Thinking about Senior Living?

As today’s seniors are living longer than ever, it makes sense to consider whether to age in place in their own home or take advantage of the benefits offered by senior living communities. While many older adults say they wish to stay at home, the reality is in some situations; it may be impractical and expensive and not as safe given their health issues. To make an informed decision regarding one’s choices, it is important to know the real cost of living at home, receiving in-home care or residing in a senior community. 

If you are currently living in your own place and think senior living communities are way more expensive, consider the following. Living in a home or apartment means a monthly mortgage or rent payment and homeowners or rental insurance. Monthly expenses include utility bills for electricity, gas, trash and water as well as phone and internet services. 

Assuming you no longer want to or can maintain the outside of your home, you will need lawn care and perhaps snow removable services not to mention maintenance like painting or replacing a roof. Driving and maintaining a car is not cheap and in many cases is necessary if you live on your own. Other expenses might include things like an emergency call system, fitness club membership and housekeeping services, which all start adding up.

If a senior needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and wants to obtain in-home care services, you need to factor in those cost, and they are not cheap. So in addition to all of the associated costs of living in and maintaining a home, you also have the high cost of in-home care. 

Senior living communities may sound very expensive until you factor in all of the benefits you get. Many offer a choice of independent living or assisted living with spacious private apartments, onsite amenities such as fitness centers and salons, dining services, social activities and an appropriate level of care for residents. Many include scheduled transportation, organized trips to local activities and are pet friendly. 

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community is designed around the various needs of older adults and provides senior-friendly activities and companionship with like-minded people of a similar age. Outside chores as well as the cleaning and cooking are taken care of by us allowing you to focus on the things you love to do most in life. Along with smartly-designed floorplans, residents enjoy inviting common areas perfect for relaxation and spending time with friends. We also are honored to provide trusted memory care Arvada, CO families can count on.

Be Prepared for Mom or Dad’s Sudden Hospital Visit

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden. 

Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history.  Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be.  

Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages. 

Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-existing conditions and any recent surgeries or procedures they may have had. Provide the name of their primary care provider; and be sure to let the hospital personnel know if your parent has dementia or any physical limitations. 

If the hospital doesn’t already have a copy of your loved one’s advanced directive, also known as a living will, bring one with you. An advanced directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken in end-of-life situations when they cannot speak for themselves. Mom or dad may also have a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order, which is another kind of advance directive. It covers not receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. 

Other information to give to the hospital regards allergies and dietary restrictions. Additionally, make sure your loved one has their cell phone with them as many hospital rooms do not have phones. 

If you are considering senior living communities in the Peoria, AZ area, MorningStar at Golden Ridge may be your answer.  We are situated on a vibrant 8.8-acre campus with exceptional architecture and award-winning design.  Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors in senior living.  Please visit our website for more information and to inquire about pricing and availability.  

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

Senior Living Offers a Community of Friends

One often overlooked benefit of moving to a senior living community is the idea of built-in companionship. It solves the problem of not having to organize and travel to activities in your area.  Also, inclement weather doesn’t stand in your way from getting together with friends or watching a movie, attending worship services or laughing over a game of trivia. 

Loneliness and feelings of isolation in the elderly are common in the US and not surprising as 27% of Americans 60 and over live by themselves. A 2023 survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging showed one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) felt isolated from others (29% some of the time, 5% often) in the past year. 

Experts say this can be problematic as research shows older adults who express loneliness have a 32% increase in the risk of stroke and a 29% increase in heart disease. Other problems include a disruption in sleep, higher blood pressure and increased stress levels. It can also be a predictor of functional decline and even death in adults over 60. WebMD cites studies linking people who are socially isolated to an approximately 50% higher risk of getting dementia.

As you grow older, children may have moved away or a spouse died, and you may have experienced the loss of other close relatives and friends. You may no longer work, and thus no longer enjoy companionable relationships with work colleagues. This is where senior living communities can be a big help as they not only provide maintenance-free living but the companionship and sense of well-being knowing someone is always around. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a wonderful example of the vibrant lifestyle senior communities offer to residents. Our beautiful home is designed to provide the ideal living arrangement for residents with options for independent living, assisted living or memory care. Please contact us to learn more about our many senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-living-alone-after-60

Are You Looking for Senior Living in the Phoenix Area?

Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone.  A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.”  Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at many communities.

When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving.  In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults.  Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly.  Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling.  Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. 

If you are looking for independent or assisted living in the Phoenix area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria.  Our beautiful community has Casitas and suites in a variety of floor plans. Apartments feature high end finishes, tall ceilings, lots of natural light, handicap-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and most have a washer and dryer.  

Our community offers all the services, luxury amenities, programs and activities to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security.   Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and private dining rooms, we have a bistro bar, theater/chapel, salon and fitness centers.  Other amenities include an outdoor dining patio, life enrichment rooms, saline swimming pool and scheduled transportation.

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides compassionate, loving memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  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 to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

The Benefits of Senior Living

Imagine being freed up from the many chores homeownership requires but rather having the time to pursue your various interests and hobbies, to travel, or spend more time with family and friends. Senior living communities like MorningStar of Arvada can provide just that and more as we offer a wide array of services including housekeeping, tasty meals and other luxury amenities.  

Our full-time maintenance crew handles all repairs both inside and out as well as routine chores like lawn care and snow removal. This means as a resident, you will not be faced with unexpected maintenance bills, and instead enjoy the security of predictable budgeting. 

Assisted living residents also receive the personalized care they need for the ADLs (activities of daily living) 24/7 to enable them to live life as independently as possible. Medication management services help seniors keep on track with their prescription drugs usage. Transportation services to and from doctor visits and appointments and routine health screening make it an ease to keep up your medical care. 

For all residents, our meaningful wellness programs and activities keep residents as busy as they like. Planned community-wide activities and outings let residents enjoy themselves and offer the perfect environment to meet new friends and create new memories. Smartly-designed suites provide privacy while offering access to social activities, and the comfort and security of knowing someone is always around if help is needed.   

Our all-day, restaurant-style dining services allow you to keep to your own schedule. Meals are chef-inspired and made from as many freshly-sourced ingredients as possible. Residents on restricted diets have options for low-sodium, low calorie and other dietary preferences.

MorningStar of Arvada is the top choice for independent living; assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO offers, and allows seniors to comfortably age in place without giving up any of their freedom or choices. Our 112 bright suites for independent living and assisted living are available in a range of floorplans and configurations. Contact us to schedule an in-person tour to experience first-hand what the finest senior living community looks like.     

Extremely Hot Summers are Putting More People at Risk

While anyone can become ill from overheating, some people are more at risk to the danger including children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Moreover, as temperatures continue to rise during the summer months (even in the spring and fall in some places), medical professionals warn about the increasing threat of heat-related illnesses. The Harvard Medical School says every year thousands die from the effects of soaring temperatures. 

Temperatures vary around the country but the most severe combination is when both heat and high humidity are present. Even if you are used to dealing with extreme temperatures, experts say it is important to still be aware and to have a plan on how you will deal with the extreme weather. They additionally warn problems increase the longer the hot weather sticks around as people’s resilience starts to falter after several days in a row of extremely hot temperatures.  

Recommendations include keeping up with weather alerts regarding dangerously high temperatures. If you live in a home without air conditioning, think about where you can go to cool off. Your plan could be to stay with a family member or friend; or check into where to find a public cooling center or public places such as libraries, malls or community centers.

Doctors advise to drink plenty of fluids and say water is your best option. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol. Another important step is to know your own personal risk for heat-related illness. If you have heart or kidney disease, diabetes or take certain medications including diuretics, you may be at higher risk. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk and how to best keep yourself safe this summer. 

Since our inception in 2003, MorningStar’s unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” has set us apart from other senior living communities. Our contemporary community offers beautiful suites, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities to enrich the lives of our residents. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 38 memory care suites to address the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Contact us about availability to the finest senior living in Beaverton.   

Earlier Palliative Care may help Improve Quality of Life

A recent article from Scientific American cites findings from several studies showing how palliative services started earlier in patient care, rather than the current practice of late in the course of the disease, may offer important benefits. However before this care option can be more widely implemented, there needs to be an increase in patients’ access to outpatient palliative services. Experts also say work needs to be done with correcting the misconception that palliative care is only for end-of-life situations.  

Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. It has expanded to include multidisciplinary services such as the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Wherein hospice care specifically focuses on the period closest to death and is comfort care without curative intent as the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. 

The National Institute of Health explains palliative care is currently most often started late in patients with life-threatening conditions, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. However, they too cite real life studies indicating an early palliative care (EPC) paradigm can give patients a better quality of life. 

The benefits of the supportive services provided with earlier palliative care have been shown to not only help control patients’ symptoms and provide pain care but address other problems. These include depression and anxiety as well as a reduction in the number of trips to the hospital. One study found patients suffering from COPD, heart failure or lung disease that received telehealth visits showed an improved quality of life that continued for month after the calls concluded. Medical professionals say due to the fact there is a limited amount of outpatient palliative services currently; they recommend patients with the most severe symptoms receive early palliative care. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, our contemporary community boasts award-winning designs with 66 graciously appointed suites for independent living and assisted living in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 38 all-inclusive memory care suites. Our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Beaverton offers.   

Finding a Community for a Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease

Are you considering a community setting for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  Experts say the first and most important thing to learn about senior living communities offering memory care is whether they are up to the task of caring for your loved one.  Do services align with their needs and is the home capable of advanced care down the road?  A Place for Mom’s website says by asking the following questions, you should get the answers you need.     

Before you begin your search, they suggest taking a few minutes to think about the needs of your loved one.  Do they have a tendency to wander or exhibit aggressive behaviors?  Do they require help with eating and drinking?  Are they mobile or use a wheelchair or walker?  Other information to relay is if they need help toileting, require 24/7 supervision, or care for medical conditions such as diabetes.   

Once you establish that a memory care community is equipped to care for your loved one, now ask questions including how experienced is the staff; and do they have any special training.  If so, is it on-going?  Will your loved one have an individualized care plan?  Also, what is the staff-ratio during the day and at night?  

Inquire about safety protocols starting with secured doors, courtyards, and grounds as well as an emergency call system.  Are hallways color-coded making it easier for residents to navigate about more independently?   Is there a nurse on duty, and how extensive are medical services?   Also, ask about the type of memory care activities and treatments available.  After you have learned what you can, experts say trust your instincts.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides quality senior living in Peoria, Arizona, including compassionate care for those in the early onset of dementia through to the most advanced stages.  Our holistic approach to care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  Beginning with dedicated caregivers to activities, programs and meals tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care.  Please contact us for more information about our Reflections Neighborhood and to set up a tour.

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. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/memory-care-facility-checklist

Snoring? Tips to Quiet the Problem

Medical experts say if you snore, it is important to figure out if the problem is caused by sleep apnea, a medical condition putting you at risk for a number of serious health problems, or something you can remedy with a few lifestyle changes. Sleep apnea causes symptoms such as walking up and gasping for breath during the night, or feeling sleepy during the day. If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about it as they can schedule a sleep study to determine if you do have it. 

Other reasons for snoring are outside influences and habits, which with a little effort can be altered or worked on. One important step to quiet snoring as well as improve your health, is if you smoke, stop. Smoking can increase swelling and irritation in the upper airways and cause snoring; or it may be a reaction to nightly nicotine withdrawal. Doctors say even secondhand smoke from another household member can increase your risk of snoring.   

Alcohol is another risk factor for snoring. Experts advise avoiding alcohol altogether, or if you do drink, do it at least three hours before bedtime. Alcohol as well as certain tranquilizers or sedatives all relax the muscles in the throat, which is a cause of snoring. Studies additionally find overweight or obese people have a higher risk of snoring as extra fat tissue in the neck and throat narrows the airways. 

Likewise the position you sleep in can increase your chance of snoring. If you sleep on your back, it causes the tongue to fall back and press against the top of your airway so try sleeping on your side. Elevating your head with pillows may also help. Several companies sell snoring aids so check to see if one would work for you. A room humidifier may relieve swollen air passages, and an air purifier can help remove some airborne irritants. 

MorningStar of Beaverton’s unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the area’s finest senior living that includes independent living, assisted living and memory care. Also be sure to ask how to save up to $8000 (a limited time deal).

