Holistic Memory Care Prioritizes Emotional Wellbeing

April 12, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Unlike traditional memory care approaches that depend on pharmaceutical treatments to manage behavior, holistic memory care emphasizes a senior’s strengths, passions, abilities, and personality through a person centered approach to memory care.

While medication can certainly be used to treat some symptoms associated with dementia, holistic memory care focuses on treatment that does not rely on pharmaceutical intervention. At MorningStar Memory Care Arvada, we offer holistic memory care that prioritizes emotional well-being in the following ways:

Personalized Treatment

Holistic memory care at MorningStar redefines traditional Alzheimer’s care. Under a holistic approach, specialized care plans are created and tailored to every senior’s unique needs, interests, and abilities. This holistic memory care approach allows seniors to maintain their sense of identity and independence while also giving them the appropriate level of memory care that is specifically adjusted to their needs. While medication can be incorporated into their personalized care plan, we are focused on understanding seniors as individuals and holistically treating dementia symptoms.

Holistic Memory Care Therapies

Holistic memory care treatment focuses on treating the whole-body health of an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia. MorningStar Memory Care Arvada incorporates holistic care therapies to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia. Music therapy, art therapy, yoga, mindfulness meditations, and art classes are all holistic therapies that support memory care treatment.

Emotional Support

Acknowledging the feelings, experiences, and concerns of seniors with dementia is an important part of holistic memory care treatments. Part of creating personalized care plans is to tailor emotional support interventions that match a senior’s personality and communication style, ensuring that care is personalized and effective. Working collaboratively with mental health professionals when necessary provides additional emotional support as well.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

Moving a Loved One to a Memory Care Community

April 10, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

If you are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you most likely understand the challenge of introducing changes into their day-to-day routine. One big change, which can be stressful for all involved, is when a family decides it is time to move a parent or another loved one into a senior living community offering memory care.

A Place for Mom’s website warns families it can take a while for a loved one to adapt. They encourage the family to take an optimistic view about the move, and help the person focus on the positive aspects of the community, talking up the programs and activities, quality of care, and the social interactions. Moreover, rather than spending time second-guessing your decision, remember you carefully searched for the best place for your loved one and now you need to trust the experts in the community.

A few of the tips to help your loved one’s transition is to fix up the suite much like their old home, adding family photos and other favorite mementos. In addition, while you need to give the person time to adapt, this doesn’t mean you cannot add your input regarding their care. During the intake process, the staff will look to the family to provide details regarding the person’s day-to-day routine, their background and likes and dislikes. Visit regularly in person or virtually but don’t get upset if they tell you they want you to go. Avoid arguing but reassure them they are safe, and offer to take them for a walk, listen to music or something else you know they will enjoy.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing loving, compassionate memory care and we help families transition their loved one into our welcoming home. Every aspect of our care caters to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia including purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care#how-do-i-ease-my-loved-ones-transition-to-a-memory-care-facility

How To Cope with Caregiver Stress

April 05, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Providing care to a senior parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia comes with a complex set of thoughts and emotions. On one hand, you feel it’s your job to provide memory care for your parents, on the other hand, there are times when you feel burnt out, uncared for, and even resentful. Caregiving for an elderly parent with memory impairment at home is challenging, but there are things you can do to care for yourself while still providing the best memory care for your parents.

What is caregiver stress?

Burnout is typically what caregivers feel after caring for an elderly parent or loved one for an extended period. For adults who are caring for parents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the emotional, physical, and mental toll can be very burdensome. Often, these adult children may experience insomnia, weight gain, increased health concerns, financial struggles, and depression. It’s hard to care for two adults at once, but the following advice from trusted memory care communities may provide some relief going forward:

Get Familiar with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. There is still a lot we do not know yet about Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, you can still take the time to become familiar with your loved one’s specific struggles and symptoms of memory loss. Take the time to understand what treatment options you have and what memory care treatment services they qualify for. What medications or holistic treatments are available? Taking the time to educate yourself on your options can better help you prepare for the future.
Set Realistic Expectations. You can’t do it all. Specialized memory care communities have educated and exceptionally trained staff in dementia care, meaning duties are split effectively. Knowing that you are only one person, realize it is okay to ask for help or to seek out other services when necessary.
Consider Respite Care. There may be times when you will need to go out of town, have a surgery yourself, move, or need an extended break from caregiving for other reasons. Respite care allows caregivers the chance to complete these tasks while knowing their loved one is being properly cared for in a trusted memory care community.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

The Benefits of All-Inclusive Memory Care

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is a lot of planning that goes into setting up a retirement goal. Many seniors know what they would like to do in their retirement, such as moving into a senior living community, traveling, selling their home, studying a new skill, saving for the future, the list goes on. But what if there is something that doesn’t go as planned? Memory impairment diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia cannot be detected before they begin. A memory loss diagnosis impedes a senior’s retirement plan if not thoughtfully considered. If the time comes when memor y care is necessary, it’s important to know your options.

All-inclusive memory care provides a range of benefits, services, and amenities to a senior experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some of the major benefits include:

Better Financial Rewards. Senior care can be expensive, especially if you are constantly needing to move your loved one around to different facilities regularly. All-inclusive memory care is a more affordable option for families looking for specialized memory care with staff trained in memory care approaches. All inclusive memory care includes a flat rate that includes housing, meals, activities, amenities, and more.

More Access to Amenities and Activities. While caregiving for a loved one is empowering, it can also be difficult to provide a loved one with all the activities and amenities you want to give them. Holistic therapies, group activities, parties, events, and clubs are regular activities at all inclusive memory care communities for seniors. This takes the stress of caregivers to plan, pay, and make room for providing activities in their own homes.

Socialization. Without regular socialization, seniors can experience depression and other health concerns. Memory care communities provide seniors with ample opportunities to socialize with staff, family, and other residents. Even if communication and mobility is impaired, seniors are still encouraged to participate in the events happening within the community.

Find Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living Near You

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Better Communication and Alzheimer’s: How-To

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult to navigate. This is especially true if you have no experience with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. You may worry about how your relationship with your now-diagnosed loved one will look or change over time. You may already have noticed how your communication with your loved one has changed. It can be extremely frustrating to adjust your communication methods, however, you may find utilizing these communication skills from highly knowledgeable memory care communities that specialize in dementia treatment beneficial moving forward with your specialized memory care approaches.

How Dementia Affects Communication

Over time, Alzheimer’s and dementia will gradually lessen an individual’s ability to communicate in traditional ways. This is because dementia causes nerve cell failure in the brain, meaning an individual with dementia will have difficulty speaking or understanding speech from someone else. Not only this, but dementia can cause difficulty with social skills, and may not understand appropriate responses or reactions to situations. All of this makes communicating with a loved one who has dementia very difficult. Adjusting your communication strategies for better Alzheimer’s communication may include:

Staying patient & flexible. Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice we can give to a family wanting to communicate with their loved one is to stay patient, calm, understanding, and flexible. It’s defeating sometimes to deal with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but patience will help your loved one to feel more comfortable with you, allowing them to want to open up and try to communicate more often.
Avoid complex language. When communicating with someone with dementia, it’s best to stay away from using complex language or phrases. Metaphors, satire, and sarcasm can cause confusion and frustration.
Refrain from asking difficult questions. Questions tend to confuse seniors with Alzheimer’s and can make the communication process more tedious and overwhelming. Try to keep communication free-flowing and simple.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

3 Amazing Music Therapy Benefits for Seniors in Memory Care

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Interestingly, music plays a critical role in our memory and recollection abilities. This is especially true for seniors struggling with a memory loss diagnosis like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care communities that incorporate music therapy into their senior care approaches can significantly improve the lives of seniors with Alzheimer’s. This is because there is a distinctive relationship between memory and music.

