Assisted Living that Starts with Heart!

While we know the greater Phoenix area has a plethora of senior living options, we would like to introduce you to the best of the best!  MorningStar at Golden Ridge starts by offering independent living in the form of Casitas with attached garages for active seniors who love the sound of maintenance-free living.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independent but require a little assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features.  Our community also provides for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia with programming and activities, and even meals designed for their specific needs.   

In assisted living, we offers various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.    

Why we believe our assisted living to be different from that of other communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are more important that education or experience.  Moreover many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Situated on a beautiful 8.8 acre campus, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s main building offers 65 assisted living suites and another 35 secure suites devoted to memory care.  Our 38 Casitas are tucked into their own private neighborhood.   Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.  

MorningStar's "The Unforgettable Series" is Back

MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community wants families in Peoria and the surrounding area to be encouraged, and to be empowered as they deal with the challenging journey of dementia.  We know that in spite of everything else that is going on in these unprecedented times  that many families are struggling with their own personal stories of having and perhaps caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  

One way we feel we can help is by bringing back The Unforgettable Series – Navigating the Journey of Dementia.  For the safety of all involved, we will be hosting the event via a Zoom Video Chat, and just ask that all interested parties pre-register if they wish to attend.  The Video Conferences dementia education will take place over the course of three engaging sessions and be led by MorningStar experts.  

The first in the series is:  Communications 101 – The Art of Communication Under a Lavender Sky.  This will meet on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30 -7:00 PM.  The next in the series is: Taking Care of the Caregiver and will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 - 7:00 PM.  Our finally video chat is called: Expressions and will take place on Tuesday, June 30 also from 6:30 – 7:00 PM.  Again you must register in order to join the group.  Information regarding registration is on the MorningStar at Golden Ridge website.

Our beautiful, vibrant community is situated on 8.8 acres and offers seniors a welcoming, comfortable home for carefree retirement years.  In addition to independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care for our most tender residents.  Currently our community is safely accepting new residents and we are doing the utmost to ensure the safety of all those beneath our roof.   Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living & assisted living.  

The Fun & Caring Hasn't Stopped at Our Beautiful Community

While MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has made some changes in the way we live over the last few months in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, we do not want you to think it is all doomed and gloom.  In fact our community is way too vibrant to be down and out.  Celebrating holidays and special events have always been a big part of our community life and now we just do it safely.  Our remarkable residents are resilient and determined to make sure each and every day counts.

To see some pictures of the fun going on, please visit our facebook page.  In the meantime read about some of our recent celebrations.  To celebrate Memorial Day, we posted: “Home of the free because of the brave. Family window visits were a highlight for us this Memorial Day weekend... complete with banana splits!”  Moreover we did not let Mother’s Day go by unnoticed.  We made sure all of our “moms” felt loved and honored.  Our post from that day read: “Our Mother’s Day Celebration is in full swing!  Motherhood is a million little moments that God weaves together with grace, redemption, laughter, tears, and most of all, love."

We even pulled off a vintage car show right in our own backyard!  The day was beautiful day and it was a great way to walk down memory lane. Nor did we overlook May 5th as we did Cinco de Mayo proud with a fun fiesta complete with margaritas, chips and salsa, and churros!  Nor do we intend to stop the fun anytime soon!

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we feel called to serve seniors and have assembled a dedicated team of individuals who agree with us that senior deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.  We currently have opening and are carefully following stringent protocols to safely accept new residents as well as to keep all who reside under our roof safe.  Our community provides independent living, assisted living and memory care.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.   

Thoughtful Tips for Communicating with a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them.  While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective.  

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly.  For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person.  Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?”  Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple.  Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes.  Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc.  Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing.     

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help.  Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract.  Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together.  Above all avoid criticizing or arguing.   

At MorningStar of Arvada, we offer a safe and beautiful place to age in place with 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet).   In addition we have 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, which are staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease.  Please visit our website to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving community.    

MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please visit our website for an online virtual tour and a link for info on pricing and availability.  

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Did You Get Enough Sleep Last Night?

Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing.  Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However, unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. 

Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.”  Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns.  We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors. 

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality and resilience that seniors need to age better.  In fact, insomnia is associated with poor health and mortality.  Lack of sleep can also increase older adults’ risk of a fall, and some studies suggest a history of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cognitive problems.  Routinely napping during the day is another problem that interferes with a good night’s sleep. 

Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include avoiding eating and working late.  Experts say to turn off the TV and other smart devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronics prevents the body from releasing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.  Follow a set bedtime, and right before you plan to go to sleep do some deep breathing and light stretching.  It is recommended we try to get eight to nine hours of sleep on most nights.   

MorningStar of Beaverton’s senior community includes 66 suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment.  Our spacious suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed assisted living facility.    Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility. 

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC25163

Affordable Independent Living with Style!

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change.  At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintain home as well as a broader community of friends.  

Golden Ridge is located in Peoria near the Cardinal’s stadium and offers easy access to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation, which means your retirement can be as relaxed or as active as you like.  Our large campus includes a beautifully-designed building for assisted living and memory care residents; and for active senior looking for their next adventure, we have 38 independent living “Casitas” tucked into their own private neighborhood.  Casitas are situated as quadraplexes with attached garages and offer an incomparable value with predictable monthly budgeting as virtually all of your expenses including homeowner’s insurance and property taxes are controlled through our bundled Monthly Rental Fee. 

Casitas are leased on a month-to-month basis and all outdoor and indoor maintenance, repairs and replacement are handled by us as well other jobs such as pest control and trash removal.  In addition Monday through Friday, independent residents can enjoy a continental breakfast in our Clubhouse.  Also once they resume, residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have access to the many amenities within our main building, including: Library, Chapel and Wellness Programs.  

Along with our 38 Casitas for independent living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s main building offers another 65 suites for assisted living. The Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are now accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.  Also we are pet friendly.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  MorningStar provides various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family.  For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it.  

Our assisted living facility is committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.  Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care.   We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families.  

Moreover, we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care.  It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data.  

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care.  Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more. 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers 38 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.   Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against COVID-19.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility.

MorningStar of Beaverton is Safely Accepting New Residents

MorningStar of Beaverton’s goal is to offer the best memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, and we want area families to know we are safely accepting new residents.   After a thorough screening new residents are moved directly into their private suite, remaining there for a 14-day quarantine.  Team members entering the resident’s room wear full personal protection equipment during that time. In the entire community, to fight back against the coronavirus outbreak, we have set up protocols that meet, or in some cases even exceed, CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our residents, their families, and team members. 

As a loving son, daughter, or relative of a vulnerable senior, we want you to know that MorningStar of Beaverton is working every day to ensure the wellbeing of our residents.  This includes providing nutritional meals and keeping residents hydrated as well as access to 24/7 healthcare and basic and protective supplies.  Our services also include ordering, delivering, and dispensing residents’ physician prescribed medications.   

Another thing MorningStar of Beaverton offers to your mom or dad is loving, social connections.  Based on the MorningStar name, our mission, and our ministry, we have a team of extraordinary individuals who know the value of building meaningful relationships with our residents.  Just take a look at our Twice the Story video series that showcases the tender relationships between residents and team members throughout our MorningStar communities.  These friendships testify to the fact that we need to lean upon and lean into each other—that each might receive a blessing, that each might be served, and that each might come away changed.

Our community offers a choice of 66 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 38 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Visit our website for more information or contact us for answers to any questions.  

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Beaverton

Along with the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, MorningStar of Beaverton has 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our approach to memory care includes using some of the most respected research-based care programs to give residents the best life possible.  Furthermore, our unique Reflections Neighborhood was designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily.  

When a family comes to MorningStar of Beaverton looking for care for a loved one with dementia, our experienced team is ready to help.  Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences.  We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation.

Also, we use a reimagined philosophy and approach to memory care we call “Lavender Sky, which we consider to be the next logical step to what MorningStar has always believed and aspired to be as dementia care specialists.  The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, all team members are asked to attend eight-hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease. 

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.

Do You Think a Loved One has Hearing Loss?

If you think your spouse or an elderly parent may be suffering from hearing loss (keep in mind it is extremely common in seniors), the AARP has some good tips to help you decide if it is time to convince them to see a doctor.  The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 1 in 3 people between 65 and 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75, have trouble hearing.

While we may think it should be easy for someone to know if they are experiencing hearing loss, the problem is that the loss generally occurs slowly over time.  Thus as a person starts having trouble hearing, they self-correct by doing things like turning up the volume on the TV, and is why it is often other people who are the first to suspect a problem. 

Experts say it is important to get help for hearing loss as it is treatable and can lead to social isolation, which is linked to depression, dementia, and even falls.  In addition to the volume turned way up on the TV and radio, doctors say other signs include the person constantly asking you to repeat yourself and having difficulty following conversation.  The person may start talking louder than a situation calls for or be uncomfortable talking on the phone.  They may also be unable to hear an alarm, the phone ringing or the doorbell.

People can be reluctant to go to a doctor for hearing loss for a variety of reasons including the cost of a hearing aid, the bother of wearing one and afraid it will make them feel old.  Stefanie Wolf, AuD, a clinical audiologist with Audiology of Nassau County in Rockville Centre, New York, says to “remind your loved one that treating hearing loss isn't just about improving their ability to perceive sounds; it can contribute to their overall health and well-being.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-loss-common-signs.html

Make a Difference in the Lives of Seniors

At the MorningStar senior living communities, we know that seniors have gone through many trials and triumphs throughout their lives and handled them with fortitude and grace, which it why we feel privileged to serve them.  Furthermore, many of us have been blessed to have the opportunity to build loving relationships with our own grandparents or other elderly relatives and love the opportunity to give back. 

When working with seniors, we love how they teach us to appreciate each day as well as give us a better understanding of the aging process.  One of our MorningStar Directors explains, “Our lives are better by listening to the advice and stories of seniors. They have a wealth of experiences, amazing stories and lessons that apply to all generations.”  Another MorningStar team member reports that working with seniors taught her “that friendships are ageless; we connect and care for each other naturally and effortlessly as two humans with the same needs for companionship, kindness and love. Through their life stories, they teach me to be resilient, to balance life delicately; and that time is nothing to waste.”

Guided by MorningStar Senior Living’s mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships; values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invests generously in our team’s ability to serve; the Phoenix area MorningStar communities strive to live up to those goals.  One way we do this is by recruiting and retaining an extraordinary team of service professionals and recognizing each team member is essential to our success.

Our gorgeous communities have an array of assisted living jobs in Phoenix and the surrounding area that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Our Greater Phoenix homes include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar at Golden Ridge and MorningStar of Fountain Hills. Some of the full and part-time positions that may be available include housekeeping jobs, care managers and medication care managers, cooks, dining room servers and more. We also want to reassure you that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are safely hiring and taking every precaution to keep both residents and team members healthy.

Please visit our website for a complete list of rewarding assisted living jobs, detailed job descriptions and an easy-to-use online application.   If you like, we even have space on our application that lets you tell us a little bit about the first senior you ever loved.  Please come join our MorningStar family!

At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Golden Ridge & Fountain Hills 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 would love to thrive professionally and personally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding assisted living jobs in Phoenix.

Your Next Doctor Visit Maybe Virtual

Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers.  Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits. 

While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone.   Now with the outbreak of COVID-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.”  

First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line.  Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smart phone, tablet or computer allows you to connect visually.  Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit. 

Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider.  Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?”  He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc.   Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc. 

If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis.  However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention. 

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers. 

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit

The Importance of a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Regardless of your age it is important to have a nutrient-rich diet in order to stay as healthy as possible.  Even for people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, eating well can make a difference in how they feel; but unfortunately, many seniors do not always know what constitutes a healthy diet. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides some helpful tips for older adults to follow to improve their diet.  One of the first things they say is to make sure to stay hydrated because as we age, we lose some of our sense of thirst.  They recommend drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages with lots of added sugars.

Seniors’ diets should include fruits and vegetables in a variety of different colors, lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and lean protein.  While vegetables and fruits are a good source of fiber, full of vitamins, and low-calorie, they can be difficult to chew for some elderly people with dental problems.  If that is a problem, substitute softer foods including canned fruits and meats such as tuna.  Also adding herbs or spices to food is a good way to enhance flavor. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our residents are treated to three daily meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest produce by our Executive Chef.  We also incorporate BrainWise foods into our meals such as nuts, berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate. Recipes are modified to accommodate changing needs and diets including low-sodium, sugar-free, vegetarian, and low-fat choices. 

Please visit our website for more information on our loving assisted living facility.  While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us learn more about our exceptional assisted living facility.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/choosing-healthy-meals-you-get-older

“Smile,” You Will Feel Better!

With the events of the world, we can sometimes get caught up in the misery and sadness of it all and forget to be thankful for what we do have.  Remember focusing on positive thoughts can blossom into something beautiful and we all need to take the time to smile. 

If fact there is plenty of scientific evidence that proves something as simple as a smile, even when we do not feel like smiling, makes us feel better.  While we express happiness with a smile, studies show that the mere act of smiling even when we do not feel like it, can lift our mood, lower stress, boost our immune system and possibly even prolong life.  Dr. Isha Gupta a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine says smiling spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, which releases hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. She explains that, “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and aggression; and low levels of dopamine are also associated with depression.”

Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENT-otolaryngologist in Los Angeles says that study after study has found that depression weakens the immune system, and happiness appears to boost our body’s resistance.  Thus working on past information, when our brain feels our mouth smiling, it just assumes there must be something to smile about.  To increase our sense of wellbeing, experts recommend starting each day with a positive affirmation and to do your best to find humor in bad situations as well as to try to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  After a thorough screening, residents move directly into their suite, where they remain for a 14-day quarantine.  Team members entering the room wear full PPE.  Along with 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living, we have 65 assisted living suites, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Visit our website to learn more about all we are doing to ensure your comfort and safety.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/smiling-can-trick-your-brain-happiness-boost-your-health-ncna822591

Brain Games to Sharpen Your Mind

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health.  Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper.  Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.    

Moreover there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four day a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. 

Also while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter.  Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.”  The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking.

The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options.  To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of game of which some may be new to you.  Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzle can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get.  They also make great gifts for seniors. 

We want you to know that MorningStar at Golden Ridge is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Our community has 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living that are quadraplexes with attached garages.  For assisted living, we have 65 suites with one and two-bedroom options.  We also have 35 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s mission of servant-leadership.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

https://sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/

Age Appears to Influence Individual Coronavirus Outcomes

We are told Covid-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease.  One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free. 

Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some of much more vulnerable.  One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as Immunosenescence. 

Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate."

Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter.  In addition research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthening our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weigh, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations.  Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

Many Falls are Preventable

We have all heard stories or may have had an older relative take a fall that lead to serious injuries, hospitalization, or in the worst case, a fatality.  In fact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the fatal fall rate for people 65 years and older jumped 31 percent from 2007 to 2016, making falls the leading cause of injury-related death among people in this age group.  Falls are so common in the elderly that every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says that many falls are preventable and publishes a one-page guide called “Take Control of Your Health: 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall.”  Their first tip is to find a balance and exercise class that is specifically designed to help older adults built strength and improve their balance and flexibility.  

NCOA also recommends talking to your doctor about your fall threat.  Ask if any medications you are taking have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or other issues that could increase your risk for fall.  Moreover be sure to share any recent falls you may have had with your healthcare provider as well as your family. 

Fall prevention includes having your vision and hearing tested annually.  If you need stronger glasses, get them and be sure to wear them.  The next step is to do a survey of your home both inside and out to ensure you do not have unsafe areas that increase the likelihood of a fall.  Search the Internet for a checklist of things to look for in your home to improve safety.  The NCOA suggests enlisting the aid of your family to help you keep your home safe for everyone.  

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our senior living community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse.  In addition, residents are offered plenty of opportunities to get moving with exercise classes, a fitness room, and our walking club.

Please see our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

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 senior living in Beaverton, OR.

Source: ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/NCOA-Falls-Free-Infographic-680pixels-0917.pdf

Discover MorningStar of Arvada

For the area’s finest senior independent living, assisted living and memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Arvada. At our all-inclusive 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. 

Independent living is designed for seniors without the need of any care services.  If you are looking for stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, MorningStar can provide you with carefree, comfortable retirement years.  Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Also, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. 

Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offer 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 of Arvada 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.  In addition, if you are someone who values their privacy, you will have that at MorningStar as our spacious suites are designed to give you your privacy while offering the comfort of knowing people are around.   

Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep our community safe during this difficult time.   

MorningStar of Arvada 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.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers.

At Our Senior Living Community, We Think “Love is Contagious”

Despite the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country and the world, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s residents and team members are staying strong. While we have temporarily closed our community to all non-essential visitors and vendors for the safety of all inside our home, we are cheered by the incredibly encouraging supports from residents’ families and our surrounding community.  Each homemade poster held up to the window, every thoughtful email sent in the wee hours, and calls of faith and courage do much to sustain us in the fight against COVID-19 and help keep up the spirits up residents and team member alike.

We have no higher responsibility than that of the Safety and Security of our residents, families and team members, and have implemented protocols and procedures following guideline –and in some cases exceeding them- from the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  This includes checking staff temperatures at the start and the close of their shift, having unwell team members stay home when unwell, and conducting mandatory training for all team member on infection control with a heightened emphasis on hand sanitation. 

In terms of community cleaning, we have ordered extra inventory of disinfectant and related cleaning supplies.  In addition for the time being, we have eliminated communal dining and assisted living residents receive meal in their suite (there are a few exceptions) and memory care residents eat as usual but spaced apart from one another. 

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s team understands the worry of our residents and their families, which is why we send regular updates whenever new developments or protocols dictate.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols to keep all those beneath our roof safe.  Our community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.  

Robotic Pets Offer Seniors Comfort & Companionship

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace.

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life.

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags it tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and make a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence.

In fact New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.”  

The senior living community of MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living and another 65 suites for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are now accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.