Thursday, August 30, 2018

What is “Sundowning?”



The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.    

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.  

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

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: https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm


Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Selling Your Home to Move to a Senior Living Community

The time may be right for you or your parents to move into a senior assisted living community but you are concerned about selling the house.  We are all aware that the housing market has recovered from the poor market of several years ago but finding the right buyer can often still be a challenge.  

There are some things you can do to give yourself an edge over the competition.  The most important thing is to set the right price as a house priced too high is just not going to sell in any market.  Be sure to take condition of your home into account and sale prices of comparable houses in the area.  Do not assume the price necessarily reflects the assessed value.   

If your house has been on the market for a while, re-evaluate what is going on and discuss with your agent any feedback he is getting from prospective buyers.  It may be some repairs and upgrades are advisable and could make a difference.  Remember that an old house can just look old, or with a few well-placed updates, you can transform it into a classic.

Steps to staging your home to get ready to sell:

Clean everything inside and out.  Do not forget windows and steam clean the carpets.  Make sure to eliminate any pet or cigarette odors.  Paint walls that are dirty and replace stained or worn out carpet (consider putting in wood or tile floors).  Stick to neutral colors.

Fix anything that is broken or damaged.  You could consider having a home inspection done as a buyer will probably do one anyway.  It allows you to take care of repairs beforehand.

Get rid of clutter throughout the house and do not forget countertops.  Removing as much as possible will help to give the impression of more room. 

Take down anything that could be offensive and put away personal items and mementos.  The idea is to let a prospective buyer picture living there. 

Open blinds and windows to give more light and let fresh air in if the weather is cooperative.  Set out a vase of cut flowers.

Sometimes seniors think it is better to modify their current home and postpone moving into a senior living community.  Studies show that making even small modifications can negatively affect home equity down the road when someone wants to sell.  People can feel disconnected to a house that looks like an “old person’s” home.    
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, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.


Monday, August 27, 2018

Misconceptions about Alzheimer’s Disease


If you have wondered if you or a family member is developing Alzheimer’s because of memory loss problems, you may be interested to know that occasional memory problems are normal as people age.  Forgetting the name of a person you recently met is most likely not a cause for concern as Alzheimer’s is much more than just occasional memory loss.  More telling is when a person forgets the name of a lifelong friend or how to drive to a familiar location.  Keep in mind that memory problems in the elderly can also be a side effect of a medication, a vitamin deficiency or other conditions and you should consult your health care provider if you are concerned.  

Another misconception about Alzheimer’s is that only older people get the disease.  Unfortunately this is not true and we know that people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can get what is called younger-onset of Alzheimer’s.  The Alzheimer’s Association says that out of the more than 5 million people in the U.S. with the disease, 200,000 of those are under the age of 65.

During the 1960s and 70, many people believed that exposure to aluminum through cooking pots, beverage cans, and antiperspirants caused Alzheimer’s.  Since then, researchers have done many studies trying to link aluminum to the disease and have found no evidence.  Likewise aspartame was linked to Alzheimer’s and again studies have showed no connection to the artificial sweeter.       

Back in the 1990s, there were rumors circulating that silver dental fillings were causing Alzheimer’s.  However, two highly respected studies, one in 1991 and the other in 2003, concluded that “current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases.”  What researchers do know is that growing older, family history and heredity are the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s. 

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website for information regarding our personalized memory care.  We devote 32 secure suites to the care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our loving staff is trained to provide the utmost care to residents.

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 schedule a tour of our exceptional community.


Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Get the Care You Need at MorningStar of Santa Fe



If you or your loved one needs assisted living, we encourage you to take a look at the best - MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe.  A quick look through our gallery will show you the renderings of our new community’s comfortable and stylish common areas and beautiful private suites.  Although we will provide a range of resort style amenities and services, our most outstanding feature is a care staff that will be genuinely committed to working with seniors. 

Before you even move in, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs.  For our assisted living residents, we offer as many as five Care Levels.  Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Santa Fe community, we adjust the level of care as needed.  In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by a simple point system that takes into account the cost and time of providing each service whether it is help with daily personal activities or medical assistance.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it.

For our Reflections Neighborhood memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed.   Also you should know that our community has the ability to care for residents from the onset of the disease all the way through to the advanced stages. 

Opening this fall, MorningStar of Santa Fe is comprised of 56 private assisted living suites and 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Contact us or drop by the Information Center next door to our construction site to learn more about our exceptional community.

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.   


Friday, August 24, 2018

Assisted Living Offered at MorningStar of Santa Fe


Opening this fall, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe will offer 56 beautiful, all-inclusive private suites for assisted living in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Our monthly rental fee is based on square footage as well as the location within the building and view, and is designed for seniors 62 years and older. 

If you are worrying about getting the level of care that you need in our community, don’t.  Before you even move in, you will sit down with our Wellness Director to discuss your current health and review your medical history to determine the type of care you need.  We offer five levels of care that provide assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical that are priced a la carte.   

During our assessment, we will discuss your personal preferences and normal routines so we can put together a care plan that is customized for you.  And again, don’t worry about things changing after you are a resident, as we regularly re-evaluate what you need to accommodate the changes.    

Also if you are wondering, couples are welcome at MorningStar of Santa Fe and can share a private suite surrounded by their own, familiar possessions.   Or if you would like, you are welcome to share a suite with a close friend or relative (must be of the same sex).  We also offer respite care for up to 30 days, or a “trial stay” for as short as a week or up to a full month.

It is our privilege to serve seniors and we foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  Furthermore, while rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths among our residents and team members. 

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.   


MorningStar at Arcadia Offers a Wide Range of Services

While MorningStar at Arcadia is proud to provide high-quality assisted living and memory care for seniors, we also provide our families with some lesser known services.  One example is our Companion Living option that is designed for two unrelated people of the same sex to share an assisted living or memory care suite. 

This is an ideal solution for those wishing to share expenses as the rent of the suite is split between the two residents as well as a way to build a lasting friendship.  Even if you do not have someone in mind to share a suite, we will help you find a roommate and go to great lengths to match you with an individual who has common interests and similar background. 

A roommate can also help to ease your transition to senior living.  You and your roommate can look out for one another, and as you are familiar with each another’s habits and personalities, may be the first person to notice changes in health and abilities.  Shared lives can help to boost health through improved sleeping patterns and an increased appetite.  When you take advantage of companion living, you are still offered all of the personalized care and first-class amenities extended to our other residents.    

We also feel privileged to have veterans as part of our community and when we hear of vets who are interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to the local resources that can expertly handle their application process for “Aid & Attendance.”  This is monthly benefit payments extended through the V.A. to certain wartime Veterans (and their survivors) with financial need and physician orders for regular assistance with the activities of daily living.

Please visit our website to learn more about these and our other programs designed to serve our seniors.  Offering both assisted living and memory care, we are committed to giving our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.


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, MorningStar at Arcadia offers our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Independent Living at MorningStar of Sparks

Independent living can be a refreshing change of lifestyle.  In fact according to A Place for Mom, “Most seniors who have moved to assisted living or independent living communities report that they prefer life at their new home to living alone.”

Today’s senior living communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer the benefit of predictable budgeting, built-in companionship, and great food that they no longer have to cook. Instead, our residents enjoy a fine dining experience every day of the week. Independent living also means you no longer have the worry of maintaining a home, and as we provide scheduled transportation, you can rely on us to do the driving.  Our independent living suites are equipped with a kitchen for when you feel like preparing a meal on your own and we also offer weekly housekeeping.

Moreover, as a resident of MorningStar you have the peace of mind knowing that people are around if you should need them as each unit has an emergency call system and a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom.  We also offer a weekly laundry and linen service, and we are pet friendly. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ 128 stylish independent living suites include spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  Your suite fee includes basic cable TV and utilities, three meals a day, and the chance to participate in a whole host of wellness programs and activities.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community and our care team who feel honored to serve seniors.

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 schedule a tour of our exceptional community.


Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Albuquerque


At MorningStar of Albuquerque, memory care takes place within our Reflections Neighborhood.  We offer 21 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages. The philosophy motivating our care is based on one of MorningStar’s mission statements that says, “To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.” From this principle comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences, of each resident.

We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and comfort.   

Furthermore, we take the time to get to know a resident through interviews with their family members in order to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences.  We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan for the person.  

In addition our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and an enclosed, secure patio and courtyard.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home.  Contact us to learn more about our beautiful 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 in Albuquerque.

Does Your Parent Need More Help?

Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several signs to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad. 

The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness? 

Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be?  It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them.  An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance.  

Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship.  Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own.  Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others.  We encourage you contact MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa to discover the carefree lifestyle we offer. 


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 our exceptional community.

Tips to Help Prevent Falls at Home

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that one in four adults age 65 years and older falls each year.  Any time a senior falls, it can be extremely serious and is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for the elderly.  Statistics show that 2.8 million older adults are treated in an emergency department each year for nonfatal falls, and 800,000 are hospitalized. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) advises that seniors “fall proof” both the inside and outside of their homes.  Every room should have clear pathways that are free of clutter and other obstacles that could cause a fall.  All carpets should be securely attached to floors and stairways, and rather than throw rugs, use non-slip rugs or apply non-slip strips. 

Another suggestion from the NIH is to have good lighting throughout your home including well-lit hallways, entrances, and stairwells.  Also have a lamp close to your bed that is easy to turn on to avoid stumbling around in the dark when getting in and out of bed. 

In addition wearing the proper shoes is also an important part of preventing falls.  Shoes should fit well and have low heels, non-slip soles and completely surround your foot.  Other safety tips include installing handrails and grab bars in the bathroom. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our beautiful community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We also provide a 24/7 care staff and a full-time licensed nurse.  In addition residents are offered weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional community.

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.

Sources:cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/homesafety/01.html

Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Impacts the Whole Family

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is devastating for everyone in the family and an uncomfortable, difficult topic for people to talk about.  In some cases, even physicians do not discuss the disease with their patients, and sometimes a person is unaware of the diagnosis.  Others may try to hide their memory problems, and as a result, end up with little time to put their affairs in order and plan for the future. 

However experts say it is important to discuss the diagnosis and its ramifications with your family in order to make your wishes known regarding your care.  One of the things you will want to do is to designate a family member to make decisions on your behalf once you are unable to do so.  With the help of your family, you will also need to make financial decisions such as setting aside assets to pay for long-term care in an assisted living facility or for home care.  Keep in mind that planning ahead also gives your family peace of mind as they will know they are following your wishes.

Another one of the recommendations from experts who work with Alzheimer’s patients is to have the person tell their life story.  This can be in a journal form or recorded and provides a meaningful way for the family to bond together.  Furthermore, it helps to make the person feel that they are a valued member of the family.  

At our MorningStar of Spark’s Reflections Neighborhood, we provide individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We treat each of our residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence.  Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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 Reno, NV.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-26/5-steps-to-ending-the-stigma-surrounding-dementia



Friday, August 10, 2018

Seniors Benefit from a Good Diet

Even for older adults, good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle.  A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.“  

As a part of their findings, they recommend avoiding foods loaded with empty calories such as potato chips, cookies, soda and alcohol to ensure you get your proper amount of daily nutrients.  Instead they advise eating wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats.

One of the benefits of eating well is that it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and bone loss as well as some types of cancer.  In fact if you already suffer from one of those diseases, maintaining a healthy diet along with staying physically active can help you to better manage them.  Additionally adopting a healthy diet can help to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. 

Wholesome, healthy foods help keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and vitamin-rich food can boost immunity and fight against illness-causing toxins.  Furthermore, a healthy diet can help you feel better as well as give you more energy.

At MorningStar, we wholeheartedly agree that good nutrition is important for seniors.  This is why our residents are served three daily meals that are not only very healthy but also delicious.  Each of our meals are served restaurant-style in a beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  Please contact us to learn more about our wide range of services and programs offered by MorningStar. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

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 our exceptional community.


Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Gift Ideas for an Assisted Living Resident


It can be difficult to find the right gift for an elderly parent, grandparent or relative living in an assisted living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space

The A Place for Mom website has a few suggestions for gifts that are sure to please.  One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special.

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift. 

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks.

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your loved one is not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Include with the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.   

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.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/12-18-2012-top-gifts-for-seniors/ 


The Warning Signs of Stroke


More than 140,000 people die each year from a stroke in the United States and it is the third leading cause of death according to The Internet Stroke Center.  In addition they report that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year, which means on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.  Strokes are also the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities and a stroke can take up to two years or more to recover from.  Statistically almost three-quarters of all strokes are in people over the age of 65.

The National Stroke Association recommends that “FAST” is a simple way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke.  By having the information you need to quickly identify the signs of a stroke and calling 9-1-1 for help, you can improve a person’s chances for a better recovery.   They also advise that you note the time you first noticed the symptoms as this can determine the course of treatment. 

To identify the warning signs of a stroke using FAST includes:
F   FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?    
A  ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?  
S  SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?    
T  TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The experts at the WebMD website advise that if a loved one has suffered from a stroke, you should take the time to educate yourself on their condition and prognosis.  One way to do this is to take advantage of hospital run programs to learn as much as you can about strokes and the rehabilitation process.  Also they caution that you should check with your insurance and Medicare coverage to find out what expenses are covered and what your responsibilities will be.  

This post is for informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns

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 Reno, NV.


Sources:
strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/
stroke.org/understand-stroke/recognizing-stroke/act-fast
webmd.com/stroke/features/stroke-recovery-tips-for-the-caregiver