Learn More About MorningStar at Golden Ridge

MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a beautiful senior community on an 8.8-acre campus in Peoria, AZ, has a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as short-term stays.   We want prospective residents and their families to know we are here to answer all their questions, and once the decision is made to join our 55+ community, we provide the support needed to ensure a smooth transition.  

Our 38 Casitas for independent living offer seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it.   

Moreover, contrary to what many think about assisted living, it is designed to help seniors maintain their sense of independence.  By providing assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), residents can focus on living their life to the fullest.  Upon joining our community, residents have an Individualized Care Plan created for them after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their family.  

Finally, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with 35 secure suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents.  To accomplish this, our entire staff is trained on the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care.  Our community is equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, activities and programs, meals, and more.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s first-class amenities start with Executive Chef inspired meals which are served all-day in our beautiful full-service dining room.  We also have a theater, bistro bar, fitness centers, and a saline swimming pool with a hot tub.  In addition, we have a salon, library and private dining rooms for intimate dinners.  Amidst our beautiful grounds we have outdoor dining patios, and our memory care residents have a secure courtyard where they too can safely enjoy the outdoors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Keep Your Brain Sharp with Smart Foods

Many specialists studying memory loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s advocate for an array of diets and supplements to reduce Dementia symptoms or get rid of them all together. So far, there is no evidence that eating or avoiding a specific food can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline. However, caring for your brain health through your diet is still important to take into consideration. Eating healthy foods promotes not only a healthy brain but whole-body health as well. When a family member or loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, composing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is one major way to support a healthy brain and a healthy body.

It may surprise you to know, but our brains are made up largely of fat. Therefore, our brains utilize fats to work properly. However, the type of fat we ingest is important to note. Natural fats, omegas, and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) are proven to nourish, protect and enhance the performance of our brain’s cells. These healthy fats are found in salmon, olive oil, avocados, and most nuts. Not only do these support your brain’s health, but fats such as these, help you stay full and satisfied for longer. 

Enjoying a whole food diet is one way to promote overall health. Incorporating green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, or spinach with healthy fats supports your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. If you’re not a huge fan of vegetables, fruits are beneficial and important as well. Blueberries and other dark-colored berries deliver anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, are also high in fiber and calcium. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living dining experience is inspired by the belief that diet is the centerpiece of personal wellness. Through proper diets and healthy choices, food is a healing medicine unlike any other. BrainWise is a lifestyle at MorningStar by which we prioritize the use of ingredients known to support brain health. The charge of MorningStar’s culinary team is not just to create flavors to delight the eye and palate, but to leverage the phenomenal benefits of these aptly named “Super Foods,” items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens

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.

“Radiance” is the Brand Standard of Service and Memory Care at MorningStar Senior Living

When a loved one begins dealing with symptoms of Alzheimer's or other memory loss diseases, panic sets in to try to find empathic, safe, and trusted memory care for handling what feels like uncharted waters. There is a lot of pressure to find your loved one the care that they deserve, and rightfully so. Not only do you want them to be safe and healthy, but you also want them to be in a senior living environment that can specialize in their individual needs while continuing to enrich their lives with meaning and joy. 

Radiance, coined by MorningStar, is more than a customer service program. Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness that grows from a deep and sincere place within those that feel called to help others, like a beam of light. For this is how service is delivered at MorningStar: with warmth and sincerity and depth. This attribute is to be visibly apparent upon hiring and encourages a strong and devoted team that selflessly prioritizes the array of specialized memory care and other assisted needs of our residents.

The standards within our Radiance care are introduced to every team member upon hiring, regardless of their role within the MorningStare community. This means our holistic training and ethics are instilled in our employees ranging from chefs, salon specialists, and of course specialized care attendees. These standards are reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle where we go over our care necessities and daily goals. Having trusted team members that meet our standards of Radiance and enforce them daily is what makes staying at MorningStar a safe and happy senior living and memory care facility.

To learn more about Radiance and the other practices within our senior living and memory care specialties, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the 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.

What is Dementia?

