Advocate for Your or a Loved One’s Health

February 23, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude.

Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”

Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition, let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume.

Additionally, remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask.

Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking, alcohol use and taking medications as prescribed.

For outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, Peoria, AZ area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful home provides a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or see our website for more information.

MorningStar’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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1

Luxury Independent Living in Peoria, Arizona

February 21, 2024 by Karla A in Independent Living

Are you ready for a lifestyle change? While you may have retired from your career, we know you have not retired from life but rather looking forward to a whole new chapter. Along with assisted living and memory care, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers independent seniors well-designed Casitas, onsite amenities and a community of friends.

Today’s seniors are not only living longer but are more engaged and active than their parents and grandparents were in their later years. Retirement in 2024 is the time to enjoy hobbies, pursue new interests, travel, and renew yourself through volunteerism or hanging out with the grandkids – not worrying about home maintenance and repairs. Time is precious and life needs to be lived to the fullest.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s five-star dining service puts most meal preparation and clean-up in our hands and frees you for a before dinner swim or soak in the hot tub. Like to watch movies in the evening? Walk over to our theater, chat with friends before the show and then enjoy a good film. Imagine having a group of neighbors ready to play a hand of cards or attending a fitness class with a friend a few doors down. A complement of wellness programs and activities keep your brain sharp, the body fit, and spiritually and socially connected.

Another overlooked advantage to independent living is the security of knowing someone is always around. For peace of mind, all Casitas have a handicap-accessible bathroom, 24-hour emergency call system, and attached garage. Since we are pet friendly, you will not need to leave behind your beloved four-footed family member.

Our beautiful Casitas are available in different floor plans so you are sure to find one that suits your needs. In addition, independent living residents have priority access to our assisted living and memory care suites, which gives you the security of knowing extra supportive care is available—if you ever need it. Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other senior living in Peoria, AZ and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

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.

How to Find Effective Medication Management for Seniors in Memory Care Arvada Co

February 21, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

If you have a loved one in need of memory care in Arvada, CO, it’s important to consider their unique needs and health care necessities. Often, seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia will have a strict medication routine that will need to be followed to support their overall health and comfort while aging.

Trusted memory care includes proper medication management. To ensure that your loved one is receiving the right care for them, here is how to find a memory care community that provides effective medication management:

Evaluate Needs

Before deciding on a memory care community, evaluate the needs of your loved one. What medication and healthcare will your loved one require when they move into memory care? How rigorous is the routine? What difficulties do your loved one have with taking their medications? These are all questions you should ask yourself to be sure that you can communicate these memory care needs to the community and care management.

Review Staff Training and Caretakers

To find the best memory care Arvada, Co has to offer, you must review any training or credentials of memory care staff. MorningStar’s signature philosophy and approach to dementia care is named “Lavender Sky” where the caretaker’s ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore the effects of memory loss. This includes proper medication management and evaluation.

Consider Staff to Resident Ratio

All seniors should be properly cared for in memory care, and this means communities should be staffed well and efficiently. To find proper medication management for your loved one, consider a memory care community that is fully staffed and attentive to the needs of the residents around them.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

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.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Arvada. We 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 Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

A Closer Look at Innovative Memory Care Solutions in Beaverton Senior Living

February 21, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

Many families feel devastated by a memory loss diagnosis. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, which makes this diagnosis even more challenging. Luckily, there are memory care communities that make it their mission to bring innovative memory care solutions to families in Beaverton, Oregon.

MorningStar Senior Living Oregon addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals with memory issues and sets the stage for an exploration of progressive and transformative approaches to care in these ways:

Innovative Design and Smart Technologies

MorningStar Memory Care Beaverton utilizes the latest technology and research in dementia care to create a comforting and safe environment for residents. With a homelike atmosphere, wayfinding strategies, and the incorporation of SafelyYou technologies, seniors at MorningStar are safer and more supported than ever before.

Person-Centered Memory Care

Senior living is no longer “one-size-fits-all.” This means seniors receive the proper care they need in memory care communities at MorningStar Beaverton. Personalized care plans are specialized to each senior’s physical, emotional, and social needs. Developed with family, medical professionals, and the care team at MorningStar, seniors receive structured and person-centered memory care.

Engaging Therapeutic and Holistic Programs

MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton provides memory support for seniors through a variety of engaging therapeutic and holistic programs offered in Beaverton’s memory care communities.

