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/
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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 As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person’s needs change and it is important to recognize and address those changes with appropriate care. Along with meeting basic needs, experts say care providers should treat the whole person by creating an environment that allows them to feel independent and safe. The Alzheimer’s Association says determining the best care options can be tough and offers some advice on how to ensure the person has the services, programs, and caregivers in place for the best possible quality of life.
The first step to any decision regarding care is to honestly evaluate your loved one’s needs. Also, to whatever degree possible, it is recommended you include them in any decisions. Another thing to remember is during the early stages of the disease the person may be able to live independently but in the middle stages, 24-hour supervision is needed. Additionally, around-the-clock care is much more demanding in the later and end stages. Primary points to consider include safety, especially in terms of unsupervised cooking, or if the person has a tenacity to wander or needs help with medications. Does the person have medical conditions that need monitoring such as diabetes or a mobility issue? Other problems that may demand more professional care include a person becoming aggressive or needing help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). Finally, consider if the person would benefit from more social interaction and activities. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers care to those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages their independence while keeping them safe. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/choosing-care-providers While losing weight is tough, for many of us, the real battle is keeping the weight off. Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, D.C., explains there is a growing body of evidence showing that when we focus on higher-quality nutrition, not only does our weight improve but also our health. Changing to a diet with more vegetables and fruits means you will take in fewer calories than you previously did, allowing weight loss to naturally take place. An improved diet results in better health.
One of the biggest problems with “dieting” is that a person too often focuses on calorie content without regard to nutritional value.” Experts say this makes sticking to a calorie restrictive diet harder. Once we include nutritional foods in our day-to-day diet, it makes us feel fuller and even lets us eat more while taking in fewer calories. Another thing about a life-long nutritional diet filled with fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins and whole-foods is it promotes better health and quality of life as you age. Research shows people who eat better have a lower risk of many chronic diseases. Furthermore, dietitians say it is never too late to adopt healthier eating patterns. By simply changing diet, many people are able to lower high-blood pressure and cholesterol as well as reverse diabetes. Doctors agree adopting good eating habits that are permanent is what counts rather than short-term diets. Along with diet; exercise, sleep and stress management are all important for better health. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior living community in a northwest suburb of Phoenix and close to medical facilities, shopping and entertainment venues. We proudly offer independent and assisted living residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all the services required to meet the diverse needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to discover why MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a great place to call home. As the population ages, 55+ independent living communities have become a popular option for seniors around the country. The appeal includes making their lives easier by moving into a maintenance free apartment that meets their needs without giving up their independence. Today’s communities’ offers older adults security and safety as well as peace of mind knowing others are always around.
Independent living communities are a place where similarly aged people in a similar time of life comfortably live among one another. Moreover, such communities solve a growing problem reported by many seniors, that of loneliness. As we grow older our social circle gets smaller as many older adults have retired from jobs that created opportunities for day-to-day contact with acquaintances and business associates. In addition, some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which in turn, can limit their ability to socialize. Study after study has shown that isolation becomes a bigger problem as we age and can lead to severe loneliness and even depression. On the other hand, independent living communities naturally promote new friendships and regular socialization. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer 38 Casitas as quadruplexes with high-end finishes and attached garages for independent seniors. The Casitas, tucked into their own private neighborhood, allow you to fully enjoy your retirement years stress free. Our staff handles all the maintenance, both inside and out, along with twice monthly housekeeping. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly! Residents enjoy common areas including beautiful gathering spaces, library, bistro bar, theater/chapel, salon, swimming pool, fitness centers and more. Healthy, nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef are served in our full-service dining room and outdoor dining patio. In addition to independent living, we have 65 suites for assisted living and another 35 suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 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 for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers seniors a carefree lifestyle in which to age in place comfortably and safely. Our location in Peoria, AZ is the perfect blend of a friendly residential area that is close to quality medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s independent living is in a separate neighborhood comprising 38 Casitas with attached garages, a clubhouse and swimming pool. It is perfect for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping to have more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Seniors enjoy stress-free living and a lifestyle that extends their independence and lets them continue the adventure. Assisted living is for seniors who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. Among the many advantages of MorningStar is if you start out with us as an independent living resident and your needs change, you will have priority access to supportive care right next door. All residents enjoy a range of amenities including a bistro bar, fitness centers, salon, movie theatre, library, wellness programs and activities. With a choice of floor plans, you are sure to find a Casita or suite to suit your needs. All are equipped with high end finishes and handicap-accessible bathrooms. An emergency call system gives you peace of mind knowing someone is always available to lend a hand if needed. Residents enjoy nutritious meals created by our Executive Chef and served all day. In addition, we offer memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.
The Family Doctor website also offers some common sense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and make changes to your diet. By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and if you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. By daily exercising, you can also help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes. Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts suggest breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into increments if it is easier for you. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or doing 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. The article also suggests making changes to your diet. Try making small changes one at a time that add up to improved health. Adding more fiber to your meals gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A heart healthy diet to try is the Mediterranean diet which promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lastly, they recommend you drink more water and eat more whole foods. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to promote residents’ health and well-being with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. Our beautiful property has 38 independent living Casitas for residents who do not require care services. For assisted living, we offer 65 suites and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 35 suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ. 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 senior living in Peoria, AZ. Source: familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html |
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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