Is it the Flu or COVID?

Hopefully you have had or are planning to shortly get your annual flu shot, but even if you have had yours, you may still want to know the difference between the flu and COVID-19. Doctors say in order to know for certain, you need to get tested. While symptoms are similar and include fever, aching muscles, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, and headache, the biggest differences is in the case of the flu. a person typically feels the sickest in the first week of the illness. COVID-19 is characterized by feeling much worst in the second or third week of the disease and can take much longer to recover from.

One symptom unique to COVID is the loss of smell and taste. While not everyone experiences this symptom, it is one of the unique features of the disease. With the flu, the incubation period is much shorter as a person can begin to feel sick within one to four days after contracting the virus. The coronavirus can take anywhere from two to 14 days from infection to begin to feel symptomatic and is a much more contagious disease.

Another concern of doctors is that someone could become infected with both viruses at the same time. However health experts hope that with the type of precautions we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus such as mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing, it will also help to prevent the spread of the flu.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has 65 private assisted living suites and another 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. Additionally tucked into their own private neighborhood, our 38 independent living Casitas are designed to meet the needs of active seniors. To keep all those beneath our roof safe from disease, we have rigorous protocols in place throughout every phase of our operation as well as follow safety measures for accepting new residents. For complete information regarding our loving community please visit our website.

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 assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

Now is the Time to Try Out those Hobbies You Have Wanted to Do!

As many of us are spending more time at home, we are also searching for new, interesting things to do. Along with the satisfaction and fun we derive from learning and improving our skills in any number of activities, did you know it may also benefit our health? In fact studies have shown that cultivating hobbies isn’t just a relaxing break from day-to-day responsibilities and chores, but can provide both mental and physical health benefits. One such study found participants engaging in leisure activities had “immediate stress relief, as well as lower stress and depression in the longer term.” Other studies found participants who enjoyed leisure activities experienced lower blood pressure and had a more positive picture of their overall health.

One thoroughly enjoyable activity is to read. Reading not only opens doors to new places and new ideas but introduces us to people that are not the same as us. If you need ideas on what to read, just google best books of 2020 and you will have a whole range of ideas. Moreover if you have a tablet or e-reader such as a Kindle or Nook, you can easily download books from a number of book sellers. If you would like to get more social, start a virtual book club or join one already online.

One interesting website that may help you become a lifelong learning and expand your horizons is Great Courses Plus. By partnering with renowned organizations such as the National Geographic, History®, Smithsonian, Mayo Clinic, and The Culinary Institute of America, they are able to offer a course on most any topic you can think of. Other fun activities may include joining an online choral group if you love to sing or to take look at the many YouTube exercise videos to keep you moving.

Now is also a good time to start an indoor garden, learn to make jewelry or learn calligraphy and personalize birthday and holiday cards. If you have always wanted to be a better cook, arrange flowers, or finally start that scrapbook, what’s stopping you? This summer I spent a couple of days watching YouTube videos with my grandson as we tried to learn new card tricks. The list goes on and on so why not get started improving your skills, broadening your interest, and having fun?

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge community has a distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, seniors are proud to call us home. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living & assisted living.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com/life/g30246497/best-hobbies-for-women/

MorningStar Casts a New Light on Senior Living

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company whose vision is “to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.” This means right from the start we have made a point to staff our loving home with individuals who feel called to serve and understand that seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

In addition we support MorningStar’s mission of serving others here at home and throughout the world including supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Casa Bernabé orphanage in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We also support MorningStar’s partnership with “Lifewater,” a non-profit organization that focuses on delivering safe water sources to villages across the globe.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge community is also guided by our company’s founding principles that include:

• Honoring God in our business practices and relationships

• Valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well

Thus our home’s first priority is to create a comfortable, compassionate home while striving to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Also while our company was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews, and understand it is our responsibility to honor spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person.

Please visit our website to learn about availability within our 38 independent living Casitas, which are quadraplexes with attached garages and tucked into their own private neighborhood in Peoria. We also offer another 65 private assisted living suites in our main building as well as have a separate wing devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Learn more about senior living committed to creating a true home for our remarkable seniors.

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 finest independent living & assisted living in Peoria.

Along with a Flu Shot, Doctor Recommend another Vaccine for Seniors

Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year. However you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017. The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles. However for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.

While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.” They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available.

The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.” They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring.

It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles. The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past. Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles.

Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.” Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart. Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches. The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s senior living community has a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are set 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: healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it

MorningStar of Beaverton Offers Memory Care Under a “Lavender Sky”

Along with assisted living, Beaverton, Oregon’s MorningStar community offers 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.

Our holistic approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.

We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care. This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch. However most importantly, we embrace hope.

Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions. Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families. Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers.

Seniors Can Really Benefit from Positive Thinking

There are many examples of how the power of positive thinking has changed people’s lives for the better.  When we take a positive attitude, it helps us to be more successfully in most every aspect of our lives; and experts say it can be even more important as we age.    

Tom Caklos, founder of the www.positivecreators.com website, explains that positive thinking “is a critical ingredient for the well-being and health when a person is on the last leg of his or her life after completing all responsibilities and fulfilling all goals.”  He adds it is an important tool to help the elderly transform their lives and fill it with passion, energy and joy.”     

So how can a senior who may be experiencing the loss of independence or a loved one, challenging health problems, and/or chronic pain cultivate positive thinking?  Experts suggest getting into the habit of using positive affirmation to change negative thinking into positive thoughts.  Moreover when we focus on the changes we wish to make in our lives, it can help boost self-esteem and confidence.  

Positive affirmations can be simple and include things like giving thanks each day for your longevity and for all of the people in your life who you love and who love you.  Be grateful for the wisdom you have learned in life and recognize your ability to contribute.   Affirm that these are the best years of your life, that you have the right to good health, and the right to live with joy and purpose.  

The beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community has a sterling reputation in the greater Denver area.  This is probably due in part to our mission to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and our commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.  We offer 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites, with another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  When visiting our website, please read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving independent living, assisted living and memory care 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 availability of assisted living and independent living as well as experienced, loving memory care in Arvada CO.  

Source: 

seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/the-hidden-power-of-positive-affirmations/ 

Our Website is Full of Information & Resources

If you have started the search for senior housing, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar of Arvada.   Situated on 1.5 acres and encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir, our gorgeous community offers all-inclusive independent living, assisted living and memory care for relaxing, carefree retirement years.  To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.     

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including floor plans, a list of amenities, lots of pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company.  We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if senior living is the right choice for your loved one.  You will also find a link discussing affordability and Veterans aide as well as other options such as companion living and short-term stays.  For families who need memory care in Arvada, CO, we offer lots of info regarding our compassionate expertise and holistic program. 

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy.  Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services.  We also go over special circumstances like if your health needs change while in independent living are you able to transfer into our assisted living wing?  The answer is of course. If nothing is available immediately, you can bring in a home care agency to help out until we have a unit open.   

While this is just a small portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, email, Facebook, or use our Virtual Assistant that lets you start a live chat.  We look forward to hearing from your family and are ready to serve.  

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 for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.    

How Pets Improve Our Lives

Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.

The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.

Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal that you think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses. Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need?

For the area’s finest assisted living, Beaverton, Oregon seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging. We understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about all of MorningStar of Beaverton’s services and amenities.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers.

Frequent Myths People have about “Normal Aging”

The Medical News Today website recently published an article debunking some commonly-held myths people have about growing older.  It may spring from the fact that achieving old age is a relatively new phenomena but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22%.”

Since so many more of us are sticking around for a longer time, it is important to tackle some of the misconceptions regarding the aging process and just exactly what is normal. One strongly held belief is that physical deterioration is inevitable.  Scientists concede this is both true and untrue and explain while our bodies do wear down; we can delay the process.  In fact they cite research that suggests “merely expecting physical deterioration increases the likelihood that someone will physically deteriorate.”  The WHO explains, “Increased physical activity and improving diet can effectively tackle many of the problems frequently associated with old age.” These include reduced strength, increased body fat, high blood pressure, and reduced bone density among others.  

There are also people who think they are too old to exercise but doctors say exercising is good for us at any age and we are never too old to start receiving the benefits.  Staying physically active improves muscle strength, reduces fat, and protects mental health.  

Another myth research has debunked is that cognitive decline is a normal part of aging.  Medical experts report that the truth is only “22.2% of people in the U.S. aged 71 or older experience cognitive decline. Of these, each year, 11.7%–20% develop dementia.”  The Alzheimer’s Association wants everyone to know that a healthy diet and lifelong learning or cognitive training can reduce your risk for cognitive decline.    

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community encourages seniors to join us in celebrating 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.  We additionally provide 29 secure suites for individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit our website for more information.    

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 our community’s independent living and assisted living as well as memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-aging#1.-Physical-deterioration-is-inevitable

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Beaverton, Oregon Community

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into an assisted living facility. When you begin your search, please add the beautiful MorningStar of Beaverton to the top of your list. Far from a “facility,” MorningStar is a true home that offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

Too often a senior worries that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom. They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions.

All of this could not be further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar of Beaverton has to offer. Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members. Along with our 66 suites for assisted living, our community has 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our 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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

Find a Career You Can Feel Passionate About

With the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, we have all experienced a large change in our day-to-day lives.  While some people are fortunate to be working from home, many of us have become unemployed due to no fault of our own; and perhaps it is the time to reflect on what type of career we wish to pursue going forward.  This may mean doing something we can feel passionate about and not only provides us professional satisfaction but personal satisfaction.  

We think the Phoenix MorningStar senior living communities, which include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar at Golden Ridge and MorningStar of Fountain Hills, offer just such an opportunity.  Our assisted living jobs are diverse and require a wide range of skills, education and/or experience.  Each position is instrumental to our success, and having a dedicated team allows us to deliver the type of service our brand’s reputation is built on, which is why we are proud to offer competitive wages.  We also provide comprehensive benefits that include medical, vision, and dental as well as vacation and sick time, and holiday pay.   

Along with a generous compensation and insurance benefit package, MorningStar wants all of our team members to be equipped with the knowledge required to do their jobs well and take pride in their work.  To that end, we invest in employee training programs such as:  O2 (Orientation & Onboarding); Lavender Sky (Dementia Care); Radiance (Culture, Customer Service); Inhabit (for the Community Relations team); Brain Boosts (for the Reflections care team); and Relias Video Courses (paid to view from home).  This training enables our team to be the best at what they do, and do each job with confidence.

Moreover, we do not want you to be overly concerned about working in one of our beautiful communities during the COVID-19 pandemic as we are working 24/7 to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Every team member receives mandatory training on infection control with a heightened insistence on hand sanitation; along with a thorough review of the latest CDC information on COVID-19 and the unique attributes of this viral strain.

If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in please visit our website to apply today and join the MorningStar family!  Current openings include Care Manager, Wellness Nurse, Server, Cook, Housekeeping jobs and more.  

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.

Tips to Speed Your Recovery after Surgery

Like most everything else, standard procedures and guidelines for care before and after surgery have evolved in an effort to promote and speed recovery. Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, suggests you think of surgery as you would a marathon or race. She says, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after.” So what you do before a planned surgical procedure and what you do after can all be part of a better outcome and even includes diet and exercise.

One example is a change in the way a person is treated after surgery in many hospitals. Now rather than limiting patients to ice chips and intravenous fluids, they are served a meal. In addition people are encouraged to get up and move as soon as the night right after surgery, which appears to hasten recover. However doctors warn that people should be screened before surgery for conditions such as malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and if it is found they have any, it should be addressed.

Also find out what exercises would be helpful and doable before and after surgery, and what is not recommended. Ask about your hospital’s rehabilitation program or the availability of a physical therapist. After surgery, stay hydrated and be sure to eat a protein-rich diet and lots of fresh vegetables. Another thing that will aid your postoperative recovery and overall health is to stop smoking.

As a bigger percentage of surgeries are in people over 65 years of age, your doctor will let you know the type of screening that is required before surgery. It will most likely include things such as cardiac health, functional status and history of falls, frailty and other factors.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a beautiful senior living community in Peoria, AZ. In addition to our independent living quadraplexes with attached garages, our main building offers assisted living, memory care and respite care for seniors recovering from surgery or illness. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the various senior living options we are pleased to offer.

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. Visit our website for more information and availability regarding respite care as well as independent living & assisted living in Peoria.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery

Finding the Right Mobility Aid for Your Needs

If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.

Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact the journal, Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane.

Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane.

For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your health care provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly.

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.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids

Affordable Independent Living for Carefree Retirement Years

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is a beautiful, vibrant community situated on 8.8 acres and proudly offers Peoria area seniors a warm, welcoming home. Our community allows seniors to comfortably age in place with an array of resort-style amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities. Also residents know they are in a place where they can easily make new friends, learn new things or just have fun.

Our 38 Casitas, quadraplexes with attached garages, are designed for active seniors. Tucked into their own private neighborhood, our independent living Casitas allow you to enjoy your retirement as it was meant to be: stress free. Moreover you also get the security of knowing extra supportive care is right next door with our trusted assisted living and memory care if you ever need it.

Since the MorningStar at Golden Ridge campus is conveniently situated to provide residents easy access to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation, it means you can have a lifestyle as active or relaxed as you like. Residents at our Casitas also have access to community amenities including a saline swimming pool with hot tub, a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, a spa bath, fitness centers, library, and bistro (due to CPVOD, there may be some restricted access). For entertainment and socializing, residents enjoy expansive common spaces, theatre, and more.

In addition to independent living, our neighboring building offers 65 suites for assisted living that include studios; one-bedroom, one-bath; and two-bedroom and one-bath or one and half-bath floor plans. Our memory care wing has 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are currently safely accepting new residents and invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community as well as pricing and availability.

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 unrivalled assisted living & independent living in Peoria, AZ.

Your Lifestyle Habits Can Help Reduce the Risk of Stroke

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that every 40 seconds a person has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one. While that is alarming, the AHA says that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.

Did you know that one of the leading causes of strokes is high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and is the most prevalent health condition facing Americans? Statistics show one in four US adults have hypertension, and as people age, their blood pressure goes up. Experts now believe as many as 80% of people 65 years and older have hypertension and should take steps to reduce it. If you fall into that age group or at risk for HBP, start by regularly monitoring your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to find ways to lower it including getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Another way to help prevent strokes is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and forces the heart to work harder, which in turn, increases the likelihood of blood clots. Also if you are diabetic, you need to manage the disease. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than someone without the disease.

Exercise is another way to lower your risk. Doctors say 30 minutes of moderate exercise fives a week, like a brisk walk, yoga or dancing are beneficial. Moreover if you are overweight, try to lose weight as obesity put you at risk for any number of health issues including stroke. And don’t forget to get your cholesterol checked. The AHA recommends everyone 20 years of age and over should have it done at least every 5 years. Check with your healthcare provider regarding other risks for stroke.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we approach senior living from all angles to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. We have 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living. Our main building is designed with 65 private suites for assisted living and another 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for residents suffering with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 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 best independent living & assisted living.

Avoid Stocking Up on Products that Don’t Store Well

Right now many of us prefer to consolidate trips to the grocery store by stocking up on staples we know we will need at some point in the future. While buying in bulk may seem like a bargain, consumer experts caution you may not actually be saving money in the long-run. It turns out lots of foods and goods have a shorter shelf life than we think and many can degrade or lose their efficacy over time.

A prime example is stocking up on laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies we know we will need in the future. Here the problem lies in the fact that they may start to lose their cleansing and sanitizing power over time. Experts say liquid laundry detergent is most effective if used within 6 months of opening and up to a year from purchase. Chlorine products start losing their strength after about a year and other types of disinfecting wipes are generally good for about two years.

Sunscreen also has a short shelf life and outdated sunscreen (all should have an expiration date) may put us at risk for sunburns, sun damage and skin cancer. The FDA reports the same goes for trying to stock up on over-the-counter drugs, which can also lose some of their effectiveness and/or even cause unintended side effects.

Food staples such as flours, cooking oils and spices all have a shorter shelf life than many think. White flours typically are good for one year stored in a cool dry space or two years in the refrigerator. Whole wheat flours are at their best for three months in the pantry, and one year in the refrigerator. Olive and many vegetable oils are best three to five months after opening.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, our assisted living and memory care residents do not need to worry about groceries as we gladly do the cooking! In our main building, we have 65 private suites for assisted living with one and two-bedroom floor plans; and a memory care wing for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We also have 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) for independent living. Please 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. We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. With exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we proudly offer unsurpassed independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Ask Your Doctor to be Screened for Cognitive Decline

Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so.  While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on.  Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.   

Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia.  From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination.  However, according to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test.  Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor.  Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So what does a cognitive assessment include?  To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently.  If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems.  You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home.  In fact, you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed.  

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada offers 29 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

MorningStar of Arvada represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers.

Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Beaverton, Oregon

MorningStar of Beaverton is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place. By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit. Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families. For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family.

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services. These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.

MorningStar of Beaverton has 66 bright suites for assisted living including a range of floor plans starting with spacious studio and one-bedroom units all the way to large two-bedroom floor plans. If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 38 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. 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.

In-Home Care or Assisted Living?

If you or a loved one is in need of daily care to ensure your safety and wellbeing, you may be weighing options such as in-home care services versus assisted living.  Most experts suggest a good way to start is to make a list of all the areas in which you or your loved one needs assistance with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  

From a strictly affordable standpoint (we know there is much more to it), there is a rule of thumb to determine if in-home care or an assisted living community is less expensive.  Does the person require more than 40 hours of paid care a week?  If that’s the case, then assisted living is most likely less expensive.  

Also, remember that in-home care is a piecemeal approach and each additional service you need adds to the cost of care.  Moreover, in a senior community offering assisted living like MorningStar of Arvada, individuals receive 24/7 care from our compassionate, trained care managers in the activities of daily living (ADL).  Another benefit of our community is it is designed to accommodate wheel chairs and other mobility aids as well as provides bathrooms equipped with handicap grab bars, and suites equipped with emergency call systems.  

Many people get sticker shock when they learn how much they will pay for assisted living, but you need to remember that virtually all your living expenses including food as well as care services are factored in.  No longer will you pay out-of-pocket for home insurance, property taxes, heat, electricity, trash pickup, cable, and Internet service.  In addition, you will not be hit with unexpected repair bills and routine upkeep on your home.  

Other services and amenities provided by MorningStar of Arvada include a fitness room, movie theatre, sports bar, art studio, rooftop terrace, enrichment activities, and more.  Residents also enjoy three nutritious meals a day prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  However, we consider our most important asset to be our dedicated team members and their devotion to our residents.  

Please visit our website for more information about our wonderful independent living, assisted living and memory care community.  While you are there you may read about all we are doing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents during COVID-19.

MorningStar of Arvada represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers.

MorningStar of Arvada Offers Independent Living for Carefree Retirement Years

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 of Arvada, 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-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.  

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Once they fully resume, residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers.  In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. 

Our community offers well-designed private suites in a variety of floorplans including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms (some over 1300 sq. ft.).  Several of the plans have two bathrooms.  Each unit has high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling lighting, and many feature balconies or patios. Suites have private heating & air conditioning controls and include basic cable TV and utilities.   Also, we are happy to welcome your furry friend as we are pet friendly.   

Along with independent living, MorningStar of Arvada offers suites for assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  

If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO’s MorningStar community may be the place for you.  We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.  Please visit our website for more information including a virtual tour of our beautiful community.

MorningStar of Arvada represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers.