When is it Time to Move a Parent to Assisted Living?

It can be hard to truly know when it’s time to make the transition to assisted living. We may often feel blind-sighted when it comes to this decision. We have always seen our parents as independent and strong providers, so when things start to fall by the wayside, this can cause us to experience confusion and denial. To help you better understand your parents’ changing needs, below is a comprehensive list that better outlines when it is time to consider moving a parent to an assisted living community.

Look out for these behaviors or actions that might indicate the need for assisted living care:

1. Difficulty with  housekeeping or completing regular chores

   Aging definitely can cause some seniors to slow down, meaning chores may not be done as quickly as they once were. However, this can also be the first cause for concern. If there is more trash around the house, garbage not being taken out, dirty dishes sitting around, or general hoarding happening in your loved one’s home, this can be a sign that your parents need assisted living care. They may be forgetting to do these chores or be unable to do them on their own. 

2. Unusual weight gain or weight loss

   When a senior is no longer able to properly cook for themselves, they may not eat or exclusively eat processed meals or fast food. A drastic change in your loved one’s weight should be a huge warning sign that they may require assisted living care or even medical attention due to improper eating habits. 

3. Behavior changes

   Getting older can generally cause some personality or communication changes, but if you are noticing a drastic personality change, you may want to consider alternative living arrangements for your loved one. They may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, depression, anxiety, or another ailment that is causing them to act unlike themselves. 

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Some Bad Habits May Contribute to Cognitive Decline

As we age, more of us worry about ourselves or a loved one getting Alzheimer’s disease. Currently the disease does not have a cure but there are several medications that help mitigate symptoms, and a few more promising treatments on the horizon. That being said, it is still a disease none of us wish to experience.

Many people are aware of studies showing a good diet and exercise are not only good for heart health but also good for maintaining cognitive health. Additionally, Jessica Caldwell, a neuropsychologist and director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic, told AARP there are lesser-known things people can do to strengthen cognitive health. She explains it involves letting go of some bad habits and replacing them with healthier ones. 

One suggestion is to try and limit negative thoughts. A study reports “participants who repeatedly dwelled on negative thoughts had more amyloid and tau deposits in their brain, the biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease.” While we all have spent time thinking about bad things happening or that have happened, experts say repeatedly focusing on negative thoughts may put us at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s.  

Another easy way to lessen your risk for Alzheimer’s is to get vaccinated. Paul Schulz, M.D., a neurologist at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, reported on a nationwide study, which found adults over 65 who received at least one influenza vaccination were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found a 25 to 30 percent reduction in Alzheimer’s for seniors who had a pneumonia vaccination. 

Other studies link an increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s to consuming sugary drinks (including fruit juices – better to eat the fruit). Researchers say it can lead to spiking blood sugar and an exaggerated insulin response, which may trigger chronic inflammation in the brain.  

If you are looking for luxury assisted living or memory care, MorningStar at West San Jose may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at West San Jose’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the area’s finest assisted living and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2021/habits-that-hurt-brain-health.html

4 REASONS WHY SOCIALIZING IS IMPORTANT AT AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Moving into one of the retirement communities in Idaho Falls can trigger considerable stress. You have to deal with a new living arrangement in a smaller living space. Events such as meals follow a daily schedule that does not allow much flexibility. You have to get used to a caregiver visiting your apartment, as well as adapt to several rules that enhance the safety of all residents. Perhaps the greatest trigger of stress is the feeling of isolation.

Human beings thrive on social interactions that involve making connections. We are wired to pursue meaningful relationships that create a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As we grow older, our social networks begin to shrink, and hence, many of us experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moving into an assisted living facility in Idaho Falls can compound the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Let’s review four amazing benefits of socialization at senior living centers in Idaho Falls.

Bolsters Mental Health

Of all the benefits of socialization at an assisted living facility in Idaho Falls, no other benefit has more of a positive impact than improving mental health. Feelings of loneliness and isolation often lead to the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It also can lead to cognitive decline because of fewer opportunities to utilize problem-solving skills. By engaging in one of the many group activities scheduled at retirement communities in Idaho Falls, you or a loved one stimulates the mind and fosters positive thoughts.

Improves Physical Health

Socializing improves physical health in several ways. It encourages regular exercise. Some of the group activities scheduled at MorningStar of Idaho Falls include physical exercises such as dancing, yoga, and tai chi. Socialization also promotes better nutrition, as our meals feature healthy dishes that enhance heart health and strengthen the immune system. Participating in group activities helps seniors improve their balance and coordination, which goes a long way toward preventing falls.

Provides Emotional Support

Loneliness and isolation can take a devastating toll on a senior’s emotions. Our assisted living facility in Idaho Falls understands the devastating toll loneliness and isolation have on emotions, which is why we provide a supportive environment for residents to connect with other residents and develop trusted friendships. Residents get to share their joys and concerns with other residents who understand their perspectives and experiences.

Develops Social Skills

Because we interact with other people less frequently as we get older, we tend to lose some of our social skills. The result is becoming less confident in social settings. At retirement communities in Idaho Falls, residents develop, or in some cases, rediscover social skills because of the many opportunities they have to interact with their peers. Participating in group activities, such as the ones regularly scheduled at our senior living center in Idaho Falls, helps our residents better engage in conversations.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls: A Great Place for Socialization

At our senior living center in Idaho Falls, our caregivers understand the importance of socialization for residents. This is why we create a welcoming and highly interactive environment that motivates our residents to socialize with each other. Learn more about our regularly scheduled group activities by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility.

Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there are no drugs to treat MCI but doctors say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize its effects. 

MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or take away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is important to treat these conditions and manage them through medications, diet and healthy lifestyle habits. 

Other things you can do to thwart, delay or minimize the effects of MCI are to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, which is good for our brains as well as our bodies. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods and foods high in sodium; and reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Isolation has also been linked to a higher risk for dementia, so it is important to stay social.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at West San Jose provides compassionate, individualized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Every aspect of our community is tailored to serve the needs of our special residents from purposeful activities to nutritional, easy-to-eat foods.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Are You Looking for Assisted Living in San Jose?

Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone.  A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.”  Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community.  

When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving.  In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults.  Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly.  Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling.  Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. 

If you are looking for assisted living in San Jose, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at West San Jose.  Our beautiful community has 69 suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. Apartments feature a kitchenette, handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Weekly housekeeping and linen service is provided.

Our luxury community offers all the services, resort-style amenities, programs and activities to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security.   Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and a private dining room, we have a bistro, theatre, salon and underground parking.  Other amenities include a life enrichment room, fitness center, courtyard, and a sky terrace as well as scheduled transportation. 

MorningStar at West San Jose offers the kind of senior living area families count on.  Along with assisted living, we provide memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.

Helping a Friend Grieve

Many of us have watched a good friend go through the grieving process after losing a loved one and have been frustrated by not being able to do more to comfort them. Experts explain this is a common feeling and provide some suggestions to help.

One of the first things to remember is everyone experiences grief in their own way. Heather L. McGinty, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, explains grief triggers a range of emotions, sensations and behaviors and can be complex. 

A person’s emotions may swing from tearfulness to anger or denial, and as a friend, it can be hard to know what to say. Loneliness, betrayal, fear and acceptance are some of the other emotions grief brings up. Some people even experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. 

If you want to help, grief counselors say to first make sure the person wants it; and recommend asking if they want the type of support you hope to offer, such as spending time with them. Some people are very private and prefer to grieve in their own way. The most important thing is to be supportive to their wishes and be prepared to listen rather than hand out advice. Also, be specific like letting them know you want to take them to lunch when they are ready, or bring over a meal, run errands or do some yard work. 

Experts say avoid telling the person you know how they feel. Again, everyone experiences grief differently. Even if you don’t understand the way the person is acting out their grief, be supportive not judgmental. Lastly, don’t say things like “everything happens for a reason” or “they are in a better place.” If you think they would benefit from professional support, be sure to encourage it.  

At MorningStar at West San Jose, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living in San Jose, CA.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/ways-to-help-a-loved-one-grieve?

MorningStar’s Assisted Living in San Jose

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into a senior community, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.   

At MorningStar at West San Jose, our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system and is smartly designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents.  Assisted living also includes housekeeping and laundry services, trash removal and full access to all onsite amenities.

Our holistic approach to senior living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassion.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition, many elderly adults who live alone find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our beautiful community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover, if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that with scheduled transportation.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at West San Jose offers memory care, respite stays and trial stays to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our team happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.

MorningStar at West San Jose’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Understanding the Difference Between Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

If you are currently seeking assisted living care for a spouse or loved one, you may be considering an assisted living community or a skilled nursing facility. Both of these senior living options offer unique services and gaining a deeper understanding of these two choices will help you make an informed decision for your loved one. 

Assisted Living

Most assisted Living Facilities are designed to assist residents 62 years and older with the activities of daily living in a residential setting. Life enrichment teams and hospitality services are a big amenity offered in assisted living communities. This hospitality service plans and coordinates every activity and social gathering on our senior living campus. These teams keep seniors active in assisted living. 

Residents and their families gain peace of mind knowing trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health. MorningStar Senior Living Portland also offers a secure neighborhood for the memory-impaired, making it easy for seniors to transition to memory care if necessary. 

Skilled Nursing

Once known as “nursing homes,” Skilled Nursing Facilities were popular at a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today, Skilled Nursing Facilities are generally more focused on short-term rehab over long-term care. This means they dedicate more of their space and resources to post-hospitalization rehabilitation. Their staff are typically RNs and CNAs, serving residents in fragile and declining health. For seniors who require complicated levels of care and deal with intense health concerns, Skilled Nursing Facilities may provide more attuned care to these individuals. 

Find the Best Retirement Homes Portland, Oregon, Has to Offer

We have an unmatched commitment to the well-being of our assisted living residents at MorningStar at Laurelhurst. We offer round-the-clock support for their activities of daily living (ADLs), empowering them to maintain their independence. With compassion, our care managers provide medication management and access to licensed nurses. Our retirement communities are thoughtfully crafted with luxury amenities, hospitality services, and wellness programs that nurture new interests, hobbies, and individual needs.

Contact us today at (971) 544-8100 To learn more about MorningStar at Laurelhurst and the outstanding care practices within our senior living and memory care communities. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, mission, and what sets us apart from other retirement homes in Portland, Oregon. 

The Move to an Assisted Living Community

No matter what age we are, moving can be a big deal. Whether as a high schooler changing schools, or a retiree embarking on a new chapter to an assisted living community, moving is a big deal. 

For older adults, a move to assisted living may include giving up a beloved family home. In this case, they probably have a whole house full of things and will need to downsize. That alone can be tough, as the person will most likely need to give up possessions they have had for years. For more on downsizing, the Internet offers a variety of suggestions to help you get started.  

MorningStar at West San Jose’s team understands every resident’s move is unique and recognizes it for what it is – a major lifestyle transition. This is why we approach each move-in with the utmost sensitivity, and sincerely strive to nurture a good relationship right from the start. We seek to reinforce the positive aspects of community life, and do all we can to help the person embrace their new adventure.

Once your family decides assisted living at MorningStar is a good fit, we request a deposit to secure your chosen suite. From there our “House to Home” process begins in earnest. This includes getting together vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move such as a medical assessment and a physician’s plan of care, along with other documentation.  

Practical advice from us includes recommending moving companies experienced in senior transitions. Furniture carts and dollies are available to borrow, if needed. We also offer packing tips and suggestions on the best items to bring. Most importantly we keep the lines of communication open as we know it is vital to a satisfactory experience. 

MorningStar at West San Jose’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, hospitality and senior care services, wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life. In addition, our beautiful community offers specialized memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in San Jose, CA.

Since 2003, MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Assisted Living Promotes Physical and Mental Health

When experiencing decreased mobility and slight cognitive decline, seniors may start to slow down and care for themselves less than they normally would. Due to aging, this could mean that their lives have become more complicated and difficult to manage. 

If your loved one is struggling to live alone, you may notice that they no longer cook for themselves or spend time outside the home. Here are some other common signs that your loved one may be in need of assisted living:

• Ordering take-out of fast food daily,

• No longer meeting with friends or family, 

• Expressing fears or anxieties about loneliness, 

• Difficulty keeping their home clean and organized,

• No longer participating in the things they love.

MorningStar Senior Living offers exceptional assisted living support for seniors and their families looking to remedy the situations above. Active assisted living communities keep seniors physically active and promote good mental health. Seniors who live alone face higher difficulties and may not reach out for help. Stay proactive and watch for any warning signs your loved one may be expressing. Know that there are safe assisted living options near you. 

Seniors and their families will find a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities. With impressive architecture, graciously appointed common areas, private suites, executive chefs, and resort-style amenities, seniors can feel comfortable enjoying life and their retirement again. Making friends will also come naturally as they explore all that the community has to offer.

Within its communities, MorningStar offers Assisted Living support at various levels with Around-the-clock Care Managers on site and at the ready to ensure your comfort and safety as they meet your every need. 

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

5 THINGS TO DO IN IDAHO FALLS

Once considered an afterthought on the way to Boise, Idaho Falls has morphed into one of the most popular tourist destinations west of Denver. The quaint, yet metropolitan city also is the ideal place for residents of retirement communities to call home.

A unique blend of art and culture, combined with a rich history, infuses Idaho Falls with a vibrant ambiance. Throw into the mix plenty of scenic vistas located nearby, and it is no surprise why our assisted living facility remains a popular lifestyle option for seniors from a wide variety of backgrounds.

What is there to do in Idaho Falls? Let’s find out.

Idaho Falls River Walk and Greenbelt

Covering more than five miles and surrounding both sides of the beautiful Snake River, the Idaho Falls, River Walk and Greenbelt highlights some of the most spectacular vistas in the entire area. The entire venue is meticulously landscaped and kept clean throughout the year. You can expect to encounter avid cyclists, as well as new mothers pushing strollers. This venue is considered a vital resource for professionals who commute between home and downtown.

The River Walk connects to many of the most popular tourist attractions found in Idaho Falls.

Museum of Idaho

One of the venues that the River Walk passes nearby is the Museum of Idaho. Located near the bustling entertainment district of the downtown area, the Museum of Idaho features more than 25,000 artifacts and specimens specific to this region of the United States. The artifacts and specimens emphasize the importance of the state’s history, biology, and cultural impacts on the country. 

Some of the permanent exhibits include one-room schoolhouses, the original inhabitants of Idaho, and the well-documented journey of Lewis and Clark.

Idaho Falls Zoo

One of the most popular scheduled events on the activities calendar at our senior living center in Idaho Falls is a trip to the Idaho Falls Zoo. Located in Tautphaus Park, which is one of the oldest and largest parks in Idaho Falls, the city’s zoo is full of attractions for the entire family. Funland Amusement Park is located nearby to provide an outlet for kids to release their energy on waterslides and miniature carnival rides.

The most popular zoo attractions include the homes of lions, penguins, and snow leopards.

Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest

Idaho Falls hosts one of the largest eagle monuments in the United States. Located at an intersection near the Walmart Supercenter on Utah Avenue, this monument for eagles is easy to get to from the River Walk. The huge statue pays homage to two eagles tending to their roost on top of native Idaho rock. A Mountain lion lurks just below the two enshrined eagles.

The artist who came up with the drawing for the monument, Vic Payne, named the piece The Protector.

Sportsman Park

This attraction is accessible only from the River Walk. It is a small island park surrounded by the Snake River. Sportsman Park is located at the site where the first bridge spanned the Snake River, which opened up eastern Idaho to commercial opportunities from business interests operating in nearby states. The stunning Japanese Friendship Garden commemorates the relationship developed between Idaho Falls and its sister city of Tokai-Mura, Japan.

The mission “to honor, to value, to invest” makes our assisted living facility in Idaho Falls the premier place for seniors to call home. Discover more about the wonders of Idaho Falls by scheduling a comprehensive tour of our senior living center.

Exploring Affordable Assisted Living Options

When it’s time for your loved one to transition to assisted living, you may be wondering how to afford this new living arrangement. There is a common misconception that retirement living is expensive, poorly run, and outdated. MorningStar senior living in Parker, Colorado is redefining those expectations. 

All-inclusive senior living is one of the best financial choices for assisted living options in Colorado. When it comes to paying for assisted living care, there are multiple financial resources available to find the best senior living community for your parent or loved one.

Affordable Senior Living Options in Colorado

If your loved one is struggling to live alone, they are probably in need of assisted living care. This could mean a few things, like hiring a full-time nurse, moving them into your home, looking into senior daycare options, or investing time into researching senior living communities offering assisted care. 

While each of those options has its own benefits, it is likely that all-inclusive senior living specializing in assisted care will provide you with the most peace of mind and turn out to be the more affordable option. 

Assisted living at MorningStar includes three daily meals, plus snacks, a 24-hour on-site nurse, life enrichment teams that plan events and activities, community involvement, and other social initiatives that encourage active and healthy seniors. There is also a wide array of amenities, like a movie theatre, salon, bistro, courtyard, garden, and much more. This is what makes all-inclusive senior care so valuable. 

To help you to explore options, MorningStar has partnered with Elderlife Financial Services whose agents are here to offer education on the financial resources potentially open to you in paying for independent living, assisted living, or memory care.

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Preventing Falls and Injuries in Assisted Living Portland

Senior falls are unfortunately extremely common. For seniors, a simple accident can lead to a harmful, painful, and expensive experience. MorningStar offers seniors in Portland Assisted Living options that prevent and limit falls and other accidents. Seniors experience the most trusted assisted living Portland has to offer seniors in Oregon. Keep reading to find out how MorningStar implements safety practices throughout their senior living communities to prevent falls and injuries for seniors. 

How Falls Occur 

For seniors, falls easily occur because of decreased mobility and flexibility. This is natural and no one’s fault, but there should be steps taken to prevent unnecessary accidents that can increase immobility and fractures. Falls can happen due to many factors. Inadequate lighting, uneven flooring, complicated routing in buildings, cluttered surroundings, and improper supervision are all contributors to senior falls and injuries. 

MorningStar Senior Living vows to offer the safest assisted living Portland has to offer seniors in Oregon. When building their community, MorningStar devoted time to creating interiors that are easy to navigate with big open spaces that still feel like home. Floors are wheelchair and cane accessible and staff is on-site 24/7 to ensure overall safety of residents. 

How MorningStar Prevents Falls with AI

MorningStar Assisted Living in Portland utilizes fall prevention programs to reduce the risk of serious injury or death due to falls. On top of keeping the community clutter free and creating easily accessible living spaces, MorningStar has partnered with new safety technology to keep seniors safe. SafelyYou use artificial intelligence, or AI, to detect and prevent falls in seniors. This technology uses cameras that are placed within the community to monitor residents’ movements and can alert staff if a fall or other injury occurs.

The Best Retirement Homes Portland, Oregon, Has to Offer

We have an unmatched commitment to the well-being of our assisted living residents at MorningStar at Laurelhurst. We offer round-the-clock support for their activities of daily living (ADLs), empowering them to maintain their independence. With compassion, our care managers provide medication management and access to licensed nurses. Our retirement communities are thoughtfully crafted with luxury amenities, hospitality services, and wellness programs that nurture new interests, hobbies, and individual needs.

Contact us today at (971) 544-8100 To learn more about MorningStar at Laurelhurst and the outstanding care practices within our senior living and memory care communities. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, mission, and what sets us apart from other retirement homes in Portland, Oregon.

Promoting Physical and Mental Health in Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide holistic senior living care that supports physical and mental health. Aging can cause changes in mental and physical health that if not cared for properly, can advance quickly. Mental health in seniors can be impacted by many factors. Losing a loved one, dealing with a difficult health diagnosis, financial worries, or lack of mobility are all feelings that can make seniors feel excluded from the world around them. If you have noticed personality changes in an aging loved one, it may be time to consider providing them support through an assisted living community.

MorningStar Senior Living promotes physical and mental health in assisted living for seniors. By creating a community that is socially active, friendly, and spiritually inclined, seniors are emotionally cared for by their neighbors, staff members, and 24/7 caregivers. Find out more about how promoting physical and mental health in assisted living benefits seniors.

Individualized Care

Every senior has different mental and physical health concerns. MorningStar offers personalized senior living care near you. Individualized care is a holistic approach to senior care. Personalized care plans recognize that not every senior will require the same level of care. We work with families to know our residents and their needs. This holistic approach to senior care fosters a sense of autonomy, purpose, and emotional well-being within our community. In doing so, we can evaluate when a senior’s needs or interests change abruptly and adjust our care levels.

Individualized care provides seniors with the support to improve their mental and physical health. Individualized assisted living communities provide a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, so you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible.

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Stroke Is a Common Medical Event but Often Misunderstood

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2019; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood.
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One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart.

The second most important thing to know about stroke is in many cases it is preventable. The most common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and exercising can help lessen your risk for a stroke. Managing stress and watching your consummation of alcohol can additionally reduce the risk.

Another thing many people do not know about stroke is it is treatable and the faster you get treatment the better the outcome. This is why it is important to pay attention to symptoms such as trouble speaking, double vision, paralysis or numbness. If you do experience symptoms, call an ambulance. Remember stroke does not only occur in the elderly. While your risk for stroke does increase with age, a study reports 34% of stroke hospitalizations in 2009 were under the age of 65.

Not all strokes have symptoms and some are only found through MRIs and other diagnostic tests. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” can be a warning and requires an emergency work-up and management to prevent a possible larger stroke.

One of MorningStar Senior Living’s newest communities is located on South De Anza Blvd. in San Jose, CA and offers the opportunity for long-time residents to continue to live in familiar surroundings or near their family. MorningStar at West San Jose offers 69 smartly designed assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 34 suites devoted to their care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to discover why MorningStar at West San Jose is a great place to call home.
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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-stroke

The Many Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

Many times, a move to assisted living is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved.

Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar at West San Jose, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting.

Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of community and social activities.”

These typically include arts and crafts, physical exercise classes such as chair yoga, live concerts and other entertainment, and educational and technology classes. At MorningStar, we tell our residents if we don’t already have a class addressing one of your interests, to start one.

Special outings and trips are another component of many assisted living communities including MorningStar at West San Jose. Bus trips to local points of interest, shopping or cultural events are just some of the activities enjoyed by residents.

Another important service is medication management as statistics show the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, and as high as 39 percent of seniors take five or more. Medical management ensures seniors take the proper medication they need when they need it.

MorningStar is proud to offer exceptional assisted living in San Jose, CA with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our community offers 69 private assisted living suites and 34 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.

Source:
health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/slideshows/how-assisted-living-improves-quality-of-life?

Assisted Living vs. Living Alone: Exploring the Advantages for Seniors

Like anyone, seniors enjoy their independence and autonomy. Even seniors who struggle with daily tasks and routines enjoy feeling in control of their lives. However, as our parents and loved ones age, we increasingly worry about their health and safety. What is the best way to give our seniors independence while also being sure they are being taken care of? Keep reading to explore the advantages of assisted living for seniors.

Maintain Independence

There is an outdated image of assisted living in our minds as dark, isolating, and controlling. However, modern assisted living communities near you have completely changed the way we think about senior living communities. At MorningStar, senior living options in Parker, CO are created with independence in mind. Our communities encourage seniors to be their authentic selves and explore the things they enjoy. Assisted living provides extra support and maintenance, but seniors are still able to do the things they love and socialize with their family and friends in a safe environment free of fall risks.

Staying Social

Assisted living homes give seniors the socialization they crave. When living alone, the only people they may see regularly are the ones that stop by. As we age, driving, walking, and participating in a fast-paced society becomes increasingly more difficult. In senior living communities, seniors freely communicate with their neighbors through organized activities and events. By exploring some of MorningStar’s many amenities, seniors meet like-minded individuals who share their same hobbies and passions. Living alone limits our social engagement and can actually be more isolating than our perceived ideas about assisted living communities.

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Care Services at MorningStar’s New Community in San Jose

If you are looking for assisted living, we encourage you to consider the new MorningStar at West San Jose. By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our life enrichment programs and wellness care services complement each other to ensure each resident gets the best care.
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As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.

We are also proud that our assisted living residents’ benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand. It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director. Residents have 24-hour care managers; and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7. MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.

MorningStar also partners with EmpowerMe Wellness, a leader in providing therapy services to senior living communities, to help residents maintain their independence as long as possible. Residents have onsite access to wellness programs and personal training as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Please contact us for information on pricing and availability and to set up a tour. Our community includes 69 stylish suites for assisted living and another 34 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar at West San Jose’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at West San Jose Offers Outstanding Assisted Living

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at West San Jose. For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 69 assisted living suites are equipped with all the modern conveniences and safety features. Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes and private heating & air conditioning. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with emergency call systems to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms.

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or is just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals created by our Executive Chef. All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.

Why we believe our care to be different from that of other senior communities is by the type of individuals who make up our team. When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are just as important as education or experience. Moreover, many of our team members come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s new luxury senior living in San Jose.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.

Eating Healthier Rather than Dieting is Best for Overall Health

While losing weight is tough, for many of us, the real battle is keeping the weight off. Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, D.C., explains there is a growing body of evidence showing that when we focus on higher-quality nutrition, not only does our weight improve but also our health. Changing to a diet with more vegetables and fruits means you will take in fewer calories than you previously did, allowing weight loss to naturally take place. An improved diet results in better health.
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One of the biggest problems with “dieting” is that a person too often focuses on calorie content without regard to nutritional value.” Experts say this makes sticking to a calorie restrictive diet harder. Once we include nutritional foods in our day-to-day diet, it makes us feel fuller and even lets us eat more while taking in fewer calories.

Another thing about a life-long nutritional diet filled with fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins and whole-foods is it promotes better health and quality of life as you age. Research shows people who eat better have a lower risk of many chronic diseases. Furthermore, dietitians say it is never too late to adopt healthier eating patterns. By simply changing diet, many people are able to lower high-blood pressure and cholesterol as well as reverse diabetes.

Doctors agree adopting good eating habits that are permanent is what counts rather than short-term diets. Along with diet; exercise, sleep and stress management are all important for better health.

MorningStar at West San Jose is a new assisted living and memory care community in beautiful San Jose, CA close to medical facilities, shopping and recreation areas. We proudly offer assisted living residents a lifestyle of wellbeing, community and security. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all the services required to meet the diverse needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose.