Our Residents are as Busy as Ever

When you move into MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead’s senior living community, you will be find yourself right in the thick of things with an array of daily activities, special events and memorable celebrations.  Our beautiful, spacious suites provide you with the utmost privacy, but as a resident, you can stay as busy as you like by taking advantage of the opportunities to engage with fellow residents and staff.

Just one look at our website’s News and Events page, and you will see plenty of examples of our seniors having a good time.  From Gary, the Singing Cowboy and Dusty, his trusted horse of 13 years, popping in one Happy Hour to the visits of fifth graders from Sierra Verde STEM Academy, we have had some happy memories recently.  Not to mention our upcoming outings such as trips to Wildlife World Zoo and Desert Diamond Casino.

In addition we offer monthly activities such as Sunday morning church services, movie nights, yoga and exercise classes, group discussions of current events as well as trivia, dominoes, bingo and other games.  Also we have a group of residents who act as Ambassadors to new residents, helping them feel welcome and smooth the transition to our community.

We invite you to visit our website for more information about our fun-loving, beautiful community.  MorningStar at Arrowhead is conveniently located on the north side of Glendale near Peoria and nearby to hospitals, shopping malls, churches, banks, restaurants and grocery stores.  Our senior community consists of 60 private assisted living suites and 25 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood dedicated to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

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.

Seniors Benefit from Physical Exercise

At MorningStar Senior Living at Arrowhead, we recognize that daily exercise is essential to the wellbeing of our residents.  Research backs up that claim as the National Institute of Health (NIA) explains that seniors who stay physically active and regularly exercise receive long-term health benefits.  They state that, “it can even improve the health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.”

Taking part in physical activities such as walking your dog, using the stairs, or gardening as well as regular formal exercises such as weight training, tai chi, or aerobics classes are both beneficial to seniors.  Studies have found an increase in mental capacity and a slower mental decline in older adults who stay physically active as it can help to increase blood flow to all parts of the body including the brain.  The NIA also states that exercise may delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer, and help to reduce death and hospitalization rates. 

    

In addition physical activities and exercises may help to improve healing in seniors, provide better balance and reduce falls, and enhance their overall quality of life.  Furthermore, the research finds that it is never too late to start exercising to receive the benefits.  

Another thing to remember is that you do not need to have full mobility to start exercising as there are many exercises designed to overcome individual limitations.  Activities should include modified stretching exercises to increase flexibility, cardiovascular exercises to raise the heart rate and increase endurance, and weight training to build muscle and bone mass and improve balance. 

    

A few examples of Morningstar at Arrowhead’s activities include Kick Start Your Day, Afternoon Stretches, and our new outdoor walking club as well as a fitness room, strolling paths, and other special activities.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our senior living community.  We have 60 assisted living suites, and 25 secure suites for residents with dementia-related diseases. 

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: nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/chair-exercises-and-limited-mobility-fitness.htm

The Demand for Senior Living Communities Continues to Grow

The US News & World Report recently published an article on the growing demand for senior living communities as the number of elderly adults in the U.S increases.  The Census Bureau predicts that the number of people age 85 and older will grow to 6.6 million and make up almost 2 percent of the population by 2020, which is an increase of 800,000 from 2010.  Moreover, the figure is expected to go up to more than 19 million by 2050, and by 2060, nearly 100 million Americans will be 65 years or older.

While the increasing number of seniors in the U.S. is most likely due to older adults living longer as well as the baby boom that occurred after World War II, more and more seniors are recognizing the advantages of aging in place among their peers.  Senior living communities offer the benefit of a less demanding, more carefree lifestyle and virtually eliminate the problem of social isolation and loneliness.   

Furthermore, today’s senior living communities are worlds apart from the old days when nursing homes were the only option for the elderly.  In addition assisted living and memory care communities provide the daily care personal services that many elderly adults require as well as a whole host of amenities and services.   According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, “There are about 22,000 senior housing and care properties in the U.S.”  

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan is one of the area’s finest senior living communities.  Located in historic Centennial, we offer 55 private suites for assisted living in studio one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Also uur Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

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.     

Source:money.usnews.com/investing/articles/2017-01-06/how-to-invest-in-an-aging-population

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