The Alzheimer’s Association warns families to not expect too much from a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia during the holiday season. Rather they explain that “when a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, a little extra planning can help make holiday celebrations enjoyable for everyone.”
Start by going over holiday celebrations with other relatives and close friends and make sure everyone is aware of the situation. The National Institute on Aging cautions that big, crowded celebrations can cause confusion and anxiety for a person with Alzheimer’s so you may want to limit the number of people gathered at any one time. Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in safe, simple activities such as asking them to help prepare food, hang ornaments, or to wrap packages. This can be a nice time for them to open up and reminisce about the old days. It is best to avoid using candies or other edibles as decorations and keep in mind that blinking lights may confuse a person with dementia. Also maintain the person’s routine so the holidays do not become too disruptive or confusing, and remember to stay flexible. Experts say it may be better to have your celebratory meal at noon rather than in the evening as some people with Alzheimer’s experience evening confusion or “sundowning.” Keep a room available where the person can go and rest if they are feeling too stimulated or confused. Here you can have a quiet activity laid out for them such as a photo album they will enjoy looking through or play calming music. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers care to those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.” We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved. Visit our website for availability and pricing information and to schedule a tour. 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: nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers hrrv.org/blog/celebrating-the-holidays-when-a-loved-one-has-alzheimers/
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When a parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, there are many challenges a family goes through. It is traumatizing get a diagnosis of the disease both for the individual as well as for the entire family. As you come to terms with the devastating news, you are likely left with lots of questions including what will happen in the future and who will be there to provide the type of care your loved one will need.
At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we want you to know we are here to help. Our beautiful assisted living and memory care community is located on the north side of Glendale, AZ. As dementia care experts, we provide specialized, individualized care to each resident and are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease all the way through to the most advanced stages. Our holistic approach to memory care focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss, and our team of compassionate caregivers feels privileged to serve seniors. All of our 25 memory care suites are in a separate wing we call Reflections Neighborhood. This spacious neighborhood is specifically designed to allow residents the independence to safely explore their surroundings. Every aspect of our dementia care addresses the unique needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs and activities and healthy, delicious meals. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information or to set up a tour of our exceptional community. MorningStar at Arrowhead 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Along with our 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has 35 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.
MorningStar’s approach to memory care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible. Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities. Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills. Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences. Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident. In addition, it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation. We also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies. You will find our Reflections Neighborhood is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents. We offer security and comfort with a choice of floorplans as well as a secure courtyard for memory care residents. Furthermore, MorningStar at Golden Ridge has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, regular health monitoring, and is a pet friendly community. We also offer assistance if needed with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals. Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand. We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. There is often confusion between the definition of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease. Rather it is the overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory and other cognitive skills that reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, while vascular dementia, which is caused by the damage from a stroke, is the second most common cause. Other types of dementia may be a result of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and a person may have more than one form of dementia. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, medication side effects as well as depression, excessive alcohol use and even infectious diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms; however in these cases, once the problem is correctly diagnosed, it is reversible. This is why health care providers state the importance of getting a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your or your loved one’s symptoms. In addition, getting an accurate diagnosis at the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia allows the person to receive the maximum benefit from the available treatments. Furthermore, it gives the person time to plan for their future. MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is dedicated to providing the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Along with independent and assisted living, we offer 35 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. Sources:.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/ask-well-is-dementia-the-same-as-alzheimers-disease/?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Faskwell&action=click&contentCollection=well®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=12&pgtype=collection At MorningStar of Arvada, our goal is to be one of the area’s best senior living communities, and the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents is our greatest priority. This is why we have a group of team members who feel privileged to serve seniors and are the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face. Our dedicated team is the heartbeat of our community and strives to deliver service that represents the mission and philosophy of MorningStar Senior Living, which includes honoring God and valuing seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. Our vision is to create a true home for our residents, and we consider both our residents and team members to be part of the MorningStar of Arvada family. To provide caregivers and other team members with the tools they need to bring their best to the community, our staff receives training in “Radiance,” our proprietary brand of Service Excellence. Radiance embodies the ways we advance our mission and deliver our service - with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Furthermore, it is reiterated each day during our daily Huddle so as to create a culture that is not only defined by what we do but by the kind of people who bring it all to life – our team members. Our community offers beautiful suites for both independent and assisted living. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood has secure memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from our outdoor dining deck or the rooftop terrace. In addition, as a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in. Please visit our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “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 independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO has to offer. The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.
Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.” When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time. Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person. It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.” MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the top assisted living communities in the area offering dedicated memory care. As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease. Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort. Please contact us to learn about our assisted living and memory care community. 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173 alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/ medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php Whether you are one of our Executive Directors or working in one of our housekeeping jobs in Phoenix’s gorgeous MorningStar senior living communities, we consider you to be a valuable member of our team. After all without the dedication of the whole team, it would not be possible for us to deliver the type of service our MorningStar brand was founded on. Our loving homes include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge.
All of our communities have been intentionally designed to promote a culture where both our residents and our staff can thrive. To help us advance our goal to build a distinguished team, we follow the principles found within our mission statement that reads: to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well; and a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents. Thus all new employees receive purposeful training that helps them to understand, articulate and contribute to our extraordinary culture, which is defined less by what we do and more by why we do it. This culture is shaped by “Radiance,” our service initiative that infuses the principles of our core values - Love, Kindness, Honesty, Goodness, Fairness, and Respect and is how we strive to deliver service, with sincerity, depth of purpose and warmth. Each team member carries Radiance’s precepts on a Culture Card as we all know that only with daily practice does a habit become part of our core. As a service professional, you will become an expert on understanding our residents’ unmet needs, reading body language, nurturing connections, and knowing life stories and preference. You will know the best ways to surprise and delight our cherished residents as well as appreciate the intrinsic value of your service and the effect you have on the lives of seniors. Please consider applying to one of our assisted living jobs at our Phoenix senior living communities and join a team with a tagline of “Service Becomes Us! 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 assisted living jobs in Phoenix. At the Phoenix MorningStar senior living communities, we are proud to be “different.” It begins with a vision that states: in pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.
While the servant leadership concept is found in some of the oldest philosophical thought, more recently it was deliberated in great detail in an essay by Robert K Greenleaf in 1970. Greenleaf explains, “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…” He goes on to say the leader-first and the servant first are two extreme types. “The servant first makes sure that other people’s highest priority needs are served. A servant leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.” At MorningStar we are proud to have a staff comprised of servant-minded leaders who are committed to serving our resident-families, fellow team members, and the wider community. This dedicated commitment to service comes from the fact that when we hire staff, we look for virtues such as kindness, selflessness and character. Then we provide the meaningful training and the support team members need to reach their full potential. If you have a felt calling to serve and love the idea of hanging out with remarkable seniors, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar’s various assisted living jobs in Phoenix. Our educational requirements and skill sets are diverse, and positions include everything from care managers and medication care managers/QMAPs to dining room servers, cooks and several housekeeping jobs at Phoenix’s best senior living communities. Our homes include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and the new MorningStar at Golden Ridge. For more information, please visit our website. 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 wish to thrive professionally and personally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding assisted living jobs in Phoenix. Source: greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/ There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.
One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over. In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise. Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain. As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital. People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it. The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly. While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as in their 40s and 50s. Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease. Studies have shown no such correlation between the two. Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable. Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider. Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessary better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease. MorningStar at Golden Ridge feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. With 35 secure memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Along with memory care, our senior living community offers exceptional independent and assisted living options. Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge, “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 in Peoria, AZ. Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we not only provide independent and assisted living to Peoria area seniors but also experienced memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.
Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All of our employees, regardless of their position, will receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents. The eight hours of training include the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors. Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead. Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care. While many senior living communities may offer memory care, we consider it our calling to care for our very special residents. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life. Our beautiful, loving community is now open! MorningStar 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. |
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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