Confused by the Terms “Independent Living” and “Assisted Living”?

November 14, 2019 by Karla A

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors who want to and are able to live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision. Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family. Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we’re proud to offer 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are located on an 8.8-acre campus at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane, and are convenient to banks, medical facilities, shopping, grocery stores and restaurants.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “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 area’s finest senior living community.

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Our Team Feels Privileged to Serve Seniors

November 14, 2019 by Karla A

At MorningStar of Arvada, our goal is to be one of the area’s best senior living communities, and the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents is our greatest priority. This is why we have a group of team members who feel privileged to serve seniors and are the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face. Our dedicated team is the heartbeat of our community and strives to deliver service that represents the mission and philosophy of MorningStar Senior Living, which includes honoring God and valuing seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.

Our vision is to create a true home for our residents, and we consider both our residents and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Arvada family. To provide caregivers and other team members with the tools they need to bring their best to the community, our staff receives training in “Radiance,” our proprietary brand of Service Excellence.

Radiance embodies the ways we advance our mission and deliver our service - with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Furthermore, it is reiterated each day during our daily Huddle so as to create a culture that is not only defined by what we do but by the kind of people who bring it all to life – our team members.

Our community offers beautiful suites for both independent and assisted living. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood has secure memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from our outdoor dining deck or the rooftop terrace.

In addition, as a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in. Please visit our website for more information.

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.

Is There a Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’ Disease?

November 12, 2019 by Karla A

There is often confusion between the definition of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease. Rather it is the overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory and other cognitive skills that reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, while vascular dementia, which is caused by the damage from a stroke, is the second most common cause. Other types of dementia may be a result of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and a person may have more than one form of dementia. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, medication side effects as well as depression, excessive alcohol use and even infectious diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms; however in these cases, once the problem is correctly diagnosed, it is reversible. This is why health care providers state the importance of getting a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your or your loved one’s symptoms.

In addition, getting an accurate diagnosis at the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia allows the person to receive the maximum benefit from the available treatments. Furthermore, it gives the person time to plan for their future.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is dedicated to providing the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Along with independent and assisted living, we offer 35 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Sources:.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/ask-well-is-dementia-the-same-as-alzheimers-disease/?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Faskwell&action=click&contentCollection=well&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=12&pgtype=collect

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MorningStar of Beaverton’s Assisted Living Meets All of Your Needs

November 10, 2019 by Karla A

MorningStar of Beaverton will be celebrating our one-year anniversary in November. As one of the area’s newest assisted living and memory care communities, we fill a well-needed niche for senior housing in Beaverton Oregon, a growing suburb of Portland. Our community has 66 private assisted living suites, and another 38 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.

If you or a loved one is considering a move to assisted living and are wondering how your costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline. Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs. Even before you move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan. Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed.

You monthly fee is based on a couple of things including your choice of apartment (we offer spacious studios and one-and two bedrooms suites) and its location within the building and views. In addition, we offer five levels of care for assisted living, and your level will be determined by your care plan. MorningStar also offers a range of auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, which are priced a la carte.

MorningStar of Beaverton is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Amenities include a bistro, life enrichment room, fitness room, art studio, library and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. Our equally enjoyable outdoor areas include a patio overlooking wetlands, raised garden beds and strolling paths. Please visit our website for more information.

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.

Listening to or Singing Songs Benefits Those with Dementia

November 05, 2019 by Karla A

The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.

Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.” When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time.

Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person. It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.”

MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the top assisted living communities in the area offering dedicated memory care. As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease. Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort. Please contact us to learn about our assisted living and memory care community.

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php

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Things to Do When You Visit a Resident in Assisted Living

November 01, 2019 by Karla A

Experts say that one of the most important things you can do for a parent or another loved one in an assisted living community is to commit to visiting on a regular basis. We are not suggesting every day or even every other day, in fact you need to give your loved one time to bond with those in their community, but rather to be consistent with your visits.

If you worry about what you will talk about or do during your visits, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, has some tips to help you spend meaningful time together. One of their suggestions is to do a craft project together. You will find all kinds of ideas on the Internet and can use upcoming holidays for appropriately themed projects. Scrapbooking is another idea and will give your parent the chance to reminisce about the past and to share old family stories. Pick up scrapbooking supplies at your local craft store and bring along plenty of photos (be sure to get some of your newer digital photos printed out) to use in the book.

Visits to your loved one can be as simply as scheduling the time to coincide with a favorite TV show both you and your parent love to watch. Not only can you enjoy the show together but then discuss the twists and turns that the program is taking afterward. The same can be said for starting a book club, and if your parent’s eyesight makes reading difficult, you can read a chapter or two and then talk about the story. If family members live far away, you could help them set up a video chat as many seniors are not comfortable with the technology to do it themselves. Other suggestions include playing cards or board games, having a picnic on the grounds of the assisted living community, and creating a playlist of favorite tunes and then listen to it together.

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Beaverton area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Beaverton. Our community offers 66 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans along with 38 secure suites devoted the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting. Please visit our website for more information.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-activities-for-your-next-visit/

Discover the Best Senior Living in the Peoria area

October 30, 2019 by Karla A

Providing seniors with carefree retirement years is the primary goal at MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful community offers residents a safe and comfortable home to age in place while taking advantage of resort-style amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities. MorningStar at Golden Ridge has independent living, assisted living and memory care.

When we boast about resort-style amenities, we really mean it such as delicious daily meals expertly prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant style in our lovely dining room. In addition, a range of convenient services including a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, a spa bath, fitness centers, library, and bistro bar. Furthermore, if you have no longer drive - no problem as MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers scheduled transportation and outings to local venues, parks, shopping and more.

Our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need and is beautifully decorated throughout to provide an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation and serenity. Residents enjoy our beautiful two-story great rooms, on-site theatre, courtyards and outdoor dining patios, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.

Other amenities include a saline swimming pool and hot tub, full-time licensed nurse and a caring and responsive 24-hour staff. So if all this sounds like something you may be interested in, please contact us to schedule a visit. You cannot really get a complete picture of all that goes into making our senior living community a real home without experiencing it firsthand.

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 learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Our Dedicated Team Allows Us to Deliver our Extraordinary Brand of Service

October 30, 2019 by Karla A

Currently our Phoenix MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge are seeking individuals with a felt calling to serve to fill a variety of positions. Our assisted living jobs include all of the roles required to smoothly run our gorgeous Phoenix residential homes such as care managers, housekeeping staff, dining room servers, directors, chefs, housekeepers and more.

We seek people who embody our core values of love, kindness, goodness, honesty, fairness, and respect and are drawn to the idea of working with seniors. As we are a 24/7 operation, openings include full and part-time positions as well as evening, nights and weekend shifts. And while the nature of senior living involves occasional last-minute changes, we strive to respect shift preferences and to present predictable schedules because as you are helping to build our MorningStar family, we know your own family responsibilities are important.

In addition as we recognize that MorningStar’s team members make it possible for us to deliver our exceptional brand of service, we also offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. These include healthcare plans with medical, vision and dental, a 401(k) plan and vacation, sick time and holiday pay.

When you are hired by one of our beautiful senior living communities, you will join a team of dedicated service professionals who know the value of working together for the good of all. However just don’t believe us. A MorningStar team member puts into words what makes her experience working at one of our communities so special. “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives, but they are changing mine.”

Please visit our website to see the full list of open assisted living jobs at Phoenix’s MorningStar senior living communities as well as a detailed description of the duties and responsibilities. For your convenience, we also have an online application.

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 make a difference in the lives of our beloved seniors, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to fulfilling assisted living jobs in Phoenix.

Every Role at Our Phoenix Senior Living Communities is Significant!

October 29, 2019 by Karla A

Whether you are one of our Executive Directors or working in one of our housekeeping jobs in Phoenix’s gorgeous MorningStar senior living communities, we consider you to be a valuable member of our team. After all without the dedication of the whole team, it would not be possible for us to deliver the type of service our MorningStar brand was founded on. Our loving homes include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge.

All of our communities have been intentionally designed to promote a culture where both our residents and our staff can thrive. To help us advance our goal to build a distinguished team, we follow the principles found within our mission statement that reads: to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well; and a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents.

Thus all new employees receive purposeful training that helps them to understand, articulate and contribute to our extraordinary culture, which is defined less by what we do and more by why we do it. This culture is shaped by “Radiance,” our service initiative that infuses the principles of our core values - Love, Kindness, Honesty, Goodness, Fairness, and Respect and is how we strive to deliver service, with sincerity, depth of purpose and warmth. Each team member carries Radiance’s precepts on a Culture Card as we all know that only with daily practice does a habit become part of our core.

As a service professional, you will become an expert on understanding our residents’ unmet needs, reading body language, nurturing connections, and knowing life stories and preference. You will know the best ways to surprise and delight our cherished residents as well as appreciate the intrinsic value of your service and the effect you have on the lives of seniors. Please consider applying to one of our assisted living jobs at our Phoenix senior living communities and join a team with a tagline of “Service Becomes Us!

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.

Depression is Common Among Seniors

October 28, 2019 by Karla A

Statistics show that depression in seniors is common; however, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be treated as such. Many of the challenges seniors go through in the later stages of their life including the death of love ones, retiring from the workplace, and having one or more serious health problems or disability can result in a person developing depression. While an estimated 6 million adults age 65 years and older have late-life depression, only 10% of those affected are treated for it.

Experts say there are several reasons why depression goes untreated in the elderly including the fact that symptoms are displayed differently from those in younger people. For example, many seniors do not show signs of sadness, the most common symptom of depression, and many are unwilling to share their feelings with anyone. Seniors with depression often complain of feeling tired, have trouble sleeping and may be grumpy and irritable. Depression can even cause symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s such as confusion and attention problems.

In some cases symptoms of depression are misdiagnosed as being the result of medical conditions and/or from the side effects of medicines they take to treat the conditions. The National Institute on Aging says depression can “co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.” Furthermore, they explain that depression can make these conditions worse and treating the depression can help older adults better manage their other health conditions.

If you think you have depression or that a loved one is suffering from the condition, you need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. It can be treated but your doctor needs to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the depression. Typical treatment for depression includes medication and psychotherapy.

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/depression-and-older-adults

Discover the MorningStar Difference; We Invite You to Join Our Team

October 28, 2019 by Karla A

At the Phoenix MorningStar senior living communities, we are proud to be “different.” It begins with a vision that states: in pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.

While the servant leadership concept is found in some of the oldest philosophical thought, more recently it was deliberated in great detail in an essay by Robert K Greenleaf in 1970. Greenleaf explains, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…” He goes on to say the leader-first and the servant first are two extreme types. “The servant first makes sure that other people’s highest priority needs are served. A servant leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.”

At MorningStar we are proud to have a staff comprised of servant-minded leaders who are committed to serving our resident-families, fellow team members, and the wider community. This dedicated commitment to service comes from the fact that when we hire staff, we look for virtues such as kindness, selflessness and character. Then we provide the meaningful training and the support team members need to reach their full potential.

If you have a felt calling to serve and love the idea of hanging out with remarkable seniors, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar’s various assisted living jobs in Phoenix. Our educational requirements and skill sets are diverse, and positions include everything from care managers and medication care managers/QMAPs to dining room servers, cooks and several housekeeping jobs at Phoenix’s best senior living communities. Our homes include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge. For more information, please visit our website.

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.

Source: greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

Myths Surrounding Alzheimer’s Disease

October 25, 2019 by Karla A

There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.

One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over. In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise. Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain. As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital.

People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it. The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly. While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as in their 40s and 50s.

Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease. Studies have shown no such correlation between the two. Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable.

Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider. Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessary better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease 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. Along with memory care, our senior living community offers exceptional independent and assisted living options. 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.

Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer

alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease

MorningStar of Beaverton Welcomes Pets

October 23, 2019 by Karla A

At MorningStar of Beaverton our goal is to provide one of the best senior living communities in the area. We offer 66 modern, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

As you will see from our website, our Gallery photos highlight the exquisite beauty and comfortable, home-like setting of our community. Along with the smart design and safety features found in each suite, MorningStar of Beaverton is also pet friendly. We recognize that our residents do not want to leave behind their four-legged family member when they move into assisted living. We also know that animals offer tremendous benefits to seniors’ wellbeing.

Research has found that being around animals is good for seniors as they not only provide loyal companionship and decrease feelings of loneliness but provide health benefits as well. Studies show that dogs are especially good pets for seniors as they require them to be more physically active than their non-pet owning counterparts. Other studies find “having a pet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as decrease stress.” Moreover, “Pets have proven to increase serotonin levels, which make us feel good, and decrease cortisol levels, which leads to stress.”

If you are interested in joining our MorningStar of Beaverton family, we ask that you speak to us regarding our pet policy as we do assert our right to assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis. We do have some restrictions on breeds and also charge a one-time nonrefundable pet fee. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home”.

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: seniorliving.org/assisted-living/pets/

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s Unique Approach to Memory Care

October 22, 2019 by Karla A

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we not only provide independent and assisted living to Peoria area seniors but also experienced memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.

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

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care. While many senior living communities may offer memory care, we consider it our calling to care for our very special residents. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life. Our beautiful, loving community is now open!

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Health Benefits for Seniors Who Limit TV Time

October 19, 2019 by Karla A

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults. A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory. The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older.

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV. Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.” For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected.

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults. One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

As one of the newest senior living communities in the Peoria, AZ area, MorningStar at Golden Ridge residents have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV. Our senior living community provides a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. Please call or visit our website to learn more.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php

The Flu Season is Here

October 15, 2019 by Karla A

Now that the 2019-20 flu season has begun, everyone needs to follow good health habits to lessen the spread of the disease. It is especially important to be careful around the elderly, as the disease can have deadly consequences for them. If you have not already done so, it is now time to get a flu shot, and if you have the flu or flu like symptoms, please do not visit an elderly parent or loved one until you are symptom free for 72 hours.

The Oregon Health Authority has some tips to help decrease your chances of getting the flu or infecting someone else with the virus starting by staying home from work or school if you are sick. When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then throw it away when you are done. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer when water and soap are unavailable. They also suggest you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them.

The flu causes mild to severe respiratory illnesses that can result in hospitalization. Each year the virus kills thousands of people and those at higher risk include adults 65 years and older, children, and pregnant women. Also anyone with a chronic medical condition or weak immune system is at higher risk for complications.

MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community offers 66 assisted living suites and 38 secure suites for memory care. Residents have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please visit our website for details.

Source: oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/FluSeasonHasBegunGoodTimeGetVaccinated.aspx

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Tips to Help Your Parent Downsize for a Move into Assisted Living

October 13, 2019 by Karla A

Along with the emotional transition to assisted living, your loved one may require help downsizing their belongings especially if they are still living in their own home. While many assisted living suites such as MorningStar’s are quite roomy, obviously they are not as big as a whole house. Nor will your parent need the same amount of housewares and equipment in their new suite as they will no longer be preparing meals or cleaning and maintaining a home.

The Family Caregiver Alliance has some tips as well as a check sheet for families to help make the process go more smoothly and ultimately save time and energy. They suggest strategies to use if you have the time (such as it is not an emergency to move now) and plan the steps you will take as far out as six months to a year. In fact, decluttering should be done on a fairly regular basis including updating paperwork and shredding old documents. Also periodically get rid of unused or worn out clothing, furniture and extraneous household items.

One of the first steps they recommend is to write lists and add to them whenever you think of something new. Lists should include things your parent wants to take with them to their new home, and a timeline of when things need to be done by. Get a floorplan of the suite as it will make it easier to realistically plan what to take, to sell, donate or to give away. The Family Caregiver Alliance also reminds families to go slow with the sorting process and try not to overwhelm their parent by doing too much each day.

Recently opened, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge has 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living. In a neighboring building are 65 suites for assisted living, including studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please see our website to learn more about our beautiful community.

Source: caregiver.org/downsizing-home-checklist-caregivers

Prevent Falls by Improving Your Balance

October 10, 2019 by Karla A

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year. The result is that “each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries; and over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture.”

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life.

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere. The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability. They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises. To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite legs. Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should be touching. Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk. Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

As one of the area’s top senior living communities, MorningStar of Beaverton offers exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility. Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections. Please visit our website to learn more about loving, luxurious senior living in Beaverton, Oregon.

This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/balance-exercises/sls-20076853

Assisted Living May be a Healthier, Safer Option

October 09, 2019 by Karla A

Since most assisted living communities offer access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors so says A Place for Mom. Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connections as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7.

In fact, research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly. One such problem way too common in seniors is failing to take medication as prescribed. Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions.

Dehydration is another commonplace problem experienced by the elderly. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, which means older adults need to remember to drink even when they are not thirsty. Also some medications may be diuretic, while others cause a person to sweat more, which can result in dehydration.

In addition, poor nutrition is one more problem many seniors face. Some research even suggests loneliness is a significant predictor of malnutrition in the elderly. It can be difficult for older adults who live alone to prepare good, nutritional meals or for their loved ones to supervise daily eating habits.

At senior living communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our assisted living provides the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All of our assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms. Furthermore, residents are served three, delicious meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of older adults. Also, we provide 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Please see our website for more information.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Trusted Memory Care at MorningStar of Arvada

October 07, 2019 by Karla A

When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through. It is traumatizing get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family. As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of care your loved one will need.

At MorningStar of Arvada, we want you to know we are here to help. Our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community is situated on 1.5 acres, encircled by historic Golden, Colorado. As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages.

Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors. All of our 29 memory care suites are in a separate area we call Reflections Neighborhood. This spacious neighborhood is specifically designed to allow residents the independence to safely explore their surroundings.

Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the unique needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs and activities and healthy, delicious meals. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information or to set up a tour of our exceptional community.