Our Compassionate Leadership Team Inspires Our Whole Community

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan we are fortunate to have a dedicated, compassionate leadership team that continuously sets a high bar for our community standards.  While visitors may be immediately impressed with our exceptional architecture and well-appointed spaces, it would be meaningless if our staff was not also exceptional.  

Leading our team is Executive Director Scott Olivett who has a long history of giving back to the community.  At the age of twelve, Scott began volunteering at his local Red Cross chapter.  That same summer he rode his bike back and forth to his volunteer job at a local nursing home where he arrived early in the day and stayed until after dinner.  It was during this time that he discovered his love of spending time with seniors.  In addition Scott had lost his dad at an early age and took over the role of caretaker for both sets of grandparents.  He found great joy in not only helping them but listening to their stories of simpler times.  We are lucky to have a man of Scott’s integrity and big heart at the head of our team and setting an example for all of us. 

Our Wellness Director, Nephatearia Jenkins, says that she is honored to work for MorningStar as it was founded on the same core values and beliefs that she holds.  She has felt the calling to serve seniors and has a profound respect for the knowledge and experience they bring to the younger generation.  Every day she commits to the principle of living life to the fullest and to never take anything for granted.  Our staff and residents of MorningStar at Jordan feel gratified to have someone with Nephatearia’s loving personality lead our wellness programs.     

John Bachofer rounds out the leadership team as our Director of Community Relations.  He brings to MorningStar at Jordan an extensive background working in assisted living.  What started as a part-time job while he was in EMT school became a calling and a career.   John is grateful for the many things that seniors teach him including humility, loyalty, discipline, honor and character.  Again our community is fortunate to have someone of John’s dedication and compassion on our team.   

Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan’s senior living community. We are located in historic Centennial and are convenient to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants.    

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we represent the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, homey community.      

Best Memory Care in Boulder

Along with our 48 assisted living suites, MorningStar of Boulder has 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.    

MorningStar’s approach to dementia care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.    

Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident.  In addition it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation.  At MorningStar of Boulder, we also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies. 

You will find our Reflections Neighborhood is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents.  We offer security and comfort with a choice of studio, one bedroom or two-bedroom suites as well as an enclosed patio and courtyard for memory care residents.  Furthermore, MorningStar of Boulder has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, regular health monitoring, and is a pet friendly community.  We also offer meal assistance with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals.  

Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand.  We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.        

Oral Care is as Important as Ever for Seniors

Good oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining one’s overall health and quality of life.  Even though seniors are living longer, it does not mean that they cannot keep their natural teeth.  Brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and regular visit to your dentist can prevent problems from occurring.  

Seniors are at a greater risk for developing periodontal disease which is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria or plaque that forms on the teeth.  It is very common and one of the leading causes of tooth loss.  Signs of periodontal disease are bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, and shifting or loose teeth.  There is evidence to suggest that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and perhaps increases the complications of diabetes.   

Dry mouth is another problem faced by some seniors. It can be caused by over 400 commonly prescribed medications such as those for high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression to name just a few, and also from radiation or chemotherapy treatments.  The danger with dry mouth is that it increases the chance of tooth decay or gum disease.  You need to take extra care that you are drinking plenty of water and stay away from caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and sugary foods.  There are some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. 

If you do have dentures, be sure to take good care of them as they will last longer.  The average life of dentures is five to seven years and it is important to follow good cleaning procedures.  Brush your dentures daily with mild soap or denture paste, and if you are not going to wear them at night, soak them in water or denture cleaning solution (be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward).  

Receding gums caused by periodontal disease or the result of aging can increase the chance of tooth decay occurring at the gum line which causes serious problems to the roots.  Good dental care is the best tool in preventing further damage.  See your dentist at the first sign of any bleeding or pain in your mouth.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources: seniorsoralhealth.org/

webmd.com/oral-health/guide/caring-dentures#1

Positive Attitude about Aging May Help Keep You Healthy

An interesting study discovered that if you believe growing older is a negative thing, you may be more likely to develop brain changes typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease.  However the research, which was published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging, suggests that if a person shifts their thinking to more positive feelings on aging; it could actually help to mitigate the damages of Alzheimer’s.

Becca Levy, an associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and the study’s leader said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes,” She goes on to explain that while the findings are concerning, “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beliefs about aging can be reinforced, so that the adverse impact is not inevitable.”

The study examined several negative views such as the belief that elderly people are sickly and have little to contribute.  Positive beliefs included thinking that older people can lead vibrant lives and be engaged in society.  Other types of negative beliefs included ideas such as elderly people cannot concentrate well and are absent-minded.        

All of the participants were a part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, which is a long-term study out of Baltimore.  The first part of the study was conducted with 52 men and women who answered surveys about their opinions on aging.  Participants were also given regular MRI brain scans to check for signs of Alzheimer’s.  Those who answered questions about aging more negatively were found to have a “greater decline in the volume of the hippocampus, a part of the brain critical for memory.”  This is important as “the hippocampus is one of the first areas of the brain to shrink in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.”   

The other component of the study was to conduct brain autopsies on 74 participants who had died.  Researchers found that the brains of those who had held more negative beliefs about aging had more plaques and tangles in their brain, which is a sign of Alzheimer’s.

The findings suggest to researchers that the U.S.’s negative view on aging as compared to other countries such as India, where it is seen more favorably, could contribute to Alzheimer’s being five times more prevalent in America.  Of course positive thinking is no guarantee for good brain health but it sure makes us feel better.  

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources:alzinfo.org/articles/research/negative-beliefs-about-aging-could-prime-the-brain-for-alzheimers/ Becca R. Levy, Martin D. Slade, Luigi Ferrucci, et al: “A Culture-Brain Link: Negative Age Stereotypes Predict Alzheimer’s-Disease Biomarkers.” Psychology and Aging, 12/2015

Physical Activity Can Help Alleviate Age Decline

While most elderly adults are not going to participate in a triathlon, they do want to be as physically fit as possible.  In several interesting studies conducted by Joseph Baker, and recently reported on by the Washington Post, he looks at the question of whether “age decline is a result of simply getting older or being sedentary.”   Baker, a professor and head of the LifeSpan Health and Performance Laboratory in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University in Toronto, and his team of researchers wanted to know why some 70-year-olds can still compete in vigorous athletic competitions while others get winded walking up a flight of stairs.  

Baker based the premise of his research on a pivotal 1996 Stanford University study that still serves as the biomarker for the aging process more than twenty years later.  The Stanford study analyzed age-related decline by looking at individuals’ “number of muscle cells, DNA repair, fingernail growth and physical activity.”  Researchers found that participants had a 0.5 percent decline per year in these factors.    

One of the studies that Baker and his team of Canadian researchers did in 2010 is titled “Do or Decline.”  It was published by the Journal of Health Psychology and involved more than 12,000 adults.   Participants were asked a series of questions on issues ranging from their health condition, cognitive capacity and social engagement to their physical activity.  The study found that “inactivity was a much stronger predictor of functional limitations than either chronic disease or being socially unengaged with life.” 

Studies such as these suggest that even moderate levels of physical activity can improve a person’s physiological, psychological and social conditions.  Baker explains that research like his may help to debunk the widely held notion that all physical decline experienced by an older adult is a natural part of aging.  Furthermore, he asserts that, “Self-efficacy and your belief in your ability to achieve an outcome is very important for predicting performance outcomes and a person’s behavior.”   

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care, our residents have plenty of opportunity to stay active both physically and mentally.  We provide a full monthly calendar of wellness activities along with special outings and events.  Our community offers 55 suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we represent the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a tour.        

 

Source:washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/02/03/do-or-decline-an-athletes-age-may-be-less-important-to-performance-than-persistent-practice/?utm_term=.221660a00ccd 

Osteoarthritis in Seniors

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that affects over 30 million Americans, and while it can occur at any age, the risk of developing OA increases with age.  OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones.  It is believed there is a hereditary component that predisposes some people to OA, and that being overweight can contribute to the severity and early onset of the disease.

Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that lines the joints and allows them to move smoothly as well as cushion the bones.  Stress placed on joints over the years wears away the cartilage causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.  OA most commonly affects hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine but can affect any joint.  Sports injuries and fractures can cause OA later on in life and certain jobs that are strenuous on joints (kneeling or standing for long periods of time) can put you at added risk. 

While there is no cure for OA, it is treated with pain management, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, and reducing the weight on the joints.  An occupational therapist can teach you ways to move to lessen the pain without adding more stress to the joint.  A physical therapist will show you the exercises to do to strengthen your muscles and work to improve things like walking and posture.  Some OA sufferers have turned to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and massage techniques

. 

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Sources: 

cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#1

We Invite You to Visit Our Loving Community

Newly opened in September 2015, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead is located in the Phoenix area on the north side of Glendale in the popular residential neighborhood of Arrowhead.  Designed by the Phoenix firm of Thoma-Holec Design, the contemporary décor of MorningStar’s common areas and spacious suites offer seniors a lifestyle second to none. 

Once you take a look at our gallery of photos posted on our website, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at Arrowhead is a step above the ordinary assisted living community.  With 60 private assisted living suites on two levels, we offer the choice of spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In its own wing, our Reflections Neighborhood has an additional 25 secure suites devoted to the care of those living with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

All of MorningStar residents are treated to a host of creative programs and resort-style amenities and services.  Our promise of a carefree lifestyle includes a beautiful, relaxing outdoor patio complete with fireplace, transportation that makes it easy to get out and about, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.  Furthermore, we have an Executive Chef on staff and residents are served three healthy and delicious meals daily in our elegant dining room.  Additional on-site services include a full salon, massage room, bistro, library, general store, theatre, fitness center, and spa bath.   

However while our facilities are beautiful and the range of amenities incredible, what we are the most proud of is the fact that our staff and residents share a community built on respect and love.  MorningStar offers residents a chance to live carefree lives in the comfort and security of our loving community.  Contact us to schedule a tour and discover why MorningStar at Arrowhead is a great place to call home.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Good Nutrition is Important for Healthy Aging

Unfortunately many seniors do not eat well and are at risk for poor nutrition and even malnutrition, which is often misdiagnosed as a disease or illness. In fact the A Place for Mom website states “Malnutrition is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with varying vitamin deficiencies.”  

There are a number of reasons seniors do not eat well including physiological changes such as a decrease in basal metabolic rate and physical activity that reduces caloric needs.  In addition older adults experience changes in kidney function and a redistribution of body composition, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems and a change in taste and smell. 

All this can depress appetite which means the foods elderly adults do eat is more important than ever.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.”  They recommend elderly adults avoid foods high in empty calories such as cookies, soda, potato chips and alcohol and instead concentrate on a diet of nutrient-rich foods low in saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol.       

Not only does a nutritional diet help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, bone loss, type II diabetes, and some cancers, it can help people to better manage those diseases.  A healthy diet can also give seniors more energy and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan not only agrees that a good diet is important for seniors but we practice it every day.  Our residents dine on three healthy, delicious daily meals served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our resort-style amenities and loving, caring staff.     

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.     

Sources: aplaceformom.com/blog/seniors-nutritional-needs/

nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Discover our Broad Range of Special Events

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead, our goal is to provide seniors a true home where they can enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible.  As such, our community offers all kinds of activities and entertainment in an atmosphere that fosters companionship, socialization, and just pure fun.  

For example, by taking a quick look at the January newsletter, you can see our residents had an opportunity to enjoy themselves and support the Red Cross last month.  All month the community revisited the 1920’s. Residents were invited to reminisce, share, and craft about the roaring twenties. Fun was had by all who dressed up and enjoyed our Evening at the Speakeasy on the 26th!

On January 4th Morningstar at Arrowhead hosted a blood drive to support the American Red Cross Blood Services.  The Red Cross is constantly working to increase the availability of blood and blood products and MorningStar at Arrowhead was pleased to participate.

And looking ahead at February we will be celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week beginning Feb. 12^th and Forever Friends Day on Feb 26^th.  Residents will be finding extra ways to show their friends and neighbors how much they are loved!  Another special event for our residents will be the Reflections Family Night on Valentine’s Day with special entertainment by Patrick NcNally.  And on Fat Tuesday, Feb 28 we will kick off Mardi Gras in style including masks and beads.

This is just a sampling of some of the special events that are in addition to our regularly scheduled activities that take place every month at MorningStar at Arrowhead.  We invite you and your family to schedule a tour to come and experience firsthand our gorgeous community and discover why so many seniors are glad to call it home. 

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.