Thursday, May 31, 2018

MorningStar of Sparks Offers Assisted Living



MorningStar of Sparks offers 80 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require a little help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up a care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.  

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming; 24-hour Care Managers; a CPR-trained staff member on each shift, and a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and on-site 5 days a week.  We also provide regular Care Plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.    

In addition we know that a good diet is important to keeping seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that prepares daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and include low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low fat choices.   

MorningStar of Sparks’ assisted living also includes a range of wellness programs and activities designed to entertain and stimulate our residents.  Along with scheduled transportation services, we also have special scheduled outings to local parks, malls and other recreational venues.   

Along with our assisted living suites, MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 bright suites for independent living as well as 32 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood that are devoted to the specialized care of those with dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself the caring environment that makes MorningStar of Sparks a real home.   

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 see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Independent and Assisted Living – What’s the Difference?


Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.   

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals.  Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.   

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque offers 48 well-appointed assisted living suites with the choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Set on the popular northeast side of town, MorningStar of Albuquerque has wonderful mountain views and is conveniently located near banks, churches, medical care, shopping, and restaurants. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “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 schedule a tour and see for yourself the finest assisted living in Albuquerque.

MorningStar of Santa Fe Provides Comfort, Wellness and Community

Opening in Fall 2018, MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the security and comfort to age in place and is designed to provide our residents carefree retirement years.  As a resident, you will have a beautifully-appointed suite to provide you with all the privacy you need as well as the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a wide assortment of wellness programs and activities. 

Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our outdoor courtyards.  If you take a look at our web page’s photo gallery, you will find pictures of our cozy living room, comfortable dining room, our suites, outdoor living areas and more. 

As a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  We recognize that staying physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our activities include a variety of exercise programs of which you are sure to find some of them to your liking.  Other activities include word and board games, puzzles, trivia, Bingo, movie nights and much, much more.  We also have interesting special outings and events as well as scheduled transportation.   

With 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Santa Fe is designed with all the comforts of home.  In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care community. 


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.  Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living in Santa Fe.   

The MorningStar Team Has a Felt Calling to Serve

Every one of our new employees are introduced to the precepts of Radiance, our proprietary program that guides the excellent service we are so proud of at MorningStar at Arcadia.    In addition Radiance’s principles are reiterated and strengthened throughout the entire team during our daily Huddle. 

As we seek people who have a felt calling to serve, our team understands that life’s highest rewards come from serving others, which is why we also volunteer and serve several other no-profit organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association.  Every year our community looks forward to participating in sponsored events such as the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”   The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and helps to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Along with many of MorningStar’s staff, we are joined by residents and family member as walkers, runners, exhibitors, and sponsors.  Each year we not only have fun with our planned activities but also raise much needed funds for such an important cause.  Last year the MorningStar cummunities collectively raised over $32,000 to the Association in search of a cure.

Another big event supporting the Alzheimer’s Association is our participation in the “Longest Day” celebration.  Held on on the first day of summer solstice and the longest day of the year, our community joins thousands of people across the country to show their love and support of those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Past activities have included balloon releases and plantings, games, activities, special foods and movies. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving community.  Offering 80 assisted living suites on three levels that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, you are sure to find one that meets your needs.   We also have 30 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Hot Weather Can be Dangerous for Seniors



Now that spring is upon us it is important for seniors to remember to take precautions as outdoor temperatures begin to heat up.  A study from the University of Chicago Medical Center reports extremely hot weather can be dangerous for the elderly and that approximately 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. are in people over the age of 65.  Another publication from the Alzheimer’s Association explains why seniors 65 and older are more at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke than younger people.   

One of the reasons stated is that as we age the body does not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes as it did when we were younger.  This can be caused by heart or blood vessel problems, under-active sweat glands and normal age-related changes in the skin.  Another factor is that many elderly people suffer from chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases that can affect normal body responses to heat.  

Also prescription drugs including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and inhibit perspiration.  Other problems that can make seniors more susceptible to heat-related stress are being overweight and drinking alcoholic beverages.    

To avoid the dangers of heat-related illnesses, experts advise seniors to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day, and to stay away from extremely cold beverages as they can cause cramps.  They also recommend if possible to remain indoors during the heat of the day and do not engage in strenuous activities.  If you feel too warm, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, dress in lightweight clothing and get into an air conditioned environment.   

This post is for information purposes only; please consult your health care providers with any health concerns.
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 see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno, NV area. 

Sources:alz.org/alzwa/documents/Heat_Stress_in_the_Elderly.pdf

nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

MorningStar’s New Community Offers Loving Memory Care


Opening in the Fall of 2018, MorningStar of Santa Fe’s philosophy and approach to memory care will include our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances.  Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior.

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and include an enclosed courtyard that is reserved just for their use.  Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.    

MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve.  Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure.  Please visit our website for contact information as well as to learn more about the area’s newest assisted living and memory care community.  

MorningStar of Santa Fe provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true “home” for residents.  Please drop in to our Information Center or give us a call to learn more the most experienced, compassionate memory care in Santa Fe.     

We Take Dining to the Next Level

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we proudly take dining to a new level with beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style.  We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why we put so much emphasis on ensuring our food service is A+.

Furthermore we believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting.  When we break bread together, it is much more than just physical nutrients as it helps to bonds us as a family and as friends.

To ensure our food service is both delicious and nutritional, we have our own highly-trained professional chef who is in charge of all meal prep.  Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients of which come from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  Meals are also modified to include an array of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat choices so that residents can self-manage any dietary restrictions. 

Recognizing that nutrient-rich foods can help stimulate the appetite as well as support brain health, MorningStar at Arcadia meals are also prepared using ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.   These “super foods” include leafy, dark greens; dark chocolate; acai; berries, and Omega 3 fats.  Most importantly mealtime at Arcadia is a time for residents to relax and enjoy the company of fellow residents or family and friends. 

Nestled in the beloved residential neighborhood of Arcadia, residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within a loving, family atmosphere.  Please visit our website to learn more about Phoenix’s best assisted living and memory care community, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself why residents are proud to call us home. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the best Phoenix area assisted living community.