Making Healthy Food Choices

The appetites of elderly adults typically decrease as they age, which means it is important to make smart, healthy food choices rather than filling up on foods laden with empty calories (save those sugary snacks for occasional treats).  The U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes a website called Choose My Plate that offers ideas and tips to help people create a healthier eating style throughout the various stages of their lives including older adults. 

Eating a wholesome diet rich in nutrients can help keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and to boost your immunity.  If you already have a chronic disease, it can help you manage it better.  My Plate explains a healthy diet will give you more energy and encourage a sense of well-being along with providing the nutrients needed by the body such as “potassium, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, minerals, and dietary fiber.  In addition eating well can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight.  

If you are on a low-sodium diet due to health conditions, you should use herbs and spices to flavor your food rather than salt.  Also be wary of processed and packaged foods as many of them are loaded with sodium.  In addition to drinking water throughout the day, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture says to drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk (substitute yogurt, butter milk, hard cheese or lactose-free foods if you cannot tolerate milk) a day.  Eat cereals fortified with vitamin B12 and include sliced fruits and vegetables with your meals. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we understand it is important for our residents to eat a nutritionally rich diet, which is why mealtime is both a social event as well as the opportunity to eat healthy, delicious foods.  Our meals are served restaurant-style so residents can sit and enjoy the company and a relaxing meal.  Please visit our website to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community.       

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 community. 

Source: choosemyplate.gov/older-adults

Why Choose MorningStar of Arvada?

You may have found that there are several senior living communities in and around Arvada and may be wondering what sets MorningStar of Arvada apart from all the others.  To start with, we offer seniors a wide range of senior living options that start with our comfortable independent living with private suites and spacious common areas including a pool.  MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities.  

MorningStar is also proud to have earned a reputation as one of the leading memory care providers in the Western U.S.  Our Reflections Neighborhood offers a holistic approach to caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  

However, the thing that really sets us apart from other area senior living communities is our unique mission statements.  MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior housing that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.”  Our mission statements start by honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing heavily in our teams’ ability to serve well. 

MorningStar of Arvada’s extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest.  Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services.  Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service. 

We invite you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, follow our link to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO has to offer.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Exceptional Memory Care

MorningStar at Golden Ridge feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 35 secure, memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Also, as our memory care is located in a separate area called the Reflections Neighborhood, it is designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar family, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities and scheduled outings and events. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and 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 and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

Along with memory care, we offer exceptional independent living and assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

Culture of “Radiance” Guides the Way We Deliver Service

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we provide exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  To achieve this, we recognize it could not be done without the help of our team members who we consider to be the very heartbeat of our community. 

Our team consists of a unique group of individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  They are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching, and have perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  MorningStar’s team members see seniors as heroes and feel privileged to have a rewarding career that offers both professional as well as personal growth. 

To direct us in our service, all team members, including our management team, are guided by Radiance, our exclusive brand standard of Service Excellence.  The program’s precepts are introduced to every team member upon being hired, and then reiterated and strengthened every day during our daily Huddle.        

Radiance allows us to take service professionalism to the next level and offers a purposeful way for us to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  As “Radiance” is like a beam of light, it epitomizes the ways we serve others – with warmth, sincerity, and depth and is reiterated through interpersonal communications and special touches throughout our home.   

We invite you to take a look at our website to learn more about our Radiance program and MorningStar of Beaverton.  We are located in a western suburb of Portland, near the popular retail/entertainment center of Progress Ridge Townsquare. We offer 66 assisted living suites in addition to our Reflections Neighborhood that has 38 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for assisted living and memory care. 

Is Senior Living Affordable?

Many seniors and their families fear senior living is too expensive but once you actually look into it, you may be surprised to discover it can actually be less costly than trying live on your own.  At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we offer families a great deal especially when you consider all of the resort-style amenities and top-quality services we provide.  

To help ensure senior living is within reach, one of the jobs we take seriously at MorningStar is to help our families find resourceful ways to make senior living affordable.  We help you explore innovative financial solutions and often under-used benefits that may be available to you beyond traditional retirement savings and investments.   

If you have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will want to carefully read through your policy to determine what type of expenses it covers.  You will find specifics regarding daily benefits, policy limits, and the elimination period under your Benefits Summary.

Another way we help families make senior living more affordable is let them know they may be eligible for often untapped Veteran Benefits.   Please refer to our Veterans page for a full explanation of the generous “Aid & Attendance” Pension issued by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

We remind seniors to think about leveraging life insurance policies or selling their home to pay for senior living.  We also offer Companion Living, in which two unrelated people of the same sex may share a suite as well as expenses.  This opportunity is available in independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Please visit MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s website to learn more about our beautiful independent living, assisted living, and memory care community.  Our website has a convenient link to inquire about pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Peoria

Want to Be Part of an Extraordinary Team? Join Our MorningStar Family!

Do you want to make a difference in the world by serving others? Would you like to work at a place where you will be encouraged to build caring relationships, and where the job duties include helping to create a loving, family environment?  Lastly would you like to be part of a group of service professionals who are working together to provide exceptional care for seniors, the most heroic, wise and fascinating segment of our society?  If you answered “yes,” we have an opportunity for you that is inspired by a felt calling to serve seniors and sustained by the power of relationships.  

The MorningStar Company, founded over 15 years ago by Ken Jaeger who still serves as the CEO, was began out of Ken’s desire to establish his own brand of senior living after many years of working in the industry.  He explains, “It was 2003. I had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”

We are pleased to say our MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, , and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living communities are just that – loving homes where residents comfortably and safely age in place.  Located in and around the Phoenix area, we are presently seeking compassionate individuals to fill a variety of assisted living jobs including care managers, chefs, dining room servers, a medication care manager/QMAP and more.  

If you wish to be part of something inspirational, profound and rewarding, please considering applying to one of MorningStar’s assisted living jobs in Phoenix, Glendale, Fountain Hills, or our newest home in Peoria.  Visit our Career page and take the link to “Assisted Living Jobs – Phoenix.”     

At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Fountain Hills & Golden Ridge communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built on honoring God and valuing all seniors, and we are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve. If you have the heart of a caregiver, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to fulfilling assisted living jobs in Phoenix.

Our Loving Phoenix Communities Casts a New Light On Senior Living!

If you feel as troubled as we do by the increasing incivility in almost all segments of our society, you will be pleased to learn that one of MorningStar’s priorities is to cast a new light.  Using our mission statement and core values to guide us, our goal is to create senior living communities that are lighthouses of decency, good manners and polite conversations. 

MorningStar homes are designed to foster an environment for seniors’ wellbeing; and from the moment you walk through the doors, you will feel the chemistry in the air as well as see it with your own eyes.  We are truly blessed to have our homes staffed by a group of extraordinary people who love our residents like they do their own moms and dads.  

By building a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered, they recognize the importance of investing in each other as well as our resident-families.  As a team member, you will be taught the best ways to communicate and convey the dignity and respect our residents deserve. 

MorningStar is an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to have a culturally diverse workforce.   We know that each member is essential to our brand and to our success and we are committed to recruiting and retaining our extraordinary team. This includes providing competitive wages, comprehensive benefits including healthcare, and purposeful training.  Moreover while our company was founded on Judeo-Christian values, we lovingly welcome all faiths among our team members as well as our residents.  

Please see our website for a complete listing of assisted living jobs.  Our Phoenix communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  If you believe as we do that senior living at its best is love in action, consider joining our MorningStar family!

At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Fountain Hills & Golden Ridge communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built on honoring God and valuing all seniors, we are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve. Would you like to make a difference in a senior’s life? If so visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to fulfilling assisted living jobs in Phoenix.

Live in and Around Phoenix? Check Out Our Rewarding Career Opportunities!

At MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge we offer seniors compassionate independent living, assisted living and memory care.   To provide our brand of service excellence, we are looking for extraordinary individuals who have big hearts and a felt calling to serve.  

Our various assisted living jobs in the Phoenix area are fulfilling careers that allow you to use your unique talents as you help us find creative solutions to improve our care services.  In addition you will quickly become an integral member of the team regardless of your position and have a path for advancement as we promote from within whenever possible.  

To learn more about our open positions, please visit MorningStar’s Career page.  Here you will find all of our openings as well as detailed job descriptions and how to apply.  While you are there, take the time to look at our individual home pages where you will see beautifully decorated homes that offer an array of resort-style amenities and services.  You will also find lots of pictures of residents and staff sharing special moments and sincerely enjoying one another’s company. 

As we recognize our team is the heart of our communities, in fact part of our mission statement is to: invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents – we create a workplace where excellence can flourish.  This includes providing the training; support and mentoring our team members need to ensure their success.  

Moreover be sure to take a look at our Twice the Story video series, which showcases the tender relationships between residents and team members in our communities. We believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to lean upon and lean into each other—that each might receive a blessing, that each might be served, and that each might come away changed. Please visit our website or contact us to learn more our loving MorningStar family!