AI VS Doctor-led Medical Advice

The Harvard Medical School recently published an article discussing how patients rated AI’s information next to real doctors’ advice in terms of empathy. Following up on findings from the ChatGPT survey showing AI to be way more empathetic to patients, the author, Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing, says there is most likely more to consider. Currently AI does tasks such as “drafting doctor’s notes, suggesting diagnoses; helping to read x-rays and MRI scans; and monitoring real-time health data including heart rate or oxygen level.” 

Shmerling points out while AI’s surveyed responses were longer than the doctors, there is more to it than the “amount” related to patients’ including how accurate and up-to-date the information actually is. Another thing to consider is the answers the AI provided were not tested for fabrication. Therefore, experts advise it is probably premature to rely on AI answers to patients’ questions without solid proof of their accuracy and actual supervision by healthcare providers. 

A recent University of Arizona Health Sciences’ AI study reports more than half of its participants didn’t fully trust AI-powered medical advice, but many more put faith in AI if it’s monitored and guided by human touch. The National Institutes of Health-funded study gave participants mock medical conditions and asked if they would prefer to have an AI system or a physical doctor handle their diagnosis and treatment, and under what circumstances. The study’s lead author, Marvin J. Slepian, MD, JD, Regents Professor of Medicine at the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson and member of the BIO5 Institute, explains the study has importance for both future and current medical decisions. However he says, “The onus will be on physicians and others in health care to ensure that information that resides in AI systems is accurate, and to continue to maintain and enhance the accuracy of AI systems as they will play an increasing role in the future of healthcare.” 

MorningStar of Beaverton is one of the top senior living communities in the greater Portland area. With a wide choice of contemporary suites for independent living and assisted living, area seniors can get back to living life to the fullest without the worry of the upkeep of a home. Our memory care is guided by Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s proprietary program that guides our philosophy of everything we believe and strive for in service to our memory-impaired residents. Contact us to set up a tour to the area’s finest senior living.

Source:

health.harvard.edu/blog/can-ai-answer-medical-questions-better-than-your-doctor-202403273028

healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/would-you-trust-ai-doctor-new-research-shows-patients-are-split

How Poor Sleep Habits Affect Your Health

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. 

In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. 

One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night’s sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” 

Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is like being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. 

Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. 

If you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  Our home offers beautiful surroundings and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need.  Please see our website for more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

3 Popular Senior Living Options Defined

Senior living options have greatly improved, creating modern, luxury-style senior retirement community options. With that, our expanding knowledge on memory loss has given senior care providers the skills to create improved memory care and assisted living that advocates for senior wellness by adding to their overall health and enjoyment, not diminishing it. If you are looking to better understand the senior living choices you have, keep reading to better understand the difference between independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care. 

What is Independent Senior Living?

When you think of a retirement community, that idea is very much in line with the definition of independent senior living. This type of senior care often incorporates a walkable and easily accessible community with senior-friendly amenities, dining options, and ample activities. These modern senior living communities with apartment living options are great for single seniors and those with a partner or best friend. Independent senior living is designed for seniors who want to retire and be surrounded by like-minded individuals in the same age range. These seniors need little to no help with daily living activities and can freely come and go from the community via public transport or their cars. 

Assisted Living Explained

Assisted living communities often offer very similar amenities and activities as independent senior living. Seniors in assisted living can still experience their community, have roommates, pets, and explore new hobbies and old passions while obtaining extra help and management. Depending on the need, seniors in assisted living may receive help in everyday daily activities like getting out of bed, cleaning themselves, completing some tasks, and other issues surrounding mobility. Usually, seniors in assisted living have medical conditions that inhibit them from living independently. 

Memory Care Senior Communities

Memory care is specifically designed for seniors who struggle with Alzheimer’s or another memory loss diagnosis. Memory care offers more support for seniors with memory impairment, including specialized staff, holistic healthcare methods, dementia-friendly activities, and increased safety and security. 

Find Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living Near You

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Why Choose MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge?

You may have found that there are many senior living communities in and around Peoria, AZ and may be wondering what sets MorningStar at Golden Ridge apart from all the others.  To start with, we offer seniors a wide range of senior living options that start with our comfortable independent living Casitas with attached garages in their own private neighborhood with a clubhouse and swimming pool.  

Our assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities.  Care services include compassionate caregivers available 24/7, access to a licensed nurse and medication management. Residents have a choice of spacious suites in a variety of floor plans.

MorningStar is also proud to have earned a reputation as dementia care specialists in our 30+ communities offering memory care.  The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers a holistic approach to caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

However, the thing that really sets us apart from other area senior communities is our unique mission statement.  MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior housing that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.”  Our three-pillared mission statement is to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our teams’ ability to serve well. 

MorningStar’s extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest.  Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services.  Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service.  

Please visit our website for more information about independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  While you are there, use our Community Assistant (lower right-hand corner) to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful home.  

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

A Closer Look at Innovative Memory Care Solutions in Beaverton Senior Living

Many families feel devastated by a memory loss diagnosis. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, which makes this diagnosis even more challenging. Luckily, there are memory care communities that make it their mission to bring innovative memory care solutions to families in Beaverton, Oregon. 

MorningStar Senior Living Oregon addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals with memory issues and sets the stage for an exploration of progressive and transformative approaches to care in these ways:

Innovative Design and Smart Technologies

MorningStar Memory Care Beaverton utilizes the latest technology and research in dementia care to create a comforting and safe environment for residents. With a homelike atmosphere, wayfinding strategies, and the incorporation of SafelyYou technologies, seniors at MorningStar are safer and more supported than ever before. 

Person-Centered Memory Care

Senior living is no longer “one-size-fits-all.” This means seniors receive the proper care they need in memory care communities at MorningStar Beaverton. Personalized care plans are specialized to each senior’s physical, emotional, and social needs. Developed with family, medical professionals, and the care team at MorningStar, seniors receive structured and person-centered memory care.

Engaging Therapeutic and Holistic Programs

MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton provides memory support for seniors through a variety of engaging therapeutic and holistic programs offered in Beaverton’s memory care communities. 

Art, pet, and music therapy are proudly loved and utilized at MorningStar. Remiscnece activities like movie nights, nature walks, board games,  and craft-making aim to stimulate cognitive function, evoke positive memories, and foster emotional well-being for seniors in memory care communities. 

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Creating a Holistic Memory Care Environment at Home

Holistic memory care is a popular and innovative approach to memory care. If you are the primary caregiver to a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you may be wondering how you can make your loved one’s environment more comfortable.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton proudly brings the finest assisted living and memory care Beaverton has to offer. Suppose you aren’t ready to move your loved one into memory care, or you are just looking for ways to make your space at home more memory care friendly. In that case, MorningStar offers 3 useful tips to create a holistic memory care environment at home. 

What is holistic memory care?

Unlike traditional memory care approaches, which tend to focus on the individual’s weaknesses and limitations, holistic memory care emphasizes the individual’s strengths and abilities. 

Memory care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton, create specialized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs, interests, and abilities of every senior, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity and independence for as long as possible while also giving them the appropriate level of care needed.

Creating Holistic Memory Care

1. Focus on providing a calm living space for your loved one to feel comfortable. It is difficult for a senior struggling with memory loss to relax in cluttered, loud, and dirty places. When creating a holistic memory care environment, be sure to offer a space that is organized and managed effectively. It is best to not have disturbing noises that may frequently affect a senior’s peace. 

2. Encourage the independence of your loved one. This may feel counterproductive, especially if your loved one has lost a lot of motor skills, mobility, and memory capabilities. But this is the purpose of holistic memory care: meeting your loved one where they’re at. Find activities your loved one can participate in that encourage their independence, such as having them help complete small tasks around the home. 

3. Maintain a stimulating routine through sensory play and other mentally stimulating activities. Holistic therapies, such as art therapy, yoga, and music therapy can also be helpful when used routinely. 

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon You Can Trust

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

How Continuity of Care Improves Senior’s Lives in Memory Care

When the time comes to find trusted and reliable memory care, you want to consider the possibility that your loved one’s needs may change drastically over time. Even with preventative treatment, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can experience skill degradation, loss of mobility, changes in appetite, and extreme memory loss. For these reasons, it is worth it to consider a continuous care community for your memory care needs. 

What are Continuous Senior Care Communities? 

Continuous Care Communities, or CCRCs, are senior living communities that are committed to providing a seamless transition of comprehensive care to seniors throughout their lifetime within that community. 

Continuous care communities allow residents to age comfortably regardless of their changing health or abilities, without the stress of relocation. 

How does a continuous care community benefit memory care? 

Continuous care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Arvada, provide seniors with a stable and supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being, reduces stress, and fosters the growth of positive relationships and friendships. 

The familiarity and consistency created by continuous care senior living communities contribute significantly to the positive experiences of seniors in memory care through these ways:

Building Trusted Relationships

Seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia often feel overwhelmed by meeting unfamiliar people. If a senior is constantly relocating due to changing needs, this may be triggering unnecessary issues and causing your loved one to experience more stress and anxiety, hindering any progress while limiting the ability to grow trusted relationships with the people and caretakers around them. 

Better Health Monitoring

When a senior stays in one community for an established period, that community has a better chance to fully understand and predict their health needs. When seniors with memory loss conditions relocate frequently, important medical concerns can be lost or overlooked in translation.

Maintaining Structured Routines

Continuous care senior communities take into account the changing needs seniors may have down the line. If your loved one is struggling with memory loss, staying in a familiar environment provides these seniors with the stability and support to maintain structured routines.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

Discover the Many Benefits of Senior Living

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of support.  For older adults who are still homeowners, senior living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to a senior living community provides an extra layer of security as well as easy interactions with people in a similar time of life.  Moreover, communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge offer the kind of independent and assisted living seniors depend on with a broad range of services including delicious, nutritional daily meals.  

Senior living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones.  In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contribute.  In fact, part of our mission statement is to “value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals with a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.”  We too know that research has found intellectual stimulation to be an important step in mitigating and slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and we want to help in that effort.    

Remember even if you are the type of person who values their privacy, senior living gives you peace of mind knowing that people are around when you need them.   Moreover, if you start out in one of our Casitas for independent living, and later, you require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) as offered in assisted living, you will have priority to available suites.  The same goes for our memory care area.  This is an example of the benefits of living in a community with more than one neighborhood under its roof.  Please visit our website to learn more about luxury 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.

The Importance of Person-Centered Care in Memory Senior Living Communities

With dementia or Alzheimer’s, there is no one sided approach to care. Because memory loss is so unpredictable and varied, every person will have a different response to their new reality and struggle with different symptoms at different times. The best memory care communities understand that senior care should be tailored to each individual, prioritizing their set of unique challenges and goals. 

What is a person-centered approach in memory care?

A person-centered approach to memory care prioritizes the unique needs and preferences of each resident while recognizing the personality of the individual. This holistic approach to memory care recognizes the importance of treating each person separately from another. Person-centered care in memory senior living communities can look like this:

• Increased Independence

Person-centered care and individualized care plans promote independence in seniors by treating them as an individual and not as a group. Person-centered care supports autonomy and allows residents to participate in activities that bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment while receiving the level of care they need, no more and no less. 

• More Meaningful Activities 

Person-centered care allows memory care communities to know their residents on an individual level. This means we quickly learn your loved one’s likes, dislikes, wishes and fears. Understanding what our community likes allows us to plan more meaningful activities that we know will engage and inspire our residents. 

• Regular Assessments 

Dementia is not stagnant. While we wish the disease didn’t progress, we know a senior may struggle with consistent changes in their memory loss diagnosis. Regular assessments, family involvement and medical input allow us to update our personalized care plan, giving you and your loved one a flexible memory care experience that works. 

Find Holistic Memory Care in Oregon

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

Mitigating Fall Risk in Older Adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury.  However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving.  Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”

They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall.  Their first piece of advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention.  Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls.  

While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk.  Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and staying focused on the task at hand.  Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet.  If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms.    

Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed.  In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside.  Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom.  Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance.   

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our community is designed to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety.  Each of our suites is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom. We also recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide a full calendar of activities that includes a variety of exercise programs.  For more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ please visit our website or give us a call.

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.

Sources:cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/, agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm, alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

The MorningStar Foundation Offers Support at Home and Around the World

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s senior living communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which was held on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations included hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

If you are looking for outstanding senior living in Peoria, AZ for yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge.  Our beautiful community offers 38 Casitas secluded in their own private neighborhood for independent living.  For those needing help with daily activities, our 65 assisted living suites are available in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Short-term stays as well as respite care are also available. Please contact us 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 to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.