Get the Support You Need in an Assisted Living Community

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 Albuquerque, 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 about our assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Searching For Assisted Living for a Parent

If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent, you know it can be overwhelming.  You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences.  Moreover, you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad again after just a few months.  That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow you should take your time.  

The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for assisted living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff.  One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the community.  

Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations, pricing information and availability.  If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite.  Also, if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a suite).  

You will also want to learn more about the care services your loved one will receive. How is the level of care determined?  Will they have access to care 24/7?  How close is the community to medical care facilities and how are medical emergencies handled? Are nurses available and if so, how often?  What is the staff-to-resident ratio and do the staff receive special training?  Do any of the caregivers have CPR training?  

In addition, ask about programs and activities available to residents.  If possible, get a calendar of events to review later.  Also, ask about the dining experience.  Are meals offered all day?  Is the dining room full service?  Can a resident have meals delivered to their suite?  If your parents have diet restrictions find out if they can be accommodated. 

Location is another thing to consider as you will want a community that is convenient for family and friends to visit.  Be sure to ask if you will be allowed to visit at any time or if there is a set schedule when residents can receive visitors.    

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we look forward to answering all your questions.  Our dedicated team works hard to give our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community second to none.  Our beautiful home offers assisted living in Albuquerque, NM with a wide range of luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides care to those with memory impairment.

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.  Contact us or visit our website for more information.

Know the Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

The Medical News Today says too many people do not get diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative diseases until they are in the advanced stages; thereby limiting their prevention and treatment options. Medical professionals say although the disease has typically been categorized as primarily a movement disorder, new research finds executive function may be a major factor in determining its progression. Executive function is defined as a broad group of mental skills enabling people to complete tasks and interact with others. Disordered executive function impairs a person’s ability to organize and manage behavior.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation the top 10 signs of the disease are: 

• Tremors 

• Small handwriting

• Loss of smell

• Trouble sleeping

• Trouble moving or walking

• Constipation

• A soft or low voice

• Masked face (looking depressed or mad)

• Dizziness or fainting

• Stooping or hunching over 

If you have any of these signs, you should see your healthcare provider. He or she may refer you to a neurologist, who specializes in the brain as well as other specialists. Experts say there is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, but rather your treatment will be tailored to address your own special needs and is usually a team effort. Based on your symptoms, treatment may include seeing a physical, speech or occupational therapist; medications and exercises. 

Research also suggests a strong link between those who experience what is known as “minor hallucinations” early on in the disease to a more rapid loss of executive function as well as cognitive decline in the later stages. Minor hallucinations involve the senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste. These include seeing someone who is not there or seeing a face or object in something like a cloud or a carpet. It is important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing any hallucinations.    

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, assisted living,  our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. Please contact us today for more information about MorningStar’s assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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 Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/minor-hallucinations-may-be-an-early-sign-of-parkinsons-related-cognitive-decline

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Albuquerque

If you have started the search for assisted living Albuquerque, NM, you will want to include MorningStar on your list. Our all-inclusive community offers an array of luxury amenities, while at the same time, all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every private suite is smartly designed to maximize space and include floor plans in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Sizes range from 323 sq. ft. to as large as 798 sq. ft. and they all come equipped with a kitchenette, handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Residents also enjoy our weekly housekeeping service. 

We provide residents the care to help them maintain their independence, and the amenities and wellness programs to keep them engaged and looking forward to each new day. MorningStar’s all-day dining service means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule. A full salon makes it easy to get a new hairstyle or treat yourself to a manicure. Our fitness room along with specialized exercise classes will help you stay in shape; and our monthly calendar is loaded with fun, entertaining activities.  Moreover, residents have the opportunity to participate in scheduled outings and special events.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s goal is to be a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. As dementia care specialists, our community also provides secure memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding availability, choice of suites, pricing, care services and more. In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as providing background on our company.  

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 assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s Approach to Memory Care

Along with a variety of well-designed floor plans for assisted living, Albuquerque, NM’s MorningStar community has suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Our team feels privileged to provide highly specialized, individualized care for seniors in the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  All our memory care suites are within our Reflections Neighborhood, which is designed to accommodate the needs of our special residents.    

Memory care residents can move freely about in a safe and secure environment reserved just for them.  We offer three daily meals served in our comfy dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, medication management and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. 

MorningStar’s memory care comes from a deep understanding of the disease, and we create an individualized care plan for each resident based on their background, preferences and abilities. Our compassionate, professional staff uses multi-sensory cues to calm and awaken memories and to support capabilities. All residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of purposeful activities that include music, life skills, art, entertainment and exercise as well as our special events and outings. 

Please visit our website for more information about our loving community.  If you like what you see, contact us or use our Community Assistant (in the lower right corner) to set up a tour.  We understand families feel traumatized by the sobering diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and we want you to know we are here to support you as well as your loved one.    

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on assisted 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.