At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Fountain Hills & Golden Ridge communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built on honoring God and valuing all seniors, and we are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve. If you wish to thrive professionally and personally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding assisted living jobs in Phoenix.

Get a Professional Diagnosis for Memory Problems

Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life.  To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.”   

During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on: 

·         Whether you have impaired memory or thinking (cognitive) skills

·         Whether you exhibit changes in personality or behaviors

·         The degree of your memory or thinking impairment or changes

·         How your thinking problems affect your ability to function in daily life

·         The cause of your symptoms

 Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills.  Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests.  While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke.  They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans.   

Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now.  All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms. 

It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s.  Furthermore, many feel that since there is no cure, what is the point?  However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future. 

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

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted 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 community. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075

Better Overall Health May Help to Reduce the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As some of the more severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s are now associated to poor overall health, researchers stress the importance of maintaining healthy habits to help reduce symptoms of the disease.  They say that care should include getting the proper exercise, and eating a healthy diet as well as identifying and managing other medical conditions.   

Studies show that “light exercise and walking appear to reduce wandering, aggression and agitation.”  Additionally getting the daily exercise appropriate to the person’s abilities also seems to help alleviate other problem behaviors.   

A person’s hearing and vision should be regularly tested and the appropriate steps taken to deal with any problems found.  They should also be routinely seen by their primary care physician along with visits to specialists to address specific needs.       

Eating problems are another common issue affecting those with Alzheimer’s and can put a person at risk for weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition.  For many the process of eating becomes more and more challenging, and they may no longer know how to use a fork or knife.  The progression of the disease can cause “nerve cell death that eventually steals the ability to recognize thirst or hunger.” 

Located in Peoria, AZ, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers independent and assisted living along with compassionate, professional memory care.  In our memory care Reflections Neighborhood, we understand that dining is as much about community as it is about nutrition, which is why our staff and residents eat together.  Also, out of respect for our residents’ sometimes compromised abilities at the table, we serve finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful, loving community that is a true home for our residents.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.    

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diet-exercise-health/    

.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton is a True “Home”

Newly opened last November in a western suburb of Portland, MorningStar of Beaverton was meticulously built to offer all the comforts of home.  We provide 66 private assisted living suites, which are available in an array of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 38 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.      

Our goal at MorningStar is to offer our assisted living seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  From the moment you decide to join our loving community, we consider you a part of our family.  To ensure you get the care you need, our Wellness Director sits down with you and your family for a thorough assessment of your medical and personal needs.  MorningStar offers five levels of care as well as various auxiliary services (both medical and non-medical), which are priced a la carte.   

Regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents will have around-the-clock Care Managers who help with personal daily care activities, and the services of a full-time nurse (on call 24/7).  We also offer Medication Managers, a CPR-trained team member on every shift, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, care plan reviews, scheduled transportation, and much more.     

As a resident, you will receive three daily nutritional, tasty meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef.  All meals are served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room available for intimate dinners.   

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Beaverton’s many services and amenities.  Also, for a limited time only, we are offering one-month free rent in either assisted living or memory care. 

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 community.

Choosing the Best Walker

Many older adults are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be.  This puts them in danger of a fall, which can have many serious repercussions on a seniors’ health.  If you are considering getting a walker to help you move more safely around, you need to know something about them.   

For starters since there are several kinds of walkers, you should consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to assist you on finding the most suitable one.  They will make sure it is your size as well as the right type.  To determine size, you should be able to stand between the rails, and the width of the walker should be level with the insides of your wrists. A professional will also teach you how to use the walker and provide tips for normal activities such as sitting down while using a walker.  This is done by backing up until you feel the seat of the chair behind you.  Now bend forward at your hip and reach behind with one hand to grab the armrest.  Do the same with your other hand as you carefully lower yourself onto the center of the chair.       

Common types of walkers include a basic walker that has four legs with rubber tips on each one.  To use, a person must pick up the walker as they take a step.   A wheeled walker can have two fixed wheels on the front that do not swivel side to side or have rubber tips on the front legs and small wheels on the back.  These walkers allow people to walk more naturally as they do not need to be picked up with each step.  A three-wheel walker has one wheel in front and two in back and offers the advantage of being lighter and easier to move around in smaller spaces.   

Rollators are four-wheeled walkers and can be equipped with a seat for a basket.  These walkers are equipped with hand brakes and are ideal for people who do not need to apply a lot of weight to the walker.  However, they are not recommended for people with dementia as they may forget to use the hand brake.  Please visit MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Peoria

Social Connections May be the Key to Preserving Memory

According to an article published by the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journal from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, it reports socials connections may be key to preserving memory.  The study, led by Elizabeth Kirby, an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience at the university, explains their findings influence "a body of research in humans and animals that supports the role of social connections in preserving the mind and improving quality of life.”    

The university’s research involved studying a group of mice 15 months to 18 months old, which is the period in a mouse’s life when it starts to have significant memory decay.  For three months, some mice lived in pairs while others were housed in groups of seven.  The researchers put the mice through a series of trials each day that tested their recognition and memory skills.  Consistently the mice housed in larger groups improved their performance on the tests, which researchers believe may suggest they “used their hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory.”   

The study is important for humans as our hippocampus declines with age as it does in mice and other animals, and helps to identify the impact of social connections on brain health.  Kirby says seniors should “think about your living situation as you age.  If you have the privilege of choosing where you live, make the choice that lets you be socially engaged as long as possible." 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we recognize the importance of strong social connections and offer an array of wellness programs and activities that encourage social as well as physical, intellectual and spiritual connections.  Please see our website for more information about our loving assisted living and memory care community.   

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 community.

Source:usnews.com/news/health-care-news/articles/2018-05-31/study-a-social-circle-is-key-to-protecting-the-aging-mind

MorningStar of Arvada’s Holistic Approach to Memory Care

Along with a variety of well-designed floor plans for independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada has 29 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

Our resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All of our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes enclosed gardens/courtyards reserved just for them.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together. In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. 

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise as well as our special events and outings. 

Please visit MorningStar of Arvada’s website for more information about our community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour. We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO has to offer.

Its Not Too Late to Make a Difference in Your Health

Seniors often feel it is too late to make a difference in their health or that it may be too complicated to do so.  The truth is that taking better care of your physical health can be quite simple and enjoyable and may help you feel like a new person.

Our first piece of advice is to make sure you are managing your medical conditions, diseases and ailments in the most effective manner.  This includes making sure you are receiving the best medical care for your medical issues as well as learning about and practicing activities that can help you better manage your conditions.  Such as did you know that certain types of exercises can reduce your blood sugar and may even eliminate the need to take insulin?  Also making small changes to your diet may not only help you take off a few extra pounds but relieve pain in your back and knees.    

Furthermore, enough cannot be said about the benefits of regular physical activity regardless of your age or state of health.  Exercises for seniors should include daily or weekly routines to improve balance, flexibility, aerobic conditioning, and muscle strengthening.   However before you integrate an exercise activity into your life, please consult with your health care provider.   

Another aspect of improving our physical health is to practice good nutrition.  Seniors can benefit from eating well and drinking plenty of water.   Changing to a healthier diet will give you more energy and help you lose weight and prevent or alleviate the severity of illnesses.   

Lastly experts say it is important for people of any age including seniors to get enough sleep.  A good night’s sleep will help you feel more energetic during the day, and it is recommended seniors 65 years and older get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we are honored to provide seniors with nutritional, tasty daily meals.  We also provide our residents with peace of mind knowing that others are around in the event of an emergency.   Please visit our website to see more about the resort-style amenities and services we provide to ensure the comfort, wellness and community of our residents.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Improving Your Balance Can Help Prevent Falls

We know that each year more than one-third of people age 65 or older suffer a fall and many of those incidents cause serious injuries or in some cases even death.  This is why preventing falls is extremely important for the elderly, and balance as well as strength excises can help to prevent falls.     

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends simple exercises that do not require any special equipment other than a chair (and someone to assist you if needed) that can improve balance and increase lower body strength. The series of exercises include the following:  tai chi, standing on one foot; walking heel to toe; and balance walk.

These easy-to-do exercises can be done throughout the day and only take a few minutes to do each of them.  For further instructions on how they should be done, the NIH website offers a video on each exercise.  In addition, the NIH recommends that seniors try to do other types of exercises that focus on improving endurance, strength and flexibility.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide our residents with a full calendar of daily activities that includes a variety of well-designed exercise programs.  With our range of classes, there is something that is sure to please everyone.  Our calendar includes: Tai Chi, fitness class, chair yoga, and seated dancing.  Other opportunities for exercising include activities such as our walking group.  We encourage you to take a look at our fun-filled calendar to see all of the activities and outings MorningStar senior living residents participate in.       

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

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Beaverton Oregon. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fracture

Thinking About Assisted Living?

