An Ancient Form of Exercise that is Good for Seniors

Harvard Health restates a classic text that says tai chi will help you become “Strong as an oak, flexible as a willow, and [mentally] clear as still water.” The ancient Chinese tradition is based in the martial arts; and is a popular low-impact exercise involving slow movements and breath. Experts say tai chi is suitable for people of all ages including seniors and offers numerous benefits.  

Tai chi’s mind-body exercises consist of slow, flowing, and choreographed movements that provide many people a sense of calm, which is why it is often referred to as mediation in motion, or medication in motion. Its movements focus on control as well as slowing down and relaxing muscles to allow the body to move more freely. Harvard Health says for those in their 60s, 70, 80s and beyond, “tai chi’s restorative powers can help you age more gracefully and function at a higher level than those who don't practice.” 

Other known benefits include offering relief from common ailments such back, neck and arthritis pain, and fibromyalgia as well as reducing the risk of heart disease. One study reports older adults who practiced tai chi one to three times a week had better balance and were 43% less likely to fall, and cut their risk of injury in half. In addition research suggests tai chi improves mood and is an effective treatment for depression. It may also help reduce age-related cognitive decline and slow dementia. 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is the newest retirement home Portland offers for assisted living and memory care. We are scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2022 and have 83 assisted living suites and 32 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Located in the historic Laurelhurst District, we are near to the Portland Medical Center, shopping centers and nature areas. Visit our website for more information and to reserve your select suite today. 

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. 

How to Encourage Your Parent to Move to a Senior Living Community

Millions of people each year struggle with transitioning their parents to senior living communities. The transition isn’t always easy, especially for parents struggling with health issues or memory issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Sometimes it takes a bit of encouragement to convince a parent that transitioning to assisted care is the best course of action. Here are a few tips on how to approach the subject in a careful and compassionate way.

Talk Through the Options

Encouraging a parent to move to assisted or independent living starts with a conversation. Take the time to sit down with your parent to talk about their situation, their feelings, and all of the options. 

Simply being deliberate and thorough about the options on the table will leave everyone involved more at peace and more confident moving forward.

Go for a Tour

The great thing about touring independent and assisted living communities is that there’s no commitment. You are free to tour any facility with your loved one without obligation or pressure to move in. Framing the tour in this way should help alleviate uneasiness and will allow your parent to see what the communities have to offer.

Talk to Current Residents

One of the most effective ways to gather information about what it’s like to transition to senior living is to talk to seniors who have already made the move. Current residents will be able to speak about their experiences and offer advice to someone considering making the move. 

There are several ways to get in touch with current senior living residents. Your parent can join a community senior group, reach out to a friend or acquaintance, or even request to speak to a resident at a community they’re interested in.

Give Them Control

When encouraging your parent to move into a senior living community, it’s important to let them have as much control of the situation as possible. The last thing you want is to force them into a living situation they’re not comfortable with. 

Many times the transition will not happen overnight. It can take weeks or months to get them comfortable with the idea and letting them control the planning process and the conversation around the move can go a long way.

MorningStar of Sparks

MorningStar of Sparks strives to provide the highest-quality assisted and independent living community in the industry. Our compassionate team of professionals, along with our top-of-the-line community and amenities, aim to ensure that all of our residents feel valued, comfortable, and able to make the most of their retirement. 

We offer a variety of care options from independent living to memory care, and we’re ready to help you transition a parent to a community when they’re ready. Call us today to learn more about our services. 

MorningStar of Parker Offers Memory Care in Colorado

Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s require a special type of care that caters specifically to their needs. These diseases are unique, and symptoms can grow worse without a caregiver who is specially trained to manage them. 

At MorningStar of Parker, we believe in more than just providing care. Our senior living community aims to enrich the lives of residents through specialized programming and caregiving that ensures that seniors of all abilities enjoy their retirement.

When Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive diseases, so it can be difficult to know when it’s time to seek outside help. While seniors experiencing symptoms early on can still live independently, as the disease progresses, that can become dangerous. 

Here are a few signs that it’s time to consider moving your loved one to one of our assisted living communities:

• Their safety is a concern

• They forget to bathe

• They forget to eat

• They forget to take medication

• They forget to lock doors and windows

• They get lost

• They experience anger or mood swings 

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s best to move your loved one to an environment where they can properly be cared for.

Benefits of Memory Care

At MorningStar of Parker, we understand that it can be hard to move a loved one to a memory care community, especially if they are resistant to it. However, memory care communities offer benefits to both residents and their families that simply cannot be replicated.

