When asked, many seniors say they would prefer to age in place in their own home, but at some point, a family may have to consider if there isn’t a better, safer option for them. Assisted living communities are designed for people who are largely independent but require some daily care. They offer residents many benefits such as peace of mind knowing help is there whenever they need it, access to licensed nurses, medication management and transportation to doctor’s appointments.
The range of activities is typically broad with something to appeal to everyone. Whether you are a movie buff who loves classic films, a trivia expert or a budding artist who would love the chance to explore their creative side, assisted living makes it easy to stay involved. Many communities also have fitness centers and exercise classes tailored to seniors as well as large outdoor areas perfect for taking a stroll or sitting out on the patio with friends. Safety and security are important to seniors and living in an assisted community gives you both. Communities are designed to meet the needs of residents dealing with mobility issues, and offer ramps, flat thresholds, wide corridors and hallway hand railings. Handicap accessible bathrooms are another benefit of assisted living. Studies show seniors who are isolated and lack socialization are at risk for dementia, and community living offers a vibrant lifestyle without much effort. Other perks include healthy, balanced meals seniors no longer need to cook. Remember your parents have worked hard all their lives to provide for others and it is time to think about their happiness and well-being. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer seniors the finest assisted living to allow them to live life to the fullest. Along with 61 private, assisted living suites, we offer an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, compassionate care for our most tender residents. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and contact us to ask about availability and pricing. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.
0 Comments
For many families, assisted living is a new concept and they don’t know if it would meet their loved one’s needs. While services may depend on where you live, there are similarities regardless of your zip code. The first thing families should understand is assisted living is not skilled nursing care but rather intended for seniors who require a “helping hand” with daily care activities. Seniors need to understand assisted living does not take away their independence but rather enhances it.
Assisted living communities offer an environment to safely age in place while receiving an array of senior care services, companionship and programs to improve quality of life. Residents enjoy not having to worry about home maintenance and yard work as well as preparing meals and driving. Assisted living communities are maintenance-free and provide meals and scheduled transportation to medical appointments or trips to area shopping and restaurants. Another big benefit to assisted living is the resident no longer feels like a burden to their family. Now when a son or daughter comes for a visit, it is just that. There isn’t a list of chores to do or the need to help with personal care or meal prep but time can be spent enjoying one another. When you are searching for assisted living, one of the services listed should include help with the ADLs (activities of daily life). ADLs include things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transference (help getting in and out of bed to wheelchair, walker etc.) As an incoming resident, your loved one’s level of care will be based on the ADLs to create a Personalized Care Plan. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we provide a full range of senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs to engage residents physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Happy Valley, Oregon. If your mom or dad has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into an assisted living community is the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable. However, as much of the task of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet.
Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parents see treasures and memories. Begin by creating a list of things your parents will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep. If something is hard for them to part with, help them to think of a family member or friend they would like to give it to. Also, remind them if they sell the item, they can use the money toward something better suited for their new home such as a smaller couch or coffee table. Now the experts recommend going from room to room and start sorting by keeping, tossing, or donating piles. In addition, rather than always asking your parents what they want to keep or get rid of, pare down the selection, and then ask them yes or no questions. Presorting items also helps to avoid keeping lots of multiple items. By measuring the size of your parent’s new suite, you can create a floor plan to realistically show how well their furnishings will fit. Include the amount of cupboards and storage space they will have to help you know how much is too much. Remember you do not want the new place to be so crowded that they can barely move safely about. Keep in mind that if your parent is moving into a community such as MorningStar of Happy Valley, you will be treated to meals created by our Executive Chef served in our full-service dining room. Also, our well-designed suites come equipped with blinds, carpeting, and overhead lighting. Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home. MorningStar of Happy Valley’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Assisted living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of care and support. For many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.
For older adults who are still homeowners, assisted living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to an assisted living community provides an extra layer of security as well as amenities and programs not offered at most apartments. Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were. To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. Assisted living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones. In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contribute. In fact, one of our mission statements is to “value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals with a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” We too know that research has found intellectual stimulation to be an important step in mitigating and slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and we want to help in that effort. We encourage you to learn more about MorningStar of Happy Valley. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Staying active during the golden years is one of, if not the most important goals for seniors. From visiting points of interest to solving engaging jigsaw puzzles, seniors have a wide variety of ways to keep both the mind and body operating at peak performance. However, maintaining an active lifestyle can become more difficult for seniors living at an assisted living facility. That is not the case at our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico where we recommend eight activities you can participate in with your fellow seniors.
8 Popular Activities for Seniors at an Assisted Living Facility Staying active as a senior delivers several benefits. Exercise not only keeps the body fine-tuned, but it also releases endorphins that help prevent the development of stress and anxiety. Physically active seniors tend to do a better job of preventing the development of diseases, especially ones that commonly afflict seniors such as diabetes and heart disease. A nimble mind and body also help seniors avoid the physical scars left behind by a slip and fall. Perhaps the greatest benefit of living an active lifestyle at a senior housing community in Rio Rancho is to prevent the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Here are eight activities you can do with your fellow seniors at the MorningStar assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Hiking Our senior housing center in Rio Ranch schedules organized hikes each month to allow our residents to get in a good workout, as well as socialize with their fellow residents. The bonus for seniors is the opportunity to soak in the spectacular scenery that surrounds greater Albuquerque. Tai Chi Self-defense classes do much more than provide our residents with the tools to defend themselves. Activities such as Tai Chi also is an effective way to remain in shape, while at the same time keeping the mind sharp. Yoga Yoga represents a popular activity for seniors because it works the muscles in the body, as well as acts as a meditative exercise that clears the mind of negative thoughts. Performing yoga exercises in a group environment helps seniors get to know their fellow residents. Trivia Trivia nights are more than just an event that encourages socializing among our residents. The game also activates the mind to keep seniors mentally sharp. Striving to improve your intellect helps keep the brain active. Arts and Crafts Arts and crafts is a popular hobby because it caters to all types of skill sets. Mastering an art and/or a craft might lead to a side business that generates a little extra income for residents that rely mostly on fixed income sources such as Social Security. Games You can do crossword puzzles on your own and play bingo with a group of fellow seniors to help your mind stay active. Board games and jigsaw puzzles also represent popular games that not only work the brain, but also foster social interactions with your peers. Movie Night Technology has increased the number of options for watching movies. You can go out with your fellow seniors to catch a flick at an Albuquerque theater or stay onsite and watch a streaming version of your favorite films. Bus Tours From scenic trips to visiting cultural attractions, bus tours help seniors interact with fellow residents in an assisted living community. Bus tours are a popular activity for seniors that no longer get around by driving a motor vehicle. Learn more about how to stay active at our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico by contacting one of our resident services representatives. Sometimes a senior has a fall or another medical emergency that precipitates the need for a change in their living circumstances such as a move into an assisted living community. Other times, the situation is not so clear-cut and is more a case of a senior slowly losing the ability to attend to their daily care needs. We know it is upsetting for families to see their loved one decline, which is why experts offer advice to help determine if an assisted living setting would be an improvement in their lifestyle.
One way to decide if assisted living is right for your parent or another loved one is to take an inventory of what they are having trouble doing for themselves and if assistance would improve their quality of life. For instance, are they having a hard time preparing and cooking meals or need help bathing, toileting, and dressing? Have they stopped driving and spent a lot of time alone? Is your normally tidy parent now letting the household tasks go and/or mail is stacking up unopened and bills not getting paid? Other factors that indicate the need for more help include recent falls or burns from using water that is too hot or from cooking. Warning signs also include a history of medication mismanagement or worsening chronic health problems, which could all benefit from the care received in an assisted living community. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we offer stylish assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. We make it easy for retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility can trigger a wide variety of emotional distress issues such as fear and anxiety. One of the most effective ways to ease the angst of making the often-traumatic life transition event is to know how to make friends as a senior in an assisted living facility. Friends not only make our lives more meaningful, but they also can enhance health, as well as stave off the symptoms of dementia.
Aging can make socializing much more difficult because health and mobility limitations prevent seniors from getting out and connecting with other people. Relocating to an assisted living facility is an effective strategy to fend off the isolation that frequently overwhelms seniors. However, many seniors struggle to make friends in their new assisted living environments. How does your loved one make friends at our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico? Our team of caregivers offers a few tips to help seniors make friends in their new homes. Participate in Community Activities At the MorningStar Assisted Living Facility in Rio Rancho, we offer a busy calendar of community activities that keep residents engaged and just as important, give them the opportunity to connect with other residents. Many of our activities take advantage of the natural splendor surrounding our facility by encouraging residents to join outdoor group outings. Sharing common interests represents a great way to get to know other residents at our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, NM. Make Dining a Social Event Meals create the perfect environment for seniors to connect with other residents at our assisted living facility. We encourage our residents to make dinner dates with other residents. Your senior loved one can connect with other residents by choosing to sit next to someone who is dining alone or by moving around the dining room to interact with different residents during each meal. Explore the Common Areas It is difficult to meet new people if your loved one remains inside the apartment all day. Instead, your senior loved should explore our common areas such as the game and TV rooms, as well as venture outdoors to a common area like a community garden. Your loved one does not have to wait for a planned community event to meet new residents. Your senior brings along an activity typically done alone and then sits down at a comfortable place in a common area of our senior housing facility. Get to Know Our Community Staff One of the best ways to make the transition from a home to an assisted living involvement is to lean on the knowledge and experience of our staff members. Your senior receives support from a team of compassionate professionals, as well as gets introductions to other residents of our assisted living facility. Our staff members build relationships with our residents to help them make new friends. Learn More About the MorningStar Senior Housing Facility in Rio RanchoThe caregivers at the MorningStar assisted living facility in Rio Rancho. New Mexico encourages our residents to be as self-sufficient as possible. One of the most effective strategies for achieving self-sufficiency is by leaning on a support group of friends. From healthcare to recreation services, we provide a comprehensive list of amenities to ease the transition from a home to an assisted living environment. Contact a MorningStar resident service representative today to discover why assisted living in Rio Rancho is the best option for a loved one. Today’s assisted living is not just another term for a nursing home, which is intended for people who require skilled, around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Rather assisted living, the most popular and fastest growing long-term care option for older adults in the U.S., is designed for seniors who cannot get the help they need or afford while living at home or in an independent living community. The first community in the U.S. opened in the late 1980s. The concept quickly took hold out of consumers’ distaste for nursing homes and the desire for something offering the services, safety and amenities seniors required while still supporting and encouraging their independence.
Assisted living recognizes seniors as productive, contributing individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover, unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities offer private suites and most are equipped with kitchenettes. At communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley, meals and transportation are provided, and residents can get help with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, toileting, etc. Residents feel comforted having the security and safety of 24-hour support, and families rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever their loved one needs it. Residents of MorningStar appreciate the ease of built-in social connections and predictable budgeting as well as activities designed to engage them physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Amenities include a bistro, theater/chapel, fitness room, library, salon and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. If you think you or a loved one would benefit from an assisted living environment, MorningStar of Happy Valley may be the place for you. If you would like to see if we are a good fit, we offer short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) and respite care for those recovering from an illness or surgical procedure. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about Happy Valley’s finest assisted living and memory care. Moving your body is beneficial at any age, but especially for seniors in assisted living. Yoga is a wonderful way to decompress, relieve stress, and care for yourself.
You might not know about some of the surprising benefits of yoga for seniors. Here’s what yoga can do for residents in assisted living. 1. Reduced Joint Pain Joint pain is an issue for millions of seniors around the world. As you age, your bones and cartilage can weaken and become stiff. This makes everyday movements especially difficult. Yoga takes some of the pressure off your joints and improves your mobility. When you stretch and take deep breaths, your muscles and connective tissues receive more oxygen. This can help heal damaged tissues and regain your range of motion. If you’re in assisted living and want to experience joint pain relief, a relaxing yoga session might be just what you need. 2. Relaxation This one might seem obvious, but the importance of stress relief and relaxation cannot be overstated. Seniors benefit immensely from taking the time to slow down and reflect on their daily lives. Yoga is one of the most relaxing forms of physical activity. Senior yoga is usually slower-paced and supportive of your joints. Unlike other more intense exercises, yoga doesn’t run a major risk of injury. During a yoga class in assisted living, you get to sit back, stretch, and enjoy some calming breathing techniques. 3. Healthier Blood Pressure High blood pressure affects many seniors due to changes in their cardiovascular systems as they age. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health problems. Yoga has been shown to reduce blood pressure in many different age groups, especially seniors. There are a few potential reasons for this. Relaxation has a positive effect on blood pressure levels. When you’re less stressed and more mindful, your heart rate and blood pressure go down. Your body also releases less cortisol. Physical activity, in general, improves blood pressure levels in seniors, so it makes sense that yoga works well for this purpose. As long as your yoga sessions are joint-friendly and calming for you, you can reap the blood pressure benefits! 4. Improved Mental Health Senior mental health is just as important as physical health. Maintaining your peace of mind is especially important when you’re in assisted living. Yoga allows you to connect with others, your breath, and your body. Mindfulness has been shown to increase neurological connections in the brain, starting with just five minutes per day. Taking a senior yoga class gives your brain a chance to rewire itself in healthy ways. Boost Your Health with Yoga in Assisted Living Exercise doesn’t have to be stressful on your body (or your mind). Take a yoga class in assisted living to improve your physical and mental health for years to come! One of the most important things you can do when you move into an assisted living facility or community is to make friends.
Socializing and becoming a part of a group is proving to be essential for residents of these communities. Research has shown that when seniors are socially healthy, participate in activities with friends, and belong to social circles in their communities, their mental and physical health improve dramatically. So, with social health and friendship being so vital at these facilities, what can a person do to make friends when they arrive at their new home in an assisted living community? Tips for Making Friends in Your New Home One of the best things about these communities is that they offer many socialization opportunities that most people wouldn’t get otherwise. There are several easy things you can do to make friends easily and quickly in your new community: Make Mealtime a Social Event It’s always many peoples’ favorite time of the day: mealtime! Invite people you meet in your community throughout the day to join you for a meal in the dining room, and choose a time and a place to do so. You may find you’ve gathered a wonderful group of people who all had been searching for new friends. Participate in Social Activities The easiest way to initiate conversations with people is to engage in activities with them. This could be playing bingo, taking a shopping trip, going to yoga class, or other activities. Participating in community activities and events will also help you find others with similar interests. Seek Out Other New Residents Some of the best people to become friends with when you’re new are other new folks! Chances are good that you aren’t the only new resident, and other new residents are looking for friends, just like you are. Get to Know the Staff You will likely see many of the staff members of your community on a daily basis. Get to know them! Find out what their families are like, what interests they have, and what their dreams are. You may find someone who reminds you of yourself or who needs your valuable advice. Be Patient with Yourself Above all else, have confidence in yourself and your ability to make friends. Give yourself the grace you deserve, and try not to feel anxious if it takes you some time to connect with others. Adjusting to your new environment won’t happen in a day. From Friends to Family Keeping these simple tips in mind can make finding new friends in your community much easier and more rewarding. As you make connections with those around you, you will find yourself fitting in with your community before you know it. And along the way, you may find amazing people who will become your best friends — and even like family! |
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
August 2021
Categories:
All
|