Unsurpassed Independent Living in The Reno Area

 

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks is a step above the rest. Our gorgeous community is located in the attractive Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs and offers all of the amenities and services you need to live life to the fullest. Moreover, our range of housing options including independent living, assisted living and memory care.

For stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, MorningStar of Sparks has it all. With 128 stylish suites for independent living, we provide seniors with carefree, comfortable retirement years. Our community offers smartly-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, basic cable TV, utilities and much more.

In addition, the MorningStar of Sparks’ community has beautifully-appointed, warm and inviting common areas where residents can comfortably gather and enjoy the day. Even our outdoor area is inviting with a fireside patio and all-season porches. When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our Virtual Tour to get an idea of what our community looks like.

Another thing you will appreciate about MorningStar of Sparks’ independent living is the freedom from costly, unexpected home repairs and on-going maintenance. Instead you will love the built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living. Also, you will know where you stand financially with a predictable budget as virtually all of your living expenses (including homeowner’s insurance and property tax) are controlled through the bundled Monthly Rental Fee.

You also get peace of mind knowing that if you are in one of our independent living suites and found yourself in a position where you need care with the tasks of daily living, your request for an assisted living suite will be prioritized. Please visit our website for more information regarding our beautiful senior living 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.

Common Myths about Diabetes

 Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is what 90% of Americans with the disease have.  In Feb, 2020, the CDC reported 34.2 million Americans—just over 1 in 10—have diabetes; and 88 million American adults—approximately 1 in 3—have prediabetes. With such a prevalence of the disease, the Medical News Today website explores some common myths surrounding the cause and treatment of the disease.  

One common misconception about type 2 diabetes is that it is caused by eating too much sugar.  While not strictly true, diabetes can be a result of a poor diet that includes too much sugar and leads to obesity, which is a risk factor for the disease.  However, to complicate the case, doctors do say there is evidence that suggests a high consumption of soda pop is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, although they are not sure why.  

There is also concern that too many people think diabetes is not a serious disease.  This thinking can lead to someone not managing the disease as they should, and result in dangerous complications.  Another myth is that obesity always causes diabetes.   Again medical professionals say while being overweight and obese are risk factor, the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2020, says “11% of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are neither overweight nor obese.” 

Managing the disease well plays a huge role in outcomes.  For those who follow a good diet, maintain a healthy weight, control their blood pressure and cholesterol, stop smoking, and stay physically active, they can usually avoid dangerous complications.  Doctors also say by following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, it is not inevitable that those with prediabetes have to develop type 2 diabetes.  

At the MorningStar at Arcadia senior living community, we are committed to creating a home that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our residents enjoy healthy meals that are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat diets.  We recognize that staying physically active is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our community has a variety of exercise opportunities.  Please visit our website to see what sets us apart from other memory care and assisted living Phoenix offers.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique 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. If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be your answer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-diabetes

As We Age, Our Dietary Needs Also Change

 The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs).  At the time, recommendations were more concerned on ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.”  These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.   

Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases.  One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar.  Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. 

Another thing older adults’ should be aware of is muscle loss.  Along with resistance training, weight-lifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet.  Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger.  A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).”

Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably put on weight.  Also as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day for women and 1,000 mg for men.  Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants.  

Looking for unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM?  MorningStar of Santa Fe is dedicated to creating a true home for residents by providing a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  We offer 56 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  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 give us a call for more information on unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: arp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html

Estate Planning Offers Peace of Mind

 A recent 2020 survey from Caring.com reports that the number of American adults (just 32 percent) who have a will or other estate-planning documents has dropped 25% since 2017.  Turns out many people say they do not know how to do it or worry it may be too expensive.  Others say they have not had time to do it, or think they do not have enough assets to make one necessary.  

A trust and estate attorney, Hugh Drake, a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens in Springfield, Illinois and vice-chair of the Trust and Estate Division of the American Bar Association, says that while estate planning may not be fun, it does offer peace of mind.  He also explains, “It’s not the value of the estate that determines the need for a will;” but adds, “Knowing who will be in charge of resolving administrative issues and who will be the recipients of the assets will avoid a lot of anxiety, consternation and conflict among family members."

Experts say you do not need the services of an attorney, but if you draw one up yourself, you should have one review it.  In addition, they offer tips to avoid making preventable mistakes.   The first is to make sure you sign it properly.  This involves two witnesses who were present when you signed it, to sign it, and neither should be a beneficiary.  

