Help Your Loved One with the Transition to Assisted Living

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Fountain Hills understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life. For some seniors, moving into assisted living can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them. Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches. 

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change. We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose. Also while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of assisted living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones. Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community. 

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance. Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community. After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home. Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen. 

MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides residents with a lifestyle of wellbeing, comfort and community with a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities. Please call to schedule a tour and find out firsthand why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home”.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

MorningStar offers a Companion Living Program

In addition to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills offering seniors a choice of smartly-designed spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, we also allow residents to share living arrangements. Our Companion Living program is specifically designed for unrelated seniors of the same sex to share a suite. This arrangement is available to both our assisted living and memory care residents. 

What are the benefits? Actually, there are many reasons it may make good sense for you or a family member that is considering senior living. Since we understand that people are designed for relationships, most of us flourish when we are in one. However, the fact is that many seniors have lost their long-term life partner and are left feeling bereft and isolated. So besides offering the economic benefit of splitting the monthly rent expense in half, a roommate can help alleviate many of these feelings. 

In addition to providing a companion, a roommate can make the transition period for a new in-coming resident much easier. The seasoned community member can help guide their new companion through all the facets of senior living and make them feel more confident in socializing with the entire community. Also another often overlooked advantage to companion living is that since roommates inherently look out after one another, they may be the first one to notice a change in the health of their roomie. 

To ensure the arrangement works for both parties, MorningStar of Fountain Hills goes to great lengths to match residents who wish to participate in companion living and pair residents based on similar backgrounds and shared interests. Furthermore, even when you share the rent with another resident, you are still offered the full scope of MorningStar resort-style amenities including daily meals, activities, scheduled transportation, entertainment and much more. Please contact us to learn more about one of the best senior living communities in the area.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living communities with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please contact us to schedule a tour.

Normal Aging or Alzheimer’s Disease?

As we age, many of us experience occasional memory loss. While it may be worrisome, most likely it is just a normal part of growing older. In the case of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, a common indicator of the disease is memory loss that happens so often it disrupts daily life. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and recommends if you or a loved one has any of them, to see your health care provider. 

The first sign that you or a loved one’s memory loss may be a sign of a bigger problem is constantly forgetting new information. Memory loss may include: needing to have the same information repeated over and over; forgetting important dates and events; and relying more and more on family members or memory aids to handle things. 

Another way memory loss can adversely affect a person’s life is when it becomes difficult to problem solve. He or she may find it hard to do things they have done well in the past such as keeping track of monthly bills or following a recipe. Some individuals with Alzheimer’s have problems losing their way when traveling familiar routes or keeping track of the month or season of the year. Also, a person may start putting things away in odd places and not remember where they put them. We encourage you to read the Alzheimer’s Association’s full list of common signs of Alzheimer’s. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we compassionately provide care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our beautiful community offers 28 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood designed to care for those in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. Please visit our website to learn more. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a tour to learn more about our holistic approach to memory care.

Sources: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

Senior Living Communities Offer Numerous Benefits

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community. In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities. As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security. 

When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities. Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores. 

Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves. This is not a problem in senior living. Most communities offer transportation to shopping and medical appointments. In addition, many communities routinely schedule day trips to leisure activities such as plays, museums, and other events. 

We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well. In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing meals has become more difficult. Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals. This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated. 

Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own. This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again. Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to provide so much care for their parent as the senior is getting needs met at their “new home.”

Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age. While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone. Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around. If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills, we offer residents a safe and secure place to enjoy our many amenities and activities. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home”.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living communities with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

Help with Downsizing Before You Move into Assisted Living

Once you decide to move into an assisted living community like MorningStar of Fountain Hills, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings. It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task. 

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions. After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends. 

Now measure the size of your new suite and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit in your new place. If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around. It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table. 

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room. The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we do the cooking and serve the food restaurant-style. 

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want. When you get into your new suite, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care community. There you will find an online form to set up a tour or to inquiry about pricing and availability. 

