Monday, April 29, 2019

MorningStar Senior Living Believes in Philanthropic Work

Memory Care
MorningStar at Arcadia is dedicated to provide one of the best senior living communities Phoenix has to offer.  Along with offering older adults compassionate, loving assisted living and memory care, our company also believes in taking part in philanthropic work locally here in Arizona and globally. In fact, this month we will be celebrating MorningStar at Arcadia’s fifth anniversary by hosting “Life in Bloom.”  Good food, live music, games and entertainment will be enjoyed with all proceeds benefitting Child Crisis Arizona.

Our community is also proud to host and participate in fun and inspiring activities sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and other senior-focused not-for-profit organizations.  As our other MorningStar Senior Living communities do, we encourage our staff, residents and families to join us in whatever capacity they can in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event.  The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Also every year our communities across the Western U.S. host celebrations for the “The Longest Day” event on June 21, which again is intended to raise funds and awareness for treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  Among our many communities, each one hosts their own activities, and each year we look forward to planning MorningStar at Arcadia’s own unique celebrations.  

In addition MorningStar Senior Living also feels a responsibility to serving and investing in charitable projects around the world.  One such project is helping to build and support an orphanage for Hurricane Felix’s victims in Nicaragua.

The more you know about MorningStar at Arcadia, the more you will understand it is unlike other senior living communities.   Our mission includes hiring a team of caregivers with a felt calling to serve to ensure our residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Visit our website for more information.

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 offers.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Seniors Benefit from Strength Training


Health providers say that whether you are 18 or 80, it is important to do both cardiovascular exercises as well as strengthening exercises.   In addition to experiencing the benefits of better tone and shape, “research now links not just aerobic exercise but strength training with a reduced risk of death from all causes.”   Presently the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine recommends doing strength training at least two times a week. 

Many older adults do not think about strength training, and for those that are exercising, have limited their exercise to things like walking, swimming, jogging, or bike riding.  Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, an associate professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine, explains we now have very good evidence that shows 80-year-olds are as able to improve their muscle mass as 50-year-olds.   She adds, “and this can be done reliably over a very short period of time – something as short as two to three months." 

The large 2016 study found strengthening exercises helped to prevent age-related bone and muscle loss.  Led by Dr. Kraschnewski, the study drew on data from the National Health Interview Survey and followed 30,000 adults age 65 years and older for fifteen years.   While only 10 percent of the participants met the national guidelines for twice weekly strength training, those individuals had 46 percent lower odds of dying from any cause, or all-cause mortality.   Furthermore, they were less likely to die from cancer or cardiovascular disease.

Experts say you do not have to start lifting heavy weights as strength training includes using exercise bands, doing push-ups or yoga.  However be sure to check with your physician before you began any new exercise. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ goal is to be the best senior living Reno and the surrounding area has to offer, and we take the wellbeing of our residents very seriously.  Our community offers plenty of ways our seniors can stay active such as swimming, Sit & be Fit, Adaptive Seated Yoga, a fitness center and lots of life enrichment activities.  Our beautiful community has independent and assisted living as well as memory care.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

Before starting any exercise, be sure to consult with your health care provider.

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 offers.


Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/2018-06-26/could-pumping-iron-help-you-live-longer

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Better Overall Health May Reduce the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As some of the more severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are now associated to poor overall health, researchers stress the importance of maintaining healthy habits to help reduce symptoms of the disease.  They say that care should include getting the proper exercise, and eating a healthy diet as well as identifying and managing other medical conditions. 

Studies show that “light exercise and walking appear to reduce wandering, aggression and agitation.”  Additionally getting the daily exercise appropriate to the person’s abilities also seems to help alleviate other problem behaviors. 

A person’s hearing and vision should be regularly tested and the appropriate steps taken to deal with any problems found.  They should also be routinely seen by their primary care physician along with visits to specialists to address specific needs.     

Eating problems are another common issue affecting those with Alzheimer’s and can put a person at risk for weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition.  For many the process of eating becomes more and more challenging, and they may no longer know how to use a fork or knife.  The progression of the disease can cause “nerve cell death that eventually steals the ability to recognize thirst or hunger.”

At MorningStar of Sparks we offer secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment.  We understand that dining is as much about community as it is about nutrition, which is why our memory care staff and residents eat together.  Also, out of respect for our residents’ sometimes compromised abilities at the table, we serve finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our Greater Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care.

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living, independent living and memory care options. 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 community.


Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diet-exercise-health/    

Monday, April 15, 2019

A Senior Living Community that is a True “Home”



MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks’ goal is to provide the finest senior living Reno or Sparks has to offer, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  One thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is that our entire team works together to build a true home.  From the moment you decide to join our loving community, we consider you a part of our family.

Our graciously-appointed Sparks, NV community is located just east of Reno in the neighborhood of Wingfield Springs, and convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants and grocery stores.  MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 suites for independent living and an additional 80 suites for assisted living in a variety of one- and two-bedroom floorplans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide 32 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   

As a resident, you will find a whole host of amenities including a bistro, chapel/theatre, library with a computer, general store, salon, fitness room and much more.  Residents also have a wide array of activities to choose from that include fitness classes, entertainment, games and special outings.  In addition, you will receive three daily nutritional, tasty meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef.  All meals are served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room available for intimate dinners. 

Please see our website for more information or to schedule a tour of our exceptional community.  For a limited time only, we are offering $5,000 savings as part of our “Anniversary Gift to You.” 

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.


The Transition to Assisted Living

At MorningStar at Arcadia, we recognize for many seniors change can be both difficult and challenging. While moving to an assisted living community may be the best decision for the person and their family, this doesn’t mean there won’t be a transition period. 

Many seniors mistakenly think touring assisted living communities, deciding on one, figuring out budget considerations, and perhaps selling the family home is the most difficult part of moving to community living. However, experts report it can typically take anywhere between 30 to 90 days before a senior feels comfortable in their new assisted living home, but there are few things that can be done to help the process go more smoothly. 

To start with it is important to make sure your loved one’s new home is filled with familiar and beloved objects such as personal photos, books, and knick-knacks. As the new resident, you should try to keep a positive attitude toward the move and be a good sport about joining community activities and socializing with others. After all, making new friends can make all the difference in the world. Furthermore, remember the staff is there to help and will be more than glad to answer all of your questions.

As a family member, be open to listening to your loved one’s fears and concerns. While you will want to visit, be sure not to be “too supportive” as the senior needs to find their own way in their new home. Experts say it is also important to not waste time feeling guilty about moving your loved one into assisted living. Remember it is a safe place for them to find comfort, wellness and community. Please visit MorningStar at Arcadia’s website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care

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.

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Our Caregivers Have a Felt Calling to Serve



At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we provide area seniors compassionate assisted living and memory care within a true home setting.  Our care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents; and in order for us to deliver on a promise of extraordinary care – it requires the commitment of an extraordinary MorningStar staff.

We are blessed to have assembled a distinguished team starting at the top with Executive Director, Leslie Castaneda, who loves working for company whose overall mission, values and integrity aligns with her own, especially when it includes working with seniors.   Emily Waldeck serves as our Wellness Director and Morgan Leach as our Life Enrichment Coordinator.  LaVerne Zimmerman is our Assisted Living Coordinator. Our dedicated, hardworking Care Managers are the type of people who are at the ready to meet every expressed (and often unexpressed) need as they assist residents with daily care activities.    

MorningStar’s hiring process starts with heart, and as such, one of the first things we look for is character, kindness and selflessness.  We are committed to hiring individuals with a felt calling to serve and who love the idea of working with seniors. As a resident of MorningStar of Santa Fe, these are the people you will interact with every day, and we are certain that in no time, they will start to feel like part of your family.    

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our MorningStar of Santa Fe senior housing community including our wide array of resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities.  In addition our many care services are designed to meet the various needs of residents and to help provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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.  Please give us a call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Seniors Benefit from Life-long Learning

Several recent studies indicate life-long learning is good for seniors’ brain health and starting a new hobby or learning a skill late in life can help to boost a person’s memory.  In one study form the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers found that older adults “who took on a new mentally challenging hobby saw a lasting increase in their memory skills.”  They theorize that when seniors mentally challenge themselves with new skills such as playing an instrument, learning to operate a computer, or being taught to quilt, networks within the brain are being strengthened.  
Neurologist in another study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland discovered that a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Their findings suggest that older adults “who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are 2.5 times less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which impacts approximately 4 million Americans.”
Other research out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School appear to support these findings.  Their study relied on interviews as well as brain scans of participants, and findings indicate that seniors who have had a higher level of intellectual stimulation throughout the course of their lives, showed a marked delay in the onset of memory-related problems and other Alzheimer’s type symptoms.    
At MorningStar of Santa Fe, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, and feel it is our privilege to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged each day.  Our Life Enrichment Team presents creative ways to stay active and enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  Our beautiful senior housing community is now open and welcoming new residents.  Please visit our website to set up a tour or to request information on pricing and availability.           
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.  Please contact us, you or a loved one deserves the finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM.  
Source: mylifesite.net/blog/post/lifelong-learning-good-seniors-minds-bodies/