Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care

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Is There a Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care in Senior Living Facilities?

June 15, 2022 by Karla A in Retirement Homes

The elderly population in America struggles with dementia and other forms of memory loss at various levels and it is normal to feel confused when trying to find the right care facility for your loved one. Children of elderly parents dealing with memory loss question how much care is too much for their parents, or, is there too little support and watchfulness? MorningStar memory care in Arvada, Colorado is able to help decipher individual needs in a case-by-case situation.

If you are noticing more dirty dishes piling up, bills being forgotten, or a bit more agitation from your loved one, these may be early symptoms of memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or Dementia. Facilities that offer memory care are certainly helpful for individuals that need a hand in some memory management, but for the most part, are capable of handling everyday tasks and bodily functions without intense supervision.

Dementia care is more necessary for individuals who experience a higher degree of difficulty with everyday tasks and functions, such as feeding oneself, remembering medications, or spatial awareness and surroundings. With a Dementia diagnosis, there are additional concerns that require more contemplated treatment and support. There usually needs to be more time dedicated to safety and watchfulness over the individual to help them be successful in their everyday lives. 

MorningStar in Arvada, Co can help you assess your loved ones' specialized needs in regard to memory care. This care is Individualized per each resident and can range from assisting with important date upkeep to more serious cases of Dementia and Alzheimers in which normal communication and function has become degraded. No matter the concern, MorningStar in Arvada is able to work out a memory care plan that is right for you and your loved one that you can trust. 

To learn more about our specialization in memory care in Arvada, Colorado please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care facilities in Arvada, Colorado.  
MorningStar at Arvada 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

June 15, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, retirement homes, memory loss
Retirement Homes

Comforting Father’s Day Gifts For Your Loved One in Memory Care

June 13, 2022 by Karla A in Retirement Homes

Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 19th this year. If you haven’t begun planning, it may be time to decide on a gift for your parent or loved one that is struggling with Dementia or another memory loss disease. Figuring out what is the most beneficial gift for someone in memory care can be tough, especially if they are in a community that supplies a lot of enrichment and activities. You don’t want to confuse your loved one with a difficult gift, so it’s best to stick to what is familiar and recognizable to them. 

MorningStar in Arvada, Colorado offers a rich environment for its residents living in memory care. There is often calm music playing, open activity rooms, and a dining room that is equipped to serve healthy meals and sweet treats. What your senior living facility cannot supply, however, is a gift from your heart completely tailored to your parent or loved one that would help better connect them to you. 

Bringing along your loved one’s favorite meal or snack is a simple, but great Father’s Day gift for someone struggling with memory loss. When our senses, such as taste or smell, are induced, memory recollection is stronger. If there was a special meal you all once shared together often, perhaps bringing that in during your visit could entice some memories to be shared between you two. 

Simple, but effective, gifts are board games if your loved one is struggling with symptoms of Dementia and memory loss. Games such as checkers, Connect-Four, or bingo will help in keeping your dad’s mind active and the familiarity of these games may spark more memories and comfortability. Try to stay away from games that are too intricate, like large puzzles or monopoly, as they may lead to frustration and confusion. 

To learn more about our specialization in memory care in Arvada, Colorado please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care facilities in Arvada, Colorado.  

MorningStar at Arvada 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

June 13, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, retirement homes, dementia care, memory loss
Retirement Homes

How is Mild Cognitive Impairment Diagnosed?

May 16, 2022 by Karla A in Assisted Living

Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss. So, how is MCI diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” 

Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. 

Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses slowly. 

Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized, loving care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of MorningStar’s memory care is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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 assisted living facilities and memory care. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/evaluating-mci-mild-cognitive-impairment

May 16, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, assisted living, assisted facilities, memory loss, Alzheimer’s care
Assisted Living

Strategies to Deal with Normal Lapses in Memory

February 18, 2022 by Karla A in Senior Living

If you are a senior who is always looking for your phone, readers or car keys, most likely it is a normal part of aging. Lydia Cho, a psychologist and neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, says growing older brings with it these and other memory lapses like forgetting names of people we just met or the time of our next appointment. Moreover younger people can also be forgetful; but experts caution serious memory loss needs to be checked out by a doctor.  

Thankfully most memory lapses are more a matter of not focusing or being mindful of what we are doing. For example many times we absentmindedly set down our keys or phone while we are distracted doing other things. To keep track of commonly misplaced items, experts say set up a basket on the counter just for those things. If you are someone who always worries if you turn off the oven, you probably did it without thinking. Next time as you turn off the oven, mindfully say to yourself “I am turning off the oven.” 

If you worry about forgetting where you put something, take a picture of it sitting in the drawer or the shelf in the closet. Adapting these suggestions to other things should help improve your mindfulness. Another tip when meeting someone new is to take a moment to really look at the person and say their name back to them in your greeting. If you need more help to remember their name associate it with a friend or movie character, or a rhyming word.  

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community is proud to have earned an excellent reputation with families in the greater Denver area. Our mission includes valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals as we promote independence and a healthy, engaged lifestyle. We have 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites; and another 29 memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to learn more about various living options including holistic memory care in Arvada, CO.     

February 18, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, memory loss, senior living, independent living
Senior Living

Grief can Negatively Affect Our Brain

February 16, 2022 by Karla A in Assisted Living

Lisa M. Shulman, MD, director of the University of Maryland Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center and recipient of the Rosalyn Newman Distinguished Scholar in Parkinson’s Disease, explains how tragedy and personal loss can negatively affect the brain. Regardless of the cause, the brain interprets grief as emotional trauma or PSTD.  

To help deal with grief, the brain switches into a survival fight or flight mode, which in turn, raises a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, and releases certain hormones. This process can result in a whole range of symptoms such as “changes in memory, behavior, sleep, and body function, and affect the immune system as well as the heart.” People may also experience brain fog. 

Doctors say the neuroplasticity of the brain allows for healing over time but in cases of chronic stress, a person may have a reduction in nerve growth and memory; and an increase in their fear response as the individual focuses on survival. This continued heightened reaction can have a negative effect on the brain and become hardwired as a default setting.   

However even a conditioned response can be reversed through focused, mindful activities. Dr. Shulman cites examples such as journaling, cognitive behavior therapy, counseling, creativity and meditation as outlets for post-traumatic growth. Practicing these types of strategies can aid healing and allow the person to move forward in their life. 

MorningStar of Arvada offers trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO. Our website is loaded with information including floor plans, a list of amenities, pictures, and background on our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living. We have a decision guide to help your family determine if senior living is the right choice for a loved one. You will also find a link on affordability and Veteran’s aide as well as other options such as companion living and short-term stays. 

Source: americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain/ 

February 16, 2022 /Karla A
memory care, assisted living, memory loss
Assisted Living

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

December 31, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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

December 31, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

Helping Our Memory Care Residents Transition to Community Life

December 29, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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.

December 29, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

A Protein-rich Breakfast will Keep You Feeling Fuller Longer

December 27, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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

December 27, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

December 25, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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.

December 25, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

Did You Have Breakfast this Morning?

December 23, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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

December 23, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

Healthy Gift Ideas for Now and Later

December 21, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors, Assisted Living

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

December 21, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living, parkinsons disease
Healthy Seniors, Assisted Living

Just How Affordable is Senior Living?

December 19, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors, healthy senior

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.  

December 19, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living, parkinsons disease
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors, healthy senior

Bruising in the Elderly

December 17, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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

December 17, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living, parkinsons disease
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

Exercise to Lower Your Risk of Falls and Injuries

December 10, 2021 by Karla A in Healthy Seniors, Assisted Living

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.

December 10, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living, parkinsons disease
Healthy Seniors, Assisted Living

Memory Care at MorningStar of Beaverton

December 06, 2021 by Karla A in Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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.

December 06, 2021 /Karla A
assisted living, dementia care, memory care, senior living, alzheimers, senior health, healthty senior, retirement communities, memory loss, independent living, parkinsons disease
Assisted Living, Healthy Seniors

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