Take it Slow When Starting an Exercise Routine

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. 

Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition, neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. 

As one of the area’s finest senior living communities, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar has a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  We look forward to meeting you.

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

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately

Does a Parent Need More Care than You Can Provide?

Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living, designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together.   

Additionally senior living communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities, concierge services, wellness programs and activities and opportunities to make new friends.

Once the family decides to entrust MorningStar at Golden Ridge with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences. Then we create a care plan approved by you and your parents, which is also routinely updated to address any changes in care. Mom or dad will receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. We also offer medication management services.

Other services include scheduled transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry care. Weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal keeps mom or dad’s suite spotless, and linen and laundry services keep life simple. A 5-star meal service ensures your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need. 
MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 65 suites for assisted living in a range of floor plans along with 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For active seniors, we have 38 Casitas with attached garages that are set within their own private neighborhood. Please contact us today to learn more.

The Best Foods for Satisfying, Healthy Snacks

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating a pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how to make chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s offers the finest independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care. Our warm, loving environment includes exceptional architecture, care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition we are proud of our 5-Star dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.   

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Aging is Inevitable – Here’s Some Tips to Help Do it Better

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover it is worthwhile to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and upward. 

In fact recent studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.”

Spending decades working in the field of gerontology, Harry "Rick" Moody reminds older adults that even if they are living with health challenges, they should not lose sight of the opportunity for living a meaningful and positive life. He says at 76 his hearing is bad but he compensates by wearing a hearing aid. His advice is "If you compensate, you’ll age successfully. If you don’t, you won’t age successfully.”

Strategies for healthy aging include not limiting yourself by saying you are too old, to keep learning, keep exercising and to eat a healthy diet. Staying close to family and friends, getting enough sleep and using adaptive skills to compensate for things like short-term memory loss and a general slow-down of cognitive and physical abilities are also part of the process.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide seniors the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections to lead productive and engaged lives. Along with independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more.  

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-age-well?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Apr%2003%2007:48:45%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health

Learn More About Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one. 

Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. 

If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery.  

At MorningStar of Beaverton, a senior living community west of Portland, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. We offer stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans along with secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Please see our website for more information. 

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

Balance Exercises Help Reduce the Risk of Falls

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do.  

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.   

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do each side 3 times.  

At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why MorningStar of Arvada offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Please see our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

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.

Source: healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try

Looking for More Happiness in Your Life?

After living under the cloud of a pandemic, many of us now want to live life to the fullest; however, social scientists say our brains are wired for survival and happiness is not something that comes naturally. Too often and too many people get trapped in negative thinking and have a hard time finding joy. 

Experts say there are things we can do to encourage positive thinking such as taking a few minutes, a couple of times a day, to focus on the things that make us happy. A good way to begin is to think about things we are grateful for and what makes us happy. Even during difficult situations, try to find the silver lining. 

The Harvard Medical School reports on research that shows changes in our brains when we picture ourselves in a situation with people we like, or engage in an activity that gives us pleasure. “By actively imagining feelings of happiness or recalling happy experiences, you can help to encourage changes in your brain that will predispose you to creating more real-life joy in your daily experiences.”

Many social scientists say optimism is the key to happiness and you can become an optimist by reframing your situation more positively. Martin Seligman, PhD, writes about a study in which depressed people were told to write down three good things that happened to them each day for 15 days. The results of the simple exercise were impressive as ninety-four percent of participants reported a decrease in depression and ninety-two percent said their happiness level had increased.

Research has also found mindfulness, the act of being in the present, another path to happiness. Spending time multi-tasking, living on auto-pilot and caring for others as well as ourselves, we forget to focus on the here and now. Experts say practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and help us better manage our emotions and reactions, tune in to what is important and reject those things harmful to our wellbeing.    

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community puts a premium on quality of life and helping seniors live life to the fullest. Along with a dedicated team committed to serving seniors, we provide the services, amenities, and wellness programs and activities to keep residents engaged and productive. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care.   

Source: 

experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/7-ways-to-experience-more-joy/

entrepreneur.com/article/315636

MorningStar of Beaverton Offers Compassionate, Individualized Memory Care

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers 38 secure suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our home is honored to provide compassionate, individualized care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard.  In fact, every aspect of our community from the physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, view family photos and make sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.   

If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar of Beaverton team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for further information.

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

When a Loved One with Dementia No Longer Recognizes You

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there nonetheless.  When we take time to visit a family member (in person or via video call) in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.  

However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how we can be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way?  Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parents or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present.  

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person.  

At MorningStar of Arvada, our goal is to offer the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  For trusted memory care Arvada, CO families can count on, please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Arvada’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 residents exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

How to Narrow Down Your Search for an Assisted Living Community

For anyone considering a move to senior living, choosing the right community is a big decision as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care mom or dad, or if looking for yourself, needs to improve their quality of life. 

After you have a pretty good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus on communities offering assisted living. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously affordability is an important consideration but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all of the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an Elder law attorney. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance will cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.   

Other things to consider include the physical characteristics of the assisted living community. Does it offer a range of suite configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom options? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, all-day, restaurant-style dining, swimming pool, WiFi, etc.? 
If you live around Peoria, AZ, why not take a look at MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living homes, memory care, companion living, and respite care. Our large 8.8 acre campus has 38 quadraplexes for active seniors and a main building with 65 assisted living suites for those requiring a helping hand with the activities of daily living (ADLs). For those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we offer 35 suites. Visit our website today to inquire about pricing and availability.

Receive the Care You Need at MorningStar of Beaverton

Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton are not a nursing home. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.  

It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our community offers 66 stylish suites for assisted living. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. As part of our mission statement includes “valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals”, we are committed to creating a community promoting a healthy, engaged lifestyle, and providing security and independence. 

In addition, we offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For trusted senior living in Beaverton, visit our website or contact us for further 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.”

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

The Dining Experience at MorningStar of Arvada

At MorningStar of Arvada, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”  

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day and in nice weather residents enjoy meals on the outdoor deck.

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes.  Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.    

MorningStar of Arvada also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats.  

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 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.

Join MorningStar and Make a Difference in the Lives of Our Residents

At MorningStar Senior Living, we think seniors are heroes and they deserve to be treated with respect and enjoy a lifestyle of comfort and wellness.  To help us provide the finest care to our cherished residents, we are currently seeking team members with a calling to serve seniors for various positions at our Phoenix area communities. Positions include caregiver jobs along with support staff such as maintenance and housekeepers.  Just some of the current openings are Care Manager, Cook, Dining Room Server, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Housekeeper, Life Enrichment Coordinator, and more.

People working in senior living are often surprised to discover how pleasurable it is to serve seniors and how much they learn from it.  After all, if we take the time to listen, seniors have plenty of valuable life lessons to pass on to the younger generation.  Over the span of a lifetime, they have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge, which provides them with a unique perspective.  And older folks typically love having someone around who is willing to listen to them and to look at pictures and cherished mementos from the past.  

When you hang out with seniors, you get the chance to hear about their various backgrounds and interesting careers and to be inspired by their life-long perseverance.  They can help you see what is important in life, and you use their life lessons to develop more rewarding relationships with your own family.  Also, you will come away with a better understanding of the aging process and increased empathy for those suffering from illnesses and disabilities.     

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

Our Team Grew Up Loving & Honoring Seniors

Our MorningStar at Golden Ridge leadership team learned from a young age not only the joy that comes from loving a senior but what great teachers they are to us. We feel blessed to have such fine individuals leading our community and knowing we are in good hands. 

Beginning with our Executive Director, Kerri Felix, who has adeptly, and compassionately led our team over the past three years, explains the first senior she loved was her “Grampy.” She says she didn’t ever think of him as a senior but just knew he was her favorite guy who happened to have white hair. From her earliest relationships to today, Kerri has seen the ways seniors teach us to be humble and to be respectful of time as it is a precious commodity not to be wasted. Adding, “It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to serve them every day; and to serve alongside team members who daily exhibit the core value of kindness.”   

Nicole Baker serves as our Wellness Director. She explains the first senior she loved was Grandpa Jim, or as others knew him, “Big Jim;” the glue of the family who was funny, kind and made them laugh with silly jokes. Nicole says, “Seniors have taught me to live life to the fullest, to stop and enjoy the little sthings. They show me that family is the most important thing you have in life, and how precious this life is.” 

Rounding out our leadership team is Julie Larsson, the Director of Community Relations. Her grandfather Leo made her feel special and told her one day she would be an artist. She says, “I feel called to serve seniors because it is very satisfying to know I can play a part in improving their quality of life. My elders teach me to be grateful for things we often take for granted, like health and family.” Julie loves working for MorningStar because the company’s mission and core values echo her own.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge provides 55+ adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security with the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our philosophy, floorplans, amenities, services and availability. Our team is ready to answer any of your questions and look forward to hearing from you and your family.

Join Our Team of Great Hearts in the Phoenix Area

If you have a felt calling to serve and love the idea of having meaningful relationships with seniors, we invite you to apply for one of MorningStar’s rewarding positions now available in our Phoenix area communities.   Our homes were founded on a Vision statement that reads: In pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.  

Within each of our communities, we have proudly assembled a team of Great Hearts committed to serving our resident-families, fellow team members, and the wider community.  When recruiting new team members, we start by looking for virtues such as kindness, selflessness and character.  Our hiring process also includes seeking the type of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching; who wish to perfect the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile, and who intuitively understand that Senior Living, at its best, is love in action.   From there, our job is to invest generously in purposeful training and mentoring as well as to provide compensation and benefits to ensure each employee reaches their full potential.  

In addition to competitive wages and a generous, sick, vacation and holiday policy, MorningStar offers comprehensive insurance to our employees. This includes health insurance (with deductible options and below average premiums), dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth coverage (at no cost), life insurance (basic policy at no cost; supplemental policy available at group rates), and supplemental insurance (disability, accident, critical illness). At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our employees are protected against most of life’s unexpected costs.

While educational requirements and skill sets are diverse, the various openings at our communities all need people with a desire to make a difference in someone else’s life.  We have Medication Care Managers and Caregiver jobs available in Phoenix.   Other openings include Concierge, Maintenance Assistant, Dining Room Servers, Cook, Housekeeper and more. If you have a Great Heart, please apply today.  

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.

Studies Show Vegetables & Fruits May Help in the Fight against Forgetfulness

New research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20 year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73.  

The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower amount of flavonoid-enriched foods.  

Researchers found a significant difference between the bottom one-fifth of participants who reported the lowest intake of flavonoids compared to the upper one-fifth who were 19 percent less likely to report forgetfulness or confusion. Additionally the study reported “higher intakes of Brussel sprouts, strawberries, winter squash and raw spinach were most highly associated with better scores on the test of subjective cognitive decline.” Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a researcher at the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging who was not involved in the study, said “There’s some really good data here with 20 years of follow-up.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior living community in Peoria committed to making your retirement years carefree. Along with resort-style amenities and hospitality and care services, we offer residents a 5-star dining experience enriched with a variety of healthy, fresh foods. For active seniors, we have 38 beautiful Casitas quadraplexes with attached garages. For seniors who require a little help with daily care, we have 65 assisted living suites in one and two-bedroom options. We also provide 35 suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information.  

As a community leader in all issues regarding seniors, we recently hosted Falls Prevention: Protect Your Loved Ones presented by Ryan Levins, Director of Rehabilitation, Genesis Rehab. Stay tuned to our website for future education programs and events.  

Source: nytimes.com/2021/08/09/well/brain-health-fruits-vegetables.html  

Does a Yawn Mean You are Tired?

Experts say you may be surprised to learn yawning is not a sign that we are tired. Moreover we yawn anywhere from five to 20 times a day and a yawn typically lasts around 5 seconds. 

Scientists explain a yawn is probably not a sign we need more oxygen or need to get rid of extra carbon dioxide. In fact they say a “yawn/sleep link may be a form of nonverbal communication.” They add when a family of baboons start yawning, it appears to be a signal it is time to sleep.  

Other theories regarding why we yawn include the idea that it exercises and stretches our lungs and nearby tissues, helping to prevent the tiny airways in the lungs from collapsing. This may be why yawns occur when our breathing is shallow like when we are tired or bored. The newly stretched muscles help us feel more awake and alert as the yawn increases our heart rate. 

Another odd thing about yawning is we can feel a need to do it just by thinking about it, and scientists say it is one of the most contagious, uncontrollable things we do. Just watching a video of people yawning can cause us to yawn. Researchers say it may be a good thing if we yawn when someone else does as a study with Boston University students showed the less empathic a person was the less likely they were to mimic a yawn.  

A study on the yawning habits of 120 people published in 2014 in the journal, Physiology & Behavior, found people yawned less in the winter. Researchers theorized hotter temperatures may cause the brain to get too warm and a yawn brings in fresh air to cool it down. It is important to note yawning excessively as well as other symptoms like brain fog and a hard time sleeping could be a sign of other problems, which should be reported to your doctor.  

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

Maintain and Enhance Your Memory

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

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

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

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

What sets MorningStar of Arvada apart from other independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers?  We strive to provide a true “home” for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. Please 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.

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

Learn More About Assisted Living at MorningStar of Beaverton

As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar of Beaverton is designed to meet the needs of our assisted living residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to comfortably and safely age in place with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. 

Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar of Beaverton’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. 

One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So, our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. 

MorningStar of Beaverton provides many support services and the physical environment to enable seniors to live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and have emergency call systems. Along with our delicious daily meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. 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. 

Anger can be a Part of the Grieving Process

The loss of a loved one or the diagnosis of a deadly disease is devastating and hard to process. Turning inward and drawing on our spiritual strength as well as seeking comfort from our family and friends is important in the healing process. However, if you feel you need professional help to deal with the loss or to face end-of-life decisions, grief counselors and other mental health providers may be able to help you better shoulder the burden and ease the pain. 

In many cases, people can be surprised to find they are angry but experts explain it is one of the five stages in the grieving process that includes: denial and seclusion, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Anger may be triggered by feelings of abandonment or fear when a beloved spouse, child, or parent passes away. Social Worker Kriss Kevorkian, Ph.D., explains “When anger is involved, it’s important to look at it and find out if you’re angry about the situation, the person who died, or perhaps even God.” She says discussing your feelings with a grief counselor can help you find ways to cope with the loss and start to process it. 

When a loved one has a terminal illness, talking to a grief counselor can help you start the difficult conversation regarding your feelings and even help you to make the most of the time you have left with them. Afterward, professionals can help you find ways to honor the memory of your loved one as well as you process your grief. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge Senior Living community, we offer 55+ adults a true home.  Along with 65 suites for assisted living, we have 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our selection of floor plans, our wide range of amenities, our care services and to ask about availability and pricing.