Memory Care under a lavender sky, field of lavender field at sunset

Abundant Life in a Different World

Many of us joke of “senior moments” when we have glitches in our memory. However, a true diagnosis of brain disease, where memory loss and other cognitive functions deteriorate, is a heavy blow. It ushers seniors and their families onto an entirely different path: a “purple path,” a winding and mysterious road. MorningStar is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

Whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, we know a person’s essence remains. Our calling—our privilege—at MorningStar is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Our energies are put toward continuing to find ways to celebrate and elevate life.

Click…to see how love makes the way possible

MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to this kind of supported living is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore.

Enter

Dementia is an entirely different and isolating world. Here, involuntarily, the memory-impaired enter, and remain. Into this world, a corps of the most amazing souls also choose to enter…drawn by compassion. In loving support for the memory-impaired, we enter with insight and intentionality. As agents of comfort, we step into their “purple world,” crossing over the physical, emotional and boundaries that would otherwise separate us. As dementia care experts, MorningStar endeavors to educate families in how to follow our lead and enter too.

Embrace

Embracing the world of dementia begins by accepting the diagnosis (difficult as that can be), and the fact that this is now the path we must walk, together. As much, we embrace a deep understanding of brain disease, whatever the form of dementia that has taken hold. We embrace whatever changes are needed in our own communication style, willingly changing us, for their sake. We embrace disruption for the discovery and innovation it reveals. We embrace each moment, ransoming it for joy, as we embrace residents physically, knowing the power of human touch. Most centrally, we embrace hope—that it remains, even now. You just have to know where to look.

Explore

Under a Lavender Sky, exploration is boundless. It must be, for dementia itself is expansive, each form manifesting differently in each person. As care partners, exploring means being resourceful, finding individualized solutions, and resolving to begin anew (for what worked yesterday may not work today). We explore a person’s life, history and preferences to offer personalized care. We explore ways to involve and engage family members, knowing our service is as much to them as to the residing senior.

I truly think Dad has had more joy in his life these last few years at MorningStar than he has had since he was a young man. Being with all of you, he feels love, friendship and a dignified care that he hadn’t experienced for a very long time. (Resident’s son)

It is our distinct honor to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market in which we serve, supporting the local chapter with our time, talent and treasure. We serve on their boards and committees. We fund-raise all year long. We participate in their centerpiece initiatives, like Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. See Giving Back Locally.