MorningStar’s Memory Care in Santa Fe

At MorningStar of Santa Fe we offer all-inclusive, holistic memory care to those with memory impairment and provide residents all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Distinct from our assisted living area, the Reflections Neighborhood is designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily. In addition, we are proud to offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence.

When a family comes to MorningStar of Santa Fe looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help.  Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences.  We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation. 

Our approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, all team members are asked to attend eight hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease.  

Along with assisted living and memory care, we also offer respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US is from lung and bronchus diseases? Experts estimate  the cancers will result in 127,000 Americans dying in 2023. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

This means November’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month is important to everyone in regards to learning the risk factors, early detection, and treatment options. The month-long campaign brings together “healthcare professionals, organizations, and individuals to educate the public about lung cancer’s impact on individuals and families. Lung Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote lung health, raise funds for research, and provide support to those affected by lung cancer.”

Hereditary and environmental factors as well as smoking put you at a higher risk for lung cancer. Symptoms can include a persistent cough that does not go away or coughing up blood, which should be evaluated immediately by your healthcare provider. Since there are other reasons for coughing up blood, a full work-up should be done including a chest x-ray or other more advanced imaging studies. 

Other symptoms of lung cancer are a raspy voice caused by irritation from coughing or excess mucus, weight loss, weakness and recurring chest infections. Shortness of breath, labored breathing or lightheadedness; and chest, neck, shoulder or abdomen pain can also occur. Early detection is important, and depending on the type of lung cancer and the stage; treatments will vary. They can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. With early intervention, lung cancer is highly curable.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month strives to educate communities about the risk factors for lung cancer, the importance of quitting smoking, and the advancements in lung cancer research and treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor with any questions or concerns. 

MorningStar at Arcadia is one of the top senior living communities providing a lifestyle  of comfort, wellness and community. Our beautifully-appointed assisted living suites are available in a range of floor plans and configurations and offer resort-style amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other memory impairment diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 30 all-inclusive suites. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care Phoenix families trust.

Learn More about Drug Recalls

We all applaud the numerous life-saving medications that help many people enjoy a higher quality of life than they may have experienced without these wonder drugs. In the US, the FDA is in charge of approving the medications that come to market in our country and ensuring they are safe and effective. 

While each new prescription drug is carefully looked at by the experts at the FDA before it is granted approval, over the last ten years statistics show there were more than 14,000 drugs recalled. This adds up to an average of four recalls a day.  

Experts say although the numbers sound alarming, in most cases, the FDA is aware of any side effects and risks the drug has before it is made available to the public. According to an article from the Harvard Medical School, there are several explanations as to why things are missed after approval, and a drug is deemed unsafe and recalled.

The most likely reason is drug clinical trials are typically done with at most a couple of thousand people. After a drug is widely used by tens of thousands, rare reactions may turn up. Another thing is that clinical trial participants are generally healthy in order to produce better trial results. Once the general public is using the drug, it may not work like it did during trials. Problems can also crop up because people are using other drugs as well.

Other complications resulting in a drug being recalled include poor manufacturing processes including bacterial contamination or problems with mislabeling and storage. In some cases, incidences of recalls are due to manufacturers adding additional drugs that were never in the original medication. 

Thankfully most recalls are not life-threatening or dangerous to the user. Only 6 percent of recalls are Class I. This is where the drug is deemed dangerous and poses a serious health risk. The majority of recalls fall into the Class II category where a drug may present a less serious health risk or a temporary one. Many times it is a matter of a drug being improperly stored such as a too hot location.  

  

To safeguard yourself, you can sign up for texts or emails from the FDA regarding safety alerts and recalls on drugs. Additionally pharmacists advise patients to carefully examine their new prescription for the correct color and broken or crumbling pills. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your medications. 

Located in beautiful Arcadia, MorningStar at Arcadia is a compassionate, loving community with 78 assisted living suites on three levels including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide 30 memory care suites. Our unique mission statement was founded on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff. Contact us to set-up a tour to exceptional senior living Phoenix families can count on.

Source: www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drug-recalls-are-common-202303292907

Eat Less, Live Longer

Studies have shown lifestyle choices such as following a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, not smoking and consuming less alcohol can lead to a better quality of life. Now a recent study funded by the National Institute on Aging reports restricting the amount of calories consumed each day may also help you live longer. Researchers found reducing our calorie intake can improve muscle health as well as stimulate biological pathways, both important for healthy aging. 

In the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) study, the NIA’s focus examined how calorie restrictions improved muscle health and conserved muscle function. The corresponding author on the study, Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director of the National Institute on Aging, said, “Previous studies have found that while people on calorie restriction were losing muscle mass, they did not lose muscle strength, which suggests that something occurred in the muscle that improves their performance, [and] we wanted to know what.”

Over a period of two years, participants were asked to reduce their daily calories. The highest reduction achieved by the group was 12 percent. In order to examine how calorie restrictions affect human genes, researchers studied biopsies from particpants’ thigh muscles. Their findings showed consuming fewer calories ``upregulated the genes associated with energy generation and metabolism, and downregulated inflammatory genes, resulting in less inflammation.”

Dr. David Cutler, a physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA said, a good way to start reducing calories is by limiting processed meats as well as red meat in general. He added our carbohydrates should come from foods less sweet and less processed. 

Experts caution that eating less should not interfere with the amount of vitamins and minerals our bodies need each day; and before you begin a calorie restrictive diet, talk to your healthcare provider. The average amount of daily calories an adult requires is between 1,300 to 3,000 calories a day depending on gender, height, age and activity level. 

For the most sought-after senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia offers 78 assisted living suites in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 30 suites devoted to the specialized needs of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and  other types of dementia. Visit our website to schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care Phoenix offers.

Everyday Home Exercises for Seniors in Assisted Living

Your body will go through many changes as you age, but getting older does not have to mean getting weaker. Having a good workout routine can help you keep your muscles strong, improve your balance, and even support heart health. Here are just a few of the everyday exercises that you can perform in assisted living.

Walking

When it comes to exercising, simple is often the answer. Walking is one of the best activities seniors can do. Seniors in assisted living in Phoenix can take a leisurely stroll around the premises or even walk back and forth around the common areas. 

Walking is an ideal form of exercise because it can maintain cardiovascular health, improve muscle strength, and lower cholesterol levels — all at the same time.

Sit-To-Stand Movements

A common source of difficulty for seniors is the positional change from sitting to standing. Going from a seated to an upright position can cause instability, loss of balance, or even vertigo. To strengthen the muscles and adjust the body to this transition, you can practice sit-to-stand movements. 

Sit-to-stand exercises are as easy as they sound. You begin in a seated position and then slowly stand up straight. Repeat ten to twelve times, if possible. If you have dizziness, this exercise can be performed next to a wall for added stability.

Standing on One Leg

Another beneficial exercise for seniors in assisted living is standing on one leg. Many seniors struggle with their balance and staying stable when upright. 

You can address this and improve balance by standing on one leg for about ten seconds at a time. It may be difficult at first, so you can start with three to five seconds until you get stronger. Repeat for the opposite leg.

If you have severe balance issues or vertigo, it helps to do this next to a wall or counter. You can also ask someone to help by holding your arm or hand as you stand on one leg.

Light Lifting

As you age, there is a natural weakening of the muscles. This can make it difficult to lift even the lightest items, making seniors more vulnerable to injuries, strains, or even broken bones. 

In order to stay as strong as possible, older adults can practice light lifting. Using weights of five to ten pounds, you can perform slow bicep curls or other arm workouts. You should avoid lifting weights above your head in case they are dropped. 

Getting Exercise at Assisted Living

Staying active and getting exercise is vital for adults of any age to stay strong and healthy. From standing on one leg to simply walking the grounds, there are plenty of opportunities for easy, daily exercise in assisted living.

