Retirement Homes in Portland: Cost and Affordability

December 15, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Retirement Home

Like anything, we need to weigh the pros and cons of making big-cost purchases. Senior living, retirement homes, and assisted living can often be financially concerning for families. Seniors and their families want to be aware of the costs associated with senior living in communities, including any monthly fees, additional services or costs, and any potential cost increases in the future.All-inclusive senior living is one of the best financial choices for retirement home options in Portland. When it comes to paying for assisted living care or a senior retirement home, there are financial resources available beyond retirement savings and investments. Explore some of the financial options and affordability for seniors looking for retirement homes in Portland.

Affordable Senior Living Options in Portland Through Elderlife Financial Services

To help you explore options, MorningStar has partnered with Elderlife Financial Services whose agents are here to offer education on the financial resources potentially open to you in paying for independent living, assisted living, or memory care. MorningStar can provide more information and support in any of the following situations:

Veteran Benefits. Veteran Benefits, such as “Aid & Attendance” is a tax-free pension paid directly to the qualified veteran or spouse and can cover some costs for Assisted Living. The monthly benefits are subject to change annually, so check in with your retirement community to get the proper estimate.

Selling a Private Home. The equity built up in a private home is typically a retiree’s largest asset, making the proceeds from selling extremely helpful when transitioning to a senior community. This sale can potentially pay for most, if not all, senior care upfront.

Long Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance helps pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering expenses up to the amounts set forth in the policy. LTC insurance pays for a variety of services in senior communities and can offer care options that may not be covered through the federal subsidies of Medicare and Medicaid.

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

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.

MorningStar at West San Jose Is Senior Living at Its Best

December 15, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at West San Jose is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents. Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at West San Jose is senior living at its best. In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family. We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team. Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character. We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart. With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose. Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our 360° tour and photo gallery. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or enjoying a film in our comfy theater?

MorningStar at West San Jose offers 69 well-designed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 34 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

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

6 DECORATING TIPS FOR YOUR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY HOME

December 13, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

Home sweet home.

Moving into a senior living center in Idaho Falls does not mean you have to cut back on decor ideas. Yes, you have to rethink your decorating plan because of a smaller living space. However, many of the same stylish decor ideas that worked well in your previous home remain relevant for your new home.

Let’s review six time-tested decorating tips for your retirement community home in Idaho Falls.

Leverage the Visual Power of Sunlight

Numerous studies demonstrate the link between exposure to sunlight and mental health. Exposure to natural light is even more important to seniors because it elevates mood and boosts vitamin D levels. Open your blinds to allow sunlight to make your room’s space appear to be much larger. Sunlight also is nature’s way of helping our body’s clock maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

Display Lighter Colors

Just as sunlight enhances the ambiance of a room, the same can be said for displaying lighter colors. Lighter color accents exude a calm ambiance by going easier on the eye than bolder colors. Painting a room one light color represents an effective way to invite more sunlight into your room. White is always a good option for room color, but you have other lighter color options as well.

Hang Mirrors

One of the keys to decorating a room at an assisted living facility in Idaho Falls is to prevent feeling confined in your new living space. Regardless of how many windows are in your room, consider hanging a couple of mirrors to create more visual space. Hanging mirrors near natural light sources represents an effective strategy for reflecting both natural and artificial light.

Optimize Vertical Space

Less square footage inside a room at a retirement community in Idaho Falls does not mean you have to send some personal items to a storage facility. Fill the walls at your new senior living center home with artwork and personal artifacts such as family photographs. You also might be able to install a flat-screen television on one of the walls to free up space for more furniture. One or more bookshelves also help free up more space by displaying books and visually appealing artwork.

Go Green

Increasing the amount of natural sunlight in your room is one strategy to help elevate your mood and the ambiance of the room. Another strategy that works well for boosting mood involves adding plants. Whether you place plants on corner tables or hang them from the ceiling, going green is a great way to create a warm, inviting ambiance that your friends and family will appreciate when they come to visit.

Keep It Simple

Many ideas come into your mind when concerning how to decorate your new home at an assisted living facility. Keep the ideas simple, and you should create a living space that makes you feel at home. Downsize the number of furniture pieces to prevent the appearance of a cluttered space. Use storage organizers to help you save space, as well as complement the room’s color scheme. Above all, make sure your new home is functional and accessible.

