Positive Affirmations Can Help You Change the Way You Think!

An affirmation is a statement repeated and believed, which can shape our thoughts and feelings. When we focus on positive affirmations, we can re-program negative thought patterns and change the way we think and feel about things. Positive affirmations help us concentrate on our goals, rid ourselves of negative beliefs, and find solutions we didn’t even know existed. 

Getting into the habit of turning the negative into a positive is especially helpful for seniors including developing a positive attitude toward the aging process. In fact the Yale School of Public Health conducted a study led by Becca Levy, a professor of public health and psychology, which found a positive outlook on aging, can add 7.5 years to someone’s life. The study also suggests a positive attitude toward growing older can reduce the risk of one of the most established genetic risk factors of dementia, the ε4 variant of the APOE gene. 

So how do we change to glass half-full thinking? Experts say it starts with little things. Rather than berating yourself for forgetting where you left the keys, and worrying you getting old and forgetful, remind yourself you were busy putting groceries away and not paying attention to where you set the keys. 

Other positive ways to grow old is to remain confident in your abilities to try new things. Make a point to broaden your horizons and remind yourself retirement is your time to try the things you have always wanted to do but didn’t have time. Tell yourself you are strong and capable, and ready and able for new adventures. Don’t define yourself by boundaries, and remember pain is not a part of old age but rather your body telling you something is wrong and you need to see a doctor. Remind yourself you still have a lot to contribute and that you deserve to be treated with respect. 

MorningStar of Sparks represents the best senior living Reno offers. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living. We also provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Currently we are accepting new residents and invite you to visit our website for contact information. 

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. We invite you to contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living in Reno.

High Blood Pressure and What You Need to Know

While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high?  Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) recently lowered the guidelines in November 2017.  Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure. 

However the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range.  If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk.  Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it. 

Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic.  Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body.   The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120.  The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety.   Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention.

There are several things you can do to reduce your BP.  While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume.  In addition it is recommend that you track your own blood pressure at home and share your findings with your doctor. 

If you are looking for trusted assisted living in the Reno area, take a look at MorningStar of Sparks.  In addition to compassionate assisted living, we offer independent living and memory care.  Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents.  Check out our website for a virtual tour of our community and contact info for availability and pricing.   

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.  Please visit our website for information on the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno.  

Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood-pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health

Things to Put in a “Comfort Basket”

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in assisted living and they are isolating themselves from the novel coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a “comfort basket” filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant. 

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architect, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. 

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we offer the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.  Our pueblo-style community has 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for information as well as 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.  Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about the most trusted senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar at Albuquerque’s All-inclusive, Compassionate Memory Care

We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. We are equipped to provide care to those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

In addition to MorningStar of Albuquerque’s assisted living option, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 21 secure memory care suites.  The area is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings.  Also given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss. 

As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.”  We know the essence of the person remains despite the level of memory loss, and our job is to nurture and support the individual by finding ways to calm or stimulate as the situation demands.  Lavender Sky provides the path for us to enter, embrace, and explore the “purple world” of memory loss, and to cross over the physical, emotional, and relational boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

Every aspect of our home is designed to provide the comfort, wellness and safety our special residents require including mealtime.  We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table.  We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  

If you are looking for the best memory care or assisted living Albuquerque offers, we encourage you to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  Also please know that during the coronavirus outbreak, we are staying abreast of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all those beneath our roof.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Give Mom or Dad an Easy to Care for Pet

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace.

We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life.

The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags it tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise.  For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence.

In fact New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.” 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Phoenix MorningStar at Arcadia encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. Along with 80 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Arcadia offers 30 secure suites dedicated to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We are still accepting new residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Five Things You May Not Know about Alzheimer’s

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  For example the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future. 

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men. 

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.  
MorningStar of Santa Fe’s is a senior living community in beautiful Santa Fe, NM.  Confident in our protocols in the fight against COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  We encourage you to contact us for more information regarding unparalleled senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.
Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

Have Time on Your Hands? Renew or Start a Hobby

If you have more time on our hands than you planned, rather than resort to watching too much TV, consider it an opportunity to renew an old hobby abandoned earlier in life due to time constraints.  If your hobby cannot be done from home, maybe it is time to start a new one.  How about something you have always wanted to try but never got around to?    

Even if you do not know how to do the activity, the Internet offers lots of self-help videos to get you started.  For example if you want to learn to “knit,” find videos that walk you through the steps.  You can even join a knitting club for inspiration, which also offers the benefit of connecting to a whole new group of people.  If that’s not your thing, how about starting that novel or poetry book you have always wanted to write?  For feedback and encouragement, connect with a virtual writers’ group that routinely meets to review members’ work. 

Other suggestions for creative things to do at home include forming an online book club with your friends, challenging yourself with a large multi-pieced puzzle, trying your hand at baking, or taking an online dance, martial arts, or aerobics class.  While you are having fun, it is nice to know that regardless of what direction you take, studies show having hobbies can improve our mental health and wellbeing.

People with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression as these pleasurable activities allow us space to decompress and relax.  Moreover researchers say it doesn’t seem to matter “whether your hobby is creative, academic, athletic, or something personal, the important thing is that you find it meaningful and enjoyable.”

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  We invite you to visit our website for more details on the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.
Source: https://www.psychreg.org/hobby-mental-health/

The Age Factor in COVID-19 Outcomes

We are told COVID-19 is more dangerous for seniors but as with most things nothing is absolute and there have been inspiring stories about very elderly Americans beating the disease.  One of those people is William “Bill” Lapshies, who at 104 years old contracted the disease in early March and on April 1st was declared virus-free. 

Doctors are seeking answers to why some people are asymptomatic or experience a milder form of the disease, while others do not, and want to learn more about what makes some more vulnerable.  One answer may be that as we age, our immune system functions decline, a process that the medical field refers to as immunosenescence. 

Insoo Kang, M.D., associate professor of medicine and director of allergy, immunology and internal medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, states that, “Immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells [a type of white blood cell], change with aging. We see fewer naive CD8+ T cells, which are needed to recognize newly emerging microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus. It happens to everyone on some level, just not at the same rate."

Doctors hope by better understanding why our immune system declines with age, they may be able to find ways to slow the decline and raise people’s immune reserves for the next illness they may encounter.  In addition, research suggests there are steps we can take to strengthening our own immune system and include exercising, eating well, managing our weigh, controlling stress levels and getting vaccinations.  Atul Butte, M.D., distinguished professor of epidemiology, biostatistics and pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, feels sure that “the COVID-19 pandemic will, in the end, teach us more about our health vulnerabilities — individually and as an aging population.”

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Source:
aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-immunity-age-risk.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS4-REALPOSS-TODAY

Nature Provides Many with a Sense of Wellbeing

While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) recently published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more.  It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.”   Moreover it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.  

Thus spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing.  In fact in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature.  Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window.  Also more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.”

For trusted senior living in Reno, we urge you to consider MorningStar of Sparks.  Our community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, and currently we are safely accepting new residents.  Please check out our website for a virtual tour of our community (we are set on a beautiful campus) and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.   During this time of the novel coronavirus, we are following the guidelines of the CDC –in many cases exceeding them – and doing all we can to ensure the health and wellbeing of all those beneath our roof. 

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.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno.  

Source:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/

jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19

Do Your Homework before You Start Looking for Assisted Living

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.      

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So find out if the home you are thinking about will be somewhere they can "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides. 

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance at our MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community, our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that make it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change.

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition as a licensed “Directed Level of Care,” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. 

While we know there is a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among nursing and assisted living communities, MorningStar of Santa Fe wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols - in some cases exceeding them - set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.

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 the most trusted senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

A Heathy Diet May Help Control the Symptoms of OA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic (long-lasting) joint condition and affects more than 32 million adults in the US.  The disease can cause people to experience pain, stiffness, and swelling and is also referred to as “degenerative joint disease.”  

Women are more likely to develop OA than men according to the CDC and risks factors for getting the disease include genetics, obesity, race, injury and overuse of a joint.  It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wear down causing the joints to painfully rub together. 

Since there is no cure, the disease is treated in a variety of ways including using over-the-counter pain medications and prescription drugs, physical therapy, engaging in physical activity, weight loss and surgery.  In addition researchers believe that those with OA can benefit from eating foods known to reduce inflammation because OA is yet another form of inflammation.  Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains, eating these foods “gives you a better chance of combating your osteoarthritis symptoms.”

Foods containing flavonols have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are found in broccoli, kale and berries.  Other anti-inflammatory food are those high in beta carotene and include carrots, red and orange peppers, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach.  Vitamin C is also important and is found in citrus fruits and winter squash. 

MorningStar of Santa Fe provides compassionate senior housing in Santa Fe, NM that is centered on wellness, comfort, and community.  While we are currently following protective protocols for fighting COVID-19, we are safely accepting new residents into one of our beautiful 56 bright suites for assisted living or our 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those 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.  We encourage you to give us a call for more information on unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar at Arcadia Offers Specialized Memory Care

Along with Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. 
Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered on the second floor of our community and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 30 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Memory care residents also enjoy the outdoors with two enclosed patios.

Mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.  

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Arcadia a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Doctors Warn to Not Put Off Emergency Care for Fear of COVID-19

The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention.  While many states are coming out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care. 

Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help.  Moreover in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention.  Reports out of Spain, one of Europe’s hardest hit countries “found that the number of heart attack patients treated in healthcare facilities has plummeted by 40% since the onset of the virus.”  Hong Kong had similar reports. 

This is why hospitals and care providers around the country want to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to keep you safe from catching the virus while getting the emergency care you need.  In fact most medical centers and hospitals have completely separated potential COVID-19 patients from the general public.  To ensure you get the critical care you need, healthcare providers say it is “crucial that patients identify key symptoms early and call 911 as soon as possible, regardless of the pandemic situation” 

MorningStar of Sparks is proud to be the most trusted senior living in Reno.  While temporarily closed to non-essential visitors due to COVID-19, we are still safely accepting new residents.  Along with 128 bright suites for independent living, we offer 80 suites for assisted living.  MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood also provides 32 secure suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please check out our website for a virtual tour of independent and assisted living in Reno and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

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.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the area’s most trusted senior living in Reno.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s Approach to COVID-19

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we are staying vigilant in our approach to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Our highest priority is to the health and safety of our residents, their families and our staff members. 

We are doing all we can to achieve this including instituting a policy that temporarily suspends non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our home.  MorningStar is also keeping up-to-date and following closely, and in many cases exceeding, guidelines set by the CDC to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. 

Some of these actions include having all assisted living residents dine in their suites with the exception of those with an Individualized Service Plan that require assistance with eating.  They will be served in the dining room, widely spaced from one another.  Our memory care residents will dine as usual but they too will be spread out as far apart as possible.  Other steps include suspending all non-essential visits (medical personnel and end-of-life situations are the exception), eliminating all resident outings, and cancelling all events and outside entertainment. 

All of our team members have received training on infection control with an emphasis on hand sanitation including information from the CDC on COVID-19 and the uniqueness of this viral strain.  We have also modified and increased the frequency of our cleaning practices throughout our home.   
However most importantly of all, our team knows our residents well and is on high alert for any signs of respiratory illness, and has plans in place to address this including protocols for quarantine and relocation, as needed.  We invite you to visit our website to read our full coronavirus COVID-19 update.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque offers 48 well-designed, comfortable assisted living suites with options that include spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans, some as large as 700+ square feet.  We also have 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Honor Your Father on June 21st

Father’s Day was first officially celebrated in the United State on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.  It then took another 58 years (in 1972) after President Woodrow Wilson had declared Mother’s Day to be an official holiday for dads to get their own official national holiday.  This year Father’s Day is June 21, as the holiday is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.  

The earliest public event honoring fathers was in 1908 at a West Virginia church.  It was held in memory of 362 area men who had been killed in a tragic coal mine accident the year before.  It was a one-time commemoration and not intended to be an annual holiday.  

The first recognized celebration of all fathers took place at the Spokane, WA YMCA on June 19, 1910.  It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd.  Her father, William Jackson Smart was a single parent who raised six children.  Ms. Dodd had heard a sermon about the Mother’s Day celebration at Central Methodist Episcopal Church a year earlier and encouraged her church to have a similar event honoring fathers.  She had wanted it to be on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but her church’s pastors needed more time to prepare sermons so it was held on the third Sunday of the month.  

Our fathers hold a special place in our hearts and certainly deserve to have their “own day;” however getting fathers nationally recognized was not as easy as it had been to get a designated national holiday for mothers.  Throughout the years there were efforts to make it a national holiday but it never moved forward.  It wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designated the third Sunday as Father’s Day.  In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law.

For the finest senior living, Phoenix seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Arcadia. We offer outstanding assisted living and memory care for the area’s beloved “mothers” and “fathers.”  Our community’s exceptional architecture and award-winning decor was designed to meet each resident’s every need.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About MorningStar at Arcadia

Offering outstanding Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia has a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for assisted living in the area. 

To start with, all assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more).  Also they have access to a licensed nurse onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock; and every shift has an employee who is CPR certified.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically do Care Plan reviews and update residents’ care plans as needed.  

Our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system ensures accurate records of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system maintains accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents as well as enhances privacy and security of the data. 

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services. 
Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members.

For more information, we encourage you to visit our website and take a look at our Care Services page as well as the message from our CEO detailing our coronavirus response.

MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

The Sandwich Generation

If your responsibilities include caring for elderly parents as well as children still living at home, you are not alone and may be a part of Gen X (Americans born between 1965 and 1980).  Psychologist Jonathon Sikorski, director of wellness education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, explains the problem with the following: “You’re balancing the demands of raising and supporting children and worrying about your parents' independence and well-being. It’s tough,”

Researchers report that around half of all U.S. adults in their 40s or 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child.  Also known as the sandwich generation, many of them provide similar care to both their children and senior parents along with transportation to activities and doctor appointments. 

The constant juggling of caregiver duties can be very stressful. Now add in a global pandemic where vulnerable seniors who are most at risk are being asked to stay home and isolate.  This has created a quandary for many who are trying to safely provide support for elderly parents while not bringing illness into their home.  If you have not considered it before, now may be the perfect time to look into senior communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia.  We are safely accepting new residents and abiding by guidelines – and in many cases exceeding them – set by the CDC, American Senior Housing Association and Federal government to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission is to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, which includes hiring individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors. Our assisted living is ideal for those who need help with daily activities they can no longer completely manage for themselves. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We provide nutritional daily meals, socialization, and offer medication management and transportation services.  Please visit our website to learn more and for contact information.    

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.