MorningStar of Sparks Offers Independent Living for Carefree Retirement Years

 

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change. At MorningStar of Sparks, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends. 

 

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Once they resume, residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers. In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Our community offers well-designed private suites in several floorplans including one bedroom–one bath, two bedroom–one bath, and two bedroom-two bath configurations. Each unit has high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling lighting, and mini blinds as well as private heating & air conditioning controls, and includes basic cable TV and utilities. Also, we are pet friendly. 

 

Along with our 128 bright suites for independent living, MorningStar of Sparks offers 80 suites for assisted living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are proud to report that MorningStar of Sparks was awarded the 2020 Caring Star Award, which is based on positive online reviews by families and eldercare experts on the Caring.com website. 

 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks may be the place for you. We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe. Please visit our website for more information including a virtual tour of our beautiful community.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers.

Looking for a Gift for Your Elderly Loved One?

Have you been searching for something for your elderly loved one 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 its 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 independent or assisted living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living along with 80 private assisted living suites with a choice of spacious floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

MorningStar of Sparks 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 independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers.

Long-term Care Insurance Offers Peace of Mind

As we grow older, we start to think more and more about “what if” this or that happens.  Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need. 

Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC).  While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren.  Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care.  

The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care.  As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it  is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.”   Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances.  

If you are looking for Phoenix assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arcadia.  While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living.  Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety of services in senior living communities that may not be covered through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.
Source: nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare

Are You Caring for a Loved One with Dementia?

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.     

If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long. 

Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning.
Along with assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers 21 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists.  Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs.   

Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating.  Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility,

wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications.  Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available.  So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do. 

Currently, MorningStar of Albuquerque is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.
MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM offers.     

Learn More About MorningStar at Arcadia

MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place.  By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit.  Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care. 

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families.  For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family. 

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services.  These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others. 

With interiors by the award-winning Phoenix firm of Thoma-Holec Design, the contemporary décor of MorningStar’s common areas and spacious suites offer seniors a remarkable home second to none.  With 80 private assisted living suites on three levels including penthouse suites, we offer the choice of spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have an additional 30 suites devoted to the care of those living with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

For more information about all-inclusive senior living in Phoenix, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Recently, added to our rigorous protocols, is an emergent weapon in the fight to protect. Ask us about our Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.

 MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Sixty Percent of Those with Dementia will Wander

The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander.  The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home.  Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home. 

Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering.  Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease, they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe. 

It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parent or another loved one.  Find out if your area has a” Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times.  Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas. 

Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and try to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out.  In addition, reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out.  You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone.  

Along with Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood which is a secure environment that encourages residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Our residents can freely move about their neighborhood but we have security features to prevent them from wandering out of our community.  In addition, our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving memory care.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

There are Many Fun Ways to Exercise Your Mind

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health.  Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper.  Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.   

Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. 

Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter.  Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.”  The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking. 

The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options.  To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you.  Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get.  They also make great gifts for seniors. 

We want you to know that MorningStar of Albuquerque is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus.  Our community offers 48 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options.  We also have 21 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  If you are looking for the best assisted living Albuquerque NM offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Albuquerque represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “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 learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer.

Brighten the Day of Your Senior Loved One

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how.  One idea is to send them a gift 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, architecture, 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.  

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be the place for you.  Our beautiful community has 80 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, 30 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.          

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior 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 learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Tips for Wearing a Face Mask When it is Hot Outside

Now that many States have mandated or strongly recommend wearing a mask inside businesses and outside when unable to maintain social distancing of 6 ft. or more, many worry that mask wearing in the summer heat will be very uncomfortable.   Dr. Michael Bell, deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, warns of the danger you may be putting yourself or others in by not wearing one simply because you don’t want to get hot.  He says, ““To be blunt, to say that you don’t want to wear a mask because it’s hot out even though it protects other people from you is like saying you are making chicken sandwiches for your church group, but you’re not going to cook them through.”

So here are a few tips to help us stay safe.  Dr. Bell say to wear a cloth mask made of natural fabrics such as cotton as it is more breathable, stick to light colors, and avoid synthetic materials.  If it is extremely hot outside, avoiding going out altogether if you can as should anyone with lung disease.  

Another suggestion includes bringing an extra mask or two to put on if the first one becomes sweaty.  Furthermore if you are having trouble breathing, find a shady spot where you can safely distance, and remove your mask until your breathing normalizes.  Experts say if you are still feeling too hot, try using a thinner mask, or when you are able to maintain a safe distance from others, loosen it slightly on your face.  

At MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we want current and incoming residents as well as their families and our team members to know we are doing everything we can to protect all those beneath our roof.  Despite the hardship and sorrows of major disruptions like COVID-19, they often give rise to innovations such as Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology, which we have now added to our rigorous protocols.  While harmless to residents and staff, it is deadly against infectious disease.      

Our pueblo-styled community offers 56 bright suites for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we have 29 secure suites devoted to providing individualized care. 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 to learn more about the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.  

Source: usnews.com/health-care/conditions/articles/how-to-wear-a-face-mask-safely-and-comfortably-in-summer?int=hp_conditions_health 

Its Never to Late for Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However, according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease. 

As older adults’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt.  Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts.  In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemicals. 

Other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of heart disease are quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and lowering your blood pressure.   A heart healthy lifestyle must also include daily exercise and even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.  If it has been a while since you have exercised, check with your doctor and start slowly.  The Heart Association cites research that indicates 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level.

Committed to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, MorningStar at Arcadia provides residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our meals, prepared by our own Executive Chef, are both tasty as well as healthy.   While we had to suspend group exercise classes due to the coronavirus, as the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with Arizona’s phasing and pacing. Please see our website for more information.

Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior 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 learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Introducing Our New Virtual Assistant

At the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, our goal is to provide residents with a true home designed for their comfort, wellbeing and security.  In order to effectively reach all Santa Fe area families looking into assisted living and memory care in a timely fashion, we have added a Virtual Assistant to our website.  

The Virtual Assistant service lets you learn more about our communities: Pricing, Request a Tour, Ask a Question, See Our Floor Plans, View Virtual Tour, or make a Job Inquiry.  You can ask if there is anyone available to talk to at the time of your request or just send a message.  If you simply wish to inquire about pricing and availability, you can also use our website link, just give us your name, email address, topic of interest and send along your message.  We will happily get back to you within 24 hours.

To get you started, here are a few answers to frequently asked questions: residents of MorningStar of Santa Fe must be at least 62 years old, and yes couples are welcome to move in together and share the same suite.  In addition we welcome Companion Living, which is two unrelated people of the same sex sharing a suite in either assisted living or memory care. The benefits of Companion Living are not only the cost-savings but you can both look out for one another.  

We are often asked if someone can move in who is not in need of assisted living services, and the answer is yes.  MorningStar of Santa Fe provides a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you no longer need to cook.  We also give you peace of mind knowing that extended care is close by if the need ever arises.  

Our remarkable residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, dedicated MorningStar of Santa Fe team to deliver the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.  Please visit our website to use our new Virtual Assistant or give us a call.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

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.

Calming a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease may express feelings of agitation and anxiety, which can be caused by the frustration that comes with the inability to get others to understand what they need. However, experts say there are some tips to help circumvent or prevent getting into situations that can become emotionally charged. 

If you feel the person is starting to feel anxious, it could be the environment they are in. If this is the case, remove them to a quieter place and encourage them to rest or use soothing rituals that have worked in the past. Often a noisy room including having a TV on can act as just such a trigger. If that is not the problem, check to make sure the person is physically okay and that they are not hungry, thirsty or need to use the bathroom. Also, make sure they are not too hot or cold. If they are still able to communicate, get down to their eye level and ask them in simple words to tell you what they need. Another approach is to distract them by taking a walk or putting on music and encouraging them to dance. 

While trying to calm the person down, make sure you do not raise your voice. Remain speaking in a calm voice and give the person the time to try and express the problem. If you feel the person is experiencing lots of periods of anxiety and agitation, it is a good idea to discuss it with their health care provider. Also, make sure you have a good support system to share your experiences with and perhaps learn something from other caregivers. 

At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to provide the best senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer, which includes loving and compassionate care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases. We take a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website to learn more about what a specialized care plan can do for your loved one. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “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.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/anxiety-agitation

Looking for Exceptional Assisted Living in Albuquerque?

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community may be your answer. Located on the northeast side of town between Paseo del Norte and Palomas, MorningStar of Albuquerque offers wonderful mountain views and is convenient to banks, medical facilities, shopping and other services.

We always suggest that interested families contact us by phone or email, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information.  Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.       

Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission.  We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members with servants’ hearts who are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  In addition, our service is guided by Radiance, and designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount. 

Within our FAQs, you will also find answers explaining what assisted living is, the type of services we offer, and how your level of care is determined (it is based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  This information allows us to set up a customized care plan that is reviewed periodically to keep up with any changing health needs. 

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the nation reopens, we are judiciously following New Mexico’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque NM offers.     

Walking is an Effective, Inexpensive Exercise

The Arthritis Foundation says that walking is an excellent aerobic exercise that is easy on the joints and easy to do.  There is no need to drive to the gym or to buy special equipment but rather just lace up your most supportive walking shoes and hit the road. 

Experts say that walking offers several benefits such as improving the heart rate, lowing blood pressure and strengthening the heart.  A study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that “women who walk 30 minutes a day may reduce their risk of stroke by 20% and by 40% when they step up their pace.”  They also found that post-menopausal women who walk one to two miles a day can lower their blood pressure by nearly 11 points in 24 weeks.     

If you have started walking as a way to help you lose weight and don’t see results yet, keep in mind that walking at a brisk pace burns approximately 200 calories in just 30 minutes, and that adds up over time.  In fact a study out of the University of Tennessee found that women who walk had less body fat than their counterparts who didn’t walk.  

Walking especially offers benefits for seniors such as strengthening muscles, which in turn support the joints.  Stronger muscles in the legs and abdomen reduce the stress we put on our joints, and also help with balance thus reducing our risk for falls.  Movement such as walking circulates the joint fluid and sends nutrients and oxygen to the joint cartilage. 

Another bonus of walking according to Michael A. Schwartz, MD, of Plancher Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in New York, is it can stop the loss of bone mass for those with osteoporosis.  In post-menopausal women, just 30 minutes of walking each day reduced the risk of hip fractures by 40%.  Other benefits of walking for older adults appear to include a slowing of cognitive decline, improved sleep and a longer life.  

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: 

arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking

As You Age, Heat-related Illness is More Likely

While beautiful, summers in Phoenix are hot and sunny with temperatures typically over 100 degrees so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated. In fact, a recent research brief by Climate Central found that 12,000 people in the US die annually from heat-related causes, and more than 80% of them are over 60 years old.

Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature.  When older people heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features.  Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun.  

Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.  Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out.  Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems.  Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease.  

Diet can also play a role in becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided.  If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

For exceptional senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our deliciously prepared meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage.  Please visit our website for more details and contact information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior 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 learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Sources: cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html,
aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/tips-to-avoid-heat-stroke/