Moving into a new home at a retirement community in Idaho Falls can trigger considerable stress. As the MorningStar senior living home in Idaho Falls, every member of our staff works with residents to create the most visually appealing home that helps alleviate the common stress that develops when dealing with an unfamiliar place. Learn more about decorating tips for your retirement community home by contacting us today.

Assisted Living Promotes Physical and Mental Health

December 13, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

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

Ordering take-out of fast food daily,
No longer meeting with friends or family,
Expressing fears or anxieties about loneliness,
Difficulty keeping their home clean and organized,
No longer participating in the things they love.

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

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

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

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

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.

Bring Your Pet to Your Senior Living Portland Retirement Homes

December 13, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

The benefit animals bring to our lives is overwhelming. Not only are pets cute and fun to interact with, but bringing your pet to a pet-friendly senior living community will provide you with social interaction, a sense of purpose, and comfort. Pets do a lot for us. That’s why MorningStar has created pet-friendly assisted living options for seniors looking to bring their pets with them on their new journey.

Since moving to senior living or assisted living can be overwhelming for some, having a beloved pet by your side can make it that much easier. Pet-friendly assisted living in Portland encourages seniors to participate in activities outside of their bedrooms. Pets keep us active, healthy, social, and so much more. Keep reading to learn why MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland is a pet-friendly Senior Living Community.

Your Pet is Part of the Family at MorningStar Assisted Living Portland

Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose for many people, especially seniors. Family members often worry if their loved ones become lonely or depressed during their transition from their home to assisted living. Pet-friendly senior living communities allow residents to create a routine and something to look forward to when caring for their pets.

Simple tasks such as daily grooming, feeding, and playtime with a pet add meaning to our lives. Having pets by their side gives our assisted living residents in Portland, OR a fulfilling life. MorningStar at Laurelhurst offers spacious outdoor courtyards and walking trails where you can play with your dog while getting some fresh air. Taking care of pets keeps seniors active, and daily walking is a great way to meet people and boost overall health.

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

How Does Personality Affect Cognitive Decline?

December 13, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published an interesting article from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a longitudinal study of older Chicago-area adults that began in 1997. The intent of the survey was to determine if personalities affect cognitive decline, and included nearly 2,000 people.

The study focused on examining the role of three key personality traits – conscientiousness, extroversion and neuroticism – to see if they are a factor in cognitive decline in later life. Researchers say evidence suggests being more conscientious and extroverted may keep mild cognitive impairment at bay longer. Participants who exhibited higher levels of neuroticism increased their chances of cognitive decline.

The lead author of the study, Tomiko Yoneda, a psychology postdoctoral student at the University of Victoria in Canada, explains, “Personality traits reflect relatively enduring patterns of thinking and behaving, which may cumulatively affect engagement in healthy and unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns across the lifespan.” Extroverted, socially engaged people appeared to have an additional year of dementia-free living; and those who scored high on conscientiousness might have two more years without cognitive issues as compared with those who scored low in conscientiousness.

While other studies back up these results, scientists agree further studies will be needed. For example, Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic in the Center for Brain Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, cautions, while “specific traits may increase risk due to a lifetime of behaviors that predispose a person to developing cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease, there may be more of a direct biological role related to early disease pathology.”

If you are looking for assisted living, MorningStar at West San Jose may be the place for you. We provide residents a carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Along with care services, our beautiful community offers five-star dining, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Amenities include a bistro, theater, fitness center, salon, sky terrace and underground parking. Contact us or visit our website for more information about luxury senior living in San Jose, CA.

Source: cnn.com/2022/04/11/health/personality-cognitive-decline-wellness/index.html

5 THINGS TO DO IN IDAHO FALLS

December 11, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

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

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

Idaho Falls River Walk and Greenbelt

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

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

Museum of Idaho

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

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

Idaho Falls Zoo

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

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

Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest

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

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

Sportsman Park

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

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

Exploring Affordable Assisted Living Options

December 11, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

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

Affordable Senior Living Options in Colorado

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

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

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

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

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

MorningStar Offers Memory Care in San Jose

December 11, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care. Along with assisted living, MorningStar at West San Jose offers compassionate memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood has the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our most tender residents.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” 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.

An important aspect of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise. To ensure our residents’ safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence.

Mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together. Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.

Also, bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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.

Sustainable Practices in Senior Living Communities

December 11, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

Green living is a popular trend among communities. In recent years, senior living retirement homes have followed in the footsteps of establishments transitioning to a more sustainable way of living. Retirement homes in Portland are aware of the importance of sustainable practices and know that there is an increasing popularity amongst residents for clean living.

