What Does Assisted Living Offer?

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home.  The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.    

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities.  In some cases, people move into an assisted living community knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.  

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone.  As many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Arvada have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.  

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary in size and number of bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and many offer patios or balconies.  In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required.  Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping and delicious meals they no longer need to cook.

MorningStar of Arvada offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  Along with assisted living, we provide independent living for active seniors and memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Music and Art May Improve Quality of Life for Those with Dementia

Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages.  

Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” 

If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life. 

Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish.  

MorningStar of Beaverton is a trusted assisted living and memory care community southwest of Portland, OR. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about senior living, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. 

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

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music

Concierge Living for the Best Carefree Retirement

Peoria, AZ’s MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 55+ adults a selection of senior living options including independent living and assisted living as well as memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Along with all of our luxury amenities, care services and signature wellness programs, we offer Concierge Living to ensure seniors the ultimate in stress-free retirement years.  

We like to say Concierge Living takes senior living to the next level allowing residents to live life on their own terms. MorningStar’s luxury living starts with an array of resort-style amenities included with your private suite such as all-day, restaurant-style dining; covered parking; scheduled transportation and fitness center along with housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services. In addition our à la carte services are designed to make life even easier with extra laundry and other housekeeping services including light carpet cleaning and maintenance. 

Our top level amenities can help upgrade and organize your closet space for ease of living or walk and groom your pet from a mobile pet grooming service. Other types of à la carte services include help with hosting an intimate dinner party by reserving our private dining room and ordering guest meals for a special night with family or friends. 

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is near the Cardinal’s stadium and close to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation. Please visit our website to see various floor plans in our main building including studio, and one-and two bedroom configurations. For independent living, take a look at one of our 38 Casitas quadruplexes with attached garages. For residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we have 35 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood. Contact us to learn more about our dedicated hospitality and care services for the best senior living in Peoria. 

Learn More About MorningStar of Arvada

A highly respected senior housing company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents.  MorningStar of Arvada is one of six MorningStar communities in the Denver area.

MorningStar was started in 2003 based on unique mission statements, principles and philosophy.  As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains, his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” 

Out of this vision, came three mission statements that still guide the way we deliver service to our residents:  Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.  The name “MorningStar” was inspired by Mr. Jaeger’s contemplation of the bible and his commitment to relieve poverty around the world.  

However, while founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition; please know that we welcome and honor all faiths and worldviews in our communities, and are committed to meeting not only residents’ social, emotional, and physical needs but their spiritual ones.  In our pursuit of creating a loving home, honoring spiritual preferences is part of caring for the whole person. 

In addition, we recognize our mission is advanced by hiring team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness.  They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life.   

Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years.  If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada, CO seniors and their families are encouraged to contact us for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Adult Children Often Feel Guilty When a Parent Moves to Assisted Living

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living facility is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

For exceptional assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Beaverton, a true destination for successful aging.  We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 66 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 38 memory care suites are devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.  

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

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Supporting a Loved One’s Move to Assisted Living

Many times, a move to assisted living for an elderly loved one is due to an event such as a recent hospitalization for a fall or a worsening medical condition. This means the person does not have the time to process the move from a beloved home, and the sudden change may be very upsetting. Even for seniors who have had the time to plan a move into assisted living, it may be challenging. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we know the many benefits assisted living communities such as ours afford to residents; but at the same time, we recognize any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly one of those events. In addition to our own experience, experts also offer suggestions to families on how best to support their loved one during the transition. 

It may ease the transition for the person to get as familiar as possible with the new community and staff before the move.  Also, after a decision is made, let your loved one decide what furniture and keepsakes they want to move with them and help them decorate.   If possible, arrange furniture and decorations in a similar way and display photos and other keepsakes to make the new place feel like “home.”  

Keep in mind the person may feel abandoned, or frustrated with their perceived loss of independence and decision making, and have a hard time adjusting to a change in their routine. Give the person plenty of support during the first days and weeks at the community, but don’t overdo it. This could actually be counterproductive and prevent a loved one from making an adjustment. Instead, emphasizing the move is an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life.  

In some cases, seniors make a quick adjustment and recognize the advantage of no longer worrying about their homes’ maintenance or preparing meals. They like the ease of a more robust social life and feel a peace of mind knowing help is around whenever they need it. For others it may take a little more time.

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.  Please visit our website for information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other seniors living in Beaverton, OR.  

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

What are Dementia Researchers Working On?

In an article from Medical News Today, experts explain the various areas dementia research is focused on including: “understanding how the condition works, why it develops, and how it might be treated. Importantly, there is also a focus on how we can improve the lives of people with dementia.” 

Dr. Kellyn Lee, a chartered psychologist and research fellow in aging and dementia at the University of Southampton, in the U.K., is one researcher focused on trying to improve the lives of those suffering from dementia. Her program, called the “Material Citizenship Framework Project,” is being used to demonstrate to staff working with dementia patients just how important patients’ possessions and identities are to their wellbeing. Dr. Lee says in one case an Alzheimer’s patient was distressed at not recognizing herself. It turns out before her illness; she dyed her hair and didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror with gray hair. Personal possessions can help people to connect with and help maintain their identity. Dr. Lee explains, “Losing access to frequently used possessions can cause disempowerment and confusion. To observers, this confusion can sometimes seem like dementia progression.”

Another group of researchers are working to improve the lives of people in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s with the development of HUG comforters. These soft blankets have weighted limbs, a heartbeat and the ability to play the person’s favorite music. Studies show a HUG can help reduce anxiety and agitation, and embrace the person in a soft hug. 

In the on-going race for effective treatments for Alzheimer’s, some researchers are looking at repurposing certain drugs. One example is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin has shown to improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients in a small clinical trial but more studies need to be done. Others are studying the connection between cardiac disease and Alzheimer’s and how decreased blood flow adversely impacts our brains.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

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

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-research-whats-exciting-the-experts#2

Work That Matters – Find it Here

MorningStar Senior Living is committed to making a difference in the lives of seniors and is seeking like-minded people to help us achieve our mission.  Currently we have various openings at our Phoenix area communities. Some of our positions are caregiver jobs while others are essential to the smooth operation of our communities.  Just some of the openings are Care Manager, Concierge, Dining Room Server, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Wellness Nurse and more.

Many people working in senior living are surprised to discover how rewarding and fulfilling the career is as well as the unforeseen benefits it offers.  One of the most frequently mentioned by those working with seniors are the lessons they learn that make a lasting impression on their own lives.  The older generation has a wealth of knowledge as well as a unique perspective, and most of them love having someone around willing to listen to stories about their broad and varied life experiences.      

Furthermore, working with seniors will give you a new perspective on aging and help you to understand more about what people go through in the aging process.   As a MorningStar team member, you will be encouraged to get to know our residents and to learn their preferences and backgrounds as you meet their expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.  

We are proud of our culturally diverse workforce and consider all of our employees to be an integral part of our team.  Along with a generous compensation and insurance benefit package, MorningStar wants all of our team members to be equipped with the knowledge required to do their jobs well and take pride in their work.  To that end, we invest in 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 discover the joys of working in a supportive environment where team members work toward a single goal of providing the best senior living to our residents.  Please visit our website 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. 

MorningStar Senior Living exemplifies the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to offer seniors lives of comfort, joy and wellness. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver jobs) in the Phoenix area.

Strategies to Deal with Normal Lapses in Memory

If you are a senior who is always looking for your phone, readers or car keys, most likely it is a normal part of aging. Lydia Cho, a psychologist and neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, says growing older brings with it these and other memory lapses like forgetting names of people we just met or the time of our next appointment. Moreover younger people can also be forgetful; but experts caution serious memory loss needs to be checked out by a doctor.  

Thankfully most memory lapses are more a matter of not focusing or being mindful of what we are doing. For example many times we absentmindedly set down our keys or phone while we are distracted doing other things. To keep track of commonly misplaced items, experts say set up a basket on the counter just for those things. If you are someone who always worries if you turn off the oven, you probably did it without thinking. Next time as you turn off the oven, mindfully say to yourself “I am turning off the oven.” 

If you worry about forgetting where you put something, take a picture of it sitting in the drawer or the shelf in the closet. Adapting these suggestions to other things should help improve your mindfulness. Another tip when meeting someone new is to take a moment to really look at the person and say their name back to them in your greeting. If you need more help to remember their name associate it with a friend or movie character, or a rhyming word.  

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community is proud to have earned an excellent reputation with families in the greater Denver area. Our mission includes valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals as we promote independence and a healthy, engaged lifestyle. We have 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites; and another 29 memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about various living options including holistic memory care in Arvada, CO.     

Grief can Negatively Affect Our Brain

Lisa M. Shulman, MD, director of the University of Maryland Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center and recipient of the Rosalyn Newman Distinguished Scholar in Parkinson’s Disease, explains how tragedy and personal loss can negatively affect the brain. Regardless of the cause, the brain interprets grief as emotional trauma or PSTD.  

To help deal with grief, the brain switches into a survival fight or flight mode, which in turn, raises a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, and releases certain hormones. This process can result in a whole range of symptoms such as “changes in memory, behavior, sleep, and body function, and affect the immune system as well as the heart.” People may also experience brain fog. 

Doctors say the neuroplasticity of the brain allows for healing over time but in cases of chronic stress, a person may have a reduction in nerve growth and memory; and an increase in their fear response as the individual focuses on survival. This continued heightened reaction can have a negative effect on the brain and become hardwired as a default setting.   

However even a conditioned response can be reversed through focused, mindful activities. Dr. Shulman cites examples such as journaling, cognitive behavior therapy, counseling, creativity and meditation as outlets for post-traumatic growth. Practicing these types of strategies can aid healing and allow the person to move forward in their life. 

MorningStar of Arvada offers trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO. Our website is loaded with information including floor plans, a list of amenities, pictures, and background on our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living. We have a decision guide to help your family determine if senior living is the right choice for a loved one. You will also find a link on affordability and Veteran’s aide as well as other options such as companion living and short-term stays. 

Source: americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain/ 

Our Cognitive Powers Slow Down with Age

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgment and reasoning powers remain largely intact. 

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness. 

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers independent living and assisted living as well as experienced memory care. Our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities as we create a true home for our residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.  

The Last Few Years had Seen Breakthroughs in Treating Alzheimer’s

Recently John C. Morris, MD, Director of the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis and member of the ABF research advisory committee, said there are several reasons to have hope and optimism for the future in regards to Alzheimer’s disease. Involved in Alzheimer’s research since 1983, he explained for the first time he believes “there is now a great opportunity to develop effective therapies, including drugs currently under evaluation for treatment.” He said advances also include an important tool for diagnosing the disease.

One of the reasons for optimism was the announcement of the pharmaceutical company Biogen’s controversial new drug, which purportedly is designed to treat Alzheimer’s disease and not just the symptoms. The drug, aducanumab was approved for use on patients on June 7 2021. However doctors say it is important to know the FDA’s approval is only for the drug’s ability to reduce the amount of amyloid plaques in the brains of people given the drug. They state it is still unknown whether the removal of the plaque offers benefits to the patients. To be eligible to receive the drug, patients need to have a firm diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  

In the year 2020, we also heard the news about a ground-breaking new blood test at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researchers say the new test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and results have been far more accurate than several other biomarkers currently being tested. This is good news as doctors say earlier testing will lead to earlier interventions. The test received a Breakthrough Device designation by the FDA in October 2021.

At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide a range of senior living options including holistic memory care. Residents in our Reflections Neighborhood receive compassionate, expert care, amenities and meaningful activities to enhance quality of life. Please contact us regarding availability at one of the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria. 

Source: 

americanbrainfoundation.org/research-in-dementia-2022/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8GeKsmbzH9wiQeieSXmQRQpWuapAPu0LIT7aQ6J6tjPcMsB35h7LHMaAmNkEALw_wcB

You will Probably Need Cataract Surgery at Some Point in Your Life

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness.

So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. 

Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or streetlights. Some cataracts can cause double vision, and between seeing halos and double vision make night driving especially dangerous. Experts say if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked.  

If surgery is recommended, remember every year more than 2 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice for a speedy recovery. Your eyes will be frail for several weeks afterward but most people have little to no pain and experience good vision almost immediately.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we feel called to serve seniors and have assembled a team of individuals who recognize seniors deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Our senior living options include independent living, assisted living, concierge living and memory care; and provide an array of amenities, hospitality and care services and wellness programs and activities.

Independent Living Offers a Care-free Lifestyle

Looking for the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies, and to do more than just dream about exciting adventures? Independent living offers a refreshing change of lifestyle and gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to the endless chores and maintenance associated with homeownership. Other often overlooked benefits include built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. 

Independent living communities may differ but many let you enjoy the comforts of home along with an array of luxury services and amenities. These may include housekeeping, transportation, onsite salon and fitness center, and meal plans. In most, residents can lead a lifestyle as active or relaxed as they choose.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s 38 Casitas, quadruplexes with attached garages, are designed to give active seniors carefree retirement years. Tucked into a private neighborhood in Peoria near the Cardinal’s stadium, Casitas offer an incomparable value when compared to other area senior living communities. Once you take into account our homes’ premium upgrades, compare fees to the competition and remember virtually all living expenses such as homeowner’s insurance and property tax are bundled in your Monthly Rental Fee, we are very affordable. 

While our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our Independent Living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. Moreover, if the time comes for a more formal arrangement, you are already familiar with MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s assisted living and memory care, and as a member of our community, you will receive priority access. 

Along with independent living, our senior living community offers assisted living, concierge living, memory care and short-term stays. All suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems; and as we know you don’t want to leave behind a beloved four-footed family member, we are pet friendly. Contact us for availability.    

How do Seniors define “Quality of Life?”

A recent Forbes magazine article highlighted a subjective difference regarding “quality of life” for people at various stages of life. They explain, “given the ambiguity surrounding the oft-used phrase and its meaning, it follows that there’s often confusion regarding how best to support quality of life for elderly people.”

To help sort through what quality of life for seniors may mean, Pew Research surveyed a range of people in 2009 to find out their views on aging and quality of life. To start with, they found a big difference in the way younger and older people perceived their past years and future years. The report found 76 percent of U.S. residents aged 75 years and older said while they were presently satisfied with their lives, only 19 percent believe their lives will improve over the next decade. They additionally said the last ten years had been better than the present. Conversely 71 percent of adults 50 years old and younger felt the next ten years will be even better. 

Researchers say while different perspectives were offered by younger respondents and the older group, the majority of participants, regardless of age, said the ability to communicate with others is extremely important to quality of life. Other important takeaways from the survey were older people want to be heard, to connect with others, and to be able to continue their much-loved activities and hobbies. They also voiced a desire to feel useful and to be needed.  

MorningStar of Arvada offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites to area seniors along with another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the environment for our most tender residents including meaningful daily activities. We encourage you to visit our website for further information regarding independent and assisted living as well as the best memory care Arvada CO offers.    

What is Dementia?

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.    

It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. 

To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing.      

MorningStar of Arvada offers choices for seniors interested in independent living or assisted living with 112 bright suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition we are pleased to provide 29 memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and to learn about the area’s finest independent living and assisted living as well as trusted memory care in Arvada, CO. Ask about our New Year Specials for assisted living and memory care residents.    

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

Alzheimer’s Patients Do Better Staying Engaged

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show Alzheimer’s patients do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The Nation Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease. 

Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors.” Especially in the early stages of the disease, these types of activities give a person a sense of control over their day. Toward the latter stages of the disease, purposeful activities can be one of the few remaining ways to engage in memories and communicate.  

Studies show the creative arts are an effective way to stimulate the five senses. Singing has been shown to not only be enjoyable to those with dementia, but often is one of the last abilities they lose. A person may remember the words to a song long after other memories disappear. Dancing to or listening to popular music from their youth is another activity shown to stimulate the person’s senses and increase self-awareness, while reducing anxiety and depression. Painting or drawing can do the same for others. Experts say don’t forget the value of exercise. A short walk outside can lift spirits but make sure the person is steady on their feet as Alzheimer’s can affect gait and balance.

MorningStar of Arvada offers unrivalled independent living and assisted living designed to provide carefree retirement years. We additionally offer holistic memory care that incorporates music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides the area’s most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Keeping Those with Dementia Active Shows Beneficial Effects

It is important for family members and caregivers to remember that while a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease may be declining cognitively, they still have some abilities. Encouraging them to stay involved in meaningful activities is a good way to give them a sense of self-worth and purpose.  In fact, a published report from the National Institute of Health states, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” It goes on to say it is important for those with dementia to stay as active and engaged as possible and that “it may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.”  

As to what kinds of activities are the most effective, studies suggest trying to stimulate all five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell; and the creative arts are a good place to start.  Singing is not only enjoyable but several studies have shown it to be one of the last abilities many of those with Alzheimer’s lose.  People can often remember the words to a song long after many other memories are gone.  Listening to music and dancing are other activities beneficial to those with dementia.  Dancing has even been shown to help stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression.  Walking and getting outside can also lift spirits, but as gait can be adversely affected by Alzheimer’s, evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton, our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  

Ours is a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love made possible by a team that understands how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

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

Is Your Elderly Parent Having Difficulty Taking Care of Themselves?

Has your elderly parent spent a lot more time alone during COVID-19 and now appear to be having difficulty taking care of themselves or managing their home as they once did? For many families, the last 2 years have underscored the fact that their elderly loved one is not getting on as well as they did before the pandemic; and may need additional help with the activities of daily living.   

We know the decision to move a family member into a senior living community is a big one. Seniors can be resistant to moving, and many hate the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them. However, it is important to consider whether your parent’s current living situation is meeting their overall physical and safety needs; and if it isn't, it is time to start the conversation about the need for change.  

One important thing to look for is if your loved one has had one or more falls over the last several months. The CDC reports every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. Each year, about 3 million seniors are treated at an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall. In addition, does their home have stairs they must use, or do they have a problem getting up from a chair or out of bed. Also, take a good look at mom or dad’s appearance. Are they looking disheveled or is the house looking neglected?   

If mom or dad does need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and would benefit from more socialization, MorningStar of Beaverton is a trusted senior community.  Our home offers 66 private suites available in a range of configurations and floorplans; and residents receive 24-hour Care Managers, access to full-time licensed nurses, medication management, care plan reviews and other services. Amenities include a bistro; art studio; spa bath; fitness room; massage room; salon; general store; theatre; and more. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia individualized memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Beaverton represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Caregiving Jobs with Competitive Wages and Benefits

MorningStar Senior Living’s four Phoenix communities are currently recruiting individuals with big hearts to fill a variety of roles within our homes. Communities include MorningStar at Arcadia in Phoenix, MorningStar of Fountain Hills in Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead in Glendale, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria. Each home has proudly earned a reputation for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve.

Achieving this sterling reputation requires a team of individuals who understand it is only when fully engaged in sharing our many gifts and talents, time and energy with others, that we find deep and lasting satisfaction. However if you worry you may not be up to one of our caregiving jobs, we want to reassure you we have you covered. Right from day one, new employees are introduced to the precepts of Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. Radiance is used to guide the way we deliver service, with sincerity, warmth and depth; and reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle. New hires are also quick to recognize MorningStar’s resident-heroes are actually the best teachers as they show us how to live our lives and appreciate what is truly important.

Openings in our Phoenix communities include a range of positions with a range of skill sets such as care managers, med managers, food servers, concierges, activity coordinators and others. All team members receive comprehensive benefits and competitive wages. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid sick and holidays, bonus or incentive opportunities (dependent on positions, promotions in place, performance) and much more. 

As the MorningStar Senior Living Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger explains:

“What do seniors essentially want? What do we all want? To be valued at our core;

to be seen as significant; to be looked squarely in the eyes and loved.” 

By joining our team, you will make a difference in your life and the lives of our residents. Please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding caregiver jobs in Phoenix and help us elevate and celebrate seniors. For convenience, we offer an online application.