social circles begin to shrink with the passing of spouses or friends, and family members moving away. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites studies showing seniors who say they feel socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease associated with loneliness. 

For many seniors the answer is moving to a retirement community where they find comfort, wellbeing and security as well as companionship. The experts at AgingCare.com say one of the biggest advantages of senior living (aside from receiving necessary care) is that opportunities for socialization and fulfillment are available right outside a resident’s door. 

Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors who do not need care services but love the idea of built-in social and mental stimulation within a maintenance-free environment. They may offer amenities such as meal plans, housekeeping and transportation along with meaningful wellness programs. Assisted living is designed after the European model and provides a supportive, compassionate environment with the right amount of help seniors need to maintain their independence. 

The most supportive level of senior living is memory care. At communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide compassionate, professional memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 suites and uses therapeutic methods to calm and stimulate with purposeful activities. In addition, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 suites for assisted living. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

July 13, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, independent living, senior living
Independent Living

The Benefits of Regular Exercise to Cognitive Health

July 11, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

We know exercise contributes to a person’s overall health and results in stronger muscles, a healthier heart and even a better night’s sleep. Now a neuroscientist is speaking up about the benefits exercise offers to our cognitive health. Wendy Suzuki, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at New York University, explains, “I’ve found that exercising is one of the most transformative things you can do to improve cognitive abilities, such as learning, thinking, memory, focus and reasoning — all of which can help you become smarter and live longer.”

Suzuki says each time we move our bodies’ beneficial neurotransmitters are released into the brain including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine, which transmits signals from nerve cells to target cells. These target cells may be in muscles, glands, or other nerves and can affect our sleep cycles, moods and concentration including a decrease in feelings of depression and anxiety. Research has shown it only takes as little as 10 to 30 minutes of exercise per day to elevate mood. 

Another important study shows how exercise promotes neurogenesis (the birth of new brain cells) and improves the brain’s function. The longitudinal study out of Sweden spans 44-years, and reports “women who scored high on a fitness test in midlife were nearly 90 percent less likely than their moderately fit or unfit peers to develop dementia decades later.” Moreover, researchers say the fittest women held dementia at bay at least 10 years longer than their peers. So the next question is how much exercise do we need to get results? Suzuki says to try for 90 to 120 minutes a week. This can be broken down in daily increments or three to four sessions a week.     

MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a senior community in Peoria, AZ, offers a vibrant campus on which your retirement years can be carefree.  One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar is that we make it easy for residents to live a healthy lifestyle.  Our amenities include a saline swimming pool, fitness centers and exercise classes to keep our residents moving.  Please see our website to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Sources: 

cnbc.com/2021/10/22/neuroscientist-shares-the-brain-health-benefits-of-exercise-and-how-much-she-does-a-week.html 

alzforum.org/news/research-news/44-year-study-ties-midlife-fitness-lower-dementia-risk

July 11, 2022 /Karla A
senior community, senior living community, independent living
Independent Living

Helping a Parent Transition to Assisted Living

June 10, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

No matter how old we are, change can be difficult and the bigger the change, the more challenging. For the elderly, change can signal an end to a way of life they are most familiar with and cause a range of emotions from mourning a loss of independence to feelings of helplessness. Hopefully it also offers a spark of excitement at starting a new adventure. 

If you are an adult child of a senior who is in the process of transitioning into assisted living, experts offer tips to get through any rough patches. To make the move more successful, they recommended working as a team: the senior, the family, the new home and their doctor. As family members, it is important to recognize how intimidating the move can be in the eyes of your loved one as they are moving to a new environment with all new people. Experts say the adjustment period typically lasts for 30 to 90 days.  

A senior can make it easier on themselves by keeping an open mind and realizing it will take a little while to adjust. Try to get out and enjoy your new environment rather than staying behind closed doors in your suite. If you are unsure how something works, ask questions. If you are having problems getting answers, talk to the management or ask your family to intervene. 

Families can help the senior to set up their new apartment with familiar items and family memories including pictures and other favorite knick-knacks. Once they are settled, experts say don’t desert them but don’t overdo the visits. Allow them to find their own way and perhaps start making a few friends. If the community has family-friendly activities, join in when you can.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior community in Peoria, AZ offering 65 private assisted living suites and 35 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases.  For independent seniors, we also have 38 Casitas with attached garages.  We are located at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane on an 8.8-acre campus, convenient to banks, hospitals, medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants.  Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

June 10, 2022 /Karla A
senior living, independent living, assisted living
Independent Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care

May 25, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 stylish assisted living suites.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. 

MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We now have 40+ communities throughout the Western U.S. either operating or under construction. Please visit our website for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in Peoria, AZ

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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, glendale, assisted living and memory care. 

May 25, 2022 /Karla A
senior living, independent living, memory care
Independent Living

If You Are Lucky to Live a Long Life, You Will Develop Cataracts

May 20, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Arvada.  Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please contact us for more information. 

MorningStar of Arvada provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

May 20, 2022 /Karla A
aging, memory care, independent living
Independent Living

Take it Slow When Starting an Exercise Routine

May 16, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. 

Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition, neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. 

As one of the area’s finest senior living communities, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar has a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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. 

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately

May 16, 2022 /Karla A
senior living, senior living community, independent living, memory care
Independent Living

Aging is Inevitable – Here’s Some Tips to Help Do it Better

May 04, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover it is worthwhile to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and upward. 

In fact recent studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.”

Spending decades working in the field of gerontology, Harry "Rick" Moody reminds older adults that even if they are living with health challenges, they should not lose sight of the opportunity for living a meaningful and positive life. He says at 76 his hearing is bad but he compensates by wearing a hearing aid. His advice is "If you compensate, you’ll age successfully. If you don’t, you won’t age successfully.”

Strategies for healthy aging include not limiting yourself by saying you are too old, to keep learning, keep exercising and to eat a healthy diet. Staying close to family and friends, getting enough sleep and using adaptive skills to compensate for things like short-term memory loss and a general slow-down of cognitive and physical abilities are also part of the process.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide seniors the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections to lead productive and engaged lives. Along with independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more.  

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-age-well?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Apr%2003%2007:48:45%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health

May 04, 2022 /Karla A
aging, healthty senior, independent living, assisted living
Independent Living

Our Team Grew Up Loving & Honoring Seniors

March 25, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

Our MorningStar at Golden Ridge leadership team learned from a young age not only the joy that comes from loving a senior but what great teachers they are to us. We feel blessed to have such fine individuals leading our community and knowing we are in good hands. 

Beginning with our Executive Director, Kerri Felix, who has adeptly, and compassionately led our team over the past three years, explains the first senior she loved was her “Grampy.” She says she didn’t ever think of him as a senior but just knew he was her favorite guy who happened to have white hair. From her earliest relationships to today, Kerri has seen the ways seniors teach us to be humble and to be respectful of time as it is a precious commodity not to be wasted. Adding, “It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to serve them every day; and to serve alongside team members who daily exhibit the core value of kindness.”   

Nicole Baker serves as our Wellness Director. She explains the first senior she loved was Grandpa Jim, or as others knew him, “Big Jim;” the glue of the family who was funny, kind and made them laugh with silly jokes. Nicole says, “Seniors have taught me to live life to the fullest, to stop and enjoy the little sthings. They show me that family is the most important thing you have in life, and how precious this life is.” 

Rounding out our leadership team is Julie Larsson, the Director of Community Relations. Her grandfather Leo made her feel special and told her one day she would be an artist. She says, “I feel called to serve seniors because it is very satisfying to know I can play a part in improving their quality of life. My elders teach me to be grateful for things we often take for granted, like health and family.” Julie loves working for MorningStar because the company’s mission and core values echo her own.


MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge provides 55+ adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security with the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our philosophy, floorplans, amenities, services and availability. Our team is ready to answer any of your questions and look forward to hearing from you and your family.

March 25, 2022 /Karla A
aging, seniors, independent living, memory care
Independent Living

Maintain and Enhance Your Memory

March 21, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

In an article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health.  Furthermore, they also benefit whole body health.      

One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain.  An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.”  Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming.  However, before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.  

In addition, continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health.  This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits.  

Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night.  Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.”

What sets MorningStar of Arvada apart from other independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers?  We strive to provide a true “home” for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. Please visit our website for more information. 

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 Arvada, CO offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory

March 21, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, independent living
Independent Living

Concierge Living for the Best Carefree Retirement

March 15, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

Peoria, AZ’s MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 55+ adults a selection of senior living options including independent living and assisted living as well as memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Along with all of our luxury amenities, care services and signature wellness programs, we offer Concierge Living to ensure seniors the ultimate in stress-free retirement years.  

We like to say Concierge Living takes senior living to the next level allowing residents to live life on their own terms. MorningStar’s luxury living starts with an array of resort-style amenities included with your private suite such as all-day, restaurant-style dining; covered parking; scheduled transportation and fitness center along with housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services. In addition our à la carte services are designed to make life even easier with extra laundry and other housekeeping services including light carpet cleaning and maintenance. 

Our top level amenities can help upgrade and organize your closet space for ease of living or walk and groom your pet from a mobile pet grooming service. Other types of à la carte services include help with hosting an intimate dinner party by reserving our private dining room and ordering guest meals for a special night with family or friends. 

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is near the Cardinal’s stadium and close to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation. Please visit our website to see various floor plans in our main building including studio, and one-and two bedroom configurations. For independent living, take a look at one of our 38 Casitas quadruplexes with attached garages. For residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we have 35 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood. Contact us to learn more about our dedicated hospitality and care services for the best senior living in Peoria. 

March 15, 2022 /Karla A
assisted living, independent living, senior living, alzheimers, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia care
Independent Living

What is Dementia?

January 26, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.    

It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. 

To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing.      

MorningStar of Arvada offers choices for seniors interested in independent living or assisted living with 112 bright suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition we are pleased to provide 29 memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and to learn about the area’s finest independent living and assisted living as well as trusted memory care in Arvada, CO. Ask about our New Year Specials for assisted living and memory care residents.    

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

January 26, 2022 /Karla A
Alzheimer’s care, dementia care, dementia, independent living, memory care
Independent Living
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