First, residents in memory care receive specialized caregiving that they may be lacking in an at-home setting. This means that they are cared for by specialized staff who understand their specific needs.

Residents in memory care are also cared for in a safer environment than at home. Not only do our communities provide secure facilities, but caregivers also ensure that residents are not in harm’s way during daily activities.

Finally, memory care residents benefit from social interaction and a sense of community that’s truly unique to MorningStar communities.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Parker

MorningStar of Parker understands the seriousness of being diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. We’re honored to offer support to those living with these diseases, and we’re here to walk beside them and their families along their journey. 

In addition to our independent living communities, we also provide specialized support to those in need of memory care. Our dedicated staff members are specially trained to help residents with everyday tasks while they also enrich residents’ lives through friendship and activity. 

We provide far more than simple treatment. Our community provides a loving home where residents are valued and celebrated. To learn more about our memory care services and how we can help you and your family, call us today.

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. 

Senior Living Options

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy but require assistance in their daily lives.  

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals.  Senior independent living communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.   

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.

At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we’re proud to offer 12 cottages and 82 suites for independent living, 66 suites for assisted living and 28 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We are a true home that offers privacy, comfort, and security, and a staff that works hard to meet the needs of our remarkable residents.  Amenities include all-day dining, theatre, library, fitness room, bistro and much more.  We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. 

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.

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

Welcome to MorningStar of Idaho Falls

MorningStar of Idaho Falls is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company that was founded on the mission to: honor God, value all seniors and invest in staff. Our community is set in a warm, inviting environment and features beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities. We strive to create a “true home”  for residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community.

Holding true to our mission of servant leadership, our staff are the kind of people who understand it is a privilege to serve; and treat residents like they do their own moms and dads. In fact, serving seniors has given us a profound respect for the many challenges and truimphs they have experienced throughout their lifetime; and is why we consider seniors to be true heroes.  

Nestled on the southeast side of town, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is meticulously designed and supported by an extraordinary hospitality and care team who feel called to serve seniors. We offer several options for senior living starting with 87 independent living suites for those who do not require assistance with daily care activities.  In addition, we have 12 cottages with a one car garage intended for active seniors. Both suites and cottages offer a variety of floorplans (with a cottage option over 1400 sq. ft.).  

MorningStar of Idaho Falls also has 66 stylish suites for assisted living including one-bedroom and two-bedroom plans.  For your safety, all suites have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems. Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  

For seniors needing memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites dedicated to memory care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our community as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Idaho Falls, ID.

The Benefits of Independent Living

If you are a senior over the age of 55, you may want to take a look at independent living. Its numerous advantages include a carefree lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. 

Many older adults worry about the rising costs of maintaining a home with the endless repairs and upkeep like lawn mowing in the summer, leaf clean-up in the fall and snow removal in winter. Furthermore, replacing a roof or buying new appliances is expensive. In independent living communities like MorningStar of Parker, we handle all of the maintenance both inside and out. Imagine no longer worrying about dealing with the cleaning up after a big snowstorm? 

Our community is made up of three buildings, with the newest located on the south end of our campus, offering 49 luxury independent living suites and 54 assisted living suites. The four-story building has suites as large as 1,609 square feet, including three styles of penthouses with fireplaces. All independent suites have kitchens equipped with high-end finishes including granite surfaces, stainless-steel appliances and pantry as well as private balconies. 

With 10’ high ceilings and big windows, our suites offer lots of natural light and feel spacious. Some independent suites have walk-in closets and dressing rooms, or an in-suite stackable washer/dryer closet.

Services designed to allow you the freedom to pursue your interests include weekly light housekeeping and trash removal. Breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch is available as is a la carte dinners in the Arrowstone Restaurant. Other amenities include a coffee shop with barista and juice bar, indoor pool and jetted spa (low chlorine with ozone), games rooms, art studio and more. 

In addition, MorningStar of Parker’s two other buildings offer assisted living and memory care with a selection of suites, care and hospitality services, amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Visit our website to ask about our “Move-in Special - $2022 OFF for up to two months.”

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

A Senior Living Community with “Heart”

Perhaps you have heard of, or seen a MorningStar senior living community in or around Portland, OR as in addition to our newest community under construction, MorningStar at Laurelhurst, we also operate MorningStar of Beaverton, MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Hillsboro. Our company has been around since 2003 and now operates 32 senior living communities across the Western US. 

MorningStar’s Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, began MorningStar Senior Living after 15 years of executive leadership experience and close observation of the senior housing industry, which he found lacking in the human touch. His mission was to establish a brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, which re-created his grandmother’s house, “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”

Thus began Mr. Jaeger’s life’s work to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by a three-pillared mission upon which MorningStar remains grounded: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well

To continue these goals, MorningStar at Laurelhurst is putting together a team of individuals with big hearts who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. Each team member is trained in our brand standard of Service Excellence we call Radiance, and guides how we want to deliver service – with warmth and sincerity and depth. 

The Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community is designed to provide seniors with everything they want and need in a retirement home. Along with impressive architectural design elements, an array of luxury amenities and hospitality services and 5-star dining; our home offers Individualized Service Plans for the activities of daily living (ADLs) to help maintain our residents’ independence.  

While MorningStar is founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we welcome residents and team members of all faiths and worldviews. Our community offers 83 assisted living suites and another 32 suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. Ideally situated in the historic Laurelhurst District, long-time area residents can continue to comfortably live in familiar surroundings or near loved ones. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. Contact us today to reserve your select suite to the finest retirement home in Portland. 

Sitting Too Much Each Day is “Bad” for the Brain

Our modern day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change. 

Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people age 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6½ hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s authors recommend getting up and moving at least every 30 minutes. Your activity could be a quick round of squats or pushups or a walk around your front yard; or something similar for a few minutes. 

Lack of socialization can also lead to a thinning of the MTL as a number of studies link loneliness to a higher risk of dementia. Experts say you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle but rather make an effort to routinely connect with three or four family members or friends. The number of social connections is less important than the degree of meaningful interactions.  

Other healthy cognitive behaviors include getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and reducing your level of stress. Research shows chronic stress “can kill brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.” To manage stress, experts suggest breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness.  

MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services and luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Contact us to learn more about the newest assisted living in Portland and to reserve your select suite. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. 

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-worst-habits-for-your-brain?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WR20220415-CognitiveFitness&utm_id=3606398&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=3606398

Social Isolation & Loneliness can be a Risk for Serious Health Conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others. 

A 2010 AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among participants who said their health was poor, 55 percent reported feeling lonely. The CDC also says studies find social isolation or loneliness is linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke as well as a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls is a senior living community offering older adults independent living, assisted living and memory care. As one of the area’s top communities, we provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives. Our Life Enrichment team daily presents creative ways to stay active and comes with the benefit of not just camaraderie and fun, but some accountability (for you are truly missed if you don’t show up).

We offer 12 cottages with fireplaces and one-car garages and another 87 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites within our main building for independent living. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (the activities of daily living), we offer 66 assisted living suites and 28 memory care suites for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website for contact information and to inquire about availability and pricing or to schedule a tour. Also ask about our April’s Move-in Specials. 

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

Looking for the Area’s Finest Senior Living Community?

Now more than ever, older adults are recognizing the many benefits senior living provides. For many it means an improved quality of life, freedom from the maintenance and upkeep of a home, and opportunities to learn new things and meet new friends. At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we offer an array of senior living options, care and hospitality services, amenities, and wellness programs and activities. 

For seniors who require a little help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), MorningStar of Idaho Falls’ assisted living offers the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living life to the fullest. With 66 suites in a range of floor plans, residents are provided with 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management. In addition we offer all-day, restaurant-style dining; onsite amenities such as fitness center, bistro, billiards and game room, strolling paths, etc.; scheduled transportation, housekeeping and more. Residents also enjoy participating in daily activities and special events.  

For active seniors, we offer 12 cottages with fireplaces and one-car garages; and another 87 stylish one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites within our main building for independent living. Graciously-appointed common areas both inside and out are ideal spots to sit, relax and chat with friends. Add to that, an array of entertaining and enriching activities, luxury amenities and a 5-star meal service offer residents carefree retirement years. 

If a loved one suffers from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we provide holistic memory care designed to ensure individual needs are met. Our dedicated team truly understands the manifestations of brain disease in all forms of dementia and feels privileged to walk alongside residents and their families on this unexpected journey. 

Since MorningStar’s beginning, we have considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living and are proud to have earned the trust of both residents and families within our many communities across the Western US. Visit our website and inquire about availability and pricing or to schedule a tour to see firsthand why we are on the area’s list of top senior living communities. Ask about April’s Movie-in Specials.

Home Care VS a Retirement Community

As mom or dad start showing signs of slowing down, families are faced with the question of how to keep them safe and ensure they get the care they need. Whether it is unsteadiness on their feet putting them at risk for a fall, struggling to handle daily personal care or social isolation, you want what is best for them. 

Many times families’ first thoughts are to have mom or dad move in with them rather than into a senior living community. However before you open your home to mom or dad, experts say you need to look at the broader picture. This includes taking into account the added cost of another person sharing the home as well as the various care services they will need to attend to themselves or to hire outside help. 

The AARP reports approximately 48 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult family member or friend. In doing so, they say eighty percent of caregivers report routine out-of-pocket expenses that average around $7,242 annually. “On average, family caregivers are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to results of the national study of nearly 2,400 caregivers in the spring of 2021.” Additional expenses include having to cut back on their work schedule due to caregiving duties or financing home modifications. 

For families who choose to hire outside caregivers, the cost of in-home care can be even higher. Also consider assisted living communities provide services such as help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), medication management, meal services and wellness programs and activities.

Moreover it is important to take into account the many intangibles senior living communities provide such as socialization and piece-of-mind knowing someone is around if your loved one needs help. Even for parents who initially resisted the idea of assisted living, A Place for Mom says many family members report the parent or relative quickly grew to love their new community.

We would like to introduce the newest retirement home Portland offers, the MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community. Our home is scheduled to open in December 2022 and has 83 assisted living suites and another 32 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are located in the historic Laurelhurst District,  and 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. 

Source: 

aarp.org/research/topics/care/info-2016/family-caregivers-cost-survey.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-LEG-IL 

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.

Exercises to Help You Keep Fit

As we age, staying fit is important to both our mobility and our independence; and even if you haven’t spent your life as a serious fitness buff, experts say it doesn’t mean you can’t start now. However it is important to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise. 

The Harvard Medical School recommends several exercises that provide all-around conditioning and don’t require a gym membership. Any one of them can help keep your weight under control, improve balance and range of motion, strengthen bones, protect joints, prevent bladder control problems, and even ward off memory loss.

Swimming is recommended for its low impact on the body as the water’s buoyancy supports the body and takes the strain off painful joints. Dr. I-Min Lee, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, explains,  “Swimming is good for individuals with arthritis because it’s less weight bearing.” Researchers also report swimming can help improve our mental health. Water aerobics is another low impact way to stay in shape and burn calories.  

Tai chi, a century’s old Chinese martial art, has also been shown to be beneficial for older adults. Along with incorporating movement and relaxation, experts say Tai chi helps improve balance, which is something we lose as we age. To find a class, check your community center, senior center, YMCA or local health clubs.  

Other good physical activities for seniors include walking and strength training exercises. For strength training, experts say start slow and learn the proper form. To begin walking, wear the proper clothing for the weather including sun protection and good footwear. Finally an often overlooked area of wellness for seniors is maintaining strong pelvic floor muscles that can help prevent incontinence. Kegel exercises are beneficial for both men and women; check the Internet or talk to your doctor to learn how.  

If you are looking for the carefree lifestyle senior living offers, MorningStar of Parker is one to consider. Our community has independent living, assisted living and memory care in a range of suite selections, luxury amenities, care and hospitality services, and wellness programs and activities. Visit our website for contact information and to ask about our “Move-in Special - $2022 OFF for up to two months.”

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/starting-to-exercise?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=focuson-fitness-3&utm_id=3556849&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=3556849

Smartly-designed Floor Plans to Call Home

The new MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community is built from the ground up to satisfy the most discerning seniors’ desire for what they want in a retirement home. On the top of the list are smartly-designed floor plans in a wide choice of configurations. 

A look at our assisted living floor plans (open the tab on our home page) will give you an idea of the multiple options new residents have in reserving a stunning suite that fits your criteria for square footage, room configuration, number of bedrooms and location in the building. MorningStar’s assisted living suites include several choices in studios ranging from 412 to 473 square feet. For those seeking a little larger space, our one-bedroom, one-bath units are available in floor plans as large as 758 square feet. For our largest suites, consider a two-bedroom, one bath or two-bath options ranging from 750 to 905 square feet.       

Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette with sink and refrigerator; handicapped-accessible bathrooms; emergency call systems, private heating & air conditioning; and basic cable TV and utilities. Residents receive weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal. Located in the historic Laurelhurst District, our community’s overall design aesthetically embraces the area’s historic background while seamlessly blending modern practicality.

We have another 32 suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. While there may be a new retirement home in Portland, MorningStar communities are found across the Western US and include Oregon’s MorningStar of Happy Valley, MorningStar of Beaverton and MorningStar of Kirkland. Furthermore you will discover our unique mission statement to honor God, value all seniors and invest generously in our team sets us apart from other senior living. Please visit our website for more information or to contact us to reserve a select suite. 

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.