CEO of MorningStar Discusses His Commitment to Religiously Based Senior Care

“I had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” 

MorningStar’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, has had 15 years of executive leadership experience and thoughtful observation of the senior housing industry. Jaeger’s dream senior housing community focuses on the power of relationships. Jaeger designed a three-pillared mission upon which MorningStar remains grounded. Set to open in December 2022, MorningStar at Laurelhurst Retirement Home and Assisted Living community in Portland, Oregon, is built to reflect these pillars for which Ken Jaeger established his bold brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles.

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is a retirement community with a strong commitment to moral values and ethics. Within Ken Jaeger's three-pillar mission, MorningStar’s business practices focus on honoring God within their care and relationships. We emphasize the value of all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and we invest in our team's ability to serve well. We commit to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle while providing security and independence. We retain employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents with the best senior care. 

Since our first privileged year of service, the deep and lasting impression we want to make is this: We are a radically relational, senior-loving home where residents are seen as heroes. By weaving all the threads of a better story, by knowing our purpose is greater than any one of us, MorningStar is resolved to elevate the world of business and leave a legacy of benevolence and changed lives.

Contact us to earn more about MorningStar’s values and ethics within assisted living in Portland. 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 Portland.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Laurelhurst, “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 Portland, Oregon.

When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

If you have a significant medical condition or injury and your healthcare provider is recommending a major surgery or treatment plan, you should know all your options. This is where a second opinion can help determine the best course of treatment. 

Medical professionals say anytime a patient is confronted with a life-changing or life-threatening diagnosis they should seek a second opinion. Dr. Peter Rasmussen, a cerebrovascular surgeon and chief clinical officer for Virtual Second Opinions by Cleveland Clinic adds this includes things like “concern about a cardiac valve, or a significant neurological disease or a cancer diagnosis.”   

A second opinion may also be in order when a current treatment plan is not working or you are having bad side effects from the prescribed medications. If a surgical procedure has potentially debilitating complications or you are faced with several options or disagree altogether with your doctor, get a second opinion. Other cases where a second or third opinion is warranted include symptoms caused by a variety of things such as persistent headaches or you do not feel like you and the doctor are communicating well. 

Going to a new specialist may provide insight into new treatments and/or access to experimental options. If you have a rare type of cancer or medical condition, finding a doctor that specializes in treating or performing these types of surgeries may result in a better outcome. Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society states there are basically two reasons for a second opinion: “One is really the level of comfort, trust and rapport a patient and caregiver have.” He adds the other is to ask how unique or complex your case is.

MorningStar of Parker offers senior living with a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Along with a large selection of suites, residents receive an array of senior care and hospitality services, amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website for availability and ask about our: Summer Savings: $1776 - 1st Month Rent on Select Suites. 

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/when-to-get-a-second-opinion?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20May%2008%2007:48:38%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health

Games and Activities to Exercise Your Brain

For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, participating in structured activities that exercise the brain is critical. Studies have shown that brain exercise can help reduce the negative symptoms of disease, build confidence, and help seniors feel more independent and secure. 

With the help of dedicated staff, senior living communities offer plenty of opportunities for daily activities. Here are a few games and activities that exercise the brain.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a staple activity for seniors experiencing issues with memory. For seniors early on in the disease progression, challenging puzzles can be a great tool to put the brain to the test. 

For seniors in memory care who are further along in their journey, simple tasks like matching shapes and colors exercise the brain in a healthy way that does not cause distress or frustration.

Trivia

Alzheimer’s and dementia present in very unpredictable ways. Sometimes seniors forget things like names and dates, but they can remember minute details about pop culture or history. 

Trivia is a good way to exercise the brain’s memory muscles and have fun while doing it. Trivia also presents an opportunity for social interaction in assisted living communities.

Word Games

Word games or word puzzles are a popular activity for seniors in memory care. While Alzheimer’s and dementia patients may forget things they’ve known their whole lives, they tend to remember skills like spelling and reading and can usually recall words during games. 

Word games are also one of the more versatile ways to exercise the brain because they can be played alone, in pairs, or in groups.