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

New Study Finds “Singing” May Help to Reduce Some Parkinson’s Symptoms

An interesting new study out of the Iowa State University in Ames shows that singing may help to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. The pilot study, led by Elizabeth Stegemöller, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the university, looked at the impact of singing on a small group of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Previously Stegemöller conducted studies that indicated singing may improve respiratory control and may help with swallowing problems. 

Although this was a very small study, it does join a growing body of research. In this case, researchers found the singers had “statistically significant improvements in some motor symptoms that are often unaffected by drugs. In particular, upper extremity bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, and walking were most improved.” Now scientists are left with trying to determine how singing is impacting these symptoms. They say it may be due to oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the love hormone and released during bonding. 

Elizabeth "Birdie" Shirtcliff, an associate professor in human development family studies, explains that, "the singing participants feel positive and less stress in the act of singing with others in the group. This suggests we can look at the bonding hormone, oxytocin."

Another thing the research team is doing is to check the levels of inflammation and neuroplasticity as well as heart rate variability in the subjects after singing. If the study’s results hold true, singing may turn out to be a very cost-effective solution to some of Parkinson’s symptoms. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community is the newest senior housing in Rio Rancho. We are situated within a residential setting and convenient to the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, stores, restaurants, and banks. Take a look at our website or visit our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about unparalleled senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323590.php

parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons

Assisted Living with a Wide Range of Care Services

The new MorningStar of Rio Rancho is scheduled to open this spring and will offer 51 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans. In addition we will have 26 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Our community is committed to providing all of the amenities, programming and services to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our wide scope of resident care helps to extend the stay of our residents even if their health changes and they require more care. We have experience in finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Moreover we are pleased to give residents the benefit of our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. EHR helps to ensure quick access to health records and offers more coordinated, efficient care. It is used for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care and more as well as to provide enhanced privacy and security of resident data. 

Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. We also offer services such as mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. Residents are offered pharmacy services, transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite dental and podiatry services and much more. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s model suites are now open! Please call to set up an appointment to see firsthand the extraordinary care that has gone into our beautiful new community. Loving, compassionate senior housing in Rio Rancho that is a true home!

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best assisted living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho NM.

The Number of Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease Continues to Grow

The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.7 million Americans with the disease. They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease. Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Experts also predicts that as we continue to live longer, the number of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s will grow to nearly 14 million by 2050. Right now it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured. 

These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally. Their studies show that close to 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers “rate their stress level as high or very high.” Approximately 30 to 40 percent of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression, compared with 5 to 17 percent of non-caregivers of similar ages.

Experts recommend that if you are a family caregiver that you reach out for help from a variety of sources including relatives, friends, and local community organizations. Caregiver support groups can also be helpful as you can connect with others who are dealing with the same problems. Respite care and day care centers can also give you some relief from the responsibility and difficulties of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. 

Another solution is to contact MorningStar of Fountain Hills and learn about our experienced and compassionate memory care. Along with 63 bright suites for assisted living, we also have 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please see our website for more information about the loving approach we take to memory care.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, and strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a tour to learn more about our holistic approach to memory care.

Sources: alz.org/facts/overview.asp#prevalence
familydoctor.org/caring-for-a-relative-who-has-dementia/

Regular Eye Exams are Important as You Age

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that early signs of disease or changes in vision can start years before they become a real problem. This is why they recommend “adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40.” 

They also advise that individuals without any risk factors should have an eye exam by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. People age 55 to 64 without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years. Seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.

Getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is important as many age-related eye problems do not show early symptoms. Furthermore, common health problems including diabetes and hypertension can cause eye-related issues as well as some medications. 

A thorough eye exam will check your visual acuity and peripheral vision, coordination of eye muscles and the pupils’ response to light and color testing. The ophthalmologist also examines the interior and back of the eye along with the inside and outside of the eyelid. In addition, eye fluid pressure is measured with a tonometer, which blows a puff of air onto the eye. The test is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases. 

