Numbers That Provide a View of Heart Health

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter published an article on the five important numbers which provide an overall view of hearth health and what the target numbers should be. While these are specific recommendations, Ms. Corliss also says the ideal values are good goals for most people but your doctor may suggest different numbers based on your age and other health conditions. 

Current recommended blood pressure numbers are less than 120/80 mm Hg. Systolic blood pressure is the first number and diastolic blood pressure the second number, and together they measure how hard your heart is working and the condition of your blood vessels. High blood pressure (HBP) can damage blood vessels and increase a person’s risk for a stroke or heart attack. 

Your LDL cholesterol numbers should be less than 70 mg/dL and your triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL. A cholesterol test is done through a blood draw after a person has fasted and if both your numbers are high, it increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Another important number is your blood sugar levels, which is how diabetes is typically diagnosed. Doctors say blood sugar levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.  

Finally, the last number you should pay attention to for better health is your waistline measurement. Experts say the circumference should be either lower than: less than half your height in inches; or for women less than 35 inches, and for men less than 40 inches. The problem with big numbers is what doctors call “abdominal or visceral obesity” typically an indication of fat surrounding the internal organs. Use a tape measure placed just above your navel (belly button) to get your number. 

Ms. Corliss goes on to give universal advice to improve all the measures of heart health.  She states “Eating a healthy, plant-based diet can help. Regular exercise also helps; aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise like brisk walking most days. Other lifestyle habits that can lower your heart disease risk include getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly and managing your stress level.”

MorningStar at West San Jose assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

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 the finest assisted living and memory care in San Jose.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. 

How to Make Assisted Living Rooms More Comfortable

While many seniors can see senior living as a new adventure and opportunity, others may feel reserved about moving into senior assisted living communities. Whether your loved one is excited or uncertain about the new move, there are a few trusted ways to make their senior living apartment feel more like home and calm any restless nerves. Moving to the best assisted living community near you in Portland is already full of the best amenities and eatery options. Now, with a little help, your new space is sure to feel like home in no time. 

MorningStar Assisted Living in Portland helps seniors and their families find the best senior living communities Portland has to offer with built-in companionship, luxury-style amenities, and budget-friendly living arrangements. Keep reading to find out how to create a relaxing and comfortable home in assisted living. 

Personalize Your Living Space

Assisted living communities that offer unfurnished living spaces are great for easily making a senior living apartment feel more like home. While there may have less space, seniors can still bring some of the furniture and precious belongings that will make their new senior living apartment in Portland feel familiar. Showcasing beloved family memories and knickknacks is a great way to personalize senior living apartments. 

Create a Calming Environment 

Calm tranquility is one thing all seniors search for in retirement. When decorating your new assisted living space, think about what things are most calming to you. Scents, colors, plants, pets, and design elements are just some of the few things to consider when you begin planning a move to senior living. There’s a lot of space to be creative when designing your assisted living apartment at MorningStar Assisted Living Portland. 

Be Part of Your Community 

Unless you are moving with a close friend or partner, you may not know anyone in your new senior living community. This can create anxiety and uncertainty about leaving your apartment. While we want you to feel comfortable in your space, enjoying the rest of the community will also help you to feel at home. Attending planned events and activities is an easy first step to getting out of your room and exploring your new community. Making friends is easy when you’re surrounded by people who like the same things you do! 

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

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

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

Are You Experiencing Memory Problems?

If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. 

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician.  

To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include:

• Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors.

• Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment.

• Create a list of current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

• Write down any vitamins or supplements you’ve added to your medication regimen.

• Make a list of questions you want to ask.

Writing down questions you have beforehand makes sure you don’t forget them, and don’t be reluctant to ask questions if you don’t understand something. The Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group, made up of men and women in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, put together a list of questions to help others make the most out of a doctor’s visit. Questions range from asking about the type of tests used to make a diagnosis, what to expect from the disease, and what type of treatments may be used. When seeing a specialist, ask how familiar they are with caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 

At MorningStar at West San Jose, we offer assisted living along with 34 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in San Jose.

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: alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-communicating-doctor-health-care-pro-ts.pdf

Companion Living Options for Seniors in Assisted Care

Assisted living options have expanded over the years, offering seniors more ways to experience their care routines with less anxiety and frustration. MorningStar Assisted Living Portland is proud to offer seniors assisted care that allows spouses and close friends to reside together within the community. Even if your loved one doesn’t require the same level of care as you, both can cohabitate together due to our personalized care regimen. If you are considering a senior living community in Portland for you or your loved one, companion living may be the right choice for you. 

What is Companion Living for Seniors?

At MorningStar Senior Living Portland, a companion is defined as any person who holds a strong bond with you that you spend a lot of time with, such as an intimate partner or spouse. Senior apartments can be shared by close friends or partners in independent or assisted living suites. There are many benefits to living with your spouse or close friend in assisted living. The people that compliment us best are most likely to make the right roommate for years to come.

The Benefits of Companion Living at MorningStar Senior Living Portland

Living with a spouse, partner, or close friend can provide many benefits for seniors in assisted living care. Firstly, it’s important for a senior’s health to not impede too greatly on their comfortability and familiarity. Living alone in an unfamiliar place can cause many seniors stress and may take them longer to acclimate to their new community. Living with someone we love and trust can provide a senior struggling with mental or physical concerns peace of mind in navigating a new environment. 

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

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

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

A Healthy Diet Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Decline

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite a study showing MIND lowered the risk of Alzheimer’s by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely. They continue to say “studies show that eating certain foods and avoiding unhealthy ones can slow brain aging by 7.5 years.”

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

At MorningStar at West San Jose, we offer assisted living residents a healthy, vibrant lifestyle with stylish suites, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  Our chef also uses ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like berries, Omega 3 fats, nuts and leafy greens.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in San Jose, CA.

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

The Perks of Pet Adoption for Seniors

You have probably been told that having a pet is a huge responsibility. While this is certainly true, adopting a pet can also be very rewarding. For seniors who may be experiencing the grief of losing a loved one, or who are maybe looking for a new experience, adopting a pet could be a beneficial choice. 

By being pet-friendly, MorningStar Senior Living in Parker encourages residents to live active and fulfilling lifestyles with a close companion by their side. Keep reading to see the benefits to adopting a pet while in your elder years. 

Unconditional love and affection

In retirement, seniors may start to experience more loneliness, isolation, or grief. This is especially true if a senior has lost someone very close to them whom they lived with. Adopting a pet can provide seniors with unconditional love and affection during difficult times or when working through grief and loss. 

Maintaining Routines & A Newfound Sense of Purpose

Pets help us stay active and maintain routines. Once you begin bonding with a new pet, you will dedicate time to a feeding, walking, and play time schedule. Having a pet schedule can help us feel more involved in our own lives. 

Our pets also rely on us. For many seniors, it may have been a long time since they last cared for someone unable to do so on their own. Adopting a pet can provide seniors with a sense of purpose to care for and protect something other than ourselves. This is what can make owning a pet very rewarding. 

Pet Friendly Senior Living in Parker 

Not only are our pets companions that bring us tons of joy, but they greatly benefit the lives of seniors in numerous ways. This is why MorningStar is a pet-friendly senior living community. We encourage seniors in assisted living to bring their pets as they provide added comfort and support. However, seniors should carefully consider their abilities and lifestyle before adopting a pet to ensure a successful relationship. Some communities have a weight limit on pets, and we do need to assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis. Check-in with your MorningStar community to review any breed restrictions or other limitations. 

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.

What to Look for When Touring Senior Living Options

Many seniors and their family members may feel overwhelmed by the idea of senior living. Some families have never had to look into senior care before, making deciding on a senior living arrangement uncertain and frustrating. You want to pick the right place for yourself or your loved one. How can you be sure that you’re making the right choice? With so many senior living options in Portland, touring a senior living community with assisted living options can tell you a lot about their culture and overall senior health and happiness. 

If you are considering assisted living care in Portland, Here’s what to look for while touring senior living communities:

Happy, Helpful and Available Senior Care Staff 

Upon first touring a senior living community, keep a record of how many staff members greet you or offer assistance. Someone should be at the front desk at all times with a smile ready to help you. While touring, check to see if there is a good staff-to-resident ratio, this will ensure that you or your loved one will be properly looked after. Staff in assisted living communities should not appear burdened or under-trained. Watch how staff helps the residents and communicates with other staff and management. Finding the right Assisted Living Community in Portland can be easy if you know what you’re looking for! 

Plenty of Activities, Amenities, and Community Involvement 

While most retirement homes have some amenities and access to common rooms, you can find active senior living in Portland by ensuring that your future assisted living community offers modern amenities and activities like an on-site gym, salon, bistro, movie theatre, courtyards and activity rooms. Active senior living includes regularly planned social community events, like holiday parties, classes, and other special activities. Be sure to find a senior living community that makes you excited for every day!

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

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

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

How Prices are Structured at MorningStar at West San Jose

At MorningStar at West San Jose, we regularly have questions about our community from area seniors and their family members.  FAQs include how our pricing is structured as well as availability.  In assisted living, fees are based on the level of care a resident requires.  For memory care residents, we offer all-inclusive pricing, which means suite rental and care, whatever the level of need, is one price.  

To calculate your level of need in assisted living, you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director and go over your medical history and personal preferences to create an individualized care plan.  This sets the basis of your Care Level (we have five) and your monthly fee accounts for the costs and time to provide the needed services.  These can include help with daily personal care activities (grooming, bathing, toileting, etc.) and medical assistance. 

If you are concerned the cost of assisted living may be too high for your means, we want to remind you that senior housing can be very cost-effective as there are many things you will no longer pay for out-of-pocket.  This includes the costs of your monthly utilities.  At MorningStar your monthly fee includes cable TV & utilities, housekeeping, and three daily meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  In addition, we have scheduled transportation every week for rides to medical appointments as well as transportation to organized activities and cultural events.  

Assisted living residents also have access to a full-time licensed nurse and our 24-hour care staff.  Our wellness programs and activities engage and support our residents’ mental, physical, spiritual and social needs for a healthier, fuller life.

MorningStar West San Jose’s mission is to provide the best senior living in San Jose, and the comfort and wellbeing of our residents are the foremost considerations for everything we do.  Our dedicated team, the heartbeat of our community, delivers service that represents the mission and philosophy of MorningStar Senior Living – honoring God and valuing seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. Please visit our website for more information.
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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 for more information about the finest senior living in San Jose, CA.

What are Some of the Best Hobbies for Seniors?

Seniors often feel like they’ve done it all! While it certainly can be true that a senior has accomplished a lot in their lifetime, there may also be things they’ve never tried before. As we age, it may become harder for us to branch out and try new hobbies or activities. Senior living communities find it important to offer new activities and hobbies to seniors, especially seniors in assisted living who may struggle with experiencing new things on their own. 

If you want to find a new hobby for yourself or think a loved one may benefit from a new activity, keep reading to find some of the best hobbies for seniors in senior living care

Photography

Photography is a relatively easy hobby for seniors to pick up and enjoy because of the easygoing feel of taking photos and exploring a camera. While it may take a little time to learn the ins and outs of a new camera, once you get the hang of it, taking photos can be a relaxing way to express yourself, make art, and show your pictures to family and friends.

Nature Walks

The great thing about taking up nature walking as a hobby is that this activity can be done alone, with another person, or in a group. Walking in nature is a great way to center yourself, get fresh air, and experience the outdoors on a deeper level. You may find that this new hobby can bring you a lot of peace and newfound joy for the world around you! 

Learning an Instrument

It is never too late to learn a new thing. In retirement, seniors may feel uncertain about trying something new, but they may enjoy it more than they thought. Learning a new instrument can add some healthy challenges to a senior’s life and can give them something to practice and master. 

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.

What You Should Look for When Choosing a Senior Living Apartment

If you have decided to move to a senior living community, you may feel overwhelmed with the amount of senior living options. No two retirement communities are the same, making it important that you evaluate what you want and need out of a senior living home. MorningStar is a retirement home Portland is pleased to offer for seniors in Oregon. Whether you are looking for assisted living care or the flexibility to build your own care plan, MorningStar Senior Living Portland can help you find the home you’ve been wanting. 

When deciding on a senior living community, you should consider the following:

1. Modern Senior Living

Your new senior living home should reflect your personal taste and preferences to help you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Modern renovated senior living communities account for the changing times and needs of seniors, meaning many of these updated senior living homes include salons, exercise rooms, theatres, multiple dining spaces, and elegant courtyards or outdoor trails. 

Reflective of the entire community, our senior living suites at MorningStar are distinguished by contemporary stylings and designs in multiple floor plans and configurations. Each suite is equipped with an emergency call system and individually controlled heating and cooling. The handicap-accessible bathroom has all the space and safety you need to stay confident. For your convenience, most suites are equipped with a washer and dryer.

2. Active Assisted Living

When deciding on a new senior living community in Portland, be sure they offer plenty of the activities and amenities you enjoy or would be interested in exploring. MorningStar Assisted Living at Laurelhurst works closely with Life Enrichments teams to create fun and exciting events for seniors every week. 

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

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

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

Creative Arts Programs for Seniors in Retirement

Art is a powerful healing practice for seniors, especially those in assisted living care. Art therapy and creative art programs are often used in retirement communities as a fun and effective way for seniors to be involved in their community and indulge in a creative pursuit. Whether you are a practicing artist or looking to take up a new hobby, creative arts programs are great for all seniors in retirement! 

Whether physical, intellectual, spiritual, or social, MorningStar’s Life Enrichment Teams present creative ways for seniors to stay active and productive. Monthly, the Life Enrichment Teams at MorningStar Senior Live Portland plan fun and engaging art activities. Recently, residents at one of our sister communities enjoyed a watercolor class. Keep reading to understand the benefits creative arts programs can bring to senior living. 

 Art therapies like painting, drawing, or working with clay offer many benefits for seniors. Artistic pursuits that are calming and collaborative promote emotional resilience, enhance social skills, and improve cognitive functions. Working with the hands is a very important part of the artistic process and helps to calm the mind. At MorningStar Assisted Living Portland, our community offers a mix of art therapy and other creative activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach.

Other creative arts for seniors include creative writing, reading groups, woodworking, mosaics, and so much more. Access to these classes and activities enhances a senior’s quality of life. If you are a caregiver to a senior, or considering assisted living options near you, be sure to consider the benefits of art therapy when looking for senior care. If caring for a senior at home, take the time to supply them with different artistic modes of expression, or offer to take them to a community-led senior art class. 

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

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

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

MorningStar at West San Jose Offers Comfort, Wellness, and Community

If you still think assisted living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s senior living communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer a vibrant lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute. 

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focus on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health. 

Assisted living is designed to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, dressing, and bathing. However, assisted living communities like MorningStar at West San Jose provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.  MorningStar’s services help families by providing transportation to doctor appointments and other errands as well as onsite supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.  

MorningStar’s services also include providing housekeeping to ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we help residents get the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also help with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services.  

Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in San Jose.  Our beautiful community has 69 stylish suites for assisted living and another 34 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

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

Top Safety Devices and Technology for Senior Wellness

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

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

Smart Watches and Senior Health

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

Video Doorbells and Home Camera Systems

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

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

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

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

Making Assisted Living Visits More Meaningful

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respite Care Options for Caregivers

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

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

What is Respite Care?

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

There are various respite care benefits for families, including:

• Affordability: Affordable respite care solutions for seniors is an important part of senior care options. Many families will avoid taking time off, scheduling surgeries, or tending to ever changing needs of life because of the belief that senior care is unaffordable. Senior living communities are equipped with the knowledge to offer your loved one with the best short term assisted living care with personalized pricing options. 

• Proper Care Management: You may feel uneasy inviting someone you don’t know into your home to care for your loved one. How can you be sure that you can trust them and their skills? Senior living communities offering respite care are committed to providing assistance with daily living. Testimonials and reviews can speak to a senior living’s accomplishments and trustworthiness so that you can feel relaxed and confident in your respite care choice. 

Find Your New Assisted Living Home Today

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

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

How to Age with Independence

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

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

Consider All-Inclusive Senior Living

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

Personalized Senior Care Plans

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

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

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

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

MorningStar Offers Individualized Memory Care in San Jose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Considering Assisted Living for a Loved One in San Jose?

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

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

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

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

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

Roommate Friendly Assisted Living in Portland

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

Roommate Benefits in Assisted Living

1. Affordability

   Many retired and single seniors are looking to offset the cost of living by looking for roommates or moving in with a close friend, partner, or sibling. For seniors who require extra assistance with daily living, MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland offers seniors in assisted living to have a roommate if they so choose. There are financial great benefits to having a roommate in assisted living, such as sharing furniture, groceries, utility costs, and much more. 

2. Companionship and Socialization

   It’s easy to make friends in senior living! But it’s even better to experience a close connection in assisted living apartments. Floorplans at MorningStar Senior Living range from studios to two-bedroom suites that are perfectly spacious for two people wanting to live out their retirement together. Companionship living within retirement communities eases the transition of moving to senior living and helps one feel less alone while embarking on a new journey in life.

3. Safety and Security

   Did you know having a roommate in senior living can actually be safer than living alone? Having a roommate often gives families peace of mind when transitioning their loved one to assisted living. Roommates can keep accountability on each other and can often notice when things are out of the ordinary sooner than friends or family that visit every so often. 

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

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

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

5 REASONS TO MAKE POTATOES A PART OF YOUR DIET

Every state has something that defines it. For Idaho, that something is root vegetables called potatoes. Idaho’s rich volcanic soil is the perfect type of soil for potatoes to thrive. Potatoes are such a fixture in Idaho that Blackfoot pays homage to the root vegetable by acquiring the nickname “Potato Capital of the World.” At our senior living center in Idaho Falls, potatoes are one of the most popular staples served under our dining program.

One reason why potatoes are widely popular concerns the relatively lost cost of buying the root vegetable. However, the low price alone does not make potatoes a popular dish to serve at any meal. Let’s look at five reasons to make potatoes a part of your diet.

Plenty of Nutrients

At our retirement community in Idaho Falls, we emphasize the importance of serving nutritious meals. Including potatoes as part of our meals helps us achieve our nutrition goals. One medium baked potato that includes the skin delivers nearly 30 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and about 25 percent of the RDA for vitamin B6. Potatoes also contain potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

Disease Fighting Antioxidants

Potatoes contain compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that act as antioxidants, which neutralize potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. An increase in the number of free radicals can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. One study concluded that the high amount of antioxidants in potatoes can stifle the growth of liver and colon cancer cells.

Help Control Blood Sugar

Potatoes are uniquely nutritional because they are known to contain a special type of starch called resistant starch. This type of unique starch is not broken down and fully absorbed by the body. The result is that much of the starch enters the large intestine where it produces several health benefits, including a reduction in insulin resistance that helps control blood sugar. One study demonstrated that test subjects with type 2 diabetes who consumed potatoes showed a reduction in insulin resistance.

Improved Digestive Health

The resistant starch found in potatoes also plays a role in improving digestive health. When resistant starch reaches the large intestine, it turns into food for beneficial gut bacteria, which digest it to create short-chain fatty acids. The short-chain fatty acids then reduce inflammation of the colon to strengthen the colon’s defenses against infections, as well as reduce the risk of the development of colorectal cancer.

Highly Versatile

Potatoes deliver many health benefits, but what if you do not like baked potatoes or a recipe that includes potatoes as an ingredient? The answer is potatoes represent one of the most versatile types of vegetables. You can boil, fry, steam, and bake potatoes. If frying potatoes produces too many calories, you can reduce the caloric intake by slicing a few potatoes and drizzling them in olive oil before roasting them in an oven. Potatoes are easy to include in your diet if you do a little experimenting.

Eat Healthy at Our Assisted Living Facility in Idaho Falls

You have several factors to consider before choosing a retirement community in Idaho Falls. One of the most important factors to consider concerns the meal program. At our senior living center in Idaho Falls, we emphasize the importance of eating nutritious meals that include the root vegetable potatoes.Learn more about the MorningStar commitment to nutrition by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility in Idaho Falls.