Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care by MorningStar
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care by MorningStar
 If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how. One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.
For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers. If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books. If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket. While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight. For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds. If you are looking for outstanding memory care or assisted living, Beaverton Oregon’s MorningStar of Beaverton may be the place for you. Our beautiful community has 66 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In our Reflections Neighborhood, 38 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. 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 memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers.
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 Did you know that your parent or another elderly loved one can get screened for depression during their initial Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)? Moreover every Medicare participant is eligible to receive an AWV 12 months after becoming eligible for Medicare.
According to the Medicare Interactive website, the annual visit is not considered a physical examination but is intended to create or update a personalized prevention plan and to promote the use of evidence-based preventive services. They explain the plan can help prevent illnesses based on your current health and risk factors. Done with your primary care provider (PCP), you will have your lungs, heart, and other body systems checked as well as routine measurements taken such as height, weight, and blood pressure. Along with questions regarding your medical history and memory, your initial AWV also includes a screening for depression. Most healthcare providers use a standardized questionnaire like the Geriatric Depression Scale, a short yes or no form that can help determine if you are suffering from depression. The AARP Public Policy Institute found that “older adults who get a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit are more than four times as likely to be screened for depression as those who opt out of this free, preventive health benefit.” This is important as it is estimated that nearly 7 million older Americans suffer from depression, which often goes unrecognized. It can be a debilitating disorder and is commonly associated with chronic health conditions like heart disease and arthritis. At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we have 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our community is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. We invite you to visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted independent living & assisted living in the greater Phoenix area. Source: aarp.org/depression-screening-in-older-adults  Isn’t it about time you got a break from the never-ending chores and headaches of home ownership? If you are like most homeowners, just about when you think you have fixed or replaced anything that can go wrong, something else breaks. Also wouldn’t it be nice to no longer having to worry about lawn care, snow shoveling and raking all those leaves.
Independent living at MorningStar of Arvada offers a break from all of that with beautiful, carefree living amidst a picturesque setting at the foothills of the Rockies in northwest Metro Denver. Near the Arvada Reservoir and several regional parks, our community is conveniently located to shopping, entertainment and medical facilities. As an independent living resident, you will enjoy predictable budgeting as all utilities including cable TV and wired Internet are included in your monthly fee as well as two delicious daily meals (breakfast and lunch or dinner) to save you the hassle of cooking. Housekeeping services are offered two times a month and each apartment is equipped with a stackable washer and dryer or a side-by-side for ADA compliance or where room permits. Some of our IL suites have fireplaces and a balcony or patio. Also we have plenty of surface parking and 16 private garages. Moreover our gorgeous contemporary design extends throughout our common areas into every suite. With features such as Granite countertops, Venetian gold 12 x 12 tile flooring, and high-end stainless steel appliances including a glass top stove, you will be proud to call MorningStar of Arvada home. For your safety, IL suites have grab bars installed in the bathrooms. In addition as a resident of the community you have access to all onsite amenities including pool, spa and health club. Along with independent living, MorningStar of Arvada also offer assisted living and memory care; and we invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community, our philosophy and our commitment to serving others. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, our mission statement includes honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Visit our website to take an online virtual tour, and contact us for more information on the area’s most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.
Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered in a separate area of our assisted living facility and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease. The expansive area houses 38 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings. Normally, mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together. Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. During the coronavirus outbreak, however, memory care residents still take meals in the dining room with tables spread out for social distancing. In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss. In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community. Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person. Another thing that makes MorningStar of Beaverton a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Please visit our website for more information. 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 discover why we are a step above an ordinary assisted living facility.  MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community wants families in Peoria and the surrounding area to be encouraged, and to be empowered as they deal with the challenging journey of dementia. We know that in spite of everything else that is going on in these unprecedented times that many families are struggling with their own personal stories of having and perhaps caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
One way we feel we can help is by bringing back The Unforgettable Series – Navigating the Journey of Dementia. For the safety of all involved, we will be hosting the event via a Zoom Video Chat, and just ask that all interested parties pre-register if they wish to attend. The Video Conferences dementia education will take place over the course of three engaging sessions and be led by MorningStar experts. The first in the series is: Communications 101 – The Art of Communication Under a Lavender Sky. This will meet on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30 -7:00 PM. The next in the series is: Taking Care of the Caregiver and will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 - 7:00 PM. Our finally video chat is called: Expressions and will take place on Tuesday, June 30 also from 6:30 – 7:00 PM. Again you must register in order to join the group. Information regarding registration is on the MorningStar at Golden Ridge website. Our beautiful, vibrant community is situated on 8.8 acres and offers seniors a welcoming, comfortable home for carefree retirement years. In addition to independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care for our most tender residents. Currently our community is safely accepting new residents and we are doing the utmost to ensure the safety of all those beneath our roof. Please visit our website to learn more. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted independent living & assisted living.  Along with the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, MorningStar of Beaverton has 38 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our approach to memory care includes using some of the most respected research-based care programs to give residents the best life possible. Furthermore, our unique Reflections Neighborhood was designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily.
When a family comes to MorningStar of Beaverton looking for care for a loved one with dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particular mood or situation. Also, we use a reimagined philosophy and approach to memory care we call “Lavender Sky, which we consider to be the next logical step to what MorningStar has always believed and aspired to be as dementia care specialists. The comprehensive program allows us to introduce a more insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families. Moreover, as it guides every aspect of our dementia care, all team members are asked to attend eight-hours of interactive Lavender Sky training to help give them a better understanding of the disease. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus response. MorningStar of Beaverton represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer.  Last year alone, approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia such as frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body disease and others. Moreover, even though many families had come to suspect a problem and may not be all that surprised to hear the diagnosis, it is still a devastating blow.
However please remember if you or a family member is experiencing confusion and/or memory loss that there are other factors that can masquerade as dementia. For example, lack of sleep and/or depression and anxiety can result in feelings of confusion. Also certain medications and medical conditions can have side effects that mimic some of the symptoms of dementia. The U.S. News & World Report cautions families that if a loved one is not as sharp as they used to be to make sure that they are protected against scams from unscrupulous people. You may want to have a family member, trusted friend, or a professional financial advisor help to oversee the person’s finances. Another thing you can do to help yourself and your family feel more prepared for what the future holds is to investigate the extent of your community’s resources. This may include looking into options for in-home care as well as senior living communities that specialize in memory care. Experts say one of the most important things to avoid doing after getting a diagnosis of dementia is to assume your life is over. They stress you need to find reasons for hope and to think about ways to bring joy into your life. Tia Powell, M.D. writes that “music is one wonderful avenue for delight. Your brain's capacity for music is unusually sturdy; the ability to sing, play and enjoy music often outlasts many other skills.” At MorningStar of Beaverton, we provide area seniors with compassionate and loving assisted living as well as specialized, individualized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As dementia care experts, each day our energies are put toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life. Please contact us with questions. MorningStar of Beaverton offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 our exceptional community. Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/questions-to-ask-when-youre-diagnosed-with-dementia  While the country is staying home to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus outbreak, many of us still wish to do something to help. For some of us, it may be best to just donate money to groups providing assistance to our medical workers or food and shelter to those in need, if/or when we can. Then there are others who are ready to take a more actively role in helping to make another person’s life better.
If you are in the latter group and would love a job that not only lets you earn a living, but at the same time, help to improve the quality of life for a senior, we invite you to consider one of MorningStar’s available assisted living jobs in and around the Phoenix area. Our communities include MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead, and MorningStar at Golden Ridge. If you are new to assisted living, we want you to know it can be a very rewarding experience. Caring for our older generation it a great way to repay them for all they did for us when we were little. You will get to know our remarkable residents’ life stories as well as have the opportunity to turn one of their bad days into a better one. In addition you will have the opportunity to work with fellow team members who are the kind of people who also love to help others. Visit our website for more information regarding rewarding career opportunities including housekeeping jobs, dining room servers, care managers and more at our Phoenix communities. During the coronavirus outbreak, we want you to know that we are safely hiring Great Hearts and taking every precaution to keep you safe at work. All team members receive training on infection control with a heightened insistence on hand sanitation along with a thorough review of the latest CDC information on COVID-19 and the unique attributes of this viral strain. Apply online or give us a call. 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.  Researchers says that even if we are not developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as we grow older, our memory, decision-making, and ability to learn simply begin to wear down. This process is referred to as “cognitive aging” and doctors now say there are evidence-based steps we can take to improve our cognitive functioning.
The published study from the Institute of Medicine titled “Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” detailed three ways we can protect and bolster our aging brain. The study’s authors are Dr. Dan Blazer, chair of the report and professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital. The report is intended to provide relevant information to both physicians and patients. According to the study, the first thing we can do to help keep our brain healthy (and other parts of our body) is to engage in light exercise every day. Activities such as walking, gardening, swimming or biking help increase the blood flow to the brain, which helps to maintain and improve its functioning. The Cognitive Aging report also found that in order to reduce our risk for or to better manage cardiovascular disease, we need to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking and maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. It recommends that if you do have high cholesterol, you follow your doctor’s instructions and continue to have the necessary blood tests done. The third key to improving and maintaining good cognitive functioning is to consult with your doctor to review the list of medications you are currently taking. Dr. Blazer explains that, “Older adults are sometimes on more medications than they need to be on." He adds, “Many, if not all of them, can potentially affect your cognitive functioning.” At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide residents with the services and amenities that allow them to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. Our beautiful community offers 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with memory impairment. All of our care services, wellness programs and amenities are designed to support the whole person: body, mind and spirit and make MorningStar the perfect place for successful aging. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care.  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 |