One of the most influential things any senior living community can do is educate residents and caregivers about green practices and how to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives. Keep reading to explore some sustainable practices seniors can begin utilizing in their senior living communities at MorningStar.

Reducing Waste in Assisted Living and Retirement Homes Portland

Trash from plastic and one-use products leads to an abundance of waste on the planet. This waste pollutes waterways, natural ecosystems, and reduces the curb appeal of neighborhoods and cities. Plus, much of this waste cannot decompose for many, many years. That being said, seniors can find the most empathetic senior living Portland has to offer that encourages reducing waste within the communities. Seniors in retirement living at MorningStar in Portland can practice reducing waste in their senior living apartments by reusing glass jars and eliminating one-use plastic that is often used at grocery stores.

Up-cycle Goods in Your Retirement Home Apartment

To reduce waste and support sustainable practices at your senior living community in Portland, try upcycling some home goods or clothing. If you have a piece of clothing that has worn down over the years, practice some sewing skills to make the clothing “new” again. This is a great way to incorporate some creativity into your day and make something you feel proud of. Likewise, sprucing up old furniture or home goods can bring a second life to your favorite items. Instead of throwing away something that can easily be fixed, indulge in some quick remedies to bring the item back to new.

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

Find Spiritual Senior Living Communities Near You

December 08, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Retirement Home

Spirituality can play an important role in the aging process for seniors. Most likely, many seniors have felt a spiritual connection all their lives. For those who are seeking out spiritual support in their senior years, finding a spiritual senior living community near them can be just what they’re looking for to find the support and guidance they need.

Spiritual Wellness

As you consider the senior living options Portland has to offer, it’s important to understand how each community supports spiritual wellness. It’s easy to find spiritual support at MorningStar Retirement Homes in Portland. This community recognizes the need for a holistic approach to senior wellness through spiritual practices.

Spiritual Support

For seniors who are deeply in touch with their religion, finding a senior living community that gives them spiritual support is necessary. Retirement homes that encourage seniors to participate in their religious affiliations through praise, worship, outside events, volunteerism, and group activities are beneficial for senior health.

Seniors who are looking to strengthen their spiritual connection can also build new, long-lasting friendships and mentorships. Being involved in a religious affiliation is rewarding and fills seniors with a sense of purpose. Spiritual groups built for seniors understand the unique trials of aging adults and can give them a place to feel understood and represented.

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. It is our responsibility to honor spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person.

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

How Walking Can Enhance Senior Lifestyle in Senior Living

December 06, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

Exercise is essential for seniors in retirement, as it can provide a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Walking is a gentle form of exercise that keeps the body moving and healthy. A daily short walk has plenty of benefits for seniors in retirement homes. While exploring the amenities in your senior living community in Portland, be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities for relaxing walks. Keep reading to learn how walking can enhance senior lifestyle in senior living.

Daily Movement

Moving our bodies daily is important. Especially for seniors who struggle with decreased mobility, chronic illnesses, or are in need of assisted living care. Taking short walks daily is a great way to battle ailments and can help with emotional regulation. Walking releases endorphins, which boost your mood and can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Getting fresh air daily is a great way to feel connected with the outside world and to help your body feel its best.

Weight Management

Aging can prevent seniors from being as active as they once were. As muscle mass decreases, it may not be safe for seniors to participate in high-intensity workouts. This may lead to more sedentary lifestyles and increased weight gain. For seniors who want to make healthier changes to their routines, taking a daily walk is a good start. Daily walks increase blood flow and encourage metabolism. A healthy metabolism goes hand-in-hand with weight management.

Staying Social

Seniors can experience some of the most social retirement homes Portland has to offer. With great outdoor amenities and tolerable summers, seniors enjoy taking walks outside with their family, friends, and neighbors. Courtyards, fireside patios, walking trails, and community gardens all allow seniors to stay active while socializing with the people they care about most.

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

Preventing Falls and Injuries in Assisted Living Portland

December 04, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

How Falls Occur

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

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

How MorningStar Prevents Falls with AI

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

The Best Retirement Homes Portland, Oregon, Has to Offer

Important Healthy Aging Tips: for Seniors in Senior Living

December 01, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

It is no secret that seniors and their families worry about their health. With aging comes increased healthcare concerns, like diabetes and memory loss. Seniors living alone may experience heightened anxiety around health concerns. The good news is that adopting and maintaining a few key behaviors can help older adults live longer, healthier lives. Seniors can find the best senior living Portland has to offer at MorningStar Retirement Homes.

