MorningStar

Families often wonder how assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows determine the level of care for residents. We want to reassure you there is no need to worry mom or dad’s needs will not be addressed as our job includes creating and routinely re-evaluating residents’ individualized care plan designed for their wellbeing and safety. Once you and your family decide MorningStar is the best fit, we invite you to meet with our Wellness Director to come up with a specialized care plan based on five levels of care – basic through level 4. Additionally, monthly fees are determined by the square footage and location of your suite within the building along with the view. We have a choice of studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floorplans. Our care services consider the cost and time of providing each service, such as assistance with dressing and bathing. The result is a highly Individualized Service Plan that offers the right amount of assistance when you need it. Medi...

Every year the month of June is the time to promote Alzheimer’s Awareness. The Alzheimer's Association encourages people to wear purple, the official color of the Alzheimer's movement, as a way to show support and encourage others to join in the effort to end Alzheimer’s. There are several ways you can volunteer throughout the year to help raise both awareness as well as funds. This includes making a donation yourself, volunteering at your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and participating and supporting the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. During this summer solstice in June, join in or start your own Longest Day event with fundraising and celebrations to find a cure. There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s but it is important to let your doctor know if you recognize any signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or a loved one as early intervention can provide a range of benefits for someone who is diagnosed. These include access to treatments that offer better results when taken...

If you are an adult child of an elderly parent, it may be difficult to tell when it’s time to move your parents into assisted living . For many of us, we have always seen our parents as independent individuals who kept the family together, made all the tough decisions, and could handle anything. Age, health, and other factors beyond our control can greatly impact our parents’ ability to manage retirement and aging. It can be very unsettling to begin to notice things in your parents’ home fall by the wayside. If you are concerned that your elderly parent may need assisted living care , look out for the following behaviors: Behavioral Changes Changes in behavior are often the first thing we notice about our parents when they age. Getting older can generally cause some changes in communication or personality, but drastic mood shifts may hint at a larger issue at hand that may worsen over time. If your parents are acting unlike themselves, they may be experiencing early symptoms of dementi...

Reading, as we all know, is an excellent source of relaxation. However, no one is likely reading enough these days. Reading engages the mind and keeps the brain actively engaged. This is why a MorningStar Assisted Living Community near you advocates for book clubs in their assisted living communities. For seniors in assisted living that may have physical limitations or reduced mobility, reading provides a mentally engaging and fulfilling activity, especially in a group setting. Building community over a good book is a great way to keep seniors actively engaged and mentally stimulated in assisted living care . Reading opens the door to continuous learning and personal growth. Through reading, seniors explore new topics and expand their horizons. Offering access to books through libraries and digital reading platforms is just one way assisted living communities grant seniors this wealth of knowledge. By encouraging and facilitating book clubs, MorningStar empowers seniors to continue the...