Saturday, June 30, 2018

Learn More Assisted Living at MorningStar of Santa Fe

Opening in Fall 2018 MorningStar of Santa Fe will offer 56 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require a little help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up a care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.

Some of the services we will provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming; 24-hour Care Managers; a CPR-trained staff member on each shift, and a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and on-site 5 days a week.  We will also provide regular Care Plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.    

In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keeping seniors healthy, which is why we will have a trained Executive Chef on staff that prepares daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and include low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low fat choices. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s assisted living will also include a range of wellness programs and activities designed to entertain and stimulate our residents.  Along with scheduled transportation services, we will also have special scheduled outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues.  

Along with our assisted living suites, MorningStar of Santa Fe will offer 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood that are devoted to the specialized care of those with dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website or stop by our Information Center to see for yourself the caring environment that makes MorningStar a real home. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  We invite you to drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Santa Fe.   



Seniors and Driving Safety



Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others.  The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion.  Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease.  They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake. 

A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision.  Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars.  Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done.  Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough.   

Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy.  It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good.  Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills.  You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidences of accidents that almost happen. 

The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors:

Planning before you leave:
·         Plan to drive on streets you know.
·         Limit your trips to places that are easy to get to and close to home.
·         Take routes that let you avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns.
·         Add extra time for travel if driving conditions are bad.
·         Don't drive when you are stressed or tired.
While you are driving:
·         Always wear your seat belt.
·         Stay off the cell phone.
·         Avoid distractions such as listening to the radio or having conversations.
·         Leave a big space, at least two car lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If you are driving at higher speeds or if the weather is bad, leave even more space between you and the next car.
·         Make sure there is enough space behind you. (Hint: if someone follows you too closely, slow down so that the person will pass you.)
·         Use your rear window defroster to keep the back window clear at all times.
·         Keep your headlights on at all times.


MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Live as Healthy as Possible in Your Senior Years

The website, Everyday Health Media reports that you can expect to live on average another 19.2 years if you reach the age of 65.  However they explain in order to be one of those lucky enough to live to be 85 years or older, you need to carefully manage your chronic health conditions and follow good health habits. 

Aging experts such as Jeanne Wei, MD, the director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School, explains, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet and also make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.”  She adds that it is helpful to include a geriatrician on your health care team.  

Furthermore, it is never too late to begin improving your health.  Whether you are suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or many other chronic health problems, doctors say you can benefit from even a moderate amount of physical activity.  Engaging in physical activity helps to make your bones and muscles stronger and can lessen your risk for falls.  Also if you do have a fall, your bones will be stronger and less likely to break.  Additionally research shows that physical activity is as good for your brain as it is for your body, but before you embark on any new physical activity, please talk to your physician. 

The FamilyDoctor.org website suggests that walking may be the easiest exercise for seniors as you can start at your own pace and you do not need any special equipment.  They also recommend gardening, dancing, swimming, Tai chi or yoga as good exercises for seniors. 

One of the many benefits of living at MorningStar of Sparks is that we make it easy for seniors to live a healthy lifestyle.  Our meals are both tasty as well as healthy and we offer lots of fun physical activities to keep our residents moving.  Please see our website to learn more about the best senior living community in Sparks.

Our post is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking the advice of your health care provider.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Sparks NV.

Sources: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/ 
//familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html   


Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Start Improving Your Health Today


Since Americans are living longer, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself to ensure your later years are good ones.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains there are real benefits to a healthy lifestyle and adds that it is never too late to begin.  Another recently published study by Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, also emphatically states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."

Experts advise that one of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet and to keep their minds and bodies active.  Other healthy habits include not smoking, getting regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls. 

At the FamilyDoctor.org website, they remind seniors that even small changes such as daily physical activity can make a difference.  Moreover as you increase your physical activity, it will help to strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help prevent falls.  If you do fall, stronger bones are less susceptible to breaking. 

Participating in routine physical activity also helps your brain and studies indicate that people who regularly exercise make better decisions.  In fact exercise is so important to our health that experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury.  Even chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may improve with exercise.   The NIH does suggests that seniors new to exercising start slowly; and before you begin any new exercise, consult your health care provider.   

Another easy-to-do tip from Family Doctor is to eat food high in fiber.  Not only does it help your colon work better but it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Some research suggests it may help to lower your cholesterol levels.   Whatever healthy changes you decide to incorporate into your everyday life should help you feel better and can be done over a period of time.


Sources: nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_169515.html

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

Monday, June 25, 2018

MorningStar at Arcadia Offers Respite Care

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services.  In addition communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.  

As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can just as important in the healing process.  Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you.  Of course since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future. 

Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a much needed vacation or is busy with other priorities.  However regardless of why you have come to temporarily join our community; we will make you feel right at home. 

Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management.  In addition, you are invited to take advantage of MorningStar at Arcadia’s on-going activities, entertainment and scheduled outings. 

We have our own onsite library, theatre, fitness room, and fireside courtyard as well as provide housekeeping and group transportation.  For an additional charge, you can enjoy a private massage or visit our salon.  Contact us to learn more about our respite care services and how they can help you or your loved one to make a speedy recovery.   


MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Take a Tour of Our Beautiful Senior Living Community


MorningStar of Sparks is extremely proud of our community starting with our unpretentious, loving and homey environment.  Outdoors we are surrounded by beautiful landscaping that encourages residents and their families to get out and take daily strolls around the grounds.  Residents also benefit from a whole host of resort-style amenities as well as wellness programs and activities.  Lastly the best part of MorningStar of Sparks is our dedicated team who has a felt calling to serve and see seniors as heroes.  

To get the real feel of our lovely community, we encourage you to schedule a tour by visiting our website and follow the “Schedule a Tour” link to our online form.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  If you let us know your priorities, we will tailor your tour to make sure those are addressed and ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit.  If you care to join us for lunch, please allow 90 minutes for your tour in order to enjoy a leisurely meal.  Let us know if you intend to do lunch when you set up the appointment.  

The A Place for Mom’s website, which is the largest assisted living referral service, offers some tips on what to look for when taking a tour of a senior living community.  One of their suggestions includes “following your nose.”  In other words does the place smell and look clean and fresh?  Also ask about housekeeping and laundry services and what are the costs? 

While you are there, look in at any activities going on in the community.  Do the staff and residents look like they are enjoying themselves (before you visit us, look at MorningStar of Sparks monthly calendar online).  Additionally, ask about the level of personal care provided as well as about safety and security procedures.  Do not forget to look at the outdoor spaces.  Finally, A Place for Mom suggests that you think about whether you or your loved one would be happy living there, and in the end, trust your instinct and follow your heart.   

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website to learn more about our gorgeous community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and schedule a tour.  



Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

Friday, June 15, 2018

Seniors Find Many Benefits in Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that assisted living is not such a “terrible place” after all but rather a true home that offers many benefits.  Several studies also back up this assertion and have found that for many seniors, community living is a healthier, safer and more agreeable alternative to living alone. 

Initially it can be difficult for seniors to leave their familiar family home and often mistakenly think moving into an assisted living community will mean the end of their independence.  Actually the opposite ends up being true as when a senior receives the proper care he or she needs, they are able to lead a fuller life. 

Another reason seniors can be reluctant to make the move is they do not realize that assisted living communities of today are not anything like nursing homes.  As a resident of an assisted living community, you not only will have you own private suite but an array of care options and amenities that are designed to provide your utmost comfort and security.    

In many cases assisted living is a much better option than trying to patch together the range of services the senior needs from in-home care providers.  Furthermore, assisted living communities are already set up to accommodate those who may have mobility difficulties, and it can be expensive to retrofit a private home to make it safe enough for a senior with physical limitations.  In addition, assisted living communities such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe provide 24/7 care and offer residents as well as their families the peace of mind knowing help is close at hand in an emergency.  

Please see our website for contact information and to learn why assisted living or memory care may be the right decision for you or your loved one. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/   



Discover MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks


If you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar of Sparks.  Our spacious, private suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed community.  While the name “MorningStar,” may be new to you, rest assured we are not new to senior living. On the contrary, MorningStar has over 25 communities and 3,000 units currently open or under construction all across the country.   

MorningStar began in 2003 when founder, Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: 

  • Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics
  • Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence
  • Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents 

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all of our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them.  The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, fill out our online form to set up a tour of our beautiful community.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month


The CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners have all come together to observe Arthritis Awarness during the month of May.  The CDC reports that the widespread disease affects about one in four adults in the U.S., and currently 54 million men and women as well as an etimated 300,000 childern have the disease.

Research has found that while there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis, it can also be a result of envirnomental factors including toxins and viruses or damage due to excessive repetitive motions. Signs you may be developing arthritis include joint pain and swelling, stiffnes or deformity of joints, lumps and bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and warm or red joints.  While there is no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend regular physical actitivity, maintaining a health weight and diet, and using hot and/or cold packs.  Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help, but before taking any medication, please consult with your health care provider.

The CDC says walking can be the best form of exercise for someone suffering from arthritis.  They explain that, “All adults, including adults with arthritis, should get 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) per week and do muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week.”  If you are unable to walk any distance at one given time, they recommend taking three small 10 minute walks spread out throughout the day.  The CDC reminds everyone  there is no better time to begin a walking program or recommit yourself to a walking routine than during Arthritis Awareness Month.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s assisted living offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our monthly calendar includes programs and activities that encourage residents to get engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care.

This blog is for informational purposes only.  If you have any health concerns, please contact your doctor.

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, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Source:  cdc.gov/features/arthritisawareness/index.html

Sunday, June 10, 2018

MorningStar of Santa Fe Opens Later this Year


MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe will open in several months and team members are busy getting everything ready to welcome residents to their new home.  All hands on deck are committed to making the transition for our seniors as smooth as possible and look forward to the happy event. 

Once open, we are committed to looking after each and every resident as if they are family and offer an array of services designed to ensure their comfort and safety.  Residents will be provided with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both nutritional and tasty.   Meals are served restaurant style in our dining room and assistance with eating is available if needed.  

Our community has a chapel/theatre that includes Wii, a library, our own salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, strolling paths, two enclosed courtyards and laundry facilities.  MorningStar’s common areas include a fireside living room, spa bath, sun room and a life enrichment room.  Residents can also take advantage of scheduled transportation to get out and about town as well as participate in special outings and planned events. 

MorningStar’s signature wellness program called WellStar is designed to provide activities to enhance health and wellness; stimulate your brain; and encourage connection.  Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual or social, our wellness activities present creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

Although the name “MorningStar,” may be new to the area, we have senior living communities in seven states across the country.  Moreover, our Santa Fe home has an experienced team that understands what it takes to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other assisted living communities.  Please visit our website for more information, and while you are there, take a look at our video to watch the construction of our community. 


What Happens During Cataract Surgery


A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye causing blurred or tinted vision, seeing double, impaired night vision, and extra sensitivity to light.  The vision loss from cataracts happens slowly over time and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or with corneal refractive surgery such as Lasik.  Cataracts are typically an age-related disease, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”  

The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and while cataract surgery may sound scary, most people get excellent results.  During surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).  The procedure has been improved over the last several years by the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device, which has resulted in faster healing times and less complications.  

Before you have the surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform tests on your eye to determine if you have any risk factors as well as what size and type of IOL will give you the best outcome.  You will also have input into the type of IOL you want to get that will depend on your needs and personal preferences.  One type of lens is an advanced presbyopia-correcting IOL that improves your reading vision without interfering with your distance vision.   

The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes but you will be there for a couple of hours to get prepped and a small recovery period afterward.  Your doctor may have you wear an eye patch for a short time, and you should expect your vision to be distorted for at least a few days.  Other common issues include feeling as if your eye is dry and itchy but you will be advised to not scratch or rub it.   Doctors also recommend if you choose to wear glasses after surgery, you pick lenses with anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses.    

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery/

 

We are a Step above Other Assisted Living Communities

With an interior design by the award-winning firm of Thoma-Holec in Phoenix, MorningStar at Arcadia has common areas and spacious suites that provide seniors with a lifestyle that is second to none.  Our community offers the highest quality assisted living and respite care as well as compassionate memory care within a warm and loving environment. 

When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our beautiful photo gallery that shows off our spectacular outdoor areas and views along with our beautiful interior spaces.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.  As you can see from the picture, our spacious courtyard was designed to sit and enjoy the cozy fireplace as well as the serenity of the fountain.  Also looking at the stunning pictures, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive dining room eating meals served restaurant-style and expertly prepared by a professional chef or spending a morning getting pampered in our onsite salon?

MorningStar at Arcadia has created the perfect physical setting as well as put together a team of devoted caregivers that feel honored to serve to provide our residents with a “true home.”  Our assisted living gives residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years as we see to it that all of their needs are met. 

For families who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of memory loss, MorningStar’s specialized care offers you peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting the best available care.  We invite you to set up a tour as nothing beats seeing our home in person.  


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, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Keep Your Financial and Medical Records Organized



It is especially important for older adults to make sure their paperwork is up-to-date and organized.  This is necessary for not only your own wellbeing but so a family member (be sure to let them know where it is) can access the required documents in the event of an emergency.  Your organization should include all financial and medical records as well as legal documents. 

To help you get started, several websites offer downloadable forms including personal medical history forms.  Update this form as needed to reflect changes in your or your loved one’s health and medications and include a family health history.  Your paperwork should also include information regarding your Social Security benefits and Medicare.   

Financial documents should include information on stocks, bonds, and mutual fund investments.  You will also want to list all bank accounts and safety deposit boxes as well as credit card accounts.  Include in your financial records any mortgage obligations and other liabilities and debts along with the deeds and titles to property you own.  Don’t forget to add property tax information and your most recent tax return.  In addition record the location of all of your valuables.     

Your legal documents should include your Will, a Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive.  These documents cannot be signed by someone who is incapacitated so it is important to do it before the need arises.  An Advance Medical Directive can include a Living Will that allows you to state the type of treatment you may or may not wish to receive if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.  You may want to include a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care that allows you to designate a person to make decisions for you in the event you are unable.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, we offer 128 stylish and spacious suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a wide variety of well-designed floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community and use our online form to setup a tour.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area.

 

Sources: stretcher.com/stories/15/15nov23e.cfm

sageminder.com/Caregiving/CaregivingBasics/OrganizedCaregiver.aspx