Monday, December 10, 2018

New Treatment Options for Neurological Diseases


Over the next fifteen years, the elderly population in the U.S. is expected to grow by 40 percent.  With that growth, experts expect the rate of neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and strokes to grow at an unprecedented rate.   In fact Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase threefold and affect up to 16 million people. 

To meet these challenges, researchers such those at the Cleveland Clinic, a world leader in the treatment of neurological diseases, have approached the fight with a combination of cutting-edge technology, multidisciplinary teamwork, and clinical research.  For example, they are one of only a few centers in the world conducting the first-ever study of an immunotherapy that targets Parkinson’s disease.  Dr. Hubert Fernandez, directory of the Center for Neurological Restoration at Cleveland Clinic, says, “It’s a treatment that works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses to help break down the abnormal clumps of protein found in the brains of Parkinson patients.”

In terms of Alzheimer’s, research is focused on improved treatments for symptoms as well as ways to treat the disease itself.  Dr. Leverenz, a director of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Cleveland, explains that medications include “an antibody that attacks amyloid deposits, the sticky, neuron-destroying protein plaques found in the brains of people with disease.” 

Other advances include a FDA approved stent retriever for stroke victims.  The device removes large clots from the blood vessels leading to the brain.  Also there has been promising results using surgically implanted electrodes in the cerebellum of stroke survivors who suffer from long-term paralysis.  Using a combination of the electrodes and therapy, patients have had restored movement.  

At MorningStar of Sparks, we proudly serve the needs of our residents by providing the finest independent living and assisted living Reno and the surrounding area has to offer.  Our community offers 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 suites in assisted living for those needing help with the activities of daily living.  In addition, 32 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more.

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 the finest independent and assisted living Reno/Sparks has to offer.



Source:washingtonpost.com/brand-studio/cleveland-clinic/keeping-your-mind/?noredirect=on

Looking for Gift Ideas for an Elderly Parent?

Now that the holiday season is almost here, many of us are having a hard time coming up with fresh gift ideas for elderly parents and other seniors in our lives. Not only do many older adults live in smaller, paired down apartments with not much room for a more “stuff,” but most likely do not need much. This is why the most appreciated gifts are often practical ones that improve their quality of life or are meaningful. 

Memory-making presents are usually a hit and the marketplace has lots of options to choose from. One example is a Memory Journal, which provides a series of questions to get people thinking about the things they would like to share about their life. Other books are designed to make it easy to put together a scrapbook full of memories.

If your loved one has a hard time getting to sleep at night, you may want to consider a sound machine. Most of them have timers that can be set for as little as 15 minutes or up to an hour. Another useful gift is a humidifier. Kathrin Nicolacakis, MD of the Cleveland Clinic say “dry air can wreak havoc on your nose and lungs and make existing conditions worse.” A humidifier helps to relieve a variety of respiratory symptoms such as sinus congestion, asthma and allergies, and nose bleeds. 

Something a hearing-impaired adult as well as everyone else around them may appreciate is a wireless headphone set designed to clarify dialogue from a TV. The device allows the TV to be set at mute or the volume at a level comfort for other listeners. 

Other practical gifts include things like a lighted magnifying glass, a big-button phone, or a “reacher” for someone with mobility or dexterity problems. Entertaining gifts include jigsaw puzzles, oversized playing cards, or adult coloring books and markers. 

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we consider the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents to be of the utmost importance. Our compassionate caregivers are the type of people who consider seniors to be heroes and feel privileged to serve them. Our luxury senior living community is scheduled to open sometime around Christmas so be sure to check our website for details regard our “Grand Opening Celebration.” 

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on exceptional assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/
seniors.lovetoknow.com/Gift_Ideas_for_the_Elderly

MorningStar at Arcadia Offers Smartly Designed Floorplans

Looking for the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer? Conveniently located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, MorningStar at Arcadia is convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants. In addition, the firm who designed our beautiful, contemporary décor, Thoma-Holec Design, swept the Senior Living Category at the National 2014 ASID Design for Excellence Awards, winning First Place for their work on our remarkable community.

Unlike many retirement communities, Arcadia was built as a senior living community and meticulously designed to accommodate every need of our assisted living and memory care residents. For assisted living, we offer 80 graciously appointed suites in configurations that range from spacious studio to one- and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases and has 30 secure suites. 

Each of our stylish units offers high ceilings, large windows, lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and is equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Moreover, basic cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly rent and every suite has its own heating and air conditioning system. Arcadia also offers weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly. 

We encourage you to visit our website and take a look at the variety of floor plans as we feel sure you will find the perfect configuration for your needs. For example, we offer studio suites from 347 to 400 sq. ft. One-bedroom units range from 437 to 493 sq. ft. and two-bedrooms in assisted living go from 587 to 1280 sq. ft. Memory care two-bedrooms range from 587 to 839 sq. ft.

While at our website, you can also set up a tour or email us for pricing and availability. We love showing off our community and we think you will see why our residents are proud to call us “home.” 