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

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

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

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

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers care to those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.”  We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved. Contact us or visit our website for availability, pricing information and to schedule a tour.  

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

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

Learn to Live with Less

Known as the “Minimalists,” Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn spend their time helping people to learn to live with less. They say a typical house contains as many as 300,000 items; and their advice is to rid yourself of items that do not add value to your life. While obviously easier said than done, if you are an older adult who is trying to downsize for a move to senior housing, the following tips may help.  

One suggestion is to start by decluttering; not only does it give you more space in your new home but living around clutter has been linked to anxiety and stress. When you throw away or donate stuff cluttering up your home, it gives room for the things you really like. Less stuff lightens your load and helps you get into the habit of not buying things you don’t need. Not only does this mindset save money, but Fields Millburn explains, "Understanding the why behind simplifying gives us the leverage we need to begin to let go and helps us understand what is excess.”

The Minimalists recommend letting go of items you are hanging on to under the “just in case” category. Remember most things can be easily replaced if needed and in the meantime your load will be that much lighter. 

Other suggestions include getting rid of blurry or duplicate photos, junk mail, documents and paperwork no longer needed, and old magazines and newspapers. If you want to further reduce your physical load, scan photos as well as paperwork you wish to save. Throw away broken or damaged items, or missing parts. If you have two hair dryers, choose one to keep and one to donate. Do the same with other duplicates. Get rid of books you will never read, clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable, and stuff you never use. Do the same with supplies and equipment from hobbies or sports you are no longer interested in; and if you are retired, downsize your professional wardrobe. Use this mindset when going through the rest of your household items.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ is a beautiful senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. We have 38 Casitas for independent living (quadruplexes with attached garages) and 65 private assisted living suites in a range of floor plans as well as compassionate memory care. Remarkable for our exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understands it is a privilege to serve seniors.  Please visit our website for more.

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. 

Source: aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/things-to-throw-away.html

Summer is Right Around the Corner – Remember to Stay Hydrated

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, especially seniors to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated.  

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Dr. Keim says, "A heat index over 100 degrees is a high-risk environment for heat stroke." Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a vibrant senior living community situated on an 8.8-acre campus with exceptional architecture and award-winning design.  Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors.  Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, amenities and care services as well as inquire about our Move-in Specials and availability. 

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. 

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

MorningStar of Beaverton Offers Respite and Short-Term Stays

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we understand it can be difficult to decide if it is the time to move into assisted living as many seniors do not like the thought of giving up their home and their independence.  However, if you have not looked into today’s senior living communities, you may be unaware that many are like true homes.  Also, when you move into a community and start receiving the daily help you need, you will most likely start feeling more independent than you did before.     

While change can be hard for anyone, it can be especially hard for elderly adults who like things a certain way.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think.

A respite stay ensures you get the personal attention you need in a quiet, restful place as you recover from surgery or to convalesce from an illness.  Also, you have the advantages offered by companionship and community that can make the healing process easier.   

In addition, there may be times when your regular caregiver needs a vacation.  A short-term stay with us gives you a chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.  During your stay, you will receive all the amenities offered to full-time residents such as 24-hour care managers, medication management, and daily meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  Onsite amenities include a bistro, theatre/chapel, fitness room and more, and a broad array of activities and wellness programs, in-house entertainment and fun outings.  And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

In other words, while under our roof, you will enjoy delicious, nutritional meals, meet new friends and have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to see to your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  

Please contact us or visit our website for more information on unsurpassed senior living in Beaverton, OR.  We offer 66 stylish suites for assisted living and 38 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

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

The Best Foods for Satisfying, Healthy Snacks

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating a pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how to make chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s offers the finest independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care. Our warm, loving environment includes exceptional architecture, care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition we are proud of our 5-Star dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.   

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Receive the Care You Need at MorningStar of Beaverton

Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton are not a nursing home. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.  

It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our community offers 66 stylish suites for assisted living. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. As part of our mission statement includes “valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals”, we are committed to creating a community promoting a healthy, engaged lifestyle, and providing security and independence. 

