Many Seniors are Making the Move Into Independent Living Communities

​Did you know more and more older adults are making the choice to move into senior living communities? Seniors are embracing the idea of giving up home maintenance and spending more time doing what they love best, including being able to travel without worry. Independent living communities offer private apartments designed to meet residents’ needs along with common areas ideal for sitting and relaxing with friends and dining rooms offering delicious restaurant-style meals.
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Another reason many seniors are choosing independent living communities is the appeal of living among like-minded people of the same age. Socializing is important to our wellbeing and isolation can lead to depression or worsen health problems. For seniors who no longer work and/or have stopped or limited their driving, it can get more and more difficult to maintain normal social interactions. Community living offers easy opportunities for residents to meet new friends or engage in social activities and special events.

At communities such as MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we offer on-site amenities such as a bistro, fitness room, library, theater and billiards and game room as well as transportation services. We also bring in live entertainment and host special events throughout the year. Wellness activities include exercise classes, life enrichment classes and more. We also know security is important to peace of mind, and community living gives that to seniors and their families. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly.

Furthermore, while our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our independent living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. In addition, you will get priority placement to transfer to an assisted living or memory care suite, depending on availability. Please contact us for more information about our cottages and suites for independent living.

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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Idaho Falls.

Community Living is Often Healthier for Seniors

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports about 14.7 million seniors live alone. We know various causes including chronic and worsening health conditions, hearing loss, no longer driving, mobility issues, loss of a spouse or other loved ones can result in loneliness and isolation for older adults on their own.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States, and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.” They cite statistics showing social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death, and rivals those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Moreover, studies find social isolation is associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. The CDC also warns loneliness is linked to higher risk of depression, suicide and anxiety.

Housing for independent seniors offers older adults a built-in community of people at a similar stage of life as well as a variety of social activities that appeal to many tastes and preferences. The range of amenities and activities make it easy for residents to interact with others and to forge new friendships. Another advantage to 55+ independent living communities is the entire place is designed to accommodate the needs of seniors. This includes apartments with wheelchair accessible doorways, low thresholds, well-lit spaces, handrails, walk-in showers and tubs in bathrooms, and emergency call systems.

At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we provide all the comforts of home with stylish apartments and graciously appointed common areas. Our broad range of services and amenities include restaurant-style dining, theater, bistro, fitness room, wellness programs, activities and more. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Idaho Falls.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls’ 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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Is Your Brain Working as Efficiently as It Did When You Were Younger?

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgement and reasoning powers remain largely intact.

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness.

If you are looking for luxury independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Idaho Falls may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls’ 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 area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-aging-affects-focus

MorningStar of Parker Offers Memory Care in Colorado

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

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

When Does Your Loved One Need Memory Care?

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

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

• Their safety is a concern

• They forget to bathe

• They forget to eat

• They forget to take medication

• They forget to lock doors and windows

• They get lost

• They experience anger or mood swings 

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

Benefits of Memory Care

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

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

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

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

Memory Care at MorningStar of Parker

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

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

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