MorningStar of Beaverton’s Goal is to Provide the Best Senior Living Possible

At MorningStar of Beaverton, an assisted living facility in suburban Portland, OR, our goal is to provide the best senior living possible. To ensure we meet our standard of service excellence, each of MorningStar’s team members from caregivers to housekeepers go through our proprietary service excellence “Radiance” training. In addition, its precepts are reiterated each day during our daily “Huddle.”

Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness, which issues from a deep and sincere place as does a beam of light, and is the framework that guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth. As one team member from a MorningStar community writes, “Radiance training is absolutely phenomenal!” She says she appreciates the fact that it helps team members to be their best at work as well as in their personal lives.

We believe Radiance is the evidence of our resolve to be a place that is not only distinguished by compassion and care, but by service professionalism as its presence and influence is felt throughout our community. Under its teachings, residents are treated as family members, and as such, our priority is to respond to their expressed and unexpressed needs and wishes.

Newly opened in late 2018, MorningStar of Beaverton was meticulously designed with welcoming common areas, beautiful suites and all the comforts of home. Our community includes 66 assisted living suites, as well as 38 secure memory care suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community and all the services, amenities and programs we offer residents.

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.

Wondering if the Time is Right for Assisted Living?

Sometimes a senior experiences a fall or anther medical emergency that precipitates the need for a change in their living circumstances such as a move into assisted living. Other times, the situation is not so clear-cut and is more a case of a senior slowly losing the ability to attend to their daily care needs. We know it is upsetting for families to see their loved one lose a step, which is why experts offer advice to help determine if an assisted living setting would be an improvement in their lifestyle.

One way to decide if assisted living is right for your parent or another loved one is to take an inventory of the things they are having trouble doing for themselves and if assistance would improve their quality of life. For instance, are they having a hard time preparing and cooking meals or need help bathing, toileting, and dressing? Have they stopped driving and spend a lot of time alone? Is your normally tidy mom now letting the household tasks go and even mail is stacking up unopened and bills not getting paid?

Other factors that indicate the need for more help includes recent falls or burns from using water that is too hot or from trying to cook. Warning signs also include a history of medication mismanagement or worsening chronic health problems, which could all benefit from the care received in an assisted living community.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our vibrant campus is on 8.8 acres and includes assisted living as well as independent living and memory care. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as our hospitality and care team who feel called to serve seniors. 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. 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 lovely Peoria.

Tips to Help Maintain and Improve Your Memory

In a recent article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health. Furthermore they are also a benefit to the whole body health.

One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain. An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.” Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommendation a minimal of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming. However before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

In addition continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health. This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits.

Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night. Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.”

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is grateful looking toward a brighter future. As our staff and residents get the COVID-19 vaccination, life in our community is nearer a more normal. We are proud to have a team committed to serving seniors and who understand that our residents deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Please visit our website to check on availability. Our gorgeous community offers independent living, assisted living memory care and respite care.

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

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory

Tips to Help Your Loved One Find the Best Senior Living Community

Experts recommend that your first step before beginning an actually search for the “perfect” senior living community should start by compiling answers to some important questions. The first is to evaluate the level of care mom or dad needs, or if you are looking for yourself, be honest about the care you need to improve the quality of your life.

Also take a look at your finances to determine your range of affordability. Include pensions, annuities and other retirement income as well as social security. An Elder law attorney can help you explore other options including your eligibility for Veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, real estate assets that can be sold or leveraged, life insurance, tax benefits, etc.

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s situation, begin your search of senior living communities in your preferred location that meet the above criteria as well as offer onsite amenities and services desired. If mom or dad no longer drives, does the community offer transportation to doctor appointments? Is a meal service included? Is it important for you to have a fitness center, hair salon, swimming pool, WiFi, etc. onsite? Do you need parking? These are just a few of the questions to consider when looking for the perfect community. Once you narrow down your options, give the communities a call to inquiry about availability, pricing, and other particulars.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, you will find our beautiful all-inclusive home has it all including independent living, assisted living, memory care, companion living, and respite care. Our expansive campus offers 38 quadraplexes for active seniors tucked away in its own private neighborhood; and a main building with 65 assisted living suites for those requiring a helping hand with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Additionally we have a separate wing devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Visit our website for more information and to take a look at our virtual tour, floor plans and amenities.

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.

The Food We Eat or Don't Eat May Affect Our Risk for Alzheimer's

Several studies are showing links to our dietary habits and our risk for Alzheimer’s.  The Mayo Clinic reports that a hybrid of two diets, the DASH diet that helps reduce high blood pressure and the Mediterranean diet that improves heart health, may protect our brain health.   

Known as the "MIND" diet, which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, the diet consists of lots of natural plant-based foods while limiting red meat, saturated fat and sugar.  Based on observational studies, research suggests that following the MIND diet can “reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 53 percent as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory.”

One category of food at the top of the list is green leafy vegetables with a recommendation of at least six servings a week in dishes such as salads.  The diet also includes one serving of other vegetables daily.  MIND’s primary fruit is to eat berries at least twice a week.  Red meat is reduced to less than four times a week, cheese to less than one serving per week, while poultry and fish consumed twice or once a week respectively.  Other recommended proteins include nuts and beans.  

Oil should be mainly from Olive Oil and butter or margarine reduced to less than a tablespoon a day; and fried or fast food eaten less than once a week.  MIND includes a glass of wine a day but limits pastries and sweets to less than five times a week.   The Mayo Clinic says study results also found you do not have to strictly follow the diet to gain benefits.  For example, “adults in the study who followed the diet most closely (an average score of 9.6 points out of 15) saw the biggest drop in their Alzheimer's risk, the ones who scored in the middle (7.5 points) still cut their risk by over a third.” 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, our many services and amenities include 5-Star dining.  Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch and include the freshest, healthiest of ingredients.  We offer 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites and another 29 secure memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  As a new resident, you will have priority access to the COVID vaccine.   Visit our website to learn more.     

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 the most experienced, loving memory care Arvada CO offers.  

Source: 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/15-simple-diet-tweaks-cut-alzheimers-risk/art-20342112

Getting Enough Sleep is Essential to Your Good Health and Wellbeing

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being. In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as is regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into most every aspect of our lives.

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite.

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance. A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed. Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health. A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression. Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.”

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to. Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.

If you are looking for a relaxing, carefree lifestyle, and a comfy new home to lay your head in each night, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Beaverton’s beautiful assisted living and memory care community. Offering senior living residences with stylish, smartly-designed suites, we enjoy a picturesque setting overlooking natural wetlands. Our community was meticulously built from the ground up to address the needs of our residents and to provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Contact us or visit our website to learn why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, Oregon.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

Have Questions about Senior Living? Check Out Our Many Online Resources

At MorningStar of Arvada, we want prospective families to know we are here to answer all their questions, and once the decision is made to join our 55+ community, we provide the support needed to ensure a smooth transition.  In addition we offer a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as short-term stays.    

Our all-inclusive independent living offers seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it.   

Moreover contrary to what many think about assisted living, it actually is designed to help seniors maintain their sense of independence.  By providing assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), residents can focus on living their life to the fullest.  Upon joining our community, residents have an Individualized Care Plan created for them after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their family.  

Finally we proudly provide comprehensive memory care Arvada, CO families trust with 29 secure suites dedicated to caring for our most tender resident.  To accomplish this, our entire staff is trained on the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care.  Additionally our community is equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  In fact every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, activities and programs, meals, and more.  

As the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care, MorningStar of Arvada offers a whole range of resort-style amenities, services, and wellness programs and activities.  Our goal is to provide residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and our commitment to serving others.  

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.

The Benefits of Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

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), the rule of thumb to determine if in-home care services or an assisted living community is less expensive is does the person requires 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 an assisted living community like MorningStar of Beaverton, 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 mobile aids as well as has 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.

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, we encourage you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving home. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful community offers 66 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs. In addition, 38 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, Oregon.

Our Beautiful Phoenix Communities are Seeking Housekeepers

If you are the type of person who enjoys seniors and takes pride in doing an excellent job, we invite you to apply for one of our housekeeping jobs in Phoenix and the surrounding area.  MorningStar Senior Living’s Phoenix communities are not only beautifully designed but have earned a reputation for offering the area’s highest standard of senior living. 

As a MorningStar housekeeper, you will join a team of dedicated professionals who feel privileged to serve seniors and willingly go the extra mile to help a resident or another team member.  Indeed, we are incredibly blessed to have a staff with a felt calling to serve and who share our core values of love, kindness, honesty, fairness and respect.  

While keeping our gorgeously-appointed surroundings spotless, you will also have the opportunity to get to know our residents better while you are cleaning their homes.  Your responsibilities will include performing assigned tasks in accordance with established housekeeping procedures and keeping your work area maintained in a clean, safe, comfortable and attractive manner.  In addition, you will be charged with maintaining the confidentiality of resident-care information and respecting residents’ personal property.  

While we prefer experience, most importantly we are seeking individuals who want to be a part of our MorningStar family and to work as a team to work toward our success.  At MorningStar Senior Living, we are proud to create a work environment where life is enriched, stories are shared and lives are cherished.  

Morningstar is proud to support our valuable team members with a very generous benefit package.  Our benefits start with competitive wages, plus bonus and incentive opportunities in some positions, and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, training, and employee leave and support programs.  Please visit our website for more information regarding rewarding housekeeping jobs as well as other openings in our loving Phoenix area communities. 

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for details regarding housekeeping jobs in Phoenix.

Your Wellness Visit Should Include a Cognitive Assessment

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.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our assisted living facility includes 38 secure suites offering individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understand 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 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.

Enjoy Life to the Fullest by Adopting a More Positive Outlook

Now that we have finally put 2020 behind us and are ready to move forward, why not do it with a more positive attitude?  Experts explain that developing and maintaining positive energy involves “more than merely thinking happy thoughts.”  It should include things like a belief that our problems will work out and that we can expect good results.      

The Mayo Clinic divides people’s thinking into the age-old adage of the glass half empty, half full and says that a number of studies show that an optimistic or pessimistic belief can affect many areas of our health and wellbeing.  For example, those with optimistic outlooks tend to manage stress better, which we know can be bad for blood vessels and heart health as well as cause insomnia, anxiety and more.  Being an optimist can increase our longevity, reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and endow us with better coping skills during challenging times.  

Experts suggest in order to cultivate more optimism in our day-to-day thinking, we should practice positive self-talk.  This means talking as kindly to ourselves as we do with other people.  They also say it is helpful to be surrounded with positive people and to follow a healthy lifestyle including eating well and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.  Another powerful tool is to embrace humor.  Let yourself laugh, smile at others and try to find humor even in difficult situations.    

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we specialize in offering 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.  If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, we also provide 29 secure suites that are staffed by a team of compassionate dementia care specialists.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing.    

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 the finest, unrivalled independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.    

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

The Pandemic May Have Strengthened Our Relationship with Nature

A recent survey by the University of Vermont reports people have gotten out in nature much more during the pandemic than in prior times. The online survey found that 3,200 Vermonters between May 3 and May 19, 2020, who were at the time under the State’s strictest quarantine rules, not only got out in nature more but felt better for doing it.

As many as 70 percent of participants reported they were walking more, and 64% percent said they were spending more time wildlife watching. Relaxation accounted for 58% of the reason people got out in nature, and taking photos or creating art increased by as much as 54 percent.

All told, 60 percent of those surveyed said they felt that simply getting out in nature improved their mental health and wellbeing. While 29 percent said they got out mainly for exercise, another 29 percent reported appreciating nature’s beauty and 22 percent felt connect to something bigger than themselves.