The relationship between dementia and music

Our memory has a significant relationship with music, meaning music can evoke strong reactions and sensations just by hearing a familiar tune or favorite song. Music therapy is one of the many growing holistic methods offered in memory care communities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia because of music’s powerful benefits. The following are 3 of the many amazing benefits of music therapy for seniors in memory care:

Improved Emotional Regulation

Dementia tends to cause frustration, agitation, and added sensitivity in seniors. This can make handling a memory loss diagnosis difficult, as seniors may feel more on edge and ornery than usual. It may be hard to find an activity that your loved one enjoys. Music therapy, through the healing magic of music and vibration, can help seniors in memory care to relax and regulate their emotions. Regular exposure to calming music can improve mood and behavior over time.

Cognitive Stimulation

Music therapy often encourages humming, singing along, moving to the rhythm, and even playing instruments in a group. All of this, combined with the healing power of music, provides seniors with cognitive stimulation in memory care.

Improved Holistic Senior Health

Music therapy improves overall health for seniors by providing a space for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and providing a sense of purpose. Music evades negative feelings and emotions, making it easy for seniors to enjoy their time and the people around them.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Healthy Eating Options for Alzheimer’s Care

March 29, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

What we eat matters. I know we’ve all heard this, but have you ever stopped to fully consider the impact our food choices have on our body and mind as well? This is especially true for seniors who struggle with memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

How Diet Impacts Dementia

Poor dietary habits such as eating a diet high in saturated fats and processed foods can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disturbances that damage brain cells and negatively impact cognitive function. For seniors with Alzheimer’s, this can greatly exacerbate symptoms of dementia and can make related health issues appear or worsen, such as:

Obesity
Dental concerns
Diabetes
And difficulties sleeping

Adopting a Healthy Diet

If you’re worried about a loved one’s health, introducing them to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health and overall wellness. Some popular foods that can combat cognitive decline are almonds, dark chocolate, chickpeas, kale, and unsweetened green tea. Making small and simple changes in a senior’s diet can make a huge difference. See how this trusted memory care community in Arvada is supporting senior’s brain health through food:

How Memory Care Supports Brain Health

Certain diets, such as ones that prioritize ingredients known to support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, are encouraged at MorningStar’s Memory Care in Arvada. Memory care communities with trained executive chefs produce seasonal menus that feature recipes from our BrainWise program.

BrainWise is developed by world-class chefs who use ingredients known to support brain health through their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Our culinary team is not just to create flavors to delight the eye and palate, but to leverage the phenomenal benefits of “SuperFoods,” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens to support brain health.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Memory Care and Sundowning Solutions

March 27, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Despite the research, there is still a lot that is unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia. While there have been great strides in available memory care solutions, there is still work that needs to be done to better understand how to treat memory loss. One odd behavior of dementia is “Sundowning.” Seniors with memory impairment often struggle settling in for the night, which may cause them to miss out on necessary sleep. If you are looking for Memory care in Arvada Colorado, consider MorningStar Memory Care for dementia solutions and caretaking.

What is Sundowning?

Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, is primarily observed in those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It causes a state of confusion or restlessness for those with memory impairment diseases in the late afternoon, lasting into the evening. Sundowning can cause seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia to behave more aggressively or showcase more signs of anxiety or pain.

Sundowning, like dementia, is a bit of a phenomenon. Sundowning is not a disease by itself, but an unexplained symptom of Alzheimer’s and dementia. There is no exact cure for sundowning, but there are memory care options that can combat sundowning behaviors.

How to Combat Sundowning

Unlike a regular disease or infection, medication does not necessarily treat dementia or sundowning, but there are things memory care communities can do to help combat sundowning. Maintaining a consistent routine is one of the strongest solutions to help manage sundowning and other negative symptoms of dementia. A consistent routine includes eating balanced meals at the same time each day, completing similar tasks daily, following a schedule, and limiting screen exposure in the evening. Memory care routines encourage stability in seniors with memory impairment, making things feel less disorienting. Steady schedules in turn also promote great sleep and relaxation at the end of the day.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Advocate for Your or a Loved One’s Health

February 23, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude.

Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”

Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition, let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume.

Additionally, remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask.

Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking, alcohol use and taking medications as prescribed.

For outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, Peoria, AZ area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful home provides a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or see our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

How to Find Effective Medication Management for Seniors in Memory Care Arvada Co

February 21, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

If you have a loved one in need of memory care in Arvada, CO, it’s important to consider their unique needs and health care necessities. Often, seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have a strict medication routine that will need to be followed to support their overall health and comfort while aging.

Trusted memory care includes proper medication management. To ensure that your loved one is receiving the right care for them, here is how to find a memory care community that provides effective medication management:

Evaluate Needs

Before deciding on a memory care community, evaluate the needs of your loved one. What medication and healthcare will your loved one require when they move into memory care? How rigorous is the routine? What difficulties do your loved one have with taking their medications? These are all questions you should ask yourself to be sure that you can communicate these memory care needs to the community and care management.

Review Staff Training and Caretakers

To find the best memory care Arvada, Co has to offer, you must review any training or credentials of memory care staff. MorningStar’s signature philosophy and approach to dementia care is named “Lavender Sky” where the caretaker’s ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore the effects of memory loss. This includes proper medication management and evaluation.

Consider Staff to Resident Ratio

All seniors should be properly cared for in memory care, and this means communities should be staffed well and efficiently. To find proper medication management for your loved one, consider a memory care community that is fully staffed and attentive to the needs of the residents around them.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Creating a Holistic Memory Care Environment at Home

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Holistic memory care is a popular and innovative approach to memory care. If you are the primary caregiver to a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may be wondering how you can make your loved one’s environment more comfortable.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living and memory care Beaverton has to offer. Suppose you aren’t ready to move your loved one into memory care, or you are just looking for ways to make your space at home more memory care friendly. In that case, MorningStar offers 3 useful tips to create a holistic memory care environment at home.

What is holistic memory care?

Unlike traditional memory care approaches, which tend to focus on the individual’s weaknesses and limitations, holistic memory care emphasizes the individual’s strengths and abilities.

Memory care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton, create specialized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs, interests, and abilities of every senior, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity and independence for as long as possible while also giving them the appropriate level of care needed.

Creating Holistic Memory Care

Focus on providing a calm living space for your loved one to feel comfortable. It is difficult for a senior struggling with memory loss to relax in cluttered, loud, and dirty places. When creating a holistic memory care environment, be sure to offer a space that is organized and managed effectively. It is best to not have disturbing noises that may frequently affect a senior’s peace.
Encourage the independence of your loved one. This may feel counterproductive, especially if your loved one has lost a lot of motor skills, mobility, and memory capabilities. But this is the purpose of holistic memory care: meeting your loved one where they’re at. Find activities your loved one can participate in that encourage their independence, such as having them help complete small tasks around the home.
Maintain a stimulating routine through sensory play and other mentally stimulating activities. Holistic therapies, such as art therapy, yoga, and music therapy can also be helpful when used routinely.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

How Continuity of Care Improves Senior’s Lives in Memory Care

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

When the time comes to find trusted and reliable memory care, you want to consider the possibility that your loved one’s needs may change drastically over time. Even with preventative treatment, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can experience skill degradation, loss of mobility, changes in appetite, and extreme memory loss. For these reasons, it is worth it to consider a continuous care community for your memory care needs.

What are Continuous Senior Care Communities?

Continuous Care Communities, or CCRCs, are senior living communities that are committed to providing a seamless transition of comprehensive care to seniors throughout their lifetime within that community.

Continuous care communities allow residents to age comfortably regardless of their changing health or abilities, without the stress of relocation.

How does a continuous care community benefit memory care?

Continuous care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Arvada, provide seniors with a stable and supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being, reduces stress, and fosters the growth of positive relationships and friendships.

The familiarity and consistency created by continuous care senior living communities contribute significantly to the positive experiences of seniors in memory care through these ways:

Building Trusted Relationships

Seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia often feel overwhelmed by meeting unfamiliar people. If a senior is constantly relocating due to changing needs, this may be triggering unnecessary issues and causing your loved one to experience more stress and anxiety, hindering any progress while limiting the ability to grow trusted relationships with the people and caretakers around them.

Better Health Monitoring

When a senior stays in one community for an established period, that community has a better chance to fully understand and predict their health needs. When seniors with memory loss conditions relocate frequently, important medical concerns can be lost or overlooked in translation.

Maintaining Structured Routines

Continuous care senior communities take into account the changing needs seniors may have down the line. If your loved one is struggling with memory loss, staying in a familiar environment provides these seniors with the stability and support to maintain structured routines.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Protect Your Memory With Diet, Exercise and Other Healthy Habits

February 14, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Studies suggest that while some memory decline is inevitable with aging, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain and enhance memory function as well as our overall brain health. The US News & World Report says one of the things we can do is to routinely be physically active as studies show it provides a lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

They explain physical activity optimizes blood flow to the entire body including the brain and helps keep our memories sharp. However, the type of physical exercise is important and should include a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio such as power walking, running, biking or swimming. (Before beginning any new exercise, experts say check with your healthcare provider).

If you worry about forgetting things, Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, says for most of us it is normal. He states all of us forget things like where we put our keys or when our doctor’s appointment is, which is typically not a reason for concern. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are different and cause more consistent memory problems that have a debilitating effect on a person’s quality of life.

Along with physical exercise, other strategies to improve and protect memory include challenging our brain by learning new things, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Dr. Williams says adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night as it “allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia.”

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge has Casitas and suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations to meet different preferences and needs. Our community’s amenities offer plenty of ways to exercise both the body and the brain. Amenities include fitness centers, swimming pool, life enrichment rooms, library, wellness programs and activities. We are committed to providing the best independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/memory-decline-isnt-inevitable

Understanding the Benefits of Person-Centered Memory Care Plans

January 24, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

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

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

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

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

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

How to Create Personalized Care Plans?

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

Their current diagnosis
Past surgeries
Potential challenges
Medications
Dietary Restrictions

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

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Explore Holistic Memory Care Options for Senior Living

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

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

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

What is Holistic Memory Care?

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

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

Comprehensive Assessment
Before your loved one moves in, a comprehensive assessment is done by care managers to get a full picture of what level of care your loved one will require and what treatment plans will be most beneficial. This is a collective and cooperative project, as we value and require family and medical input to build a care plan that is best suited to your loved one.
Staff Training
Holistic memory care would be moot if not for properly trained caretakers and staff. Senior living communities that offer holistic memory care should be certain that caregivers and staff are thoroughly trained in dementia care. This means every member of the staff has a focus on providing person-centered care that regularly evaluates the needs of residents to evolve their caregiving methods.
Stimulation and Engagement
Seniors, no matter their health, require social, physical, and cognitive engagement and stimulation. This means senior living communities should be equipped with easily accessible amenities that seniors can enjoy. As well as weekly activities and outings that help seniors feel engaged and excited. Holistic therapies should be regularly utilized, as well as hands-on crafts and community parties.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

How Memory Care Provides Professional Support for Families

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

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

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

Benefits and memory care services at MorningStar

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

Specialized Staff and Nursing Options

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

Holistic Therapies and Activities

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

Nutritional Support

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

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

Put Grandparents Day on Your Calendar This Year

January 15, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

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

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

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

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

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

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

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

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

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

MorningStar’s Memory Care in Peoria, Arizona

January 05, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge community offers 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 meet 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 specially prepared 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 Senior Living was founded in 2003 and has 40+ communities in eleven states either in operation or under construction. Please visit our website for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in Peoria, AZ.

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

Guide to Preventing Isolation in Memory Care

December 25, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

One major worry families have when moving a loved one into memory care is the fear of isolation. There’s a common idea that senior living or retirement homes are dark places removed from society and daily fulfillment. That couldn’t be further from the truth with the modern senior living options we have today.

While many senior living options are lively, safe and engaging, there are still steps to be taken to ensure seniors in memory care are also experiencing life to the same extent. At MorningStar Senior Living in Oregon, we understand the fears that come with a memory loss diagnosis. Our staff works tirelessly to remain up-to-date on the proper care methods while our life-enrichments teams plan exciting events and activities weekly. Below is a snapshot of a guide for preventing isolation in memory care at MorningStar Senior Living.

Memory Care Prioritizes Social Interaction

With Alzheimer’s or dementia, communication changes, or stops altogether. While it is difficult to communicate in the same way you once did, it is important to continue to prioritize social interaction for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Holistic Memory Care Therapies

Animal therapy, music therapy or art therapy are 3 of the most popular group activities that promote socialization in seniors with memory loss. These activities do not require a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia to verbally communicate but still give them the social interaction they crave.

Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication is still communication. Pay close attention to body language, eye movements and even noises when trying to communicate with your loved one. Over time, you can start to learn what reactions are positive or negative.

Respect Boundaries

Seniors who struggle with dementia still require independence and respect. Understand when your loved one is having a negative response to an activity or event and respect their boundaries by ceasing the action or finding an alternative. This will help them to feel more understood and less alone.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

Respite Memory Care for Family Members

December 22, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

If you are the primary caregiver to a senior struggling with a memory loss diagnosis, we understand the huge responsibility you take on daily to ensure your loved one is happy, safe and healthy. However, memory care facilities understand the unexpected turns life takes. If you have a vacation, work trip, surgery or just need some time to recharge, respite memory care offers families a safe senior care alternative when life calls you.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a short-term stay of 30 days or less in a fully staffed and furnished senior living community. Respite stays are ideal for seniors recovering from surgery or who need supervision while their primary caretaker is unavailable.

Respite memory care at MorningStar Senior Living offers the quiet quarters and attendance you need to fully recover. We also offer chances for companionship and community that is just as much a part of healing and will help to make your short stay feel welcoming.

Respite Care Benefits

The benefits of respite care, while short, can be extremely beneficial for many families and seniors.

Preventing caregiver burnout

Caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia is a full-time job and dedication. Providing that care for years without a break can easily leave caregivers and families feeling burnt out.

Variety in daily activities

At home, it can be difficult to fully engage your loved one if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s. Dedicated memory care facilities have access to activities, therapies and events that are not usually available in homes.

Consistent high-quality care

The fear of your loved one not being cared for properly is one anxiety that keeps caregivers from traveling away from the home. With so much uncertainty, it’s good to know trusted memory care facilities offer consistent high-quality care, even for short periods.

Personalized Treatment

Holistic Memory Care Therapies

Emotional Support

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

What is caregiver stress?

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Find Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living Near You

How Dementia Affects Communication

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

The relationship between dementia and music

Improved Emotional Regulation

Cognitive Stimulation

Improved Holistic Senior Health

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

How Diet Impacts Dementia

Adopting a Healthy Diet

How Memory Care Supports Brain Health

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

What is Sundowning?

How to Combat Sundowning

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Evaluate Needs

Review Staff Training and Caretakers

Consider Staff to Resident Ratio

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

What is holistic memory care?

Creating Holistic Memory Care

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

What are Continuous Senior Care Communities?

How does a continuous care community benefit memory care?

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

How to Create Personalized Care Plans?

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

What is Holistic Memory Care?

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Benefits and memory care services at MorningStar

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

Memory Care Prioritizes Social Interaction

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

What is Respite Care?

Respite Care Benefits

Find Holistic Memory Care and Respite Care