If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change. At MorningStar of Sparks, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.
Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship. Once they resume, residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers. In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. Our community offers well-designed private suites in several floorplans including one bedroom–one bath, two bedroom–one bath, and two bedroom-two bath configurations. Each unit has high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling lighting, and mini blinds as well as private heating & air conditioning controls, and includes basic cable TV and utilities. Also, we are pet friendly. Along with our 128 bright suites for independent living, MorningStar of Sparks offers 80 suites for assisted living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 32 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are proud to report that MorningStar of Sparks was awarded the 2020 Caring Star Award, which is based on positive online reviews by families and eldercare experts on the Caring.com website. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks may be the place for you. We are currently accepting new residents and are confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe. Please visit our website for more information including a virtual tour of our beautiful community. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “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 learn more about the finest senior living Reno-Sparks offers.
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Have you been searching for something for your elderly loved one that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation? While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace.
We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion. Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do. A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.” The realistic pets do little tricks such as a robotic dog who wags its tail, raises its eyebrow when you pet it, has a heartbeat, and makes a barking noise. For people with dementia, robotic pets have helped ease agitation and anxiety and seem to have a calming influence. In fact, New York’s Department for the Aging (DFTA) was so impressed with the pets that they implemented a program to distribute mechanical dogs and cats to a number of seniors with the aim of easing loneliness. The DFTA’s Commissioner, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez explains, “For the older person, social isolation really has a devastating effect on their health.” If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Reno area MorningStar of Sparks encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our loving community. We offer 128 bright suites for independent living along with 80 private assisted living suites with a choice of spacious floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique 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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers. As we grow older, we start to think more and more about “what if” this or that happens. Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need.
Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC). While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren. Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care. The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care. As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.” Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances. If you are looking for Phoenix assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arcadia. While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living. Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety of services in senior living communities that may not be covered through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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. Source: nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job. If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.
If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long. Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning. Along with assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers 21 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who through purposeful training and experience are dementia care specialists. Our team understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Additionally, every aspect of our home has been designed to accommodate those needs. Keep in mind as the disease progresses; it becomes very difficult for a family to keep up with the increasing needs as the person requires more and more assistance with daily care activities such as bathing, toileting, and eating. Other signs of advanced dementia include reduced mobility, wandering, and falling, which may require home modifications. Professional memory care homes such as ours are equipped to deal with these issues and have 24/7 caregivers available. So rather than feel like you let your loved down by not caring for them yourself, placing them in a multi-faceted community designed to attend to their changing needs may be the most loving thing you can do. Currently, MorningStar of Albuquerque is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Albuquerque proudly provides the very best in 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 within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque NM offers. MorningStar at Arcadia, a Phoenix assisted living and memory care community, is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place. By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit. Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.
We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families. For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family. Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services. These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others. With interiors by the award-winning Phoenix firm of Thoma-Holec Design, the contemporary décor of MorningStar’s common areas and spacious suites offer seniors a remarkable home second to none. With 80 private assisted living suites on three levels including penthouse suites, we offer the choice of spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have an additional 30 suites devoted to the care of those living with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For more information about all-inclusive senior living in Phoenix, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability. Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Recently, added to our rigorous protocols, is an emergent weapon in the fight to protect. Ask us about our Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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. The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander. The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home. Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home.
Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering. Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease, they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe. It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parent or another loved one. Find out if your area has a” Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times. Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the person forgotten how to get to familiar places, talks about going home even when they are home, gets confused as to where familiar places in the home are, and acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas. Tips to help prevent wandering include creating and sticking to a routine, identifying the times when wandering is most likely to occur, and try to make sure all of the person’s needs are met so they don’t feel the need to go out. In addition, reposition door locks out of the line of sight and make sure car keys are not left out. You can buy a device that sounds an alarm when a door or window is opened; and never leave the person locked in at home or in a car alone. Along with Phoenix assisted living, MorningStar at Arcadia offers memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood which is a secure environment that encourages residents to safely explore their surroundings. Our residents can freely move about their neighborhood but we have security features to prevent them from wandering out of our community. In addition, our dedicated staff is trained to keep residents engaged and safe. Please visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving memory care. MorningStar at Arcadia represents the best in Phoenix assisted living and memory care 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: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering agingcare.com/articles/when-is-it-time-to-place-a-loved-one-with-dementia-188309.htm We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.
Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week. Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking. The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get. They also make great gifts for seniors. We want you to know that MorningStar of Albuquerque is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Our community offers 48 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. We also have 21 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for the best assisted living Albuquerque NM offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar of Albuquerque represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “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 assisted living Albuquerque NM has to offer. Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/ If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how. One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.
For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy. Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers. If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books. If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket. While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight. For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds. If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Phoenix’s MorningStar at Arcadia may be the place for you. Our beautiful community has 80 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In our Reflections Neighborhood, 30 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Now that many States have mandated or strongly recommend wearing a mask inside businesses and outside when unable to maintain social distancing of 6 ft. or more, many worry that mask wearing in the summer heat will be very uncomfortable. Dr. Michael Bell, deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, warns of the danger you may be putting yourself or others in by not wearing one simply because you don’t want to get hot. He says, ““To be blunt, to say that you don’t want to wear a mask because it’s hot out even though it protects other people from you is like saying you are making chicken sandwiches for your church group, but you’re not going to cook them through.” So here are a few tips to help us stay safe. Dr. Bell say to wear a cloth mask made of natural fabrics such as cotton as it is more breathable, stick to light colors, and avoid synthetic materials. If it is extremely hot outside, avoiding going out altogether if you can as should anyone with lung disease. Another suggestion includes bringing an extra mask or two to put on if the first one becomes sweaty. Furthermore if you are having trouble breathing, find a shady spot where you can safely distance, and remove your mask until your breathing normalizes. Experts say if you are still feeling too hot, try using a thinner mask, or when you are able to maintain a safe distance from others, loosen it slightly on your face. At MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we want current and incoming residents as well as their families and our team members to know we are doing everything we can to protect all those beneath our roof. Despite the hardship and sorrows of major disruptions like COVID-19, they often give rise to innovations such as Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology, which we have now added to our rigorous protocols. While harmless to residents and staff, it is deadly against infectious disease. Our pueblo-styled community offers 56 bright suites for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we have 29 secure suites devoted to providing individualized care. Please visit our website to set up a tour or to request information on pricing and availability. 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM. Source: usnews.com/health-care/conditions/articles/how-to-wear-a-face-mask-safely-and-comfortably-in-summer?int=hp_conditions_health The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. However, according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease.
As older adults’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy. Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts. In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemicals. Other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of heart disease are quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and lowering your blood pressure. A heart healthy lifestyle must also include daily exercise and even a few minutes a day can be beneficial. If it has been a while since you have exercised, check with your doctor and start slowly. The Heart Association cites research that indicates 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level. Committed to provide the best senior living Phoenix has to offer, MorningStar at Arcadia provides residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our meals, prepared by our own Executive Chef, are both tasty as well as healthy. While we had to suspend group exercise classes due to the coronavirus, as the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar is carefully following suit with Arizona’s phasing and pacing. Please see our website for more information. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. |
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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