The Heart of MorningStar of Sparks is Our Staff

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we understand that our senior community’s success lies with our caregivers. This is why one of our founding principles is to invest generously in our team members, including providing the necessary development and training required to create leaders with the ability to provide the best life possible for our residents. 

We are proud of the fact that our staff is comprised of people who champion our mission and have a sense of calling to serve seniors.  They are a group of unique individuals who do the right thing when no one is watching and work diligently to perfect the art of anticipating the needs of our residents.  In addition they not only believe that Senior Living, at its best, is love in action but do it every day.   

As a part of our commitment to bringing together an exceptional staff, we offer generous compensation and benefit packages to each employee in an effort to recognize caregiving as a respected career choice.  We have found that our vetting of employees has paid off as we have a staff that works hard to ensure MorningStar of Sparks residents feel loved and cared for in every way possible.  

Furthermore, all of our in-coming staff receives Radiance training, which is reiterated every day at our Team Stand-up.  The Radiance program celebrates an attitude of selflessness that comes from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light and reflects the way we deliver customer service at MorningStar - with warmth, sincerity and depth.  The program provides a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and allows us to take our professionalism to the next level.  We encourage you to schedule a tour of our gorgeous community to experience firsthand all we offer. 

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.

Demand for Senior Living Communities Continues to Increase

The US News & World Report recently published an article on the growing demand for senior living communities as the number of elderly adults in the U.S increases.  The Census Bureau predicts that the number of people age 85 and older will grow to 6.6 million and make up almost 2 percent of the population by 2020, which is an increase of 800,000 from 2010.  Moreover, the figure is expected to go up to more than 19 million by 2050, and by 2060, nearly 100 million Americans will be 65 years or older.   

While the increasing number of seniors in the U.S. is most likely due to older adults living longer as well as the baby boom that occurred after World War II, more and more seniors are recognizing the advantages of aging in place among their peers.  Senior living communities offer the benefit of a less demanding, more carefree lifestyle and virtually eliminate the problem of social isolation and loneliness.   

Furthermore, today’s senior living communities are worlds apart from the old days when nursing homes were the only option for the elderly.  In addition assisted living and memory care communities provide the daily care personal services that many elderly adults require as well as a whole host of amenities and services.   According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, “There are about 22,000 senior housing and care properties in the U.S.”  

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks is one of the area’s finest senior living communities.  Located in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Sparks, we offer 128 independent living suites and 80 private suites for assisted living for those who need help with daily activities.  Also our Reflections Neighborhood has 32 secure suites devoted to the specialized care for those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

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/investing/articles/2017-01-06/how-to-invest-in-an-aging-population

Residents are Proud to call MorningStar “Home”

Senior living communities such as MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks are a popular option for many older adults and offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting.   

Independent living is designed for seniors who seek a simplified lifestyle free of the responsibility of private home ownership, but without the need of any care services. We offer seniors a vibrant community where they can enjoy their retirement years. Our goal is to make a home for our residents filled with a spirit of love and the promise of new friendships. 

Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar of Sparks offers various levels of assistance with daily living activities tailored to meet individual needs.  Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family.  Also as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved ones will get the attention they need.     

Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar’s memory care is delivered with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual.  We use alternative natural therapies whenever possible, and try to replace medications with patience, attention and love.    

MorningStar residents are provided with a warm and inviting place and are proud to call it “home.”   Our community offers seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as a place to learn new things or just have fun with our variety of meaningful activities.  In addition if you are someone who values their privacy, you will have that at MorningStar as our spacious suites are designed to give you your privacy while offering the comfort of knowing people are around. 

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.

Preventing Falls Starts with the Right Shoes

Surprisingly, preventing falls can be as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time.  Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study regarding safe footwear for seniors.  Her research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries.   

The study involved 185 men and women over the age of 55.  With participants 65 or older, shoes were often to blame for falls.  Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are dangerous on wet surfaces.''  Of the group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or was too slippery.  Her recommendation is for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of shoe they should wear. 

When buying footwear, seniors should select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support.  A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support.  Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls.  Other things to keep in mind are to avoid loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth leather or plastic soles.  A beveled heel helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the ground.  Also shoes with laces hold the shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping. 

This post is for informational purposes and should not be used in place of the advice of 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.

Sources:

nytimes.com/1998/02/24/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html  

caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html 

 

Looking for Memory Care for a Loved One?

While it is difficult to select a senior living community for a parent or loved one, it is even harder to decide on memory care for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  However, there are a few things you should know that will help to make your decision easier before you move your parent or loved one into a community.    

To start with, it is important to visit the communities you are interested in at least once before you make a decision as you will want to see firsthand what the place looks and feels like and not just rely on their advertisements.  When looking for the best memory care, it is important to know if the community is equipped to handle residents in the early stages of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Furthermore, ask if your loved one will have a written care plan, and what methods are used to assess each resident and how often are they updated.

Other questions that are important to know include the level of care a resident will receive at the community.  Is there assistance with daily personal care and, if needed, will your parent receive help with meals?  You will also want to know if the lay-out of the facility is designed to accommodate those with memory loss as well as offer secure outdoor spaces.  Does the community provide recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainment and physical exercise?  Most importantly does the staff appear to be compassionate and caring as well as knowledgeable about the disease?  

If this sounds like something you want for your parent or loved one, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks.   Our community has  32 suites devoted entirely to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases and leverages the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents, while taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person.

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: caring.com/articles/checklist-choosing-memory-care-facility  

Prepare for Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Too often right after a visit to our doctor’s, we think of a question that we wished we had asked.  This is the reason why the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has put together a list of questions you should take a look at before your next visit. 

The purpose of the questionnaire is to facilitate better communication between a patient and their doctor, and the AHRQ stresses the fact that by asking questions and getting answers will help to improve the quality of your care.  They state that, “Talking with your doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety, and satisfaction.”  Furthermore, by preparing questions beforehand to ask your doctor, it allows you to more efficiently use your time and not feel as rushed.

Questions from the AHRQ include: what is the test for; how many times have you done this procedure; when will I get the results; and why do I need this treatment.  They also suggest that you ask if there are any alternative treatments, what are the possible complications, and which hospital is best for my needs.  Other questions include asking how to spell the name of the drug and are there are any side effects.  The last question, and an important one, is how will this new medication interact with the other medicines I am currently taking. 

Experts explain that rather than being reluctant to be asked these questions that doctors and nurses actually welcome them.  It assures them that you understand the information and are actively partnering with them in your care.

The AHRQ website further adds that it may be helpful to take a family member or trusted friend with you to an appointment to assist you in understanding and remembering all of the answers to your questions.  The site also offers a list of questions to think about after your appointment.

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:  ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html

Seniors Find Happiness at Assisted Living Communities

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in assisted living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities.    

Today’s communities like MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks offer assisted living that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.   

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Sparks are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. 

At MorningStar of Sparks, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to a nearby historic town.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

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/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/