What Foods Should Seniors Consider for Better Health?

April 24, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

As we age, we should pay added attention to our health. This means we should be considering our diet to a deeper extent. The ingredients we use in our meals deeply affect us, and some ingredients have more benefits than others. For seniors, be sure to consider the following foods when deciding on your next meal, as they may improve your health in ways you never thought before!

Seniors should consider the following foods for better health:

Dark Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens like kale, swiss chard, and spinach have incredible health benefits for seniors. These vegetables are packed with essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, K, and magnesium which are all vital for supporting body functions like cognitive health, sleep, and bone health.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a great addition to any diet. Fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut are great for gut health and can be a tasty addition to many popular dishes. Regularly eating yogurt with live cultures also has incredible gut benefits which can help bloating, constipation, and other gastrointestinal concerns.

Protein

Protein is an extremely important aspect of any diet. Not only does protein fuel our brains and help to keep us full and satiated throughout the day, but it also supports our bodies to do a lot of other vital functions, like stabilizing blood sugar levels and helping with tissue repair.

Dining Options at MorningStar Senior Living

Living at the best Senior Living Portland has to offer means experiencing the best of everything. MorningStar Senior Housing Laurelhurst dining options are produced by the very best executive chefs. Our Senior Living in Portland offers seniors restaurant-style meals that prioritize ingredients known to support brain health through their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods.

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.

What Affordable Assisted Living Options Do You Have?

February 28, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

When the time comes to transition your senior loved one or parent to assisted living, you may experience anxiety wondering if you are financially prepared for this new senior living arrangement. You want to make the right choice for your loved one.

When searching for affordable retirement homes, you will want to consider the following:

What level of care your loved one requires
Easily accessible amenities
Well-trained and available staff
On-site nursing
Overall happiness of residents

The above list will help guide you to making the most informed choice for your loved one’s senior living community. You will want to be mindful of how much care your loved one will need and if that community can support them. However, you need to be able to afford this care, too. 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 Assisted Living Options in Portland

All-inclusive senior living is one of the best financial choices for retirement home options in Portland. This means families pay a flat rate for services and housing that covers all the care a loved one requires and has been discussed through the creation of a personalized care plan. Depending on what level of care or assistance with daily living your loved one needs, pricing may vary to better accommodate concerns.

When it comes to paying for assisted living care or a senior retirement home, there are financial resources available beyond retirement savings and investments. Long-Term Care insurance is just one example of how assisted living care can be more affordable. Explore some of the financial options and affordability for seniors looking for retirement homes in Portland at MorningStar’s website, or by calling them at the number below.

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

The Importance of Healthy Meals for Seniors in Assisted Living Care

January 29, 2024 by MorningStar Senior Living in Assisted Living

We all know it’s important to take care of our health, especially as we age. However, for some elderly adults, taking care of our bodies becomes more difficult. If you or a loved one is looking for assisted living care prioritizing healthy meals for seniors, MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland curates nutrient-dense meals seniors love.

The health of seniors with special needs often falls at the waist-side if not managed properly. Due to decreased mobility, cognitive decline, anxiety or other limiting concerns, seniors may struggle to feed themselves proper meals.

If you are noticing any of the following food-related symptoms, it may be time to consider Assisted Living Options in Portland:

Lack of fresh foods in the home or a high number of expired goods
Frequently eating fast food or delivery
Often heavily processed foods like chips, T.V. dinners and other frozen snack meals
Inability to purchase groceries regularly

Having a lack of healthy food options in the home negatively impacts senior health. Especially if they are already managing ailments and other health concerns. Seniors deserve to enjoy high-quality, healthy meals that encourage proper eating habits.

Elevated Dining Options at MorningStar Retirement Homes Portland

Assisted living manages the day-to-day tasks that many seniors struggle with while still encouraging independence. Our elevated dining options and exciting menus are produced by executive-level chefs who are dedicated to providing the best meal options for assisted living in Por t land.

Offerings on our all-day menu are largely prepared from scratch, just as our residents would have done in years past, with daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Some communities feature full bar service; others, wine and beer selections during happy hour and at meals.

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

How to Find Comfortable Senior Living

November 24, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

Seniors want to relax in their retirement. It is hard to reap the benefits of hard work when it becomes difficult to keep up with a home, chores, errands, friends, and family. Our constantly changing world may make seniors feel lost and overwhelmed. Seniors are looking for senior living options that give them comfort and dependability. Find the most comfortable senior living Portalnd has to offer at MorningStar Retirement Homes.

MorningStar at Laurelhurst offers unrivaled assisted living Portland seniors are sure to favor. Offering comfortable retirement living, our community is situated in the historic Laurelhurst District where long-time residents can continue to age in familiar surroundings or near loved ones. With multiple suite options, amenities, and activities, seniors feel confident in calling MorningStar their home.

There are many living options available for seniors at MorningStar. MorningStar's 5-story, 146,000-square-foot building offers 83 assisted living suites. These rooms can accompany one or two individuals. Cohabitation is a great option in assisted living Portland seniors feel comfortable with. Seniors in need of assisted care are often overwhelmed in secluded living situations. Living with someone they trust and feel close to will keep both individuals safe and overall happier by having someone to socialize with daily. Family members or friends can live in co-living suites at MorningStar.

32 suites at MorningStar are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. These suites are specially designed for memory care, with extra health and safety features. With new SafelyYou technology, we can detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with Artificial (AI) Intelligence. Residents and their families can rest assured knowing they’ve foundthe best senior living Portlandhas to offer.

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

Tips for Reducing Sugar Intake for Seniors

September 06, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in retirement communities

Since processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and sugary desserts have become more common, the amount of sugar Americans consume each day has steadily risen over the past few decades. This is especially true and worrisome for seniors. Because of medications, or the changing taste preferences over time, it may be difficult for seniors to know how much sugar they are consuming daily. At MorningStar at Laurelhurst, we believe it is important to advocate for the health of seniors. Through producing heart-healthy meals rich in whole fruits and vegetables, our retirement homes in Portland encourage the reducing added sugars in seniors’ snacks and meals.

Consuming too much sugar leads to debilitating health conditions like obesity and diabetes. Seniors living alone may consume many processed and fast foods as they become older and everyday activities like cooking and grocery shopping become more difficult. Free sugars, or added sugar, in processed meals and other foods, are the main perpetrators that contribute to many Americans overindulging in empty calories unknowingly. If you believe this has become an issue for your senior parent or loved one, consider an assisted living community with executive chefs dedicated to senior health and wellness who combats the habit of consuming processed meals and beverages.

Not all sugars are bad sugars. Sugar found in fruit is highly beneficial, especially for seniors. If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, consider a diet high in whole fruits and vegetables. The added fiber in these foods aids in digestion and a healthy gut microbiome while still delivering rich tastes.

A wide range of processed foods, such as condiments, salad dressings, canned beverages, smoothies, and dairy products contain more sugar than we may think. While consuming these in moderation is fine, it is important to be mindful of the hidden sugars within these processed goods. Making salad dressings and smoothies from scratch greatly limits the amount of added sugar. Our Chefs at MorningStar Senior Living are trained in how best to modify menus and recipes to accommodate diets and changing needs to produce homemade, healthier options of the foods you love.

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

At MorningStar at Laurelhurst, our commitment to the well-being of our assisted living residents is unwavering. 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. Luxury amenities, hospitality services, and wellness programs are thoughtfully crafted to 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 li ving 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, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Portland, Oregon offers.

Avoid Senior Isolation at MorningStar’s Best Retirement Homes in Portland, Oregon

August 28, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Retirement Home

Everyone thrives off of regular social interaction. Being social, pursuing hobbies, and staying connected to our community keeps us in good mental health. However, for many seniors, these activities become daunting or difficult. If a senior you know struggles with social isolation due to decreased mobility, lack of access to their community, or experiences mental health issues, a comprehensive senior living community will benefit from senior isolation. By staying active, maintaining connections, and exploring new opportunities, seniors can lead fulfilling lives with meaningful social interactions. Come explore MorningStar at Laurelhurst, where seniors can avoid isolation and experience the best retirement homes in Portland, Oregon.

Decreased mobility, the death of a loved one, or social anxiety can inhibit a senior’s happiness and connection to their community. If a senior is reclusive or stuck within their home 80 percent of the time, their overall health and happiness is greatly diminished. Keeping this in mind, MorningStar has crafted a senior living community nestled within the Laurelhurst District of Portland, Oregon. With many chaperoned community excursions, MorningStar at Laurelhurst gives long-time residents of the historic area a way to remain in familiar surroundings near friends and family.

Not only are there plenty of chances to experience the community of Laurelhurst District, but there is a lively and friendly community within MorningStar’s retirement homes in Portland, OR. Here, seniors engage in creative pursuits daily. MorningStar offers seniors a comfortable and encouraging place for seniors to pursue their hobbies and interests with like-minded individuals. If a senior is interested in exploring new hobbies, our directors create new community events and activities monthly to keep seniors active and engaged.

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, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Portland, Oregon offers.

We Take These Major Steps to Better Mental Health At MorningStar Senior Living

August 25, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

While many seniors bask in the joy of retirement, others find it isolating, debilitating, and difficult. Senior mental health can be impacted by memory care issues, the death of a loved one, loss of mobility, and feelings of exclusion from their community. If you have noticed emotional changes in your senior loved one, take these major steps to improve mental health in seniors by relocating to a lively retirement home. If you are looking for the best assisted living Portland, Oregon has to offer seniors, MorningStar at Laurelhurst provides an active senior living community designed to improve overall mental well-being.

Active Assisted Living in Portland

Feeling a lack of community and support causes poor mental health in seniors. Finding a senior living community that encourages active involvement will help elders feel emersed in their community and find belonging. MorningStar at Laurelhurst combats feelings of loneliness and isolation by encouraging social participation in clubs and community activities like fitness classes, cooking classes, music therapy, and field trips.

Individualized Senior Care

It is difficult to treat every senior for the same mental health concerns. In fact, MorningStar at Laurelhurst looks down on this senior care approach. Individualized senior care takes individual preferences, interests, and needs into account for each senior at MorningStar. Getting to know our residents and their needs 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. If a resident who loves gardening no longer cares to water their plants in the community garden, we can assess if a senior’s mental health is hindered in some way.

Balanced and Nutritious Meals

Seniors in need of assisted living care often stop cooking for themselves in their own homes. This can lead to malnutrition, excessive weight loss or weight gain, vitamin deficiencies, and other health concerns. Our executive chefs at MorningStar offer the healthiest options senior living Portland, OR, has seen. A healthy diet rich in vegetables, minerals, good fats, and protein supports brain function and overall well-being.

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, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Portland, Oregon offers.

Some Medications May Impair Your Memory

June 27, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking.

Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard - affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not all that uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.”

Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover, older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins and other harmful substances including drugs from entering the brain, which may account for some memory problems.

Sleep medications are one of the common medications that can be problematic. Over-the-counter sleeping aids can contain anticholinergic drugs, which are known to impair cognitive function, and some prescription sleep drugs diminish activity in parts of the brain involved in transferring short-term memories to long-term memory. Pain medications can additionally result in memory problems. The good news is once patients stop taking sleep or pain meds, modify the dose or replace the drug with a better option, many of the problems go away.

For independent or assisted living, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is the perfect community to enjoy stress-free retirement years. We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef and onsite amenities, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. In addition, we provide holistic memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet

THE EFFECTS OF SLEEP ON ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA

June 02, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

Countless studies have proven a direct link between sleep and positive health consequences. What is not as well-known concerns the impact sleep has on developing dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Can a lack of sleep cause dementia or Alzheimer’s?

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Laurelhurst, our caregivers emphasize the importance of developing a healthy sleep pattern, as well as offering tips to improve a senior’s quality of sleep.

What is the Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Dementia/Alzheimer’s?

Did you know that just one night of poor sleep can trigger mental health issues the next day? One study establishes the direct link between sleep deprivation and dementia. The study demonstrated that people who get fewer than four hours of sleep per night struggle more with learning, thinking, and memory. Another research study indicates sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing dementia systems by more than 20 percent.

Scientists are just starting to discover the connection between poor sleep habits and brain changes that lead to early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Since more than 60 percent of seniors live with some type of chronic sleep disorder, additional studies might help researchers determine how seniors afflicted with poor sleep patterns can reverse their mental health struggles. A few initial research studies suggest that poor sleep contributes to the production of abnormal beta-amyloid protein levels in the brain. This leads to the production of amyloid plaque found in patients suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

At our senior living and memory care facility in Portland, we help seniors struggling to sleep restfully learn more about living a healthier lifestyle.

Tips to Help Seniors Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Improving sleep starts with settling into a consistent schedule. Going to bed at different times during the week makes it difficult for the body to determine when the time is right for starting the sleep cycle. Another factor to consider concerns environmental issues. Instead of playing a game or researching a topic on a computer before bed, consider reading a book to slow the body’s rhythm to the point when it knows the time has come to slowly reach the first stage of the sleep cycle. Turn off the lights before bed to create a sleep conducive environment.

Quiet, dark, and relatively cool represent three important environmental factors to establish before bedtime. We tend to become more sensitive to light and sounds as we age, which means the presence of both factors can lead to developing a disruptive sleep pattern. Move clocks out of view to help resist the temptation to check the time if you do not immediately fall asleep. Playing relaxing music or downloading an app of your favorite soothing sound also can induce healthy sleep.

Diet also plays an important role in determining the quality of sleep. Limit the amount of caffeine ingested throughout the day and lay off caffeine completely at least six hours before bedtime. Eliminate the consumption of sugary foods, as well as a diet high in refined carbs such as pasta, white rice, and French fries. Although a nutritious snack a couple of hours before bedtime is a good idea, eating a big meal before it is time for sleep can lead to indigestion. Since many seniors get up during the night to use the bathroom, limit the intake of liquids at least three hours before bedtime.

MorningStar’s senior living facilities across the United States encourage our residents to thrive in an independent living environment. To learn more about MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Laurelhurst, submit the short online form and one of our representatives will connect with you.

MorningStar at West San Jose Offers a Healthy, Engaged Lifestyle

May 22, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s nearly 14 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely, but it often is the case. Social isolation is often a result of having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation or mobility impairment which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others.

Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.”

The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.”

Senior living communities like the new MorningStar at West San Jose provide assisted living residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join.

Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis.

We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted assisted living and memory care in San Jose, CA.

MorningStar at West San Jose’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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts

Learn More About MorningStar at West San Jose

May 19, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at West San Jose is a new senior community offering 69 private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 34 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

Our home is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which has over 40 communities currently open or under construction across eleven states. MorningStar began in 2003 when founder Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on:

Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them. The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name. For trusted assisted living or memory care seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

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

Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Idaho Falls

May 15, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

MorningStar of Idaho Falls’ goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of a dementia disease. The path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey.

In addition to MorningStar of Idaho Falls’ independent and assisted living options, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 28 memory care suites. The area is specifically designed to be secure but still allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings. Also, given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss.

As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.” We know the essence of the person remains despite the level of memory loss, and our job is to nurture and support the individual by finding ways to calm or stimulate as the situation demands. Lavender Sky provides the path for us to enter, embrace, and explore the “purple world” of memory loss, and to cross over the physical, emotional, and relational boundaries that would otherwise separate us.

Every aspect of our home is designed to provide the comfort, wellness and safety our special residents require, including mealtimes. We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table. We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. Please see our website or contact us 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 senior living in Idaho Falls.

Families Can Sometimes Become Overprotective of Aging Loved Ones

May 10, 2023 by MorningStar Senior Living in Memory Care

We all understand the value of independence but as we grow older, many seniors are faced with physical and mental limitations that make them feel it may be threatened. Independence is one of the few things seniors want to feel they still have control over; and is important as it is closely tied to self-worth and a sense of achievement.

Experts say well-intentional families can sometimes create bigger problems by becoming overprotective toward mom or dad. This can result in the senior becoming more fearful than the situation warrants, and erode their self-esteem and confidence. Another problem threatening a senior’s independence is when adult children talk to the parent as if they are a child. Even the most conscientious caregivers can sometimes baby the person way too much or pressure them to do what they think is best.

Just as we do not want people telling us what to do or intruding into things we are not ready to share, you need to respect your parents’ privacy. When mom or dad’s wishes are respected, they will feel like they have more control of their lives. If a time comes when your parents’ need more help than they can get at home, it may be time to look into an assisted living community. Just be sure it is one where they will be respected and their independence will be nurtured.

If you are exploring assisted living, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is one you should put on the top of your list. Providing the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care, we are on the southeast side of town and close to the Idaho Regional Medical Center, Mountain View Hospital, shopping, restaurants and the beautiful Idaho Falls River Walk. Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our move-in specials.

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