Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. MorningStar of Pasadena wants area families to know we are here to help.
We are an independent living, assisted living and memory care community located in the commercial and cultural heart of the San Gabriel Valley, convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services. MorningStar Senior Living has communities across eleven states, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists. MorningStar’s extensive experience in memory care has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence. We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss. Before the resident even joins our community, we take the time to get to know them through interviews with their family members to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration. Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Managers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Pasadena, CA. 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 Pasadena, CA offers.
0 Comments
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 support with daily activities. 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 living 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 at River Oaks, we offer seniors the finest assisted living in Houston to allow them to live life to the fullest. Along with well-designed suites, we offer an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, 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 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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Houston offers. 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. Along with independent and assisted living, Pasadena CA’s Morningstar community provides suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. Daily, purposeful activities use music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to find ways to connect with and nurture the individual whatever the extent of memory impairment. Please visit our website to learn more about specialized memory care at MorningStar of Pasadena. MorningStar’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 the finest memory care, independent living and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers. Contact us or visit our website to learn more. Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music Many of us use electronic devices to read our daily newspaper, connect with family and friends through emails and social media, and watch TV as well as use a computer for work. This means our eyes spend a lot of time each day staring into the bright lights of a digital screen, which has resulted in many people reporting eye strain.
The American Optometric Association says our “eyes are under greater strain when we view screens versus when we read printed words on a page.” This is because screen print is not as sharply defined as printed letters and make our eyes work harder in addition to the strain of the glare and reflection. In fact in a study, researchers found that people blink less on digital screens, which might account for dry eyes and irritation. Symptoms of computer eyes include dry, irritated, or burning eyes; blurred vision when viewing a screen or looking into the distance; and difficulty refocusing the eye. People also report frequent headaches, neck and shoulder pain and sensitivity to light. To counteract the problem, the American Optometric Association recommends following the 20-20-20 rule. This means for every 20 minutes spent looking at a digital screen; you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Another helpful exercise is to change your focus by holding your finger a few inches from one eye and focusing your gaze on the finger. Now slowly move it aside and focus on something farther away. Alternate between looking at your finger and then looking farther away three times bringing the finger closer to the face each time. Doctors recommend getting a full eye exam if symptoms persist as well as remembering to follow the American Optometric Association’s guidelines regarding yearly checkups. This is important as eye strain can also be a sign of needing glasses or other underlying conditions. At MorningStar of Pasadena, residents find opportunities for new friendships, activities, wellness programs, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Our independent and assisted living community is designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Along with 116 spacious senior apartments in a variety of floorplans, we also offer luxury amenities including Executive Chef inspired meals, fitness center, bistro, sky terrace and more. Contact us for more information about exceptional senior living in Pasadena, CA. 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 senior living Pasadena, CA offers. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/computer-eye-strain#exercises To help those dealing with end-of-life issues, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains some of the myths associated with palliative and hospice care including sorting out the difference between the two terms. They explain while they are similar, they do differ in a couple of significant ways.
Palliative care is defined as providing specialized care for those living with a serious illness. Myths linked to palliative care include the person no longer being able to receive care for their disease. The fact is care can be provided for the illness along with curative care. Another myth is the person will no longer be able to see their primary doctor but will only be treated by specialists. NIA says in many cases, the person’s primary provider will work hand-in-hand with specialists. The intention of palliative care is to improve quality of life as well as provide care to improve help with symptoms. It also helps the patient understand their choices for medical treatment. A palliative care team may be made up of specialized nurses and doctors along with social workers, nutritionists and chaplains. If a time comes when the person’s care team decides treatment is no longer working, palliative care could transition to hospice care if the doctor believes the person is likely to die within six months. Another option is the palliative team would continue to help with the emphasis on providing comfort care. The NIA explains hospice care provides comfort and quality of life for a person with a serious illness who is facing end of life. The myth surrounding hospice care is the person cannot receive any medications. The truth is a person will receive medications to help manage symptoms but not to treat the disease. Many people think hospice care can only be done in a hospital or nursing facility but experts say it can also be done at home. MorningStar at River Oaks offers senior living in Houston with a range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour. 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 senior living Houston has to offer. MorningStar provides seniors with a lifestyle of wellness, comfort and community. By offering outstanding independent and assisted living in Pasadena, CA, our residents can enjoy carefree retirement years which gives them the time to pursue interests both new and old.
Our first-class amenities start with all-day dining with delicious meals created by our Executive Chef and served in our full-service dining room. We also have our own bistro, life enrichment room, fitness center, community kitchens, and an in-house salon that offers hairstyling, manicures and pedicures. In addition, we have a community store, billiards and poker rooms, theater/chapel and a private dining room that is available for intimate dinners. Each day, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that are designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connections. Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have raised garden beds and a courtyard with a strolling path. Along with scheduled transportation, we routinely take road trips to a variety of cultural destinations, shopping, restaurants, and more. If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, MorningStar of Pasadena provides various levels of assisted living. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs. We encourage you to visit our website for more details about our remarkable senior living community. Our property has 116 independent living and assisted living suites, in a choice of spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing care for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule a tour. MorningStar of Pasadena’s mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we provide the finest memory care, independent living and assisted living Pasadena, CA has to offer. Alzheimer’s is one of those progressive diseases where needs continue to evolve and change, and it is important to address those changes with the appropriate care. The Alzheimer’s Association advises families that there is not a one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to Alzheimer’s care; but rather to take a close look at your own unique family situation. They also say to recognize decisions regarding care are not easy.
Some of the options families may consider include in-home care, respite care, all-day adult centers, hospice care and long-term care. All these choices require time to explore to ensure they provide the level of care a loved one needs. Experts recommend trying to include the person with Alzheimer’s into the decision making process as much as possible. The Alzheimer’s Association says often a person in the early stages of the disease can live alone but in the middle stages typically 24/7 care is needed. During the most advanced stages, intensive around-the-clock care is required. If it is time for long-term care, you will want the best care possible. Experts say look for a memory care community that treats the whole person and has an environment in which they can feel independent and safe. A Place for Mom, an online senior living referral service, offers questions to help decide when it may be time for a family to consider long term-care in a memory community. Some of those questions include:
Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks offers comprehensive memory care which supports residents with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege–our calling–to walk alongside residents and their families during this unexpected and challenging journey. 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 memory care and assisted living Houston offers. If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make her life easier and more interesting, most mothers are happy to get them.
If mom lives alone, there are several smartly designed dressing aids to make it easier for her and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for a bracelet fastener or magnetic necklace fastener, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary. For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs creates a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who like showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender. Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. Why not put on a fancy brunch with many of mom’s favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize her home or help her write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. Looking for exceptional senior living in Kirkland, WA? MorningStar of Kirkland is a vibrant 55+ community designed for carefree retirement years. As a resident, you will no longer worry about home maintenance as we handle it all, including weekly housekeeping. Residents also enjoy onsite amenities, concierge services, wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website for floor plans, 360° tour and list of amenities. MorningStar’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 the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 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 say 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 entertainment you get from them. They also make great gifts for seniors. At MorningStar of Pasadena, our goal is to provide the best senior living Pasadena, CA offers, and we provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. Our beautiful community has a variety of floor plans for both independent and assisted living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s 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 to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer. Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/ Most of us experience some level of stress whether it is just occasionally or something that bothers us on a more frequent basis. If you want to know how to handle stress better, Dr. Shalu Ramchandani, an integrative medicine specialist at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, recommends following good health habits. These include eating a predominantly plant-based diet, exercising on a regular basis, sleeping at least seven hours a night and staying socially connected.
Another beneficial habit to reduce stress is to practice self-care, which is simply taking time out of your day to do something that makes you feel good. Experts recommend one of the top self-care habits is to practice mindfulness. Spending too much time on things such as problem-solving and negative thoughts can make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness with breathing exercises, guided imagery and other practices can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and relax the body and mind. Self-care habits can include taking a walk out in nature, practicing yoga, taking a bath or doing some stretches before bedtime. Some people feel a sense of calm using aromatherapy with scents known to be calming like lavender, rose, bergamot and frankincense. Lighting a room using candles or getting a massage can also be effective. Research finds watching a movie or an episode of a comedy show that makes us laugh can additionally reduce our stress hormones. For others, listening to soothing music may be calming. If coffee or caffeinated drinks make you feel jittery or anxious, cut back and replace with decaffeinated substitutes or drink water or natural fruit juices. If nothing seems to help, and your stress and anxiety levels are not improving, consult your healthcare provider. At MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland, residents find opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Located in the picturesque Totem Lake area, our community is a vibrant place for active seniors to enjoy carefree retirement years. Along with 151 spacious apartments in a variety of floorplans, we also offer luxury amenities including Executive Chef inspired nutritious meals, pool, art studio, fitness center, and more. Contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our current Move-in Specials. 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 Kirkland, WA has to offer. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2022
Categories
All
|