Brain Training Apps

With today’s technology, there’s no reason brain activities need to be limited to physical games and activities. There are a variety of brain training apps that are designed to test and exercise the brain. These apps present the training exercises in fun ways that feel like playing a game, so seniors will want to come back to it.

Arts and Crafts

Sometimes, exercising the brain can be as simple as working with art materials to create something new. Arts and crafts can cater to seniors of all abilities and can stimulate the creative side of their brains. Arts and crafts are a great way to pass the time, spend time with others, and explore new interests.

MorningStar of Parker

The assisted and independent living community at MorningStar of Parker aims to provide the very best that senior living has to offer. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to creating a loving and caring atmosphere alongside our resort-style amenities that make residents feel at home.

We provide seniors with memory challenges a comfortable environment in addition to the opportunity to participate in enriching activities that keep them engaged, motivated, and happy. Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can offer you and your loved one.

Services Designed to Enhance Seniors’ Independence

If a loved one is starting to slow down and would welcome assistance with personal daily care or have mobility issues requiring major renovations to their existing home, it may be time to think about assisted living. While there may be several communities to choose from, it is useful to have some insight into your parents’ needs when evaluating senior living communities. 

A Place for Mom, an Internet referral service, explains a good place to start is to “compare factors like staff friendliness, amenities, and overall culture.” If you plan to do a virtual tour or onsite visit, come prepared with a list of questions regarding costs, care plans, amenities, programming, and general lifestyle and culture. They also say use your nose. Does the community smell pleasant?  

During your visit, observe residents. Do they seem engaged, happy? Are they encouraged to participate in activities and events? Ask to see the community’s calendar of activities. If your parents love to garden, does the community have raised garden beds and a gardening club? If mom or dad is no longer driving, does the community offer scheduled transportation to doctor visits and other appointments? Do they do outside trips to area malls and local parks?  

Remember your loved one’s suites are where they will sleep but the community as a whole is where they will live so are the common rooms inviting? How about the outside areas? Is there a nice courtyard or terrace where they can sit and relax on a nice day? If mom or dad enjoys a glass of wine before dinner, is it available? Other things to ask about include the meal service, the community’s ability to handle both present and future care needs and how emergencies are handled? 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is MorningStar’s newest senior living Portland, OR offers and has 83 assisted living suites and another 32 suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. Our company was founded in 2003 and now operates 32 senior living communities across the Western US including MorningStar of Beaverton, MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Hillsboro. We open to residents in December 2022 and invite you to contact us to reserve your select suite. 

Want to Maintain Your Independence? Stay Social

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar at Laurelhurst, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through purposeful, wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. In addition we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. 

Our new senior living in Portland’s historic Laurelhurst District offers 83 assisted living suites and 32 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to reserve your select suite and ask about our “Move-in Specials.” We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. 

Living a Healthier, More Productive Life as You Age

If we are lucky, we are all going to get a lot older, but experts say with a few common sense adjustments, we can live healthier, more productive lives than our grandparents or even parents. Moreover, it is worth our while to plan for a long life as mortality rates have risen from just an average age of 47 for men and women in 1900 to older adults routinely reaching their eighties, nineties and upward. 

In fact, recent studies report it is possible to grow older without a significant decline in health. Linda Fried, dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and director of the Robert Butler Columbia Aging Center, says, “The idea that living longer necessarily means enduring significant declines in health has changed in the last two decades.” She adds, “It’s possible to increase your health span as long as your life span. Some decline in health and function is inevitable. But the image that older life is about decrepitude turns out not to be right.”

Spending decades working in the field of gerontology, Harry "Rick" Moody reminds older adults that even if they are living with health challenges, they should not lose sight of the opportunity for living a meaningful and positive life. He says at 76 his hearing is bad but he compensates by wearing a hearing aid. His advice is "If you compensate, you’ll age successfully. If you don’t, you won’t age successfully.”

Strategies for healthy aging include not limiting yourself by saying you are too old, to keep learning, keep exercising and to eat a healthy diet. Staying close to family and friends, getting enough sleep and using adaptive skills to compensate for things like short-term memory loss and a general slow-down of cognitive and physical abilities are also part of the process.  

At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, our goal is to provide seniors the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections to lead productive and engaged lives. Along with independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate, holistic memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Please see 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 exceptional senior living in Idaho Falls, ID.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-age-well

Lifestyle Changes can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

According to the CDC, in 2017 the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association published new guidelines for hypertension management defining high hypertension as blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension was defined as a blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg. Nearly half of all adults in the US have hypertension or are taking medication to lower their numbers. Hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the US.  

If you have been told you have HBP, the Mayo Clinic recommends several lifestyle changes to help lower your numbers and to keep them down. They say if you are overweight you lose weight as blood pressure often increases as your weight goes up. Moreover being overweight can result in sleep apnea that often raises BP. Even your waistline can put you at risk. Typically a waistline of more than 40" for men and 35” for women can be problematic but consult your doctor as there are some variations among ethnic groups. 

Regular exercise is another component to lowering and maintaining blood pressure. Experts recommend 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes on most days as studies show this amount of physical activity can lower BP by about 5 to 8 mm Hg. 

A healthy diet also plays a role in maintaining a healthy BP. Dieticians say read labels, eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol; and reduce sodium by eating less processed foods and reading food labels. Also don’t add salt to your food. Talk to your doctor about other guidelines for lowering HPB. 

Looking for the finest senior living in Portland? Let us introduce you to MorningStar at Laurelhurst, a new assisted living and memory care community currently under construction and due to open in the last quarter of 2022. We have 83 assisted living suites and another 32 memory care suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Located in the historic Laurelhurst District, we are near to the Portland Medical Center, shopping centers and nature areas. Please visit our website for more information and to reserve your select suite today. 

Something as Simple as a Smile May make You Feel Happier

A recent study analyzed over 50 years of data looking for conclusive evidence that smiling can make us feel a little happier. The research was led by Nicholas Coles, a graduate student in social psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who explains, "Conventional wisdom tells us that we can feel a little happier if we simply smile. Or that we can get ourselves in a more serious mood if we scowl." 

However he notes a recent study in 2017 was unable to duplicate and confirm an earlier study, so his team set out to prove whether a smile can actually lift your mood. They felt one way to do this was to use a bigger pool of participants. 

Looking at 138 studies and including more than 11,000 people worldwide from the early 70s and to the most recent studies, Coles’ team concluded facial expressions do have a small effect on feelings. They found smiling does make people feel happier; while scowling makes them feel angrier. Additionally they report frowning does seem to make individuals feel sadder. 

Researchers explain smiling will most likely not replace the need for antidepressants but it does show an important connection between our mind and body and how they interact together to shape our emotions. So why not give it a go and try to smile more each day? We know it can’t hurt.  

If you are searching for senior living, MorningStar of Parker offers a full range of options with independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community has grown over the last few years driven by an excellent reputation, and we now have three buildings spread out over our expansive campus. This ensures seniors have a range of options in floor plans and configurations to accommodate your budget. Visit our website to inquiry about availability and ask about our “Move-in Special - $2022 OFF for up to two months.”

Source: 

webmd.com/mental-health/news/20190411/science-says-smiling-helps-you-get-happy

The Benefits of Independent Living Communities

Statistics show approximately one million Americans reside in some type of senior living community, and by 2030, the number is expected to double. At the same time, the number of seniors 85 and older is projected to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040. Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living (also known as retirement communities), which is specifically designed for adults 55+.

The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. To start with residents’ get peace of mind with predictable budgeting and not having to worry about unexpected repairs or costs associated with home maintenance. Another important perk of independent living communities is built-in companionship, and in many cases, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer have to cook. 

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Idaho Falls allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. We offer stylish floor plans including one and two-bedrooms units with a choice of one or two-baths.  In addition, we have 12 cottages with two-bedroom, two bath floor plans, some with over 1,400 square feet of space.  Each independent living suite is designed for your every comfort and comes equipped with a kitchen with full appliances, maple shaker cabinets, and a private patio or balcony.  Cottage residents enjoy a ceiling fan, fireplace, and a one car garage.

If you are a senior requiring a little help with daily personal care, we have 66 assisted living suites and another 28 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. We are proud of the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home and attribute this to our exceptional care team that has helped to make our home the top choice for area families.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our various senior living options as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.

Combat Loneliness with Community Living

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends.   

Problems contributing to loneliness in seniors are that they no longer work outside the home and social circles begin to shrink with the passing of spouses or friends, and family members moving away. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) cites studies showing seniors who say they feel socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease associated with loneliness. 

For many seniors the answer is moving to a retirement community where they find comfort, wellbeing and security as well as companionship. The experts at AgingCare.com say one of the biggest advantages of senior living (aside from receiving necessary care) is that opportunities for socialization and fulfillment are available right outside a resident’s door. 

Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors looking for maximum independence and love the idea of built-in social and mental stimulation within a maintenance-free environment. They may offer amenities such as meal plans, housekeeping and transportation along with meaningful wellness programs. Assisted living is designed after the European model and provides a supportive, compassionate environment with the right amount of help seniors need to maintain their independence. 

The most supportive level of senior living is memory care. At communities like MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we provide compassionate, professional memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 suites and uses therapeutic methods to calm and stimulate with purposeful and meaningful activities. In addition, MorningStar of Billings offers unsurpassed independent living with 12 cottages and 87 bright suites and another 66 suites for assisted living. Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.

Senior Living Offering It All

For older adults who are considering a move to senior living, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar of Parker for the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Due to the high demand driven by our excellent reputation, our community has continued to grow since its inception in 2012 and now includes three buildings. It also means along with several senior living care options, we offer a wide range of suite selections in varying floor plans and configurations as well as the ability to accommodate different budgets. 

Part of our appeal to area seniors is our genuine, inviting family atmosphere. Our original building houses 45 assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans over two levels. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood offers trusted, comprehensive memory care with 19 studios in our original building and 24 more studios and one-bedrooms in an adjoining building which opened in December 2014.

In January of 2016, MorningStar of Parker opened our third building on the southern end of our expansive campus. This building is intended for seniors who are searching for luxury independent living and assisted living. The interior designer, Thoma-Holec Design was awarded 3rd place in the category of “Special Function Spaces” for our Great Room at the 2016 American Society of Interior Designers’ award ceremony. The four-story building features 49 independent living suites and 54 assisted living suites (as large as 1609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses).

Our mission statement to honor God, value seniors and invest in our team sets us apart from other senior living communities. We invite you to visit our website to see the full list of our amenities, various floor plans and to learn more about our community, our company’s philosophy and our dedicated team. Use our quick link to check on availability, pricing or to set up a tour as well as to ask about our “Move-in Special - $2022 OFF for up to two months.”

Meet the Newest Senior Living in Portland

More and more seniors are discovering the value of retirement communities. Not only do they provide a comfortable home to safely age in place but many also offer a wide array of luxury amenities, care and hospitality services and wellness programs and activities. 

Portland’s newest retirement community is located in the historic Laurelhurst District, and offers the first opportunity for long-time residents to continue to live in familiar surroundings or near their family. MorningStar at Laurelhurst 5-story, 146,000 square feet building has 83 smartly-designed private suites in various configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans for assisted living. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide 32 suites devoted to their care.

As a resident, you will receive the services needed to help maintain your independence and allow you to get back to living life on your own terms. Once you decide MorningStar at Laurelhurst is where you want to live, we work together to create an Individualized Service Plan that includes trained, compassionate 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and more. Our carefree lifestyle additionally offers convenient underground parking and luxury amenities such as an art studio, library, theater, bistro, salon, fitness center, private dining room, club room, sky terrace and courtyard.

MorningStar’s wellness programs and activities provide physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement, encouraging residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Activities range from targeted exercise classes, crafting, art classes, trivia, board and card games, gardening clubs and much more. Movie nights, special events and local talent ensure residents are as entertained as they wish to be. Moreover if we don’t have a class in something you have a special interest in, we encourage you to start one. 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is near to Portland Medical Center, shopping centers and nature areas including Laurelhurst Park. Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, our company’s history and contact information or to reserve a select suite as we expect to be one of the more popular choices for Portland senior living. Our community is scheduled to open in December 2022.