You will additionally be monitored for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) disease. This test uses special instruments to examine the back of your eye to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula. 

Since many eye conditions do not develop symptoms until they are quite advanced, it is important to follow the eye exam recommendations. Also, the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration increases as we get older. 

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

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we represent the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we strive to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please schedule a tour of our community to see the finest senior assisted living Fountain Hills, AZ has to offer. 

Source: aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101

Fountain Hills’ Leadership Team Feels Honored to Serve Seniors

While MorningStar of Fountain Hills was specifically designed to accommodate the needs of its residents, the heart of our community is our caring staff. Right from the leadership down, our team is comprised of people who feel honored to be able to serve seniors and to help make their lives more comfortable and enjoyable. 

As MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ Executive Director, Laura Olson puts it, “My parents inspired (and expected) me to always help those in need. In my small hometown that meant taking someone to dialysis or bringing over a meal. Elders were often the recipients of this hospitality, including my Grandpa Elmer.” Laura finds it amazing that seniors have so much to share and teach about patience, respect and what they have learned in their lives. 

The Fountain Hills commuity is also pleased to have the loving leadership of our Director of Community Relations, Traci Gregory. Traci was instantly attracted to the culture at MorningStar and describes it this way, “The people I have met on this team share my passion to serve and love seniors in every way. MorningStar is here to help families in need, and create an amazing home for loved ones.” She adds that she wishes her grandparents could have had a place like MorningStar.

Our Wellness Director, Judy Flores, relates how as a girl she loved hearing stories and seeing photos of the “Old Ways,” as told by both sets of grandparents. Judy was especially close to her Grandmother Anderson remembering her this way, “She taught me how to cook and garden, including me in everything and displaying great love for me.” She sums up her experience at MorningStar as assisting residents in “living and enjoying life together.”

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living in the Fountain Hills area.

Resort-style Amenities Offer a Lifestyle of Comfort, Wellness and Community

MorningStar of Rio Rancho is a beautiful new assisted living and memory care community that is set to open in the spring of 2019. Rio Rancho will join New Mexico’s two other MorningStar Senior Living communities, MorningStar of Albuquerque and the new MorningStar of Santa Fe. 

Our community will serve as a true home for its residents and helps to fill an overall need for senior housing in the Rio Rancho area. Also unlike other senior living communities, MorningStar has both a compassionate and loving team as well as a wide array of resort-style amenities to ensure every need of our residents is met. 

As a resident of our fine community, you will enjoy amenities such as meals prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our charming dining room or in a private dining room reserved for intimate dinners. Other highlights include a 24-hour bistro with full bar, a workshop and art studio, spa and massage therapy room, fitness center, salon, and a theatre/chapel. Set on 5.5 acres, our outdoor area will include courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, barbecue and fire pit, walking paths and resident gardening areas. 

MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer technological features such as community-wide Internet and an emergency call system. Each stylish assisted living suite is also equipped with a stacked washer/dryer. All residents will have access to 24-hour care and a full-time licensed nurse, housekeeping and linen services, and schedules transportation. And if you are wondering, our community is pet friendly! 

For details on the most compassionate, comfortable senior housing in Rio Rancho, we encourage you to visit our Information Center on the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. Our new community is conveniently located and just a block away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, and close to a variety of restaurants, stores, and banks. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. We will open to residents in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho.

Our New Community is Designed as a “True Home”

If you missed the sneak peek of MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s model suites that opened to the public on February 9th and 10th, please give us a call to set up an appointment to come out and take a look. Our model suites perfectly reflect the meticulous care that has gone into every aspect of our gorgeous community. 

Starting with our attractive exterior designed by Rosemann & Associates, P.C, a firm that specializes in senior housing, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is a place anyone would be proud to call home. Situated on an expansive 5.5 acre campus, it provides residents and their families the opportunity to get out and enjoy New Mexico’s beautiful outdoor weather. The exterior areas feature comfortable courtyards with unique artwork and trellises, strolling paths, resident gardening areas, and a barbecue with an outdoor kitchen and fire pit.

In addition our spacious 70,863-square-foot-building offers lots of common areas that include a workshop and art studio, a community activities space with demonstration kitchen, and a full bar. Meals are served restaurant-style in a charming dining room, or for special occasions, we offer a private dining room for intimate diners. 

Beautifully-appointed throughout, our interior is designed by the award-winning senior interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design, known for their passion and expertise in designing comfortable, functional, innovative and dignified environments for seniors. Our Gallery page pictures display a home-like interior that is designed for our residents’ utmost comfort. 

We encourage you to visit our website for contact information regarding one of the finest assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho, NM. Due to open this spring, our community will offer 51 assisted living suites and 26 suites devoted to the individualized care of resident with memory impairment. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. When you visit our Information Center, ask for a tour of our newly opened model suites representing the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Tips to Help Make Assisted Living More Affordable

When we open in the spring of 2019, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will proudly offer the best senior housing in Rio Rancho. Our beautiful 70,863-square-foot community is situated on a 5.5-acre lot and has 51 private assisted living suites as well as 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

For residents in assisted living, your monthly fee is based on the size of the suite, location within the building and view, and your level of care (we offer 5 levels) as determined by a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. The fee for memory care residents is all-inclusive (suite and care) and is one packaged price. 

To help families find ways to make assisted living more affordable, we provide information on a variety of innovative financial options and other often under-used benefits. One such example is to make veterans aware of the “Aid & Attendance” pension benefit. We refer them to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs where they can find out if they qualify. 

Another resource to help pay for assisted living is Long-term Care insurance. To see what expenses, and/or up to what amounts, will be covered under your policy, review your Benefits Summary section to learn about the specifics of coverage, daily benefit, policy limit, and elimination period. 

Many people also overlook life insurance policies as a source for funds. However in some cases, whole life and universal life policies can be used to raise funds through cash surrender, death benefit loans and other means. We recommend consulting your accountant or tax advisor for information on any tax liabilities you may incur. 

Furthermore be sure to ask about MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s Founders Club savings of up to $5,000 (available for a limited time only). Please stop by our onsite Information center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road or give us a call. We look forward to meeting potential residents and their families.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening in spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about compassionate assisted living and memory care in Rio Rancho, NM.

Good Balance Can Help Prevent Falls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year. The result is that “every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life. 

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere. The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability. They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises. To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite legs. Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases. 

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot. Your heel and toes should be touching. Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk. Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

As one of the area’s top assisted living facilities, MorningStar of Rio Rancho will offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility. Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections. Please visit our website to learn more about loving, luxurious senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening to residents in the spring of 2019, we invite you to tour our model suites to see firsthand what exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM looks like. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/balance-exercises/sls-20076853

Assisted Living that Offers Unique Ways to Stay Active & Connected

MorningStar of Happy Valley is a gorgeous new assisted living community scheduled to open at the end of 2019. Our entire community is being designed from the ground up to fulfill the various needs of residents in terms of care services, fine dining, and stimulating activities and programs. To ensure residents stay connected and informed, we offer community-wide wireless Internet service, a library equipped with a computer, a chapel/theatre with Wii, and the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology. 

iN2L is a state-of-the-art engagement system that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software to provide a fun and easy way for older adults to stay active and connected. Its library is filled with 3,000 areas of interest and is designed to allow a person to effortlessly use a computer regardless of background and physical or intellectual abilities and limitations. Topics covered include engaging social and spiritual connections as well as intellectual and physical stimulation, emotional support and vocational interests. 

Another exciting way to interact with iN2L is to create a “My Page, which is your personal collection of favorite games, email addresses, family photos and your most frequently, visited websites. In this space you can share your history, receive updates and photos from family members, and connect with loved ones through a web cam. 

