Building Our “MorningStar Family”

MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, first began forming the idea of starting a company from a desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He says his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” This simple but profound concept has driven the overwhelming success of our MorningStar brand.  Now fifteen years later, MorningStar continues to add new communities across the Western U.S. including our new MorningStar of Santa Fe’s assisted living and memory care community.

At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our goal is to create a true home for our residents - one that feels like a family.  To help us achieve this, our dedicated team strives to live up to our unique mission statement, which includes honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships and valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.  The last part of our mission statement is to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well, as we know our brand demands committed individuals who will use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve our residents.

We also aspire to and nurture our core values of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness to help us build our MorningStar family.  Last month we focused on “goodness” and thought about the many ways we could spread the feeling to our residents, their families, and our fellow team members.  

If you are looking for the area’s finest senior housing, please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as pricing and availability.   We offer a choice of smartly-designed floor plans and configurations, a wide range of care services, resort-style amenities, and a loving care team.     
   
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 invite you to give us a call or set up a tour to see firsthand what the best senior living in Santa Fe looks like.

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers. Our community has 80 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites).  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Senior Living has over 30 communities currently open or under construction all across the country, including four in the Phoenix area.  MorningStar at Arcadia, with a loving care team and exceptional architecture and design, provides Phoenix seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

MorningStar began in 2003 when founder, Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics
• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence
• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all of our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them.  The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name. We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and while you are there, fill out our online form to set up a tour of our beautiful community.

At MorningStar at Arcadia, 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 senior living Phoenix has to offer.

Medication Management Can be Vital to a Senior’s Health

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Santa Fe offer to its residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living and memory care community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director (a licensed nurse).

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.”

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.”

If you would like to know more about the newest senior living in Santa Fe, NM, please visit our website for contact information regarding pricing and availability or to set up a tour.   We are conveniently located at the intersection of St. Francis and St. Michael on the city’s west side. With 56 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments.

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.  Conveniently located on the west side of town, we invite you to give us a call or visit our website for more on incomparable senior housing in Santa Fe, NM.

Source: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

Improve Your Health Regardless of Your Age

It is more important than ever to take care of your health as Americans are living longer and we all want to ensure a healthier old age.  However even if you are already a senior, health care professionals say it is never too late to start improving your health.

Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, recently authored a study on senior nutrition and states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."  One recommendation is to eat more foods containing fiber.  Doctors report the addition of more fiber can positively impact your overall health by helping:  your colon work better and avoid constipation; reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer; and lower your blood cholesterol level.

Another change that can improve your overall health as well as help to make you feel better and increase your level of energy is to add physical activity to your daily life.  This also can strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help to prevent falls. If you do fall, stronger bones are less likely to break. Physical active has additionally been found to help your brain as studies show people who exercise regularly make better decisions.

It is also beneficial for seniors to keep their minds active. Like our muscles, our brains need to be exercised regularly to improve memory loss and cognitive skills.  Activities such as targeted brain exercises and playing word and trivia games can help. Other habits that can enhance your health include not smoking, having regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls.

Our Phoenix assisted living home, MorningStar at Arcadia, provides seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Along with beautiful private suites, we also offer residents resort-style amenities and services as well as a range of activities, wellness programs and nutritional, tasty meals.  Visit our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

Our 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arcadia offers residents an exceptional assisted living home.

Source: familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

For a Firsthand Look at MorningStar at Arcadia - Take a Tour!

As there is not one standard or definition for assisted living, this means that each community has its own distinct “personality” as well as offers various levels of care and services.  In order to really experience each community, you need to see it firsthand.

While it may be difficult to find the time to tour lots of different communities, experts suggest you narrow down a location and focus on places within that area.  Now do your homework. Research should include visiting each community’s website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends, family and medical professionals. Once you do narrow down the search, be prepared to ask the right questions to ensure the community will be able to meet you or your loved one’s needs.

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia, we are committed to provide one of the best senior living communities Phoenix offers, and we are happy to show off our beautiful community to visitors.  We understand that touring our community is a very important part of making the final decision on whether we are the right choice.  While we will tailor your tour to include your priorities, we do ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit. Also we would love to have you join us for lunch (just let us know when you schedule) and if you do, please plan to be here for 90 minutes to give you time for a leisurely meal.   

Visit our website to read more about our community and then fill out our “Schedule a Tour” form to see firsthand why residents are proud to call MorningStar at Arcadia home.  Our team will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient day and time. We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior living 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. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix has to offer.

Loving, Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Sparks

As one of the top communities for senior living Reno or Sparks offers, MorningStar of Sparks feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  With 32 secure, memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about their surroundings.  To ensure safety, we have a secure courtyard for the exclusive enjoyment of our memory care residents.

In fact every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar of Sparks’ family, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities and scheduled outings and events.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

Along with memory care, we offer exceptional independent living and assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. 

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 has to offer.

Protect an Elderly Loved One from Heat-related Illness

While beautiful, summers in Santa Fe are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the mid-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 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 people over the age of 65 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 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.
At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide residents with 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.

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 visit our website for more details about unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.
Source: cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
While beautiful, summers in Santa Fe are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the mid-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 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 people over the age of 65 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 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.
At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide residents with 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.
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 visit our website for more details about unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.
Source: cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html