Lavender Sky Brings Peace and Hope to Families with a Dementia Diagnosis

A memory care program coined Lavender Sky, has become a beacon of hope and support for families seeking the best holistic care for their senior loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Developed by MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care, Lavender Sky embodies the communities commitment to casting a new light on the challenges that accompany dementia and how we can work better to holistically manage the disease. 

Lavender Sky is a unique program created by MorningStar memory care. This memory care approach is rooted in a philosophy of valuing seniors, goes beyond traditional memory care training, and extends to family support services and education. Lavender Sky is a holistic approach to memory care that enhances the understanding and empathy for dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Under Lavender Sky, all staff members at MorningStar undergo this holistic memory care training to deepen their understanding of dementia to provide better support to residents with cognitive and communicative challenges. Being unique to MorningStar, Lavender Sky engages with seniors as unique individuals and creates an environment within a memory care community that helps seniors with dementia feel genuinely valued and cared for. 

The philosophy MorningStar is instilling in their communities through Lavender Sky embraces the challenges of memory loss. Lavender Sky teaches us to open ourselves up to the possibility of discovering innovative approaches to memory care. MorningStar’s continuous exploration of memory care strategies enables this community to effectively manage memory loss with compassion and sensitivity. This ongoing commitment paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in memory care and treatments. 

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of "to honor, to serve, to invest." With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

Why You Should Consider Companion Living for Memory Care

When transitioning to memory care, having a close partner or friend nearby becomes a source of solace, diminishing the sense of loneliness that often accompanies this new chapter in life for seniors struggling with dementia or other forms of memory loss. Not only does Companion Living ease the adjustment process, but it also alleviates the financial burden on individuals and families. With Companion Living, MorningStar of Arvada aims to foster a vibrant atmosphere where individuals in memory care can embrace the journey ahead with a sense of purpose, excitement, and the joy of shared experiences. 

At MorningStar, we embrace the necessity of companionship and define a companion as someone with whom you share a strong bond and spend significant time together. This can include two unrelated people of the same sex sharing a suite, whether in Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Car. We welcome the idea of close friends who enjoy each other's company and have a positive synergy. 
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Perhaps your parent or loved one has a history of delightful travels with someone or has found someone who shares your interests and values, making them an ideal roommate. The key is to create an environment where meaningful connections and compatibility flourish, allowing a senior struggling with memory loss to share this journey with a trusted companion by their side.

Besides maintaining close friendships, cost-effectiveness is a benefit that comes with Companion Living in memory care. Perhaps the cost is what is holding you back from the decision to receive the necessary care you need for a parent or loved one. With Companion Living at MorningStar., the expenses of a suite can be split between two unrelated people. Our floorplans range from studios to two-bedroom suites that are spacious for roommate situations. Furthermore, if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s and memory care community? MorningStar senior living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a natural home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Exploring Memory Care: Providing Specialized Support for Loved Ones with Dementia

No two people with dementia or Alzheimer’s are exactly the same. Each senior in need of memory care experiences unique challenges regarding communication, cognition, and mobility. MorningStar memory care in Beaverton stands out for its specialized and holistic approach to memory care. With highly trained staff and individualized care plans, each resident at MorningStar gets to experience a secure, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports growth and engaging activities. 

If you need dementia care, you should seek out memory care that prioritizes the person and their individual needs. Through offering individualized care plans, MorningStar Senior Living in Beaverton creates care that focuses on each resident’s unique strengths, interests, and abilities. This person-centered approach ensures that care provided by our highly trained staff aligns perfectly with each resident’s values, preferences, and goals. In return, incorporating personalized care in our dementia care program enhances seniors’ dignity and autonomy.

If you have a loved one with dementia, you are familiar with the fact that dementia is a progressive condition. Because of this, your loved ones’ needs will change over time. Individualized care plans make room for that change and through monitoring and regular assessment, our team at MorningStar can determine what necessary adjustments and modifications might need to be made to better suit your loved one’s needs going forward. 

At MorningStar, we only employ the most compassionate and extensively dementia-trained professionals for our memory care communities. Our highly trained staff makes it possible to provide specialized memory care services and individualized care effectively. Not only do these caregivers undergo specialized training in health care, but they are equipped with the skills necessary to keep our memory care communities safe and secure. 

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of "to honor, to serve, to invest." With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

How to Make Memory Care Feel More Like Home

Creating a sense of home for seniors who are transitioning to memory care is essential for their well-being and comfort. At MorningStar, we understand that seniors’ comfort with their living situation is just as important as the care they receive. By incorporating elements of familiarity into our memory care community, we help seniors to feel a deep sense of belonging and comfort in their new assisted living home. 

