Signs Mom or Dad May Need More Care

Sometimes it is obvious an elderly parent needs more care such as having a bad fall or mismanaging medications resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Experts say even without such an overt situation, there are signs to look for suggesting a parent or another loved one may do better in an assisted living community.  

Warning signs include changes in the person’s behavior. For example, if mom has always been tidy but her home now looks neglected or smells, and dirty dishes are piled in the sink, she may not be handling things well. Other signs include a recent weight loss or gain and changes in grooming habits. Take note if she is having mobility problems or unexplained bruises or cuts, which might indicate she is falling.

Experts say consider other things too, such as social isolation and the person’s inability to get around on their own if they no longer drive.  Also, check the refrigerator for signs of spoiled food or a lack of food. 

Even a few of these things may be a sign they could benefit from the services of an assisted living community like MorningStar at Arcadia, a true home with an atmosphere of love, kindness and compassion. Along with a broad range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and wellness programs, our private suites come in a choice of floor plans including studio and one- and two-bedroom configurations.   

Care services include 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Managers, Licensed Nurses, routine health monitoring, and much more.  In addition, residents enjoy delicious meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef that feature the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, served restaurant style in our lovely dining room. For more information about the finest senior living Phoenix offers, please call us or visit our website.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Phoenix has to offer. 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

The Best in Assisted Living at MorningStar of Santa Fe

Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at MorningStar of Santa Fe. Our goal is to provide the best senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers, with the services and care needed to give residents the best quality of life. Our beautiful community has 56 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.

We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our website and watch the “Come In & Welcome” video, read the home page, and look at the full list of amenities and floor plans for an overview of our community.

Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our assisted living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs.  

Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training.  Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). 

In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to request our “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elder parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

Are You Looking for Senior Living in Phoenix?

As senior living provides a range of benefits such as socialization, healthcare, amenities, and convenient services, it is no surprise it has become a popular lifestyle for many older adults. If your family has already started the search for senior communities in Phoenix, you know there are many options. This may have left you wondering how to narrow down your search to find the optimal community for yourself or a loved one?

Experts say the first thing to do is to find a home that provides the proper level of care. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living offers you the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living your life to the fullest. In addition to 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management, many assisted living communities offer services including meals, onsite amenities, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and more. They also provide opportunities for learning and laughing, with social calendars full of programming, events, and educational opportunities.

For families with a loved one suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, start by looking at homes that specialize in memory care. The community should provide a secure environment as well as programming, activities and care that meets the needs of each resident.

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we offer all of that and more. We define health and well-being holistically and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Our beautiful community has 80 private assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For trusted senior living Phoenix families can count on, contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Phoenix offers. 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 outstanding assisted living and memory care.

In the Future Hip and Knee “Replacements” May Be Done Without Surgery

Researchers say a future of hip or knee “replacements” done without surgery may be on the horizon. By employing a combination of drugs and stem-cell therapies, it may be possible to “repair cartilage before osteoarthritis sets in or an operation is needed.”  

Osteoarthritis, commonly afflicting the elderly, is a degenerative disease attributed to "wear and tear" but can also be caused by earlier sports injuries, obesity and other trauma to the cartilage around the knee, hip or shoulder joints. Experts explain the loss of cartilage, which does not have its own blood supply or nerves, limits its ability to mend itself and is the major cause of joint pain and arthritis affecting over 32.5 million people in the U.S. In 2017 alone, there were 754,000 knee replacements done and 448,000 hip replacements.  

Michael Longaker, a professor of surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and co-director of its Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, explains the goal of his research is to not wait for osteoarthritis to develop, but to halt the degenerative process so people never need to have a joint replaced. His team’s focus is on programming stem cells to become cartilage cells. Other researchers are working to develop drugs that stop the progression of “wear and tear” on joints. Researchers are also looking at methods to “effectively deliver new cells and compounds” as well as designing materials to help new cells integrate with existing tissue. Scientists admit they still have a ways to go before they will have alternative therapies in place but remain optimistic. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we have 48 private stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 secure suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our residents enjoy healthy, delicious meals served all-day in our full-service dining room, luxury amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship.  We are committed to provide the best senior living Albuquerque offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional retirement communities.   

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source:wsj.com/articles/a-knee-or-hip-replacement-without-surgery-its-on-the-horizon-11631196055

Memory Care Communities Focus on Improving Quality of Life

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families must face the question of what the future will hold. For many a specifically designed memory care community will be the answer as it offers an environment focused on improving quality of life and keeping the resident safe. 

A Place for Mom, a senior living referral website and information service, explains dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior care communities and features services such as 24-hour care, trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, physical layouts that reduce confusion, a secure environment, and more. Moreover, as Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, a memory care home is equipped to care for a person from the onset to the most advanced stages.

Many of the behaviors and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses such as disorientation, confusion and aggression can be difficult for families to handle on their own. At memory care communities, the staff is experienced in managing these types of behaviors and uses specialized techniques to calm or stimulate as situations call for. In addition, a move to a memory community can reduce stress for family caregivers as caring for a loved one with dementia is often a full-time job and family members generally have other responsibilities.    

Another benefit of memory care homes is the controlled environment which helps reduce confusion and disorientation for residents with proper lightening, clearly marked hallways, and a décor to encourage calmness and familiarity. Also, outside doors are locked to prevent wandering, allowing the inside atmosphere to safely encourage independence.      

MorningStar of Albuquerque is honored to offer this type of comprehensive memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood. We provide support to our residents and their families with the kind of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque offers.

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care

Help Bring Back Happy Memories for Mom or Dad with Scrapbooking

If an elderly parent is in a senior living community and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit.  Scrapbooking is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, it can be more than just a means to pass the time and preserve memories for seniors but can be beneficial to them as well. 

By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows nothing about.  Along with exercising the brain with recollections of the past, scrapbooking can boost self-esteem, improve one’s dexterity and increase socialization by introducing new topics of conversation.

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook.  

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parents, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one.  

At MorningStar at Arcadia, our beautiful community offers assisted living homes a host of amenities, care services and wellness programs as well as activities that include arts and crafts projects.  Nestled in the popular Phoenix residential neighborhood of Arcadia, MorningStar offers 80 private assisted living suites and 30 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please see our website to learn more.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Phoenix offers.

Learn More About Hearing Loss

The National Institute of Health reports approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Hearing loss causes someone a range of problems including difficulty understanding and following a doctor’s advice, responding to safety warnings, and hearing doorbells, phone calls, and alarms. Another all-too-common problem is it can be hard to follow conversations with family and friends, and many start avoiding situations where they may be frustrated or embarrassed. 

Medical experts advise asking your primary care physician for a referral to an otolaryngologist, an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. They will try to determine the cause of your hearing loss and treatment options. They may refer you to an audiologist who is trained in measuring the degree of loss as well as recommend treatment, which may include fitting you for a hearing aid. There are three different types of hearing aids and it may take some trial and error to find one that works for you (most can be purchased for a trial period).  

In some cases, doctors may recommend Cochlear implants, small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing.  Other treatment options include hearing assistive devices for your phones to amplify sound; closed circuit systems for churches or theaters; and lip or speech reading classes.   

At MorningStar Santa Fe, our goal is to be the best senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, and we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our beautiful home has 56 stylish assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar of Santa Fe’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior assisted living home 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 residents the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM has to offer.

A Holistic View of Health at MorningStar of Albuquerque

For exceptional assisted living, Albuquerque, NM seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Albuquerque, a true destination for successful aging. By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care.

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.

We are also proud that our assisted living residents’ benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand. It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.

Our broad memory care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director. Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR trained staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7. MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management. Furthermore, we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as pharmacy services, onsite dental and podiatry services and more.

Please contact us for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour. Our community includes 48 stylish suites for assisted living and another 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Pay Attention to What Residents say About a Senior Living Community

Experts say before you move to an assisted living community, it is a good idea to read some unsolicited reviews from residents or their families in respect to their satisfaction. MorningStar of Sparks could not agree more as we welcome any and all comments in terms of overall satisfaction with our home, our staff and our services.   

We are proud to have earned the support of residents, families and the surrounding community and are honored to have so many take the time to express their gratitude. One such email we received from a resident states: “I have lived in Morningstar for the past 18 months. It is an excellent place to live. The facility is clean and well maintained, the food is excellent and the staff is friendly and courteous.”

The family member of a recent resident writes about their personal experience including the tour, the move-in process and our attention to ensuring a smooth transition. She says, “Great place and my dad is so happy at the Sparks Morningstar! Nida gave us a great tour and answered all of our questions, and was very responsive when we contacted her throughout the moving process.” 

However the most gratifying part of her comments was to have her so pleased about our continued support. She finishes by saying, “Great follow through with everything so far: daily activity bulletins all over the building, quick response from maintenance, friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff,  follow up contacts from management,  etc.  We have found a wonderful place for my dad to call home!”

Our entire team is always happy to hear the appreciation of our residents and their families. This is what motivates us daily as we provide the care and hospitality services as well as wellness programs and activities to enhance quality of life for our remarkable residents. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers a full range of senior living options with independent living, assisted living and memory care. We are committed to creating a true home for residents with a mission based on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff. Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Reno and to inquire about our “All neighborhoods: $2022 Special Offer.”

What Attributes Help to Determine the Finest Assisted Living?

According to the US Census Bureau’s latest statistics, there were 54 million adults ages 65 years and older, accounting for approximately 16.5% of the nation's population in 2021. An aging population means the number of seniors who require help with the ADLs (activities of living) will continue to grow as will the necessity for assisted living to address those needs. While assisted living communities vary as do state requirements, generally assisted living is defined as another long-term care option for those who don’t require the kind of 24/7 skilled care found in nursing homes. 

The most common ADLs provided in assisted living include bathing, dressing, toileting, eating or transferring to bed. Rachel Reeves, director of communications for the National Center for Assisted Living, a non-profit organization representing assisted living facilities across the country, explains, "Assisted living really focuses on supporting individuals with those activities, but then also maximizing independence and socialization in a home-like environment.”

So how do you decide the best fit for yourself or a loved one when it comes to an assisted living community? Experts say begin by researching who regulates assisted living in your state and the type of regulations in place. Then begin looking at individual homes. The most important thing is to ensure the home provides the level of care you or your loved one needs now and will need over the next several years as you don’t want to have to make another move in a couple of years. 

Affordability is another consideration. Consulting with an Elder Care Attorney can be helpful in exploring creative ways to pay for assisted living. Also you will want a location convenient to family and friends, and for getting to doctor appointments, shopping, banking and more. 

 

MorningStar of Sparks Reno is one of the finest senior living communities in the Reno area.  We offer 128 bright suites for independent living, 80 suites for assisted living and another 32 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Visit our website for availability and to ask about our “All neighborhoods: $2022 Special Offer.” 

Source: health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/articles/what-factors-make-for-the-best-assisted-living-facilities