More and more research supports the importance of seniors staying physical fit as well as keeping their brains’ fit. Harvard Health Publishing reports on research with mice and humans that show “brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological ‘plasticity’ and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.”
Mentally stimulating activity such as trivia and memory games, puzzles, crosswords, board and card games can help maintain brain function. Even if you don’t have a partner to play with, many of these types of games can be found on a computer or tablet. Reading, taking courses, drawing, painting and experimenting with things that require manual dexterity are stimulating mental gymnastics. Other great brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities like playing an instrument or dancing. Board games, such as chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out. Another added benefit to playing games with other is companionship. Experts say physical activity is also necessary for good brain health as it increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain responsible for thought. It encourages the development of “new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses).” Another positive side effect of exercise is it also improves your heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improving blood sugar balance and reducing mental stress. Brain health is also improved with good nutrition. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins may help to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia. MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s assisted living is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree. By providing a range of meaningful programs, tasty, nutritional meals, 24/7 care, residents are able to lead a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best assisted living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Our community will open in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, visit our Information Center to talk to our team about incomparable senior housing in Rio Rancho NM. Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/
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The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.” They report one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms annually, and result in over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.
However they say falls do not have to be an inevitable result of aging. Rather with some practical lifestyle adjustments as well as public campaigns on how to reduce the problem from the NCOA and other organizations, the number of yearly falls can be reduced. The NCOA’s evidence-based Falls Free® National Action Plan was updated in 2015, and includes “goals, strategies and action steps to increase physical mobility, reduce the impact of medications as a falls risk factor, and improve home and environmental safety.” The National Institute on Aging explains some of the steps seniors can take to help protect themselves from a fall. The first thing is to stay physically active. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking or climbing stairs improves muscles strength and keeps joints, tendon, and ligaments more flexible. Another fall-prevention tip is to have your eyes and hearing tested. If you need glasses, wear them, and if you have a hearing aid, wear it. In addition ask your healthcare provider if your medications have side effects that can make you dizzy or sleepy. It is also important to get enough sleep and to limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance. Stand up slowly, and have your blood pressure checked if you feel dizzy. If you feel wobbly when walking, use an assistive device such as a cane or walker. A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose the right device and teach you how to safely use it. During wet or icy conditions, use extra caution when walking, and always wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. Lace-up shoes give you the ability to adjust the amount of support you need, but do not buy shoes with soles that are too thin or too thick. Around the house, wear shoes or slippers with non-slip bottoms. MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community is designed from the ground up to provide a safe, supportive and loving environment. We provide 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, and much more. Please visit our website for availability and pricing. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening to residents in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. Source: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/ nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures If you are searching for assisted living for yourself or a parent, you probably have some questions regarding what type of care is offered. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we understand the concerns families have and 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 are concerned that your parent may not get the care they need, there is no reason to worry. Before your parent joins our community, our Wellness Director (a licensed nurse) will sit down with your family to discuss your parent’s 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 assisted living. 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. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Opening to residents in the spring of 2019, we invite you to visit our Information Center to learn more about exceptional senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that, “even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase lifespan by around three to five years.” They say it can also help prevent falls by improving muscle strength and balance as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases, depression and cognitive decline.
Regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, cycling or light housework (anything that raises the heart rate) helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. They increase blood flow to the heart and improve your overall health. In addition many older adults, especially women, are at risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. These conditions benefit from weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, or step aerobics. The WHO reports that exercise reduces the risk of a hip fracture by as much as 40%. If you have osteoporosis, doctors advise against putting any sudden or excessive strain on your bones. Please check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercises as they can give you safe ones to do. The WHO also states that exercise is an effective remedy to improve many chronic health conditions including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. They recommend older adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week.” They add that older adults with “poor mobility should perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.” A new study from the American Geriatrics Society published in the Science Daily, found that exercise training yields the most significant improvements in “functional balance, daily activity, fear of falling, and depression levels.” Seniors who participated in regular exercise programs were also found to have more confidence and independence. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we are committed to providing our residents with an atmosphere of comfort, wellness and community. Our gorgeous new residential home offers assisted living and memory care along with a wide range of resort-style amenities and care services. Please see our website for contact information. Before starting any new exercises, please consult with your healthcare provider 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 (opening in early February). Source: who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_olderadults/en/ go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercising-with-chronic-conditions-heart-disease-diabetes-arthritis-and-osteoporosis/ sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070705123157.htm We all know the holidays are a good excuse to heartily enjoy the rich, festive foods that make an appearance this time of the year. However with the New Year, it is an excellent time to get back to a healthier lifestyle or to start one.
As many seniors do not exercise as much as they once did, most do not require as many calories as they use to consume so the foods they do choose need to rich in nutrients. One good way to start eating healthier is by adding more fruits and veggies to your diet and when you do snack, to make sure it is a healthy one. Rather than potato chips and candies, choose fruit smoothies, Greek yogurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, veggies and low-fat dip, or nuts and trail mixes. Experts recommend starting your morning with a hydrating warm drink and to remember to continue to drink half your body weight in water each day. Also stay active, and if you don’t already have a work-out buddy, find one as it can make it more fun to exercise. In addition, studies show that making meals a social affair encourages better eating habits. When MorningStar of Rio Rancho assisted living and memory care community opens this spring, our residents will be treated to a 5 Star dining experience. Our meals are prepared under the guidance of our own Executive Chef and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. We also offer a range of wellness programs and activities, which include fun exercise classes suitable for our residents. Visit our website for pricing and availability and be sure to inquiry about our “Founder’s Club” savings. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Please visit our Information Center to learn more about the most luxurious and loving senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM. We know research indicates senior living may be a healthier option for older adults especially after the death of a spouse, but did you know that assisted living may actually be a better bargain than in-home care. Many families are surprised to hear that but according to cost comparisons done by A Place for Mom, once you piece together all of the services needed to ensure the person’s comfort and safety, staying in their own home might be more costly.
This of course depends on the extend of care your parent requires, but keep in mind that at home, they are still responsible for mortgage payments or monthly rent, property taxes and property insurance. If they live in a condominium, they may also have a maintenance fee. If your parent lives alone and does not have 24/7 care, you should probably get a 24-hour emergency call service. Add to that housekeeping services, landscaping/snow removal and other home maintenance, and your monthly expenses can be considerable. Now figure in the costs for daily health aide visitations and a personal care assistant to help with activities such as bathing, dressing and preparing meals. Furthermore you may incur costs for transportation to and from things like doctor appointments, grocery shopping and banking. And finally, while there is not a price tag on alleviating loneliness, moving into senior housing provides instant companionship whenever it is desired. Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Rio Rancho lovingly offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities designed to engage and support residents’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social wellbeing. Opening in the spring of 2019, our community will fill a well-needed niche in senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM; a fast growing suburb of Albuquerque. We have 51 private assisted living suites and 26 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We invite you to stop by our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road for more details on exceptional assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting. Please visit our onsite Information Center to learn more about the finest assisted living in Rio Rancho. Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/assisted-living-in-home-care-compared Now that the 2018-19 flu season is in full-swing, everyone needs to follow good health habits to lessen the spread of the disease. It is especially important to be careful around the elderly, as the disease can have deadly consequences for them. If you have not already done so, it is not too late to get a flu shot, and if you have the flu or flu like symptoms, please do not visit an elderly parent or loved one until you are symptom free for 72 hours.
The Oregon Health Authority has some tips to help decrease your chances of getting the flu or infecting someone else with the virus starting by staying home from work or school if you are sick. When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then throw it away when you are done. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer when water and soap are unavailable. They also suggest you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as well as clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them. The flu causes mild to severe respiratory illnesses that can result in hospitalization. Each year the virus kills thousands of people and those at higher risk include adults 65 years and older, children, and pregnant women. Also anyone with a chronic medical condition or weak immune system is at higher risk for complications. As one of the newest senior living communities in the greater Portland area, MorningStar of Happy Valley will offer 61 assisted living suites and 27 secure suites for memory care. Residents will have 24/7 care and a wide assortment of resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. We look forward to meeting future residents and their families at our soon-to-open onsite Information Center. 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. Once we open in the fall of this year, we promise to be one of the top senior living communities in the area. Source: oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/FluSeasonHasBegunGoodTimeGetVaccinated.aspx MorningStar of Happy Valley is currently under construction in Happy Valley and promises to be a unique addition to the area’s other senior living communities. Along with offering older adults compassionate, loving assisted living and memory care, our company also believes in taking part in philanthropic work locally here in Oregon and globally.
When we open in the fall of 2019, our services will include hosting and participating in fun and inspiring activities sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association and other senior-focused not-for-profit organizations. As our other MorningStar Senior Living communities do, we will encourage our staff, residents and families to join us in whatever capacity they can in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event. The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. By next year, we hope to have family members and staff as walkers, runners, and sponsors. Also every year our communities across the Western U.S. host celebrations for the “The Longest Day” event on June 21, which again is intended to raise funds and awareness for treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Among our many communities, each one hosts their own activities, and we look forward to all of us helping MorningStar of Happy Valley plan our own unique celebrations. In addition MorningStar Senior Living also feels a responsibility to serving and investing in charitable projects around the world. One such project is helping to build and support an orphanage for Hurricane Felix’s victims in Nicaragua. The more you know about MorningStar of Happy Valley, the more you will understand it is unlike other senior living communities. Our mission includes hiring a team of caregivers with a felt calling to serve to ensure our residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. Visit our website or look for our soon-to-open onsite Information Center in early February. We are just southeast of Portland and three miles from Interstate 205. 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 exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley. MorningStar at Englefield Green is Boise, Idaho’s specialized dementia care experts. Our community provides 50 secure suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short term residents. Unlike many other Alzheimer’s care homes, our community was designed from the ground up to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.
Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care. This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch. However most importantly, we embrace hope. Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions. Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan. At MorningStar at Englefield Green, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families. Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones. Please contact us for more information on one of Boise’s most experienced, compassionate Alzheimer’s care homes. MorningStar at Englefield Green embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Contact us - your loved one deserves the finest dementia care! When our community opens in late 2019, MorningStar of Happy Valley will be one of the most exceptional senior living communities in the area. For many seniors, assisted living is a new experience and we understand that there are lots of questions in regard to how personalized care is managed and how much it will cost.
The MorningStar of Happy Valley’s leadership team is already in place and welcomes phone call and email inquiries regarding our community or a visit to our onsite Information Center (opening in early Feb). In addition our website offer lots of resources regarding MorningStar Senior Living including our company’s history and philosophy as well as details on how we determine the individualized care each resident will receive. Under our website’s FAQ section, we explain that our assisted living care is based on a thorough assessment of the resident’s medical history and personal preferences. We learn this information by sitting down with the person, their family, and our Wellness Director (a licensed nurse) before they move in. From there, a care plan is created that is approved by both the resident and their family. To ensure our residents’ needs continue to be met, we do scheduled plan evaluations as well as update plans as needed. Within our assisted living, we have five levels of care along with a wide range of auxiliary medical and non-medical services that are priced a la carte. Care services determine a part of your monthly fee, but it is also based on the type of suite you choose within our choice of 61 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Square footage as well as location and views are additional factors in the overall monthly fee. MorningStar of Happy Valley also provides 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The monthly fee in our Reflections Neighborhood memory care is all-inclusive at a one-package price for both the suite and care. Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving 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 for more information about one of the area’s best senior living communities. |
Our goal is to allow seniors to enjoy their retirement years by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, filled with resort-style amenities and activities. Archives
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