Enjoy Built-in Companionship at MorningStar of Happy Valley

While we tend to think of assisted living communities as offering senior care services, amenities and wellness programs, there is one thing many people forget about. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we call it built-in companionship. In other words, the easy camaraderie that grows based on the spirit of friendships and community between one resident to another as well as between residents and our dedicated team and the surrounding community. 

Research continues to add to the growing evidence regarding the value of companionship and the benefit it offers to seniors. Studies are proving time and time again that socialization among older adults not only keeps the brain sharp, but it can even decrease the risk of developing dementia. Unfortunately in today’s society, too many older adults say they feel isolated, which also puts them at risk for depression.

Experts say along with helping to keep the elderly mentally sharp, socialization increases a person’s sense of belonging. Knowing someone is there you can count on during life’s ups and downs is important. In fact, older adults with a good social network appear to have higher self-esteem and feel more confident.    

Friends help us realize the importance of prioritizing our personal health and make it more likely we continue to take care of ourselves. Another benefit of a strong social life is it gives our lives meaning and purpose, and keeps us more engaged and excited about life. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities and care services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. 

In addition, for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide compassionate, all-inclusive memory care. Please contact us to schedule a tour for a firsthand look at outstanding senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

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 and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

Does Your Parent Need More Help with Daily Living?

Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several sign to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad.  

The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness?  

Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be?  It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them. An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance.   

Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship.  Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own. Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others.  We encourage you to plan a visit to MorningStar to discover our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Sources: helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm

caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is Designed for a Carefree Retirement

If you would like the freedom to enjoy your retirement years without many worries, we invite you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills.  Located in Fountain Hills, AZ, our community has views of the celebrated lake fountain, whose geyser shoots water to a height of over 500 feet every hour. We are also conveniently located to hospitals, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores.

For assisted living, we offer 63 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans on two levels, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Each unit offers high-end finishes and includes lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  

For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Furthermore, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides a whole host of wellness programs and activities to engage residents intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.   If you take a look at our monthly calendar posted on our website, you will see a variety of daily activities that are inspirational and motivating as well as just plain fun. If all this sounds like something you or a loved one would be interested in, we invite you schedule a visit to see our beautiful community in person.     

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 and memory care in the area.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills Proudly Welcomes Vets

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pleased to provide families with ideas for additional financial solutions beyond traditional retirement savings and investment income to help pay for assisted living or memory care.  On our website, you will find extensive information on several under-utilized financial benefits and resources including a full explanation of the generous “Aid & Attendance” pension from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.   

Aid & Attendance is a monthly benefit payment available to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities.  To be eligible, the vet must have served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days spent serving during a period of a foreign war. Furthermore, the vet cannot have been dishonorably discharged.  The benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired from the military. Surviving spouses of the vet are also eligible for the Aid & Attendance pension if they were married to the vet at the time of their death and have not remarried.      

When we find out that a vet or the family of a vet is interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to local resources that can help to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.  In every state including Arizona, there is a Department of Military/Veteran Affairs staffed with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who will help you complete the 41-page Aid & Attendance application free of charge. The approval process typically takes 3 to 4 months.  

Throughout our many MorningStar’s communities, we are privileged to have veterans from all five branches of military service call us home.  Please visit our website and take a look at our Family Resources information regarding ways to finance assisted living including “Aid & Attendance” pension benefits for Veterans.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

It is Important that Seniors Stay Hydrated

Now that we are in mid-summer and outside temperatures are soaring, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.  

There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age.  This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration.  Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink.  

Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink  something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time.  The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our assisted living and memory care community is designed to see to the needs of our residents.   Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Seniors and Heat-related Illness

While beautiful, summers in Rio Rancho are hot and sunny with temperatures typically in the upper-80s or higher so it is important to remember that seniors in particular can easily become overheated.   As statistics unfortunately show, during 1999-2009 “approximately 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65 years old.”  

Experts explain this is mainly due to the fact that as we age, we are less efficient at regulating our body temperature.  When people over the age of 65 heat up, they do not sweat as much as they did when they were younger and sweating is one of the body’s most important heat-regulation features.  Seniors also store fat differently, which makes them more prone to heat illnesses and as temperatures heat up, so does their internal body temperature especially in hot environments or in the direct sun.   

Another reason why seniors become overheated is their thirst sensation has lessened, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.  Instead of feeling thirsty, many seniors just feel tired and dragged out. Even the kidneys do not conserve body water as well, which can cause problems.  Furthermore, it is important to know certain drugs can cause dehydration including diuretics and medications for blood pressure and heart disease.   

Diet can also play a role in becoming dehydrated, which is why food high in sodium should be avoided.  If you are a senior or help to care for one, please remember to drink water throughout the day, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and to stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s mission is to provide the best senior living in Rio Rancho NM, and our residents enjoy a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our deliciously prepared meals take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions with choices that include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for our residents to self-manage.  Please visit our website for more details and contact information.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Managing Medications can be Difficult for the Elderly

It is no wonder that some elderly adults get confused with their medications and often miss doses or take too much of a medication. According to 2010 statistics, “medication usage among elderly patients in the US is eye-opening: more than one-third of prescription drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills).”  In addition the average elderly patient takes more than five prescription medications; and the average nursing home patient takes seven medications.

If your elderly parent is on several medications, do you know if they are managing dosages appropriately?  A quick look in their medicine cabinet or wherever they keep their medications should give you a good idea.  If they have outdated bottles of pills mixed in with current prescriptions or un-opened bags from the pharmacy, chances are they are not doing a good job.  

Experts warn it can be a sensitive topic to broach with your loved one, but if you start slowly, you should be able to help them get things sorted out and organized.  Begin by listing all of the current medications they take including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins. Your list should include medicine they take every day and things they use occasionally. 

Now take the list to their pharmacist to see if the combination of what they are taking is safe to do so.  Many drugs can poorly interact with one another or be redundant. Check with their doctor to see if they still need to take a particular drug or is it just getting refilled over and over again.  If it helps, get a new pillbox that better fits their need. There are many choices including color coded and multiple holders. If medication management continues to be a problem, you may need to get more help for your parent.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, our assisted living community is designed to provide the utmost care for our residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. If you are you looking for senior living in Rio Rancho NM, please visit our website for more information.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Rio Rancho, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho NM.

Music May Help Calm Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”  Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.  

Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.  Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”  When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time.  

Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person.  It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.”   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is one of the top assisted living communities in the area offering dedicated memory care.  As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease.  Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  Please contact us to learn about our assisted living and memory care community.

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 area.

Sources: 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php

Wellness Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you are considering assisted living, and like many older adults suffer from a chronic health condition, MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ community is designed to help you better manage it.  We define health and well-being holistically, and as such, offer a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirt.  Both our Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play an important role in making our community the best choice for senior living in the Fountain Hills area.  

We are pleased to offer assisted living residents the many benefits provided by our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This ensures an accurate record of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The EHR system not only allows us to maintain accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents, but enhances privacy and security of the data.  

Some of our services to residents include a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and onsite throughout the week, and CPR-trained team members on each shift.  We also offer 24-hour Care Managers and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Our team does routine Care Plan reviews as well as scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations. 

In addition, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers care services such as mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  Residents receive scheduled physician visits (with a choice of physicians), pharmacy services and onsite dental services and podiatry. Please visit our website’s Care Services page to see our entire list of services.   

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 bright suites for assisted living and 28 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us for more information, 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 area.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we will provide our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our gorgeous new residential home offers resort-style amenities, a wide range care services and enrichment programs to enhance residents’ health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.   

Headed up by an enthusiastic Life Enrichment Team, each day MorningStar will present creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our activities will engage residents physically, mentally, spiritually and socially and help them to tap into their unique talents and experiences.  

We also will take to the road with outings and field trips to local parks, museums, shopping malls, and other areas of interest.  To get an idea of some of the activities our other MorningStar Senior Living communities offer, please visit our website and go to another community’s home page.   At the bottom of the page, you will find photos of “Life Around our House” or “Upcoming Events.” Pictures often include holiday celebrations or special events such as dances, family picnics and fundraising activities.  MorningStar communities never miss an opportunity to have fun! Furthermore take a look at one of our established communities’ monthly assisted living calendars to get an idea of everything that is offered to our residents.    

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our extensive grounds will include outdoor courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit and strolling paths as well as an in-house salon for hair-styling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, and much more.  We will also have a Bistro open 24-hours a day, and along with our beautiful restaurant-style dining in our main dining room, we offer residents a private dining area for intimate dinners with family and friends. 

Our website has a lot more information on our Happy Valley community including a direct link to find out more about pricing and availability.   You will also find 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, which is open seven days a week! 

Why You Need a Good Night’s Sleep

Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing.  Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.  

Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.”  Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns.  We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors.  

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality and resilience that seniors need to age better.  In fact insomnia is associated with poor health and mortality. Lack of sleep can also increase older adults’ risk of a fall, and some studies suggest a history of sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cognitive problems.  Routinely napping during the day is another problem that interferes with a good night’s sleep.  

Tips for getting a better night’s sleep include avoiding eating and working late.  Experts say to turn off the TV and other smart devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime as the blue light emitted from electronics prevents the body from releasing melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.  Follow a set bedtime, and right before you plan to go to sleep do some deep breathing and light stretching. It is recommended we try to get eight to nine hours of sleep on most nights.   

As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area (we are scheduled to open late this year), MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care.  Our residents will have 24/7 care along with a wide assortment of resort-style amenities and enrichment programs and activities.   Our onsite Information Center is open seven days a week. Please visit our website for details.

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 late this year, we look forward to being one of the area’s best senior living communities. 

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516307/

Get the Care You Need at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

If you or your loved one needs assisted living, we encourage you to take a look at one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer - MorningStar.  A quick look through MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ photo gallery will show you the lovely outdoor areas our residents enjoy as well as pictures of our comfortable and stylish common areas and beautiful private suites.  Although we provide a range of resort style amenities and services, our most outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors.

Before you even move in, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs.  For our assisted living residents, we offer as many as five Care Levels. Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Fountain Hills community, we adjust the level of care as needed.  In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by a simple point system that takes into account the cost and time of providing each service whether it is help with daily personal activities or medical assistance.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it.

For our Reflections Neighborhood memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed.   Also you should know that our community has the ability to care for residents from the onset of the disease all the way through to the advanced stages.  

MorningStar of Fountain Hills is comprised of 63 private assisted living suites and 28 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  While our website photos may show-off our beautiful home, you need to schedule a tour to see firsthand MorningStar of Fountain Hills’ loving community.   

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills, AZ offers.

Worried About Your Parent’s Safety & Wellbeing?

Have you started to suspect that your parent is not doing so well living on their own?  Experts say there are several things you should look for that will help you determine if it is time to make a change in their living situation.  

One of the biggest concerns for families is safety as they begin to see their parents struggle with health issues that can make them more vulnerable to accidents and medical crises.   Things to be on the lookout for include poor balance or failing eyesight that increases their risk for a fall; or the worry that comes from knowing they have already fallen.  Maybe you have noticed bruises or cuts they are reluctant to talk. In addition if your parent is still driving, have they recently had a fender bender or another mishap while driving?

Are you worried your loved one’s forgetfulness is putting their safety in jeopardy?  Do you have reason to believe that they are prone to wander or that their forgetfulness is leading to behaviors such as leaving the stove-top or oven on?  

Other signs that your parent needs more help is if you have noticed a change in their hygiene such as wearing the same clothes day after day and having difficulty with personal bathing and toileting.  Do they look as if they have lost weight recently? Is the refrigerator empty or filled with spoiled food? Also look around their home. Has there been a change in their housekeeping such as dirty dishes in the sink, mail stacking up and unread, and a general neglectful look to the home.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley will provide area seniors with compassionate, inclusive assisted living and memory care.   Our community is designed from the ground up to be a true home for our residents and will offer all of the services needed for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  Located between Sunnyside Road and SE Princeton Village Way, we invite interested families to visit our onsite Information Center, open seven days a week, with model suites opening in June.   

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 best senior living communities in the area, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.

Seniors’ Most Common Health Concerns

Recent statistics indicate we are living longer, and if you do reach the age of 65, you can expect to live on average another almost 20 years.  Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41 percent of those over the age of 65 reports they are in very good or excellent health.  

Experts recommend that older adults should be aware of chronic health conditions common to seniors and make lifestyle changes that may help stave off those diseases and improve their quality of life.  Some of the things they suggest are to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.  

If you are already coping with a chronic medical condition, following those suggestions can help you to better manage your disease as well as improve your quality of life.  Experts also recommend if you do not already have a geriatrician on your healthcare team, to add one, as they have a special understanding of the things seniors are going through.  

The three most prevalent diseases affecting older adults in order are arthritis, heart disease and cancer.   The CDC estimates arthritis affects almost 50 percent of all adults over the age of 65, and can cause pain and a lower quality of life.  While the disease can “discourage you from being active, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that, along with other treatment, can help maintain senior health.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65, and an estimated 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women over 65 are afflicted with chronic heart disease.  Doctors say it is important to exercise, eat well, get a good night’s sleep, and maintain a healthy weight in order to stave off heart disease or to better manage it.

Cancer is the next most common disease in seniors and the second leading cause of death in adults over the age of 65.  CDC statistics show 28 percent of men and 21 percent of woman over 65 are living with cancer. It is a disease that if caught early, is often treatable so be sure to get routine screening such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and skin checks.   

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 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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.

Source: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/     

A Wide Range of Care Services at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

As one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers, we are 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 Fountain Hills has 63 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans.  In addition, we have 28 secure memory care suites dedicated to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Please call or visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.  

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 learn more about one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.

Take Precautions as Outdoor Temperatures Soar

Now that summer is near it is important for seniors to remember to take precautions as outdoor temperatures begin to heat up.  Older people can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity, and even temperatures less than 100 degrees can cause a heat-related illness. Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia (a body temperature greatly above normal) are over 50 years old, and health problems can put you at greater risk.

As we age the body does not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes as it did when we were younger.  This can be caused by heart or blood vessel problems, under-active sweat glands and normal age-related changes in the skin.  Another factor is that many elderly people suffer from chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney diseases that can affect normal body responses to heat.   

Also prescription drugs including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medicines can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and inhibit perspiration.  Other problems that can make seniors more susceptible to heat-related stress are being overweight and drinking alcoholic beverages.

To avoid the dangers of heat-related illnesses, experts advise seniors to drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day, and to stay away from caffeinated drinks.  They also recommend if possible to remain indoors during the heat of the day and do not engage in strenuous activities. If you feel too warm, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, dress in lightweight clothing and get into an air-conditioned environment.  

Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider.

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.

Source:nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia

Assisted Living Supports & Encourages Good Health Habits

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into assisted living facilities, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

Along with supplying built-in companionship, assisted living facilities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho strive to enrich the lives of our residents with a range of activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.  In addition it solves the problem of many elderly adults who live alone that find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our gorgeous community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that also with scheduled transportation to area shopping malls as well as trips to the doctors and to run errands.

Our holistic approach to assisted living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassionate.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment.  And if we do not have a program or activities that peaks your interest or offer a hobby you would love to explore, we invite you to start a club.

Our assisted living and memory care Rio Rancho, NM community is set to open any day now.  We are conveniently located within a residential setting and just blocks away from the Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, stores, restaurants, and banks.  Contact us via email, give us a call, or visit our onsite Information Center.

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.

Coronary Heart Disease is Often Misdiagnosed in Women

While coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for women, research suggests it is often overlooked and misdiagnosed in women.  Medical News Today explains that CHD occurs when the arteries delivering oxygenated blood into the heart, which pumps it out to other organs, are unable to ‘service’ the heart effectively.”  Doctors also report women are more at risk for developing non-obstructive CHD, which is a condition that causes the arteries going into the heart to be abnormally squeezed by surrounding tissue.

One reason women are often under diagnosed with CHD is the symptoms are so varied in individuals as well as between men and women.  Non-obstructive CHD can also be symptom-less and go undetected for years. Moreover the symptoms women do experience are more atypical and can include things like “back pain, burning in the chest, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or fatigue — which makes the diagnosis more difficult,” says one researcher.  Another problem is many women wait to get medical attention, and in some cases, not until the disease has progressed, thus delaying the start of treatment.

Researchers also recognize that most of the CHD studies done in the past have concentrated on men and have under represented women.  Hopefully with this understanding, more women will be included in future research.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we will provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community.  Our care services include 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Med Care Managers, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations,  CPR-trained team members on every shift, Licensed Nurse onsite 5-7 days/week and on call 24/7, and much more. We also provide a full range of auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis.  Please visit our visit to learn more about the Greater Portland area’s newest assisted living and memory care 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: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324659.php

Why Older Skin is So Delicate

If you are an older adult, you may have been surprised to find bruises on your body and not remember how you got them, or discovered other types of skin irritations that just seemed to appear out of nowhere.  There may be no cause for concern, (best to check with you healthcare provider) because as we age, our skin becomes much more sensitive than when we were younger.

Doctors say as we grow older, our skin begins to lose its elasticity causing it to hang more loosely and creating wrinkles.  The epidermis (the surface layer of the skin) starts to thin making it more transparent. The flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis (the layer of skin under the epidermis) comes together also contributes to the skin fragility.  And frequent bruising is typically a result of the thinning of the blood vessel walls.

Megan L. Mulvane writes in HomeCareMag.com, “As the largest organ in the body, the skin performs regulatory functions including temperature maintenance, the expulsion of toxins through sweat and prevention of dehydration, and skin is part of the body’s defense system against infection.”  In fact she explains how the fragile nature of the skin in many who face bathing disabilities is complicated by the need to actively clean and take care of our skin as we strive to protect and enhance its integrity.

Good skin care habits for seniors include avoiding overusing soap or taking hot baths.  Apply lotion daily to keep skin soft, which should help to reduce skin tears. As ultraviolet (UV) light damages the elastin in our skin, it is important to wear sunblock when outdoors as well as hats and light clothing to cover the skin, and try to stay in the shade.  Moreover along with the other damage smoking does to our bodies, it is also damaging to the skin and one more reason to quit. Also remember to drink plenty of water each day as it is vital to every part of our body including our skin.

Please visit MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s website for more information on compassionate assisted living and memory care or just stop by our Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road.  We are due to open soon so ask about availability for what is sure to be one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities.  

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 to talk to our team regarding the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source: webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-aging-skin#1

Take a Look at Beautiful MorningStar of Fountain Hills

Once you visit our website and have the chance to look at our Gallery photos, you will see why MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills is one of the best senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.  In fact, our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate our residents’ every need and is beautifully decorated throughout to provide an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation and serenity.

As our pictures show, from the moment you walk through the door you will feel like you have walked into a gracious home.  From beautifully-appointed common areas that provide a comfortable, relaxing place to sit and enjoy a visit with friends, an atrium with a water feature, bistro, a full salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures and much more.  Other Gallery photos features onsite amenities such as our chapel/theatre, outdoor areas, and fitness center.

However, while we offer many amenities and beautiful surroundings, we are most proud of our staff. The MorningStar team consists of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members has a smile for the residents and is as quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed.

MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers 63 private assisted living suites on two levels with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 870 sq. ft.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We encourage you to visit our website and use our online form to schedule a tour of our very special community.

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 one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ offers.