Creative Solutions to Help Families Pay for Memory Care

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you may feel they need more advanced care than what you can provide but worry about the cost. The MorningStar of North Ridge memory care community wants families to know we are here to help, including offering creative solutions, advice and recommendations for professional assistance on how to pay for the level of care needed. 

As every family’s circumstances are different, a smart place to start is to meet with an elder life financial expert who can introduce options you may not know about such as bridge loans and real estate sales; and explain their various tax ramifications. To assist current and prospective residents to coordinate any and all available resources to help pay for rent and personal care, MorningStar has partnered with the experts at Elderlife Financial Services.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance policies sometimes cover 50% to 100% of daily costs for a specified period; while others may offer cash benefits instead of cash reimbursements. Some life insurance policies can also be redeemed for a cash value. Another often overlooked or unknown resource to discuss with an elder life financial expert is the person’s eligibility for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit. This tax-free, monthly payment can be used toward the daily assistance your loved one needs.  

At MorningStar of North Ridge, we are devoted entirely to the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are part of the highly-respected MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded on the principle “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our loving home offers a peaceful residential setting and provides compassionate, individualized Alzheimer’s care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced. Please visit our website for contact information, pricing and availability; and ask about our Move-in Specials.

Our Home is Filled with Laughter & Love

While our hearts go out to families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, our team at MorningStar at North Ridge strives each and every day to find something to celebrate in the lives of our residents. As memory care specialists, we understand the essence of the person remains regardless of the extent of the memory loss and use a variety of methods to enter, embrace and explore the path alongside our beloved residents. 

When you visit MorningStar at North Ridge’s either in person or virtually, you will see the attractive, expansive setting residents reside in. Impressive as they are, the thing we are most proud of is our dedicated team who feel privileged to serve. They know the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents, time and energy. Our staff adheres to the philosophy that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and acts upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

It is not just by chance that our home is staffed by extraordinary individuals but rather guided by our stringent hiring practices. Employees join our team based on virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness, which we recognize is more important than education. Additionally we invest generously in our staff with mentoring and meaningful training along with more tangible benefits such as competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.   

If you have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss, we encourage you to visit our website to browse through our content to learn more about us. Every aspect of our community is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. The MorningStar at North Ridge team recognizes the trust families put in us by placing their loved one in our care. We welcome your questions and are here to help. Also be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

A Company’s Philosophy & Foundation Built on Love & Respect

MorningStar of North Ridge is a senior living community dedicated to providing the area with compassionate, professional memory care. We are proud to be part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, started in 2003 on the philosophy and principles to create senior housing that felt like a true home with a sense of family. 

Laying the groundwork, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger focused on the power of relationships in which three mission statements emerged to guide the company and are still a fundamental part of MorningStar. The first is to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics.  The second is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Thirdly Ken made the commitment to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents.

This brings us to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, which is why our home provides purposeful programs and activities to engage our residents and create a gentle flow of one activity to another. In addition our team consists of individuals with big hearts who feel privilege to serve and contribute to MorningStar having earning a reputation second to none for family satisfaction within our homes. 

MorningStar of North Ridge provides care for residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced and has an environment in which residents have the freedom to move about independently as much as possible. Visit our website to take a look at our gallery of photos, floor plans and amenities. Our team is ready to answer any questions and is happy to set up a tour to see firsthand what the best Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque, NM looks like.

Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Another question doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own, is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or have had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also if you know about the Alzheimer’s early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

At MorningStar of North Ridge, we specialize in providing individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community has 38 suites with studio and one-bedroom floor plans and equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. When a loved one is suffering from memory impairment, we know you want the very best care memory care in Albuquerque. Visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care

Our Leadership Team Sets the Bar

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we proudly provide independent living and assisted living Everett families can count on. Our community is staffed by a team of extraordinary caregivers who feel privileged to serve seniors as well as learn life lessons from them. As one team member writes, “Seniors have taught me how to maintain a healthy life balance; and to never waver on my core values, no matter what. They have taught me that life should be celebrated as much as possible with loved ones and that education is a powerful investment worth pursuing.” 

To guide our team and set an example of what it means to serve, we are blessed to have a leadership team with all the right stuff. Compassionately leading our team is Heinz Gehner, our Executive Director. With several years serving seniors and working in the hospitality industry under his belt, he says, “I’m proud to be a member of the MorningStar family, encouraged by the caring nature of the company, not only for residents but also for the team and even those in need around the world.” 

Another important member of the leadership team is McAlister Watson who serves as our Wellness Director. She was inspired by her grandparents, Don and Jo, who made a deep impact on her life. McAlister talks about the spirit in which they live—curiously, genuinely, generously; and explains it is what she strives to carry into her life each day. “With unconditional love, they have created a path that sparks ambition for greatness in their children and grandchildren,” say McAlister. 

Our Director of Community Relations is Eric Wollan, who says being around seniors is nothing new to him as he has been around them his entire life. Eric says motivating and inspiring, seniors have given him an example of how to live, and serving them now, is a way to show the gratitude they richly deserve.   

MorningStar at Silver Lake is a true home filled with an atmosphere of love, kindness and compassion. Along with a broad range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and wellness programs, ourprivate apartments come in a choice of floorplans including studio and one- and two bedroom configurations. Learn more the best senior housing Everett, WA offers on our website.

Statistics Show More Women than Men Get Alzheimer’s

While we already know women typically outlive men by a couple of years, did you know more women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Moreover the numbers are pretty significant as statistics show more than two-third of those with Alzheimer’s are women.

Doctors initially assumed the disparity was because women lived longer but studies suggest it may not be that simple. While reaching a more advanced age may be part of the answer, researchers are looking at other factors. Paola Gilsanz, ScD, research scientist, at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, says, “We’re looking at a variety of factors, including those that are biological and those that are social or cultural.” 

Some of the studies involve looking at women’s biological differences including the age of their first menstrual period, age of menopause and the time between the start of the menstrual cycle to menopause. One such study is the Sex and Gender in Alzheimer's (SAGA) program, which is looking at the role biological sex and related genetic, biological, lifestyle and societal factors may play in increasing vulnerability for Alzheimer’s.  

As recently as the 2019 Alzheimer's Association's International Conference, scientists presented a study suggesting the disease may even spread differently in the brains of women than in men. While scientists do not yet clearly understand all the different aspects of Alzheimer’s, thanks to an increase in money currently funding a whole range of research, they hope to have lots more answers in the near future. 

As the most trusted Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque, MorningStar of North Ridge is designed to address residents’ every need. Our Reflections Neighborhood offers various levels of support for each resident with individualized care plans based on their stage of memory-loss. Please visit our website to learn more about our home and be sure to ask about our $3000 OFF FIRST MONTH & 3RD MONTH'S RENT (AUG + OCT) special deal. 

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/february_2016/why_does_alzheimer_s_disease_affect_more_women_tha

Activities Supporting Alzheimer’s Research

Our MorningStar of North Ridge community is dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s along with working toward finding a cure for this devastating disease. Inspired by our residents, who remind us daily that life’s deepest satisfaction is found when we give ourselves away in service to others, we offer support to philanthropic initiatives in our local neighborhoods and around the world. One of the most obvious places for us, as senior care professionals, is to start with service to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Our efforts include supporting and participating in events like The Longest Day®, which takes place every year on summer solstice, (June 20th this year). Our theme of “Up and Under a Lavender Sky,” celebrates the message of: Up with Awareness; Up with Compassion; and Up with Hope. We raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s with events such as bake sales, balloon launches, plantings, games, and activities in Block Party fashion. 

This year the Alzheimer’s Association will go ahead with their Walk to End Alzheimer's®, raising money and awareness for the disease and making it one of the world’s largest event. MorningStar Albuquerque’s senior living communities, including MorningStar of Albuquerque, MorningStar of North Ridge and MorningStar of Rio Rancho will join the New Mexico chapter and participate. We will be represented by staff, residents and family members as walkers, runners, exhibitors and sponsors. If you are in the area, we invite you contact us and join the fun. Albuquerque’s walk will take place on October 9th. 

If you are searching for the very best Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque, we want you to know we consider it ourprivilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging path. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy to caring for seniors. Ask about our $20 COMMUNITY FEE + $21 FIRST MONTH RENT special.

Hot Weather Can Cause Swelling in the Feet and Ankles

For many seniors, hot temperatures may mean puffiness and swelling in the feet and ankles, especially if you spend a lot of time walking or standing. Medical experts say while this type of swelling is more common as we age, it is important to know if it is the result of a more serious condition requiring medical intervention. 

Known as edema, lower leg and foot swelling is typically caused by abnormal fluid buildup that pools in the feet and ankles. Doctors explain edema can be the result a diet high in sodium, drinking alcohol or standing for long periods of time. It is more common in older adults and those overweight. 

Certain medications and medical conditions can cause or exacerbate edema. One in particular is venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins, which carry blood back to the heart, have a difficult time pushing blood upward against gravity. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can include swelling in the legs or ankles, a tight feeling in the calves or itchy, painful legs, and pain while walking. It can cause brown-colored skin, often near the ankles; varicose veins; and open sores (ulcers) on the legs.

The Harvard Health Publishing reports common medications like antidepressants, steroids, some blood pressure medications, and hormone replacement drugs can cause edema. This is another reason why it is important to let your healthcare providers known as often lowering a medication’s dose will eliminate the swelling. Other causes of edema are blood clots in the leg, infection or injuries. Occasionally heart, kidney or liver failure is the cause.  

To keep blood flowing and to lessen swelling, doctors recommend compression stockings, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and exercise. Other treatments for serious cases include medication, and in a few cases, surgery. 

MorningStar at Silver Lake offers independent living, assisted living, respite care (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from a week to a full month. We provide all the comforts of home for active retired seniors including wellness programs and activities, live entertainment, spacious outdoor patio garden, dining and more. Please visit our website for more information regarding the best independent living and assisted living in Everett, WA.

Source: webmd.com/dvt/dvt-venous-insufficiency

Wondering if Mom or Dad Needs Assisted Living

Sometimes it is obvious an elderly parent needs more care such as having a bad fall or mismanaging medications resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Experts say even without such an overt situation, there are signs to look for suggesting a parent or another loved one may do better in an assisted living community.  

Warning signs include changes in the person’s behavior. For example, if mom has always been tidy but her home now looks neglected or smells, and dirty dishes are piled in the sink, she may not be handling things well. Other signs include a recent weight loss or gain and changes in their grooming habits. Take note if she is having mobility problems or unexplained bruises or cuts, which might indicate she is falling.

Experts say consider other things too, such as social isolation and the person’s inability to get around on their own if they no longer drive. A Place for Mom recommends looking in the refrigeration for signs of spoiled food or a lack of food. 

Even a few of these things may be a sign they could benefit from the services of an assisted living community like MorningStar at Silver Lake, a true home filled with an atmosphere of love, kindness and compassion. Along with a broad range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and wellness programs, our private apartments come in a choice of floorplans including studio and one- and two bedroom configurations.   

In addition to assisted living, we offer independent living, respite care (short recuperative stays) and trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit. Formerly known as the Garden Court, MorningStar at Silver Lake is now operated by MorningStar Senior Living, and has proudly earned a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. To learn more the best assisted living and independent living Everett, WA offers, visit our website, and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.