In addition, we offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For trusted senior living in Beaverton, visit our website or contact us for further information.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the very best in 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.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

Studies Show Vegetables & Fruits May Help in the Fight against Forgetfulness

New research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20 year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73.  

The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower amount of flavonoid-enriched foods.  

Researchers found a significant difference between the bottom one-fifth of participants who reported the lowest intake of flavonoids compared to the upper one-fifth who were 19 percent less likely to report forgetfulness or confusion. Additionally the study reported “higher intakes of Brussel sprouts, strawberries, winter squash and raw spinach were most highly associated with better scores on the test of subjective cognitive decline.” Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging who was not involved in the study, said “There’s some really good data here with 20 years of follow-up.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior living community in Peoria committed to making your retirement years carefree. Along with resort-style amenities and hospitality and care services, we offer residents a 5-star dining experience enriched with a variety of healthy, fresh foods. For active seniors, we have 38 beautiful Casitas quadraplexes with attached garages. For seniors who require a little help with daily care, we have 65 assisted living suites in one and two-bedroom options. We also provide 35 suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information.  

As a community leader in all issues regarding seniors, we recently hosted Falls Prevention: Protect Your Loved Ones presented by Ryan Levins, Director of Rehabilitation, Genesis Rehab. Stay tuned to our website for future education programs and events.  

Source: nytimes.com/2021/08/09/well/brain-health-fruits-vegetables.html  

Anger can be a Part of the Grieving Process

The loss of a loved one or the diagnosis of a deadly disease is devastating and hard to process. Turning inward and drawing on our spiritual strength as well as seeking comfort from our family and friends is important in the healing process. However, if you feel you need professional help to deal with the loss or to face end-of-life decisions, grief counselors and other mental health providers may be able to help you better shoulder the burden and ease the pain. 

In many cases, people can be surprised to find they are angry but experts explain it is one of the five stages in the grieving process that includes: denial and seclusion, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Anger may be triggered by feelings of abandonment or fear when a beloved spouse, child, or parent passes away. Social Worker Kriss Kevorkian, Ph.D., explains “When anger is involved, it’s important to look at it and find out if you’re angry about the situation, the person who died, or perhaps even God.” She says discussing your feelings with a grief counselor can help you find ways to cope with the loss and start to process it. 

When a loved one has a terminal illness, talking to a grief counselor can help you start the difficult conversation regarding your feelings and even help you to make the most of the time you have left with them. Afterward, professionals can help you find ways to honor the memory of your loved one as well as you process your grief. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge Senior Living community, we offer 55+ adults a true home.  Along with 65 suites for assisted living, we have 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our selection of floor plans, our wide range of amenities, our care services and to ask about availability and pricing.   

What Does Assisted Living Offer?

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home.  The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.    

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities.  In some cases, people move into an assisted living community knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.  

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone.  As many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Arvada have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.  

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary in size and number of bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and many offer patios or balconies.  In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required.  Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping and delicious meals they no longer need to cook.

MorningStar of Arvada offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  Along with assisted living, we provide independent living for active seniors and memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Music and Art May Improve Quality of Life for Those with Dementia

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.  

MorningStar of Beaverton is a trusted assisted living and memory care community southwest of Portland, OR. Our holistic memory 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 senior living, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. 

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

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

Supporting a Loved One’s Move to Assisted Living

Many times, a move to assisted living for an elderly loved one is due to an event such as a recent hospitalization for a fall or a worsening medical condition. This means the person does not have the time to process the move from a beloved home, and the sudden change may be very upsetting. Even for seniors who have had the time to plan a move into assisted living, it may be challenging. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we know the many benefits assisted living communities such as ours afford to residents; but at the same time, we recognize any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly one of those events. In addition to our own experience, experts also offer suggestions to families on how best to support their loved one during the transition. 

It may ease the transition for the person to get as familiar as possible with the new community and staff before the move.  Also, after a decision is made, let your loved one decide what furniture and keepsakes they want to move with them and help them decorate.   If possible, arrange furniture and decorations in a similar way and display photos and other keepsakes to make the new place feel like “home.”  

Keep in mind the person may feel abandoned, or frustrated with their perceived loss of independence and decision making, and have a hard time adjusting to a change in their routine. Give the person plenty of support during the first days and weeks at the community, but don’t overdo it. This could actually be counterproductive and prevent a loved one from making an adjustment. Instead, emphasizing the move is an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life.  

In some cases, seniors make a quick adjustment and recognize the advantage of no longer worrying about their homes’ maintenance or preparing meals. They like the ease of a more robust social life and feel a peace of mind knowing help is around whenever they need it. For others it may take a little more time.

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.  Please visit our website for information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other seniors living in Beaverton, OR.  

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living 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 to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Strategies to Deal with Normal Lapses in Memory

If you are a senior who is always looking for your phone, readers or car keys, most likely it is a normal part of aging. Lydia Cho, a psychologist and neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, says growing older brings with it these and other memory lapses like forgetting names of people we just met or the time of our next appointment. Moreover younger people can also be forgetful; but experts caution serious memory loss needs to be checked out by a doctor.  

Thankfully most memory lapses are more a matter of not focusing or being mindful of what we are doing. For example many times we absentmindedly set down our keys or phone while we are distracted doing other things. To keep track of commonly misplaced items, experts say set up a basket on the counter just for those things. If you are someone who always worries if you turn off the oven, you probably did it without thinking. Next time as you turn off the oven, mindfully say to yourself “I am turning off the oven.” 

If you worry about forgetting where you put something, take a picture of it sitting in the drawer or the shelf in the closet. Adapting these suggestions to other things should help improve your mindfulness. Another tip when meeting someone new is to take a moment to really look at the person and say their name back to them in your greeting. If you need more help to remember their name associate it with a friend or movie character, or a rhyming word.  

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community is proud to have earned an excellent reputation with families in the greater Denver area. Our mission includes valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals as we promote independence and a healthy, engaged lifestyle. We have 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites; and another 29 memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about various living options including holistic memory care in Arvada, CO.     

You will Probably Need Cataract Surgery at Some Point in Your Life

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

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

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

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

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we feel called to serve seniors and have assembled a team of individuals who recognize seniors deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Our senior living options include independent living, assisted living, concierge living and memory care; and provide an array of amenities, hospitality and care services and wellness programs and activities.

Food Trends for 2022

Have you heard of carbon emission labeling? Experts say the trend is increasing globally and is a movement intended to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. While some of the new products out on the market may seem strange or distasteful, experts say many of them will likely be the foods of the future.

Companies claiming to be carbon neutral (also referred to as “net zero” means emissions are generated but offset by the same amount elsewhere) are now selling products such as milk and eggs in mainstream grocery stores. Other foods in the category of strange include more than a 100 companies around the world experimenting and selling cell-cultured or lab-grown meat without an animal. Cultured meat was first sold in Singapore but as the U.S. Food and Drug has cleared regulatory restrictions, consumers in our country can expect to see it on grocery shelves in 2022.  

Currently several American companies are producing lab-grown, bean-free coffee and cacao bean-free chocolate. Another source of protein used for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives we will see more of comes from the sea. Microalgae protein include sea plants like zoster marina, which is a seagrass known as the rice of the sea and is on its way to becoming another new “superfood.” 

Non-dairy milk options are growing and now include a wide variety of nuts as well as grains, hemp, flax and quinoa. Plant-based cheeses taste better than ever and are made from nuts such as almonds and cashews, soy or coconut-based vegan options. Other offerings we will see more of on grocery shelves include foods enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, or mushroom powders.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an array of amenities, wellness programs, and concierge and care services. Our senior living options include assisted living and independent living for carefree retirement years. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide individualized, compassionate memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about our home and our philosophy regarding caring for seniors. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/top-food-trends-for-2022

Are You at Risk for Shingles?

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for getting shingles sometime in your life. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. 

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. 

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone the chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a wash cloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is a true home where residents can comfortably age in place. We have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. For active seniors looking for a carefree lifestyle, we offer 38 Casitas tucked into their own private neighborhood. Please contact us to learn more about our concierge services as well as availability and pricing. Be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.