True Happiness Comes from Serving Others

Regardless of our age or station in life, helping others is one of the keys to true happiness. Saint Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Leo Tolstoy wrote the “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity,” and Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

Researchers have used fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technology to show how “giving activates the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by food and sex.” Thus helping others may be the secret to a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful. Experts recommend giving to causes you are passionate about and remember often time is more appreciated than money.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge we are a community founded on principles of serving others and along with our dedicated team, our remarkable residents are also ready to help. Our vision to love and honor others stretches beyond MorningStar’s senior living communities—and into the world. Starting at the top as Ken Jaeger, our Founder/CEO takes the lead. Ken does not mince words when it comes to inspiring others to live a life of selfless giving. Whether speaking to his MorningStar team or to any audience, his words are often these: “Don’t wait to serve. Serve now. Today. Get involved somewhere. It will make you a better person. And don’t wait to give until the day you make a million dollars. Don’t wait until your children are grown. Don’t wait until you retire. Give now, give generously. And just see what happens. For you cannot out-give God.”

MorningStar’s volunteer efforts include local community nonprofits; organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and helping people in need across the globe. Whenever possible, MorningStar residents are invited to join us in these acts of service by the giving of their time and talent as well.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our dedicated team knows seniors deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria. Be sure to ask about our Move-In Specials.

Medical Advice on How to Prevent a Stroke

Doctors stress the importance of getting emergency medical help if you think you are having a stroke. They warn every second counts once the brain is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients provided by the blood as “brain cells die at a shocking rate of 1.9 million per minute.” Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability. Not only is it important to recognize the signs of a stroke but to learn how to prevent one in the first place.

While the risk for stroke is increased by family history and age, Harvard Medical School explains there are steps we can take to lessen our risk. The first is to lower high blood pressure. HBP presents the greatest risk for stroke and a reading of less than 120/80 is ideal. Doctors say to get HBP under control reduce salt in your diet to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon); eat foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats; and avoid saturated fats. Your daily diet should include 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Eat fish two to three times a week. If you smoke, quit.

Additionally start exercising. Healthcare providers recommend at least 30 minutes a day or five days a week of moderate intensity exercise. They say exercise not only helps you lose weight and lower blood pressure, but in itself is a stroke reducer. If you drink alcohol, experts say no more than one glass a day. The standard size glass of wine is 5oz, beer is 12 oz. and hard liquor is 1.5 oz.

Another step is to treat diabetes and keep blood sugar levels in control. Also get treatment for atrial fibrillation as it has an almost fivefold risk of stroke. Most importantly consult your doctor regarding any recommended treatments including medications.

This article is informational only and not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge community, we offer a range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. Our 38 quadraplexes have attached garages and are designed for active seniors. The main building offers 65 assisted living suites where we provide a helping hand with daily personal care activities. MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ.

The Importance of Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Low

An alarming new report from the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC) finds 34.2 million people in the U.S. (10.5% of the country’s population) are diabetic. Within that group, “7.3 million, or 21.4%, have not yet received a diagnosis. The CDC also estimates that 34.5% of people over 18 years old, or 88 million, have prediabetes.” 

Adding to the problem, researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD found over the last decade fewer people are controlling their blood sugar at healthy levels. They also report the management of cholesterol is down, which is especially troubling as diabetics are at a higher risk of developing heart disease as well as developing kidney disease and nerve, eye and organ problems.

Dr. Elizabeth Selvin, of the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology and senior author of the study, said: “These are concerning findings. There has been a real decline in glycemic control from a decade ago, and overall, only a small proportion of people with diabetes are simultaneously meeting the key goals of glycemic control, blood pressure control, and control of high cholesterol.” 

Experts say some of the problem may stem from the fact that doctors think it is too difficult to help patients maintain healthy blood sugar levels but with some of the newer medications now available this is no longer true. Dr. Selvin explains new drugs carry less risk of hypoglycemia, and the process of managing blood sugar levels “may not be as complicated and daunting as physicians and patients might have come to expect.”  

It is important to get regular checkups, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise (both cardio and strength training). You also need to follow your doctor’s or dietician’s advice regarding diet. Diabetics need to eat at the same time each day and to watch portion size. 

The beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community believes serving seniors is our calling. We are committed to creating a community catering to the needs of residents and promoting independence through a healthy, engaged lifestyle. MorningStar has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites and another 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for availability of assisted living and independent living as well as to learn more about compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

google.com/search?q=diabetes+and+heart+disease&oq=diabetes+and+hear&aqs=chrome.0.0l3j69i57j0l4j46j0.5742j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Thinking About Moving to a Retirement Community?

