Are You Getting All the Nutrients You Need?

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  This is why the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

Along with all of the other amenities and care services we provide, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients.  We get much of our produce from home-grown or local high-quality producers.  

Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch, and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions.  

MorningStar of Beaverton is still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time of the coronavirus outbreak, confident in our protective protocols.  Please visit our website to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.  While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 statement from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe.

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 memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/seniors-nutritional-needs/

Take a Virtual Tour of MorningStar of Beaverton

If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Beaverton Oregon’s MorningStar of Beaverton may be your answer.  We want you to know that we are accepting new residents, and that we have every confidence in the safety protocols we are taking in our aggressive defense against the coronavirus (COVID-19).  

During normal times, interested seniors and their families are encouraged to set up in-person tours of our beautiful home.  However, as we have temporarily suspended all non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our community for the safety of our residents and team members during the coronavirus outbreak, we invite you to visit our website and take a virtual tour. 

Here you will get a good look at some of our open common areas including dining rooms, fitness room, theater, salon and more.  You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  

We think it is important for families to know that we have been very deliberate in putting into place a coordinated defense of every aspect of our operations and have built layer upon layer of protocols as information evolves.  MorningStar is following closely—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.

To give you comfort regarding our care during these unusual times, we would like to share just one of the letters MorningStar has received from our families.  They write, “Although, it is difficult not being able to visit our loved ones, I am so grateful for the proactive stand you are taking. Our parents could not be in a better place.”  

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 memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Experts Offer Some Strategies for Managing Pain

Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries.  While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain.  

One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness.  Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial.  If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place.   

Another way to manage pain is through exercise.  However the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning.  In addition they caution that “if you have pain from an injury, recent surgery, a physical disability or a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, it's best to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist to be sure you can exercise safely and avoid hurting yourself.”

They also say it is important to get enough sleep.  If you are a restless sleeper and have difficulty sleeping through the night, you should talk to your doctor about your pain management medications.  If a medication is a stimulant, ask your doctor about taking it early enough so as to not interfere with your sleep, and if it causes drowsiness, see if you can take it right before bed.  Try using relaxation techniques right before bed and get into the habit of a regular bedtime.   

Also avoid napping longer than 30 minutes during the day and do not eat a heavy meal too close to bedtime.  Doctors caution against drinking too much alcohol as it can cause sleep problems.  Yet another suggestion helpful to many people suffering from pain is to join a support group.  This puts you in touch with others who understand what you are going through.  However, if you feel you need more personal support, ask your doctor to recommend a mental health professional.  

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.   

Source: mayoclinic.org/lifestyle-strategies-for-pain-management/art-20367321

Feeling Unfulfilled at Your Current Job?

If you live in the greater Phoenix area and are feeling unfulfilled at your current job, we encourage you to consider one of the positions available at MorningStar Senior Living communities.  Openings include Care Manager, Community Relations Associate, Dining Room Server, Housekeeping jobs and more.

When it comes to hiring a team member, we first look for people who exhibit character, kindness and selflessness as we understand these virtues are as important as education and experience in building a team of distinction. Our employees are the type of people who have perfected the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve those needs.  As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to connect and bond with residents as you work to keep our award-winning communities running smoothly.    

Recognizing our employees are the very heartbeat of MorningStar communities, we are committed to investing generously in their ability to serve well as we seek individuals with creative minds and compassionate hearts.  Regardless of your position, you will receive the training you need to enable you to deliver the service excellence our residents deserve.  We are an equal opportunity employer and are proud to have a culturally diverse workforce.   Furthermore, we want to reassure you that during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are safely hiring, and taking every precaution to keep our team safe at work.            

If you feel it is a privilege to serve seniors, our Phoenix area communities look forward to meeting you.  Please visit our MorningStar Senior Living’s Career page and follow the link to “Assisted Living Jobs Phoenix” for the full list of job openings as well as qualifications and duties.  We invite you to be part of a Bigger Story and a Greater Purpose at MorningStar.  

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.

A Positive Attitude Could Help You Live Longer

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking may provide several benefits including a longer life span.   They base this on lots of studies done regarding the effects of positive thinking and optimism as related to our health.  While researchers are not sure why individuals who routinely take the glass half full approach to life experience measureable benefits, some think it could be that positive thinking helps us better handle stressful situations and we know that stress can have harmful effects on our bodies.   

In fact the Mayo Clinic reports positive thinkers may not only increase their life span but lower their risk for depression and level of distress, and even have a greater resistance to the common cold.  Positive thinkers also typically enjoy better psychological and physical well-being as well as better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.  Maintaining a positive attitude during times of stress and hardships helps us to weather the storm easier.  

Experts recommend analyzing your behavior to determine if you are routinely a positive or negative thinker.  Common habits of negative thinkers include: personalizing everything that happens as if it is because of something you did wrong; catastrophizing is another common trait of negativity in which you automatically think the worst; and polarizing, which is where you only see things as either good or bad.   

If you recognize yourself as a negative thinker and would like to turn your life around and live more on the sunny side, start by identifying things about yourself you would like to change.  Think about positive ways to turn around negative thoughts, and make time to see the humor in everyday happenings.  Finally adopt a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with positive people.  

MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 38 beautiful Casitas for independent living, 65 assisted living suites, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Currently we are accepting new residents and invite you to 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 Peoria.   

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

MorningStar of Beaverton is Staying Strong

Despite the coronavirus outbreak throughout the country and the world, MorningStar of Beaverton residents and team members are staying strong. While we have temporarily closed our assisted living facility to all non-essential visitors and vendors for the safety of all inside our home, we are cheered by the incredibly encouraging support 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 of residents and team members 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 guidelines –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, and conducting mandatory training for all team members 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 meals in their suite (there are a few exceptions) and memory care residents eat as usual but spaced apart from one another.  

The MorningStar of Beaverton 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 offers 66 suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

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 discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

How MorningStar of Beaverton Cares for Seniors

MorningStar of Beaverton, an assisted living facility in the Portland, Oregon metro area, is honored to serve seniors and to help make their lives a little easier.  The way we deliver our exceptional service is through our Radiance program, which is taught to all new team members and reiterated every day at our daily Huddle.  

Much more than just a customer service program, Radiance embodies the guiding principles for how we dispense our services – with depth of purpose and warmth.  The program emanates from an authentic, sincere place and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that resembles a beam of light.

We use the program to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  It distinguishes our compassion and care as well as our service professionalism and provides residents the respect and dignity they deserve.  As Courtney Sonnier, Director of Community Relations so eloquently stated, “What attracts me most to MorningStar is teamwork. There is no “that’s not my job” attitude. Knowing you have a strong supportive group of people makes all the difference.”

Along with our wonderful care team, every aspect of MorningStar of Beaverton is designed to best serve our residents’ needs.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floorplans.  We offer 66 suites for assisted living and 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

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 new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  

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 discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

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