You may have found that there are many senior living communities in and around Peoria, AZ and may be wondering what sets MorningStar at Golden Ridge apart from all the others. To start with, we offer seniors a wide range of senior living options that start with our comfortable independent living Casitas with attached garages in their own private neighborhood with a clubhouse and swimming pool.
Our assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities. Care services include compassionate caregivers available 24/7, access to a licensed nurse and medication management. Residents have a choice of spacious suites in a variety of floor plans. MorningStar is also proud to have earned a reputation as dementia care specialists in our 30+ communities offering memory care. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers a holistic approach to caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. However, the thing that really sets us apart from other area senior communities is our unique mission statement. MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior housing that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.” Our three-pillared mission statement is to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our teams’ ability to serve well. MorningStar’s extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest. Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services. Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service. Please visit our website for more information about independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar at Golden Ridge. While you are there, use our Community Assistant (lower right-hand corner) to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful home. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website for more information.
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If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.
Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact, the journal Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However, even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane. Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are like a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane. For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer active seniors two-bedroom Casitas with attached garages for independent living. For those needing help with the activities of daily living we have suites for assisted living in spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Additionally, the Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. Our residents enjoy healthy, delicious meals served all day in our full-service dining room, resort-style amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship. We are committed to providing the best senior living in Peoria, AZ and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful home. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. If your mom or dad or another loved one is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time. Medical experts recommend doing some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is. You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parents.
Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Therefore, you need to sit down and have a talk with your parents about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam. Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm. Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask. Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing. However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating, and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood caters to our most tender residents with purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s goal is to provide the best assisted living in the area, and we understand that deciding which community is right for you is a big step for a senior. This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and to inquire about availability. In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, and more.
Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “First Steps” tab. Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (you must be at least 55 years old). You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure. FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty healthcare provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair. You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too. Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs. Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration. FAQs go over senior housing options such as Companion Living that allows two unrelated adults of the same sex to share a suite, and of course, married couples are welcome! MorningStar at Golden Ridge also offers short-term stays based on availability that allows someone to try MorningStar to see if we are a good fit. Please visit our website for more information and if you like what you see, contact us to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Peoria, AZ. Trying to find thoughtful gifts for an elderly parent or grandparent can be a challenge. If they live in a senior living community that provides for many of their needs or an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up a lot of room or already has it.
This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy. If they haven’t gotten a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice operated. They can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use. Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain or a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids. For outstanding independent or assisted living, Peoria, AZ area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our community offers a range of luxury amenities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Casitas and suites are well designed to maximize space and are available in a variety of floor plans. Residents enjoy our five-star dining, salon, fitness centers, theater/chapel, bistro bar, swimming pool and scheduled transportation as well as signature wellness programs and activities. Please contact us for more information. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Senior living communities offering assisted living such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge are designed to offer seniors 24/7 personal care with a wide range of wellness services targeted to their needs. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, explains in many cases, today’s communities may be a healthier, safer alternative for many elderly adults. Along with giving residents the help they need to maintain their independence, residents and families get peace of mind knowing someone is always around to lend a helping hand as well as all the benefits derived from the social connections offered by community life.
A Place for Mom cites several studies, which show the extensive services and programs offered by assisted living can aid seniors in avoiding many commonplace problems affecting the elderly. Getting the proper nutrition is one of those things as many elderly people struggle with meal prep and cooking, and for those who are no longer driving, buying groceries can be challenging. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our Executive Chef specializes in creating tasty, nutritional meals designed to delight our residents. Another problem many elderly adults have is managing medications properly. In fact, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists states that people aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year so it is no wonder many seniors get confused. However, experts warn skipping doses or taking too much medication can result in deadly consequences and unfortunately too many seniors end up in the hospital each year due to medication “non-compliance.” For this reason, MorningStar offers medication management to our residents. Perhaps most importantly we provide a full range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents engaged mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Our holistic support allows residents to enjoy their retirement years and live as comfortably and safely as possible. For more information on trusted assisted living in Peoria, AZ, please contact us or visit our website. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Peoria, AZ. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/ A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude.
Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.” Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition, let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume. Additionally, remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask. Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking, alcohol use and taking medications as prescribed. For outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, Peoria, AZ area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our beautiful home provides a wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or see our website for more information. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1 The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However, it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria.
In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.” The Harvard Medical School explains our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bacteria, allowing them to grow faster and colonize more easily, without as many helpful bacteria to prevent it from happening. Research shows certain foods like yogurt and kefirs with live, active cultures are beneficial to adding to our microbiome. Unpasteurized, fermented foods like kombucha, miso, sauerkraut and sour pickles contain healthy microbes but most packaged fermented foods are pasteurized, which destroys the microbes. The best way to get around that is to learn to ferment foods at home. Experts say while there are many probiotic supplements on the market, it is not easy to find exactly what you need. Most probiotic supplements contain just a few bacterial strains, compared to the many stains naturally found in the gut. “Although there are many claims made by probiotic products, there’s now reliable, evidence-based support that certain probiotics — like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium (bacteria), and Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast) — are generally safe and helpful in specific conditions.” 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’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Sources: healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics healthline.com/health/probiotics-and-digestive-health/how-long-does-it-take-for-probiotics-to-work#choosing-a-probiotic Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55+ who want to and can live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy but require assistance in their daily lives.
Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with routine chores that need to be done when owning a home. At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24-hour access to help if needed. Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family. Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs. If you are looking for outstanding independent or assisted living in Peoria, AZ, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is it. We offer privacy, comfort, and security, and a staff that works hard to meet the needs of our remarkable residents. We have Casitas and suites in a variety of floor plans and configurations. Amenities include all-day dining, theater/chapel, library, fitness centers, swimming pool and scheduled transportation along with wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Studies suggest that while some memory decline is inevitable with aging, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain and enhance memory function as well as our overall brain health. The US News & World Report says one of the things we can do is to routinely be physically active as studies show it provides a lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
They explain physical activity optimizes blood flow to the entire body including the brain and helps keep our memories sharp. However, the type of physical exercise is important and should include a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio such as power walking, running, biking or swimming. (Before beginning any new exercise, experts say check with your healthcare provider). If you worry about forgetting things, Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, says for most of us it is normal. He states all of us forget things like where we put our keys or when our doctor’s appointment is, which is typically not a reason for concern. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are different and cause more consistent memory problems that have a debilitating effect on a person’s quality of life. Along with physical exercise, other strategies to improve and protect memory include challenging our brain by learning new things, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Dr. Williams says adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night as it “allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia.” MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge has Casitas and suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations to meet different preferences and needs. Our community’s amenities offer plenty of ways to exercise both the body and the brain. Amenities include fitness centers, swimming pool, life enrichment rooms, library, wellness programs and activities. We are committed to providing the best independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ, and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/memory-decline-isnt-inevitable |
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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