Unlike years ago when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact studies indicate retirement communities provide a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. 

Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore a retirement community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. 

Another reason a senior living community such as MorningStar of Arvada enhances quality of life for its residents is we offer a five-star dinner experience for better nutritional health. Additionally wellness programs, social activities and special events mean there is something to look forward to each day. Whether taking in a yoga class, playing a challenging game of trivia, relaxing with friends on the patio or sharing a drink during Happy Hour, you will be engaged, stimulated and have a sense of purpose.    

At MorningStar of Arvada, our all-inclusive community offers independent living and assisted living with all of the amenities, services and enrichment programs to give you the best retirement years. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we have 29 secure suites devoted entirely to highly individualized, specialized care. Starting with a scenic location on 1.5 acres encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir, our home-like environment allows seniors to thrive. Visit our website for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.

Is it Normal Memory Loss or Dementia?

Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.  

For instances, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get to home or how to perform routine tasks. 

It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. 

Other example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically get worse. A 2009 study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.”   

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we have 29 secure memory care suites staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living, assisted living and compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences

Looking for a Way to Feel “Useful and Make a Difference?”

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famous American essayist, lecturer, and philosopher is quoted as saying, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  We could not agree more. At the Phoenix area senior living communities of MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we know what an honor it is to serve seniors.   

At our loving homes, we consider seniors to be heroes – people who have given of themselves by raising their families and in many cases bravely serving our country. Now our job is to serve them by building a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered, a team who understands the importance of investing in each other and our resident-families. MorningStar’s hiring process includes seeking people who exude Character and Kindness and Selflessness, as we know these attributes contribute as much as Education and Experience. From there, we invest generously in the training, coaching, compensation and benefits for each team member.

Openings require various skill sets and range from positions such as cooks, to food servers, maintenance staff and housekeeping jobs as well as caregivers who work directly with residents. Our wages are very competitive and benefits are outstanding including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, supplemental disability and illness insurance and more.  

We recognize MorningStar’s unique brand of being “radically relational” is advanced only when team members adopt our core values of love, respect, honesty, goodness, kindness and fairness, and choose to embody our culture of “Radiance.” We are an equal opportunity employer, and while founded on Judeo-Christian traditions; we welcome team members and residents of all faiths and worldviews. If you have the heart of a caregiver, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for more information regarding our extensive benefits and compensation package along with detailed descriptions of each job. When you are ready, go ahead and fill out our online application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Do You Have a Pet? If not, You May Benefit from Getting One

Several studies over the last couple of decades have provided evidence suggesting pet ownership offers a range of health benefits for seniors. One of the most consistent findings is the fact that owning and caring for a pet may help seniors feel less lonesome, and with almost 1/3 of all seniors saying they are lonely, this is a good thing. In one study of pet owners ages 50 to 80: “88% said their pets help them enjoy life; 86% said their pets make them feel loved; and 79% said their pets help reduce stress.”

In addition to a pet’s unconditionally love, caring for the animal provides an older person with a sense of purpose as their pet needs to be feed and cared for daily. For example, a dog encourages seniors to get outside and exercise both themselves and the animal. Studies show pets can help improve seniors’ cardiovascular health and their mental and emotional health. Other studies have shown benefits such as improved mobility, a longer life span, pain relief and a better heart attack recovery.

While a pet can be a loving companion, it is important to pick one suited to the person’s physical health and their budget as vet bills can be costly. Cats and dogs make loyal friends but you may enjoy putting together and caring for an aquarium of exotic fish or raising songbirds. Whatever the choice, a pet is sure to bring a smile to the person’s face and help to keep them engaged on a daily basis.

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton, we understand that your pet is an important part of your family and you would not wish to move somewhere that he or she was not welcome. If you decide to choose our beautiful senior living community for your new home, no worries – we are pet friendly! Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

Source: aplaceformom.com/resources/pets-for-seniors

Want to Lose Some Weight? Substituting Healthier Options make it Simple

Experts say it isn’t just our imagination that losing weight gets harder the older we become, but is most likely due to having less muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. To help, they offer easy tips on how to painlessly replace calorie-laden foods with healthier, lower-calorie substitutes. In addition to the fact that nutrient-rich foods appear to help individuals be successful in their quest to lose weight, meals do not necessarily have to be smaller than your average intake.

