Memory Loss and Confusion – When a Loved One Doesn’t Recognize You

January 13, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing maybe when the person stops recognizing you. This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless. When we take time to visit a family member (in person or via video call) in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.

However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how we can be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way? Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand? In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level. At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.

Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parents or spouse. If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture. Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present.

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on. It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to offer the best senior living in Peoria, AZ, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Entrust Your Loved One to All-inclusive Memory Care

December 21, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If you are looking for specialized memory care, Arvada co is home to MorningStar Senior Living that believes someone who is experiencing memory loss shouldn’t have to sacrifice a high quality of life or excitement. Seniors experience the very best memory care Arvada co has to offer at MorningStar. Seniors in our individualized memory care spend their days in a secure memory care neighborhood at MorningStar, surrounded by familiar people who encourage them to enjoy life, experience feelings of belonging and purpose, and help to maintain their current skills through our daily path of engagement.

Inside the doors of MorningStar’s memory care neighborhood, the atmosphere is secure without being overly restrictive. Subtle design elements like simplified floor plans reduce distractions and eliminate fall hazards, allowing residents to safely navigate private and communal living spaces. Soothing colors provide a sense of calm serenity, while the interior is designed with the intention of creating a home-like familiarity with soft couches, decorated walls, and open concepts. Many memory care communities feature enclosed courtyards where residents can enjoy the outdoors at liberty. MorningStar’s memory care in Arvada co offers three Secure Gardens/Courtyards specifically for Memory Care residents to enjoy and get some fresh air and exercise.

As memory care experts, we understand a diagnosis of dementia is devastating and we want to reassure our families we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. To deliver MorningStar’s exceptional care, all team members complete thorough training including our signature program, Lavender Sky, which guides our philosophy and programming. With Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s memory care leverages the power of music, art, dance, animal therapy and other Montessori-based techniques to encourage a fully enriched life.

Contact us today if you want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes 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 memory care community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are 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 retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

MorningStar is a Trusted Choice for Memory Care

December 16, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Arvada are designed around the various needs of older adults and provide senior-friendly activities and companionship with like-minded adults of a similar age. Along with smartly-designed floor plans, residents enjoy inviting common areas perfect for relaxation and spending time with friends. MorningStar also prides themselves on being a trusted choice for seniors in need of memory care.

When a loved one’s occasional forgetfulness progresses into a more serious stage of memory loss, family members are often faced with making a decision on where and how their senior can continue to enjoy life in a safe, secure, and caring environment. Most people are familiar with the concept of independent and assisted living communities that enable seniors to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life without many of the cares and responsibilities of living alone at home. Memory care communities like MorningStar take personal attention and service to another level for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in memory care.

As with any kind of assisted living community, memory care at MorningStar provides easygoing lifestyle services like housekeeping, regular meals, and laundry services. Caregivers trained in memory care also help residents with bathing, taking medication, and other day-to-day activities. The luxury amenities are still available to those in memory care, but there is an added layer of support throughout the day for those that need a helping hand. Familiarity with caregivers provides comfort for residents in memory care. MorningStar has compassionate, trained professionals that will get to know and understand each resident on a personal level, meeting unique needs with a custom approach, and helping them live their best life in their own way.

What to Look for in Memory Care

December 14, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Searching for the right memory care facility for your parents or loved ones can be daunting. There are many things you are no doubt already considering. For example, your loved one’s routine, personal preferences, medications, level of care needed–– and the list continues. Above all, you want your loved one to be safe and have the highest level of care possible. Find the right memory care facility for seniors by considering MorningStar's Assisted Living and Memory Care in Beaverton Oregon.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living Beaverton has to offer. With 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton has options for every living arrangement with configurations that include spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. There is also the option for roommate living. A devoted memory care neighborhood for seniors 55 years and up is also available for seniors in need of more individualized and specialized memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in Oregon.

Designed as a calm and homelike environment that inspires comfort and community, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care Beaverton OR is your best choice for assisted living and memory care. In this memory care community for seniors, you will find many opportunities to be independent. Residents of MorningStar live in their own, specialized, separate wing of the building. Each well-appointed suite or private room is created to be both accessible and easily navigable and opens onto a spacious, yet cozy living area.

Our Oregon residents are encouraged to bring their own belongings and make their new residence their home. MorningStar’s private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has its own beautiful secure courtyard as well as personal kitchenettes and bathrooms. Common area decorations are specifically chosen to inspire an active community for building friendships and creating happy memories. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to encourage social interaction, like a cozy fireside living room, a fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room.

You can spend more time enjoying the things you love when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton OR retirement homes. 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.

To learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Beaverton, contact our staff who are 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 retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Beaverton, Oregon.

Music and Art Can Improve the Life of Those Living with Dementia

December 07, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages.

Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”

If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life.

Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish.

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge “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 value. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

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

What Exactly is Art Therapy?

November 18, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Art therapy combines allopathic and complementary therapies to better serve mental health and concentration which enriches lives through active artmaking, creative process, and human experience within a therapeutic relationship. Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, community clinics, senior and assisted living communities, and more. Art therapy is especially beneficial for seniors in memory care. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, and other methods, art therapy allows for creative expression that can overcome the limitations of language only. MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada Co utilizes this holistic approach of art therapy in memory care.

Art therapy for seniors in memory care offers many advantages. Class for art therapy for seniors in memory care cultivates emotional resilience, enhances social skills, and improves cognitive and sensory-motor functions. These abilities usually diminish as memory loss and dementia progresses. Art therapy is a great way to combat these symptoms of memory loss in seniors. 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.

Our creative programs built upon by our Life Enrichment Teams, are an essential component to maintaining cognitive health and quality of life for all our senior residents in memory care. Crafting lessens a senior’s anxiety and reduces feelings of isolation. Certain colors may even function as a bridge to bring back happy memories for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. At MoringStar senior living and memory care Arvada, Co, we have plenty of creative crafts to keep our residents busy and their minds engaged to promote insight and community involvement.

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes 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 memory care community near you.

Purposeful Memory Care Amenities in Oregon

November 16, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Are you looking for the right community for a loved one of parent in need of assisted living or memory care? The options may be overwhelming, but we are confident MorningStar Senior Living will check all your boxes for what you need in an assisted living community in Oregon. MorningStar’s community offers 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our two Reflections Neighborhoods, we offer 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care Beaverton OR is designed as a calm and homelike environment that inspires comfort and community. This senior living community provides plenty of opportunities for independence. Residents of MorningStar live in their own, specialized, separate wing of the building. Each well-appointed suite or private room is created to be both accessible and easily navigable and opens onto a spacious, yet cozy living area.

We encourage all our Oregon residents to bring their own belongings and make their new residence their home. MorningStar’s private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has its own beautiful secure courtyard as well as a personal kitchenettes and bathrooms. Common area decorations are specifically chosen to inspire an active community for building friendship and creating happy memories. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to encourage social interaction, like a cozy fireside living room, fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room.

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton OR takes 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.

Stimulating Activities for a Loved One with Dementia

November 14, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If a loved one is dealing with memory loss through an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, you may be asking a lot of questions on what choices to make for this person close to you and how to continue to give this person a fully enriched life. Memory care specialists know that participating in activities with your loved one is extremely beneficial to stimulate the brain and memory recognition. Dedicating quality time with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias creates a lasting, positive impact. Memory care that offers different brain-stimulating activities will help improve the life of your loved one. You can trust that you will find the most compassionate memory care Arvada Co can offer to your loved one or parent in need of dependable memory care.

It's important to find a memory care community that looks at memory loss as a journey with a deeper understanding of the condition for which your loved one is experiencing. MorningStar recognizes the benefits of holistic memory care and offers the best modern memory care Arvada Co has seen. Through the mantra of “Lavender Sky,” MorningStar recognizes the importance of holistic memory care for seniors in Colorado. Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, MorningStar’s life enrichment teams present creative ways to keep seniors in memory care active and productive. MorningStar encourages senior’s unique talents and experiences, and some residents choose to lead special interest clubs themselves.

Additionally, MorningStar memory care Arvada Co has a private senior living neighborhood that offers 29 secure suites devoted entirely to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. A private neighborhood for memory care residents is the best way to ensure safety and undivided attention. This neighborhood offers safe outdoor walks and patios. Taking a walk through a garden or a short stroll with people they trust is a great way to keep senior’s bodies and minds active. Those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often suffer from depression, high-stress, and agitation. Going outside can enhance mood and lower stress levels.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are 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 retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Are You Worried About Memory Loss?

November 09, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that anyone worried about memory loss to make an appointment with their health care provider. While we all know it is scary just thinking about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of reasons why it is to your advantage to know.

The process for getting a diagnosis starts with a full evaluation with a healthcare provider that includes your medical history and any medications you are taking as well as a series of mental status tests. If the initial evaluation indicates problems, your doctor will recommend further physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging.

One of the top reasons to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s is your symptoms may be from another treatable cause. If it is determined you have Alzheimer’s, experts explain that while there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment options that can lessen the symptoms including memory loss and confusion for a limited time. Also, they say an early diagnosis gives you a better chance of benefiting from treatment.

An early diagnosis also means you may be eligible for clinical trials that could provide some medical benefit. In addition, recent research suggests that certain lifestyle changes such as “controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active, may help preserve cognitive function.”

Perhaps most importantly you will have more time to plan for your future and to do things now, rather than wait. Planning for the future also helps family members know what your wishes are and prevents future feelings of guilt or arguments over your care. The Alzheimer’s Association adds that an early diagnosis can save your family and the U.S. Government money spent on care.

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we offer loving memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our community is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful community 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: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

What to Look for in Memory Care

October 24, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If your spouse, family member, or close friend has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, or dementia, you may be worried about the next steps to take. Our world is full of ups and downs, and it may be difficult to support your loved one dealing with memory loss while also taking charge of your own life. If you are considering a memory care community, it’s important to find a senior memory care facility that excels not only in comfort and care but also has a deeper understanding of the condition your loved one is experiencing. Finding trusted friends in a memory care community who will embrace and support you along the way will give you a sense of peace and relief. Understanding what to look for when deciding on a memory care location will benefit you in the long run. You can trust that you will find what you are looking for with the most compassionate and consistent memory care Arvada Co can offer to your seniors at Morningstar Senior Living and Memory Care.

Dependable memory care communities excel at giving personal attention to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care facilities should explore a person’s life, history, and preferences to offer personalized care and explore ways to involve and engage family members so that they rest assured knowing their loved one is safe, happy, and experiencing life in a meaningful way. Wellness can be defined as a comprehensive, holistic strength to MorningStar Memory Care Arvada, Colorado. Through life enrichment, wellness becomes a dynamic process of change and growth that optimizes every aspect of a resident’s life in memory care. MorningStar meets each resident at their level and structures their level of care depending on the individual’s needs, passions, and goals.

Safety needs to be considered when choosing a memory care or senior living community. Communities that care for elders experiencing stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, such as MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care Arvada, keep their exterior doors secured 24 hours a day. Entries and exits are typically opened by keypads with secure passcodes. Inside a memory care unit, the atmosphere is secure but not restrictive. Community residents in memory care should still feel independent and free to engage with the world around them. MorningStar’s Colorado Memory Care community features enclosed courtyards where residents can enjoy the outdoors at their liberty. Simplified floor plans reduce distractions and eliminate hazards, allowing residents to safely navigate private and communal living spaces.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are 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 retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see for yourself the most exceptional and dependable memory care Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

Find the Most Compassionate Memory Care Arvada, Colorado can Offer

October 21, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If a loved one is dealing with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, you may be asking a lot of questions on how to make the best choices for this person very close to you. They rely on you and you feel trusted to make the best decision regarding their memory care and support. It's important to find a memory care community that looks at memory loss as a journey with a deeper understanding of the condition your loved one is experiencing. Finding trusted friends in a memory care community who will embrace and support you along the way can return a sense of peace and even joy. You can trust that you will find the most compassionate memory care Arvada Co can offer to your seniors in need of dependable memory care.

MorningStar Senior Living Communities developed the holistic memory care philosophy of Lavender Sky. This mantra is a holistic form of dementia and Alzheimer’s care that is dedicated to helping residents affected by memory loss and their families find a place of peace and purpose through a three-tiered ambition to serve the memory-impaired. MorningStar explores a person’s life, history, and preferences to offer personalized care and explores ways to involve and engage family members, knowing our service means just as much to them as to the residing senior.

Wellness can be defined as a comprehensive, holistic strength to MorningStar Memory Care Arvada, Colorado. Whether in clinical matters or life enrichment, wellness is seen as a dynamic process of change and growth that optimizes every aspect of a resident’s life. Creative solutions that are built on a holistic method of memory care are met as we partner with you in pursuit of your highest goals for whole-person wellness. Our scope of clinical services is reflective of the full authority of our license through the Department of Health, extending the stay of residents even as health conditions change.

Contact us today if you want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes 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 memory care community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are 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 retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Consider These Forms of Communication When a Loved One is Struggling with Dementia

September 14, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

It is challenging to adjust to new modes of communication with someone struggling with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. It feels a lot like learning a whole new language. Alzheimer’s is. A disease progresses differently for each person affected, which makes the degree of changes in how they communicate vary. These changes tend to lead to a lot of stress and frustration for your loved one, and for their caregiver as well. After all, we know you want to provide the best care in the most efficient ways possible. Barriers due to dementia can sometimes make that hard to do. MorningStar of Arvada’s Assisted Living and Memory Care offers this advice to help better communicate with your loved one struggling with memory loss.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are difficult diseases to navigate. Getting your loved one to complete or agree to simple everyday tasks may become frustrating and overwhelming for both of you. When it comes to taking care of themselves, a senior struggling with dementia may forget when they have last bathed, or eaten, or the reasons why they need to do these things in general. If you are trying to get them to clean themselves up or to eat a meal, but they refuse to do so, try approaching the situation differently.

Telling your loved one you don’t know how to clean yourself and asking them to demonstrate to you how to use a washrag with soap is an easy alternative to forcing them into a shower or bath or having an unnecessary argument. In this way, your loved one believes they are being helpful by showcasing something to you while also cleaning their body and maintaining good personal hygiene.

A senior with dementia may often tell you they are full when they haven’t eaten for hours. Their body may not be sending out normal hunger cues or they may be unable to decipher their feeling of hunger as needing to eat. Breaking a large meal into smaller parts will be less overwhelming for someone struggling with Alzheimer’s. For example, offering one slice of toast and then thirty minutes later offering some fruit. Alternatively, asking your loved one to describe the taste of something as a method to make them eat has been proven to get seniors to eat. By describing the flavor, someone with dementia feels as though they are of need to you and want to help you answer a question.

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.

MorningStar Offers Specialized Memory Care in Peoria, AZ

September 14, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, Golden Ridge is committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.

We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.

All our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents. The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.

Moving a parent into a memory care community is often a difficult decision to make. However, once a family chooses MorningStar, we are there every step of the way to walk your loved one through the transition. Our first step is to get to know all we can about the individual such as their background, talents and personal preferences by using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized service plan in accordance with the family.

Along with memory care, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers independent and assisted living with a broad range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. We also welcome residents for short-term stays (30 days or less) for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a vacation or when recovering from surgery or an illness. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Learn how Environmental Wellness can Impact Your Health

August 24, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Our environment has a huge impact on our stress levels and overall well being. Not only should our homes feel comfortable and offer a good flow of positive energy, but we should receive the same pleasantry from the world outside our doors. When searching for senior living or memory care, it’s common for retirement facilities to boast about their indoor activities and amenities but may fall short when it comes to keeping up an enriching outdoor environment. Environmental wellness is desirable for seniors, especially those that may have lost mobility in recent years and cannot travel far distances. Alternatively, taking care of our physical environments by reducing waste, tending to gardens, and preserving the natural beauty around us promotes a sense of purpose and duty.

Environmental wellness is a term that suggests occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support wellbeing and encourages good overall health. Respecting your surroundings and the planet for which we live contributes to a healthier mindset. Interacting with nature and enjoying its beauty lowers depression and anxiety. When we are in a location filled with plants, natural scenery, fresh air, and reduced noise pollution, our bodies reward us. Better cardiovascular health, more maintained sleep patterns, and improved mood are all positive symptoms of a healthy outdoors.

A well-maintained community that fills its grounds with lush plants and trees creates lively social environments for friends to gather. Socializing on walks, sitting on a patio, or bird watching are some activities that enrich our physical and mental wellbeing. MorningStar of Beaverton enjoys a picturesque setting overlooking the natural wetlands. Senior living residents take pride in maintaining the community garden. On chilly nights, the outdoor courtyard with barbecue and fire pit hosts immaculate gatherings to help residents wind down for the evening, all while enjoying the fresh air of Oregon.

Senior residents in MorningStar's Memory Care enjoy the outdoors safely and easily. The spatial design of the community creates a safe and healthy environment by reducing the risk of falls and accidents. Their enclosed courtyard is designed for memory care residents. Strolling outdoor paths allow seniors to easily navigate the outdoors within our grounds with the help of 24-hour care staff. This access to fresh air and sunlight greatly improves the lives of individuals with memory loss or dementia.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care and senior living in Beaverton, Oregon. 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 Oregon.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “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 Beaverton, Oregon.

Maintaining Proper Dental Health in Dementia Patients

August 22, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often impacts every area of an individual’s life. As the disease progresses, the individual with dementia will begin to lose more motor skills and show more signs of memory loss. One of the first signs of dementia is a senior forgetting personal hygiene techniques and maintaining their daily upkeep. If you notice your elderly parent or loved one struggling to care for themselves, it may be time to incorporate a more hands on approach. Proper dental hygiene is necessary for seniors in memory care. Proper oral care is necessary to prevent issues with eating regularly, digestive problems, and dental infections.

Once dementia is diagnosed in your loved one, building a regular dental plan with their dentist will help prevent cavities and other oral issues down the line. You may have to re-teach dental hygiene to your loved one. Proving easy instruction to teeth brushing keeps seniors in memory care focused and calm. Perhaps showing them how to brush can also be beneficial. Try not to be forceful in this technique as it may make your loved one frustrated and scared.

For seniors in memory care that wear dentures, make sure the dentures are being properly cleaned. rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily to remove food particles and to limit bacterial growth. Each night, remove them and soak in their designated cleanser. Using a soft thistle toothbrush, clean the gums, tongue, and other soft mouth tissues. Remind your loved one that you’re there to help and keep them safe.

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Memory Care of Arvada, Co is aware of the anxiety and concern that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic techniques with our residents in memory care. By incorporating holistic methods through properly trained personnel, our individualized care plans enhance the health and happiness of our memory care seniors.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care and senior living in Arvada, Colorado. 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.

The Facts About Parkinson’s Disease

August 10, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.

One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.”

People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar Senior Living 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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease

How Alzheimer’s Affects the Brain

July 27, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Alzheimer’s disease destroys communication between neurons in the brain, resulting in cell death that leads to a loss of brain function. A Dementia-free brain contains billions of neurons that easily transfer information between chemical signals that tell different muscles and organs of the body how to perform correctly. Damage is widespread with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and can be challenging to navigate, especially if a family member or loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s or another Dementia-related disease. MorningStar of Arvada serves those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related diseases in need of memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

As we age, a healthy human brain shrinks to a slight degree but with Alzheimer’s, the neurons stop functioning and die. When this happens, memory is often the first to be impacted by neuron death. If you notice a loved one having difficulty remembering important dates, places, or people, it may be time to have them checked for Dementia or Alzheimer’s. With Dementia, it is more than experiencing a little forgetfulness. It may appear as though your loved one is unable to function as they previously would and may need more help around the house or in their personal lives.

Later, Alzheimer’s affects areas of the brain that deal with language, reasoning, and behavior. You may notice your loved one struggling with speech or pronunciation. They may be participating in risky or alarming behaviors and may appear more aggressive and frustrated. Eventually, Alzheimer’s damages other parts of the brain until the individual loses their ability to function independently. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia and the disease is fatal. The best way to navigate a diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s is to catch it early on and take the precautionary steps to keep your loved one safe and fulfilled. Facilities that can offer memory care and specialize in handling an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are often sought out as they may have more advanced tools to keep your loved one safe.

At MorningStar of Arvada, we feel it is our privilege and calling to serve those with Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related diseases. Using holistic methods under our mantra of a “Lavender Sky” we work to “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of Dementia. Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate life.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of Dementia, please contact MorningStar of Arvada to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care or memory care in Arvada, Co. Unlike many memory care communities, our home was designed to promote independence and to give residents the freedom to safely explore their spacious surroundings. Our staff is trained to give loving, experienced care from the onset of the disease to its advanced stages.

MorningStar of Arvada proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

MorningStar Offers a Holistic Approach to Memory Care

July 25, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

As of 2022, there is no cure for dementia. Every day MorningStar of Beaverton is exploring new ways to respond to the diagnosis of dementia with holistic care and tenderness in search of breakthroughs and a greater understanding of the disease. With a holistic approach to memory care, it’s crucial to create a relationship with the person and body in front of you, not just the disease. Showing tenderness, attentiveness, and value to a senior struggling with dementia while in memory care maximizes the well-being of our residents through enhanced health, independence, and overall happiness.

MorningStar Senior Living believes in the idea that we must “enter, embrace, and explore” memory loss. Through holistic health care, we are utilizing an empathetic way to understand our residents and the reality of dementia. It is important to get to know each of our memory care residents on a personal level and understand who they are presently, as well as who they were and the interests and passions they carried. While a dementia diagnosis is heartbreaking for families and our loved ones, it is important to not fall blindsided by the diagnosis and lose sight of the individual who is struggling. Instead, we encourage and actively teach our memory care providers to willingly enter into the territory of dementia.

Our holistic approach, “Lavender Sky,” is MorningStar of Beaverton’s fundamental standard in specialized memory care for seniors struggling with dementia and memory loss. As a community, we help to remove the stigma surrounding memory loss and dementia by creating a holistic treatment that is individualized and highly customizable for each of our residents dealing with memory impairment.

To better understand memory loss, we must embrace it. With a Dementia diagnosis, how your loved one communicates with you and the world around them will begin to change. Under a “Lavender Sky,” we practice empathy and patience towards the individuals in our care and work to comfort their mind, body, and spirit. When we better understand our residents, we can better understand the ways in which dementia and memory loss portrays itself.

To learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Beaverton and the other specialized care regarding Dementia care in Beaverton, OR please contact us. 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 memory care facilities in Oregon.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in 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. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Dementia Care Under a “Lavender Sky”

July 18, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.

Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.

We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care. This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch. However, most importantly, we embrace hope.

Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions. Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families. Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care in Peoria, AZ.

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.

Stretching Can Increase Flexibility, Improve Balance and Relieve Pain

July 08, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do for their independence. If you are unable to get up from a chair or out of bed each morning, you will need assistance. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

For luxury senior living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is sure to please. Our community in Peoria, AZ provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help stay fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. To learn more about our wide range of resort-style amenities and services, please visit our website.

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.