Selecting an Assisted Living Community

Experts advise families to do their homework when helping mom or dad move into assisted living homes, as the more you know about senior living communities helps avoid sticker shock as well as an unhappy parent. The recommendation is to tour at least two potential communities to make an informed comparison.  

Prices for assisted living typically are determined by the amount of senior care services the person requires. Many offer a tiered system of care to allow residents to safely age in place as health conditions change so remember to ask about how often care plans are evaluated. Other reasons costs can vary include room type, i.e. selecting a smaller or larger floorplan; as well as suite location, a scenic view or balcony. 

Be sure to ask what services and activities are included in the basic cost of the community. You will want to know about upfront deposits, community and move-in fees. Additionally, ask about the procedure for moving out and what type of notice you need to give. 

Han Hwang, executive VP of partner sales and success for Caring.com, an online resource for those caring for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones, says “it’s really important to know exactly what you’re getting and to do an apples-to-apples comparison” when choosing an assisted living community. Often monthly costs include a fee for room and board along with the level of care, medication management and any other ancillary services. To help you stay within budget, Hwang says to anticipate services you may need over the next 12 to 24 months.

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, our community is designed from the ground up to meet the needs of residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities. Our beautiful home offers 38 stylish Casitas 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 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.

Source: health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/assisted-living/articles/assisted-living-costs

How Did You Sleep Last Night?

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

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

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

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

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 homes, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Exercises That Reduce the Risk of Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living homes, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

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

How to Narrow Down Your Search for an Assisted Living Community

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

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

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

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