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia invites you to schedule a tour or to give us a call to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Join Us at a United Way of Santa Fe Early Childhood Programs Fundraiser

MorningStar of Santa Fe is proud to be a sponsor of the United Way of Santa Fe’s “Coats & Cocktails” fundraiser for their Early Childhood Programs. The event will be held on Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Casa Espana. Guest speaker will be Abby Bordner of the United Way. Appetizers and cocktails will be served as well as a raffle that offers multiple staycations from local hotels and resorts. 

The United Way is seeking cash donations along with children’s coats and other articles of clothing suitable for winter weather. They are requesting new clothing only and in sizes 0-7. If you would just like to make a donation, there is a convenient drop off bin at MorningStar of Santa Fe. 

Anyone interested in being a part of this great cause, please RSVP 505-919-7989 by December 10th. The United Way of Santa Fe County provides free, high-quality early learning programs for area families, including home visits, Pre-K, caregiver support and early literacy projects. We encourage you to take a look at their website to learn more about the wonderful programs they provide to the community, which increase opportunities for Santa Fe children and families to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

Please visit MorningStar of Santa Fe’s website for all the current news of our new community as we get closer and closer to our opening date. Also we will keep you posted on details regarding our Grand Opening, which is expected to be sometime around Christmas. Our new community will have 56 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. 

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 give us a call or stop by our onsite Information Center for more details on the finest assisted living in Santa Fe, NM.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Schedule a Tour of MorningStar of Sparks

Searching for Reno assisted living, independent living or memory care?  Look no further than MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs.

The gallery pictures on our website do a very good job of showing off MorningStar of Sparks’ gorgeous senior living community, but to really get an ideal of what we are all about, we encourage you to schedule a tour.  Located on our home page is a link to “Schedule a Tour” that takes just a few minutes to fill out.  If you plan to tour a couple of senior living communities, you may want to read a few articles on the Internet regarding things to look for on your tour.  

An onsite tour is important for many reasons and gives you the chance to experience it with your own eyes, ears, and instincts.  Remember this may be the place where you or your loved one decide to make their new home.  A tour also allows you to evaluate the community for cleanliness and to get an idea of the daily routine of the residents.  Additionally you will get to meet the staff and talk to residents.

Some of the questions you will want to ask include information regarding staff members’ credentials and have they gone through background checks or received any special training.   Does the staff seem friendly and do residents appear to be well cared for and happy?  If you can, eat a meal at the community as it gives you an idea of the quality of food as well as time to visit with staff and residents. 

At MorningStar of Sparks, we recommend that you plan on spending at least 45 minutes with us during your tour.  You are welcome to join us for lunch (please let us know when you set up the tour) and if you do, please allow approximately 90 minutes so you can enjoy your meal.  We will tailor the visit to your priorities and let us know if you have any special concerns.  Once you complete our online form, we will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient time for you.  


MorningStar of Sparks provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of our Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care community.

Many Seniors Prefer a Community Lifestyle

Most seniors say that they actually prefer living in a senior community to that of living alone. In fact, there are many reasons why senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia have become such a popular option among aging adults. One reason no doubt is that they specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness, and community. 

As senior age many feel good about relinquishing tasks such as yardwork and home maintenance. Many no longer feel comfortable driving and may have given it up altogether. This may mean it is not as easy for many older folks to get out and about as in the past and makes grocery shopping and meal preparation more difficult. These problems are no longer an issue when you or a loved one moves into MorningStar’s assisted living. 

Older adults also report senior living communities make them feel safer and they no longer worry about home intrusions. They also get peace of mind knowing that 24/7 help is just a push of a button away with their emergency call system if the need arises. As A Place for Mom explains, “while many seniors living alone are fine, there are vast numbers of seniors living alone in unsafe or unhealthy situations who would benefit immensely from life in a senior community.”

Another big problem with seniors living alone is they often do not eat well. Again, at senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia, our residents are served food that is both healthy and tasty. Not only that but as meals are served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room, mealtime is not only about food but allows us to share the companionship of breaking bread together. 

Furthermore, senior living provides ready-made companionship and helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness and boredom. At Arcadia, we offer a range of activities designed to keep seniors engaged physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Please visit our website to discover the finest senior living Phoenix offers. 

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 drop in or give us a call to learn more about the best senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Saturday, December 1, 2018

MorningStar of Sparks Takes Dining to the Next Level

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is dedicated to providing the finest senior living Reno NV and the surrounding area has to offer.  To that end, 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 bond us as a family and as friends.

To ensure our food service is both delicious and nutritional, we have our own highly-trained Executive Chef.  Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients of which come from high-quality producers.  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 of Sparks’ 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 MorningStar is a time for residents to relax and enjoy the company of fellow residents or family and friends. 

Nestled in a quaint neighborhood east of Reno, MorningStar of Sparks’ residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community within a loving, family atmosphere.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best senior living community, and while you are there, set up a tour to see for yourself why residents are proud to call us 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 the finest senior living Reno NV area offers.