Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care

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More than a Job - Career Opportunities in Work that Matters

April 30, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

Our Phoenix area MorningStar senior living communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills and MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Currently all have job openings for individuals who love the idea of doing work they can feel proud of as well as provide opportunities for career advancement. One of our openings is full- and part-time housekeeping jobs. 

Qualifications start by selecting big-hearted individuals who embrace virtues such as kindness, character and selflessness for we know these are essential ingredients in building a team who serves with distinction. We ask for 2+ years of similar or relatable experience in house-keeping or cleaning and a passion for interacting with our residents.  

Knowing the contribution our team makes to the residents’ quality of life, we are generous in wages and benefits including bonus or incentive opportunities and paid holiday, vacation and sick time. Insurance is another important benefit to team members and their family and we offer health insurance (deductible options, below average premiums), dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth coverage (at no cost) and various policies for life and disability insurance. 

Another bonus of working in one of our housekeeping jobs in Phoenix’s senior living communities is the meaningful training provided to team members. We start with O2 (Orientation & Onboarding), which introduces you to our company, our mission and our values. As we want all employees to better understand Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide training in a proprietary program known as Lavender Sky. To understand our culture and how we deliver service, you will additionally receive training in Radiance.  

We think you will be surprised by what you can learn by hanging around with seniors and how much fun it can be. Our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities and makes us a great place to work at.Please visit the MorningStar Senior Living “Career” page for current openings and an online employment application as well as information regarding our comprehensive benefits, training and more.

April 30, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, senior living, memory care
Healthy Seniors
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Looking for Exceptional Senior Living in Beaverton, OR?

April 26, 2021 by Karla A

If you are looking for an exceptional senior living, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar of Beaverton. Our leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community. In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our communityas well as provides some background on our company.

For instance, our home page offers a great description of our home, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as a Gallery of pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to welcoming spaces and beautiful design. Our home page also has a button to Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities. Clicking on Suite Amenities highlights the comforts within our 66 private assisted living suites and 38 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment. Our suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, and you can view specifics by clicking on the Floor Plans button.

We also encourage you to view the virtual tour on our home page. Here you will get a good look at some of our beautiful common areas including the dining room, theater, fitness room, bistro, life enrichment room, and more. In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.

We then suggest you browse through the links at the top of the page to learn more about First Steps, Lifestyle Options, Wellness and Our Heart. More questions are answered on our FAQ page (under First Steps) including what makes MorningStar different, understanding senior living, care services, pricing, staff training, and the move in process. If you like what you see please contact us for pricing, availability and any other questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.

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


April 26, 2021 /Karla A
senior living
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Are Memory Problems Worrying You?

April 26, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing the memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia.  

The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night; eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress.

After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to account for your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital should be able to recommend a behavioral neurologist or a geriatric psychiatrist. He or she will probably start with a series of written, on the computer, or oral tests to “assess memory, reasoning, attention, language, visual functions, motor functions, and social functions (such as empathy and knowing how to behave appropriately in social situations).”

They will check for “abnormalities in muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, senses, eye movement, and the pupils' reaction to light, which can signal abnormalities in specific areas of the brain.” In addition the doctor will check for Parkinson’s, a stroke or tumors, and will probably schedule a hearing and vision test. If indicated, you may have advanced testing such as PET scans or your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers checked for signs of Alzheimer’s. 

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For unsurpassed memory care, Arvada provides 29 secure memory care staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Visit our website for more.  

Source:health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HB20210415-MCI&utm_id=2882670&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=2882670

April 26, 2021 /Karla A
dementia, alzheimer's, independent living
Healthy Seniors
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Eye Exercises Can Help Strengthen Aging Eyes & Reduce Irritation

April 25, 2021 by Karla A

It is important to not only exercise our bodies and our mind for optimal health, but our eyes as well. Experts say daily eye exercises can help to maintain and sharpen our ability to focus, reduce eye strain and irritation, and slow down deterioration that occurs as we age.

Along with eye exercises, it is important for seniors to get regular eye exams to check for changes in vision including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A nutritional diet is another part of promoting good eye health as is exercise. Moving your body keeps the blood flowing to every part of the body.

Eye exercises are simple to do and can be done in a few minutes. One of the easiest is to blink. Blinking helps lubricate and strengthen the eyes. Start by relaxing the eye and then blinking lightly and rapidly 15 times. If you experience eye strain from too much computer time, squeeze your eyes gently shut, open, and relax. Do ten times in a row. Next, try flexing the eyes by looking up without moving your head, then look down. Now look to the left and then the right also keeping the head still. Repeat 10 times.

Palming is a yoga technique used to relieve eye strain. Sit in a relaxed position with eyes closed; place the palms of your hands over your eyes, the base of your palms on your cheeks, and fingers on your forehead. Be sure not to use too much pressure, you should be able be blink your eyes. Hold in this position for two minutes.

Another exercise involves refocusing on object both near and far. Start by focusing on an object near at hand. Once you have completely focused, look at something 30 feet away and focus on that object. Next you can try the same thing with something far in the distance.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an array of amenities and services. Our senior living options include assisted living and independent living along with memory care. We are dedicated to creating a true home for carefree retirement years. Please visit our website or contact us to learn more.


April 25, 2021 /Karla A
aging
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The Benefits of Gardening for Older Adults

April 22, 2021 by Karla A

A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle.

Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as garden can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility.

Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting a herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to ones appropriate for your particular region. Planning your garden is a big part of the fun and studies show along with the physical aspect of gardening and the critical thinking skills regarding what to plant and how to take care of it may actually lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer's.

Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project.

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community offers stylish independent living and assisted living as well as compassionate, professional memory care. To ensure the comfort and wellbeing of residents, we offer resort-style amenities and services with beautiful common areas inside and out including two-story great rooms, bistro bar, and restaurant-style dining indoors and on our dining patio. Independent living residents enjoy our community amenities as well as a clubhouse located within their neighborhood.


April 22, 2021 /Karla A
senior living
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Have Trouble Sleeping?

April 19, 2021 by Karla A

If you have trouble getting to sleep at night or staying asleep, you are not alone. Millions of people report having insomnia at some point in their life, and while it may not seem significant, lack of sleep can negatively affect every aspect of our lives.

Harvard Health Publishing explains sleep cycles change as we age, and for many, it may mean an interrupted night’s sleep. Most common in older men, medical experts say just because we are not getting a full night’s sleep, doesn’t mean we don’t need it. Dr. Lawrence Epstein, associate physician with the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital says, “"Research has shown that your sleep needs stay constant throughout adulthood." He adds, poor sleep has more to do with changing habits, not need.

He cautions against routinely using over-the-counter sleep aids as they can quickly lose their effectiveness and do nothing to address the underlying problem. Sleep apnea; restless leg syndrome (RLS) and the need to use the bathroom at night may all be interfering with your sleep. Other culprits include depression, lack of exercise and pain.

The doctor offers some tips to improve quality of sleep starting with a bedtime ritual an hour or so before a scheduled bedtime. He recommends relaxing with a warm bath and perhaps reading a book or another quiet pastime other than watching TV. Make sure the room is dark, and run a sound machine if helpful. Don’t get into the habit of napping too long during the day, no more than 20 to 30 minutes, and avoid caffeine and alcohol at least two hours before bedtime, or earlier if it is a problem.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is one of the area’s top senior living communities and has 38 Casitas, quadraplexes with attached garages, for independent living, and 65 suites for assisted living in our main building. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 35 secure suites for memory care. We invite you to visit our website for pricing and availability.


April 19, 2021 /Karla A
senior health
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Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living of Arvada

April 11, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

At MorningStar Senior Living of Arvada, we proudly offer seniors a range of options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term stays and respite care.  

Senior living is a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely.  Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends.  Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation.  Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them.  Also, you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.  

Our comfortable independent living features private suites and spacious common areas including a pool.  All of our independent living residents are welcomed to join in with our various community activities and wellness programs, and enjoy our many amenities such as a fitness room, art studio, theatre, chapel, full-service salon, and more. We handle all the maintenance (no more worries about cutting grass or shoveling show), and offer housekeeping, laundry and other services.  Meals are prepared by our Executive Chef and served in our lovely restaurant-style dining room, bistro or outdoor dining deck.  In other words, residents have the freedom to focus on more fulfilling activities like relaxing and enjoying themselves.

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities.  For families searching for assisted living, our community ensures seniors get the help they need when they need it.  Along with our dining services, wellness activities, and onsite amenities, we offer a full range of care services based on an individualized care plan that includes 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses, and more.   

Lastly, we provide secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments staffed by dementia care specialists who have a deep understanding of the disease.  Our philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore.  

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.

April 11, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, independent living, senior living
Healthy Seniors
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A New Way to Look at Alzheimer's Disease

April 06, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

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/

April 06, 2021 /Karla A
memory care, dementia, alzheimer's
Healthy Seniors
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Independent Living at MorningStar of Arvada

April 01, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

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.

April 01, 2021 /Karla A
memory care, assisted living, independent living
Healthy Seniors
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From Housekeeping Jobs to Executive Director – Every Role is Important!

March 28, 2021 by Karla A

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.


March 28, 2021 /Karla A
alzheimer's, senior living, dementia
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Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Beaverton, Oregon

March 26, 2021 by Karla A

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.



March 26, 2021 /Karla A
senior living
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Keep Your Health Records Organized & Updated – It Could Save Your Life!

March 25, 2021 by Karla A

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

March 25, 2021 /Karla A
senior health
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Be an Active Advocate for Your or a Love One’s Medical Care

March 22, 2021 by Karla A

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.

March 22, 2021 /Karla A
senior health
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Smartly-designed, Spacious Floor Plans

March 19, 2021 by Karla A

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.

March 19, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living
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Clinical Trial to Learn if a Healthier Lifestyle Protects Cognitive Function

March 11, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

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

March 11, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia, alzheimer's
Healthy Seniors
MorningStar-Beaverton_DP_5735.jpg

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

March 10, 2021 by Karla A

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.



March 10, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living
MorningStar-Beaverton_DP_7161.jpg

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

March 05, 2021 by Karla A

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

March 05, 2021 /Karla A
aging
Morningstar-Arvada-Interior-05-06-19-Model-Kitchen-Web.jpg

MorningStar of Arvada's Assisted Living May Enrich Your Life

March 04, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

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.

March 04, 2021 /Karla A
senior living, independent living, assisted living
Healthy Seniors
independent-living-peoria (2).jpg

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

February 28, 2021 by Karla A

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.


February 28, 2021 /Karla A
senior living, senior care, senior health
Morningstar-Arvada-Interior-05-06-19-Club-Room-Web.jpg

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

February 26, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors

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.

February 26, 2021 /Karla A
dementia, assisted living, memory care
Healthy Seniors
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