The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.
Typically in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought. They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest. If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions. Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person. In addition, you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving. In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication. When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words. Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity. With 25+ communities in nine states, MorningStar Senior Living’s goal is to create communities that are a true “home” for our residents. In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton’s Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Contact us for more information. At MorningStar of Beaverton, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications
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Our beautiful Phoenix senior living communities are proud to be part of a parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, which was found on the premise of creating senior loving homes defined by touch. From the start, our communities were designed to feel more like your grandma’s house than nursing homes of old. Thus we strive to create a culture defined not only by what we do but by the kind of people that bring it all to life – our dedicated team members.
The MorningStar Company celebrated its 15th anniversary a couple of years ago, and now has senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US and several more in the process of being built. Our tremendous growth and the trust we have earned in the communities in which we reside is due to staying true to our brand. This includes the belief that MorningStar’s homes are radically relational places where seniors are viewed as heroes. The assisted living jobs at our Phoenix communities include roles that let you work closely with our residents such as our compassionate care managers who assist residents with their day-to-day personal care. We also seek medication care managers and techs to help to see to it that residents safely get the medications they need. Another position includes dining room servers who help to give residents an upscale restaurant experience within a sociable and friendly environment. Team members in all of our positions are encouraged to build relationships with our residents as well as their families and fellow team members. Moreover as you get to know our delightful residents, you will discover the things they are passionate about and have the opportunity to hear wonderful stories they are waiting to share. The Phoenix area MorningStar communities include MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Golden Ridge, and MorningStar of Fountain Hills. Each home is committed to providing loving care to our residents who deserve to be treated as valued and contributing individuals. If you wish to be part of something extraordinary, please visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our beautiful homes. At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Fountain Hills & Golden Ridge communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God and valuing all seniors, we are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve. Would you like to make a difference in a senior’s life? If so visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to fulfilling positions including housekeeping jobs in Phoenix. Experts say it is important to seek the advice of your doctor if memory problems are seriously affecting your life. To determine if you or a loved one has Alzheimer's disease, the Mayo Clinic explains, “doctors conduct tests to assess memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge functional abilities, and identify behavior changes. They also perform a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of impairment.”
During your appointment, the Mayo Clinic says expect to be evaluated on:
Tests include neuropsychological tests that are used to access your abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, memory, language usage and other related skills. Your doctor may also schedule braining-imaging tests. While these brain scans are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, they can detect other conditions such as hemorrhages, brain tumors or damage from a past stroke. They are also used to establish a baseline in terms of the amount of degeneration seen on the scans. Your doctor may also talk with your family to learn more about the types of changes they have noticed and how they have affected who you are now. All of the information is then used to rule out other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, or depression that may be causing your symptoms. It is understandable that people are often afraid to go to a doctor once they suspect Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, many feel that since there is no cure, what is the point? However, doctors stress once you are diagnosed with the disease, you can start getting the proper treatment as well as consider your care options and plans for the future. 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 Senior Living at Golden Ridge represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional senior living community in Peoria, AZ. Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075 If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia and you are looking for the best care, a memory care community may be your answer. While typically more expensive than other senior living options, they are equipped to provide the most comprehensive care.
Memory care communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Services include 24-hour supervision and typically offer a secure environment specifically designed to keep residents safe and secure. This means residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible and are free to explore their surroundings. Another thing to know about memory care is that it has evolved through the years. Today’s communities now offer wellness programs that help deal with memory impairment and wandering issues as well as other common dementia behaviors. At MorningStar of Beaverton, we provide residents a number of specialized programs and highly personalized care that addresses their unique needs. Studies also show residents in memory care communities have a higher quality of life. A Place for Mom, the largest senior living referral website, reports that residents in memory care have “reduced medication and medication side effects; fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; increased nutrition and wellness; and greater independence and social interaction.” They also add that close to 75 percent of residents experience an improvement or maintenance of mental functioning. As a family member of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences. MorningStar of Beaverton recognizes many of our residents’ families need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we are grateful we can provide the support they need. Please visit our website to learn more about our individualized, holistic memory care. MorningStar of Beaverton 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-11-4-memory-care/ The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.8 million Americans with the disease. They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease. Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Experts also predict that as we continue to live longer, the number of those age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s will grow to 13.8 million by 2050. Right now, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured.
These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally. Their studies show that close to 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers “rate their stress level as high or very high.” Approximately 40 percent of family caregivers suffer from depression and required healthcare services related to the emotional and physical toll of their caregiving. Experts recommend that if you are family caregiver that you reach out for help from a variety of sources including relatives, friends, and local community organizations. Caregiver support groups can also be helpful as you can connect with other who are dealing with the same problems. Respite care and day care centers can also give you some relief from the responsibility and difficulties of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Another solution is to contact MorningStar at Golden Ridge and learn about our experienced and compassionate memory care. Along with independent and assisted living options, we have 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please see our website for more information about the loving approach we take to memory care. MorningStar at Golden Ridge 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. Sources: alz.org/facts/overview.asp#prevalence familydoctor.org/caring-for-a-relative-who-has-dementia/ Now that senior living communities have change dramatically from the past, more and more seniors are discovering the many advantages to senior living. Whether you are a senior who requires a little extra care or an active one who desires a more carefree lifestyle, senior living communities are becoming more and more appealing.
Today’s independent living and assisted living communities offer comfortable, carefree retirement years and are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. In a senior living community such as MorningStar of Arvada, residents find it easy to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities. Another benefit of senior living is you can leave behind all of the chores required of a homeowner such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and other routine, time-consuming chores that can be difficult for seniors. At MorningStar of Arvada, someone else handles the maintenance while you have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. Many times, older adults have medical conditions that result in them no longer being able or feeling comfortable driving, which is why one of MorningStar’s services includes transportation. We also provide routine trips to local shopping, entertainment venues, parks, museums and more. MorningStar of Arvada invites you to schedule a tour to see for yourself why our residents are proud to call us “home”. Our community has 112 independent and assisted living suites that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans (some as large as 1374 square feet). In addition, we offer 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for memory care. MorningStar of Arvada’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living 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 the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO has to offer. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/ MorningStar of Beaverton offers unsurpassed assisted living and memory care. Along with 66 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood has 38 secure suites in a variety of studio, studio with shared bath, and one-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
The entire memory care area is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore their surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. Our community is staffed by experienced and compassionate caregivers who truly understand the disease. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Also as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs. We invite you to schedule a tour and see firsthand why MorningStar is one of the best senior living communities in Beaverton. We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate, loving care and treating residents with the utmost dignity and respect they deserve. 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 beautiful living spaces and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the finest assisted living and memory care communities in the area. At the MorningStar senior living communities, we recognize the power of servant-minded leadership, and we believe it is what drives our success and rapid growth. Our company was founded on a basic, but profound truth: to honor God in all aspects of our business practices and relationships and to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. Thus we are committed to creating communities that promote a healthy, engage lifestyle for our residents as well as providing them with the security and independence they need.
While a timeless concept, the term “servant leadership” was first introduced in an essay by Robert K. Greenleaf titled The Servant as Leader, which was published in 1970. The essay elaborates with the following: “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…” Thus the servant-first leader’s priority is to serve others’ needs as opposed to being someone who sees leadership as a way to simply attain material possessions. Our Phoenix area MorningStar communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar at Arrowhead, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Each of our homes has built a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered. These are men and women who understand the importance of investing in our resident-families as well as fellow team members, and have proudly helped us create a loving environment where stories are shared and lives are cherished. Currently we are recruiting exceptional individuals with a felt calling to serve to fill a variety of assisted living jobs including housekeeping jobs in our Phoenix communities. MorningStar is an equal opportunity employer, and we offer competitive wages along with comprehensive benefits. Also to encourage a healthy work-life balance, we strive to accommodate shift preferences and present predictable schedules. Please visit our website’s Career page and follow our link to “Assisted Living Jobs – Phoenix” for the full list of various assisted living jobs, detailed job descriptions, and an online application. While on our site, we invite you to take a look our Twice the Story video series that showcases the tender relationships that develop between our residents and team members throughout our MorningStar communities. At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Fountain Hills & Golden Ridge communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built on honoring God and valuing all seniors, and we are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve. If you have the heart of a caregiver, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to fulfilling assisted living jobs in Phoenix. Source: https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/ At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, memory care takes place within our Reflections Neighborhood. We offer 35 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages. The philosophy motivating our care is based on one of MorningStar’s mission statements that says, “To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.”
We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them. 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. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. Furthermore, we take the time to get to know a resident through interviews with their family members in order to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan for the person. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and a secure courtyard to enjoy the outdoors. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. Contact us to learn more about our beautiful independent living, assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar at Golden Ridge 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all. Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold. Most are left with questions about what to expect next.
As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.” They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages. Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better. Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors. Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned. You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care. Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day. A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away. The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings. They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses. Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings. At MorningStar of Beaverton, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our memory care residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. Please visit our website for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area. |
At MorningStar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our care team is committed to giving residents a quality of life that other senior living communities simply cannot match. Archives
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