While our contemporary community provides 112 bright and refreshing independent and assisted living suites, they are also smartly designed for safety and relaxation. For those in need of memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers all-inclusive care for seniors with dementia and has its own common rooms and enclosed courtyard.

 The suites at MorningStar are all unfurnished and we encourage our residents to personalize their living spaces. Incorporating familiar objects and belongings from a previous home is very calming to a senior with memory loss. Personal items like photographs, cherished mementos, and familiar furniture and fabrics will evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort that will aid in the acclimation process of moving into memory care.

By offering individualized care plans, the staff at MorningStar works to create predictable daily routines for seniors in assisted living and memory care. Incorporating lifestyles that mimic their previous routines provides a sense of stability for seniors struggling with memory loss and can help them feel more at ease in their environment. 

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. While someone else does the outside chores and the cleaning and cooking, you can focus on the things you love most in life.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s and memory care community? MorningStar senior living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a natural home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Many Seniors are Embracing Community Living

Did you know more and more older adults are making the choice to move into senior living communities?  Seniors are embracing the idea of giving up home maintenance and spending more time doing what they love best, including being able to travel without worry. Independent living communities offer private apartments designed to meet residents’ needs along with common areas ideal for sitting and relaxing with friends and dining rooms offering delicious restaurant-style meals.

Another reason many seniors are choosing independent living communities is the appeal of living among like-minded people of the same age. Socializing is important to our wellbeing and isolation can lead to depression or worsen health problems. For seniors who no longer work and/or have stopped or limited their driving, it can get more and more difficult to maintain normal social interactions. Senior living communities offer easy opportunities for residents to meet new friends or engage in social activities and special events.  

At communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer on-site amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness centers, bistro bar, and salon as well as transportation services. We also bring in live entertainment and host special events throughout the year. Wellness activities include exercise classes, life enrichment classes and more. We also know security is important to peace of mind, and community living gives that to seniors and their families. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly.

Furthermore, 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.  In addition, you will get priority placement to transfer to an assisted living or memory care suite, depending on availability.  For trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ, please contact us for more information.
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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.

Looking for Assisted Living in the Peoria/Glendale Area?

Once mom or dad has made the decision to move to an assisted living community, you will want it to go as smoothly as possible and this includes helping them choose the right place to meet today’s needs as well as the next 5 to 10 years. In some cases, a move to an assisted living community is precipitated by a worsening medical condition or an injury due to a fall and the time to mentally prepare oneself is short. This is why MorningStar at Golden Ridge has a guide to help families navigate through such a momentous change in a senior’s life. 

Googling senior living in the Peoria, AZ area will bring up quite a few hits so experts recommend narrowing down the candidates to 3 or 4 communities that offer assisted living in a location that works for your family.  Reading information on their website and contacting them for pricing information can help narrow down the choices to those you wish to tour.   

Touring a community is a real eye-opener and the Internet offers many tips on what to look for during your visit. At MorningStar, our online community assistant allows you to inquire about pricing and availability as well as set up a tour. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a tour and getting ready for a lot of details. Take notes and bring any questions you would like to ask. Focus on the overall ambiance, and take a look at our Monthly Expense Comparison and Senior Communities Comparison Chart beforehand to weigh value against cost. We also advise revisiting your top one or two choices, and remember many seniors find a trial stay; we offer them for up to a full month, is a good way to find out if it is the right community.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our assisted living suites are available in a selection of floor plans and offer a broad range of amenities and services to meet your every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.
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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, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Staying Active Improves Strength, Flexibility and Balance

As we grow older, many people begin to slow down. However, we know a lack of exercise and activity can cause reduced muscle strength and flexibility, and lead to health problems that make beginning exercise that much more difficult. In fact, one government study estimated “nearly 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, with adults 65 and older being the least likely to engage in a regular exercise routine.”

Experts recommend older adults make a plan to stay more active and commit to it. Before you begin any new exercise or activity, talk to your doctor as your health challenges may make some physical activities not possible. Guidance from your healthcare providers can help develop a plan most effective in achieving overall conditioning despite any limited endurance.    

Areas to focus on include strengthening leg muscles to improve mobility and balance, which is part of maintaining your independence as strong legs support so many basic everyday activities, such as sitting down, standing up, and walking. In addition, safe upper body exercises are important in giving a person the strength to get up from an armchair or carrying and lifting items as part of performing routine household activities. Exercises focusing on maintaining or improving balance are also important in reducing a person’s risk for a fall.

For independent living or assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is the perfect community to enjoy stress-free retirement years.  We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef and onsite amenities, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. In addition, we provide compassionate care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information about our community as well as pricing and availability.

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 in Peoria, AZ.
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Source: hurusa.com/5-of-the-best-strength-exercises-for-senior-independence

Creating a Safe Environment for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your spouse or mom or dad safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing.

Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, investigate food delivery services. Additionally, lower the temperature of the water coming from the taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area.

To reduce the risk of falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether.       

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 35 memory care suites for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed with the needs of our special residents in mind and includes an enclosed courtyard, suites equipped with emergency call systems, and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participates in daily activities such as arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, loving memory care in Peoria, AZ.
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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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Experienced Memory Care

MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ is proud to offer exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, operates senior living communities in eleven states.  This means MorningStar at Golden Ridge benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained in their 20 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling to provide care to our most special residents.  By devoting a separate area to memory care called our Reflections Neighborhood, residents have the independence to safely move about their expansive surroundings.  To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure courtyard to allow them to enjoy being outdoors.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience.

Our holistic approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.  We also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families.  Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones.

We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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.

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Community in Peoria, AZ

Families often wonder how assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge determine the level of care for residents. We want to reassure you there is no need to worry mom or dad’s needs will not be addressed as our job includes creating and routinely re-evaluating residents’ individualized care plan designed for their wellbeing and safety.  

Once you and your family decide MorningStar is the best fit, we invite you to meet with our Wellness Director to come up with a specialized care plan based on five levels of care – basic through level 4. Additionally, monthly fees are determined by the square footage and location of your suite within the building along with the view. We have a choice of studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floorplans.

Our care services take into account the cost and time of providing each service such as assistance with dressing and bathing. The result is a highly Individualized Service Plan that offers the right amount of assistance when you need it. Medication management is included in Level 1. Other various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.

We believe wellness of mind, body and spirit is a joint effort between our remarkable residents and team members. Between clinical services and our life enrichment programs and activities, we work hard to be a breath of fresh air; and look for creative solutions that offer a higher quality of care at a lower cost to families. Working within the scope of our licensing with the Department of Health, we try to find creative solutions to extend the stay of our residents even as health conditions change.

Along with assisted living, we offer Casitas for independent living featuring high end finishes and an attached garage. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

Find Professional and Compassionate Staff at MorningStar Memory Care Communities

At MorningStar Arvada, we take pride in our team of skilled and compassionate staff members trained specifically in memory care. These professionals have extensive experience caring for individuals with memory impairments and are dedicated to promoting residents' overall well-being under our culture of Radiance. Our team members are trained in dementia-specific communication techniques and understand the importance of patience, empathy, and individualized care. At MorningStar, you can find the most committed team of memory care providers that ensure our residents receive the highest support and assistance, enhancing their quality of life and fostering a sense of dignity and respect.

At MorningStar Arvada, professionalism is at the core of everything they do. The staff members are highly trained and experienced in memory care and equipped with knowledge and skills to provide specialized support for seniors with memory impairments. Certified caregivers and licensed nurses have the expertise to navigate the unique challenges of memory loss. Their professionalism ensures residents receive the highest quality care in a safe and nurturing environment.

MorningStar Arvada operates under a culture of radiance, which infuses every aspect of the community. Radiance represents the vibrant and joyful spirit that permeates MorningStar Arvada, creating an uplifting atmosphere for residents and staff alike. This culture is evident in the interactions between staff and residents, where smiles, laughter, and genuine connections abound. The positive energy radiates throughout the community, fostering a sense of purpose, happiness, and fulfillment for everyone involved. This culture of radiance contributes to a supportive and uplifting environment that promotes overall well-being and enhances the memory care experience.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s and memory care community? MorningStar senior living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a natural home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Family Stays Involved in Memory Care at MorningStar

Choosing a memory care community impacts the residents and their families. Morningstar Arvada recognizes the importance of family involvement, providing education, resources, and opportunities for engagement. Our community directs families to support groups and educational seminars to help families navigate the challenges associated with memory loss. Morningstar ensures families feel supported and empowered throughout their loved one’s memory care journey.

MorningStar Arvada believes that open and transparent communication with families is critical to maintaining strong relationships with families while their loved one is receiving memory care. Our community encourages regular and honest communication between staff, residents, and their families to ensure that residents are safe and happy. Families are informed about their loved one's progress, health status, and significant changes from the initial assessment to ongoing care updates.
By fostering a collaborative approach, MorningStar Arvada ensures that families have the information to actively participate in decision-making and support their loved one's well-being.

A person-centered approach recognizes each resident has unique needs and preferences. Families play a crucial role in developing individualized care plans for their loved ones. Our staff members collaborate closely to understand their loved ones’ backgrounds, preferences, likes and dislikes, and life histories. By involving families in planning, our community ensures residents receive personalized care that respects individuality.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s and memory care community? MorningStar senior living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.
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The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a natural home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

Find Reliable Memory Care Near You

Finding comfortable and reliable memory care for your parents or loved ones can feel overwhelming, as there are numerous things to consider. From their daily routine and personal preferences to medications and required level of care, the list can seem endless. Not to mention, there are so many facilities to explore and research. However, it is essential to consider your loved one's safety first and to consider senior living facilities that will provide them with the highest level of care. Discover a trustworthy memory care solution for seniors at MorningStar's Assisted Living and Memory Care in Beaverton, Oregon.

MorningStar Assisted Living and 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, including 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 needing 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. Created with accessibility, each well-appointed suite or private room is easily navigable.
 
MorningStar's private memory care neighborhood, Reflections, has a beautiful, secure courtyard, personal kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Common area decorations and furniture inspire an active community for building friendships and creating happy memories. Our Oregon residents are encouraged to bring their belongings into their suites and make their new residence home. There are also plenty of cozy gathering spaces to promote social interaction, like a comfortable fireside living room, a fully stocked library, and a relaxing massage room. Let us help you make a home in our memory care community.

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

Is it a Good Idea to Purchase a Hearing Aid Over the Counter?

Did you know the FDA has made changes to regulations regarding hearing aids, which now makes it possible to buy an FDA approved device over the counter (OTC)? While many of us have heard about the high cost of prescription hearing aids and that Medicare typically does not cover them, you may want to know whether the experts think an OTC purchase is a good idea. 

The Harvard Medical School went to Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to see if it is a viable option and to explain potential pros and cons. He explains that despite there being several types of hearing aids, they all amplify sound and use a combination of signaling processing and directional microphones to filter out background noise. However, he warns against confusing personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) with hearing aids as they only amplify sound.

To determine your level of hearing loss, experts recommend you start by getting a hearing test from an audiologist like you would get an exam from an optometrist when buying eyeglasses. This is especially necessary for severe hearing loss, as OTC devices are not appropriate for all types of hearing loss. For mild to moderate hearing loss, it may be possible to get good results by purchasing an OTC device without a hearing exam and fitting by an audiologist. 

The next question routinely asked is if you will save money by purchasing an OTC hearing aid and the answer is most-likely yes as right now the average hearing aid runs anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000 per ear, and age-related hearing loss may be in one or both ears. OTC also helps reduce the price by eliminating the added expense of the hearing test along with the actual device being substantially lower. Doctors say the new regulations should increase competition and some estimates indicate prices could drop by as much as $1,600. 

Dr. Naples cautions that just as drugstore readers are a great option for many, some individuals have more complicated issues that require more precise solutions. Hearing aids are the same. The doctor states the safest bet is to get a hearing test to confirm an OTC device is right for you. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has stylish Casitas and suites for independent and assisted living in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us for more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, Arizona.   

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 senior living in Peoria, Arizona.
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Source: health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-get-an-over-the-counter-hearing-aid-202211162852

The Benefits of Choosing a Continuous Care Community that Offers Memory Care

When selecting a senior living community, finding one that offers a comprehensive range of care services is crucial. MorningStar of Arvada, located in the charming city of Arvada, Colorado, is a unique senior living community providing continuous and specialized memory care services. This combination makes MorningStar Arvada an exceptional choice for seniors and their families seeking a community that offers seamless transitions through various levels of care while ensuring compassionate and tailored support for individuals with memory impairments.

MorningStar Arvada stands out as a continuing care community, offering various levels of care within one location. Seniors can seamlessly transition from independent living to assisted living and memory care as their needs evolve. This continuity of care eliminates the stress and disruption of moving to different facilities, which allows residents to age in a familiar place where they can receive the appropriate support without compromising their sense of comfort. Whether a resident requires minimal assistance or specialized memory care, MorningStar Arvada has the resources to meet their changing needs throughout their senior years.

Our community takes pride in our team of skilled and compassionate staff members trained specifically in memory care. These professionals have extensive experience caring for individuals with memory impairments and are dedicated to promoting residents' overall well-being. Our staff members are trained in dementia-specific communication techniques, understanding the importance of patience, empathy, and individualized care. Their expertise and commitment ensure that memory care residents receive the highest support and assistance, enhancing their quality of life and fostering a sense of dignity and respect.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior memory care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a natural home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Arvada, Colorado.

These Everyday Activities Promote Brain Health in Seniors Dealing with Memory Loss

Some of the first signs of Alzheimer's or other memory loss diseases is often the struggle to complete everyday tasks or activities one once enjoyed. You may notice that your parent or loved one needs help to remember how to do things they used to do regularly or were skilled in. While they may struggle, this does not mean that they have lost interest or ability to do their activities, but that they may require extra support to complete these tasks while adjusting to memory loss. At MorningStar Senior Living, our community can mentally, physically, and emotionally support your loved one.

Choosing an assisted living facility specializing in memory care is the best decision to ensure your loved one continues their usual enriching activities in a safe environment. While many senior living facilities differ, MorningStar at Beaverton offers memory care that recognizes the importance of encouraging our residents to participate in everyday activities. 

While there is an array of amenities and activities that MorningStar offers, a popular one that actively promotes brain health in our residents dealing with memory loss includes the attraction of our grand piano. Music can profoundly impact individuals with memory loss, according to the Alzheimer's disease research center. The piano is open to our residents, and we encourage them to practice or show off their skills. However, if your loved one can no longer fully participate in playing piano, listening to another play still encourages brain health and can promote more memory recollection. 

We like to have a hands-on approach to our residents' specialized memory care needs dealing with memory loss. Our holistic approach to senior living means it is not uncommon to see residents working in the kitchen, helping employees with clerical work, or tending to one of our gardens. Participating in everyday activities promotes recognition and enrichment.

Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.  

MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the best assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of "to honor, to serve, to invest." With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon, offers.

Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline With the MIND Diet

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. 

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer a healthy engaged lifestyle with luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  Our chef also uses ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona.
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MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s 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 serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Yoga Benefits Both Your Body and Brain

While practitioners have known for centuries the calmness and peace yoga brings into their lives, science has finally caught up with real evidence of its benefits to our brains. Studies show yoga elevates levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAGA), which helps regulate nerve activity and is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety. 

The Harvard Medical School journal writes, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Their evidence comes from several studies that used MRI and other brain imaging technology. Researchers found participants who practiced yoga regularly had a thicker cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, than participants who did not practice yoga. 

This could be significant because as people age, this is one of the areas in the brain that typically shrinks. As the older yoga practitioners had less shrinkage than non-practitioners, researchers say it suggests yoga can “counteract age-related declines in memory and other cognitive skills.”  

Other benefits of yoga include helping individuals lose weight, sleep better, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels to improve diabetes. It also helps people gain flexibility and muscle strength around arthritic joints and reduces the pain associated with the condition.   
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At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our vibrant 55+ senior living community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents.  We are committed to providing the best senior living in Peoria, AZ, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  For more information, please contact us or visit our website.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.

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 Memory Care in Peoria, Arizona

Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers loving, compassionate care to those with memory impairment in our Reflections Neighborhood. MorningStar brings 20 years of experience to our approach to memory care in senior communities across eleven states.  

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, the Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs. Residents also receive daily health monitoring, medication management and access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers.

We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating and we want families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden.     Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care in Peoria, AZ.
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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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

How to Improve Communication with Your Doctor

Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe to a doctor what is going on regarding medical problems. Describing various symptoms is quite all-together different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam.  

Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how to best do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling. 

Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such as three days, or on and off for a week. Doctors say it is helpful to rate your pain from one to ten. 

Other helpful things you can do include using a blood pressure monitor to chart your blood pressure, and if you feel feverish, take your temperature. Keep track of other important symptoms such as sore throat, earache, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Be sure to mention unexpected weight loss, fatigue when doing things you typically do, or specific type and location of pain, i.e. a constant, sharp pain in the front of the right knee. If you have a chronic condition, doctors say it helps to keep a journal of symptoms to discuss with your doctor during your next visit. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior living community in Peoria, AZ offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security.  Amenities include fitness centers, healthy meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Remarkable for our beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors.  Please contact us for more information about assisted living.

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 assisted living in Peoria, AZ.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor