MorningStar Senior Living Believes in Philanthropic Work

MorningStar at Arcadia is dedicated to provide one of the best senior living communities Phoenix has to offer.  Along with offering older adults compassionate, loving assisted living and memory care, our company also believes in taking part in philanthropic work locally here in Arizona and globally. In fact, this month we will be celebrating MorningStar at Arcadia’s fifth anniversary by hosting “Life in Bloom.”  Good food, live music, games and entertainment will be enjoyed with all proceeds benefitting Child Crisis Arizona.

Our community is also proud to host and participate in fun and inspiring activities sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and other senior-focused not-for-profit organizations.  As our other MorningStar Senior Living communities do, we encourage our staff, residents and families to join us in whatever capacity they can in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event.  The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Also every year our communities across the Western U.S. host celebrations for the “The Longest Day” event on June 21, which again is intended to raise funds and awareness for treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  Among our many communities, each one hosts their own activities, and each year we look forward to planning MorningStar at Arcadia’s own unique celebrations.  

In addition MorningStar Senior Living also feels a responsibility to serving and investing in charitable projects around the world.  One such project is helping to build and support an orphanage for Hurricane Felix’s victims in Nicaragua.

The more you know about MorningStar at Arcadia, the more you will understand it is unlike other senior living communities.   Our mission includes hiring a team of caregivers with a felt calling to serve to ensure our residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers.

Seniors Benefit from Strength Training

Health providers say that whether you are 18 or 80, it is important to do both cardiovascular exercises as well as strengthening exercises.   In addition to experiencing the benefits of better tone and shape, “research now links not just aerobic exercise but strength training with a reduced risk of death from all causes.”   Presently the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing strength training at least two times a week. 

Many older adults do not think about strength training, and for those that are exercising, have limited their exercise to things like walking, swimming, jogging, or bike riding.  Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, an associate professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine, explains we now have very good evidence that shows 80-year-olds are as able to improve their muscle mass as 50-year-olds.   She adds, “and this can be done reliably over a very short period of time – something as short as two to three months." 

The large 2016 study found strengthening exercises helped to prevent age-related bone and muscle loss.  Led by Dr. Kraschnewski, the study drew on data from the National Health Interview Survey and followed 30,000 adults age 65 years and older for fifteen years.   While only 10 percent of the participants met the national guidelines for twice weekly strength training, those individuals had 46 percent lower odds of dying from any cause, or all-cause mortality.   Furthermore, they were less likely to die from cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Experts say you do not have to start lifting heavy weights as strength training includes using exercise bands, doing push-ups or yoga.  However be sure to check with your physician before you began any new exercise. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ goal is to be the best senior living Reno and the surrounding area has to offer, and we take the wellbeing of our residents very seriously.  Our community offers plenty of ways our seniors can stay active such as swimming, Sit & be Fit, Adaptive Seated Yoga, a fitness center and lots of life enrichment activities.  Our beautiful community has independent and assisted living as well as memory care.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

Before starting any exercise, be sure to consult with 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 learn more about the finest senior living Reno/Sparks offers.

Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/2018-06-26/could-pumping-iron-help-you-live-longer

Better Overall Health May Reduce the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As some of the more severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are now associated to poor overall health, researchers stress the importance of maintaining healthy habits to help reduce symptoms of the disease.  They say that care should include getting the proper exercise, and eating a healthy diet as well as identifying and managing other medical conditions. 

Studies show that “light exercise and walking appear to reduce wandering, aggression and agitation.”  Additionally getting the daily exercise appropriate to the person’s abilities also seems to help alleviate other problem behaviors. 

A person’s hearing and vision should be regularly tested and the appropriate steps taken to deal with any problems found.  They should also be routinely seen by their primary care physician along with visits to specialists to address specific needs.     

Eating problems are another common issue affecting those with Alzheimer’s and can put a person at risk for weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition.  For many the process of eating becomes more and more challenging, and they may no longer know how to use a fork or knife.  The progression of the disease can cause “nerve cell death that eventually steals the ability to recognize thirst or hunger.”

At MorningStar of Sparks we offer secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment.  We understand that dining is as much about community as it is about nutrition, which is why our memory care staff and residents eat together.  Also, out of respect for our residents’ sometimes compromised abilities at the table, we serve finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our Greater Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care.

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care options. 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 community.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diet-exercise-health/    

A Senior Living Community that is a True “Home”

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks’ goal is to provide the finest senior living Reno or Sparks has to offer, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  One thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is that our entire team works together to build a true home.  From the moment you decide to join our loving community, we consider you a part of our family.

Our graciously-appointed Sparks, NV community is located just east of Reno in the neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, and convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores.  MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 suites for independent living and an additional 80 suites for assisted living in a variety of one- and two-bedroom floorplans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

As a resident, you will find a whole host of amenities including a bistro, chapel/theatre, library with a computer, general store, salon, fitness room and much more.  Residents also have a wide array of activities to choose from that include fitness classes, entertainment, games and special outings.  In addition, you will receive three daily nutritional, tasty meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef.  All meals are served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room available for intimate dinners. 

Please see our website for more information or to schedule a tour of our exceptional community.  For a limited time only, we are offering $5,000 savings as part of our “Anniversary Gift to You.” 

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 learn more about the finest senior living Reno/Sparks has to offer.

The Transition to Assisted Living

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we recognize for many seniors change can be both difficult and challenging. While moving to an assisted living community may be the best decision for the person and their family, this doesn’t mean there won’t be a transition period. 

Many seniors mistakenly think touring assisted living communities, deciding on one, figuring out budget considerations, and perhaps selling the family home is the most difficult part of moving to community living. However, experts report it can typically take anywhere between 30 to 90 days before a senior feels comfortable in their new assisted living home, but there are few things that can be done to help the process go more smoothly. 

To start with it is important to make sure your loved one’s new home is filled with familiar and beloved objects such as personal photos, books, and knick-knacks. As the new resident, you should try to keep a positive attitude toward the move and be a good sport about joining community activities and socializing with others. After all, making new friends can make all the difference in the world. Furthermore, remember the staff is there to help and will be more than glad to answer all of your questions.

As a family member, be open to listening to your loved one’s fears and concerns. While you will want to visit, be sure not to be “too supportive” as the senior needs to find their own way in their new home. Experts say it is also important to not waste time feeling guilty about moving your loved one into assisted living. Remember it is a safe place for them to find comfort, wellness and community. Please visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care. 

Our 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 residents an exceptional assisted living home.

Our Caregivers Have a Felt Calling to Serve

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care within a true home setting.  Our care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents; and in order for us to deliver on a promise of extraordinary care – it requires the commitment of an extraordinary MorningStar staff.

We are blessed to have assembled a distinguished team starting at the top with Executive Director, Leslie Castaneda, who loves working for company whose overall mission, values and integrity aligns with her own, especially when it includes working with seniors.   Emily Waldeck serves as our Wellness Director and Morgan Leach as our Life Enrichment Coordinator.  LaVerne Zimmerman is our Assisted Living Coordinator. Our dedicated, hardworking Care Managers are the type of people who are at the ready to meet every expressed (and often unexpressed) need as they assist residents with daily care activities.    

MorningStar’s hiring process starts with heart, and as such, one of the first things we look for is character, kindness and selflessness.  We are committed to hiring individuals with a felt calling to serve and who love the idea of working with seniors. As a resident of MorningStar of Santa Fe, these are the people you will interact with every day, and we are certain that in no time, they will start to feel like part of your family.    

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our MorningStar of Santa Fe senior housing community including our wide array of resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities.  In addition our many care services are designed to meet the various needs of residents and to help provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Seniors Benefit from Life-long Learning

Several recent studies indicate life-long learning is good for seniors’ brain health and starting a new hobby or learning a skill late in life can help to boost a person’s memory.  In one study form the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers found that older adults “who took on a new mentally challenging hobby saw a lasting increase in their memory skills.”  They theorize that when seniors mentally challenge themselves with new skills such as playing an instrument, learning to operate a computer, or being taught to quilt, networks within the brain are being strengthened.  

Neurologist in another study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland discovered that a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Their findings suggest that older adults “who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are 2.5 times less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which impacts approximately 4 million Americans.”

Other research out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School appear to support these findings.  Their study relied on interviews as well as brain scans of participants, and findings indicate that seniors who have had a higher level of intellectual stimulation throughout the course of their lives, showed a marked delay in the onset of memory-related problems and other Alzheimer’s type symptoms.    

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, and feel it is our privilege to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged each day.  Our Life Enrichment Team presents creative ways to stay active and enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  Our beautiful senior housing community is now open and welcoming new residents.  Please visit our website to set up a tour or to request information on pricing and availability.           

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.  Please contact us, you or a loved one deserves the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.  

Source: mylifesite.net/blog/post/lifelong-learning-good-seniors-minds-bodies/

Superfoods May Now Include Mushrooms

Research is being done around the world to try and determine the cause of Alzheimer’s as well as discover more effective treatments.  Thanks to that research, we already know there are several things we can do to enhance the aging process, and may even help to delay or decrease our risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  These include staying socially active, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, routinely exercising, and eating a healthy diet.

In addition over the last few decades, scientists have touted the benefits of several “Superfoods” that may help to protect brain health.  Some of the foods include dark chocolate (with at least 85% cocoa), turmeric, dark leafy greens, acai and other berries, walnut, omega-3 fatty acids, red wine and green tea.  

Now a new study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) suggests that including mushrooms into our diets (even consumed in small portions) appears to lower the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).  This can be important as MCI often precedes Alzheimer's disease.

Many people think mushrooms are a vegetable but they are actually fungi and are rich in antioxidants, which are known to protect cell health.  The study authors explain that, “Edible mushrooms — both cultivated and wild species — contain a high amount of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals.”  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we believe in providing residents a holistic approach to wellness that includes a wide range of care services, routine physical exercise tailored to seniors, and nutritional, tasty meals.  Our meals include recipes made with ingredients known to support brain health and have high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Now open, our beautiful senior housing offers 56 bright suites for assisted living  and 29 secure memory care suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  

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.  Contact us for more information regarding unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324710.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_country=US&utm_hcp=no&utm_campaign=MNT%20Weekly%20Full%20%28non-HCP%20US%29%20-%20OLD%20STYLE%202019-03-20&utm_term=MNT%20Weekly%20News%20%28non-HCP%20US%29

Now Open and Welcoming New Residents

One of the area’s finest senior housing communities, MorningStar of Santa Fe, is now open and welcoming area seniors to our beautiful home.  Our team has been busy helping residents settle in and making sure all of their needs are meet to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing.   

As we look toward building a loving MorningStar family, we have already had the pleasure of celebrating St. Valentine’s Day together by arranging beautiful bouquets of carnations that were later used to decorate residents’ suites.   For St. Patrick’s Day, we held a party in our Life Enrichment room where everyone was encouraged to wear green.  Residents’ families and friends were invited to attend and fun was had by all.

To nurture and stay true to our founding core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness, our community will focus on one of those values each month.  In March it is “honesty.”  Morgan Leach, our Life Enrichment Coordinator, reminds us that, “Building and maintaining honesty is a key factor when working with individuals. Our Leadership Team works very hard to ensure an honest environment at MorningStar, not only for our team and residents, but also for family, guests, and visitors.”

Residents are also discovering that our monthly calendar is filled with daily activities that are not only fun but help to stimulate and engage their brain, keep them moving, and help them make social connections.  For example one day we offered Scrabble, a sing-along, chair yoga, painting class, an afternoon social, knitting club and TED Talks.  Of course residents are free to choose the activities they wish to participate in but we always look forward to someone new joining in on the fun.  

This has been a couple of exciting months for MorningStar of Santa Fe and we look forward to what the future holds.  If you or a loved one needs help with personal daily care activities, we invite you to take a look at our assisted living community.   We offer 56 bright suites for assisted living with a variety of floor plans and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

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.  To get an idea of the area’s finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, we invite you to set up a tour.  

Remember to Stay Hydrated as the Temperatures Soar

Now that spring is here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated as the temperatures warm up.  There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink.  In addition, medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids.  Also our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger.  Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker.  

Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing.  Furthermore, seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents.    

Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care.  Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more.

To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer.  Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas.           

At MorningStar of Sparks, we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months.  Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages.  Our Greater Reno assisted living and independent living community offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living and independent living options. 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 community.

The Old Adage that Laughter is the Best Medicine May be True!

Research suggests that laughter can actually have a therapeutic value for people.  A recent study showed, “Women with a strong sense of humor were found to live longer in spite of illness, especially cardiovascular disease and infection.”  The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study tracked 54,000 Norwegians over a period of seven years and discovered that people who thought life was the funniest were 35% more likely to survive longer.  

Other similar studies have found laughter helps people sleep better and diffuse anger.  A good laugh relaxes the whole body and produces a general sense of well-being that can last for as long as 45 minutes.  Some believe it may also be a useful tool in the fight against cancer, and as laughter releases a cocktail of hormones, neuropeptides and dopamine, it may help to stave off depression.   

HelpGuide.org, a website that deals with issues of mental health and wellness, writes, “Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.”  Experts say laughter triggers the release of endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals that can temporarily relieve pain) as well as helps to improve the function of blood vessels and increase blood flow.  It can even burn calories.  Perhaps most important of all, laughter is free medicine without any harmful side effects. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we too believe in the power of a good laugh.  Our assisted living and memory care community is setup to allow our residents to live each day to the fullest whether it is participating in one of our wellness programs or activities or simply sharing a delicious meal with friends.   We are now open and welcoming new residents to Santa Fe’s most beautiful senior housing.    

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.  Please visit our website for more information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5331/laughter-is-good-medicine.aspx

helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm/

sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190204170932.htm

Everyone Benefits from Regular Exercise

Regardless of your age, you can benefit from regular physical exercise. Studies show exercise can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer as well as reduce the pain associated with arthritis. It can also improve balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Staying active can even improve sleep quality and duration and enhance your mood. 

Different forms of exercise offer different benefits but please remember to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise. Stretching exercises can improve mobility and flexibility and relieve sore and stiff muscles. They can also help to reduce lower back-pain, improve posture and increase blood flow and energy. 

Aerobic exercises can help improve endurance and increase your breathing and heart rate. Moderate aerobic exercises for seniors include walking briskly, swimming and dancing. Doctors suggest you start slowly and build up your endurance, and if you have been inactive, start with 5 minutes of cardio a day several times a week and build from there.

In addition experts say it is important for the elderly to routinely do balance exercises as they can help prevent falls. Most are easy to do and do not require any special equipment. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we are committed to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, and our residents have plenty of opportunities to stay fit and keep moving. WellStar, our signature wellness program, supports and encourages a healthy lifestyle that includes a wide range of programs and activities as well as nutritional daily meals. Visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Often Overlooked Benefit to Help Vets Pay for Assisted Living

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we proudly welcome vets into our community.  In fact throughout MorningStar communities, we have vets from all five branches of military service.  Recognizing the courage and self-sacrifice they made to serve our country, we are committed to helping them get the services they now need to improve their quality of life.

One of the ways we help is to direct prospective residents who are vets or surviving spouses to local resources that can to determine if they qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit.  This monthly benefit payment is provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and is available to qualifying wartime vets or their survivors.

Requirements to qualify include financial need and a physician’s order for regular assistance with activities of daily living.  In addition the vet must have received an honorable discharge and served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days served during a period of foreign war.  In order for a surviving spouse to qualify, he or she must have been married to the vet at the time of their death and never remarried.

The reason we recommend going to accredited VA advisors for assistance in filing a claim for an Aid & Attendance benefit, is they are authorized by the VA to help claimants in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for the benefit.  Once approved for the benefit, the monthly payment goes directly to the qualified applicant and can be used to pay for any kind of assistance, including assisted living.  The National Care Planning Council estimates that up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance.

Now that MorningStar of Santa Fe is open to residents, we encourage you to schedule a tour to experience unsurpassed senior housing in Santa Fe.  Please our website for contact information and availability and pricing.

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style 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.  To get a look at the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, we encourage you to set up a tour.