The Harvard Publishing Health journal also recently reported on an emerging scientific field called ecotherapy, which finds a strong link between time spent in nature and a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. In a 2015 study, researchers report that “those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.” So no more excuses; head out to a local park and start enjoying nature as it is not only good for your physical health but your mental health.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is situated on 8.8 acres and offers seniors a welcoming, comfortable home for carefree retirement years. In addition to independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. We also want new residents to know that they will have priority access to the COVID vaccine. Please visit our website to learn more.

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

Source:

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-has-the-pandemic-influenced-our-relationship-with-nature#The-benefits

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

Are You Ready for Retirement?

If you are thinking about retirement, you may be wondering if you are ready. One concern many older Americans have regarding their retirement is whether they have saved enough money. On this score, experts state you don’t need enormous wealth to be happy in retirement, but just need enough.

So how much is enough for you to live well in retirement? Again financial planners say you do not have to match your annual income to be comfortable as you will not be paying for commuting costs or paying into Social Security and Medicare. You will also not be putting money into a retirement account. One guideline suggests you may want about 80 to 85 percent of your preretirement income, and perhaps less is you have a paid-off mortgage.

Another thing to remember is your time is worth a lot and retirement does not have to be about expensive vacations and entertainment but rather giving you the time for the little things in life. Enjoying dinner with our family, spending time with friends, or playing with our grandkids have all become more precious during the pandemic and most of us cannot wait until we have the opportunity to do these things again.

Making your health a priority is also important and while we cannot control our genetics, we can do some things to help improve our health including getting more exercise and enough sleep. Keep in mind that doctors say any exercise is better than none. In fact, a large survey of 334,000 Europeans found that “the biggest beneficiaries of exercise — those who went from inactive to moderately inactive — had a 16 to 30 percent drop in premature death risk.”

Other tips to enjoy your retirement years more fully is to have a purpose. Maybe you always wanted to donate time to a charity, work in local youth programs, or organize fund-raising activities for your church; retirement is a great time to start. Moreover by this summer, hopefully most of us will be vaccinated and leading more normal lives so be ready to get out and really start living yours!

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we are proud to offer the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. We accomplish this with the help of a dedicated team of individuals who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. 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 Peoria, AZ.

Source:

aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2020/5-secrets-to-retire-happy.html

A Senior Living Community that Feels like “Home”

Throughout the MorningStar Senior Living communitiies across the Western US, a radiant spirit inspires our remarkable residents to lift their spiritis. While some of our actual physical closeness may have decreased due to the pandemic, our residents, their families, and team members have realized that “real community” is about much more. It it a sense of belonging, of family, and looking out for the wellbeing of others.

At MorningStar of Golden Ridge in beautiful Peoria, AZ, we are honored to have attracted a staff of individuals with big hearts who feel privileged to serve and lovingly treat our residents like they do their own moms and dads. In fact, virtues like character, kindness and selflessness are one of the first things we look for upon hiring team members. Then we provide guidance with training in MorningStar’s Service Excellence brand called “Radiance,” which cultivates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place.

We attribute much of our company’s success and growth to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership. In addition we recognize that MorningStar’s brand of being “radically relational” is advanced only insofar as individual team members adopt our core values of love, respect, honesty, goodness, kindness and fairness, and choose to embody our culture of Radiance.

Serving seniors has given us a deep respect for the many challenges and truimphs they have gone through during their lifetime; and is why we feel seniors are true heroes. MorningStar of Golden Ridge’s large campus includes a beautifully-designed building for assisted living and memory care residents as well as seniors looking for carefree independent living. We also offer 38 “Casitas” tucked into their own private neighborhood for active seniors who love the idea of the many conveniences independent living offers.

We are now safely accepting new residents, and once you join our community, you will have priority access to the COVID vaccine. Also in case you wondered, we are pet friendly.

MorningStar of Golden Ridge’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” 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 assisted living & independent living in the Peoria area.

How Life May Look in 2021

Most of us were happy to say goodbye to 2020, and we all look forward to a better, brighter 2021.  We long to get back to spending time in the company of our loved ones, and while we realize life may be a somewhat “new normal,” we are ready for a more positive future.     

A recent article on AARP’s website asks medical professionals to weigh in on the changes we can expect in the coming year along with some of the things that may not change.  One of the first points that experts agreed on is that we will have better treatments available for COVID-19.  Along with remdesiver, which has already been approved by the FDA, there are several other antivirals being tested to determine if they are even more effective.  

Another line of treatment includes monoclonal antibodies, which imitate the body's immune response to a disease.   While currently in short supply and only approved for emergency use, doctors hope if they prove effective they will be available to the general public.  Edith Parker, dean of the University of Iowa College of Public Health, believes they may be groundbreaking in terms of treating COVID.  She adds that the development of monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 “may be one of the positive things that have come out of the pandemic.”    

Other positive signs include administering treatments more effectively.  For instance, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, M.D., a professor of medicine and an infectious disease specialist with UT Health in Houston, says there may come a time in the near future when a patient is confirmed to have COVID, they will receive a prescription that can be taken at home.

Other hopeful advances are enhanced testing including at-home test kits that will provide results within a few minutes.  Also doctors are learning more and more about how best to treat patients.  Lastly experts say vaccines should be widely distributed by mid-year.  Health professionals caution that what will remain the same is the fact that we will need to still wear masks, wash our hands, and yes, for a while at least, practice social distancing.

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 pricing and availability at the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.   

Source:  

aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-2021.html

How We Care for Residents at MorningStar of Beaverton

MorningStar of Beaverton is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care. Our exceptional team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs. MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance. These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study. It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications. Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents.

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms. In addition, all 66 of our bright assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 38 secure suites devoted to caring for those with memory impairment and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings.

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

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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, OR.

We Provide Lots of Support during Your Loved One's Move-in Process

MorningStar of Arvada is one of the premier senior living communities in the area and provides the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada offers.  Situated on 1.5 acres and encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir, our gorgeous community provides an extensive range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.   

When a loved one needs more care than they can get in their own home, it may be time to start thinking about a move to assisted living.  If your family is new to the concept of senior living and all it means, please know that MorningStar of Arvada will work with you each step of the way to help you make informed decisions, and make the eventual move-in process easier.  

To start with, we understand that for your parent or elderly relative, the move is a major lifestyle transition, which is why we approach each move-in with great sensitivity.  One way we do this is to try and nurture a relationship from the start that reinforces the positive aspects of community life and tries to help the person envision the many possibilities of a new adventure.  

Once your family puts down a deposit to secure a chosen suite, our “House to Home” plan goes into full swing.  This starts by collecting pertinent information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move-in including a medical assessment and physician’s care plan for each new assisted living and memory care resident.     

On a more practical level, we offer packing tips including what items are most important to bring such as furnishings and personal belongings that are most significant emotionally, nostalgically as well as functionally.  We want the resident’s new “home” to bring them comfort and joy, which is why we suggest if possible to arrange furnishing similar to their prior residence.  Keep in mind; it is especially helpful to those with low vision or cognitive impairment.     

This is just a start of the on-going support we extend to new residents and their families.  We are ready to answer any questions you may have and direct you to our website for contact information as well as other pertinent details.  MorningStar of Arvada’s entire team is engaged in finding ways to build a true family, one loving relationship at a time. 

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. 

Are You Considering Memory Care for a Loved One?

Are you considering a community setting for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about an assisted living facility offering memory care is whether or not they are up to the task of caring for your loved one. Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road? A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need.

Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one. Do they have a tendency to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors? Do they require help with eating and drinking? Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker? Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes?

Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one, now ask your questions including how experienced is the staff; and do they have any special training. If so, is it on-going? Will your loved one have an individualized care plan? Also what is the staff-ratio during the day and at night?

Inquire about safety protocols starting with secured doors, courtyards, and grounds as well as an emergency call system. Are hallways color-coded as this makes it easier for residents to navigate about more independently? Is there a nurse on duty, and how extensive are medical services? Also ask about the type of memory care activities and treatments available. After you have learned what you can, experts say the final decision will most likely come down to your peace of mind.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we offer individualized, specialized dementia care for those at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages. Our holistic approach to care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. Beginning with compassionate caregivers to activities, programs and meal services tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care. Please see 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.” 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.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/memory-care-facility-checklist

Having a Hobby Can Relieve Stress & Anxiety

Experts explain that many of the things we consider to be merely hobbies are not only relaxing but can also be beneficial to our wellbeing, and one example is knitting.  As a recent international survey found, knitting has a “measurable effect on calming anxiety and relieving stress.”  In fact knitters reported feelings of happiness and calm while knitting as well as enjoy the social nature of the activity even though recent events mean it is currently an online community.   

Another clinical study involving individuals with eating disorders found that knitting had a significant effect on decreasing their anxiety.  Participants reported a sense of calm along with a lessening of obsessive thoughts and preoccupations.   

Researchers believe that just as playing the piano is good for our brains by having the movement of both our hands coordinate; knitting accomplishes much the same thing.  These bilateral (two-sided) movements fire neurons all over the brain, which in turn stimulates a whole host of brain functions that provide numerous benefits.  Through a series of studies, knitting appears to help those suffering from not only anxiety but eating disorders and pain management.  Knitting also offers the satisfaction of creating a warm hat, sweater, baby blanket, or a pair of socks for a loved one or someone in need. 

If knitting isn’t your thing, experts say you may want to try journaling to cope with your anxiety.  When you put your feelings in writing, it may help you to gain control of your emotions and to create order in your world of chaos.  It is also a good way to prioritize concerns and problems.  To help you take advantage of random thoughts that come to you throughout the day, carry paper and pen so you can record your feelings while still fresh in your mind.  

Some other easy-to-do stress-relievers include learning to cook or experimenting with different recipes.  Becoming serious about photography can in addition be a good excuse to get out in nature.  Doing word puzzles or coloring, swimming, yoga, and walking can also be beneficial.  Just remember that it might take tries to find the perfect hobby or activity for you to do, and it may be a combination of several, but most of all don’t give up.        

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 about unsurpassed independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: lovecrafts.com/en-gb/c/article/knitting-for-mindfulness

Rewarding Jobs at MorningStar Senior Communities

At the Phoenix area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we recognize that our team, particularly the front-line service staff, is the very heartbeat of our homes and currently seek exceptional individuals with a felt calling to serve. Communities include: MorningStar at Arcadia in Phoenix; MorningStar at Arrowhead in Glendale; MorningStar of Fountain Hills in Fountain Hills; and MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria. 

While many of our homes are much newer, our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living celebrated its 17th anniversary this year, and we expect to be around for many more.  We credit our success to the fact that we have stayed true to our brand, which holds the belief that MorningStar’s senior living homes are radically relational places where seniors are viewed as heroes. Thus, we have intentionally created a culture defined not only by what we do, but by the kind of people who bring it all to life – our team members!

Open positions include rewarding jobs that allow you to work closely with our residents and fellow team members such as our Life Enrichment Coordinators.  Here you will help develop activities that keep residents mentally, physically and creatively engaged within the framework of our comprehensive activity program.  You will get the opportunity to know each resident and to discover what they are passionate about as you encourage them to share their talents and join in the fun.   

We also have openings for caregiver positions including care managers and medication care managers/QMAPs.  These jobs also allow you to build strong relationships with our remarkable residents, in fact we encourage it.  We feel the better you know the residents you serve; the more likely it is you will know exactly what they need when they need it.    Other openings at our Phoenix communities include food servers, cooks, housekeeping jobs, and more.  

In addition to a generous financial compensation package, MorningStar offers a host of other benefits including comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth coverage, life insurance, and supplemental insurance (disability, accident, critical illness). At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team members are protected against most of life’s unexpected costs.  Please visit our website for a complete listing of positions, detailed descriptions and online applications.  We look forward to hearing from you! 

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 options.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  If you would like to serve, we invite you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on a range of positions including housekeeping jobs in Phoenix.