Dietitians suggest an easy food swap is to drink water flavored with lemon slices or sparkling water rather than sugary sodas. One study found by replacing refined grains with whole grains it “improved blood cholesterol levels and decreased percent of body fat in postmenopausal women.” Replacing sugary granola with heart-healthy oatmeal can also help control your weight. Not only is oatmeal a good source of soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol but it contains magnesium and potassium known to promote healthy blood pressure. Also dietitians suggest trying sprouted grain breads, which many find tastier and healthier than even whole-grain breads.

Other ways to get healthier and lose weight is to include more plant-based foods into your diet. Make a pledge to have a couple of meatless dinners each week such and get your protein from bean burgers, lentils, and quinoa instead of hamburgers and steaks. To get more veggies into your diet, top your bean burger with spinach or lettuce, tomato slices and mushrooms rather than cheese. Rather than pasta, use squash or zucchini noodles.

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. We offer amenities such as dining rooms with restaurant-style service including an outdoor dining patio, veranda, bistro bar, life enrichment room, salon, scheduled transportation, parking and more. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/11-healthy-food-swaps-to-lose-weight?slide=2

Shingrix is Another Vaccine Important to Seniors’ Health

Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.

Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort.

Medical professionals say now is the time to get a Shingrix vaccine as when it first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it; there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot.

The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.”

If you are looking for the area’s finest 55+ community, take a look at MorningStar at Golden Ridge. We offer 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Offering all of the amenities, wellness programs, and hospitality and care services, we feel privileged to provide residents with carefree retirement years. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20May%2030%2007:49:00%20EDT%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health

We Invite You to Join Our MorningStar Family

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we are experts in providing seniors with first-class independent living, assisted living and memory care. In fact every aspect of our community is designed to offer a relaxing lifestyle enabling you to fully enjoy your retirement years. This includes providing support to residents and their families starting with the all-important decision process and carries through to the move-in and transition period.

A great way to start is to take a look at our Senior Life guide (call us for a free copy). Along with our knowledgeable team, it is a great resource in aiding families who are deciding if the time is right for assisted living or memory care.

When it comes to the move-in process, our team helps in whatever way we can (see our detailed description of what is involved in our FAQs). We recognize moving into a retirement community is a major lifestyle transition for a senior and approach the moment with the utmost sensitivity. Our MorningStar team nurtures a relationship from the beginning and strives to open the resident to the many possibilities and adventures community life offers.

You are considered part of the MorningStar family once a deposit secures your chosen suite and you take possession within a 10-day period. At this point, our “House to Home” process begins in earnest with securing the vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move including a medical assessment and physician’s plan of care for both assisted living and memory care residents. Practical help includes recommending reputable moving companies familiar with community living; and listening and communicating with our new resident to facilitate a smooth transition.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. While we are known for our exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we brag the most about our compassionate team who understands it is a privilege to serve. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ.

Music is a Soothing Balm to Many Alzheimer’s Patients

There are lots of stories of regarding people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease who may not remember the name of a close relative but can sing a song or whistle a tune they knew before the disease robbed them of their other memories. Experts say this is true even in the very late stages of the disease and is why many long-term care homes offer music to help promote wellness and enhance memory for those with dementia.

Listening to music is a meaningful activity for many with Alzheimer’s and can aid in soothing and calming as well as lifting spirits. It can create a connection for a person who no longer has the ability to speak, and caregivers has seen residents give impromptu hugs and kisses or engage in gentle, rhythmic movements such as rocking in a chair or patting their leg to the beat.

Jörn-Henrik Jacobsen, a scientist at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, and the University of Amsterdam, published a study in the journal Brain that compared the brain scans of 32 young and healthy men and women with those of 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease. Jacobsen found musical memory may be spared – unlike other parts of the brain – throughout Alzheimer’s disease progression. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America explains, this is because “following the rhythm or beat to music by whistling or singing comes from a part of the brain that doesn’t require cognitive functioning.

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community we offer 112 bright independent and assisted living suites as well as provide 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our memory care addresses the needs of our most tender residents from the physical design of our community right through to our food service. Please visit our website for availability; your loved one deserves the finest memory care Arvada CO offers.   

Source: 

health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/how-music-helps-people-with-alzheimers-disease?slide=5

Luxury Amenities Designed for Carefree Retirement

MorningStar of Arvada is a senior living community in the heart of scenic Arvada and surrounded by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada reservoir. Our home offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). For those affected with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 secure suites devoted entirely to individualized, specialized care. 

MorningStar’s wide range of resort-style amenities give residents a wonderful opportunity to really start enjoying carefree retirement years right within our community. For example enjoy a relaxing “movie night” at our onsite theatre including movie-style popcorn. How about a drink during Happy Hour in our Fireside living room? For our sports fans, catch the game while sharing a drink in our Sports Bar. 