4 Practical Steps to Help Aging Parents Overcome Their Fear of Change

It is not uncommon for older adults to experience fear of change surrounding assisted living, aging, and other uncharted territories. This fear can cause excessive tension and distress that impacts their physical and emotional well-being. Read on to learn four practical tips to help your parents get past these fears.

1. Take the Time to Listen to Their Worries

When a person is struggling with dread, anxiety, or stress, they want someone to empathize with them. While you may not understand or agree with how they feel, it will mean the world to them if you accept and recognize the emotions they are going through.

2. Provide All of the Information You Can

When making a major life change, people are afraid because they do not know what to expect. If your parents are grappling with anxiety and panic over a life transition, one of the best steps you can take is to equip them with plenty of information. 

Give them as many details as possible so that they have an idea of what to expect. 

3. Communicate With Them Openly

To help your loved ones conquer fears, you must establish a safe space for open communication and unrestricted dialogue. 

Your parents should be able to come to you with their worries without fear of judgment or ridicule, regardless of what those concerns might be. 

But you don’t have to have these conversations alone. You can also create a support network of additional family members or friends that your parents can turn to as they process the idea of moving to assisted living in Phoenix. Having the right people involved in the conversation can make all the difference and help put your parents at ease.

4. Set Up Visits at Assisted Living Facilities

Often, the best way to overcome a fear is by facing it. This does not mean you should put your parents into a situation that frightens them or causes grief. Instead, you can ease them into confronting their fears in small ways. 

For example, some seniors avoid senior living because they worry they will lose their independence. 

You can even bring your parents to an in-person tour of assisted living to put their mind at ease.

Transitioning Into Assisted Living

It’s common for people to experience some apprehension when it comes to a major life change. Differences in routine, living situation, or location can all be intimidating for aging adults. Provide plenty of information, address their concerns, and set up tours of any potential assisted living facilities. Taking these steps can help reduce the fear of change for your aging parents.

The Importance of Socialization for Older Adults

There is an epidemic of loneliness among many Americans, particularly older adults. Seniors may find themselves feeling isolated and cut off from the world, spending most of their time on their own. This makes socialization a crucial element of aging well and feeling like the best version of oneself. 

The following factors emphasize the importance of socialization for older adults:

Supports Emotional Well-Being

Perhaps the biggest benefit of socialization is that it supports emotional well-being. Too many seniors struggle with feelings of isolation because of a lack of social interaction. 

Older adults who spend more time with their peers, family members, and neighbors may lead happier lives and experience less stress, depression, or anxiety. Having frequent and meaningful socialization can combat these feelings and promote more positive emotions. 

Maintains Mental Acuity

A profound concern among older adults is cognitive decline and memory loss. While this is largely unpreventable for most people, there are ways to slow the progression and maintain some level of mental acuity. 

One of these ways is ongoing socialization. Daily interaction with other people can help seniors retain a stronger memory and enhance mental clarity when compared to those who spend most of their time alone. 

Provides a Sense of Purpose

Some seniors struggle with a lack of purpose, especially after retirement. Without having a job or daily tasks to attend to, they may feel like there is nothing for them to do each day. 

Spending time with friends or family members can provide many older adults with the sense of purpose they long for. Having scheduled social endeavors or regular outings gives seniors something to look forward to each week.

Improves Physical Health

Serious health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain are all prevalent among aging adults. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for preventing or reducing the symptoms of these conditions, another effective tool for improving physical health can be socialization.

Going out with friends and family can help otherwise sedentary seniors lead a more active lifestyle. It can also promote positive, uplifting feelings that help them maintain their overall health and well-being.

Socialization in Senior Living in Phoenix

Chatting with a friend or having dinner with family are things that can benefit all of us, but they are particularly beneficial to older adults. Since seniors often struggle with loneliness or isolation, it is important to prioritize peer relationships and connections between family members. 

Maintaining a social lifestyle has a number of advantages for seniors in senior living in Phoenix, including improved health and better emotional wellness. If you have a loved one in a retirement community, make sure to remain present in their life and encourage interactions with others.