Regular Social Engagement

Seniors need regular social engagement to feel fulfilled and stay healthy. Loneliness and isolation can lead to depression, poor eating habits, and contempt for your surroundings. You can find regular social engagement in senior living communities near you. MorningStar Senior Living offers active senior living arrangements with predictable budgeting and amenities everyone can enjoy.

Healthy Eating Options

Seniors in need of assisted living or seniors adjusting to changes in their everyday lives may struggle with eating healthy foods and meals. If a senior is living alone, they may no longer feel inclined to cook for themselves, leading to excess snacking, quick meals, and fast food. Senior living communities in Portland encourage healthy eating options. Executive chefs at MorningStar offer the best food for senior living Portland has to offer.

Rest and Relaxation

When seniors are taking care of a home, family matters, errands, and chores, it leaves very little time to actually enjoy retirement and aging. Rest and relaxation are important parts of a healthy living lifestyle. Seniors can find the most relaxing retirement homes Portland can offer for seniors looking for companionship and luxury-style living

The Best Retirement Homes Portland, Oregon, Has to Offer

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

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

Rediscover These 3 Hobbies and Interests in Senior Living Near You

November 29, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

Wise seniors and families choose the best independent senior living Portland, OR has to offer. If you are seeking a refreshing lifestyle change, built-in companionship, predictable costs, exciting activities, and new hobbies and interests, retirement homes like MorningStar Retirement Communities can help you age comfortably. By rediscovering these 3 hobbies and interests in senior living near you, you can experience more of what life has to offer without the stress and anxiety.

Exercise

Before senior living, seniors remark on how busy their lives used to be. Living in their home or with family, these seniors didn’t have time to fully enjoy the things they loved. In senior living, you can make time for exercise, daily walks, swimming, hiking, and working out. Retirees in senior living Portland can enjoy access to dedicated exercise rooms and gyms, providing the perfect environment to pursue their health goals.

Gardening

Gardening can seem daunting for seniors who are already balancing chores, errands, and changes in mobility. Seniors in Portland retirement homes experience gardening as not just a hobby, but a therapeutic and fulfilling experience. Gardening and community-maintained gardens allow seniors in senior living Portland to nurture vibrant flower beds and vegetable gardens in a supportive and nurturing environment that is free of worry.

Board Games

It is hard to justify a board game night when your life is full of errands and chores around the house. Many residents in senior living Portland enjoy playing board games and hosting game nights together. The lively comradery seniors experience in senior living by playing easygoing games and activities makes life more fulfilling and exciting.

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

Promoting Physical and Mental Health in Assisted Living

November 29, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

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

Individualized Care

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

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

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

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

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

Stroke Is a Common Medical Event but Often Misunderstood

November 27, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2019; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood.

One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-stroke

Tips for Connecting with Grandchildren In Retirement Homes

November 27, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Retirement Home

Many seniors worry about their connection with their family when they move to senior living. Even the best senior living communities may feel challenging for seniors who are trying to stay connected with their grandchildren. Regardless of age, distance, or lifestyle changes, MorningStar Retirement Homes offers seniors tips for connecting with grandchildren. Exploring the amenities and support systems available in senior living Portland provides seniors with a fulfilling and healthy retirement experience for themselves and their families.

Sharing Experiences

The best connections happen from sharing experiences. Exploring the many amenities your senior living community has to offer increases topics for you to discuss with your family and grandchildren. If your grandchild is a movie fanatic, watching a movie they love will keep you connected by giving you a shared experience.

When grandchildren visit your retirement home, be mindful of the things they enjoy and what you all share in common. Sharing a meal of favorite foods, doing a shared activity, or completing a craft together are great ways to connect.

Utilize Technology

Our children and grandchildren have grown up in a technologically advanced world. Many of the ways they connect with their friends are through cell phones, social media, and other forms of technology.

While you may not be the most savvy with technology, start small with weekly or monthly video chats on a smartphone or laptop. Texting may also be an easy way to communicate regularly.

Senior Living Portland: A True Home to Comfortably Age in Place

If you want to stay close to your friends, family, and grandchildren, explore retirement homes near you. MorningStar at Laurelhurst offers unrivaled assisted living Portland seniors are sure to favor. Offering inspired retirement living, our community is situated in the historic Laurelhurst District where long-time residents can continue to comfortably live in familiar surroundings or near loved ones.

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

The Many Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

November 27, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 26, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

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

Maintain Independence

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

Staying Social

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