Like the sound of never having to drive to the gym again by having an onsite fitness center? If you swim, you will love our pool, or using the hot tub to soak out the aches and pains of the day. If you felt isolated during the pandemic, isn’t it time to join a community designed for residents to dine in the company of friends in an attractive, restaurant-style dining room, bistro or outside dining deck? Feel like an after-dinner sweet? Take a walk down to our own ice cream parlor. 

Need some pampering? Schedule an appointment in our full-service salon or a massage in our massage room. Other amenities include a chapel, art studio, and patios. As your health and wellbeing is a priority, we make it easy to meet with your doctor in our onsite Health Center, take a spa bath or visit the therapy room. Our assisted living residents additionally have 24/7 caregivers, access to a licensed nurse, medication management and more. Visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Arvada’s all-inclusive independent living, assisted living and memory care where residents lead a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security.    

Parkinson’s Disease - Separating Fact from Fiction

We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems. 

One common misconception regard PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.” 

People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms. 

Although the cause of the disease is not known or is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we offer the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.  
Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease

Would You Love a Job that Makes You Feel Proud?

At MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the MorningStar at Golden Ridge communities, we are guided by a culture we call Radiance and seek those who share our commitment to service. Currently we are recruiting staff for food servers, cooks, concierges and housekeeping jobs in Phoenix as well as caregivers, medication care managers and more.  

While our jobs require diverse skill sets, they all need individuals with big hearts who love the idea of helping to improve a senior’s quality of life. As a housekeeper in one of our beautiful homes (check out our website to see pictures), you will take pride in keeping it spotless for our remarkable residents and delight in hearing their life stories. Moreover you will appreciate working with a distinguished team committed to serving our resident-families, fellow team members and a wider community here at home and across the globe.    

The job also offers the perk of having residents tell the housekeepers how much they appreciate their hard work. As an employee of a MorningStar community, you will receive competitive wages, meaningful training and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth coverage and life insurance. In addition to vacation, sick and holiday pay, we offer flexible schedules to help employees meet the needs of their own families. 

At Phoenix’s MorningStar senior living communities, our difference begins with a vision that states: in pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world. If you are searching for a job you can feel proud of and wish to thrive professionally and personally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding housekeeping jobs in Phoenix.

Several Studies Link Diet to the Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

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 MorningStar of Beaverton 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 ingredients. In addition, our nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for residents to self-manage. Our beautiful home offers suites for assisted living in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Additionally, the Reflections Neighborhood has secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. Please contact us for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.

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

Our Home’s Management Team Sets the Bar for Excellence

We have all had experience with businesses and organizations not running well due to a lack of good management. While employees are an important element of great service, management sets the standard for the direction of the organization. At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we are lucky to have a team that strives for excellence.

Starting at the top with our Executive Director, Kerri Felix has a strong record of providing the best possible experience to residents and our community as a whole. She has served MorningStar for over two years bringing her work ethic, performance and love for seniors to our home. She says the first senior she loved was Raymond Clarke, known to her as Grampy. The funny thing was she never considered him to be old but just her favorite guy with white hair. Kerri explains seniors teach us to be humble, and to be respectful of time, a precious commodity not to be wasted. She finds it is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to serve them every day.

Our Director of Community Relations, Jennifer Ellsworth, says she walked alongside her father through his journey with dementia. Now she loves helping other families navigate these waters and to lighten the burden they feel by imparting the knowledge she has learned along the way. Jennifer explains, “With sincere enthusiasm, I am proud to offer that counsel here at MorningStar, a company known for its integrity.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge would not be the same without the loving services of our Wellness Director, Nicole Baker. As a Licensed Nurse, she fondly remembers Joyce, who was one of the first residents she had the privilege to be part of her care. Nicole says “Grandma Joyce” loved to sing and dance and taught her to be happy no matter what happens for life is a gift, and so are the people in our lives.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we have a unique mission statement to honor God, to value our seniors, and to hire staff with a felt calling to serve. Our community exudes a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture, resort-style amenities and services, and a complement of wellness programs. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Questions Regarding Our Senior Living Community

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we approach senior living from all angles to provide residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. For active seniors looking for carefree retirement, predictable budgeting and resort-style amenities, we have 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages). In our main building, we have 65 private suites for assisted living and another 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We proudly offer older adults 55+ a relaxing environment where they can make new friends, learn new things or just have fun with our wide variety of meaningful programs and activities.

As an independent living resident, you will enjoy carefree living in one of our Casitas tucked into its own private neighborhood with a clubhouse and pool. You will additionally have peace of mind knowing there is more than one neighborhood within our community in the event your needs change as we give residents priority to transfer without charge to assisted living or memory care. If your choice of suite is not immediately available, you are welcome to bring in a home care agency in the interim.

You will find our assisted living is ideal for those who wish to keep their independence but require a little daily help to do so. Of course couples are welcome to share an assisted living suite or one can be shared by friends who simply enjoy one another’s company. Whether you make the move to assisted living or independent living, our fashionable private suites and Casitas are designed with high ceilings, large windows, carpeting, and mini blinds. Moreover beautifully appointed common areas throughout, ensure residents feel right at home. In case you wondered, we are pet friendly.

Please visit our website for more information about the area’s best independent living & assisted living. To contact us, use our Virtual Assistant chat service to: Get Pricing; Request a Tour; Ask a Question; View Photos & Videos; and Talk to Live Chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tips to Building Healthier Life Habits

If the pandemic caused you to gain a couple of pounds or waylaid your efforts to get to the gym or take a walk, now is the time to resume your resolve to be a better you. “Research shows that the start of any new phase — be it the resumption of post-pandemic life, turning a year older or the invigorating days of spring — can serve as powerful psychological motivation to kick-start new habits. It’s called the fresh-start effect.”

In fact according to behavioral experts, anytime we have a change in our lives such as the stage we are now going into is a good time to think about habits we want to change. However they advise many of our actions are habitual and many of us may need more than motivation to create new habits.

One tip to healthier habits is to gradually lay the foundation for a new habit by setting realistic and specific goals. For example if a goal is to begin walking, start by putting on your walking shoes every day at a time anchored to something you already do such as right after dinner. From there evolve your habit into actually walking.

Professionals say it is easier to adopt a new habit into your routine if it is something you enjoy. Adding a social component like walking or taking an exercise class with a friend can make exercise more pleasurable. Studies find people who team up with an “exercise buddy” have more success, and researchers say it is a probably the combination of enjoyment and accountability.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ is a beautiful senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. We have 38 Casitas for independent living (quadraplexes with attached garages) and 65 private assisted living suites in a range of floorplans as well as compassionate memory care. Remarkable for our exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understands it is a privilege to serve seniors.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/creating-healthy-habits.html

Hear Loss is One of the Most Common Conditions Affecting Seniors

The National Institute of Health reports approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Hearing loss causes someone a range of problems including difficulty understanding and following a doctor’s advice, responding to safety warnings, and hearing doorbells, phone calls, and alarms. Another all-too common problem is it can be hard to follow conversations with family and friends, and many start avoiding situations where they may be frustrated or embarrassed. 

Medical experts advise asking your primary care physician for a referral to an otolaryngologist, an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They will try to determine the cause of your hearing loss and treatment options. They may refer you to an audiologist who is trained in measuring the degree of loss as well as recommend treatment, which may include fitting you for a hearing aid. There are three different types of hearing aids and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you (most can be purchased for a trial period).  

In some cases, doctors may recommend Cochlear implants, “small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing.”  Other treatment options include hearing assistive devices for your phones to amplify sound; closed circuit systems for churches or theaters; and lip or speech reading classes.   

Our beautiful MorningStar of Arvada senior living community has an excellent reputation in the greater Denver area. With a mission to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. We have 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites, with another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about various living options including compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO.

Our Team Members are Special Individuals

One of the frequent questions we are asked when a family is considering MorningStar of Arvada for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, is how much training does our staff have. The answer is quite a lot. In addition to vetting the person before they are hired, each employee, regardless of their position, completes three foundational one-day training sessions. 

These include our O2 (onboarding and orientation), which is a general introduction to the various aspects of our operations and culture. Radiance, which is our culture and customer service initiative, is another essential training for new hires and is reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle. An introduction to Lavender Sky, our dementia care philosophy and approach to programming, gives our team members the tools to understand the disease and helps them to care for our most tender residents.

New hires in direct contact with residents have a three-day shadowing period, and then are continued to be coached by a senior team member. Many employees are certified in CPR and First Aid; and we conduct continuing education classes through in-services and online video training. Our Med Techs (QMAPs) receive additional training in medication administration.

As the worst of the COVID pandemic is behind us, MorningStar of Arvada has loosened up many of our more strict rules in adherence to CDC guidelines. Residents are back to enjoying many of the amenities they love as we reintroduce communal dining, activities, outings, salon and therapy services, and other healthy markers of normalcy.    

MorningStar of Arvada offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in a choice of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Our memory care provides 29 secure suites devoted entirely to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resort-style amenities and Life Enrichment programs give residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.