Monday, October 29, 2018

Ways to Help a Grieving Friend

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time. It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch. There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process.

It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible. Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation. The best thing you can do is to be supportive. Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly. Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimalizing their loss. 

Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss:

  • Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.
  • Express your concern. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."
  • Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."
  • Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."
  • Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

Source: American Cancer Society

Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set time table. Everyone grieves in their own way, but do keep in mind that there are some warning signs that a person is not adjusting to their new situation. The loss of the ability to function in their day-to-day life, extreme feelings of anger or guilt, withdrawing, and abuse of alcohol or drugs may be a signal that they need professional help

MorningStar at Arcadia’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional Phoenix senior living. 

Source: helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/supporting-a-grieving-person.htm

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Keep Moving but Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

It is important for older adults to take precautions to prevent falls as the resulting injuries tend to be more serious such as a broken hip or head trauma.  However doctors also point out that being sedentary is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is important to keep moving.    

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year but say there are things that seniors can do to help prevent a fall.  The trick is to find a way to safely move about while taking into account any balance issues you may experience. 

As many adults are less active as they get older, it can exacerbate the physical effects of aging. Experts say, “Failure to engage in even mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”  Other issues that can lead to falls include poor eyesight and taking medications with side-effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and low blood pressure.  Chronic health conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and arthritis as well as problems with numbness in the feet can also increase the risk of falls. 

The good news is there are a variety of easy-to-do balance-training exercises that can help seniors improve their balance. Even if you rely on a cane or other assistive devices, balance exercise can improve your mobility.  While many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer balance-training exercises, there are also exercises that can be done throughout the day right at home.  One example is to try standing on one foot while close to the kitchen counter.  If you need, keep your hand on the counter for support and as you feel more confident try taking your hand off.   Another thing you can do is to try and get up from a chair without using your arms. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. MorningStar invites you to schedule a visit to learn more about the best senior living Reno NV area has to offer.


Source: agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Understanding Sundowner’s Syndrome

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's disease 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. 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 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 is one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers.

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

Friday, October 19, 2018

Specialized Memory Care at MorningStar of Sparks



Along with the best independent living and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer, MorningStar of Sparks has 32 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

MorningStar of Sparks’ resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All of our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes an enclosed patio and courtyard reserved just for our Reflections Neighborhood.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse.

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, and exercise as well as our special events and outings.

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website for more information about our community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    


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 the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque is devoted to providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. We offer 48 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 700 square feet). In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

In addition to Albuquerque, MorningStar Senior Living has 24 additional communities currently open or under construction in eight states. 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 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.

MorningStar at Arcadia - Suites Designed for Your Comfort

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we are committed to providing residents with a “true home” and offer 80 stylish, private assisted living suites. Additionally, we have 30 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Our graciously-appointed Phoenix community is located in the heart of the Valley, adjacent to the popular neighborhoods of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores.

One look at our website and you will see that MorningStar at Arcadia is indeed a beautiful, special place. Right from the beginning, we worked to ensure our community would be a comfortable place for our residents to enjoy carefree retirement years and have designed our entire community from the ground up to cater to those needs.

All of our assisted living private suites offer high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, lighting and mini blinds; and includes a kitchenette with sink and refrigerator and a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Each suite is also equipped with an emergency call system, private heating and air conditioning, and basic cable TV and utilities. We offer residents weekly housekeeping and laundry service as well as spot cleaning and daily trash removal. To help residents feel right at home, we are pet friendly, and all you need to do is to bring your furnishings and personal items.

We encourage you to take a look at our various floor plans as they were designed for the utmost comfort. Starting with a large two-bedroom 1280 sq. ft. configuration to our studios from 347-400 sq. ft., we are certain you will feel right at home, however, please set up a tour to see for yourself why we are so proud of our gorgeous 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.

Independent Senior Living in the Reno-Sparks Area



MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks offers suites in our independent living neighborhood designed for active, independent seniors seeking a carefree lifestyle.   Relax in a choice of spacious floor plans and beautiful common areas to gather and enjoy the day.  To be eligible to move into one of the stylish suites, you must be at least 62 years old. 

Compared to other similar properties in the area, MorningStar of Sparks offers an unparalleled value when you consider all of the premium upgrades and amenities offered to residents.  Another advantage to moving into our community is you now have predictable month-to-month budgeting as virtually all your living expenses are bundled into your monthly fee. 

The carefree aspect of living at MorningStar of Sparks includes no longer doing maintenance on your own home or being surprised by unexpected repair costs.  Additionally, you can travel or spend time with your family knowing we will keep a close eye on your suite during your absence.  Your monthly fee includes three meals daily prepared by an Executive Chef, weekly housekeeping, weekly linen service and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

As a resident you will have access to more assistance if the need should ever arise with no internal transfer fee.  That’s part of the advantage of having more than one neighborhood under our roof.   In addition to independent living we have 80 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans as well as 32 suites devoted to caring for those with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.    

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 living, assisted living and memory care.



The Many Benefits of Senior Living

Did you know that studies show many older adults prefer the carefree life offered by senior living? The idea of no longer having all of the responsibilities that come along with owning a home including the repairs and upkeep is very appealing to many seniors. Furthermore for seniors who still think moving into an assisted living community is a place people go to die, most likely have not visited one of today’s vibrant communities

There are even studies that suggest moving into senior living may be a healthier option for some than living alone. This can especially be true for seniors after the death of a spouse as many begin to feel isolated and lonely. Not to mention the burden of keeping up with household chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry or needing to move up and down stairs. 

Senior living communities offer an individual the opportunity to easily make new friends as well as gives them the time to pursue special interests or to explore new hobbies. Also communities typically provide amenities such as onsite fitness centers in addition to offering a range of exercise classes geared toward the fitness level of older adults. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe is a new assisted living and memory care community that is set to open by the end of the year. We understand that for some the “MorningStar” name may be new to Santa Fe, but we want to reassure you that MorningStar Senior Living is anything but new. Our senior living communities are scattered throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Albuquerque, and MorningStar of Rio Rancho, which is set to open next year. 

In addition we want you know that our community will be staffed by a compassionate, professional team of individuals who are experienced in all facets of senior living and committed to providing our residents a true “home.” Visit our website for contact information and to find out more about our gorgeous new community. (MorningStar of Santa Fe is a private pay community and does not accept Medicaid) 

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Regardless of Your Age, It’s Never Too Late to Benefit from Physical Exercise

Too many seniors feel it is a waste of time to start exercising as it won’t do them any good and may actually harm them or that they cannot do it due to physical limitations. In fact, the U.S. National Library of Medicine recently published a report that found about 67 percent of older adults are sedentary for at least 8.5 hours each day, which strongly suggests a need to improve activity levels for senior health. Experts explain there are many unexpected benefits that can be gained from regular physical exercise regardless of your age or fitness level. 

One benefit as reported by the National Council for Medicine is it is one of the “most crucial options for arthritis management.” In addition to lubricating the joints, it helps to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Regular exercise can also help seniors lose weight. This is important as obesity is a risk factor for arthritis as well as type II diabetes and other medical conditions. 

Other studies seem to suggest exercise may lessen your chance of getting cancer including data that found women who perform moderate to regular exercise may “have shown a 30 to 40 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.” Another recent study indicates exercise may also slow the effects of dementia. It reported a “37 percent reduced risk and a 66 percent reduction in risk of dementia when older adults performed moderate-intensity exercise suggesting every adult ought to exercise to help lower the risk of mental decline and to help prevent mental disability later in life.” 

MorningStar of Santa Fe also recognizes the importance of older adults living a healthy lifestyle. When our assisted living and memory care community opens at the end of the year, we will offer an array of services and wellness programs along with healthy daily meals that are designed to ensure our residents’ comfort and wellbeing. Please visit our website to learn more, or stop by our onsite Information Center. 

Please consult your health care provider before starting any new physical activity.

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881132/

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

MorningStar at Arcadia's Holistic Memory Care

Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades. In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease. Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well.

Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages. Our community has secure outdoor space reserved for our memory care residents and we provide assistance in whatever way your loved one needs us including eating and daily personal care activities. Right from the start, we interview the family so we may become familiar with the resident’s personal preferences, background, and hobbies, and then design a care plan suited around their needs. 

Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value. We strive to make each day as special as possible for our memory care residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Arcadia’s quality memory care. 

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.

Exercising Your Brain

Researchers have discovered it is just as important for aging adults to stay mentally active as it is to stay physically active.  Our bodies do not only lose muscle over time but our brains can also atrophy.  The website, Everyday Health explains it as, “More specifically, your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.”

After extensive studies, scientists now believe that regular, targeted brain exercises can increase your brain's cognitive reserve.  Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance.  One study involved monitoring the brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest as well as while they were playing their instruments.  The musicians’ brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than when resting” while playing their instruments.  Also the heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing.

In addition mind games, puzzles and memory games are fun way to help seniors keep their brains exercised. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords help improve recall and board games typically require counting, strategy and decision-making.  

For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory.  At MorningStar of Sparks, we have a computer available in our Library as well as offer the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology. This state-of-the-art engagement system combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software and has a library of over 3,000 choices of things to do and explore.

Another good brain exercise is learning a new language.  Reading also can open doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to and can heighten imagination and introduce new ideas. 

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website to learn more about our senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  Our community has a total of 240 suites of which 128 are independent living, 80 assisted living, 32 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

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 living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx

mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/

Resort-style Amenities Ensure Your Utmost Comfort

Designed from the ground up to meet the needs of the most discerning senior, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe is a pueblo-inspired community built on the premise that senior living can be both purposeful and beautiful. At 71,000-square-foot, we have lots of warm, inviting common areas both inside and out and the amenities and services to ensure residents feel right at home. Our community is scheduled to open to residents by the end of the year. 

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef. All of our delicious meals are served in our charming dining room, restaurant-style, and created largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds. We even offer a private dining room for intimate dinners. 

Also our Bistro Bar will offer a relaxing place for residents as well as their guests to gather and enjoy a beverage or a light snack. Other beautifully-appointed, comfy gathering places include our lovely fireside living room and sunroom. Our enclosed courtyards with cozy kiva fireplaces and magnificent mountain views will give residents the opportunity to get out and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful weather. We also offer strolling paths and raised garden bed. 

Other onsite amenities include our own chapel/theatre with Wii, a library offering a computer with Internet service and newspapers, a convenient salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, and much more. In addition a monthly calendar filled with meaningful wellness programs and activities will allow you to stay as busy as you like. 

While our array of amenities and services are vast, we haven’t even mentioned our devoted and loving team who are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors. Please visit our website or our Information Center located near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side. MorningStar of Santa Fe looks forward to opening to residents by the end of the year. Also for those seniors who make a deposit before our Grand Opening, we are offering up to $5,000 in savings as founder club benefits. Just text “Seniors” to 555-888.

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more information about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Common Signs Mom or Dad May Need More Help

If your elderly parent lives alone, you may have wondered if they have an adequate support system to ensure their safety and comfort. We encourage you to read some advice from the experts to determine if your parent needs more help to not just survive but to thrive!

Some of the things to find out are if they have had any recent falls or driving mishaps. Do you have any reason to suspect they may be endangering their safety by forgetting to turn off the stove or other appliances? Do you see signs that they are having difficulty bathing and attending to personal daily care activities? Does their house look unusually unkempt with dirty dishes lying around and mail stacking up? Are there signs of spoiled food or an empty refrigerator? 

Also consider if your parent has health conditions that are making it more difficult for them to care for themselves. Poor balance and failing eyesight can increase the likelihood of a fall and not having help close at hand can be dangerous. In addition if your parent no longer drives, they may be having a hard time getting out to the grocery store or to doctor appointments as well as becoming too socially isolated. 

Assisted living may offer the best option if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an independent living community, but does not require 24-hour medical care and supervision. Our MorningStar of Santa Fe community, scheduled to open by the end of 2018, will offer the area exceptional assisted living and memory care. We now have a model suite open for viewing by appointment and are offering an incentive for early depositors with savings up to $5000 (for deposits received before our Grand Opening). Please visit our website or our Information Center located near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side. 

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Assisted Living at Its Best!

As you start to hear more about Santa Fe’s newest assisted living community, please keep in mind not all assisted living communities are the same. Starting from the pueblo-inspired design of our beautiful 71,000-square-foot community, we have meticulously seen to it that every detail has been paid to ensure residents the most carefree retirement possible. 

For those unfamiliar with the concept of assisted living, it is built on a European social model, and offers a new paradigm in wellness and engagement for those seniors who need a little support with personal daily care activities. At MorningStar of Santa Fe, new residents and their family sit down with our Wellness Director to create a care plan designed around their special needs and safety. The resident will have around-the-clock Care Managers as well the services of our full-time licensed nurses on call 24/7 and onsite 5–7 days/week. 

Among our many services, we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, care planning reviews, and scheduled health and wellness evaluations. All residents receive three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both tasty and nutritional and served restaurant style in our dining room. In addition MorningStar of Santa Fe offers scheduled transportation along with a whole host of enrichment programs to support and entertain residents. If you are wondering, are also pet friendly. 

The MorningStar of Santa Fe looks forward to welcoming residents and helping them feel right at home when our community opens at the end of 2018. Along with our 56 assisted living bright suites, we will offer 29 secure suites dedicated to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please stop by our onsite Information Center near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side, or give us a call. Be sure to ask about our incentive program that offers up to $5,000 in savings for early depositors.

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

MorningStar’s Newest Community is Set to Open!

The entire MorningStar of Santa Fe team looks forward to welcoming residents to our new assisted living and memory care community, which is expected to open sometime before the end of 2018. Designed from the ground up to serve the needs of seniors who require a little assistance with day-to-day personal care activities, our assisted living community will offer a true home for our residents. The pueblo-styled community has 56 bright suites for assisted living offered in a variety of configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 820 square feet) to accommodate differing preferences and needs. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood’s 29 secure suites provide individualized, compassionate care for those in the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

While MorningStar of Santa Fe may be new to the area, MorningStar Senior Living is not. We have communities throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of Albuquerque, and the soon to open, MorningStar of Rio Rancho. We also want you to know our team is experienced in all facets of senior living and dedicated to providing residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. So along with the beautiful, welcoming design of our new community, we have gathered a team of caregivers who have a felt calling to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. 

Located on the city’s west side near the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael, we are ideally situated to provide spectacular mountain views as well as the convenience of nearby shopping, banks, restaurants and medical facilities. Please visit our website for contact information or to set up an appointment to view our model suite. Also learn more about our incentive for early depositors with savings up to $5000 (for deposits received before our Grand Opening). MorningStar is a private pay community (we do not accept Medicaid). 

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Assisted Living Offers Peace of Mind for Families

For family members, assisted living and memory care can offer peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one is receiving the care and companionship they need to live safely and as independently as possible. However we recognize that for some adult children or spouses, considering assisted living brings up feelings of guilt as you think you are not doing enough for them. 

As an adult child, you may realize that you have too many responsibilities already on your plate including your own children, a job and other constraints but still feel guilty about not offering your parent a home with you. Even if you are a caregiver that has reached the point where you know the job is taking a toll on your own health and well-being and you are no longer able to provide the level of care your loved needs, you may still be hesitant to make changes. 

This is why assisted living and memory care communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia offer the perfect solution. Our purpose is not to replace you in the life of your aging parent or spouse but rather to assist you in your efforts to make their lives easier, safer and more comfortable. 

Our community was designed by specialists in senior interiors, award winning Thoma-Holec Design, and built to accommodate the needs of our residents. Every aspect of our interior common rooms and suites as well as the outdoor grounds is intended to make our residents feel like they are in a true “home.” From beautiful, private suites that are just waiting for your personal furnishings, delicious three meals a day served restaurant-style, activities galore or companionship; we provide a lovely home. 

Please contact us with any questions you may have or set up a visit to see firsthand our beautiful 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.

Having Fun at MorningStar of Sparks

At MorningStar of Sparks, we take the job of providing residents with the best senior living extremely seriously.  We also think that extends to making sure we offer a full range of activities that are designed for out and out fun.  In fact, we love a reason to celebrate whether it’s birthdays, holidays, or special events and are sure to provide plenty of food, music and good company. 

Recently, we took a cruise down memory lane when more than 200 classic cars of every imaginable make and model flooded our parking lot.  With so much to see, our Business Office Manager Inga and Driver Laurie were both quite happy to give residents a tour of the happenings in golf carts.  Hot dogs and root beer floats were served as music from the 50’s played.  It was a fun day for everyone!

Speaking of fun, we cannot forget to mention our regular games of Bingo and Texas Hold’em Poker played several days each week.  Moreover, we offer Margarita Mondays each week at the Piano Bar.  Here, residents can enjoy a drink, share stories and have a good time.   Every Friday afternoon and Monday evening we have an hour of music entertainment.  Recent offerings were the music of John Palmore, The Judith Ames Trio, Encore Entertainment, and The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association.

This is just a small sampling of what goes on at MorningStar of Sparks where we believe seniors’ retirement years should be as carefree as possible.  Programs also include our signature wellness program, WellStar, which is designed to ensure each day enhances health and wellness, stimulates the brain and encourages connection.

Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in the Reno-Sparks area.  Our community has 128 beautiful suites for independent living and 80 graciously-appointed assisted living suites, with spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, we offer 32 memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

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 living, assisted living and memory care.


Monday, October 1, 2018

Seniors and Bruising



Is frequent bruising indicative of a bigger problem?  Most likely not says the Mayo Clinic because as we age people bruise more easily.  The reason for this is older skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layers that used to work as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.  Also women are more prone to bruising than men.      

The medical term for a bruise is contusion, and is typically caused when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are ruptured by an impact from an injury or a blow to the area.  This causes blood to start leaking out of the vessels and create the visible black-and-blue mark (ecchymosis) of a bruise.  As the body reabsorbs the blood, the bruise begins to heal. 

The Mayo Clinic says that certain medications can cause bruising such as aspirin and anticoagulants such as Coumadin® that thin the blood and reduces its ability to clot.  This means that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  Dietary supplements like fish oil and ginkgo have a blood thinning effect that can also increase the risk for bruising.

However bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as low levels or abnormally functioning platelets.  They can also indicate problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body, if they are painful, or you start bruising after beginning a new medication. Additionally check with your doctor if a bruise increases in size and becomes swollen and hard as it may be a hematoma, a localized collection of blood which becomes clotted or partially clotted.

To prevent bruising, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner, suggests removing furniture and other obstacles to create a clear path throughout the home to avoid bumps and falls.  If you or your loved one is unsteady on their feet, install handrails when possible and consider using a walker or cane.    

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

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 living, assisted living and memory care.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

www.aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/elderly-bruising