Learn More About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that affects over 30 million Americans, and while it can occur at any age, the risk of developing OA increases with age. OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones. It is believed there is a hereditary component that predisposes some people to OA, and that being overweight can contribute to the severity and early onset of the disease. 

Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that lines the joints and allows them to move smoothly as well as cushion the bones. Stress placed on joints over the years wears away the cartilage causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. OA most commonly affects hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine but can affect any joint. Sports injuries and fractures can cause OA later on in life and certain jobs that are strenuous on joints (kneeling or standing for long periods of time) can put you at added risk. 

While there is no cure for OA, it is treated with pain management, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, and reducing the weight on the joints. An occupational therapist can teach you ways to move to lessen the pain without adding more stress to the joint. A physical therapist will show you the exercises to do to strengthen your muscles and work to improve things like walking and posture. Some OA sufferers have turned to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and massage techniques. 

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

MorningStar at Arcadia’s 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 our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.

Sources: cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#1

Is Age Decline a Result of Simply Getting Older?

While most elderly adults are not going to participate in a triathlon, they do want to be as physically fit as possible. In several interesting studies conducted by Joseph Baker, and reported on by the Washington Post, he looks at the question of whether “age decline is a result of simply getting older or being sedentary.” Baker, a professor at the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto, and his team of researchers wanted to know why some 70-year-olds can still compete in vigorous athletic competitions while others get winded walking up a flight of stairs. 

Baker based the premise of his research on a pivotal 1996 Stanford University study that still serves as the biomarker for the aging process more than twenty years later. The Stanford study analyzed age-related decline by looking at individuals’ “number of muscle cells, DNA repair, fingernail growth and physical activity.” Researchers found that participants had a 0.5 percent decline per year in these factors. 

One of the studies that Baker and his team of Canadian researchers did in 2010 is titled “Do or Decline.” It was published by the Journal of Health Psychology and involved more than 12,000 adults. Participants were asked a series of questions on issues ranging from their health condition, cognitive capacity and social engagement to their physical activity. The study found that “inactivity was a much stronger predictor of functional limitations than either chronic disease or being socially unengaged with life.”

Studies such as these suggest that even moderate levels of physical activity can improve a person’s physiological, psychological and social conditions. Baker explains that research like his may help to debunk the widely held notion that all physical decline experienced by an older adult is a natural part of aging. Furthermore, he asserts that, “Self-efficacy and your belief in your ability to achieve an outcome is very important for predicting performance outcomes and a person’s behavior.” 

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Arcadia, our residents have plenty of opportunities to stay active both physically and mentally. We provide a full monthly calendar of wellness activities along with special outings and events. Our community offers 80 suites for assisted living and 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

MorningStar at Arcadia’s 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 our residents the best assisted living in Phoenix AZ.

Carefree Retirement Years at MorningStar of Sparks

If you would like the freedom to enjoy your retirement years without many worries, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks.  We are proud to offer 128 beautiful suites for independent living. For assisted living, we offer 65 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From one bedroom, one bath to two-bedroom, two baths, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Each unit offers high-end finishes and includes lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.

For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our secure and loving neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and comfort.  

MorningStar of Sparks is located east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs. We are conveniently located to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores.  Among the attractions nearby are Golden Eagle Park and Red Hawk Golf Course.  Lake Tahoe is about one-hour drive.

Furthermore, MorningStar of Sparks provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities to engage residents intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.   If you take a look at our monthly calendar posted on our website, you will see a variety of daily activities that are inspirational and motivating as well as just plain fun.   Additionally our excellent food service is incomparable to other senior living communities.    If all this sounds like something you or a loved one would be interested in, we invite you schedule a visit to see our beautiful community in person.    

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 living, assisted living and memory care.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Sparks that Feels Like Home

The MorningStar of Sparks senior living community consists of three neighborhoods including 128 bright suites for independent living, 80 assisted living suites, and 32 memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Situated east of Reno in the Sparks neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

If you are a senior who requires a little help with your day-to-day personal care, our assisted living is expertly designed to provide the assistance you need in order to maintain your independence.  Once you decide to move into our beautiful community, you and your extended family will sit down with our Wellness Director to create an individualized care plan that meets with your approval and ensures your comfort and safety. 

Our assisted living offers five levels of care and the cost of your monthly fee is based on the types of services we will be providing.  Regardless of your level of care, all residents receive 24/7 Care Managers as well as the services of a licensed nurse, routine care plan reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  MorningStar of Sparks’ care services include help with dressing, bathing, medication management, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services and more. 

Furthermore, as an assisted living resident at MorningStar of Sparks, you are sure to enjoy our wellness programs and activities that are intended to enhance your life intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.  Our programs provide numerous ways for residents to express their unique talents and to stay active and productive.  Also we would be remiss if we did not mention our delicious meals prepared by our own Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  

We are proud to have a care team who feels called to serve seniors and help us to create a true home for our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living community. 

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 living, assisted living and memory care.

For a Firsthand Look at MorningStar of Albuquerque - 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 we understand you do not have 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 & Memory Care of Albuquerque, 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 beautiful community and then fill out our “Schedule a Tour” form to see firsthand why residents are proud to call MorningStar of Albuquerque home.  Our team will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient day and time.  We look forward to meeting you.

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 and memory care in Albuquerque.

Bring Your Pet to MorningStar of Sparks

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we recognize pets offer seniors great companionship with their limitless affection and unconditional love.  In fact multiple studies have found pets to be especially beneficial for the elderly and can even help to “reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.”  Pet ownership can combat feelings of loneliness and offer solace from the loss of a spouse or another loved one. 

In an article from AgingCare.com entitled, The Healing Power of Pets for Elderly People, several experts weigh-in on the various benefits of pet ownership for seniors including a New Jersey psychotherapist.  Dr. Jay P. Granat discusses some of the intangibles pets offer to the elderly such as the fact that “dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now.’  He explains that animals do not worry about tomorrow, which can be scary for the elderly and being around an animal with that sense of “now” can rub off on people.

Along with providing companionship to seniors, studies have found that depression is less likely for older adults who own a pet and patients with heart problems can do better when they are responsible for a pet.  Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her golden retriever mix to her New York City office, relates how people with memory loss interact with her dog and access memories from long ago.  She explains “having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging."

We know it is a big decision for seniors to give up their family home and move into senior living.  Furthermore, it would be very painful to be forced to leave a beloved pet behind, which is why we are proud to be a pet friendly community.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Sparks.

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 Reno, NV.

Source:agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

Bring Your Pet to MorningStar of Santa Fe

It was not that long ago that seniors moving into an assisted living community had to leave behind an important companion, their pet.  Today however, more and more retirement communities are recognizing the benefits of pets to the elderly, and many such as MorningStar of Santa Fe, allow residents to bring their pets with them. 

There has been a lot of research that validates the benefits of pets in seniors’ lives.  In fact, A Place for Mom website reports on a study that shows, “just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.”  They go on to say that interactions between pets and humans can “lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke.”

Another reason pets can be good for the elderly is that animals live in the here and now and do not think about tomorrow, which for some seniors, can be worrisome.  In addition animals offer unconditional love, emotional support and affection.  This is one reason why pet therapy programs are used in convalescent homes, hospitals, mental health centers and children centers.  Many people participating in such programs experience an improvement in appetite as well as “more social interaction and tactile and cognitive stimulation after interactions with pets.” 

There is even research that indicates pet therapy is beneficial for those suffering from dementia diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  The animal’s complete acceptance and non-verbal communication has proven to be soothing for patients.  

Please contact us to learn more about the MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe.  With beautifully appointed spaces and exceptional architecture, we are confident you will be impressed with our new 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.   

Sources: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living   

agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm