Take Precautions to Prevent Falls

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls.  Medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall.  Also, please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.   

However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving.  The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving.  To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.    

Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor.  Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives.  It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else.  Also, talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition.   

In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you.  Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait.  

Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention.  Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed.  Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home.  Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance.  Install grab bars and railings where needed.           

MorningStar at West San Jose is a vibrant home for adults 55+ designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  If you are looking for senior living in the San Jose area, we encourage you to consider 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.
Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

Looking for the Area’s Finest Senior Living Community?

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

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

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

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

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

Home Care VS a Retirement Community

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

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

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

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

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

We would like to introduce the newest retirement home Portland offers, the MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community. Our home is scheduled to open in December 2022 and has 83 assisted living suites and another 32 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We are located in the historic Laurelhurst District,  and near to the Portland Medical Center, shopping centers and nature areas. Please visit our website for more information and to reserve your select suite today. 

Source: 

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

The Benefits of Independent Living Communities

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

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

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

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

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

Exercises to Help You Keep Fit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartly-designed Floor Plans to Call Home

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

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

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

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

Combat Loneliness with Community Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the Newest Senior Living in Portland

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

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

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

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

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