Misconceptions about Senior Living Communities

There are many misconceptions about senior independent and assisted living communities.  Regardless of what you think you know; the truth is every senior community has a unique personality and the best way to really get to know a place is to visit it firsthand.   Krystal Chan, a Partner Services Projects Manager at A Place for Mom, notes that, “You can visit two communities down the street from one another that offer the same care and services, they may even look identical to one another, but that feel very different. Just because your loved one didn’t like one community, doesn’t mean the next one won’t feel right.” 

In terms of assisted living, you will find that the level of care varies from community to community as well as from state to state as requirements and regulations differ.  Some states have a tiered level of licensing so facilities with higher level licenses can provide more care.  

One thing that surprises a lot of people is that many senior living communities allow pets.  In fact, as research continues to solidify the benefit seniors get from caring for an animal, many communities wholeheartedly welcome pets into their community.   

Another misconception about assisted living is that it is very expensive. In a Cost of Senior Care Survey from A Place for Mom, it cites the fact that assisted living is often less costly than home health or nursing home care.  In addition they report that “more seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs.”  Furthermore, other programs such as one for Vets and their spouses offer assistance to help off-set the cost.   

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we invite you to schedule a tour to learn more about Phoenix’s best assisted living community.

Source:

aplaceformom.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-assisted-living

 

Seniors Benefit from Pet Ownership

Research continues to show a strong correlation between pet ownership and a number of benefits to seniors.  Everything from helping the elderly to stay physically active, to lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, providing companionship and making depression less likely are attributed to having a pet.  In fact there are several studies that indicate that patients with heart problems do better when they are responsible for a pet.  

Not only do pets offer lots of affection and unconditional love but they can also help seniors cope with the loss of a loved one.  In an article from AgingCare.com, a New Jersey psychotherapist, Dr. Jay P. Granat, discusses some of the other intangibles that pets offer to the elderly.  He states that, "Dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now. They don't worry about tomorrow. And tomorrow can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal with that sense of now, it tends to rub off on people."  

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque, we wholeheartedly agree that pets provide many benefits to seniors, which is why we are proud that our community is pet friendly.  Dedicated to making your retirement years carefree, we offer 48 beautiful assisted living suites on two levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.    

Please see our website for more details and to learn about MorningStar of Albuquerque’s quality assisted living and memory care community. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to schedule a tour and see for yourself the finest assisted living Albuquerque has to offer.

Sources:petsfortheelderly.org/articles.html

agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Life with Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone.  It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and one in nine people age 65 years and older has the disease.  As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services. 

 A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear.  Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through.  There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated.   

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward.  They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”    

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through.  One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy.  They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able.  Finally they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.”   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia, we are proud to offer our memory care residents an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while encouraging choice and independence to the fullest extent possible.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is comprised of 30 suites all clustered on the second floor of our community and devoted to providing a secure, gentle home where each resident is treated with dignity and love. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we invite you to schedule a tour to learn more about Phoenix’s best assisted living community.

Source: alz.org/i-have-alz/i-have-alzheimers-dementia.asp