MorningStar of Sparks’ assisted living is just the place for seniors who require a little assistance with their daily personal care and wish to live in a community with a home-like atmosphere. You will find a wealth of amenities such as delicious, nutritional meals as well as an on-site chapel, theatre, library (including multiple computers and newspapers), salon, general store and much more. Every day our residents are treated to a choice of daily activities that include games, scrapbooking, art classes, writing groups, flower arranging movie nights, sing-alongs, and a variety of physical activities to name but a few.
In addition we provide a wide range of professional clinical services to meet your health needs like having a full-time licensed nurse on staff and 24-hour Care Managers. Each shift also has a CPR trained staff member. We have Certified Med Care Managers and each resident has their care plan reviewed periodically as well as scheduled health and wellness evaluations. The MorningStar community offers the convenience of pharmacy services and onsite dental and podiatry services. Furthermore, we partner with home health agencies to provide our residents with nursing, therapy, and social work services if needed. As a resident, you will have a choice of physicians and receive scheduled visits. We also provide diabetic management, oxygen administration, and catheter and colostomy care as well as palliative and hospice care and much more. All of our resident-centered clinical assistance is done through the full authority of our license from the Department of Health with the goal of providing each resident with a higher quality of care at a lower cost. Please visit our website for more information about the extensive services provided to MorningStar residents. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.
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A recent article from the New York Times reports on a study that achieved modest improvement in the physical decline and memory loss for some people in the early-stages of Alzheimer’s. Conducted by the University of Kansas, it is one of the first studies to use physical activity as an experimental treatment for dementia and their results suggest frequent, brisk walks may help to “bolster physical abilities and slow memory loss”
While the improvements were not universal in all study participants, researchers are now considering the question of why exercise helps some people with dementia and not others. We know earlier studies support a correlation between regular physical exercise and improved memory and also find that active seniors are less likely to develop mild cognitive decline, which is a frequent precursor to Alzheimer’s. This may be due to the fact that brain scans show physically active older people have more volume in their brain’s hippocampus (the part of the brain linked to memory function) than their sedentary peers. Until this study, most of the research has involved trying to prove whether or not exercise can help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s. In this new research, published by PLOSOne, it considers whether or not exercise can help to improve the trajectory of the disease. The participants were all older adults who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and were still in the early stages. They also had the ability to walk well. The research “assessed the effect of 26 weeks (6 months) of a supervised aerobic exercise program on memory, executive function, functional ability and depression in early AD.” The conclusion drawn from the study suggests that the exercise fitness gains produced not only improved memory performance but reduced hippocampal atrophy. It is still unclear why only some of the participants’ fitness endurance and brain activity improved. Researchers speculate that perhaps a specific exercise program may be more beneficial to a wider group of participants. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Sources:nytimes.com/2017/03/01/well/move/frequent-brisk-walks-may-aid-those-with-early alzheimers.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fwell&action=click&contentCollection=well®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0 journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0170547 We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one-third of Americans age 65 years and older fall each year. They report that, “every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”
However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home. The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall. Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise. In addition older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles. Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling. There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen. Also vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.” It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living options. Sources: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/ nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/causesandriskfactors/01.html Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that affects over 30 million Americans, and while it can occur at any age, the risk of developing OA increases with age. OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones. It is believed there is a hereditary component that predisposes some people to OA, and that being overweight can contribute to the severity and early onset of the disease.
Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that lines the joints and allows them to move smoothly as well as cushion the bones. Stress placed on joints over the years wears away the cartilage causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. OA most commonly affects hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine but can affect any joint. Sports injuries and fractures can cause OA later on in life and certain jobs that are strenuous on joints (kneeling or standing for long periods of time) can put you at added risk. While there is no cure for OA, it is treated with pain management, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, and reducing the weight on the joints. An occupational therapist can teach you ways to move to lessen the pain without adding more stress to the joint. A physical therapist will show you the exercises to do to strengthen your muscles and work to improve things like walking and posture. Some OA sufferers have turned to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and massage techniques. For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Sources: cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#1 More and more older adults are discovering that senior living communities are the ideal place to enjoy their retirement years whether they are a senior who requires assistance or someone who is able to live independently. This is probably due to the fact that over the last several years, senior living communities have changed dramatically. Today’s modern communities are tailored to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs and provide a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
Many seniors, especially those living alone, find themselves becoming more and more isolated as they have retired from careers and may even have stopped driving. In contrast, senior living communities offer residents a friendly place to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities. Even for someone who values their privacy, senior communities offer the comfort of having other people around. It is reassuring if you experience a fall or a medical emergency to know help is close at hand. Also owning a home means a lot of physical upkeep such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores which can be difficult for seniors. The advantage to senior living communities is that someone else does the work while the residents have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. Another common problem with seniors who live alone is that many do not eat well. Cooking may be difficult and/or they may not be able to easily get out to grocery shop. Again the problem of good nutrition is solved in senior living communities as they provide healthy daily meals designed around the needs of the residents. For older adults that have given up driving, senior living provides a safe solution. Most provide scheduled outings to places such as shopping malls, outdoor parks, plays and other entertainment venues, museums and more. MorningStar of Sparks Senior Living offers residents a safe, comfortable place to age in place and to take advantage of resort-style amenities and meaningful activities. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself why our residents are pleased to call MorningStar “home”. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/ Despite often stereo-typing seniors as not knowing how to use or even liking today’s technology, a recent study from the Pew Research Center shows that may not be actually true. Monica Anderson, the lead author of the study, explains that, "Even though they might be less likely to use these forms of technology, they do believe that technology is a quite positive thing for our society." Moreover there are several new technologies that seniors have happily embraced.
According to the research that involved surveying 3,015 adults, one of the most popular tech items older adults have adopted are smartphones. The Pew study reports that the number of people 65 years and older who now own a smartphone is more than double from what is was just three years ago. The rate of ownership went from 18 percent in 2013 to 42 percent of seniors not only owning a smartphone but willing to learn new ways to use them. In fact Sanette Chao, a spokesperson for Verizon, states that the majority of the people who attend their Intro to Smartphone sessions are seniors. Another tool that seniors are using is the Internet. Compared to the 12 percent of seniors who used the Internet in 2000, two-thirds of them are now using it. However the numbers do change when you start looking at older seniors as the majority of those over 80 do not use the Internet. Tablets are owned by approximated a third of seniors 65 years and older and 19 percent of older adults read their books on an e-reader. E-readers offer the advantage of downloading a book whenever you want as well as the ability to change font size, which is great for seniors who are visually impaired. Other new technologies being adopted by older adults include direct deposit and online banking. More seniors are also using social media and the Pew study found that one-third of all seniors’ survey used facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source:money.usnews.com/money/retirement/aging/articles/2017-07-24/5-technologies-older-americans-have-embraced There are many misconceptions about senior independent and assisted living communities. Regardless of what you think you know; the truth is every senior community has a unique personality and the best way to really get to know a place is to visit it firsthand. Krystal Chan, a Partner Services Projects Manager at A Place for Mom, notes that, “You can visit two communities down the street from one another that offer the same care and services, they may even look identical to one another, but that feel very different. Just because your loved one didn’t like one community, doesn’t mean the next one won’t feel right.”
In terms of assisted living, you will find that the level of care varies from facility to facility as well as from state to state as requirements and regulations differ. Some states have a tiered level of licensing so facilities with higher level licenses can provide more care. One thing that surprises a lot of people is that many senior living communities allow pets. In fact, as research continues to solidify the benefit seniors get from caring for an animal, many communities wholeheartedly welcome pets into their community. Another misconception about assisted living is that it is very expensive. In a 2012 Cost of Senior Care Survey from A Place for Mom, it cites the fact that assisted living is often less costly than home health or nursing home care. In addition they report that “more seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs.” Furthermore, other programs such as one for Vets and their spouses offer assistance to help off-set the cost. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-assisted-living-2-19-2012/ For family members, assisted living and memory care can offer peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one is receiving the care and companionship they need to live safely and as independently as possible. However we recognize that for some adult children or spouses, considering assisted living brings up feelings of guilt as you think you are not doing enough for them.
As an adult child, you may realize that you have too many responsibilities already on your plate including your own children, a job and other constraints but still feel guilty about not offering your parent a home with you. Even if you are a caregiver that has reached the point where you know the job is taking a toll on your own health and well-being and you are no longer able to provide the level of care your loved needs, you may still be hesitant to make changes. This is why assisted living and memory care communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer the perfect solution. Our purpose is not to replace you in the life of your aging parent or spouse but rather to assist you in your efforts to make their lives easier, safer and more comfortable. Our community was designed and built to accommodate the needs of seniors. Every aspect of our interior common rooms and suites as well as the outdoor grounds is intended to make our residents feel like they are in a true “home.” From beautiful, private suites that are just waiting for your personal furnishings, delicious three meals a day served restaurant-style, activities galore or companionship; we provide a lovely home. Please contact us with any questions you may have or set up a visit to see firsthand our beautiful community. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Study after study indicates that keeping our brains active as we grow older is just as important as staying physically active. As we age, not only do we lose muscle mass but our brain begins to shrink. The Everyday Health Media’s website explains that, “your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.” The goal of brain exercises is to help increase the brain’s cognitive reserves.
One of Everyday Health’s simple tips for improving brain function is to test your recall. They suggest that you make a list with several items on it such as errands to run or groceries to buy, and then memorize it. A few hours later, try to recall as many items from the list as you can. In addition engage in activities that require fine-motor skills such as knitting, drawing, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. Another activity for increasing cognitive brain function is to visualize how to spell a word and then think of other words that begin with or end with the same letters. Also it is beneficial to undertake new activities in your daily life such as learning how to cook various types of cuisine, learning a foreign language or to play an instrument. Seniors can also keep brains active and healthy by learning to play a new sport like golf, tennis or yoga. At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we recognize the importance of providing an environment where our residents can engage in meaningful as well as fun and entertaining activities, including brain exercises. Our monthly calendar is loaded with daily activities of great interest to our residents. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We encourage you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source: everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes (or that goes away and comes back). They describe it like an “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.” Signs can also include discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness. As heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the U.S. as well as globally, it is important to know the facts and a great resource for up-to-date information is the American Heart Association’s website.
The site has lots of current information on the causes and treatment for atherosclerosis, which is the disease that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries. Once plaque has built up and narrowed the arteries, it is more difficult for the blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming that can stop blood from flowing altogether. Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes and occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (typically from a blood clot). Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when weakened blood vessels rupture. There are two types of weakened blood vessels that are typically responsible: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should, and thus, not meeting the body’s blood and oxygen needs. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in adults 65 years and older. Treatment includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes. If left untreated, the problem can worsen. Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp# |
AuthorAt Morningstar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our team works diligently to give residents a quality of life eclipsing that of other senior living communities. Archives
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