Ways to Help a Grieving Friend

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time. It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch. There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process.

It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible. Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation. The best thing you can do is to be supportive. Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly. Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimalizing their loss. 

Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss:

• Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.

• Express your concern. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."

• Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."

• Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."

• Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

Source: American Cancer Society

Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set time table. Everyone grieves in their own way, but do keep in mind that there are some warning signs that a person is not adjusting to their new situation. The loss of the ability to function in their day-to-day life, extreme feelings of anger or guilt, withdrawing, and abuse of alcohol or drugs may be a signal that they need professional help. 

MorningStar at Arcadia’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional Phoenix senior living. 

Source: helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/supporting-a-grieving-person.htm

Keep Moving but Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

It is important for older adults to take precautions to prevent falls as the resulting injuries tend to be more serious such as a broken hip or head trauma.  However doctors also point out that being sedentary is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is important to keep moving.    

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year but say there are things that seniors can do to help prevent a fall.  The trick is to find a way to safely move about while taking into account any balance issues you may experience. 

As many adults are less active as they get older, it can exacerbate the physical effects of aging. Experts say, “Failure to engage in even mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”  Other issues that can lead to falls include poor eyesight and taking medications with side-effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and low blood pressure.  Chronic health conditions including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and arthritis as well as problems with numbness in the feet can also increase the risk of falls. 

The good news is there are a variety of easy-to-do balance-training exercises that can help seniors improve their balance. Even if you rely on a cane or other assistive devices, balance exercise can improve your mobility.  While many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer balance-training exercises, there are also exercises that can be done throughout the day right at home.  One example is to try standing on one foot while close to the kitchen counter.  If you need, keep your hand on the counter for support and as you feel more confident try taking your hand off.   Another thing you can do is to try and get up from a chair without using your arms. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. MorningStar invites you to schedule a visit to learn more about the best senior living Reno NV area has to offer.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

Understanding Sundowner’s Syndrome

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's disease will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.” This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence. The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation. Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark. Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night. Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems. 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome. One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours. They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes. If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day. Doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening. 

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner. It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours. At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked. If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

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 is one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers.

Source: https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/sundowners-syndrome-133187.htm

Specialized Memory Care at MorningStar of Sparks

Along with the best independent living and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer, MorningStar of Sparks has 32 secure suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.

MorningStar of Sparks’ resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All of our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents are able to move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes an enclosed patio and courtyard reserved just for our Reflections Neighborhood.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse.

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, and exercise as well as our special events and outings.

Please visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website for more information about our community.  If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

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.

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque is devoted to providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. We offer 48 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 700 square feet). In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 21 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

In addition to Albuquerque, MorningStar Senior Living has 24 additional communities currently open or under construction in eight states. 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.

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 at Arcadia - Suites Designed for Your Comfort

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we are committed to providing residents with a “true home” and offer 80 stylish, private assisted living suites. Additionally, we have 30 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. Our graciously-appointed Phoenix community is located in the heart of the Valley, adjacent to the popular neighborhoods of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores.

One look at our website and you will see that MorningStar at Arcadia is indeed a beautiful, special place. Right from the beginning, we worked to ensure our community would be a comfortable place for our residents to enjoy carefree retirement years and have designed our entire community from the ground up to cater to those needs.

All of our assisted living private suites offer high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, lighting and mini blinds; and includes a kitchenette with sink and refrigerator and a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Each suite is also equipped with an emergency call system, private heating and air conditioning, and basic cable TV and utilities. We offer residents weekly housekeeping and laundry service as well as spot cleaning and daily trash removal. To help residents feel right at home, we are pet friendly, and all you need to do is to bring your furnishings and personal items.

We encourage you to take a look at our various floor plans as they were designed for the utmost comfort. Starting with a large two-bedroom 1280 sq. ft. configuration to our studios from 347-400 sq. ft., we are certain you will feel right at home, however, please set up a tour to see for yourself why we are so proud of our gorgeous community. 

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.

Independent Senior Living in the Reno-Sparks Area

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks offers suites in our independent living neighborhood designed for active, independent seniors seeking a carefree lifestyle.   Relax in a choice of spacious floor plans and beautiful common areas to gather and enjoy the day.  To be eligible to move into one of the stylish suites, you must be at least 62 years old. 

Compared to other similar properties in the area, MorningStar of Sparks offers an unparalleled value when you consider all of the premium upgrades and amenities offered to residents.  Another advantage to moving into our community is you now have predictable month-to-month budgeting as virtually all your living expenses are bundled into your monthly fee. 

The carefree aspect of living at MorningStar of Sparks includes no longer doing maintenance on your own home or being surprised by unexpected repair costs.  Additionally, you can travel or spend time with your family knowing we will keep a close eye on your suite during your absence.  Your monthly fee includes three meals daily prepared by an Executive Chef, weekly housekeeping, weekly linen service and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

As a resident you will have access to more assistance if the need should ever arise with no internal transfer fee.  That’s part of the advantage of having more than one neighborhood under our roof.   In addition to independent living we have 80 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans as well as 32 suites devoted to caring for those with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.    

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.