Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Albuquerque offer to residents. One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living community. These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc. At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.
One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager. The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee. Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved. For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service. Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.” Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems. Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.” He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.” Please visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque offers. While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 statement from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer. Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/
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The fact that people are experiencing increased levels of anxiety is one of the many consequences of living in such uncertain times. In fact one poll from the Washington Post and ABC News in late March, says that “77 percent of American women and 61 percent of men were reporting personal stress.” The poll also found that 69% of Americans are worried about family members, and even more worry that the economic impact will be greater or worse than the 2008 Recession.
So how do we deal with the new normal? Experts stress that we need to remember to take care of ourselves, both our bodies and our minds. As we work from home, take care of our families full-time, and deal with the worries of the world; don’t forget to take the time to check in and listen to what your need. Ben Crocker, MD, a medical director for a large primary care practice and a healthy lifestyle advocate, reminds us that it is okay to mourn for what we have lost. He says it is normal to feel sad about not being able to see family members or friends or unhappy about not being able to attend worship services or a favorite activity or class. When we acknowledge loss, it helps us to feel more grounded with our reality. Dr. Crocker suggests we intentionally add some ‘shutdown’ time in our schedule for “meditation and quietude.” Other tools to help cope with anxiety include eating a nutrient-rich diet and making time to take a walk, ride your bike or exercise at home. Also remember it is important to get enough sleep each night as well as to connect socially with loved ones. Finally don’t get caught up in just focusing on the negative but rather take some time out each day to be grateful for what we do have. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living Santa Fe style with our distinct 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 to create a ‘true home” for residents. Please visit our website for information on compassionate senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Source: washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/anxiety-coronavirus-sleep-memory-anger-focus/2020/04/03/61dab1b0-75b9-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html health.harvard.edu/blog/6-self-care-steps-for-a-pandemic-always-important-now-essential-2020041619563 Now that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are almost here, many of us are having a hard time coming up with fresh gift ideas for elderly parents. Not only do many older adults live in smaller, paired down apartments with not much room for more “stuff,” but most likely do not need much. This is why the most appreciated gifts are often practical ones that improve their quality of life or are meaningful.
Memory-making presents are usually a hit and the marketplace has lots of options to choose from. One example is a Memory Journal, which provides a series of questions to get people thinking about the things they would like to share about their life. Other books are designed to make it easy to put together a scrapbook full of memories. If your parent has a hard time getting to sleep at night, you may want to consider a sound machine. Most of them have timers that can be set for as little as 15 minutes or up to an hour. Another useful gift is a humidifier. Kathrin Nicolacakis, MD of the Cleveland Clinic says “dry air can wreak havoc on your nose and lungs and make existing conditions worse.” A humidifier helps to relieve a variety of respiratory symptoms such as sinus congestion, asthma and allergies, and nose bleeds. Something a hearing-impaired adult as well as everyone else around them may appreciate is a wireless headphone set designed to clarify dialogue from a TV. The device allows the TV to be set at mute or the volume at a level comfortable for other listeners. Other practical gifts include things like a lighted magnifying glass, a big-button phone, or a “reacher” for someone with mobility or dexterity problems. Entertaining gifts include jigsaw puzzles, oversized playing cards, or adult coloring books and markers. MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best in Phoenix assisted living, and we consider the care, comfort and wellbeing of our residents to be of the utmost importance. Our compassionate caregivers are the type of people who consider seniors to be heroes and feel privileged to serve them. Please visit our website for more information on our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation 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. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional community. Sources: health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/ seniors.lovetoknow.com/Gift_Ideas_for_the_Elderly Since most assisted living communities offer access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors so says A Place for Mom. Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connections as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7.
In fact, new research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly. One such problem way too common in seniors is failing to take medication as prescribed. Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions. Dehydration is another commonplace problem experienced by the elderly. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, which means older adults need to remember to drink even when they are not thirsty. Also, some medications may be diuretic, while others cause a person to sweat more, which can result in dehydration. In addition, poor nutrition is one more problem many seniors face. Some research even suggests loneliness is a significant predictor of malnutrition in the elderly. It can be difficult for older adults who live alone to prepare good, nutritional meals or for their loved ones to supervise daily eating habits. MorningStar of Sparks is committed to provide the best senior living Reno-Sparks offers, and our support services and physical environment ensures our assisted living residents are as comfortable and safe as possible. All of our assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms and an emergency call system. Furthermore, residents are served three, delicious meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of older adults. Also, we provide 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during this time of the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/ Along with the finest assisted living Albuquerque offers, MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood has 21 secure suites in studio and one-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore their surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. We consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss. We are staffed by experienced and compassionate caregivers who truly understand the disease. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Also, as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for updates on the changes we have made to help keep our community safe during this hard time. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Albuquerque, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque has to offer. Now may be the time to consider moving your parents into senior living as a way to ensure they get the daily support they need in a safe, comfortable environment. Senior living communities such as MorningStar at Arcadia provide all of the comforts and care residents need to thrive!
Senior living also provides peace of mind if your mom or dad has poor balance or failing eyesight, which can increase the likelihood of a fall, and not having help close at hand can be dangerous. In addition, if a parent no longer drives, it may be difficult for them to get groceries and other necessary supplies including prescription medications or to see a doctor. MorningStar at Arcadia’s mission is to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer. Our beautiful community provides assisted living residents help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to help maintain their independence. Residents and their families take comfort knowing our trained care managers are there to help them navigate through any changes in their health condition. And if you wondered, couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or a suite can be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. Another thing you will no longer have to worry about is whether mom or dad is getting enough good, healthy food to eat. MorningStar’s daily meals feature the freshest ingredients and are prepared using the highest quality produce, often homegrown and locally sourced as we know there is nothing like fresh foods to stimulate the senses and the appetite. Along with 80 assisted living suites, we have 30 suites dedicated to providing memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Finally, MorningStar wants you to know that during this time of the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are staying abreast of its real time status and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the health and well-being of all beneath our roof. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers. You may be confused about whether assisted living is the best choice for you or your loved one. While licensing requirements for assisted living communities vary by state, they generally provide care for individuals who do not require around-the-clock skilled nursing. The National Center for Assisted Living defines assisted living as “part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.”
Thus, assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who are mainly independent but need help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and other personal care tasks. They also provide daily meals and 24/7 care and can readily accommodate residents’ changing needs and preferences. Most offer transportation and housekeeping services, which mean an assisted living home is perfect for aging in place. Many communities provide wellness programs and activities that engage and support the residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs. Furthermore, many encourage family members to get involved with the community’s activities and special events. MorningStar at Arcadia offers 80 well-designed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (including penthouse suites). Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we offer 30 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment. If you are looking for the finest senior living Phoenix offers, please contact us so we can help you find your new home. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Source: ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.
One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over. In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise. Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain. As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital. People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it. The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly. While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as their 40s and 50s. Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease. Studies have shown no such correlation between the two. Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable. Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider. Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease. At MorningStar at Arcadia, our mission is to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We take a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “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 to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers. Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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