Moving into assisted living is a life changing decision for an elderly person.  As their adult child, you can help evaluate which of your area’s senior living communities is most suitable for your parent and your family.  Furthermore, as the transition can be challenging for some seniors under the best of situations, choosing the wrong community may not only be costly but traumatizing for an older adult.    

Mistakes can be avoided or minimized if you do your homework beforehand and learn from others.  The Internet offers many commonsense tips on what to look for and what to avoid when searching for an assisted living community including advice from A Place for Mom, the nation’s largest assisted living referral service.   

As senior living options include independent living, assisted living and memory care, experts say to realistically assess your parent’s health needs and choose a community capable of handling today’s needs as well as future ones.  A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisor, Melissa Pratt explains “Take a look at the health issues that your parent has and ask the doctor what support they will need in the future. It’s better to have a community that can handle those future needs rather than having to move your parent to another community in the near future.”    

After looking over various senior living communities’ websites, narrow down your choice to a couple that seem to best meet your needs.  Then set up a tour.  Senior living advisors remind families to listen to the parent and not base their decision on which community appeals most to them.  If a parent is not up to making a decision, families need to remember what their parent is like and choose a place that fits their personality and preferences.  It is also smart to not make a decision too quickly.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful, loving community.  If you like what you see, we encourage you to set up a tour.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.     

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-search-top-mistakes-to-avoid-1-22-13/ 

Eye Care Recommendations for Adults

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40. Individuals without risk factors aged 40 to 54 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years.  Individuals without risk factors aged 55 to 64 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years.  They add that seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.

Since many age-related eye problems do not exhibit early symptoms, getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is critical.  In addition it is important to remember that other health problems such as diabetes and hypertension as well as some medication can cause eye-related issues.    

Your exam should include a check of your vision, coordination of eye muscles, peripheral vision, pupil response to light and color testing.  Also the doctor will examine your eyelid inside and out along with the interior and back of the eye.  A measurement of your eye fluid pressure will also be done that consists of a puff of air onto the eye with an instrument called a tonometer.   This is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases.

Furthermore, you may be monitored for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) disease.  This test includes trying to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula by examining the back of your eye using special instruments.  If you do not already have an eye doctor, see your health care provider for a referral.  

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

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Beaverton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Beaverton Oregon. 

Source: aao.org/clinical-statement/frequency-of-ocular-examinations

Find Answers on MorningStar’s FAQs Page

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s website is loaded with resources and information for families in the Peoria, AZ area looking for senior living options.  While we are more than happy to personally answer any questions you may have, we have found it is helpful to provide information on commonly asked questions under our “FAQ” tool bar.   

Here you will get a good start on questions such as “Is there an age requirement for becoming a resident of MorningStar?”  We explain that in our Cottages (Casitas at Golden Ridge) one member of a couple must be at least 55 years old and able to live independently, and in our Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care suites, you must be at least 62 years old.  

Another commonly asked question is “What is an assisted living community?” We explain our assisted living is for seniors who require assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).  Within a residential setting, we offer families peace of mind knowing trained and compassionate care managers are there to help navigate their loved ones’ changing health conditions.  Like many senior living communities, we also offer a secure neighborhood for the memory-impaired (those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia). 

Couples will learn that of course, they can move in together, and that we also offer Companion Living, which is where two people of the same sex can share a suite.  In addition, we offer respite stays or trial (short-term) stays based on the availability of a fully-furnished suite.   

If you are wondering how your monthly fee is determined, our FAQs explains room rates are based on the type of room, location and view as well as the level of services for assisted living residents.  This is determined after an assessment by our Wellness Director.   You will additionally find information regarding our transportation services, ratio of care staff to residents, and answers to many other questions.    

Once you take a look at our website (be sure to look through our gallery of pictures), please consider setting up a tour.  It is impossible to truly assess our loving atmosphere and beautiful, vibrant campus without a personal visit.  We look forward to meeting you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Respite Care Available at MorningStar of Beaverton

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services.  In addition communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.    

As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can be just as important in the healing process.  Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you.  Of course since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future.   

Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a much needed vacation or is busy with other priorities.  However regardless of why you have come to temporarily join our community; we will make you feel right at home.   

Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management.  In addition, you are invited to take advantage of MorningStar of Beaverton’s on-going activities, entertainment and scheduled outings.   

We have our own onsite library, chapel/theatre, fitness room, outdoor strolling paths and courtyards as well as provide housekeeping, laundry services and group transportation.  For an additional charge, you can visit our salon for hairstyling, manicures or pedicures.  Contact us to learn more about MorningStar of Beaverton and our respite care services.    

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 schedule a tour of our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.