A New Way to Look at Alzheimer's Disease

While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink their attitude toward the disease.  Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he calls “the tragedy narrative.”  Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive. 

Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease.  Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.”

One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engaged them with empathy, humor, and improvisation.  Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.” 

At MorningStar of Arvada, we provide compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us.  

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 create a true home for residents.  Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/

Independent Living at MorningStar of Arvada

While there may be a number of senior communities in the area, we would like to introduce you to one of the best.  MorningStar of Arvada offers stylish suites for independent living for those who love the idea of carefree retirement years and plenty of time for life’s adventures.  Our beautiful community is situated on 1.5 acres, encircled by historic Golden, Colorado, and is close to shopping, medical facilities, and other services.  

For the most active seniors, our spacious suites offer floor plans that range from studio and one- or two-bedroom configurations (some as large as 1374 square feet).  Each apartment has a kitchenette, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system, and private heating and cooling. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly! 

Other services and amenities at MorningStar include a pool and hot tub, fitness center, art studio, a movie theatre, beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Residents also enjoy outdoor dining, a sports bar, an ice cream parlor, and bistro. To make sure you have the time to do what you want to do, we provide weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  

Unlike many other senior communities in the area, MorningStar of Arvada also provides assisted living and memory care so if your needs should change, we are here to help.  While you will find our website showcases pictures of our gorgeous community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home.   We attribute this to our exceptional care team that feels honored to serve seniors, and works hard every day to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  

Please visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

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 create a true home for residents.  Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

From Housekeeping Jobs to Executive Director – Every Role is Important!

If you live in or around Phoenix, you most likely know there are lots of senior living communities throughout the area; but we want you to know you will not find a better one to work for than our MorningStar homes.  We believe that every position is essential to the smooth operation of our communities and the wellbeing of our residents.  In fact, each of our communities is designed to promote an atmosphere where both residents as well as team members can thrive.  

As a service professional, you will become an expert on understanding our residents’ unmet needs, reading body language, nurturing connections, and knowing life stories and preferences.  You will know the best ways to surprise and delight our cherished residents as well as appreciate the intrinsic value of your service and the effect you have on the lives of seniors.  

To build a united team that serves with wholehearted distinction, we have followed the directives of our mission statement, which reads to “invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.”  Thus, all employees are provided with meaningful training and support from directors, supervisors and fellow team members so they can excel in their role.        

We are also proud to support our team members with some of the most generous benefits in the industry. Compensation starts with competitive wages, and bonus or incentive opportunities (depending on position).  In addition, employees are eligible for paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick time, birthday appreciation day, 401k plan availability, health savings account availability, uniforms, and advancement opportunities. At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team is paid well for the valuable services they provide our company.

If this ignites your passions, please visit our website’s Career page to search open positions at our communities in Phoenix, Glendale, Fountain Hills, and Peoria, AZ. While you are there, visit our communities’ home pages to learn more about us. 

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.

Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Beaverton, Oregon

Looking for the best assisted living in Beaverton? MorningStar of Beaverton provides residents a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our residential home is filled with spacious, beautifully-appointed common areas both inside and out and include courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit, strolling paths, chapel/theatre, bistro, library and fitness room. Delicious meals prepared by our Executive Chef are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.

However, our stylish design does not stop at the door of our private suites. Each one offers a range of features including lots of lighting, high ceilings, and large windows as well a kitchenette with refrigerator. One- and two- bedroom suites have washers and dryers. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with an emergency call system to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms. Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal.

All assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with the Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Access to a licensed nurse is available onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock. We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically re-evaluate care plans and make changes as needed.

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more. We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.

At the heart of our community, and what we are most proud of, is our team of loving, responsive caregivers who feel privileged to serve. Please visit our website for contact information. We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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.

Keep Your Health Records Organized & Updated – It Could Save Your Life!

The John Hopkins Medical Center recently published an article regarding senior cardiac patients that said “those who kept a personal health record enjoyed better health—perhaps because they and their caregivers could better see their health picture.” Doctors say especially in emergency situations, having up-to-date records readily available is extremely helpful for healthcare providers.

