Searching for memory care for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs.
Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let the community know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now look at communities that are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the community offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all do the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in the Scottsdale – Fountain Hills area. 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. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Scottsdale – Fountain Hills offers.
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Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Fountain Hills are not nursing homes. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.
It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our beautiful community offers 63 graciously appointed suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides 28 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We also offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For memory care or assisted living Scottsdale area seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. Since 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Scottsdale – Fountain Hills offers. Source:agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm 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. If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the upcoming holidays. When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over-stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia. Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting.
The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer’s disease so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them. They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner. If you are visiting your loved one at a memory care community, bring along some pictures of the family and take the time to quietly sit and talk about them. If you are bringing your loved one to your home, play familiar music and serve foods you know they like. Set time aside to do some activities with the family such as making a memory book or telling stories. Other suggestions include taking a short walk or decorating cookies together. Be sure to warn family members and friends about any changes in their behavior and condition so they do not expect more than the person has the ability to offer. Remind them that Alzheimer’s can diminish a person’s ability to communicate and that it is helpful to speak slowly and in a relaxed tone. The Alzheimer’s Association says to avoid saying things like, “Don’t you remember?” Also, address the person by name and be patient, stay calm and supportive. Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers 27 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic memory care includes wellness programs and activities that leverage the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort. We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. As a national holiday that is based on expressing appreciation for a wide variety of blessings, Thanksgiving also is known for other traditions that include the Macy’s Parade in New York City and three National Football League games that feature the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. Thanksgiving also is renowned across the United States for a menu fit for a king and queen that packs the pounds.
As we grow older, our nutritional and caloric intake needs change. At our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, we account for the culinary changes by creating meals that match the lifestyles of older residents. Does this mean seniors staying at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho have to forgo the traditional Thanksgiving meal? The answer is no, if you prepare a meal with many of the same dishes minus the unhealthy ingredients. Let’s take a look at five healthy Thanksgiving meals for seniors. Roast Turkey While science continues its quest to determine whether turkey makes you sleepy, there is no debate as to the protein’s popularity as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals. Turkey is a healthy protein for seniors, if it does not contain stuffing or is doused with a glaze. Prepare a roast turkey without adding any salt, as well as change out traditional carb-rich stuffing for nutrient-rich fruits such as apples and oranges. Sweet Potatoes Turkey served alone does not wreck a senior’s diet, but a whopping serving of mashed potatoes drenched in butter sends a Thanksgiving meal off the healthy meal chart. You can still get your potato fix at Thanksgiving by serving sweet potatoes, without the common additions of butter and sugar. Sweet potatoes enhance the digestive process, as well as provide high amounts of vitamins A and C. Mashed Cauliflower Another stand-in for mashed potatoes is a bowl full of mashed cauliflower. This much healthier alternative to buttered mashed potatoes is rich in fiber content, as well as delivers a healthy dose of magnesium and potassium. Seniors also receive plenty of vitamins C and K. Top this dish with an herb like rosemary and sprinkle a bit of low-fat Parmesan cheese to make it the new Thanksgiving comfort food. Green Bean Casserole Incorporating a cream-based sauce and sprinkling fried onions over the top of a green bean casserole is what makes the traditional Thanksgiving dish unhealthy. Incorporate whole wheat flour and reduced fat milk to form the base of your Thanksgiving meal green bean casserole, as well as top this dish with freshly chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Pumpkin Pie Does serving a healthy meal at a senior housing center in Rio Rancho mean removing traditional pumpkin pie from the menu? It does mean that if you bake a pumpkin pie with too much sugar and add a whopping portion of whipped cream. Use crushed pecans to form the pie crust, and then combine skim milk with an egg substitute to transform an unhealthy dessert into a heart-healthy last Thanksgiving course.At the MorningStar assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, we take the health of our residents seriously. Learn more about the diet and nutrition focus of our menus, including the meals served at Thanksgiving, by contacting one of our senior care specialists. One of the keys for seniors to enjoy healthy lifestyles is to remain active. At the MorningStar senior housing center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, our monthly activities list is chock-full of fun things to do that keep your senior loved one engaged. From yoga classes to individual activities such as solving puzzles, our residents keep busy throughout the year.
An important part of our activities calendar involves leaving our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho to attend special events. This is an especially important part of our activities calendar during the winter holidays when several events help enrich the lives of our residents. Old Town Holiday Stroll One of the many attractive features of Albuquerque concerns the year-round mild, dry climate. This is an especially attractive feature in winter when temperatures typically average above freezing and the skies do not unleash a load of snow on residents. During December, Albuquerque’s favorable climate takes center stage during several winter holiday events. One of the most popular outdoor winter holiday events in Albuquerque is called the Old Town Holiday Stroll. This free special winter holiday event takes place on December 6, 2023. from 5 to 9 p.m. The highlight of the event is the tree lighting at Plaza Don Luis. Mannheim Steamroller The winter holidays evoke a wide variety of fond memories based on tradition. From decorating a tree to hanging lights around the house, the winter holiday season represents the essence of charm and energy. As the top-selling live act during the winter holidays, Mannheim Steamroller rolls into Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 27, 2023. Enjoy traditional holiday songs that present a one-of-a-kind Neo-classical twist. Make sure to get your tickets to this one-time winter holiday event before the show sells out. Trolley of Lights Nothing dazzles the eyes more than to be immersed in a sea of colorful holiday lights. The best way to discover dazzling holiday lights is to join the ABQ Trolley Company Trolley of Lights tour that runs from December 15 through December 28. This 75-minute unforgettable holiday light tour takes you through neighborhoods and business districts displaying beautiful winter holiday lights that hang from rooftops and around large pine and cedar trees. Make sure to dress warmly to get the most out of this popular winter holiday event. Winterfest Arts & Crafts Festival At the Santa Ana Center on December 14, 2023, arts and crafts enthusiasts can attend one of the most popular festivals located in greater Albuquerque. Not only do you get the opportunity to shop for arts and crafts, but you also can offer your creations for sale during the winter holiday event. This free winter holiday event represents an ideal way to get most, if not all of your shopping done for the holidays. Learn More About the Activities Calendar at MorningStar-Rio Rancho One of the most influential reasons why our residents choose MorningStar-Rio Rancho is that we offer three lifestyle options: Independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The three lifestyle options allow new residents of our independent living program to transition into an assisted living arrangement as circumstances warrant, without having to search for another assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, NM.Learn more about the three lifestyle options at MorningStar-Rio Rancho by scheduling a tour today Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages.
Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life. Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish. MorningStar of Fountain Hills is a trusted assisted living and memory care community which was awarded “Best of Senior Living” 2023 by A Place for Mom, an online referral service for families. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in the Scottsdale-Fountain Hills area. 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Scottsdale - Fountain Hills, AZ offers. Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music Along with memory care, MorningStar of Fountain Hills provides assisted living with a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our residential home is filled with spacious, beautifully appointed common areas both inside and out including a living room, bistro, chapel/theater, fitness center, fireside patio and atrium with water feature. Delicious meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.
However, our stylish design does not stop at the door of our private suites. Each one offers a range of features including high ceilings, large windows, private heating & air conditioning, and a kitchenette. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are equipped with an emergency call system to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as a handicap-accessible bathroom. Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. All assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers who help assist them with the Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Access to a licensed nurse is available onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock. We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically re-evaluate care plans and make changes as needed. Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more. We offer supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. At the heart of our community, and what we are most proud of, is our loving, responsive team who feel privileged to care for seniors. Please visit our website to see what sets us apart from other assisted living in the Scottsdale area and why MorningStar is a great place to call home. 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 memory care and assisted living Scottsdale - Fountain Hills has to offer. Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Happy Valley offers experienced memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood has memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.
The Reflections Neighborhood is designed in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with memory impairment and encourages independence for residents with clear wayfinding; and safe, inviting common areas. Residents receive daily health monitoring and 24/7 care along with access to a licensed nurse and more supportive third-party service providers. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All our employees, regardless of their position, will receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents. The eight hours of training include the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors. Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar’s memory care or assisted living in Happy Valley and all the amenities and services we provide. We look forward to hearing from you. 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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR. If you are a senior who would like to get some exercise, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.
Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training. At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. Located southeast of Portland, Oregon, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services. Contact us to learn what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home. 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 the finest senior living in Happy Valley, OR. Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/ |
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