Decorating Your Suite in an Assisted Living Community

We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted living is certainly a major change for many seniors.  However, experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period.  

One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite.  Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space." 

Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display.  Trigging happy memories with sentimental items is a big step toward making their new place a real home.  Also accent pillows and pictures are an easy way to add a lot of color and attractiveness to their place. 

Please keep in mind safety concerns when placing furniture and avoid using area rugs that can become trip hazards or overcrowding a room and not leaving enough space to easily navigate.  Install hand rails where needed and make sure there is easily accessible lighting in the bathrooms and hallways if the person is getting up at night.    

Helping your loved stay organized can improve the home’s safety as well as the aesthetic.  Consider any mobility issues the person may have and make sure frequently used items are within easy reach on a shelf.  Chairs and sofas should be firm and stable. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we have 66 private bright suites for assisted living and another 38 secure suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.    We are committed to provide the best senior living in Beaverton, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional 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 the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-care/best-assisted-living/slideshows/decorating-tips-for-assisted-living

What is Assisted Living?

You may be confused about whether assisted living is the best choice for you or your loved one.  While licensing requirements for assisted living communities vary by state, they generally provide care for individuals who do not require around-the-clock skilled nursing.  The National Center for Assisted Living defines assisted living as “part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.” 

Thus, assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who are mainly independent but need help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and other personal care tasks.  They also provide daily meals and 24/7 care and can readily accommodate residents’ changing needs and preferences.  Most offer transportation and housekeeping services, which mean an assisted living home is perfect for aging in place.     

Many communities provide wellness programs and activities that engage and support the residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs.  Furthermore, many encourage family members to get involved with the community’s activities and special events.     

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior community in Peoria, AZ offering 65 private assisted living suites and 35 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases.  For independent seniors, we also have 38 Casitas with attached garages.  We are located at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane on an 8.8-acre campus, convenient to banks, hospitals, medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Source: ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx

Assessing a Senior’s Fitness to Drive

From time to time, there have been serious accidents involving elderly drivers that reach the nation’s attention and reopens the debate regarding the age that elderly adults should stop driving.  While some states have implemented stricter rules for seniors renewing their driver’s license, many states have met resistance or have had a hard time coming to a consensus.  It is hard to assess a senior’s fitness for driving as each person is different and health problems vary immensely.  One good thing is that many seniors start to self-regulate their driving habits once they notice problems. 

Experts say if you have become concerned over your parent’s fitness to drive, you need to start a conversation with them.  If you think they can still handle limited driving with some restrictions, talk to them about setting up rules such as avoiding major highways and rush hour, driving only in daylight and during good weather.  Remind them that this will help keep them safe as well as others who share the road with them.  If they have had fender benders and are having trouble following traffic signals, it may be time for them to stop driving altogether before they hurt themselves or others.  However if this is the case, be sure to have some plans in place for alternative transportation.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers compassionate independent and assisted living for seniors and provides the services and amenities required for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  This includes scheduled transportation to doctor visits as well as shopping trips to area stores.  We routinely take field trips to local culture events, museums, parks, and more.  Please visit our website to learn more about our senior living community in Peoria, AZ, and while you are there, use our links to set up a tour and to ask about availability and pricing.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Individualized, Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our mission is to provide the best senior living in the Beaverton Oregon area, which includes specialized, loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar Senior Living operates over 25 senior living communities throughout the Western U.S.  This means MorningStar of Beaverton benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained over their 16 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling to provide care to our most special residents.  By devoting a separate area to memory care called our Reflections Neighborhood, residents have the independence to safely move about their expansive surroundings.   

Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.  We also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families.  Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. 

In addition to our Reflections Neighborhood for memory care, MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  Please visit our website to learn more about our approach to memory care and our exceptional community. 

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 assisted living and memory care in Beaverton Oregon.

Making the Move to a Senior Community

Once you decide to move into a senior living community like MorningStar of Arvada, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings.  It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task.  

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions.  After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends.       

Now measure the size of your new suite and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit in your new place.  If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around. It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table.  

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room.  The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar of Arvada, we do most of the cooking and serve the food restaurant-style.     

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want.  When you get into your new suite, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it.  

For the area’s finest independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO area seniors are invited to consider MorningStar of Arvada.   Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community. There you will find an online form to set up a tour or to inquiry about pricing and availability.  

MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers.

Keep Family Gatherings Simple for a Loved One with Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association warns families to not expect too much from a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia during the holiday season.  Rather they explain that “when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, a little extra planning can help make holiday celebrations enjoyable for everyone.”  

Start by going over holiday celebrations with other relatives and close friends and make sure everyone is aware of the situation. The National Institute on Aging cautions that big, crowded celebrations can cause confusion and anxiety for a person with Alzheimer’s so you may want to limit the number of people gathered at any one time.   

Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in safe, simple activities such as asking them to help prepare food, hang ornaments, or to wrap packages.  This can be a nice time for them to open up and reminisce about the old days.  It is best to avoid using candies or other edibles as decorations and keep in mind that blinking lights may confuse a person with dementia.     

Also maintain the person’s routine so the holidays do not become too disruptive or confusing, and remember to stay flexible.  Experts say it may be better to have your celebratory meal at noon rather than in the evening as some people with Alzheimer’s experience evening confusion or “sundowning.” Keep a room available where the person can go and rest if they are feeling too stimulated or confused.  Here you can have a quiet activity laid out for them such as a photo album they will enjoy looking through or play calming music.   

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

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Sources: nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers

hrrv.org/blog/celebrating-the-holidays-when-a-loved-one-has-alzheimers/

Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are stumped as to what to buy for an elderly parent and other senior loved ones.  Experts suggest you keep in mind they most likely they do not need a lot of “things” but would appreciate something that helps to make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable.   

In fact, do not limit yourself to the idea that gifts have to be something new.  Many seniors enjoy getting out and taking them to an activity they love such as a sport’s game (maybe a game of their grandchild’s), a play, or concert is quality time spent together.  Another idea is to give them a series of gift certificates for a year’s worth of monthly dinners out with you or for things like haircuts, manicures, a spa day with massage, or even ride services.  

As many elderly adults get cold easily, a comfy, soft throw blanket makes for a good gift.  Another thoughtful gift especially for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a customized photo blanket.  They can be ordered through several large retailers and are not too expensive.  If your parent is a music lover, expand their collection with popular songs from their younger days, and if they don’t already have one, buy them a portable boom box that is easy to use.  

Another gift idea is to get them a phone or simplified tablet that will let them facetime, enjoy family photos, and browse the Internet.  Gift baskets filled with favorite foods or new soaps and lotions, non-skid soled slippers or compression socks also are appreciated by seniors.  Other ideas include large-print playing cards, puzzles, and adult coloring books with a new set of markers are also fun gifts for seniors.   

If you are looking for senior living in the Peoria, AZ area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  We are committed to provide our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community second to none. Please visit our website 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 create a true home for residents.  Visit our website to schedule an appointment to tour one of the area’s premier senior living communities.    

Keeping Mentally Active as You Age

More and more research suggests it is just as important for seniors to stay mentally fit as it is to stay physically fit, and may actually help to keep older adults’ brains healthier.  Seniors who engage in meaningful activities also report they feel healthier and happier.  

The National Institute on Aging says these types of activities may protect the brain by establishing a cognitive reserve.  They explain “they may help the brain become more adaptable in some mental functions, so it can compensate for age–related brain changes and health conditions that affect the brain.” 

One study called the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial, had good results in improving seniors’ mental skills in the areas they were trained in.  The study involved healthy adults age 65 years or older who participated in 10 sessions of memory training, reasoning training, or processing–speed training.  The most surprising result of the study is that ten years later most of the participants’ improvements were still noticeable.     

Brain activities can include reading a book, making a puzzle, doing crosswords or playing trivia and other types of challenging games.  Research also suggests that memory improvement is not only accomplished by targeted brain games or memory drills, but can come from undertaking a new skill or hobby.  Learning to play an instrument or a foreign language are also great, brain healthy activities.    

Committed to be one of the best senior living communities in the area, MorningStar of Beaverton provides residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Every day we offer a variety of fun and engaging activities that include things such as exercise classes, word games, craft classes, card and board games, puzzles, and a book club.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community and while you are there, be sure to take a look at “More Scenes of Elevated, Celebrated Life.”    

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: nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

Are You Concerned About Mom or Dad Living Alone?

Have you started to suspect that your parent is not doing so well living on their own?  Experts say there are several things you should look for that will help you determine if it is time to make a change in their living situation.   

One of the biggest concerns for families is safety as they begin to see their parents struggle with health issues that can make them more vulnerable to accidents and medical crises.   Things to be on the lookout for include poor balance or failing eyesight that increases their risk for a fall; or the worry that comes from knowing they have already fallen.  Maybe you have noticed bruises or cuts they are reluctant to talk about.  In addition, if your parent is still driving, have they recently had a fender bender or another mishap while driving?   

Are you worried your loved one’s forgetfulness is putting their safety in jeopardy?  Do you have reason to believe that they are prone to wander or that their forgetfulness is leading to behaviors such as leaving the stove-top or oven on?   

Other signs that your parent needs more help is if you have noticed a change in their hygiene such as wearing the same clothes day after day and having difficulty with personal bathing and toileting.  Do they look as if they have lost weight recently?  Is the refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food?  Also look around their home.  Has there been a change in their housekeeping such as dirty dishes in the sink, mail stacking up and unread, and a general neglectful look to the home.    

MorningStar of Beaverton, located in a western suburb of Portland overlooking a beautiful natural wetland, offers loving assisted living and memory care.   Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all of the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.   

MorningStar of Beaverton 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 assisted living and memory care community.

Age Related Hearing Loss

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.   They state that, “Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.”

Hearing loss may result in difficulty following a conversation as well as the danger of not properly hearing a doctor’s advice.  Many older adults cannot hear the doorbell or may have trouble responding to alarms and other warning devices such as a smoke detector. 

The NIDCD lists several signs that may indicate you are suffering from hearing loss.  These include things like having problems hearing the TV or radio at levels that are loud enough for others or a reluctance to attend family gatherings and church services. 

Common causes of hearing loss are a condition called presbycusis, which is gradual hearing loss that seems to run in families or exposure to loud noise over an extended period of time.  Other things that can increase your risk for hearing loss include earwax build-up, diabetes, listening to music with earbuds, and being overweight.

Your hearing loss may also be due to your medication.  The AARP reports that according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “more than 200 drugs, ranging from over-the-counter medications to chemotherapy, can damage hearing.”  Even common pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been linked to a higher risk of hearing loss when taken for six or more years as reported by a Brigham and Women’s Hospital 2016 study. 

If you feel you may be experiencing hearing problems, you will need to see a doctor to be tested.  Furthermore, since there are many reasons for hearing loss, treatment options will vary depending on the cause. 

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. 

Sources:  nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2014/hearing-loss-causes.html

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Creates a “True Home” for our Residents

For the area’s finest senior living, Peoria, AZ area seniors are invited to take a look at MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge. At our community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting.  We are proud to have a care team who feels called to serve seniors and help us to create a true home for our residents.

Our Casitas homes are ideal for active seniors and include a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, side by side washer and dryer and an attached garage.  Our spacious common areas include a Clubhouse and a saline swimming pool with hot tub.  MorningStar’s staff handles all of the maintenance, both inside and out along with offering housekeeping twice monthly.  

Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offers various levels of assistance with daily living activities which are tailored to meet individual needs.  Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family.  Also, as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved one will get the attention they need.     

Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar’s memory care is delivered with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual.  We use alternative natural therapies whenever possible, and try to replace medications with patience, attention and love.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as a place to learn new things or just have fun with our variety of meaningful activities.  Our community is located on a beautiful, vibrant 8.8-acre campus and convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping, churches and restaurants.  To experience MorningStar at Golden Ridge up close, contact us to schedule a visit.   

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.

The Holidays Help to Remind Us of the Importance of Serving Others

During the holidays, many of us make the time to step up and serve others.  Whether it is volunteering at our church, a local charity or an organization committed to good works, we all know the good feeling that comes from helping others.    

As the year draws to an end, it is also a good time to reflect on our lives as we look toward the future.  This may be the time to seriously think about how we can keep the good feeling we get by helping others all throughout the year rather than for just a couple of hours.  Instead this may be the year for you to commit to making a difference in someone else’s life, and just not as a volunteer, but as a fulfilling career.  

MorningStar Senior Living invites you to be part of something inspirational, profound and rewarding every day and to join a group of servant-minded leaders called to serve seniors.  As Ken Jaeger, MorningStar’s Founder/CEO says when he speaks our team members or other audiences, “Don’t wait to serve. Serve now. Today. Get involved somewhere. It will make you a better person (and if you work for MorningStar, a better team member). Don’t wait until your children are grown. Don’t wait until you retire. Give now, give generously. And just see what happens. For you cannot out-give God.”

Right now we are seeking extraordinary individuals to fill a variety of assisted living jobs in the Phoenix area.  Our beautiful residential homes offer independent living, assisted living and memory care and include communities in Glendale, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, and Peoria.  Open positions include care managers, medication care managers, dining room servers, cooks and housekeeping jobs. Phoenix’s four communities are committed to providing the meaningful training team members need to be successful at their jobs including Radiance, our service initiative that enriches the atmosphere of our homes and infuses our hearts.   If you wish to serve others, there is no better place to do it than at Phoenix’s MorningStar communities.  

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 love to make a difference in a senior’s life? If so, visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to assisted living jobs including housekeeping jobs in Phoenix.

Questions About MorningStar of Beaverton?

MorningStar of Beaverton’s beautifully designed community offers compassionate assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, Oregon, a western suburb of Portland.  We provide a wide range of care services including 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Managers, Licensed Nurses, routine health monitoring, and much more.  In addition, residents have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of enrichment programs and activities as well as be treated to delicious meals prepared largely from scratch and served restaurant-style.    

We know that seniors and their families have lots of questions about assisted living and what all it offers, which is why our website is loaded with useful information and resources.  After you peruse the MorningStar of Beaverton site, which is filled with details regarding floor plans, community amenities, and gallery pictures, we suggest you next take a look at the “Family Resources” link.    

Under FAQs, you will find answers for many of your initial questions.  It starts right off with letting you know what sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities.  Here we explain that MorningStar is a family of senior living homes where residents are seen as heroes, and all of our efforts go into assuring they are treated as such.  We feel it is our calling and privilege to serve seniors, and while rooted in Judeo-Christian values, we welcome residents and team members of all faiths and world views.   

You will also find answers to questions regarding age requirements (you must be at least 62 years old) and a definition of what “assisted living” entails.  We also answers questions regarding Companion Living, Short-term Stays, transportation services, dining services, our pet policy, and more.   Once you finish with the FAQs, browse through our other options for everything from a helpful Decision Guide, to Life Enrichment, Care Services, Affordability, and other pertinent topics that are sure to be of interest.     

Of course, we are also ready to answer any questions, and encourage you to visit our website for contact 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.

Check Out Our Various Assisted Living Jobs in Phoenix

The Phoenix MorningStar senior living communities are seeking individuals who are drawn to the idea of serving seniors.  We look for people who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors, our true heroes, and will do the right thing even when no one is watching and willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our cherished residents. 

Our assisted living jobs are diverse in educational and experience requirements but all need people with big hearts.  Current open positions include care managers, housekeepers, a Wellness Director, cooks, dining room servers, dishwashers and more.   Moreover as a 24/7 operation, many of our positions are full or part-time and include evening, night and weekend shifts.  

As a MorningStar caregiver, you have the opportunity to build strong relationships with our residents as you assist them with their activities of daily living, and enjoy the support of working with a caring team in a family-like environment.  Also we help you reach your full potential by encouraging you to share creative solutions that improve our residents’ lives and by internal promotions. When you work in one of our housekeeping jobs, you will enjoy listening to our residents as they share life stories and show-off precious mementos.  In addition you will take pride in knowing you are improving their quality of life. 

Even our dining room servers are encouraged to take the time to build caring relationships with our residents and to help create a family environment.   Our MorningStar medication care managers help keep residents safe by appropriately dispensing needed medications and taking care of the ordering process so families can rest easy.  See our website for requirements for our medication care managers, medication aides and medication techs.   

Please visit our website to learn more about the various posted positions at our four senior living communities in the Phoenix area that include MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge .   We look forward to hearing from you.  

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.

Would You Love to Serve Seniors?

As dedicated caregivers, we are proud that the Phoenix MorningStar senior living communities have earned the trust and gratitude of area families for the professional, compassionate care provided to its residents.  Families love the peace of mind they get by knowing their loved ones are being treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. In fact so much so that many have taken the time to write glowing reviews about our homes and praise the exceptional care and treatment the MorningStar brand delivers.    

None of this would be possible without MorningStar’s team of service professionals.  Whether you join us as a MorningStar care manager, an Executive Director, a food server or work in one of our housekeeping jobs at Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge, you are a valued member of the team.  Each job is vital to the smooth operation of our homes, and thus, while have certain educational and experience requirements, most importantly we look for individuals with virtues such as kindness and character.     

If you have a felt calling to serve and have always had a special place in your heart for seniors, we encourage you to join our team and apply to of our assisted living jobs at Phoenix’s MorningStar communities.   All of our team members, regardless of the role they play, receive competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. 

Please visit our website for more information regarding rewarding career opportunities including housekeeping jobs at our Phoenix communities.   Go to MorningStar’s Career page and follow the link to “Assisted Living Jobs – Phoenix.”  Here you will find a full list of openings, detailed job descriptions and an online application.  Isn’t it time you did something you felt passionate about? Come help us cast a new light on senior living!  

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.

Best Memory Care in Peoria

Along with our 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 35 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.    

MorningStar’s approach to memory care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.    

Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident.  In addition, it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation.  We also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies.     

You will find our Reflections Neighborhood is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents.  We offer security and comfort with a choice of floorplans as well as a secure courtyard for memory care residents.  Furthermore, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, regular health monitoring, and is a pet friendly community.  We also offer assistance if needed with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals.  

Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand.  We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day.   

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.

MorningStar Senior Living Designs Communities to be True “Homes”

A highly respected senior living company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents.   

MorningStar Senior Living recently celebrated our 16th anniversary and we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership.  Right from the beginning, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger began MorningStar based on the following three mission statements: 

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         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  

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we recognize our mission is advanced by team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life.   In addition, we are a company committed to investing our time and talents in charitable projects close to home and around the world.   

We offer 66 stylish, private assisted living suites along with 38 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Our graciously-appointed senior community is located in a western suburb of Portland near the popular retail/entertainment center of Progress Ridge Townsquare.  Please contact us 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.

Daily Exercise is Important for the Wellbeing of Seniors

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we recognize that daily exercise is essential to the wellbeing of our residents.  Research backs up that claim as the National Institute of Health (NIA) explains that seniors who stay physically active and regularly exercise receive long-term health benefits.  They state that, “it can even improve the health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.”

Taking part in physical activities such as walking your dog, using the stairs, or gardening as well as regular formal exercises such as weight training, tai chi, or aerobics classes are both beneficial to seniors.  Studies have found an increase in mental capacity and a slower mental decline in older adults who stay physically active as it can help to increase blood flow to all parts of the body including the brain.  The NIA also states that exercise may delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer, and help to reduce death and hospitalization rates.     

In addition, physical activities and exercises may help to improve healing in seniors, provide better balance and reduce falls, and enhance their overall quality of life.  Furthermore, the research finds that it is never too late to start exercising to receive the benefits.  

Another thing to remember is that you do not need to have full mobility to start exercising as there are many exercises designed to overcome individual limitations.  Activities should include modified stretching exercises to increase flexibility, cardiovascular exercises to raise the heart rate and increase endurance, and weight training to build muscle and bone mass and improve balance.     

A few examples of activities at Morningstar communities include group exercise classes as well as chair yoga, chair volleyball, walking club, fitness centers, saline swimming pool and other special activities.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our beautiful Peoria, AZ senior living community.  In total we have 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 assisted living suites, and 35 secure suites for residents with dementia-related diseases.   

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: nia.nih.gov/health

helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/chair-exercises-and-limited-mobility-fitness.htm

Good Nutrition is Important for Seniors

Unfortunately, many seniors do not eat well and are at risk for poor nutrition and even malnutrition, which is often misdiagnosed as a disease or illness. In fact the A Place for Mom website states “Malnutrition is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with varying vitamin deficiencies.”  

There are a number of reasons seniors do not eat well including physiological changes such as a decrease in basal metabolic rate and physical activity that reduces caloric needs.  In addition, older adults experience changes in kidney function and a redistribution of body composition, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems and a change in taste and smell.  

All this can depress appetite which means the foods elderly adults do eat is more important than ever.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.”  They recommend elderly adults avoid foods high in empty calories such as cookies, soda, potato chips and alcohol and instead concentrate on a diet of nutrient-rich foods low in saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol.     

Not only does a nutritional diet help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, bone loss, type II diabetes, and some cancers, it can help people to better manage those diseases.  A healthy diet can also give seniors more energy and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.  

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge not only agrees that a good diet is important for seniors but we practice it every day.  Our residents dine on healthy, delicious daily meals served either in the Clubhouse or restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our beautiful senior living community.     

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 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.

Mushrooms in Your Diet May Lower the Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Research is being done around the world to try and determine the cause of Alzheimer’s disease as well as discover more effective treatments.  Thanks to that research, we already know there are several things we can do to enhance the aging process, and may even help to delay or decrease our risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  These include staying socially active, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, routinely exercising, and eating a healthy diet.

In addition, over the last few decades, scientists have touted the benefits of several “Superfoods” that may help to protect brain health.  Some of the foods include dark chocolate (with at least 85% cocoa), turmeric, dark leafy greens, acai and other berries, walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids, red wine and green tea. 

Now a study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) suggests that including mushrooms into our diets (even consumed in small portions) appears to lower the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).  This can be important as MCI often precedes Alzheimer's disease.

Many people think mushrooms are a vegetable but they are actually fungi and are rich in antioxidants, which are known to protect cell health.  The study authors explain that, “Edible mushrooms — both cultivated and wild species — contain a high amount of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals.” 

If you are looking for senior living in the Beaverton, Oregon area, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Beaverton. We believe in providing residents a holistic approach to wellness that includes a wide range of care services, routine physical exercise tailored to seniors, and nutritional, tasty meals.  Our meals include recipes made with ingredients known to support brain health and have high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.   

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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324710.php