Often seniors take multiple medications daily that in some cases have been prescribed by a couple of different doctors for different conditions. In addition, they may also be taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All of this can lead to problems with drug interactions and side effects that range from mild to severe including death.
In a report by the US News & World Report, it cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that suggest each year there are four visits to the ER per 1,000 adults attributed to adverse drug effects. First published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, statistics find that almost 60 percent of Americans take at “least one prescription drug, and nearly 20 percent are taking more than five prescriptions medicines.” The study also looked at OTC medications and warns that there is a huge potential for “side effects, drug-drug interactions and negative outcomes.” It also states that for the elderly, the possibility of dangerous drug interactions is even greater. One of the most important things that a patient or family member can do to reduce the likelihood of this happening is to communicate with all of your health care providers about the prescription and OTC medications that you take. It is a good idea, especially if you take more than one medication, to write down the names of the drugs and the amount you take each day and carry it in your wallet. You can also take a picture of the list of medications with your cell phone so you always have it handy. Another tip is to fill your prescriptions at the same drug store and to build a relationship with the pharmacist as he or she can help to spot potential problems involving drug interactions. Annually review the need for each medication with your health care provider and discuss how long you will need to take the drug. Lastly be sure to check each new prescription container for accuracy as pharmacies sometimes do make mistakes. At MorningStar at Arcadia, one of the top senior living communities Phoenix has to offer, we provide a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirt. One of our services is medication management by Certified Med Care Managers to keep our residents safe and healthy. See our website for more information. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior 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. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-01-13/the-dangers-of-medication-mix-ups-at-home
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Have you heard that the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community opened to residents a few months ago? If not the MorningStar name may still be new to you, and as such, you are unaware of the extensive amenities, wellness programs and care services we offer. You also may not know that MorningStar already has a highly respected community in Albuquerque as well as the soon to open, MorningStar of Rio Rancho in Rio Rancho.
There are several ways to keep up with the goings-on at MorningStar of Santa Fe including visiting our website periodically. Right on our home page, we have up-coming events and links to our monthly newsletter and monthly calendar along with a map and directions to our community. We also have direct links to our amenities page as well as one to our suite features and various floor plans and a gallery of pictures. If you wish to set up a tour or learn more about pricing and availability, you can do it through our online forms. Another convenient way to learn more about our community or to keep in touch with us is to sign-up for our EVENTful Blog to hear about upcoming events and our newest offers. All you need to do is to fill out your email address and let us know if you are a senior or the family of one; or a health or business professional, and we will send you weekly updates. MorningStar of Santa Fe is staffed by a team of compassionate caregivers who consider seniors to be heroes and feel privileged to serve them. While luxurious and beautiful, our mission is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. MorningStar is committed to creating a home for our residents that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while at the same time, providing security and independence. Visit our website to learn more. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living 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. Situated on the west side of town, we invite you to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Santa Fe, NM. As seniors get to the point in their lives where they need daily help in order to live comfortably and safely, many families worry that assisted living will cost more than they can afford. The reality according to aPlaceforMom is that assisted living may actually be less expensive than the cost of cobbling together everything you need to support your parent. They state that after “dealing with the initial sticker shock and touring a community most families change their minds and realize assisted living is a great value.”
You may be asking yourself how this can be true. To start with, if your parent is living alone in the family home, they have on-going expenses such as mortgage payments or yearly taxes and insurance as well as routine maintenance and repair costs. If your parent is renting, costs continue to rise each year with increases in rent and utility bills. In addition many elderly adults no longer feel comfortable driving and are not getting out like they used to, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Studies show seniors who live alone often “experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.” Furthermore, if they are unable to drive, they will require assistance with getting to and from doctor appointments, running errands and buying groceries. Another expense you may encounter when your parent is living in their own house is the modification that may be required to allow them to move safely about the home. These types of changes can be expensive, and when it comes time to sell, may impact the worth of the home. The bottom line is that after you add up all of the services and amenities included in the cost of assisted living, aPlaceforMom concludes it may actually be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home. If you are looking for the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arcadia. See our website to check on pricing and availability as well as to set up a tour. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers. Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/assisted-living-in-home-care-compared The funny thing about volunteering our time to a good cause or to people in need is it actually makes us feel happier and healthier. According to HelpGuide.org, studies have shown that “volunteering and helping others can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.”
While we are all busy with our day-to-day lives, volunteering does not have to be a huge commitment of time. In fact an hour or two each week may work for your schedule and still provide you with the opportunity to do some good and give back to your community. Experts explain that volunteering connects you to others, is good for your mind and body, and helps to bring fulfillment to your life. It can even help to advance your career and/or provide you with inspiration for a new career endeavor. Moreover giving back reminds us of what is really important in our lives. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” As the newest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, the MorningStar of Santa Fe assisted living and memory care community understands the intrinsic value of serving others, especially seniors. Currently we are seeking volunteers who would love to help out at our beautiful residential home. To keep it convenient, we will adjust our calendar to meet yours with flexible days and times. We feel one-hour sessions are ideal and welcome volunteers from organizations, families or single individuals. You will have the opportunity to interact with residents one-on-one or in a group setting. All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Call today and ask to speak to our Life Enrichment Coordinator. MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living 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. Situated on the west side of town, please visit our website to learn more about pricing and availability for exceptional senior living in Santa Fe, NM. If you are searching for Greater Reno retirement communities for yourself or a parent, you probably have many questions. At MorningStar of Sparks, we understand the concerns potential residents and their families have so we provide answers to FAQs on our website as a good way to get you started. For example, one question we get asked often is our age requirement and the answer is you must be at least 62 years old. We also get asked if couples can live together. Of course! Couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or suites can be shared by friends of the same sex who simply enjoy one another’s company.
Another question we are frequently asked is, “do we offer short-term stays.” Yes, it is based on availability and we do ask that you commit to at least a week’s stay or a full month. This gives you the chance to sample a life free from cooking and household chores, and to participate in a bustling calendar of activities and enjoy the instant companionship. If you need assisted living and are concerned that you or your parent may not get the care you need, there is no reason to worry. Before you join our community, our Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family to discuss your medical history and personal preferences. From here, we create an individualized care plan that meets everyone’s approval. This plan will be routinely evaluated and updated as the need arises. You will also find our pet policy on our FAQs page. We are a pet friendly community and recognize the tremendous benefits animals offer to all of us. We do assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis, and we have some restrictions on breeds. There is also a one-time, nonrefundable pet fee. We encourage you to visit our website to read the answers to other questions you may have regarding our senior living community. However if you do not see the information you need, please give us a call as we are ready to help. We look forward to meeting you and your family. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 our exceptional community. MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide one of the best senior living communities Phoenix has to offer. Along with our beautiful 80 assisted living suites and 30 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we proudly offer a range of amenities and activities that embrace the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs of seniors.
Our promise of a carefree lifestyle includes a beautifully designed building with inviting common areas to relax and enjoy the day, an outdoor courtyard with fireplace and fountain, and transportation that makes it easy to get out and about. Furthermore, we have an executive chef on staff and residents are served three healthy and delicious meals daily in our elegant dining room. Additional on-site services include a full salon, massage room, bistro, library, general store, theatre, fitness center, and spa bath. MorningStar’s Life Enrichment program presents creative ways to enhance the health and wellness of our residents as well as to stimulate the brain and encourage social connections. Our program includes exercise options, bible study and worship, Catholic communion, creative stitching, word games and puzzles, poetry reading, painting, trivia, Bingo, movie night and much, much more. Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interest, you are sure to find something you enjoy. Whether it is joining the reading group, learning to knit, or having the opportunity to attend morning hymns, MorningStar is a great place to call home. While our community’s amenities and activities are exceptional, the thing we brag about the most is our atmosphere of love and community that is built one relationship at a time. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Arcadia and how you can be a part of our family. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior 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. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest senior living communities Phoenix offers. Now that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have just past, you may have realized it can be difficult buying gifts for a parent, grandparent or a relative living in a senior living community. Not only is mom, dad or grandma no longer running their own home but most likely they have a limited amount of space (they probably had to get rid of a lot before they moved). In addition they have already received a lifetime of gifts, so there is not much they haven’t gotten at one time or another.
One meaningful thing you can do is personalize a gift. For example if mom is always feeling chilly, you could give her a cozy throw with pictures of the grandkids or your family tree on it? Check the Internet as there are several companies that specialize in making them. Another thoughtful gift is a talking photo album that creates memories with both family pictures and voices. Giving your time is also something special your parent or grandparent is sure to appreciate. It can be as simple as taking them on a trip to the local park or an ice cream parlor. Even a scenic drive on a beautiful day provides the chance for a cozy, uninterrupted chat. Additionally if their eyesight is failing, they may enjoy being read to. A lap desk is also a nice gift as it doesn’t take up much space and makes it easy to write a letter or read a book from the comfort of a chair. Adult coloring books illustrated with places your loved one has traveled to or pictures of animals for animal lovers, flowers for gardeners, famous landmarks, etc., also make thoughtful gifts. Add to that a set of colored pencils and markers to complete the gift. Puzzles and crossword books are another option. Furthermore, many elderly adults have trouble getting out so a personalized gift basket filled with their favorite soaps, hand creams and lotions or delicious edible treats such as chocolates or cookies are fun to get. Or fill a basket with grippy socks, slippers and new pajamas. Whatever gift you chose, you want your elderly parent or grandparent to know you are thinking of them. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in senior 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix offers. A highly respected senior living company, MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S. that are designed to be true homes for their residents. In addition, we are a company committed to investing our time and talents in charitable projects close to home and around the world.
MorningStar Senior Living recently celebrated our 15th anniversary and we attribute our growth and success to God’s grace and to staying true to a mission of servant-leadership. Right from the beginning, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger began MorningStar based on the following three mission statements:
At MorningStar of Sparks, our goal is to be one of the best Greater Reno retirement communities, and we recognize our mission is advanced by team members who hold true to our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors and help us create the kind of culture we envision building – a Family for Life. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 for assisted living in a variety of floor plans. Additionally, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment. Visit our website to learn more about the many amenities and services offered by MorningStar of Sparks. MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement sets us apart from other Greater Reno retirement 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 our exceptional community. MorningStar of Sparks’ provides 32 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, in addition to our independent and assisted living suites. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to encourage and support residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized memory care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires.
At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.” Our reimagined philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia. With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s on how to follow our lead and enter too. Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together. By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope. Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow. When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Sparks, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan. We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members. As you can see, memory care at MorningStar springs from a deep understanding of dementia and is offered with the utmost love and compassion. Our dedicated staff are trained to assist those at the onset of the disease, as well as those in the more advanced stages. Visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve—all within a gorgeous setting. Please call or schedule a tour to discover more about the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. |
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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