Memory Loss and Confusion – When a Loved One Doesn’t Recognize You

January 13, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing maybe 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 at Golden Ridge, our goal is to offer the best senior living in Peoria, AZ, 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. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

The Importance of Advance Care Planning Documents

January 11, 2023 by Karla A in Senior Living

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.

Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators.

A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions.

The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover, refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents.

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ may be your answer. We offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home has Casitas and suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate care to those with memory impairment. 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar’s Independent Living Option in Peoria, AZ

January 09, 2023 by Karla A in Independent Living

Today’s seniors are recognizing the many advantages independent living offers such as maintenance-free living, predictable budgeting and a broader community of friends. At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, we offer two bedroom, two bath Casitas for those who love the idea of carefree retirement years and plenty of time for life’s adventures.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s 38 Casitas, quadruplexes with attached garages, are designed to give active seniors freedom from the responsibility of maintaining a home. Tucked into a private neighborhood in Peoria near the Cardinal’s stadium, our Casitas offer value when compared to other senior communities. Once you consider 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.

Other services and amenities we provide to our residents include a bistro bar, fitness centers, theatre/chapel, beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style, wellness programs, activities, and more. Residents also enjoy a clubhouse, saline swimming pool, outdoor and private dining options, salon and scheduled transportation.

While our website showcases pictures of our community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home. We attribute this to our exceptional team that feels honored to serve seniors and has helped to make our community one of the finest for independent living, assisted living and memory care in the area.

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation our independent and assisted living communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information.

How to Find the Best Assisted Living Community

January 06, 2023 by Karla A in Assisted Living

According to the US Census Bureau’s estimates, there were over 55 million adults aged 65 years and older, accounting for approximately 16.8% of the nation's population in 2021. An aging population means the number of seniors who require help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) will continue to grow as will the necessity for assisted living to address those needs. While assisted living communities vary as do state requirements, generally assisted living is defined as another long-term care option for those who don’t require the kind of 24/7 skilled care found in nursing homes.

The most common ADLs provided in assisted living include bathing, dressing, toileting, eating or transferring to bed. Rachel Reeves, director of communications for the National Center for Assisted Living, a non-profit organization representing assisted living communities across the country, explains, "Assisted living really focuses on supporting individuals with those activities, but then also maximizing independence and socialization in a home-like environment.”

So how do you decide the best fit for yourself or a loved one when it comes to an assisted living community? Experts say begin by researching who regulates assisted living in your state and the type of regulations in place. Then begin looking at individual homes. The most important thing is to ensure the home provides the level of care you or your loved one needs now and will need over the next several years.

Affordability is another consideration. Consulting with an Elder Care Attorney can be helpful in exploring creative ways to pay for assisted living. Also, you will want a location convenient for family and friends, and for getting to appointments and other errands. Other factors are the services and amenities offered by the community. Is it important for you to have a fitness center, hair salon, swimming pool etc. onsite? What is the dining experience like? Are there enrichment programs and activities? Is transportation provided?

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge we offer assisted living along with independent living and memory care. As an assisted living resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs.

MorningStar residents enjoy beautifully prepared meals, served restaurant-style and eaten in a relaxed, community setting. We also know it is important for seniors to continue to learn and contribute, which is why we offer a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Adding Protein to Breakfast

January 04, 2023 by Karla A in Senior Living

How many times have you eaten breakfast, and after an hour or two, you start to feel hungry? Many breakfast options involve foods such as cereals, breads and granola bars that are high in refined grains and sugar. To solve the problem, nutritionists say you should add protein to every meal including your breakfast.

When you eat a breakfast with protein, you feel fuller and more satisfied for a longer period of time and less apt to reach for high-calorie snacks mid-day. Registered dietician, Lisa Jones, explains an adult’s daily intake of protein should be between 10% and 35% of the calories consumed. She adds, “For example, if your nutritional needs call for 2,000 calories daily, you should get 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams.”

One suggestion for an easy-to-do, protein-rich breakfast is avocado and fried egg on a bagel or enriched whole-grain slice of toast. Omelets are also fairly easy and can be assembled with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, spinach and bacon. You can increase the protein in a bowl of oatmeal by adding a scoop of protein powder and topping it with almond milk and berries. Try other creative options such as smoked salmon on a toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with cream cheese, or a Greek yogurt parfait layered with granola, nuts, and fruit. Another incentive for eating protein in the morning is nutritionists say it can help you lose weight as you feel more satisfied for a longer period of time.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a luxury 55+ community offering 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites. In addition, 35 secure suites are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a wide range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years. We are committed to providing the best senior living in Peoria, AZ and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/high-protein-breakfast

Find Work That Matters at MorningStar

December 28, 2022 by Karla A in Caregiver jobs

How many of us are lucky enough to have a career where we can truly make a difference by improving the quality of someone else’s life, and at the same time, find more meaning in our own? At our MorningStar Senior Living communities, caring for our residents teaches us that life’s deepest satisfaction is found when we do work that matters.

Studies even support the fact that helping others can have a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing. However, while recent research shows serving others reduces stress as well as improves one’s mood, self-esteem and happiness, the belief that helping others can help us find meaning in life is not a new one. Over two thousand years ago, Greek philosopher, Aristotle, wrote that the path to happiness and fulfillment is achieved “by loving rather than in being loved.”

At MorningStar we are blessed to have a compassionate team that enjoys making a difference in the lives of our wonderful residents. Regardless of position, each employee is an essential part of the team and contributes to the success of their community. Currently our Phoenix area communities of MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Golden Ridge, MorningStar at Arcadia, and MorningStar at Arrowhead are looking for special individuals to fill a variety of positions.

Morningstar is happy to offer our team members a very generous benefit package. Our benefits start with competitive wages and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, and employee leave and support programs. In addition, 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). This training enables our team to be the best at what they do, and do each job with confidence.

Positions are varied and have different experience and educational requirements but all need individuals with big hearts. Currently openings in Phoenix include caregiver jobs, medication care managers/QMAP, cook, dining room server, maintenance assistant, nurse, housekeepers and more. Please visit our website for more information and to apply online.

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

Entrust Your Loved One to All-inclusive Memory Care

December 21, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

If you are looking for specialized memory care, Arvada co is home to MorningStar Senior Living that believes someone who is experiencing memory loss shouldn’t have to sacrifice a high quality of life or excitement. Seniors experience the very best memory care Arvada co has to offer at MorningStar. Seniors in our individualized memory care spend their days in a secure memory care neighborhood at MorningStar, surrounded by familiar people who encourage them to enjoy life, experience feelings of belonging and purpose, and help to maintain their current skills through our daily path of engagement.

Inside the doors of MorningStar’s memory care neighborhood, the atmosphere is secure without being overly restrictive. Subtle design elements like simplified floor plans reduce distractions and eliminate fall hazards, allowing residents to safely navigate private and communal living spaces. Soothing colors provide a sense of calm serenity, while the interior is designed with the intention of creating a home-like familiarity with soft couches, decorated walls, and open concepts. Many memory care communities feature enclosed courtyards where residents can enjoy the outdoors at liberty. MorningStar’s memory care in Arvada co offers three Secure Gardens/Courtyards specifically for Memory Care residents to enjoy and get some fresh air and exercise.

As memory care experts, we understand a diagnosis of dementia is devastating and we want to reassure our families we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. To deliver MorningStar’s exceptional care, all team members complete thorough training including our signature program, Lavender Sky, which guides our philosophy and programming. With Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s memory care leverages the power of music, art, dance, animal therapy and other Montessori-based techniques to encourage a fully enriched life.

Contact us today if you want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Why Specialized Memory Care Neighborhoods are Beneficial in Senior Living

December 19, 2022 by Karla A in Senior Living

Discovering that your parent or loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can be extremely overwhelming. There are so many questions to consider, and you may not even be aware of the options available for memory care. One of the initial questions you might encounter is whether or not you should consider a memory care community. If you are looking for memory care, Arvada co is home to MorningStar Senior Living that specializes in holistic memory care for seniors in Colorado.

Most Senior Living communities offer three levels of care; independent living, assisted living, and memory care all within one community. The memory care neighborhood is usually a smaller subset within the larger senior living community. Staff in memory care neighborhoods are typically trained and specialized in memory care treatment to care for people with different types of dementia or Alzheimer’s. To deliver MorningStar’s exceptional care, all team members complete thorough training including our signature program, Lavender Sky, which guides our philosophy in exceptional memory care.

MorningStar’s unique memory care neighborhood, Reflections, provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around the individualized needs of each resident. With 29 memory care suites, we are able to care for residents in an intimate, supportive and loving environment, where independence is encouraged through clear wayfinding and inviting common areas for residents to socialize and relax in resort style luxury! MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for residents from the onset of Alzheimer’s disease to the most advanced stages of memory loss.

To learn more about MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Life at a Memory Care Community

December 16, 2022 by Karla A

You may have misconceptions about what life looks like at a memory care community for seniors. Memory care facilities are often portrayed as sad or lonely in movies and TV shows. But in reality, many of the seniors who live in our memory care communities at MorningStar have a full and rich life. In addition to having access to quality care, they get to spend their days surrounded by kind and compassionate care providers, a community of friendly residents, and fun-filled activities that help them continue to live with purpose and meaning.

If someone you love is living with Alzheimer's or dementia, you want to find the best memory care community. At MorningStar of Beaverton, we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment where residents are able to live rich, independent lives while receiving the services they need. Resort-style community amenities for memory care are abundant at MorningStar. These amenities for senior living include three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our dining room, a full salon, 24-hour bistro, massage room, spa bath, art studio, fitness room, outdoor courtyard with barbeque and fire pit, and much more. Suites are equipped with kitchenettes with full apt. fridge; handicapped-accessible bathrooms; emergency call systems; private heating and air conditioning, and laundry and linen services.

Our memory care communities at MorningStar are designed to provide seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia a secure place where they can work on maintaining their current skills under the care of great staff. Residents are encouraged to decorate their apartments with their own furniture, photographs, and special belongings they love most to keep them comfortable. At MorningStar, get ready to gather with friends for resident socials, barbecues, and games, and enjoy some seriously good food.

You can spend more time enjoying the things you love when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton OR retirement homes. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

To learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Beaverton, contact our staff who are happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Beaverton, Oregon.

MorningStar is a Trusted Choice for Memory Care

December 16, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Arvada are designed around the various needs of older adults and provide senior-friendly activities and companionship with like-minded adults of a similar age. Along with smartly-designed floor plans, residents enjoy inviting common areas perfect for relaxation and spending time with friends. MorningStar also prides themselves on being a trusted choice for seniors in need of memory care.

When a loved one’s occasional forgetfulness progresses into a more serious stage of memory loss, family members are often faced with making a decision on where and how their senior can continue to enjoy life in a safe, secure, and caring environment. Most people are familiar with the concept of independent and assisted living communities that enable seniors to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life without many of the cares and responsibilities of living alone at home. Memory care communities like MorningStar take personal attention and service to another level for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in memory care.

As with any kind of assisted living community, memory care at MorningStar provides easygoing lifestyle services like housekeeping, regular meals, and laundry services. Caregivers trained in memory care also help residents with bathing, taking medication, and other day-to-day activities. The luxury amenities are still available to those in memory care, but there is an added layer of support throughout the day for those that need a helping hand. Familiarity with caregivers provides comfort for residents in memory care. MorningStar has compassionate, trained professionals that will get to know and understand each resident on a personal level, meeting unique needs with a custom approach, and helping them live their best life in their own way.

What to Look for in Memory Care

December 14, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Searching for the right memory care facility for your parents or loved ones can be daunting. There are many things you are no doubt already considering. For example, your loved one’s routine, personal preferences, medications, level of care needed–– and the list continues. Above all, you want your loved one to be safe and have the highest level of care possible. Find the right memory care facility for seniors by considering MorningStar's Assisted Living and Memory Care in Beaverton Oregon.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living Beaverton has to offer. With 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton has options for every living arrangement with configurations that include spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. There is also the option for roommate living. A devoted memory care neighborhood for seniors 55 years and up is also available for seniors in need of more individualized and specialized memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in Oregon.

Designed as a calm and homelike environment that inspires comfort and community, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care Beaverton OR is your best choice for assisted living and memory care. In this memory care community for seniors, you will find many opportunities to be independent. Residents of MorningStar live in their own, specialized, separate wing of the building. Each well-appointed suite or private room is created to be both accessible and easily navigable and opens onto a spacious, yet cozy living area.

Our Oregon residents are encouraged to bring their own belongings and make their new residence their home. MorningStar’s private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has its own beautiful secure courtyard as well as personal kitchenettes and bathrooms. Common area decorations are specifically chosen to inspire an active community for building friendships and creating happy memories. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to encourage social interaction, like a cozy fireside living room, a fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Independent Living

December 14, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

While there may be a number of senior living communities in the Peoria area, we would like to introduce you to one of the best. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s beautiful community is located on an 8.8-acre campus at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane, convenient to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, and other services. A new adventure awaits in our vibrant community for independent seniors.

For the most active seniors, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas as quadraplexes with high-end finishes and attached garages. The Casitas, tucked into their own private neighborhood, allow you to fully enjoy your retirement years stress free. Our staff handles all the maintenance, both inside and out, along with twice monthly housekeeping. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly!

Included in your monthly fee, you will receive two meals per day, continental breakfast in the clubhouse and a chef-inspired meal in our main building. You can also purchase sandwiches and snacks at our bistro bar. As a resident you will have access to a range of amenities including a saline swimming pool with hot tub, fitness centers, theater/chapel, salon, and much more. Also, you are sure to enjoy the outdoor dining patio, courtyards, and landscaped grounds. Furthermore, everyone in our community benefits from a wide range of wellness programs and activities.

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

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s unique mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 value. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Looking for Assisted Living in the Peoria, AZ area?

December 12, 2022 by Karla A in Assisted Living

If you have started the search for assisted living in the Peoria area, you will want to include MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our all-inclusive community offers an array of luxury amenities, while at the same time, all of the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every private suite is smartly-designed to maximize space and include floor plans in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. All have high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, and safety features such as full, handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Residents also enjoy our weekly housekeeping service.

We provide residents the care to help them maintain their independence, and the amenities and wellness programs to keep them engaged and looking forward to each new day. MorningStar’s all-day dining service means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule. A full salon makes it easy to get a new hairstyle, treat yourself to a pedicure or a manicure. Our fitness center along with specialized exercise classes will help you stay in shape; and our monthly calendar is loaded with fun, entertaining activities. Moreover, residents have the opportunity to participate in scheduled outings and special events.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s goal is to be a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness, and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match. In addition to assisted living we offer Casitas for senior independent living and secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding availability, choice of suites, pricing, care services and more. In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as provides some background on our company.

Medications Can Affect Balance and Lead to a Fall

December 09, 2022 by Karla A in Independent Living

The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women.

Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position.

Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM.

If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

If you have started the search for senior living communities in the Peoria area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful home has 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 private assisted living suites. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has another 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Music and Art Can Improve the Life of Those Living with Dementia

December 07, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

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.

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. Our holistic 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 MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge “to honor, to value, 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 value. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

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

Short Stays at MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge

December 05, 2022 by Karla A in Senior Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a 55+ community offering high-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care. Additionally we are pleased to offer respite care (short recuperative stays), or trial stays, which are a great way to sample our community and see if we are a good fit. They can extend from a week to a full month depending on availability.

Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are newly discharged from a hospital stay and recovering from surgery or an illness that still requires some day-to-day support services. MorningStar at Golden Ridge expertly and compassionately provides just such care including bathing, dressing, and other personal tasks. We also provide recuperating seniors tasty, nutritional meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef, 24-hour care, medication management, and opportunities for socialization and meaningful activities.

MorningStar’s respite residents are provided a quiet suite and the individualized care needed to comfortably recover their health. Another common use of respite care is to give caregivers a much needed break or when they are busy with other priorities. During your stay, you will have peace of mind knowing help is available 24/7 and that each suite offers safety features such as emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. We also offer companionship and community, which we think is just as important to the healing process. Our short-term stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you; but please contact us to inquiry about availability.

Community amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; a private dining room; bistro bar; theatre/chapel; life enrichment room; salon; fitness centers; library; saline swimming pool; scheduled transportation and more. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to value to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Serve Seniors by Becoming a MorningStar Team Member

December 01, 2022 by Karla A

Going through the pandemic has taught many of us just how precious life is and maybe it is time we did something to make a difference in the world. After all, using our “special gifts” to serve others is probably some of the most satisfying work we can do. At the MorningStar Senior Living communities, we are blessed to have team members who feel honored to serve and know if anyone deserves our respect and compassionate care it is seniors.

Currently four of our Phoenix area communities are recruiting individuals to fill a variety of positions. Communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Some of our positions are caregiver jobs while others are essential to the smooth operation of our communities. Current open positions include Care Manager, Server, Maintenance Assistant, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Wellness Nurse, Cook, Housekeeper and more.

Too often people mistakenly think working and hanging out with old folks is depressing but studies report many seniors say they are happier than they have ever been. At MorningStar we proudly recognize seniors as courageous heroes who have faced triumphs and trials in which they have gained a lifetime of wisdom. Living long, rich lives, they have witnessed everything from world wars to the World Wide Web. We encourage you to take a few minutes and really listen to an elderly relative or neighbor. We are sure you will be surprised by how much they can teach us.

If you would love to assist our efforts to provide our remarkable residents with the care they now require from us, how about joining our team. MorningStar’s jobs are varied, and unlike many other senior living communities, we put virtues such as kindness and character on the same level as experience and education. We are proud of our culturally diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer.

Morningstar is happy to offer our team members a very generous benefit package. Our benefits start with competitive wages, plus bonus and incentive opportunities in some positions, and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, training, and employee leave and support programs. No matter what our employee’s needs are, MorningStar has a benefit program designed to support our most valued asset – the MorningStar employee family. Please visit MorningStar’s Careers Here page for an online application as well as a full list of our extensive benefits.

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 a life of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver jobs) in the Phoenix area.

What Exactly is Art Therapy?

November 18, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Art therapy combines allopathic and complementary therapies to better serve mental health and concentration which enriches lives through active artmaking, creative process, and human experience within a therapeutic relationship. Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, community clinics, senior and assisted living communities, and more. Art therapy is especially beneficial for seniors in memory care. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, and other methods, art therapy allows for creative expression that can overcome the limitations of language only. MorningStar’s Dementia and Memory Care in Arvada Co utilizes this holistic approach of art therapy in memory care.

Art therapy for seniors in memory care offers many advantages. Class for art therapy for seniors in memory care cultivates emotional resilience, enhances social skills, and improves cognitive and sensory-motor functions. These abilities usually diminish as memory loss and dementia progresses. Art therapy is a great way to combat these symptoms of memory loss in seniors. At MorningStar memory care Arvada Co, our community offers a mix of art therapy and other creative activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach.

Our creative programs built upon by our Life Enrichment Teams, are an essential component to maintaining cognitive health and quality of life for all our senior residents in memory care. Crafting lessens a senior’s anxiety and reduces feelings of isolation. Certain colors may even function as a bridge to bring back happy memories for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. At MoringStar senior living and memory care Arvada, Co, we have plenty of creative crafts to keep our residents busy and their minds engaged to promote insight and community involvement.

Contact us today if you want to know more of the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and memory care Arvada Co has seen. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Arvada Colorado takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you.

How Did You Sleep Last Night?

November 16, 2022 by Karla A in Assisted Living Homes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Good sleep quality is also important. Signs of poor quality sleep include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, repeatedly waking up during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea. Experts say a good night’s sleep enhances memory, improves mood and regulates appetite.

Experts offer some tips to help individuals achieve better sleep by the choice of foods consumed as well as what food or drink to avoid. Foods interfering with sleep include caffeine and large meals as well as alcohol consumed too close to bedtime. As a deficiency of folate is linked to insomnia, a study from the Taipei Medical University found eating two kiwis, which are high in B vitamin folate and vitamins C and E, an hour before bed helped participants fall asleep faster, sleep longer and more efficiently.

Another food to help induce sleep is tart cherries. They contain natural melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles, and a phytonutrient linked to promoting better sleep. Additionally, nuts like almonds and walnuts contain melatonin; and pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted to melatonin. Passionflower tea, chamomile tea and warm milk can also help promote sleep. Other sleep-inducing foods include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and help regulate sleep, mood and other functions.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides residents with all the amenities and services they need to ensure carefree retirement years. Residents enjoy chef-inspired meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious and include BrainWise super foods. These are foods known to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as acai and other berries, fish, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful assisted living homes in Peoria, AZ.

Purposeful Memory Care Amenities in Oregon

November 16, 2022 by Karla A in Memory care

Are you looking for the right community for a loved one of parent in need of assisted living or memory care? The options may be overwhelming, but we are confident MorningStar Senior Living will check all your boxes for what you need in an assisted living community in Oregon. MorningStar’s community offers 66 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our two Reflections Neighborhoods, we offer 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care Beaverton OR is designed as a calm and homelike environment that inspires comfort and community. This senior living community provides plenty of opportunities for independence. Residents of MorningStar live in their own, specialized, separate wing of the building. Each well-appointed suite or private room is created to be both accessible and easily navigable and opens onto a spacious, yet cozy living area.

We encourage all our Oregon residents to bring their own belongings and make their new residence their home. MorningStar’s private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has its own beautiful secure courtyard as well as a personal kitchenettes and bathrooms. Common area decorations are specifically chosen to inspire an active community for building friendship and creating happy memories. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to encourage social interaction, like a cozy fireside living room, fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room.

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton OR takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.