Concierge Living for the Best Carefree Retirement

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

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

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

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

Pet Therapy for those with Alzheimer’s & Other Forms of Dementia

Pet therapy (also known as animal-assisted therapy) is used for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia as a way to alleviate feelings of boredom, loneliness and helplessness. Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard trained geriatrician and author of “The Eden Alternative,” said bringing in children, plants and animals helps to invigorate long-term care by “incorporating companionship, a sense of purpose, variety and spontaneity into the day-to-day experience of aged care residents.”

While studies show therapy dogs and other animals are useful in stimulating social interaction and easing agitation in dementia patients, experts say it should be done with specially trained pets to get the most benefit. Moreover the animal should be matched to the setting as well as to the person. Pet therapists say dogs are generally the easiest to train as they are comfortable interacting with a variety of people.    

The benefits of animal therapy to dementia patients include the unconditional love and acceptance animals freely give out as well as the physical touch from the pet contact. Also these relationships do not require much in the way of communication skills, which are often difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s. Researchers say other benefits of pet therapy include an increase in physical activity and an unexpected improvement in a person’s appetite after a visit from an animal as well as an overall calming effect. 

MorningStar of Arvada offers a unique approach to memory care designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss.  By leveraging the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as animals, we strive to heal and comfort our most tender residents. Additionally we offer area seniors 112 bright independent and assisted living suites with an array of luxury amenities, wellness programs, and hospitality and care services for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Visit our website for availability and pricing to learn more about independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.  

Source: 

verywellhealth.com/how-does-pet-therapy-benefit-people-with-dementia-98677

tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/conu.2011.37.2.222

Helping Our Memory Care Residents Transition to Community Life

As one of the premier senior living communities in the area, MorningStar of Arvada provides seniors the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO. Situated on 1.5 acres, and encircled by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada Reservoir; we proudly offer residents an array of luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, care services and more.   

Through our extensive experience, we know what a difficult decision it is for families to begin searching for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. MorningStar of Arvada would feel honored to be on the top of your list. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, our home was founded on the mission of “casting a new light on senior living” by: honoring God; valuing all seniors; and investing generously in our team. 

Our philosophy and approach to memory care support is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky; and includes using a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Once your family decides to entrust MorningStar’s community with your loved one, our job is to get to know as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. We do this with a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” to create a specialized, individualized service plan. Then each day, residents are presented with a variety of meaningful activities that help to celebrate and elevate their lives. 

For more answers to your questions regarding the support MorningStar of Arvada offers to our most tender residents, we are ready to assist you in whatever way we can. Along with the most trusted memory care Arvada, CO offers, we have independent living and assisted living suites in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). Also be sure to ask us about our Move-in Specials.

A Protein-rich Breakfast will Keep You Feeling Fuller Longer

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

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

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

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we specialize in providing carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, we have 29 memory care suites staffed by a team of compassionate dementia care specialists. We invite you to visit our website for more information, availability and pricing, and while you are there, please ask about our Move-in Specials.  

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/high-protein-breakfast?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Dec%2012%2007%3A49%3A22%20EST%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health

Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar of Beaverton is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, we are committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents.

We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. Our approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Moving a parent into a memory care community is often a difficult decision to make. However, once a family chooses MorningStar, we are there every step of the way to walk your loved one through the transition. Our first step is to get to know all we can about the individual such as their background, talents and personal preferences by using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized service plan in accordance with the family. 

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Beaverton offers assisted living as well as short-term stays (30 days or less) for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a vacation or when recovering from surgery or an illness. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in 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. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Did You Have Breakfast this Morning?

Growing up most of our mothers told us it wasn’t healthy to skip breakfast. While we listened, many of us still went off to school without eating anything. Based on current research, it turns out our mother’s advice was right again, and eating breakfast is good for us for several reasons. 

Registered Dietician Erin Palinski-Wade explains when we eat a healthy breakfast upon rising in the morning; it helps regulate our appetite for the rest of the day. If we break our nightly fast with a good meal, we are less likely to indulge in sugary or fat-laden food later on in the morning. A healthy breakfast also helps to prevent blood sugar highs and lows and Palinski-Wade says this is important for diabetics as well as the rest of us. 

While many breakfast foods such as cereal, baked goods, and granola bars are high in sugar and refined grains, experts say we should refuel our body each morning with protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Protein makes us feel fuller and keeps us from snacking later on unhealthy foods. Eggs, yogurt, sausage, and peanut butter spread on whole wheat toast are good sources of protein. Fiber helps our digestive system work well and is found in oatmeal and whole grain cereals. Many meals can be partly prepared the night before to make your morning routine easier.   

At MorningStar of Beaverton, a senior living community west of Portland, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Assisted living residents receive a whole range of services and amenities including beautifully prepared, nutritious meals served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. Other services include 24/7 care managers, certified medication care managers, scheduled health & wellness evaluations, CPR-trained team members on every shift, access to a licensed nurse and more. We also provide memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in 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. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/does-eating-breakfast-help-you-lose-weight

Healthy Gift Ideas for Now and Later

We all want our loved ones to lead long,healthy lives so why not include some healthy gift ideas on your holiday list. If you have already bought something, fitness experts and nutritionists say to keep it in mind for future birthdays and other gift-giving opportunities. 

One suggestion is to buy a loved one a fitness watch. The marketplace has a wide assortment of watches as well as sensor devices to measure your daily footsteps and help keep you moving. Moreover they come in many price points and offer a variety of features. 

Research shows measuring your daily activity improves your fitness level as one 2009 study published in the BMC Public Health journal reports. For participants given pedometers, their daily step count increased by 36 percent over 12 weeks. Experts say it was enough to significantly lower their blood pressure. For the other study participants not using a pedometer, their activity level didn’t change. Ted Vickey, an American Council on Exercise board member and former executive director of the White House Athletic Center under the Clinton and Bush administrations says these devices have been a game changer in the fight against obesity. 

Another healthy gift idea is a massage gun. Known as a self-myofascial release tool or SMR, they help overworked muscles recover and heal. Foam rollers additionally provide much of the same benefit at a much lower price point. However experts caution before treating an injury or other medical problems including bone fractures, blood clotting issues, sensory deficits or wounds need to consult with their physician or a licensed physical therapist. 

Other healthy gift ideas include an electric kettle with a selection of antioxidants teas. As we know sleep is important to our overall well being, how about a sound machine to help your loved one get a more restful night’s sleep? Nutritionists tout an air fryer is a good gift as it can cook almost anything quicker and easier and uses a lot less fat. 

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has a reputation for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our team knows that the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents, time and energy. Visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

Source: /health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/05/08/making-the-most-of-your-fitbit

health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/10-healthy-holiday-gift-ideas?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Dec%2005%2007:49:18%20EST%202021&utm_term=Your%20Health

Just How Affordable is Senior Living?

Are you a 55+ senior who looks forward to your golden years, and love the idea of relinquishing the daily chores required with maintaining a home? Communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge are designed to give you just such a lifestyle. Not only do you have peace of mind knowing you don’t need to worry about lawn upkeep and frustrating home repairs but just sit back and enjoy a beautiful well-maintained home and a broader community of friends.  

Every aspect of the Golden Ridge community is tailored to the needs of seniors including our location in Peoria (near the Cardinal’s stadium), which offers easy access to shopping, restaurants, major medical facilities and metropolitan recreation. Our 8.8 acre campus includes a main building for assisted living and memory care residents. To accommodate the most discerning seniors, our 65 assisted living suites offer a choice of floor plans including studios, and one-bedroom, one-bath; two-bedroom, one-bath, and two-bedroom, 1 ½ bath. 

If you are an active senior ready for your next adventure, we suggest you ask about our 38 independent living “Casitas” (quadruplexes with attached garages) tucked into their own private neighborhood. Casitas are leased month-to-month and offer an incomparable value with predictable monthly budgeting as your expenses including homeowner’s insurance and property taxes are controlled through our bundled Monthly Rental Fee. 

All assisted living and independent living residents can take part in community programs and activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have access to the many amenities within our main building. These include all-day, restaurant-style dining; a saline swimming pool with hot tub; salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures; bistro/bar; fitness centers; chapel/theater and more. Beautiful outdoor dining patios, courtyards and reserved underground parking provide relaxation, comfort and convenience. 

We look forward to hearing from you and would love to tell you about our Move-in Specials. Please visit MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s website for more.  

Bruising in the Elderly

As we age, many seniors discover new bruises on their body but have no memory of how they got there. The Medical News Today (MNT) explains this may be the result of the skin thinning and blood vessels weakening and/or that some people are just more prone to bruising. It can also run in families. Being a frequent, extreme bruiser includes having many bruises without remembering their cause; regularly developing bruises that take many weeks to heal and bleeding for longer than 10 minutes following an injury.

Excessive bruising and bleeding can be from medications, many of which seniors routinely take. These include drugs like warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban and aspirin. Doctors say even certain herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, feverfew, large quantities of garlic, ginger, and willow bark can increase the risk of bleeding or cause a change to blood vessels. The same is true for drugs like corticosteroids and glucocorticoids of which one example is prednisone.  

MNT reports liver disease is also associated with excessive bruising. “As the disease progresses, the liver may stop producing the proteins that help the blood clot. As a result, a person may experience excessive bleeding and easy bruising.” Other blood disorders and diseases such as hemophilia, senile purpura, or even vitamin deficiencies can include bruising as a symptom. Experts say consult your healthcare provider if you suddenly begin bruising more easily, have symptoms such as yellow skin, fever and low energy, taking medication and begin bruising, or getting painful bruises that are slow to heal. 

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community offers 65 private suites for assisted living, and another 38 Casitas for independent living tucked into their own private neighborhood within our beautiful 8.8 acre campus. Our Reflections wing provides 35 secure suites devoted entirely to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are pet friendly and invite you to visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials. 

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325525#causes

Exercise to Lower Your Risk of Falls and Injuries

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness. 

The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. 

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. 

MorningStar of Beaverton is a senior living community providing 66 private assisted living suites and another 38 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

We proudly provide the very best in 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. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Beaverton may be your answer.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

MorningStar of Beaverton offers 66 private assisted living suites along with 38 secure memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities. 

MorningStar’s compassionate memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life and features safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of meaningful activities including arts and crafts, listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, special celebrations and other events. 

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we sit down 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. 

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Hillsboro, which is scheduled to open in early 2022. Please visit our website for more information.

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