For many, the older we get means we have accumulated quite an extensive medical history, and keeping it in order may seem somewhat daunting. This is where some tips from the medical community will be welcomed.

The first suggestion from John Hopkins’ geriatric medicine physician Alicia Arbaje, M.D., M.P.H., is to create a Doctor Directory of every healthcare provider you see. Record their specialty and why you see them as well as contact information.

The next step is to create a current file for this year’s medical records. This should include: summaries of your doctors’ visits; hospital discharge summaries, test results; and pharmacy print outs of medications you are taking. Dr. Arbaje recommends including insurance forms related to treatments as well as a copy of your living will and medical power of attorney. Older records can be stored away and brought out when the need arises.

If you have a chronic disease, experts recommend keeping a log of symptoms and side effects. This would include things like blood pressure readings and blood sugar numbers. When taking a new medication, include any information regarding how you are responding to the new drug. To make it easier to update and manage your medical file, take advantage of apps designed for that purpose and check if your healthcare providers offer online medical charts that are available to you.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and security in the form of independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about 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 the Phoenix area.

Source:

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/medical-records-getting-organized

Be an Active Advocate for Your or a Love One’s Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. The World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”

Furthermore, studies show the most harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnoses resulted in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong drugs prescribed.

However it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all of the drugs they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption.

Medical professional say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment.

Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it. If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend. Also ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable. Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better; remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, our home is a family that includes residents, their families and team members. Along with 65 suites for assisted living, we have 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 secure suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, and 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 for more information on trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria.

Smartly-designed, Spacious Floor Plans

If you live in the Peoria, AZ area, we invite you to take a look at our beautiful senior living community, MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Located near the Cardinal’s stadium and close to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation, our goal is to provide seniors with the best carefree retirement years.

Our community offers independent living with 38 Casitas that include attached garages for active seniors who love the idea of maintenance-free living for a lifestyle that is as relaxed or as active as you like. Nestled in their own private neighborhood on our large campus, each has premium upgrades that characterize our homes. Moreover when you compare our fees alongside our competitors, you will get a good sense of the value we offer. To see the layout of our Casitas, visit our website and pull down the “Floorplan” tab to see two different configurations. Both have two-bedrooms and two-baths and feature contemporary designs such as kitchens with breakfast bars, high-quality stainless-steel appliances, premium quartz countertops, stained wood cabinets and high-end wood-laminate plank flooring.

In our main building, we have 65 assisted living suites for those requiring a helping hand with daily personal care activities. Here our floor plans include studios; and one-bedroom, one-bath; two-bedroom, one-bath; and two bedrooms, 1/1/2 baths. All assisted living suites include private heating & air conditioning, kitchenettes, weekly housekeeping, stackable washer/dryer in most, and more.

For residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we have 35 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood. Floorplans include one-bedroom, one bath or two-bedroom, one bath. Suites in assisted living and memory care also have a kitchenette with quartz surfaces, stainless full-size fridge and breakfast bar as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems.

All of our senior living options are designed with lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, and mini blinds. In addition we are pet friendly. Our vibrant community is on 8.8 acres and every aspect is designed to give you care-free retirement years with a dedicated hospitality and care team who feel called to serve 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 trusted independent living & assisted living in beautiful Peoria.

Clinical Trial to Learn if a Healthier Lifestyle Protects Cognitive Function

The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Wake Forest School of Medicine in a new, first-of-its-kind intervention trial called the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER).  The two-year clinical trial wants to learn if lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults between the ages of 60-79 who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.  

The national study hopes to “create a new and healthier ‘normal’ through lifestyle changes.”  While research has already shown that a healthier lifestyle protects our bodies’ overall health, scientists now want to know if it can also protect the health of the brain  from future memory problems such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  

The U.S. Pointer study is currently being conducted at sites in North Carolina, California, Illinois, Texas and Rhode Island, and is the first study of its kind to be done on such a large group of participants from across the United States.  Additionally, it is part of a worldwide consortium of other similar research including the 2014 Finland study of healthy older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  The “FINGER Study” (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) reports that “a two-year combination therapy simultaneously targeting physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and self-monitoring of heart health risk factors had a protective effect on cognitive function.”  

