How to Talk to Your Parents about Sensitive Healthcare Issues

Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice.  While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.  

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids.  After all, to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do.  That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects including healthcare.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary.  This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place.  Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed.  Once you calmly tell them your concerns, then give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen.  Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.  

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive not controlling.  In fact you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.   

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website offers some useful resources to help families through the process.  On our website you will find contact information.  We also encourage you to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy.    

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.   

We Need People Who Would Love to Serve Seniors

The MorningStar Senior Living Company is made up of a group of servant-minded leaders who strive every day to help advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  With a Vision statement that reads: In pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world, we are committed to making a difference in the world.  

One of the most important ways we do this is by caring for seniors in our compassionate communities located throughout the Western US.  Currently four Phoenix area communities seek men and women who are drawn to seniors and have big hearts to fill a variety of roles within our senior living communities.  These are people who intuitively understand that seniors are heroes who deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, and those that would love to work for a company like MorningStar that shares their values.    Openings include Care Manager, Wellness Director, Cook, Medication Tech, Dining Room Server, Housekeeping jobs and more. 

Moreover, please don’t think that a job at one of MorningStar’s beautiful homes is all work and no fun.  Actually it is just the opposite.  Yes, our team does work hard and is committed to providing exceptional service to our residents but we also know the job offers its own fulfillment, and the good times spent with our residents far outweigh the tough ones.  Listen to what one MorningStar team member says, “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives, but they are changing mine.”  

Our communities are a true home, and thus operate 24/7, so some of our assisted living jobs at our Phoenix area communities include afternoons, nights and weekends.  We also offer full and part-time positions and do our best to honor shift preferences.  In addition, all employees receive competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.  Please join a team resolved to make a difference with purpose-driven, servant-minded leadership.  

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.

Loving Memory Care in Beaverton, Oregon

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 38 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  

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

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  

Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

We Tailor a Care Plan to Fit Your Needs

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community wants to reassure families looking into assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need.  Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director, who is also a registered nurse, will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences.  In addition we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.  

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly.  If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services.  We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.  

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly.  Or it may be you worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day.  We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to tempt the appetite of our most discerning residents as well as nutritional.  To help keep our residents hydrated, we bring out a drink cart a couple of times a day.   

In addition to our 65 assisted living suites that offer one and two-bedroom floor plans, we provide 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our beautiful campus also has 38 Casitas for independent living as quadruplexes with attached garages.  Please 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.   

Snoring isn’t Always Sleep Apnea

Experts say while many people think snoring is related to sleep apnea, actually up to one-half of all adults snore but only 2 to 4 percent of snorers have the sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  In fact there are several reasons why your spouse is keeping you up half the night with his/her snoring.  And yes, even though many people think women do not snore, the truth is that although more men snore, one in four women snore at least a few times a week.  Pregnancy and menopause can make it worse.  

The Mayo Clinic explains that snoring is cause by a number of things including growing older.  When a person snores, their throat muscles and tongue relax and start to vibrate as they breathe.  Sleeping on your back (side sleepers are less likely to snore), being overweight, or consuming too much alcohol before bed makes a person more likely to snore. Having a mouth with a low, thick soft palate, and an array of nasal problems like chronic congestion and a deviated nasal septum also causes snoring.  The use of sleeping pills worsens snoring as the mouth relaxes even more.  

The Mayo Clinic cautions that OSA is a serious condition and if you have any of the following symptoms you should see your healthcare provider for an evaluation.  These include breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, restless sleep, gasping or choking at night among others.  Also it could be a sign of OSA if your snoring is excessively loud followed by periods of silence as breathing stops or nearly stops.    

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans.  For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we provide 29 secure memory care staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing, and read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our beautiful 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.  Visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living and assisted living as well as memory care in Arvada, CO.  

If a Senior Loved One Needs Medical Attention, Where Should You Go?

Especially with older adults, immediate medical attention can be critical; however with a variety of care options including Urgent Care, Emergency Care, or a primary healthcare provider, we sometimes end up not knowing which one is most appropriate.  Experts explain that the confusion is common as many seniors have a more complicated health history that can make a decision such as who to turn to for treatment more difficult.  

To help ensure you get the proper care, Dr. Douglas Kupas, an emergency physician and EMS physician at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania, offers the following guidelines.  To start with, he says you must consider several factors when deciding where to go for health care in various situations.  “The most important is the type of injury or illness that you have, its severity and whether it fits with the resources at the site." 

For the most serious healthcare emergencies including those where the time to medical treatment can make a huge difference in outcome like heart attacks, strokes, shortness of breath in a person with COPD, confusion and disorientation, or a fall, call 911.  The person needs to be taken to the Emergency Department of your area’s hospital where they will receive the highest level of specialty care in the most timely, efficient manner. 

An Urgent Care clinic is appropriate for moderately urgent healthcare issues that do not require immediate attention but cannot be put off until the person is able to schedule an appointment with their own healthcare provider.  Urgent Care Clinics are equipped to handle cuts, sprain, low-grade fevers, ear infections, and other common ailments and may have an x-ray machine and lab.  Your own physician is best used for routine care including check-ups and to discuss chronic health problems and medications.  While it is more basic care, you are seeing a health professional who not only knows your medical history but personally knows you, which is important.  

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://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-02-07/emergency-room-urgent-care-or-primary-care-physician

Keeping Your Brain Healthy and Active

Several studies indicate life-long learning is good for seniors’ brain health and starting a new hobby or learning a skill late in life can help to boost a person’s memory.  In one study from the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers found that older adults “who took on a new mentally challenging hobby saw a lasting increase in their memory skills.”  They theorize that when seniors mentally challenge themselves with new skills such as playing an instrument, learning to operate a computer, or being taught to quilt, networks within the brain are being strengthened.  

Neurologists in another study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland discovered that a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Their findings suggest that older adults who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which impacts millions of Americans.

Other research out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School appear to support these findings.  Their study relied on interviews as well as brain scans of participants, and findings indicate that seniors who have had a higher level of intellectual stimulation throughout the course of their lives, showed a marked delay in the onset of memory-related problems and other Alzheimer’s type symptoms.    

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, and feel it is our privilege to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged.  Our Life Enrichment Team presents creative ways to stay active and enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  

While we had to temporarily suspend group activities due to the coronavirus, as the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located.  Please visit the photo gallery on our website to see why when we say MorningStar of Beaverton is more like a resort community than an assisted living facility, we are not exaggerating.

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.

Should You Purchase Long-term Care Insurance?

As we grow older, we start to think more and more about the “what if” this or that happens.  Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need.  

Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC).  While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren.  Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care.   

The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care.  As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it  is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.”   Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances.   

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and security in the form of independent living, assisted living and memory care.  While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living.  Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety of services in senior living communities that may not be covered through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.  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 trusted independent living & assisted living in the Phoenix area.   

Source: 

nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare?tntph=PPCLTC9053&cid=3S2F8W&mkwid=sDd8LIo4Z-dc_pcrid_444684522465_pmt_p_pkw_is%20long%20term%20care%20insurance%20worth%20it_slid__product__pgrid_22132620486_ptaid_kwd-3326698011&gclid=CjwKCAjwi_b3BRAGEiwAemPNU2LAbRNZX2p8t382xQOR4FzsnwtAqXvwn117WxOU1Zt3_0Ofb7ENwRoC8KcQAvD_BwE

Independent Living Designed with Your Comfort in Mind!

Isn’t it about time you got a break from the never-ending chores and headaches of home ownership?  If you are like most homeowners, just about when you think you have fixed or replaced anything that can go wrong, something else breaks.  Also wouldn’t it be nice to no longer having to worry about lawn care, snow shoveling and raking all those leaves.  

Independent living at MorningStar of Arvada offers a break from all of that with beautiful, carefree living amidst a picturesque setting at the foothills of the Rockies in northwest Metro Denver.  Near the Arvada Reservoir and several regional parks, our community is conveniently located to shopping, entertainment and medical facilities.    

As an independent living resident, you will enjoy predictable budgeting as all utilities including cable TV and wired Internet are included in your monthly fee as well as two delicious daily meals (breakfast and lunch or dinner) to save you the hassle of cooking.  Housekeeping services are offered two times a month and each apartment is equipped with a stackable washer and dryer or a side-by-side for ADA compliance or where room permits.  Some of our IL suites have fireplaces and a balcony or patio.  Also we have plenty of surface parking and 16 private garages.  

Moreover our gorgeous contemporary design extends throughout our common areas into every suite. With features such as Granite countertops, Venetian gold 12 x 12 tile flooring, and high-end stainless steel appliances including a glass top stove, you will be proud to call MorningStar of Arvada home.  For your safety, IL suites have grab bars installed in the bathrooms.  In addition as a resident of the community you have access to all onsite amenities including pool, spa and health club.  

Along with independent living, MorningStar of Arvada also offer assisted living and memory care; and we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community, our philosophy and our commitment to serving others.  As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, our mission statement includes honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  We look forward to hearing from you.    

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.  Visit our website to take an online virtual tour, and contact us for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.    

Gift Ideas for Your Senior Loved One

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

If you are looking for outstanding memory care or assisted living, Beaverton Oregon’s MorningStar of Beaverton may be the place for you.  Our beautiful community has 66 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 38 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.           

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.

Get Screened for Depression During Your Initial AWV

Did you know that your parent or another elderly loved one can get screened for depression during their initial Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)?  Moreover every Medicare participant is eligible to receive an AWV 12 months after becoming eligible for Medicare.  

According to the Medicare Interactive website, the annual visit is not considered a physical examination but is intended to create or update a personalized prevention plan and to promote the use of evidence-based preventive services.  They explain the plan can help prevent illnesses based on your current health and risk factors.  Done with your primary care provider (PCP), you will have your lungs, heart, and other body systems checked as well as routine measurements taken such as height, weight, and blood pressure.  

Along with questions regarding your medical history and memory, your initial AWV also includes a screening for depression.  Most healthcare providers use a standardized questionnaire like the Geriatric Depression Scale, a short yes or no form that can help determine if you are suffering from depression.   The AARP Public Policy Institute found that “older adults who get a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit are more than four times as likely to be screened for depression as those who opt out of this free, preventive health benefit.”  This is important as it is estimated that nearly 7 million older Americans suffer from depression, which often goes unrecognized.  It can be a debilitating disorder and is commonly associated with chronic health conditions like heart disease and arthritis.   

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we have 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.  Our community is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  We invite you to visit our website for more information.  

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 most trusted independent living & assisted living in the greater Phoenix area.   

Source:  aarp.org/depression-screening-in-older-adults

Specialized Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered in a separate area of our assisted living facility and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 38 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  

Normally, mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. During the coronavirus outbreak, however, memory care residents still take meals in the dining room with tables spread out for social distancing.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar of Beaverton a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

What is the Difference between Assisted Living & Independent Living?

Have you been thinking it’s time for a change in your living arrangements and would love a more manageable, relaxed lifestyle?  If you have started looking into senior living options in the greater Phoenix area your next question may be “what is the difference between assisted living and independent living, and which one is best suited to my needs?”    

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is located in the charming community of Peoria, which was ranked as the best place to live in Arizona by Money Magazine. PEORIA, Ariz. (KSAZ) in 2018.  Points were given for: quality of life, low crime rate, booming job growth and cost of living; and means Peoria is a great place for retirees and our senior living community a great place to call home.  

To meet the needs of our residents, we offer a variety of living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care.  In addition Concierge Living lets you add in a whole range of auxiliary services such as dog walking and mobile dog grooming, private dining room options, extra housekeeping, and more.  

So what separates assisted living from independent living?  Well, independent living is for active seniors who love the sound of leaving behind the never-ending upkeep of home ownership and would like a more carefree retirement.  It is also ideal for those who love the sound of predictable budgeting, community living and built-in companionship.  

Assisted living is designed for seniors who need a little help with everyday activities in order to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence.  Each resident in assisted living is assessed for the level of care they need and provided with an individualized care plan.  Also if you moved into one of our independent living Casitas and found yourself in a position that you needed more care, your request for assisted living would be prioritized.  

On our gorgeous campus, we have 38 Casitas (quadruplexes with attached garages) for independent living; and a main building offering another 65 suites for assisted living with one and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe and invite you to visit our website for availability and pricing.  

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.  Offering exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.  

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.