There have been many studies done on the link between healthy aging and diet, exercise and a good night’s sleep, but researchers say not as much attention has been paid to the role socialization has on healthy aging. Recent studies have now found that strong social ties are just as critical to our brain health.
While most of us enjoy a night out with friends talking and laughing, scientists say the time we spend socializing also helps stimulate our attention and memory as well as strengthen our neural networks. In fact they say cognitive decline is more likely to occur in people who spend most of their time alone. One such study with more than 12,000 participants, “suggests that when people are lonely, their risk of dementia rises by as much as 40%.” However researchers say it is important to remember not all relationships are equal and stressful, toxic relationships can actually be harmful to our health according to a 2021 Journal of the American Heart Association study. To widen your range of social connections, experts say you may have to be creative. If you can’t get out, explore online connections including hooking up with family and friends on facebook as well as joining online groups such as book clubs, choral groups or others. At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community flourishes on connections, and residents enjoy socializing as much or as little as they like. Our range of activities, special events and wellness programs along with restaurant-style dining makes it easy to find new friends and acquaintances. In the heart of scenic Arvada and surrounded by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada reservoir, our home offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 secure suites devoted entirely to individualized, specialized care. Visit our website to learn more about all-inclusive independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.
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If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, MorningStar of Beaverton is ready to help. We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease brings with it and wish to share the burden. Our comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.
Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. Another thing that makes the Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar a special place is our devoted, hard-working 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. Our distinct mission statement reads to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Beaverton, OR. MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents the finest assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, OR. Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.
For instances, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get to home or how to perform routine tasks. It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. Other example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically get worse. A 2009 study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.” At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community has 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we have 29 secure memory care suites staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living, assisted living and compassionate memory care in Arvada, CO. Source: activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing the memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia.
The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night; eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress. After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to account for your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital should be able to recommend a behavioral neurologist or a geriatric psychiatrist. He or she will probably start with a series of written, on the computer, or oral tests to “assess memory, reasoning, attention, language, visual functions, motor functions, and social functions (such as empathy and knowing how to behave appropriately in social situations).” They will check for “abnormalities in muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, senses, eye movement, and the pupils' reaction to light, which can signal abnormalities in specific areas of the brain.” In addition the doctor will check for Parkinson’s, a stroke or tumors, and will probably schedule a hearing and vision test. If indicated, you may have advanced testing such as PET scans or your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers checked for signs of Alzheimer’s. The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For unsurpassed memory care, Arvada provides 29 secure memory care staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Visit our website for more. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/mild-cognitive-impairment?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HB20210415-MCI&utm_id=2882670&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=2882670 While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink their attitude toward the disease. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he calls “the tragedy narrative.” Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive.
Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease. Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.” One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engaged them with empathy, humor, and improvisation. Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.” At MorningStar of Arvada, we provide compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us. MorningStar of Arvada 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 create a true home for residents. Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers. Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/ If you live in or around Phoenix, you most likely know there are lots of senior living communities throughout the area; but we want you to know you will not find a better one to work for than our MorningStar homes. We believe that every position is essential to the smooth operation of our communities and the wellbeing of our residents. In fact, each of our communities is designed to promote an atmosphere where both residents as well as team members can thrive.
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 preferences. 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. To build a united team that serves with wholehearted distinction, we have followed the directives of our mission statement, which reads to “invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.” Thus, all employees are provided with meaningful training and support from directors, supervisors and fellow team members so they can excel in their role. We are also proud to support our team members with some of the most generous benefits in the industry. Compensation starts with competitive wages, and bonus or incentive opportunities (depending on position). In addition, employees are eligible for paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick time, birthday appreciation day, 401k plan availability, health savings account availability, uniforms, and advancement opportunities. At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team is paid well for the valuable services they provide our company. If this ignites your passions, please visit our website’s Career page to search open positions at our communities in Phoenix, Glendale, Fountain Hills, and Peoria, AZ. While you are there, visit our communities’ home pages to learn more about us. At MorningStar’s Arcadia, Arrowhead, Golden Ridge & Fountain Hills communities, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors. If you would like to serve, we invite you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on a range of positions including housekeeping jobs in Phoenix. The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Wake Forest School of Medicine in a new, first-of-its-kind intervention trial called the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER). The two-year clinical trial wants to learn if lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults between the ages of 60-79 who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.
The national study hopes to “create a new and healthier ‘normal’ through lifestyle changes.” While research has already shown that a healthier lifestyle protects our bodies’ overall health, scientists now want to know if it can also protect the health of the brain from future memory problems such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The U.S. Pointer study is currently being conducted at sites in North Carolina, California, Illinois, Texas and Rhode Island, and is the first study of its kind to be done on such a large group of participants from across the United States. Additionally, it is part of a worldwide consortium of other similar research including the 2014 Finland study of healthy older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The “FINGER Study” (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) reports that “a two-year combination therapy simultaneously targeting physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and self-monitoring of heart health risk factors had a protective effect on cognitive function.” Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada offers 29 secure memory care suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website or contact us 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers. Source: alz.org/us-pointer/overview.asp John Hopkins published a study that found mild hearing loss doubles the risk for dementia. The nearly 12 year study included 639 adults and further reported that a moderate hearing loss tripled the risk, and people with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia.
The study was headed by Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., who explains that the problem may come from the fact that many people who experience hearing loss deliberately avoid being around others and socially isolate. A hearing loss makes it difficult for the person to follow conversations and they don’t like to put themselves in social situations that make them uncomfortable. Another problem is it actually makes our brain’s work harder as it mutes some of the subtle sounds our ears intuitively use to help us safely walk. Dr. Lin says his group has another study planned to determine if hearing aids help to mitigate some of the negative effects of hearing loss including the higher risk of dementia. He does add that hearing aids certainly help individuals get back into the conversation and to enjoy being around their friends and family again. Statistics show that while almost 27 million Americans age 50 years and older have some level of hearing loss, only one in seven people use a hearing aid. If you think your hearing may be diminished, you should make an appointment with an audiologist for a complete hearing check. Doctors also encourage individuals not to fall prey to the many myths involving hearing aids including worrying about looking older by wearing one as today’s hearing aids are less conspicuous and smaller than ever. And yes, doctors do say there is a breaking in period for a hearing aid but most doctors and hearing centers offer a trial period to make sure it is the right fit for you. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides 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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar Senior Living of Arvada provides 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.
Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care. This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch. However most importantly, we embrace hope. Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions. Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan. At MorningStar of Arvada, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families. Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care. 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. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers. In a recent article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health. Furthermore they are also a benefit to the whole body health.
One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain. An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.” Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommendation a minimal of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming. However before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. In addition continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health. This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits. Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night. Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.” The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is grateful looking toward a brighter future. As our staff and residents get the COVID-19 vaccination, life in our community is nearer a more normal. We are proud to have a team committed to serving seniors and who understand that our residents deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Please visit our website to check on availability. Our gorgeous community offers independent living, assisted living memory care and respite care. 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 trusted senior living options including independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Peoria. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory |
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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