Other pitfalls that may make your intentions unclear include not properly listing all your assets or not fully describing a particular asset or the name of the person to whom you want it to go to.  Additionally, many DIY wills do not provide alternatives for the death of the executor or beneficiaries.  By obtaining the services of an experienced attorney, most of these problems can be avoided.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s mission statement of “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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source: aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2020/6-common-mistakes-people-make-writing-a-will.html

We are Committed to the Comfort, Wellbeing & Safety of Residents

 MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Phoenix offers, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach takes into account every aspect of senior living from the design of our gorgeous community to a broad range of care services, amenities, and wellness programs.  In fact, Ken Jaeger, MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder, had specific ideas on how to foster the ultimate environment for the wellbeing of seniors and it is the guiding spirit in which our community operates on.

For assisted living residents, private suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Each suite has high-end finishes, a handicap-accessible bathroom, ceiling lighting, high ceilings, and large windows.  Suites also include a kitchenette with refrigerator, 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system.  Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  Also, regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers to meet your needs and ensure your comfort and safety.       

As a resident of MorningStar, you will get three daily meals that are meticulously prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef.  Each meal is nutritious as well as delicious and recipes are modified to address a number of different dietary restrictions including low sodium or low fat, sugar-free, no sugar, and vegetarian options.   In addition, residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and programs that are designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness.   

Add to that, our dedicated team members who are the heartbeat of our community and the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face.  They understand it is a privilege to serve and many come to know and treat our residents as they do their own moms and dads.  As a true home, we consider our residents, their families and team members to be part of the MorningStar family.  Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.  

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide our residents the best assisted living Phoenix has to offer.

Artistic Expression is Good for the Soul, Mind & Body

 As we grow older, it is important to continue to nurture and connect to our inner healing voice.  Creative expression is one way to do that and can lead us to a place of deeper understanding and self-discovery.  Moreover with so many various disciplines such as dance, music, drama, the visual arts, writing, woodworking or photography, we are certain to find something that speaks to us.    

As many of us did not have opportunities to express our creativity as we moved into adulthood and began the process of building a career and raising a family, our retirement years are the perfect time to renew or begin a creative pursuit.  Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources, defines the experience as: “The arts address the idea of an aesthetic experience. An aesthetic experience is one in which the senses are operating at their peak, when you are present in the current moment, when you are resonating with the excitement of this thing that you are experiencing, when you are fully alive.” 

In support of this concept, the National Endowment for the Arts and the George Washington University conducted a widely-respected, multisite national study in 2001 to determine the impact of professional, community-based cultural programs on the general health, mental health and social activities of persons 65 years and older.  Led by the director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at the University, Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, the study found that the arts have a positive effect on health and illness as we age.

The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community fully recognizes the importance of seniors living meaningful, creative lives, which is why we have built our home around engaging ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our many activities focus on mental, physical, spiritual and social connections and give residents something to look forward to each day.  For the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, please see our website.   

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 for more information on unrivaled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source:
joyfulheartfoundation.org/reunion/creative-expression
todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml

Are You the Main Caregiver for an Elderly Family Member?

 If you are the main caregiver for an elderly family member who requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be the job is becoming too much for you.  The Nov/Dec issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine cites a study by the “National Alliance for Caregiving and Caring Across Generations,” which states that more than 11 million American adults are considered sandwich generation caregivers and bear the responsibility of simultaneously caring for their children as well as an aging family member.  In total it is believed there are approximately 40.4 million unpaid caregivers for adults 65 years and older in the United States consisting of adult children, spouses, relatives or friends.  In addition, 61 percent of those caregivers are employed, including nearly half who work full-time and juggle their own family responsibilities.    

While for most, caregiving is a labor of love but there is no denying it can be challenging.  Whether you are an adult child with your own children, a spouse, or another relative, you may feel it is time to ask for help.  This decision may lead you to an assisted living community where mom or dad will receive all the care they need and you can go back to being their loving child.  If you are a spouse who has been responsible for the caregiving duties, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Albuquerque warmly welcome married couples to live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions. 

We are pleased to give residents and their families peace of mind knowing that trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health, and that transportation is available for doctor visits and other errands.  It is also a relief to know mom or dad will have nutritional, daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef, built-in companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.  

In addition, MorningStar of Albuquerque has a team of caregivers who feel it is a privilege to serve seniors and understand that residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  Our community has 48 suites for assisted living and 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  If you are looking for outstanding memory care or assisted living, Albuquerque’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us for more information about our beautiful home.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s mission statement of “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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Sources: 

viewer.zmags.com/publication/d04ca42b#/d04ca42b/9

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/18/5-facts-about-family-caregivers/

Senior Living You Can Trust!

Placing a loved one in an assisted living or memory care community is not done lightly as we want the very best care for them. Trust is an important part of that decision, which is why MorningStar of Santa Fe is pleased to share a couple of the reviews we have received from family members of our residents. 

One resident’s daughter writes about how much she appreciated the fact that the staff is always willing to lend a helping hand, and she loves the warm welcome she gets from the moment she steps through the door. She goes on to say, “The Reflections Neighborhood staff is taking great care of dad,” and adds, “I have no worries about his care. I appreciate all you do for my dad and highly recommend your Assisted Living facility to all.”

Another family expressed their gratitude with the following message: “My 93-year-old mom spent the last few months of her life in this assisted living setting. The staff, from top to bottom, was so loving and conscientious from the time my mom arrived through the time of her passing. Nice, smart, responsible, compassionate people. Our family sincerely thanks MorningStar staff and administration for everything.” 

We do want to give a shout-out to our remarkable team members as we know that we could not deliver this kind of service without them. MorningStar of Santa Fe is lucky to attract a team of caregivers that are dedicated and feel privileged to serve. In addition we provide each with the support and training they need to be successful including Radiance, our brand standard of Service Excellence. Its precepts are introduced to team members upon hiring, and celebrate an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place - like a beam of light. Please visit our website for senior living in Santa Fe, NM that is delivered with warmth, sincerity and depth. 

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 for the best senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved Ones Avoid Being Scammed

 

Each year millions of elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. The sad part it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills. Experts also say seniors are from a generation that was raised to be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) updates the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, take a look at the info and discuss the various schemes used with them. One scam frequently used this year is a phone call, email or in-person approach to collect money for disaster relief. Thieves also scam those who have been the victim of a disaster by trying to collect personal information under the guise of providing some sort of financial relief.

The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor. In addition never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people. Also do not give out personal PIN #s, or Medicare and other financial info over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person.

Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure sales persons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes. Experts say it is most likely a hoax. Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases.

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn more about vibrant senior living in Reno. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Within our memory care wing, we provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more.

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. Contact us for more info regarding one of the finest Reno assisted living & independent living communities.

Source:

ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/protection-from-scams/

MorningStar of Albuquerque Provides Compassionate, Loving Care

 If you are considering assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community may be the answer.   Unlike many other senior communities in the area, our warm and welcoming home was designed from the ground up to serve both assisted living residents as well as our most tender memory care residents. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives.  We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes.  Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents.  

A sign that a loved one would do better in assisted living includes a person who lives alone and has had a fall (or more than one) over the last six months.  While hopefully they were not seriously injured, please keep in mind how dangerous falls are for seniors.  The CDC reports that, “each year one in four older adults aged 65 and older will fall. Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury.”  In 2017 this resulted in 29 million falls, 3 million emergency department visits, 800,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths.  At MorningStar, every resident has around-the-clock Care Managers and access to full-time Licensed Nurses (on call 24/7).  In addition, each of our private suites has an emergency call system installed.    

Another reason assisted living makes sense for so many seniors right now is the isolation from sheltering at home due to the pandemic.  For elderly adults who live alone, this can be very lonely as many are not able to spend time with their family members including their grandchildren.  While it is great to be able to Skype or Facetime, we all know it is not the same thing.    

While just a few examples of the numerous advantages senior living offers, a community like MorningStar of Albuquerque is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of our residents on all levels.  Think about the benefit of no longer having to grocery shop and prepare meals as we offer a 5-star dining service, or worry about getting safely to doctor visits and other important errands as we provide scheduled transportation.  

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.  We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. Please visit our website for more information. 

 

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s mission statement of “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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Seniors with Chronic Diseases are More at Risk for Poor Nutrition

 The National Council on Aging (NCOA) cautions that elderly adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease among others, are more at risk for poor nutrition.  Bad eating habits, loss of appetite, lack of access to healthy foods due to an inability to get out and shop, or a shortage of money, only add to the problem.  

The NCOA also wants seniors to know that poor nutrition not only makes it harder to manage chronic diseases but may actually make you more vulnerable to coming down with them.  Another problem is it can weaken your immune system leaving you susceptible to the flu, colds and other viruses.  Moreover, poor nutrition can hamper one’s ability to recover from surgical procedures, heal wounds, and increases the risk for infection or falls.     

Also, as many elderly people have a decrease in appetite and consume much smaller portions each day, the food they do eat needs to be nutrient-dense.  This is one reason experts recommend the elderly avoid foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats as well as processed foods, which often are short on nutrients and much needed vitamins and minerals.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we know that good nutrition is important to the health of seniors.  This is why we offer our residents not only delicious daily meals but ones that are largely prepared from scratch and include the freshest ingredients.  Our range of nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat so residents can self-manage their diet.  Our Executive Chef even incorporates “super foods” such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and leafy, dark greens to enhance our food service. For more information on the finest memory care and assisted living Phoenix offers, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living with a unique 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. If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be your answer.

Source: ncoa.org/healthy-aging/chronic-disease/nutrition-chronic-conditions/