MorningStar Senior Living: July 2023

Friday, July 21, 2023

How to Know When It’s Time to Consider a Senior Living Community for Your Parent

It’s difficult to watch your parents struggle with everyday tasks. You’re used to your parents being the “rock” of the family. Still, now you’re worried if chores around the home are being managed, if they are cooking themselves dinner, or taking their medication correctly. These are common concerns for adult children to experience when their parents age. If you are not able to stay with your parents full time and find that they are having a difficult time caring for themselves, alternative senior care may be the answer for you.

If you are beginning to think it’s time for your parents to relocate into a senior living community, keep track of these changes that they might be experiencing. If your parents struggle to maintain their home, such as keeping up with household chores, repairs, or yard work, a senior living community will provide a maintenance-free lifestyle, allowing them to enjoy their time without the burdens of homeownership.

Likewise, if you notice your parents isolating themselves and experiencing abnormal bouts of depression or anxiety, this may also be a sign that they need extra help and community. A senior living or assisted living community, such as MorningStar in Glendale, Arizona, will offer and encourage opportunities for social engagement, community activities, and the chance to form meaningful relationships with peers.

At MorningStar senior living communities, you will find the answer to the rumination you’re experiencing. Dedicated to making retirement years carefree, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead provides seniors with the finest assisted living Glendale has to offer. Every aspect of our senior living community is designed for comfort and starts with 60 private s assisted living suites on two levels in a variety of floorplans. Graciously-appointed common areas include a living room, a fireside patio and porches, all-day, restaurant-style dining and more. Signature wellness programs such as WayFinders, activities, special events, and outings keep residents engaged and productive.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, 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.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s social activities and retirement communities in Glendale AZ. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Arizona. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona.

Learn More About MorningStar of Fort Collins

For exceptional memory care or assisted living, Fort Collins’ MorningStar community offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need. Located on the southeast side of town, our community offers 55 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 24 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including suite plans, a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company. We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help families determine if assisted living is the right choice for their loved one. You will also find other pages discussing topics such as affordability and Aid & Attendance for veterans.

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of subjects and provide answers to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy. Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services.

While this is just a portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, email, Facebook, or use our Community Assistant that lets you start a live chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Fort Collins offers.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

A Guide to Choosing the Right Senior Living Community for Your Loved One

Are you or your loved one feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of aging? For seniors aged 55 and up, it may be time to consider senior living options that can ease the everyday stress of old age. Although choosing the right senior living community will never be emotionally easy, MorningStar senior living communities in Glendale, Az make it much simpler than you think. Our retirement community in Glendale will take away the stress of making the very important decision about where your loved one will be spending this next phase of their life.

To determine what senior living community is right for you or your senior loved one, it is important to determine what level of care they currently require and what may change in the future. As the current caregiver or guardian, you should actively consider factors such as assistance with activities of daily living, medical conditions, memory care requirements, social preferences, and any other specific amenities or services they may require to be comfortable outside of their home.

After doing research, you’ll discover that MorningStar senior and assisted living offers the very best senior living options Glendale has to offer. Our retirement communities handle all the maintenance, inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping. Our Independent Living suites are equipped with a washer/dryer and full kitchens for the meals you feel like preparing on your own.

For assisted living and memory care, our distinctive Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is on its one-story wing. We provide a fully supportive environment to help seniors live rich, independent lives while receiving the care they need.

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from residing in an independent living community? MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Glendale, Arizona, 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.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Fort Collins

If you or a loved one needs more care, you may be looking at what assisted living communities have to offer in the Fort Collins area. At MorningStar, our assisted living provides residents help with the activities of daily living along with a beautiful home that offers everything you need to live life to the fullest. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ is on the southeast side of the city, and convenient to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and other services.

After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our beautiful community, you will certainly understand why MorningStar of Fort Collins is the type of assisted living you want for yourself or a loved one. Along with luxury amenities, care services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences.

MorningStar of Fort Collins’ stylish suites are designed for our residents’ utmost comfort and safety and include lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, and wall-to-wall carpeting. Each unit is equipped with full, handicap-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and separate heating and air conditioning controls. In addition, your monthly fee will include basic cable TV and utilities as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal. We also offer weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and have onsite laundry facilities available to residents.

All you need to do is bring your furnishings and personal items to your new home and we will provide the rest including three daily tasty and nutritious meals, a 24/7 care staff, full-time licensed nurse, scheduled transportation and much more. And in case you wondered, MorningStar of Fort Collins is pet friendly. Please contact us for more information about pricing, availability and to schedule a tour.

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 one of the finest assisted living communities in Fort Collins, CO.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Discover Short-Term Support for Your Loved One: MorningStar’s Respite Care

Did you know that your nearby senior living communities may offer respite care for short-term stays? This easily accessible option helps you get the temporary help you need as a caregiver without your parent or loved one having to fully move into a senior living community. MorningStar’s senior living community in Glendale, Arizona offers reliable respite care for short-term residents with the same level of attention and care that full-time seniors receive. During a respite stay at MorningStar, your parent or loved one will be included in daily activities, receive medication management, and be under skilled supervision while you need to be away.

A respite stay at MorningStar Senior Living is a short, 30 days or less, stay at one of our retirement communities. Short-term stays for seniors are ideal for those who are recovering from surgery that a caregiver at home is not equipped to handle at that time or if the caregiver needs to be away from the home for whatever reason. At MorningStar, we understand the unique needs of every family, which is why we open up our senior living community to seniors in need of companionship, exquisite care, and supervision for a month or less.

Our care managers at MorningStar are devoted to offering the very best senior care in Glendale, AZ. While on a respite stay, you can trust that your parent or loved one has the opportunity to socialize safely within our community as if they were regular residents and will be invited and encouraged to join in on daily activities, as well as dine with the other seniors. Any special needs or accommodations your loved one needs will also be taken care of with the utmost attention as MorningStar specializes in medication management and offers a full-time licensed nurse available for all residents.

Gift Ideas for an Elderly Parent or Grandparent

Trying to find thoughtful gifts for an elderly parent or grandparent can be a challenge. If they live in an assisted living community that provides for many of their needs or an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up a lot of room or already has it.

This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy.

If they haven’t gotten a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice operated. They can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use.

Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain or a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids.

For exceptional assisted living, Fort Collins-area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar. Our all-inclusive community offers a range of luxury amenities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every suite is well designed to maximize space and options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Residents enjoy five-star dining, salon, fitness room, bistro, and scheduled transportation as well as our signature wellness programs and activities. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar of Fort Collins and be sure to ask us about our Move-in Specials.

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 assisted living Fort Collins, CO offers.

Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Both Cognitive and Physical Abilities

Along with changes in the person’s memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s physical abilities. Experts explain dementia symptoms can change everything from the way a person walks, talks, and how their body works. Normal body functions such as going to the bathroom, carrying on a conversation and maintaining balance become more and more difficult.

While unfortunately we do not yet know the cause of Alzheimer’s, doctors suspect the symptoms are caused by a buildup of harmful proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau, which create clumps called tangles and plaque. These clumps get in the way of normal brain functions and kill healthy cells.

Changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease include loss of balance and coordination, which puts a person at a higher risk of a fall. A person’s feet may shuffle or drag along as they walk. Another symptom includes weakened muscles and fatigue that makes it difficult to stand or sit upright in a chair. Trouble controlling the bladder and bowels as well as seizures and twitches are other common symptoms.

While some people experience a slower pace of the disease and live up to 20 years after a diagnosis, the average life expectancy is 4 to 8 years. The most common cause of death in a person with Alzheimer’s is pneumonia, another infection, or a heart attack.

If you are looking for assisted living dementia care for a loved one in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Bear Creek. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. Every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted, safe and secure. Please contact us for more information.

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 assisted living dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Source: webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-body

Friday, July 14, 2023

There are Things You Can Do to Help Improve Your Memory

Many of us occasionally forget where we put our keys; forget an appointment or the name of a new acquaintance. Experts say this is common and usually not serious but just a sign the person is too preoccupied and busy. However, consistent memory problems that start to interfere with a person’s day-to-day life may be a sign of a bigger problem.

Memory loss can be caused by a number of things such as genetics, age, and medical conditions affecting the brain. If you are experiencing more than your share of memory problems, experts say there are a number of things you can do. These include lifestyle changes like improving diet, avoiding smoking and talking to your doctor regarding current health conditions and medications you are taking.

Experts say we can also train our brain to think better much as we do with exercise to improve muscle strength. Mental workouts can expand and challenge our brains, which may improve memory. A large trial from the journal PLoS One, reports study participants who did just 15 minutes of brain training activities for at least five days a week showed improvement in brain functions. Their activities focused on quick recall and the ability to memorize patterns.

Other activities related to improving brain health include exercising, meditating, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. Several studies show drinking coffee or green teas with caffeine can improve memory as does eating dark chocolate. However, researchers advise against eating foods high in sugar or calorie content as it may lead to high levels of inflammation in parts of the brain, and affect memory.

MorningStar at Bear Creek provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us for more information about trusted memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care assisted living in Colorado Springs.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326068

Assisted Living Provides Help With Daily Activities

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into an assisted living community knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many senior living communities such as MorningStar of Billings have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away. Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary in size and number of bedrooms, all our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, lots of natural light and a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave. In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required. Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping and delicious meals they no longer need to cook.

MorningStar of Billings offers the kind of senior living families can trust. Along with assisted living, we provide independent living for active seniors and memory care 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’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 in Billings, MT. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Snacks Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna.

If you are looking for trusted senior living, MorningStar of Happy Valley is it. Our beautiful community provides assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar’s warm, loving environment includes beautiful surroundings, care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. Visit our website for more information, to inquire about availability and pricing, or 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Are You Having Memory Problems?

Experts say typically an individual’s memory problems start slowly and are initially only known to them. Dr. Martin Albers, assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, calls this stage “subjective cognitive decline, where the person senses that they’re having some cognitive issues with short-term memory and word-finding, particularly with proper names.” Other early signs include visual perception problems like confusing words or reversing numbers but are typically easy to work around and to live pretty normally.

When memory loss is caused by Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, symptoms get progressively worse. Dr. Albers says it is important to be medically screened and your first visit should be with your primary healthcare provider. They can assess you both physically and mentally including doing a complete medical history, family history, social history, current medication list and a review of any loss of abilities with day-to-day activities.

You may be given a cognitive exam like SAGE (self-administered gerocognitive exam) or the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Blood tests typically include cholesterol, B12 and other markers to indicate how well your liver and thyroid are functioning as well as a CT scan or an MRI.

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, it is important to remember there are other things that may be causing memory problems such as strokes, heart, liver or kidney disease; diabetes and medications. Once a problem is identified, experts say the best doctors to add to your medical team are those with a special interest in cognitive disorders such as geriatricians or neurologists. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a list of clinical trials that may offer some alternative options for treatment.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, our entire community is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about compassionate, loving memory care in Colorado Springs.

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 memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/which-doctor-should-i-see-for-dementia-and-cognitive-decline

Luxury Independent Living at MorningStar of Billings

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change. At MorningStar of Billings, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers. In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Our community offers well-designed cottages and suites in a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Several of the plans have two bathrooms. Each unit has high ceilings, kitchen with full appliances, and a balcony or patio. Cottages also include a fireplace and one-car garage. For your safety, each apartment has an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom. Also, we are happy to welcome your furry friend as we are pet friendly.

MorningStar of Billings’ amenities include chef-inspired meals with all-day dining and full-service dining rooms. We also have a bistro, a fitness room, a billiards & game room, and an in-house salon. In addition, we have a theater, a library and a private dining room for intimate dinners. Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have strolling paths and raised garden beds.

Along with independent living, MorningStar of Billings has suites for assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 36 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Billings may be the place for you. 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Billings, MT.