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada offers 29 secure memory care suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Source: alz.org/us-pointer/overview.asp

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require a little help each day. Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up a care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming; 24-hour Care Managers; a CPR-trained staff member on each shift, and a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and on-site 5 days a week. We also provide regular Care Plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more. Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.

In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that prepares daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional. Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and includes low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low-fat choices.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s assisted living also includes a range of wellness programs and activities designed to entertain and stimulate our residents. We offer scheduled transportation services and will resume special outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues when it is safe again to do so.

Along with our assisted living suites, MorningStar of Beaverton offers 38 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood that are devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit the MorningStar of Beaverton website to learn more about our loving senior living community.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a beautiful setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

John Hopkins published a study that found mild hearing loss doubles the risk for dementia. The nearly 12 year study included 639 adults and further reported that a moderate hearing loss tripled the risk, and people with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia.

The study was headed by Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., who explains that the problem may come from the fact that many people who experience hearing loss deliberately avoid being around others and socially isolate. A hearing loss makes it difficult for the person to follow conversations and they don’t like to put themselves in social situations that make them uncomfortable. Another problem is it actually makes our brain’s work harder as it mutes some of the subtle sounds our ears intuitively use to help us safely walk.

Dr. Lin says his group has another study planned to determine if hearing aids help to mitigate some of the negative effects of hearing loss including the higher risk of dementia. He does add that hearing aids certainly help individuals get back into the conversation and to enjoy being around their friends and family again.

Statistics show that while almost 27 million Americans age 50 years and older have some level of hearing loss, only one in seven people use a hearing aid. If you think your hearing may be diminished, you should make an appointment with an audiologist for a complete hearing check. Doctors also encourage individuals not to fall prey to the many myths involving hearing aids including worrying about looking older by wearing one as today’s hearing aids are less conspicuous and smaller than ever. And yes, doctors do say there is a breaking in period for a hearing aid but most doctors and hearing centers offer a trial period to make sure it is the right fit for you.

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: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

MorningStar of Arvada's Assisted Living May Enrich Your Life

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into a senior living community, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

At MorningStar of Arvada, our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems, and is smartly-designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents.  Assisted living also includes housekeeping and laundry services, trash removal and full access to all onsite amenities.

Our holistic approach to senior living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassion.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition, many elderly adults who live alone find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our beautiful community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover, if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that with scheduled transportation.  

For a limited time MorningStar of Arvada is offering new residents their 3rd and 6th month free. Please visit our website or contact us to learn more about assisted living as well as our independent living and memory care options.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Join Our Team and Become an Integral Part of MorningStar’s Success

Phoenix area MorningStar senior living communities are offering the right individuals the chance to work in a place where team work is not only encouraged but greatly supported.  To have an opportunity to work at a place that inspires every member to use their unique gifts for the good of the team, the residents, their families and the community around them.  We invite you to consider working at MorningStar where our entire team is an integral part of our success and where you will be given the tools to grow professionally and personally.     

Once you see one of our communities, we know you will be impressed with its beauty and range of amenities; however, the thing we are the most proud of is the love, laughter and compassion found beneath our roofs.  Our four communities - MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge - deliver the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care to area seniors.    

To provide the level of exceptional service our brand is built on, we are seeking individuals with virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness to fill a variety of positions.  All of our openings, including housekeeping jobs, at our Phoenix homes provide an opportunity to get to know our wonderful residents as they share their remarkable life stories with us.  

Along with generous compensation, insurance and a host of other benefits, MorningStar wants all of our team members to be to be the best at what they do, and do each job with confidence.  To that end, we invest in comprehensive 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). 

We invite you to visit the MorningStar website to learn more about our communities as well as our various job openings.  You will find descriptions and responsibilities of each role within MorningStar homes and an online application.  Positions are full and part-time and include a range of shifts and weekends.  

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.

MorningStar of Arvada Offers Dementia Care Under a "Lavender Sky"

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living of Arvada provides 29 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 dementia 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 Arvada, 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.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

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.