The iN2L system also has specialized engagement tools for seniors dealing with dementia and other cognitive disorders. A range of programs and games have been specially designed by the experts with the goal to reduce anxiety, engage to refocus, entertain to redirect, or stimulate reminiscing conversations. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 private assisted living suites as well as 27 secure memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living has senior living communities throughout the Western U.S. including the recently opened MorningStar of Beaverton. Please visit our website for contact information or directions to our onsite Information Center.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. As one of the top senior living communities in the area, we invite you to contact us or visit our onsite Information Center.

Alternative Medication-free Treatments for Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and up until recently offered few options in terms of treatment. Typical treatments included prescription drugs to help alleviate symptoms and/or a special device implanted in patients, used to help control tremors. 

However since Parkinson’s affects the whole body, doctors and researchers have been looking at different complementary and alternative methods to treat the many symptoms of the disease. The U.S. News and World Report recently published an article describing some of those different methods of treatment. 

As Parkinson’s occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain stem die off, doctors say exercise is key to managing some of the effects of Parkinson’s. Dr. Dean Sutherland, a neurologist and Parkinson’s disease specialist in Sarasota, Florida, explains, “Exercise releases dopamine into the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by taking medication. That helps with motor issues like stiffness, tremors and muscle freezing.”

Other activities that appear to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease include massage therapy to help alleviate stiffness and pain; and acupuncture, which helps some people reduce tremors and also relieves stiff muscles and pain. Physical therapy appears to help patients improve balance and gait as well as flexibility. There are even programs specifically targeted to Parkinson’s patients that focus on teaching them to take bigger steps to avoid common walking problems such as shuffling. 

In addition people with Parkinson’s are discovering that alternative treatments such as singing can help improve voice volume, which in turn, can improve their social interactions. When you can control the volume of your voice to be heard by others, you are more likely to feel comfortable interacting socially. Another thing proving to be helpful to people with balance problems is aqua therapy. Parkinson’s patients have found that being in the water gives them the freedom to move about with the fear of falling. And finally as swallowing can become difficult for some people with Parkinson’s, swallowing therapy is also recommended. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our assisted living community will offer a wide range of care services including physical, occupational, respiratory, speech, and massage therapy. Scheduled to open late this year, we will offer 61 suites for assisted living and 27 suites dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more.

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Opening at the end of the year, we proudly bring to the area one of the most loving senior living communities. 

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2019-01-11/medication-free-ways-to-treat-parkinsons-disease

Holiday Gifts for Seniors

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are stumped as to what to buy for an elderly parent and other senior loved ones. Experts suggest you keep in mind they most likely they do not need a lot of “things” but would appreciate something that helps to make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable. 

In fact, do not limit yourself to the idea that gifts have to be something new. Many seniors enjoy getting out and taking them to an activity they love such as a sport’s game (maybe a game of their grandchild’s), a play, or concert is quality time spent together. Another idea is to give them a series of gift certificates for a year’s worth of monthly dinners out with you or for things like haircuts, manicures, a spa day with massage, or even ride services. 

As many elderly adults get cold easily, a comfy, soft throw blanket makes for a good gift. Another thoughtful gift especially for someone with Alzheimer’s is a customized photo blanket. They can be order through several large retailers and are not too expensive. If your parent is a music lover, expand their collection with popular songs from their younger days, and if they don’t already have one, buy them a portable boom box that is easy to use. 

Another gift idea is to get them a phone or simplified tablet that will let them facetime, enjoy family photos, and browse the Internet. Gift baskets filled with favorite foods or new soaps and lotions, non-skid soled slippers or compression socks also are appreciated by seniors. Other ideas include large-print playing cards, puzzles, and adult coloring books with a new set of markers are also fun gifts for seniors. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more compassionate senior housing in Rio Rancho.

February is American Heart Month

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion state that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women (1 in 4 deaths) in the U.S. The organization is committed to helping people lead heart healthy lives by raising awareness and spreading strategies for preventing the disease. 

Some of their suggestions for prevention include small lifestyle changes such as flavoring food with spices rather than using salt as well as adopting overall healthier eating habits. They recommend staying active (or get active) and maintaining a healthy weight. Also to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If you smoke, quit and avoid secondhand smoke. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. Also it is important to manage stress. 

Remember you are at a greater risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and are not exercising and following a healthy diet. Genetics may also put you at a higher risk as well as your age. If you had a father or brother with heart disease before age 55 or a mother with the disease before 65, it may indicate a family history. 

The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease. This causes the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart to become blocked by cholesterol and plaque buildup. Chest pains or a heart attack are a sign of a blocked artery. 

Once the MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community opens this spring, residents will be treated to delicious, nutritional meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition they will have a range of wellness programs and activities that support and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. As the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we invite you to visit our beautiful model suites. 

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Please visit our Information Center and ask for a tour of our stylish model suites to get an idea of high quality senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. 

Source: healthfinder.gov

How to Help Your Parent Transition into Assisted Living

While we recognize the many benefits of assisted living communities, any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly a big change for most seniors. This is why experts have tips to help families support their loved one during the transition. 

A couple of common problems families encounter are a parent feeling abandoned or frustrated by a perceived loss of independence. Your loved one may also experience problems adjusting to a new routine. They may resent having to downsize and moving from their own home to a smaller apartment. 

Psychologist Dr. Deborah L. Stote explains it will help seniors adjust to their new home if they get encouragement and support from their family during their first days and weeks at the assisted living community. She says seniors “need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known.” However, Dr. Stote cautions families not to do too much “handholding.” Being too protective can be counterproductive and prevent them from trying to make an adjustment to their new home. 

While transitioning to assisted living can be difficult for some seniors, others quickly realize the advantage of no longer having to worry about their homes’ upkeep or needing to prepare their own meals. Their earlier feelings of resentment or sadness turn into feelings of gratitude as they understand their new home is better equipped to help them maintain their independence and can give them the support and care they need. 

The MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community is scheduled to open in late 2019 and looks forward to filling the niche in the area for luxury senior living. Our staff will be comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. Also our onsite Information Center is now open and we look forward to meeting potential residents and their families. Please visit our website for contact information and directions to our community. 

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Contact us to learn more about one of the top senior living communities in Happy Valley. 

Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/

Our Leadership Team is Ready to Go!

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, the area’s newest senior housing in Rio Rancho, is designed by the award-winning senior living interior specialist, Thoma-Holec Design. However, while we focused on meeting residents’ needs with our gorgeous physical structure, we have also put in place a leadership team that is as professional as they are compassionate. 

Ms. Shannon Barker has been appointed as our Executive Director and will lead our mission of honoring God in our business practices and relationships, valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and investing in our team members’ ability to serve well. Shannon recounts how seniors dramatically changed her life and believes them to be the most valued people in our society. She explains that, “To care for those who once cared for me is one of the highest honors. While science and technology have radically changed our world, some of life’s lessons do not change from generation to generation.” She says seniors have decades of experience to share, and she enjoys unlocking that knowledge.

To head up Community Relations, Director Patty Campbell brings fifteen years of experience in community health programs. She relates how her sweet grandma Pearl taught her the importance of always looking for the joy and happiness in any situation. As Patty’s beloved grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, she explains that “MorningStar’s holistic approach through Lavender Sky to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore with the memory-impaired is why I feel blessed to join the MorningStar family.”

Opening in the spring of 2019, we offer 51 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. We also have 26 secure suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you would like to learn more, please give us a call or stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road. Additionally ask about our Founders Club Benefit savings of up to $5,000 available for a limited time.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. We will open to residents in the spring of 2019, but in the meantime, visit our Information Center for more information on the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho.