Top Safety Devices and Technology for Senior Wellness

April 03, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

In many ways, technology has made our lives much easier and more accessible. But can technology improve the lives of seniors?

A senior’s independence hinges greatly on their ability to easily navigate their homes and community. Luckily, there have been life-changing advancements in technology that allow seniors to feel more comfortable getting around and completing tasks throughout the day. Whether you are looking for assisted living i n Portland, or looking to make a senior’s life easier at home, these following safety devices are sure to help seniors feel more comfortable while ensuring their health and wellness.

Smart Watches and Senior Health

Smart watches are a simple yet effective way for seniors to set up reminders, track their location, and enhance their safety. Certain watches include emergency SOS callouts and even have fall detection features. Not only this, but some smart watches can monitor heart rate, too. Depending on how you configure these watches, data can be sent out to a caretaker or family member so that they can keep track of their loved one, ensuring their safety and health.

Video Doorbells and Home Camera Systems

Many seniors agree that added security in and around their homes makes them feel safe and more at ease while living alone. Seniors can often be the target of petty crimes, and a decrease in mobility can make it difficult for seniors to combat these concerns themselves. Doorbells with a recording security system can deter criminals or unwanted individuals from intruding on a senior’s property. Camera systems throughout the home can also be a good way for family members to check in on their loved ones if necessary. It’s important to not use this technology to impede your loved one’s independence and privacy!

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, 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.

Making Assisted Living Visits More Meaningful

April 03, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Especially on birthdays and holidays, many of us wish to brighten the day for a loved one in an assisted living community by letting them know they are very special to us. To help make our visit more meaningful, experts provide some tips to keep in mind when we visit.

You may want to plan in advance an activity your loved one would enjoy doing with you during your visit. Examples include bringing along a puzzle to work on, a Scrabble board or a trivia game. You could get prints of current photos of the family made to add to an album or start a new one. If they are a music lover, bring some new music to enjoy together. If they enjoy listening to stories, get an audiobook to listen to or buy a favorite family movie to watch together. If they like sending greeting cards to family and friends, buy a box of cards and help get them ready to mail. If they get pleasure from being pampered, bring along the supplies to give them a manicure.

If the weather is cooperative, take advantage of the community’s outdoor area to soak up the sun or take your loved one to a local park and plan to share a simple meal of sandwiches and a drink. Bringing your kids along automatically provides a more cheerful energy and will give the resident pleasant memories long after the little ones have gone home. However, do keep in mind that too many visitors at a time can be hectic and it may be better to spread out the visits.

If you do want to bring gifts, remember the person most likely does not have a lot of extra room for anything too big. Gifts of food are generally welcomed and can be shared with others in the community. Other tips include not visiting when you are ill, and be sure to wash your hands when you first come in to avoid spreading germs.

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose, we provide lots of activities and programs for our residents, but we know they always look forward to seeing their family. Our community has beautiful and inviting common areas to enjoy with visiting family and friends. For assisted living in San Jose, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.

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.

Respite Care Options for Caregivers

April 01, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Being the primary caregiver to a senior parent or loved one struggling with mobility impairment or memory loss is a selfless, and sometimes necessary, act of love. It is a huge responsibility to ensure your loved one is happy, healthy, and safe everyday. However, if you have other things going on in your life that cannot be put on paused, caring for an elderly loved one with assisted living needs can wear you down emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Many senior living communities offer respite care for caregivers needing a break. These short-term stays allow caregivers to tend to whatever business they need while ensuring their loved one is still properly cared for.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a short-term stay of 30 days or less in a fully staffed and furnished senior living community. This care service is designed to provide temporary relief or rest for primary caregivers who are caring for seniors with intensive needs or other age-related conditions. Respite care for seniors offers the same amenities and services as long-term residents.

There are various respite care benefits for families, including:

Affordability: Affordable respite care solutions for seniors is an important part of senior care options. Many families will avoid taking time off, scheduling surgeries, or tending to ever changing needs of life because of the belief that senior care is unaffordable. Senior living communities are equipped with the knowledge to offer your loved one with the best short term assisted living care with personalized pricing options.
Proper Care Management: You may feel uneasy inviting someone you don’t know into your home to care for your loved one. How can you be sure that you can trust them and their skills? Senior living communities offering respite care are committed to providing assistance with daily living. Testimonials and reviews can speak to a senior living’s accomplishments and trustworthiness so that you can feel relaxed and confident in your respite care choice.

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.

How to Age with Independence

April 01, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

One of the greatest fears seniors have is the possibility of losing their independence with age. While it is true that seniors can experience heightened health concerns and may appear more fragile, they have every intention to care for themselves as they had before retirement. The mention of assisted living to a senior may immediately trigger their fear of lack of independence, but not all assisted living is the same.

Whether you’re a senior looking to maintain your independence or a family member wanting to know more about senior autonomy, MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland offers great advice on how seniors can maintain their independence in assisted living.

Consider All-Inclusive Senior Living

Paying a flat rate each month includes unlimited access to an on-site salon, fitness room, library, home theatre, bistro, and various other activities and amenities at no added charge. Having these amenities easily available for seniors in assisted living makes it easy for them to maintain their independence and experience life much in the same way they had before their need for assisted care. With a little extra help and supervision, seniors are encouraged to explore their community at MorningStar and everything it has to offer without the concern of budgeting or added costs.

Personalized Senior Care Plans

Personalized care plans ensure that seniors in assisted living receive the correct amount of care and attention necessary to be healthy, happy, and safe. MorningStar Assisted Living Portland offers personalized care plans created with the help of family members, health care professionals, and of course the seniors themselves. These care plans are individualized and ensure that staff is not overbearing or over-treating, therefore we can ensure seniors maintain their independence.

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

Considering Assisted Living for a Loved One in San Jose?

March 30, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

MorningStar at West San Jose wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if their loved one moves into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need. Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences. In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly. If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services. We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly. Or you may worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day. We have an answer to both problems as our five-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents. To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure they have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day.

Along with our compassionate care services and luxury amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. You will find our suites have high ceilings, kitchenettes, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and private heating & air conditioning. All that is missing to make it feel like home are your own furnishings and personal items. Also, you will not need to leave behind a beloved family member as we are pet friendly. For more information about the finest senior housing in San Jose, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our beautiful community.

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.

Roommate Friendly Assisted Living in Portland

March 29, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Having a roommate in assisted living senior communities provides many benefits for elders. Retirement is a great time to make space for the things that are important to you, and living with a close friend, partner, or sibling can be an extremely rewarding experience while relaxing and receiving the best assisted living care Portland, Oregon has to offer. Keep reading to understand how roommate living can benefit you or a senior loved one in need of assisted living.

Roommate Benefits in Assisted Living

Affordability
Many retired and single seniors are looking to offset the cost of living by looking for roommates or moving in with a close friend, partner, or sibling. For seniors who require extra assistance with daily living, MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland offers seniors in assisted living to have a roommate if they so choose. There are financial great benefits to having a roommate in assisted living, such as sharing furniture, groceries, utility costs, and much more.
Companionship and Socialization
It’s easy to make friends in senior living! But it’s even better to experience a close connection in assisted living apartments. Floorplans at MorningStar Senior Living range from studios to two-bedroom suites that are perfectly spacious for two people wanting to live out their retirement together. Companionship living within retirement communities eases the transition of moving to senior living and helps one feel less alone while embarking on a new journey in life.
Safety and Security
Did you know having a roommate in senior living can actually be safer than living alone? Having a roommate often gives families peace of mind when transitioning their loved one to assisted living. Roommates can keep accountability on each other and can often notice when things are out of the ordinary sooner than friends or family that visit every so often.

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

Ideas for Tasty and Healthy Snacks

March 28, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna.

If you are looking for outstanding senior living in San Jose, MorningStar is it. Our beautiful community provides assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar at West San Jose’s warm, loving environment provides care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. Please visit our website for more information about our home and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows /healthiest-snacks

Religious and Spiritual Assisted Living in Colorado

March 27, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

One of the most difficult aspects of transitioning into assisted living is the fear of losing close connections with longtime friends in their religious community. Religion and spirituality provide us with meaning and purpose and offer many opportunities to volunteer and get involved in our neighborhoods. In retirement, seniors often gravitate to religious spheres because of the ability to easily make friends while receiving hope and healing.

Assisted living homes with religious or spiritual support provide seniors with the same sense of belonging. Joining a senior living community of open and like-minded peers who share similar values will help seniors settle into their new assisted living home. Religious and spiritual senior living can provide seniors with these various benefits that promote overall holistic well-being:

Spiritual and Faith-Based Activities in Assisted Living

Religious assisted living homes with spiritual support provide seniors with opportunities to volunteer and get involved in their community. Much in the same way they may have done before transitioning to assisted living, seniors are able to participate with their religiously affiliated group to give back to their neighbors and feel as though they are honoring themselves and building a connection with their higher power through the community.

Religion and faith provide seniors with residency and hope. If a senior is struggling with health concerns or anxieties about life, accessibility to spiritual practices in their senior living home can provide seniors with relief and structure.

Spirituality and MorningStar Senior Living

While MorningStar is founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews among our team members and residents. Our preeminent goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs, all of which contribute to creating a comfortable home and offering truly compassionate care.

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How to Transition a Parent to Assisted Living

March 27, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

It can be challenging for a parent to admit they need help. The truth is, they may never admit that they’re struggling. As the adult child of an aging parent, you have begun to notice changes in your parent’s home. Perhaps they are unable to care for the house as much, they have a difficult time driving themselves to doctor appointments or to complete errands, or perhaps they are experiencing behavioral changes. Even if you have voiced your concern, your parents may still argue against moving to an assisted living retirement community. You want to respect their wishes, but you know they need help. What can you do?

Assess your parent’s needs

Before relocating your parents to assisted living, assess what needs your parents currently have. What are they currently struggling with? Have they received a new medical diagnosis or require more supervision now? Keeping track of your parent’s daily activities and abilities will give you a better look into what they may need from an assisted living facility. Senior living facilities, like MorningStar Assisted Living Portland, offer personalized care plans that allow families to have a hands-on approach to their loved one’s care.

Advocate for your parent

In most cases, you can’t make your parents do anything against their will, and you shouldn’t want to. However, if you know in your gut that your parents need help, it may be worth standing up on their behalf to voice what you know is right for them. After assessing their needs, you will have a better idea of what struggles they are experiencing. Discuss these concerns with your parents, let them know you want what is best for them, and that you will work to make sure they are in proper care. Remember to be kind and calm when discussing your parent’s transition to assisted living.

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5 TIPS FOR BEGINNING BIRDWATCHERS

March 25, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

One of the goals of our retirement community in Idaho Falls is to keep residents active throughout the year. From holding social events to taking day trips to local natural wonders, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is the ideal place to call home for older adults who want to continue to live active lifestyles. One activity that flies under the radar is the popular activity called birdwatching. Idaho Falls is a prime location to capture the flights of a wide variety of bird species.

Let’s review five tips for beginning birdwatchers to get the most out of this fun activity.

Invest in High-Quality Binoculars

You are going to watch birds mostly through the lenses attached to a pair of binoculars. Investing in a high-quality pair of binoculars allows you to get big, crisp, and bright up-close images of the birds in action. Binoculars especially come in handy when you want to zero in on a nest to watch baby birds cry out for their mother. Although spending less than $100 for a pair of binoculars appeals to your sensibly frugal ways, consider spending as much as $300 to receive superior images of the birds that you watch.

Know How to Attract Birds

Although hiking around to find birds to watch appeals to your adventurous side, the most successful way to birdwatch is to attract a flock or two to visit your home. You can accomplish this by placing a bird feeder near the entrance to your apartment at our assisted li v ing facility in Idaho Falls. Bird feeders come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the most important element is what you put in a feeder for the birds to enjoy. Most birds love munching on sunflower seeds, which are readily available at both pet and grocery stores.

Capture the Moments

Binoculars help you get much closer to birds, but you can capture the moments for future viewing by investing in a still and/or video camera. Even using a sophisticated Smartphone can help you create a lifetime’s worth of memories of the birds that you watch. You can capture the majestic flight of an eagle, as well as shoot a flock of crows getting together for their daily meeting. Mounting a camera on a tripod helps you stabilize each shot.

Record What You See

Birds are creatures of habit, from returning to the same spot after every migration to feeding at the same field at the same time each day. As a beginner birdwatcher, you should record the activities of the birds that you watch for reference during upcoming years. You can write down your observations, but a more accurate description can be given by talking into a voice recorder.

Interact With Other Birdwatchers

Although you can develop a feeling of inner peace by watching birds on your own, the real joy of birdwatching comes from sharing your experiences with fellow birdwatchers. Making birdwatching a social event in addition to an educational event helps you gain insight into how other people approach this popular hobby. Joining a club that organizes bird watching expeditions is an effective way to make connections.

Another way to make connections while you birdwatch involves getting together with other residents of our assisted living facility in Idaho Falls. The mission “to honor, to value, to invest” has special relevance when it comes to the activities planned at MorningStar of Idaho Falls. Schedule a tour today to learn more about the activities scheduled at our senior living center in Idaho Falls.

Be Mindful of These Changing Dietary Needs in Old Age

March 25, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Aging causes a lot of changes to our bodies, and this includes our relationship with our diet and eating habits. Seniors experience changing dietary needs and habits throughout aging. With age, you need to be especially careful to prevent nutrient deficiencies, dramatic weight changes, and dehydration.

Assisted living communities keep a senior’s health in mind when developing dining plans and recipes. Because of MorningStar’s knowledgeable executive chefs and trained assisted living staff, they can recommend the importance of being mindful of the following dietary needs in old age:

Dietary Changes in Old Age

While many changes can come with aging and our relationship with food, some of the more common are:

Decreased metabolism
Chronic inflammation
Losing muscle mass
Low stomach acid
Inability to recognize hunger and thirst cues
Dramatic weight gain or weight loss
And different taste preferences

These changes can make navigating your diet difficult and unpredictable. Many of these dietary changes and symptoms of old age may cause seniors to have an aversion to eating regular, balanced meals, which can greatly impact their overall health. The following whole foods are important for senior consumption and should be prioritized in assisted living dining menus:

Whole Foods

Fiber is an extremely beneficial component to any diet. However, fiber may be especially important for seniors who struggle with constipation, feeling full, and eating enough whole foods. Fresh, whole foods are generally great sources of fiber. Apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, and whole grains are high-fiber foods that can easily be incorporated into a senior’s diet for better health.

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.

Stretching Exercises Provide Many Benefits

March 22, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.

The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you.

Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch.

MorningStar at West San Jose is a senior community with a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

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 assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Safe and Comfortable Assisted Living in Portland

March 04, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

One thing families consistently worry about when it comes to finding assisted living communities is safety and accident prevention. Seniors in need of assisted living often struggle with mobility and can be more accident-prone. This is why the assisted living facility you pick for your loved one should be dedicated to proper senior care management by ensuring safety around every corner. MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland has implemented a range of safety protocols. Keep reading to understand how MorningSar offers safe and comfortable assisted living in Portland.

Fall Prevention

Multiple factors contribute to fall risks among seniors. Messy surroundings, mobility changes, changes in vision, and even medications can contribute to fall accidents in seniors. Being weary of falling holds seniors back from fully enjoying their lives. Assisted living communities are designed with fall prevention in mind. Halls are easy to navigate at MorniningStar, and are kept mess-free at all times. 24/7 caregivers, cameras, and staff are all in place to minimize falls and other accidents. With this supervision and support, seniors feel safe to explore their community, meet up with friends, and get fresh air.

Secure Senior Living Apartments

Seniors want to feel safe and comfortable where they live, without feeling like they are in a hospital. It can be hard to find that balance, but MorningStar Senior Living Portland has been able to find the perfect match of safety and luxury for their retirement homes. Non-slip flooring, Grab bars in the bathrooms, emergency response systems, and much more make MorningStar Assisted Living in Portland safe and comfortable for all seniors.

Finding Safe Senior Living in Portland

Overall, MorningStar Assisted Living Portland provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a safe and secure senior living community. With their commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible

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

3 Engaging Hobbies for Seniors in Assisted Living

March 01, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

The best senior living communities promote social and mental stimulation in seniors. Seniors in assisted l iving should experience all the joys retirement has to offer. Senior living communities in Portland prioritize senior independence and autonomy, even if a senior is actively struggling with memory loss, immobility, or other health concerns. By offering and encouraging seniors to participate in hobbies and activities around the community, seniors experience an enjoyable retirement that isn’t impacted by any physical or mental limitations. Below are 3 engaging hobbies that senior living communities offer to promote socialization and mental stimulation in seniors in assisted living care:

Explore Your Passion at MorningStar Assisted Living Portland

Cooking and Baking Classes for Seniors
If your senior parent or loved one has a passion for cooking, attending an interactive cooking class is sure to brighten their day and give them something to look forward to. Baking and cooking is a great way to keep your mind and hands busy. Senior living communities that host baking classes or cooking instruction for seniors in assisted living prioritize the passion of seniors. MorningStar Senior Living is a holistic retirement community that understands the needs of seniors, regardless of their mental or physical situation.
Writing Workshops for Seniors
Your loved one doesn’t need to be a world-renowned author to enjoy writing and storytelling. Every senior can benefit from journaling or creating poetry. The art of storytelling stimulates the brain and promotes memory recollection and creativity. Community writing workshops for seniors are a great way for seniors with a common interest to bond over the art of writing.
Trivia Night for Seniors
Seniors love sharing what they’ve learned throughout the year. This is what makes trivia nights so fun and exciting for seniors in senior living communities. Trivia encourages playful competition and mental stimulation.

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What Affordable Assisted Living Options Do You Have?

February 28, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

When the time comes to transition your senior loved one or parent to assisted living, you may experience anxiety wondering if you are financially prepared for this new senior living arrangement. You want to make the right choice for your loved one.

When searching for affordable retirement homes, you will want to consider the following:

What level of care your loved one requires
Easily accessible amenities
Well-trained and available staff
On-site nursing
Overall happiness of residents

The above list will help guide you to making the most informed choice for your loved one’s senior living community. You will want to be mindful of how much care your loved one will need and if that community can support them. However, you need to be able to afford this care, too. 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 Assisted Living Options in Portland

All-inclusive senior living is one of the best financial choices for retirement home options in Portland. This means families pay a flat rate for services and housing that covers all the care a loved one requires and has been discussed through the creation of a personalized care plan. Depending on what level of care or assistance with daily living your loved one needs, pricing may vary to better accommodate concerns.

When it comes to paying for assisted living care or a senior retirement home, there are financial resources available beyond retirement savings and investments. Long-Term Care insurance is just one example of how assisted living care can be more affordable. Explore some of the financial options and affordability for seniors looking for retirement homes in Portland at MorningStar’s website, or by calling them at the number below.

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.

How is Care Customized to Individual Needs in Assisted Living?

February 26, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

If you have a senior parent or elderly loved one in need of assisted care, you want to be sure that their future senior living community can properly support and care for them depending on their unique needs and concerns. Personalized assisted living care plans are specialized to a senior’s physical, emotional, mental, and social needs. For many senior living communities, personalized care plans are developed with the input of family, care providers, and medical professionals.

When you are transitioning a loved one to assisted living, here is what to expect when building your personalized care plan at MorningStar Senior Living Portland:

Initial Assessment

The initial assessment involves gathering information about the resident’s health, medical history, physical and cognitive abilities, preferences, and any specific care needs. Before you move your loved one to an assisted living community, be sure to have a list of your loved one’s daily routine or activities. Within this list, be sure to communicate with the personalized care team if your loved one’s current physical, mental, or emotional state hinders or impacts the completion of any activities.

Developing the Care Plan

A personalized care plan is drafted after all the personal information has been considered. This care plan is always flexible and subject to change. The personalized care plan outlines the specific services and assistance required for your loved one to be successful at MorningStar while considering factors such as activities of daily living, mobility, medication management, and any medical conditions that need to be regularly treated.

Enacting the Personalized Plan

Once everything has been drafted, staff and medical care providers will be notified of the needs required by the new resident. Special dietary needs will also be communicated to catering staff and chefs. If any changes need to be made to the plan following its initial draft, care managers are happy to edit and reconsider any concerns to make residents happier and healthier in their new homes.

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.

How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

February 26, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

While there is not one single test used to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, doctors typically use a variety of tools to make a diagnosis. Along with the person’s primary care provider, specialists like neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatricians and geriatric psychiatrists may all be involved in determining if the patient’s problems are Alzheimer’s or caused by other reasons.

The process starts with a medical workup done by a health care provider that includes the person’s history of medical problems as well as any history of psychiatric, cognitive or behavioral problems. It is important to tell the doctor about all current medications including over-the-counter-drugs and supplements the person is taking. Your doctor will also want to know if there is a family history of Alzheimer’s or other cognitive problems.

A physical exam should include a check of reflexes, blood pressure levels and questions regarding sleep patterns, diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits. A structural brain imaging scan such an MRI or computed tomography is used to rule out damage to the brain from stroke, tumors, head trauma or a build-up of fluid. Blood and urine tests can rule out other reasons for symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Association says common causes of dementia-like symptoms include depression, untreated sleep apnea, delirium, side effects of medications, thyroid problems, certain vitamin deficiencies and excessive alcohol consumption.

The doctor may also use one of several cognitive, functional tests to evaluate the person’s memory, thinking and simple problem-solving skills. Professionals state, “There is an urgent need for a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive and easily available diagnostic tool such as blood tests to diagnose the disease.” Currently researchers are experimenting with a variety of tests to enable them to track changes more easily in the brain to identify the disease. Currently, health professionals do not recommend routine genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease.

At MorningStar at West San Jose, we offer individualized, specialized care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those at the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through to the most advanced stages. Beginning with compassionate caregivers to activities, programs and meal services tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care. Please see our website for more information about trusted memory care or assisted living at MorningStar.

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: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests

3 Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Assisted Living Community

February 23, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

When you are making the decision to transition your senior parent or loved one to an assisted living community, you may be overwhelmed by all the options available to you. Many of these communities may seem promising, but asking a few key questions below will certainly help you make a more informed decision about your loved one’s future retirement home.

How is Assisted Living Care Customized to Individual Needs?

If you are seeking assisted living care, you are likely concerned with how a future senior living community will meet the unique needs of your loved one. For the best assisted living care, a personalized care plan should be developed based on an individual assessment, family input, and medical advice. Be sure to ask about the process different communities use to build their care plans. Flexible care plans ensure that the level of care can change depending on the senior’s needs over time.

How Qualified are the Staff and Management?

Asking about the staff-to-resident ratio is an important question to ask when considering assisted living options. Knowing this will help you to better infer if your loved one’s needs will be properly met in a timely manner. Not only this, but overworked staff are more likely to experience apathy, which can impact your loved one’s care.

What is the Visitor Policy?

To ensure that your loved one is receiving the proper care, it is important to ask about a community visitation policy before moving your loved one. A welcoming senior living environment that welcomes family and friends regularly is important for the resident’s social and emotional well-being.

Why MorningStar Senior Living Portland

MorningStar retirement homes are found across the Western US and have proudly earned a reputation for “casting a new light” on senior living. Newly opened, MorningStar at Laurelhurst offers trusted assisted living in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on elements of independence within assisted living. After asking the above 3 questions, we are sure you’ll find our retirement homes boast great recognition for having flexible personalized care plans, qualified staff, and maintaining great relationships with family.

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

MorningStar at West San Jose Offers Individualized Memory Care

February 23, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at West San Jose offers 34 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our care services are extensive, and we provide a wide range of amenities, wellness programs and activities.

MorningStar at West San Jose’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents stay active with a gentle flow of activities including art, dance, physical exercise, special events, and scheduled outings.

Once a resident joins our MorningStar family, we meet with them and their family to get to know as much as we can about them including their history, vocation, talents, and preferences. From there we create a daily routine designed to stimulate or calm as a situation requires. Residents are also treated to tempting meals consisting of finger foods and family-style dining for a stress-free, companionable dining experience.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Our program provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents. It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. Additionally, our devoted team feels privileged to serve, and understands every person deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

MorningStar Senior Living will celebrate its 21st anniversary this year and has grown to 40+ communities in operation or under construction in eleven states. Please contact us for more information about individualized, compassionate memory care in San Jose. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

Independent Senior Living Vs. Assisted Living: Which is More Suited for Your Loved One?

February 21, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

If you have been considering senior care options for your aging parent or loved one, you may be wondering what the difference is between independent senior living communities and assisted living retirement homes.

The choice between independent senior living and assisted living depends on various factors like health concerns, mobility, and the overall independence level of your loved one. Here are some key differences to better help you differentiate if your loved one will need assisted living care or will be better suited for independent living.

Independent Senior Living

Independent Senior Living Communities are ideal for seniors who are still active, independent, and can manage their daily activities without assistance. Senior Living Communities, like MorningStar at Laurelhurst, provide seniors with a deep sense of community while offering easily accessible amenities located on community grounds.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living at MorningStar offers the same active community and easily accessible amenities as independent senior living does. However, assisted living provides seniors with more support and management to help them achieve their goals while keeping them happy and healthy.

Assisted living is best for seniors who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or mobility assistance. It offers a higher level of support while still encouraging independence.

When is it Time for Assisted Living?

Some warning signs that may indicate it is time to consider assisted living for your loved one:
Chores are not completed around the home or their living space
They are forgetting to take medication or fill prescriptions
Home maintenance is not maintained
You worry about them driving a car alone
There is a large amount of spoiled food in the kitchen
A medical provider voices their concern over any memory impairments or health issues

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.