According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking may provide several benefits including a longer life span. They base this on lots of studies done regarding the effects of positive thinking and optimism as related to our health. While researchers are not sure why individuals who routinely take the glass half-full approach to life experience measurable benefits, some think it could be that positive thinking helps us better handle stressful situations and we know that stress can have harmful effects on our bodies.
In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports positive thinkers may not only increase their life span but lower their risk for depression and level of distress, and even have a greater resistance to the common cold. Positive thinkers also typically enjoy better psychological and physical well-being as well as better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a positive attitude during times of stress and hardships helps us to weather the storm easier. Experts recommend analyzing your behavior to determine if you are routinely a positive or negative thinker. Common habits of negative thinkers include: personalizing everything that happens as if it is because of something you did wrong; catastrophizing is another common trait of negativity in which you automatically think the worst; and polarizing, which is where you only see things as either good or bad. If you recognize yourself as a negative thinker and would like to turn your life around and live more on the sunny side, start by identifying things about yourself you would like to change. Think about positive ways to turn around negative thoughts, and make time to see the humor in everyday happenings. Finally adopt a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with positive people. For exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, Arvada CO area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Arvada. Our community was designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and offers all of the amenities and services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please 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 for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada CO offers. Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
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There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.
One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over. In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise. Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain. As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital. People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it. The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly. While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as their 40s and 50s. Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease. Studies have shown no such correlation between the two. Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable. Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider. Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease. At MorningStar of Beaverton, an assisted living facility in the Portland, OR area, we provide compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We take a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. 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. Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future. However medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin. Moreover up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”
Now JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article at the end of July regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this years Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020. Researcher explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently be testing for. In fact Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!” Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions. And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure. In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it. 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 independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Peoria, AZ. Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/ Along with 112 bright independent and assisted living suites, MorningStar of Arvada has another 29 secure memory care suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.
Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees. The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; they are not very nutritional and lack variety. This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional. Our menus now consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat. Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents. Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon. We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey. Please contact us for availability and pricing at the most trusted memory care in Arvada, CO. While you are visiting our website, be sure to read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our loving independent living, assisted living and memory care community. 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. Please visit our website for availability; your loved one deserves the finest memory care Arvada CO offers. MorningStar of Beaverton’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers, and we understand that looking at communities and deciding which one 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. In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more.
Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Family Resources” tab. Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 62 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. Please visit our website for more answers to FAQs, contact information or to get pricing and availability by email. We look forward to hearing from you. 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 assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton was designed to create a true home for our residents and provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. From the moment you walk through the door, you are sure to be impressed by our beautiful architecture and inviting common areas including an art studio, bistro fireside library, courtyards, and sunrooms.
Along with our compassionate care services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs, residents have a choice of smart floor plans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. Within our 66 assisted living suites, we offer floor plans that include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some over 950 sq. ft. You will find all of our suites have lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items. Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette with a full apartment refrigerator, a handicap-accessible bathroom, a 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system. For added convenience, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites include a washer and dryer. Your monthly fee includes cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services. We do trash removal and spot cleaning daily. Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly! Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19). As the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar of Beaverton is judiciously following Oregon’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing. We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors. Please visit our website to view stunning photos and for more information about the finest assisted living Beaverton Oregon has to offer. In addition to assisted living, we have 38 secure suites devoted to the care of those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 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 assisted living Beaverton Oregon offers. The MorningStar Senior Living Company is made up of a group of servant-minded leaders who strive every day to help advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others. With a Vision statement that reads: In pursuit of excellence, MorningStar resolves to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world, we are committed to making a difference in the world.
One of the most important ways we do this is by caring for seniors in our compassionate communities located throughout the Western US. Currently four Phoenix area communities seek men and women who are drawn to seniors and have big hearts to fill a variety of roles within our senior living communities. These are people who intuitively understand that seniors are heroes who deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity, and those that would love to work for a company like MorningStar that shares their values. Openings include Care Manager, Wellness Director, Cook, Medication Tech, Dining Room Server, Housekeeping jobs and more. Moreover, please don’t think that a job at one of MorningStar’s beautiful homes is all work and no fun. Actually it is just the opposite. Yes, our team does work hard and is committed to providing exceptional service to our residents but we also know the job offers its own fulfillment, and the good times spent with our residents far outweigh the tough ones. Listen to what one MorningStar team member says, “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives, but they are changing mine.” Our communities are a true home, and thus operate 24/7, so some of our assisted living jobs at our Phoenix area communities include afternoons, nights and weekends. We also offer full and part-time positions and do our best to honor shift preferences. In addition, all employees receive competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. Please join a team resolved to make a difference with purpose-driven, servant-minded leadership. 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 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 would love to thrive professionally and personally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for a link to rewarding assisted living jobs in Phoenix. Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With 38 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.
In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we meet with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan. Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities. As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents. It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. 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. 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 |
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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