Art, pet, and music therapy are proudly loved and utilized at MorningStar. Remiscnece activities like movie nights, nature walks, board games, and craft-making aim to stimulate cognitive function, evoke positive memories, and foster emotional well-being for seniors in memory care communities.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take 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.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Creating a Holistic Memory Care Environment at Home

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Holistic memory care is a popular and innovative approach to memory care. If you are the primary caregiver to a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may be wondering how you can make your loved one’s environment more comfortable.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living and memory care Beaverton has to offer. Suppose you aren’t ready to move your loved one into memory care, or you are just looking for ways to make your space at home more memory care friendly. In that case, MorningStar offers 3 useful tips to create a holistic memory care environment at home.

What is holistic memory care?

Unlike traditional memory care approaches, which tend to focus on the individual’s weaknesses and limitations, holistic memory care emphasizes the individual’s strengths and abilities.

Memory care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton, create specialized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs, interests, and abilities of every senior, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity and independence for as long as possible while also giving them the appropriate level of care needed.

Creating Holistic Memory Care

Focus on providing a calm living space for your loved one to feel comfortable. It is difficult for a senior struggling with memory loss to relax in cluttered, loud, and dirty places. When creating a holistic memory care environment, be sure to offer a space that is organized and managed effectively. It is best to not have disturbing noises that may frequently affect a senior’s peace.
Encourage the independence of your loved one. This may feel counterproductive, especially if your loved one has lost a lot of motor skills, mobility, and memory capabilities. But this is the purpose of holistic memory care: meeting your loved one where they’re at. Find activities your loved one can participate in that encourage their independence, such as having them help complete small tasks around the home.
Maintain a stimulating routine through sensory play and other mentally stimulating activities. Holistic therapies, such as art therapy, yoga, and music therapy can also be helpful when used routinely.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

The Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Assisted Living

The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However, it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria.

In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.”

The Harvard Medical School explains our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bacteria, allowing them to grow faster and colonize more easily, without as many helpful bacteria to prevent it from happening.

Research shows certain foods like yogurt and kefirs with live, active cultures are beneficial to adding to our microbiome. Unpasteurized, fermented foods like kombucha, miso, sauerkraut and sour pickles contain healthy microbes but most packaged fermented foods are pasteurized, which destroys the microbes. The best way to get around that is to learn to ferment foods at home.

Experts say while there are many probiotic supplements on the market, it is not easy to find exactly what you need. Most probiotic supplements contain just a few bacterial strains, compared to the many stains naturally found in the gut. “Although there are many claims made by probiotic products, there’s now reliable, evidence-based support that certain probiotics — like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium (bacteria), and Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast) — are generally safe and helpful in specific conditions.”

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar’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 the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Sources:

healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics

healthline.com/health/probiotics-and-digestive-health/how-long-does-it-take-for-probiotics-to-work#choosing-a-probiotic

How Continuity of Care Improves Senior’s Lives in Memory Care

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

When the time comes to find trusted and reliable memory care, you want to consider the possibility that your loved one’s needs may change drastically over time. Even with preventative treatment, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can experience skill degradation, loss of mobility, changes in appetite, and extreme memory loss. For these reasons, it is worth it to consider a continuous care community for your memory care needs.

What are Continuous Senior Care Communities?

Continuous Care Communities, or CCRCs, are senior living communities that are committed to providing a seamless transition of comprehensive care to seniors throughout their lifetime within that community.

Continuous care communities allow residents to age comfortably regardless of their changing health or abilities, without the stress of relocation.

How does a continuous care community benefit memory care?

Continuous care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Arvada, provide seniors with a stable and supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being, reduces stress, and fosters the growth of positive relationships and friendships.

The familiarity and consistency created by continuous care senior living communities contribute significantly to the positive experiences of seniors in memory care through these ways:

Building Trusted Relationships

Seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia often feel overwhelmed by meeting unfamiliar people. If a senior is constantly relocating due to changing needs, this may be triggering unnecessary issues and causing your loved one to experience more stress and anxiety, hindering any progress while limiting the ability to grow trusted relationships with the people and caretakers around them.

Better Health Monitoring

When a senior stays in one community for an established period, that community has a better chance to fully understand and predict their health needs. When seniors with memory loss conditions relocate frequently, important medical concerns can be lost or overlooked in translation.

Maintaining Structured Routines

Continuous care senior communities take into account the changing needs seniors may have down the line. If your loved one is struggling with memory loss, staying in a familiar environment provides these seniors with the stability and support to maintain structured routines.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

February 16, 2024 by Karla A in Assisted Living

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55+ who want to and can live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy but require assistance in their daily lives.

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24-hour access to help if needed. Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family. Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.

If you are looking for outstanding independent or assisted living in Peoria, AZ, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is it. We offer privacy, comfort, and security, and a staff that works hard to meet the needs of our remarkable residents. We have Casitas and suites in a variety of floor plans and configurations. Amenities include all-day dining, theater/chapel, library, fitness centers, swimming pool and scheduled transportation along with wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community.

Protect Your Memory With Diet, Exercise and Other Healthy Habits

February 14, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Studies suggest that while some memory decline is inevitable with aging, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain and enhance memory function as well as our overall brain health. The US News & World Report says one of the things we can do is to routinely be physically active as studies show it provides a lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

They explain physical activity optimizes blood flow to the entire body including the brain and helps keep our memories sharp. However, the type of physical exercise is important and should include a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio such as power walking, running, biking or swimming. (Before beginning any new exercise, experts say check with your healthcare provider).

If you worry about forgetting things, Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, says for most of us it is normal. He states all of us forget things like where we put our keys or when our doctor’s appointment is, which is typically not a reason for concern. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are different and cause more consistent memory problems that have a debilitating effect on a person’s quality of life.

Along with physical exercise, other strategies to improve and protect memory include challenging our brain by learning new things, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Dr. Williams says adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night as it “allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia.”

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge has Casitas and suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations to meet different preferences and needs. Our community’s amenities offer plenty of ways to exercise both the body and the brain. Amenities include fitness centers, swimming pool, life enrichment rooms, library, wellness programs and activities. We are committed to providing the best independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/memory-decline-isnt-inevitable

Discover the Many Benefits of Senior Living

February 12, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of support. For older adults who are still homeowners, senior living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to a senior living community provides an extra layer of security as well as easy interactions with people in a similar time of life. Moreover, communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer the kind of independent and assisted living seniors depend on with a broad range of services including delicious, nutritional daily meals.

Senior living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones. In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contribute. In fact, part of our mission statement is to “value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals with a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” We too know that research has found intellectual stimulation to be an important step in mitigating and slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and we want to help in that effort.

Remember even if you are the type of person who values their privacy, senior living gives you peace of mind knowing that people are around when you need them. Moreover, if you start out in one of our Casitas for independent living, and later, you require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) as offered in assisted living, you will have priority to available suites. The same goes for our memory care area. This is an example of the benefits of living in a community with more than one neighborhood under its roof. Please visit our website to learn more about luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ.

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.

It’s Important to Address Changing Needs as Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses

February 09, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person’s needs change and it is important to recognize and address those changes with appropriate care. Along with meeting basic needs, experts say care providers should treat the whole person by creating an environment that allows them to feel independent and safe. The Alzheimer’s Association says determining the best care options can be tough and offers some advice on how to ensure the person has the services, programs, and caregivers in place for the best possible quality of life.

The first step to any decision regarding care is to honestly evaluate your loved one’s needs. Also, to whatever degree possible, it is recommended you include them in any decisions. Another thing to remember is during the early stages of the disease the person may be able to live independently but in the middle stages, 24-hour supervision is needed. Additionally, around-the-clock care is much more demanding in the later and end stages.

Primary points to consider include safety, especially in terms of unsupervised cooking, or if the person has a tenacity to wander or needs help with medications. Does the person have medical conditions that need monitoring such as diabetes or a mobility issue? Other problems that may demand more professional care include a person becoming aggressive or needing help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). Finally, consider if the person would benefit from more social interaction and activities.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers care to those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages their independence while keeping them safe. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/c hoosing-care-providers

Understanding the Benefits of Person-Centered Memory Care Plans

January 24, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Every senior deserves autonomy and should get a say in their healthcare routines. However, input may not be possible for every senior, especially if they struggle with a debilitating memory loss condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia. This makes it difficult to involve every senior in their memory care plan fully. However, MorningStar Memory Care Arvada Colorado may have a solution to this problem.

At MorningStar, seniors deserve a person-centered approach to memory care. This means seniors in our retirement homes receive an empathetic and holistic approach to memory care that improves their quality of life and independence.

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

A person-centered approach to memory care places seniors at the heart of their care. This new memory care approach provides support for seniors with dementia or other memory-related disorders by emphasizing the unique needs, preferences, and experiences of that person.

Person-centered memory care brings autonomy back to the individual by considering their likes, dislikes, background, personality and abilities. By seeing them as an individual, memory care communities can tailor care to each senior and therefore provide the best care that senior requires.

How to Create Personalized Care Plans?

To create your personalized memory care plan, an assessment needs to be made. When choosing your memory care community, be sure to come prepared with medical information about your loved one like:

Their current diagnosis
Past surgeries
Potential challenges
Medications
Dietary Restrictions

After discussing your loved one’s medical needs, your memory care manager will want to know your loved one on an individual level. They will be curious about their personality and what challenges they are currently facing. Person-centered care aims to provide care that empathetically embraces memory loss and therefore can provide more attuned memory care.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

The Importance of Person-Centered Care in Memory Senior Living Communities

January 24, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

With dementia or Alzheimer’s, there is no one sided approach to care. Because memory loss is so unpredictable and varied, every person will have a different response to their new reality and struggle with different symptoms at different times. The best memory care communities understand that senior care should be tailored to each individual, prioritizing their set of unique challenges and goals.

What is a person-centered approach in memory care?

A person-centered approach to memory care prioritizes the unique needs and preferences of each resident while recognizing the personality of the individual. This holistic approach to memory care recognizes the importance of treating each person separately from another. Person-centered care in memory senior living communities can look like this:

Increased Independence

Person-centered care and individualized care plans promote independence in seniors by treating them as an individual and not as a group. Person-centered care supports autonomy and allows residents to participate in activities that bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment while receiving the level of care they need, no more and no less.

More Meaningful Activities

Person-centered care allows memory care communities to know their residents on an individual level. This means we quickly learn your loved one’s likes, dislikes, wishes and fears. Understanding what our community likes allows us to plan more meaningful activities that we know will engage and inspire our residents.

Regular Assessments

Dementia is not stagnant. While we wish the disease didn’t progress, we know a senior may struggle with consistent changes in their memory loss diagnosis. Regular assessments, family involvement and medical input allow us to update our personalized care plan, giving you and your loved one a flexible memory care experience that works.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Explore Holistic Memory Care Options for Senior Living

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory care. As our understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia has expanded, so too have our care options. Caring for seniors with memory loss requires a nuanced approach to memory care that looks past debilitating medication or hospitalization if possible. Holistic memory care addresses many other needs of the individual to improve their overall quality of life, making their memory loss symptoms more manageable.

Because of the growing research in Alzheimer’s care, we can now better understand the needs of many seniors struggling with memory loss holistically. Keep reading to better understand the various parts of holistic memory care and what this treatment can offer your aging parent or loved one.

What is Holistic Memory Care?

Holistic memory care refers to an approach to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care that aims to consider and address the needs of a singular person, not the condition.

This memory care initiative considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the individual with memory loss. This approach recognizes that every individual is unique and that no two memory loss diagnoses affect seniors in the same way. Here are the key components of holistic memory care:

Comprehensive Assessment
Before your loved one moves in, a comprehensive assessment is done by care managers to get a full picture of what level of care your loved one will require and what treatment plans will be most beneficial. This is a collective and cooperative project, as we value and require family and medical input to build a care plan that is best suited to your loved one.
Staff Training
Holistic memory care would be moot if not for properly trained caretakers and staff. Senior living communities that offer holistic memory care should be certain that caregivers and staff are thoroughly trained in dementia care. This means every member of the staff has a focus on providing person-centered care that regularly evaluates the needs of residents to evolve their caregiving methods.
Stimulation and Engagement
Seniors, no matter their health, require social, physical, and cognitive engagement and stimulation. This means senior living communities should be equipped with easily accessible amenities that seniors can enjoy. As well as weekly activities and outings that help seniors feel engaged and excited. Holistic therapies should be regularly utilized, as well as hands-on crafts and community parties.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

How Memory Care Provides Professional Support for Families

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be very overwhelming for most families. If you are someone who just found out about their loved one’s new memory loss diagnosis, you are likely feeling emotions of anxiety, grief and uncertainty. What options do you have to provide your loved one with the best senior care possible?

Memory care facilities are specifically designed to provide professional support for seniors aged 55 and up with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as their families. Here are some of the ways memory care facilities offer professional Alzheimer’s and dementia support:

Benefits and memory care services at MorningStar

By offering a comprehensive range of services and holistic memory care support, MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care ease the burden on families caring for loved ones with dementia while ensuring the well-being and safety of the individuals in their care.

Specialized Staff and Nursing Options

Families need a senior living community that has specialized memory care staff and on-site nurses available in case of emergencies. Dedicated memory care staff are more empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding to the needs of a senior struggling with dementia. Staff at MorningStar monitors seniors’ health, manages medications and maintains loving relationships throughout the community.

Holistic Therapies and Activities

Seniors in Senior living communities that specialize in memory care have more access to therapeutic activities and group events. Attending music therapy or arranging animal therapies in your home can be costly and overwhelming to organize. Event planners at MorningStar start each week excited to plan new events to boost communication and relaxation.

Nutritional Support

It can be hard for seniors to get adequate nutrition in their homes. Memory care communities at MorningStar provide restaurant-style meals rounded out by an assortment of necessary vitamins and minerals. Care providers at MorningStar ensure residents eat regularly and can monitor any changes in diet or weight.

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

Mitigating Fall Risk in Older Adults

January 17, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury. However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving. Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”

They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall. Their first piece of advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention. Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls.

While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk. Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and staying focused on the task at hand. Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet. If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms.

Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed. In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside. Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom. Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety. Each of our suites is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom. We also recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide a full calendar of activities that includes a variety of exercise programs. For more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ please visit our website or give us a call.

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Sources:cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/, agingcar e .com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm, alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

Put Grandparents Day on Your Calendar This Year

January 15, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year.

For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids.

Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can include the role of caregiver, teacher, playmate and cheering squad depending on where they live; and does not come with the responsibilities of being the parent. Grandparents can uniquely provide the child with a sense of their family history, heritage, and identity. They know great stories about the child’s parents and can help pass on family traditions and life stories.

If your child does not have any grandparents, consider adopting an elderly person who does not have grandchildren. If you don’t know any senior citizens personally, call a senior community in your area and ask about activities where your child would be welcome. If you missed Grandparents Day last year, put it on the calendar and celebrate it with some of your favorite seniors on September 8th.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a one-of-a-kind senior living community with a mission statement to:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.

Our campus offers 38 two-bedroom Casitas for independent living along with 65 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Reflections Neighborhood provides the people, programs and security to enhance quality of life. Please call today to set up a tour of our beautiful community.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge represents the very best in independent living, assisted living and memory care.Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Learn More About MorningStar at Golden Ridge

January 12, 2024 by Karla A in Independent Living

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers seniors a carefree lifestyle in which to age in place comfortably and safely. Our location in Peoria, AZ is the perfect blend of a friendly residential area that is close to quality medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s independent living is in a separate neighborhood comprising 38 Casitas with attached garages, a clubhouse and swimming pool. It is perfect for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping to have more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Seniors enjoy stress-free living and a lifestyle that extends their independence and lets them continue the adventure.

Assisted living is for seniors who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. As a 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 expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

Among the many advantages of MorningStar is if you start out with us as an independent living resident and your needs change, you will have priority access to supportive care right next door. All residents enjoy a range of amenities including a bistro bar, fitness centers, salon, movie theatre, library, wellness programs and activities.

With a choice of floor plans, you are sure to find a Casita or suite to suit your needs. All are equipped with high end finishes and handicap-accessible bathrooms. An emergency call system gives you peace of mind knowing someone is always available to lend a hand if needed. Residents enjoy nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef and served all day.

In addition, we offer memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Make Your Senior Years Healthier Than Ever

January 10, 2024 by Karla A in Senior Living

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.

The Family Doctor website also offers some common sense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and make changes to your diet.

By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and if you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. By daily exercising, you can also help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes.

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts suggest breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into increments if it is easier for you. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or doing 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles.

The article also suggests making changes to your diet. Try making small changes one at a time that add up to improved health. Adding more fiber to your meals gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A heart healthy diet to try is the Mediterranean diet which promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lastly, they recommend you drink more water and eat more whole foods.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to promote residents’ health and well-being with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. Our beautiful property has 38 independent living Casitas for residents who do not require care services. For assisted living, we offer 65 suites and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 35 suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ.

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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Source: familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Learn More About Strokes

January 08, 2024 by Karla A in Assisted Living

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2019; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood.

One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart.
The second most important thing to know about stroke is in many cases it is preventable. The most common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and exercising can help lessen your risk for a stroke. Managing stress and watching your consummation of alcohol can additionally reduce the risk.

Another thing many people do not know about stroke is it is treatable and the faster you get treatment the better the outcome. This is why it is important to pay attention to symptoms such as trouble speaking, double vision, paralysis or numbness. If you do experience symptoms, call an ambulance. Remember stroke does not only occur in the elderly. While your risk for stroke does increase with age, a study reports 34% of stroke hospitalizations in 2009 were under the age of 65.
Not all strokes have symptoms and some are only found through MRIs and other diagnostic tests. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” can be a warning and requires an emergency work-up and management to prevent a possible larger stroke.

MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is situated on a spacious campus in Peoria, AZ and features exceptional architecture and award-winning design. Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. Our community offers 38 Casitas with attached garages for independent living. In addition, we have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’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 discover why MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a great place to call home.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-stroke