The Benefits of Modern-Day Senior Living Communities

There was a time when the idea of moving into a senior’s residence or “old folk’s home” was an indication that a person had come to the point where they were no longer able to care for themselves, but that is no longer the case. Gone are the days of senior housing being little more than a place for older people to live out their final days. 

Today, senior living communities are a lifestyle choice for many, with a vibrant range of choices that allow the senior to take control and continue living life to the fullest. Here are some benefits of modern-day senior living communities that show just how far they have come. 

For seniors that move into an independent living community, it’s like having the best of living on your own, combined with a carefree lifestyle. You still get to maintain your independence and have a stylish suite of your own, but many of the chores and tasks you don’t like to do are taken care of.  

Depending on the community, you could have beautiful outdoor living spaces without the yard work; nutritious meals served restaurant style, and services such as housekeeping and laundry. This leaves you with a lot of time to enjoy yourself; discover new hobbies, meet new friends and take part in all of the activities the modern day senior living community has to offer.  

One big benefit of modern-day retirement living is the incredible sense of community that is created. There are always activities and events going on that aim to bring together seniors with similar interests, or introduce new activities to their lives. Of course, extra-curricular activities are optional, so those who are less inclined to socialize aren’t required to. But most residents relish the opportunity to have a ready-made social life right there in front of them.  

For MorningStar of Sparks residents, life often feels more like time at a resort than everyday living. We have book clubs, writing clubs, NFL booster parties, live entertainment, and a host of other activities that will keep you busy.  For seniors that are interested in carefree living, but also want to maintain the independence they’ve had up until now, MorningStar of Sparks is a great solution.

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.

 

The Heart of Our Community is Our Staff

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we recognize that our wonderful assortment of amenities and our beautiful surroundings are fantastic; however, we know that the real heart of our community rests in our staff.  We have made it a point to hire individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors and understand the magnitude of their contribution when they work at our senior living community.     

The MorningStar staff consists of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members has a smile for the residents and is as quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed. 

In fact as part of MorningStar’s on-going commitment to the well-being and care of our residents, we train all of our new hires as well as reiterate every day with our full staff the principles of our mission.  Our Radiance program teaches and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place like a beam of light and reinforces our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  MorningStar was founded on the premise that we operate with “servants’ hearts” and our Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take service professionalism to the next level. 

We are sure that once you learn more about our community you will agree with us that MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself our loving, home-like 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.

 

 

Use Our Website Start a Live Online Chat or Schedule a Visit

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we are extremely proud of our community and want to encourage area families to schedule a visit to experience firsthand what we are all about.  While our website is extremely comprehensive with lots of useful information and pictures, it is impossible to really experience MorningStar of Sparks’ total ambience without paying us a visit. 

We understand that everyone is busy, which is why we will tailor your tour to address your priorities but we do ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit to get a fair idea of our services and amenities.  In addition we would love to have you join us for lunch (just let us know when you schedule your tour) to not only get a taste of our delicious, nutritional meals but to have a chance to enjoy the company.  If you do want lunch, please plan to be here for about 90 minutes.    

There are two easy ways to schedule a tour.  You can go to our website and open the link to our convenient online form that takes just a few moments to fill out or pick up your phone and give us a call.  Also if you would like, go ahead and initiate a live online chat with our operators and let us know how we can be of service.  You will have the opportunity to ask a few questions and to leave your contact information so we can get back to you promptly. 

MorningStar of Sparks offers 128 graciously appointed independent living suites, as well as 80 beautiful and spacious assisted living suites for those needing some additional help.    Our Reflections Neighborhood for memory care offers 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with memory impairments.  You or your loved one deserves the best senior living community in the Reno/Sparks area!    

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.

Considering a Memory Care Community?

If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them.  Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need.   

What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease?  One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one.    

In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair?  Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from?  It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. 

Next you need to ask the community some questions beginning with the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training does the staff go through.  Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the place has a visiting physician.  Also are residents given an individualized plan?  Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents?  Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space?  

Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents.  Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy?  Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages?  Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one. 

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.

Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist 

Selling the Family Home

The time may be right for you or your parents to move into a senior living community but you are concerned about selling the house.  We are all aware that the housing market has recovered from the poor market of a few years ago but finding the right buyer can often still be a challenge.  

There are some things you can do to give yourself an edge over the competition.  The most important thing is to set the right price as a house priced too high is just not going to sell in any market.  Be sure to take condition of your home into account and sale prices of comparable houses in the area.  Do not assume the price necessarily reflects the assessed value.   

If your house has been on the market for a while, re-evaluate what is going on and discuss with your agent any feedback he is getting from prospective buyers.  It may be some repairs and upgrades are advisable and could make a difference.  Ron Phipps, a principal broker with Phipps Realty and Relocation Services in Warwick, R.I., say, “If the house looks 40 years old with 40-year-old paint, 40-year-old appliances and 40-year-old carpet, that's a hard sell”.  Remember that an old house can just look old, or with a few well-placed updates, you can transform it into a classic.

Steps to staging your home to get ready to sell:

Clean everything inside and out.  Do not forget windows and steam clean the carpets.  Make sure to eliminate any pet or cigarette odors.  Paint walls that are dirty and replace stained or worn out carpet (consider putting in wood or tile floors).  Stick to neutral colors.

Fix anything that is broken or damaged.  You could consider having a home inspection done as a buyer will probably do one anyway.  It allows you to take care of repairs beforehand.

Get rid of clutter throughout the house and do not forget countertops.  Removing as much as possible will help to give the impression of more room. 

Take down anything that could be offensive and put away personal items and mementos.  The idea is to let a prospective buyer picture living there. 

Open blinds and windows to give more light and let fresh air in if the weather is cooperative.  Set out a vase of cut flowers.

Sometimes seniors think it is better to modify their current home and postpone moving into a senior living community.  Studies show that making even small modifications can negatively affect home equity down the road when someone wants to sell.  People can feel disconnected to a house that looks like an “old person’s” 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.