Age-related Macular Degeneration

Just as the rest of our body ages, so do our eyes. Older adults often complain of dry, teary or tired eyes and may have problems driving at night, experience flashes and floaters or need glasses to read. As we grow older we are also at a higher risk for serious eye diseases that can impact our vision. 

One of the most common and serious eye diseases is age-related macular degeneration and is a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is more common than cataracts and glaucoma combined. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention projects by 2050 the number of older Americans with the disease will nearly double from 48 million to 88 million.  

Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. Experts say while it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them.

You are at a higher risk of getting AMD if a relative has had it or you are Caucasians, and white females tend to come down with AMD earlier than white males. Lifestyle choices also increase your risk for AMD including smoking along with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sun exposure is another risk factor and doctors recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Maintaining a healthy diet by eating foods high in antioxidants like lutein found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are beneficial for our eye health.

Symptoms of AMD include visual distortions and can make straight lines appear bent, reduce central vision in one or both eyes, increase blurriness of printed words, and the need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work. The first signs of AMD are typically discovered by an eye doctor during an annual dilated eye exam. 

The MorningStar at Silver Lake senior living community offers trusted independent living and assisted living in Everett, WA. Our spacious suites include a choice of studio, and one- and two-bedroom configurations. Please contact us to set up a tour to see our newly renovated community and learn more about our many amenities, services and wellness programs. Be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Our History Guides the Way We Serve

The new MorningStar of San Jose is designed to “cast a new light” on senior living. Unlike other senior living communities, we are empowered and inspired by our unique mission statement to:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well

We are proud to be part of MorningStar Senior Living, which has been a highly-respected provider of senior living for over 19 years and now includes several dozen communities across the Western US. It all began when Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger wished to establish a brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles after serving for many years in executive leadership positions and thoughtfully observing the senior housing industry.

Mr. Jaeger’s intentions were to create a place like his grandmother’s house, where one can go and feel a sense of family, a sense of belonging. MorningStar’s founding principles include seeing residents as heroes and recognizing the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon these truths daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

MorningStar also understands team members are the heartbeat of our communities, and we hire those with big ones. Our team is made up of individuals who recognize it is a privilege to serve and exhibit virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness, as we know these attributes contribute as much as education and experience do in building a team that serves with distinction. 

MorningStar of San Jose provides 69 assisted living suites in various floorplans and 34 memory care suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We are conveniently located to Saratoga, Los Gatos and Cupertino; and a short drive to the ocean, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and nearby vineyards. Contact us to learn more about availability and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors with our Move-in Specials. We open to residents in the spring of 2023.

What is the Difference between Memory Care & Assisted Living?

If an elderly parent or another loved one is in need of more care than they can get living at home, you may have started thinking about senior living. The US Department of Human Health & Services estimates, “About 70% of adults older than 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives.” Moreover many who require senior care have some type of cognitive decline or memory loss. The World Health Organization reports 55 million people worldwide have dementia and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. 

Before you begin the search for senior care, it is important to know the difference between assisted living and memory care. One of the top differences is the amount of attention given to memory care residents. While assisted living typically offers 24/7 emergency alert systems and help with the ADLs, memory care also offers specialized therapies for those with memory loss. 

Wellness programs at assisted living are entertaining, meaningful programs with opportunities to socialize, grow and contribute. Memory care facilities provide purposeful programs and therapies designed to help calm or stimulate residents as situations warrant. Personalized care plans compassionately address specialized needs including managing aggressive behaviors or wandering.  

The physical environment in memory care includes more precautions to safeguard the individual. These include things like locked entrances equipped with alarms systems and warning signals if someone exists. The layout of the facility typically offers clear wayfinding to help residents navigate their environment and decrease confusion and agitation. 

Memory care facilities have a higher staff to resident ratio to enable them to provide more attentive care throughout the day as well as hands-on assistance with meals and the ADLs. In addition staff are generally trained in dementia care in order to have a better understanding of the disease.    

The new MorningStar at West Valley is designed from the ground up to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our holistic approach to memory care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory impairment. We are conveniently located to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. Contact us to reserve a select suite, we will open to residents in winter 2022. Also ask about our starting rate of $8,000/month, all inclusive.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/assisted-living-vs-memory-care

New Technology Helps Seniors Live Fuller Lives

The US Census Bureau shows by 2030 as many as one in five Americans will be 65 years or older, and by the mid-30s, there will be slightly more people over 65 than people 18 years or younger. Our increasingly older population is due to better health care enabling people to live longer. Scientific advancements should also help people maintain better cognitive health.

The large population of seniors has led to tech companies addressing their various needs with new devices designed to make them more independent and live fuller lives. Problems like medication management are being addressed by smart medication management systems that can handle up to as many as ten different medications. Reminders are connected to WI-FI and can even go to family members if the person misses a dose.

COVID-19 taught us the advantages of Telemedicine and is ideal even now for those who may have mobility issues or no longer drive. Video systems like Zoom, Skype or Facebook allow seniors to stay connected to loved ones face-to-face. Really, is nothing better than having a video chat with the grandkids or a friend who lives a distance away? Another technological advancement protecting the safety of an elderly loved one is fall detector systems. Devices are equipped with sensors to detect a fall even without the person pressing the alert button. 

To improve your cognitive health, how about playing a video game? One company out of the University of California-San Francisco called Neuroscape is building a bridge between neuroscience and consumer-friendly technologies. The games require multitasking as well as cognitive functions associated with multitasking. Originally they were designed for young people with ADHD but researchers found benefits for older adults with depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Experts explain while these new technologies can help seniors live fuller more independent lives, this is only a start. New innovations are expected in the coming years.   

The MorningStar at West Valley offers memory care San Jose families can count on. Our 31,801 square-foot, 2-story community opens this winter and is devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Located in West San Jose, we offer easy access to I-280 and San Tomas Expressway as well as quality medical facilities like the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. We encourage you to ask about savings for early depositors. 

Source: 

betteraging.com/aging-technology/the-silver-tsunami-leads-to-development-of-tech-tools-to-support-seniors/

Safely Tips for the Use of Prescription Drugs

It may surprise you to know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions. 

Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. 

Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are taking the right dosage and still need the medications. To see if any meds you take have a warning for usage in the elderly, check the American Geriatric Society’s “2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” It is also recommended you properly dispose of older medications and drugs you no longer take.  

If you are on medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to continue to test your glucose level and BP numbers. Other drugs may be prescribed with the understanding you will have your blood tested periodically and it is important to follow through as too high or too little of a dosage can cause problems.   

The Denver area is home to several MorningStar Senior Living retirement communities and this winter will add another one. The new MorningStar at Observatory Park senior living community is in the desirable South Denver neighborhood and offers assisted living and memory care. We are honored to provide residents comprehensive care and hospitality services, 5-Star dining service, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities to enhance quality of life. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about our Founders Club Savings.

Source: 

seniorsafetyreviews.com/13-medication-safety-tips/

Why Choose Senior Living?

If you still think senior living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s retirement communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer seniors a vibrant lifestyle of wellness, community and well-being. 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 focuses 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 Facilities (ALF) are designed to assist residents 62 years and older with the activities of daily living (ADLs) within a residential setting. In addition to the ADLs, residents are provided with opportunities for life-long learning with meaningful life-enrichment programs, resort-style amenities, hospitality services and more. Some assisted living communities also provide for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with a distinct, secure neighborhood designed for their special needs.  

Assisted living communities like the new MorningStar at Observatory Park offer residents security and peace-of-mind with 24/7 care managers, emergency call systems, predictable budgeting and a community designed with their safety and comfort in mind. Daily meals, transportation services and inviting common areas inside and out make for relaxing, enjoyable retirement years.  

MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the South Denver’s Observatory Park area. Our contemporary 85,000-square-foot, 5-story community is designed for residents every need; and offers 60 assisted living suites in a choice of studio, and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. Reflections Neighborhood encompasses the entire second floor and is dedicated to caring for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. We open to residents in winter 2022 and invite you to visit our website today to reserve your select suite; and be sure to ask us about our Founders Club Savings. For updates regarding our community and special events, connect with us on Facebook.

Personalized Gifts for a Loved One with Dementia

While the holidays are still a couple of months away, it isn’t too early to start thinking about how to get a loved one with dementia, especially if you want to personalize it. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral services, explains, finding the best gift for dementia patients may seem challenging as it is difficult to know what they’re experiencing, picking a gift can actually be extremely fun and rewarding — especially if you know what to look for.

They suggest taking a few minutes to think about the things the person used to enjoy, keeping in mind their past career, hobbies and stage of dementia. It is best to keep gifts simple, useful, and tailored to their personal likes and capabilities.

Ideas include a single gift or a yearly subscription for care packages filled with things your loved one would enjoy. This could include natural care products like scented soaps, shampoos, body lotions and scrubs. If a parent is in a memory care facility, a large basket of specialty foods, fruits or sweets to share with their caregivers is sure to be a hit. Monthly baskets from a local bakery or flower shop can spread the joy over time and remind the person you are thinking of them.  

Smartly-designed dementia board games are not only a fun way to spend time together but can help improve your loved one’s dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and mental strength. Personalized puzzles or memory card games using pictures of the grandkids can be fun for the whole family. PicLink is another game for those with cognitive and memory impairment and is based upon exercises shown to assist with memory.  

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we invite you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley. Opening to residents this winter, we encourage you to reserve a select suite for your loved one and ask about savings for early depositors.

MorningStar at Silver Lake’s Unique Approach to Senior Living

MorningStar at Silver Lake in Everett, WA is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which takes a unique, holistic approach to retirement communities. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve; and hold true to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. 

Our company has thrived and expanded since its conception in 2003, when Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger started the company with the intention to “cast a new light” on senior living. From there our mission statement reads: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. 

Even the name MorningStar has meaning regarding the kind of home we want to offer residents. Mr. Jaeger explains, “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force—even more, a name that spoke to the passion I have to bring loving care to seniors.” The name—MorningStar—comes from a verse where Jesus said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

At the MorningStar at Silver Lake community, we offer independent living and assisted living apartments in a range of floor plans and configurations. Recently renovated, our amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; massage/therapy room; bistro; libraries; billiards & game room; fitness center; scheduled transportation; and more. For assisted living residents, services include 24-hour care managers, full-time licensed nurses (on call 24/7), electronic health records, medication management, and more. 

As a resident, you will have opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax and play in beautiful surroundings. Please visit our website for information about the finest senior housing Everett, WA has to offer. Browse through our online pictures and then use our quick links to set up a tour to see our home firsthand. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Everett, WA offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake.

Meet the Area’s Newest Senior Living Community

Do you worry about your parent’s ability to live independently and are concerned a change in their health could necessitate a move to assisted living sometime in the near future? If so, now is the time to start making plans and what could be better than looking at a brand new community that already has a reputation for excellence. 

While new to the area, MorningStar of San Jose is part of MorningStar Senior Living, a company with several dozen retirement communities across the Western US. Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company on a basic, but profound truth: to honor God in all aspects of our business practices and relationships, which transcends to a superior quality of life for MorningStar’s residents. Our basic principles include recognizing the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon these truths daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s 69 assisted living suites provide a supportive environment in which residents can maintain their independence and get back to living life to the fullest. Senior care includes help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and other third-party service providers.  

For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 34 memory care suites. Our holistic approach includes Montessori-based therapies, which leverage the power of music, dance, and arts and crafts to connect with and nurture the individual. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our prime location in San Jose puts us close to Saratoga, Los Gatos and Cupertino; and we are a short drive to the ocean, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and nearby vineyards. Contact us to learn more about availability at the finest assisted living and memory care San Jose offers and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors with our Move-in Specials. We open to residents in the spring of 2023

MorningStar Stands Out from Other Retirement Communities in Life Changing Ways

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care is a senior living community that practices and encourages holistic living and treatment. This lifestyle and care method can be defined as care that targets all aspects of a person’s life beyond the physical. Regardless of the effects of age or illness, we know the essence of a person remains, and our job at MorningStar is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put energy toward finding more ways to celebrate life. In this way, holistic methods of self-exploration, such as art therapies, spirituality, and moral training are highly utilized at MorningStar. 

We take tremendous pride in creating an environment at MorningStar where excellence flourishes. Our days are busy serving others. But the way in which we conduct our work defines who we are as a brand. We are about taking the time to be radically relational—building warm, genuine connections, team member to team member, and team member to resident. We focus on building a community that bonds through art therapy techniques that are designed to promote memory cognition, fulfillment, and self-achievement. 

MorningStar has resolved to stay true to foundational truths, or Hallmarks that are rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics. In everything we do at MorningStar, we are grounded and guided by our mission. It’s our moral compass: honor God, value all seniors, invest generously. To deliver on our brand promises, it’s not enough to follow a mission rooted in heart. Radiance, which describes the culture of MorningStar, gives us a framework through which we nurture and empower our team to be People of Excellence with Servant’s Hearts.

Our team members are the heartbeat of MorningStar. Everyone on the team, regardless of role, takes a full day of culture training, a class we call Radiance. Dailey, we remind each other of our 12 Service Values, and how we are as much about hospitality as about healthcare.

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Observatory Park that is set to open in late 2022. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission which discusses our exceptional senior living in South Denver that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Observatory Park proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Denver, Co has to offer.

Get an Individualized Care Plan at MorningStar

Families often wonder how assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Silver Lake determine the level of care for residents. We want to reassure you there is no need to worry mom or dad’s needs will not be addressed as our job includes creating and routinely re-evaluating residents’ individualized care plan designed for their wellbeing and safety.  

Once you and your family decide MorningStar is the best fit, we invite you to sit down with our Wellness Director to come up with a specialized care plan based on five levels of care – basic through level 4. Additionally, monthly fees are determined by the square footage and location of your suite within the building and the view. We offer spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.

Our care services take into account the cost and time of providing each service such as assistance with dressing and bathing. The result is a highly Individualized Service Plan that offers the right amount of assistance when you need it. Medication management is included in Level 1. Other various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.

We believe wellness of mind, body and spirit is a joint effort between our remarkable residents and team members. Between clinical services and our life enrichment programs and activities, we work hard to be a breath of fresh air; and look for creative solutions that offer a higher quality of care at a lower cost to families. Working within the scope of our licensing with the Department of Health, we try to find ways to extend the stay of our residents even as health conditions change.

Along with assisted living, we offer independent living with a choice of apartments designed to provide carefree retirement years. For your ultimate comfort, we offer an array of luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Visit our website for more on the finest independent living & assisted living Everett offers.

MorningStar at Silver Lake 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 for more information about the finest independent living and assisted living Everett, WA has to offer.

Have Questions About the New MorningStar of San Jose?

At MorningStar of San Jose we understand that looking at assisted living communities and deciding which one is right for you is a big step for a senior.  This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have.  In addition, our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, enrichment programs and more.  We are scheduled to open in June 2023 and are currently offering exclusive savings to early depositors.

Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “First Steps” tab.  Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 55 years old).  You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure.  

FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty healthcare provider like an occupational therapist or physical therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair. 

You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too.   Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs.  Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration.   

FAQs go over senior housing options such as Companion Living that allows two unrelated adults of the same sex to share a suite, and of course, married couples are welcome!  MorningStar of San Jose will also offer short-term stays based on availability that allows someone to get an idea of whether senior living is right for them. 

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 senior living in San Jose.

Activities to Improve Cognitive Abilities

As we grow older, not only do our physical abilities slow down but so do our cognitive abilities. We may find ourselves not able to remember facts the same way we used to or have difficulty thinking about two problems at the same time. Professionals say these changes make it harder for us to stay focused and easier to get distracted. You may not recall new information as you did in the past because you didn’t really learn it. 

Changes can start as early as in our 50s and 60s, but experts say to remember that most age-related memory loss and thinking problems are normal and not necessarily a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. They explain it can “simply reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.”  Despite your brain moving a little slower, your judgement is still intact, and you can make sense of what you know and form reasonable arguments. Another thing to consider is even the smallest hearing loss can make processing new information more difficult. 

Research shows while our ability to concentrate diminishes, there are things we can do to improve it.  A 2015 study found participants who played brain games 15 minutes, 5 days a week had a big impact on improving their concentration. Another small study in 2018 saw an improvement in seniors’ visual selective attention (VSA), the ability to concentrate on a specific task while ignoring distractions, after playing video games. Recommended cognitive activities include things like crosswords puzzles, Sudoku, chess, jigsaw puzzles and other memory games.  

MorningStar of San Jose, an assisted living and memory care community opening in June 2023, is designed as a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love. Residents will enjoy a whole range of luxury amenities, compassionate care services, and wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful new community.

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “to honor, to serve, 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, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.

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

At MorningStar, Dining Together Helps to Bond Us as Family and Friends

MorningStar of San Jose is slated to become one of the premier assisted living and memory care communities in the area when it opens in the second quarter of 2023.  We are one of six MorningStar Senior Living communities either operating or under construction in California.

As a MorningStar resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services including a five-star dining experience.  All residents are treated to three daily meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.  We also know food always tastes better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bond us as a family and as friends.  

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions.  At each meal, residents will have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat dishes.  

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus, as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens.

Our community will offer 69 private assisted living suites as well as 34 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s  or other dementia-related diseases.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community will also have inviting common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  Please contact us 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 exceptional senior living in San Jose.

Help Prevent Falls with Balance Exercises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest statistics show that one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year.  Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and the number of falls will continue to increase as America’s baby boomers grow older.

While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life.  

Most balance exercises are easy to learn and do, do not require special equipment or a trip to the gym, and can be done anywhere.  The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability.  They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises.

Examples of balance exercises include: standing on one foot, walking heel to toe, back leg raises, and side leg raises.  To do the standing on one foot exercise, stand behind a sturdy chair; gripping for balance, lift one foot off the floor.  Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.  Repeat the exercise several times and increase the repetition as your strength increases.   

Walking heel to toe is done by positioning the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other foot.  Your heel and toes should be touching.  Now select a spot ahead of you and focus on it to help keep you steady as you walk.  Try to step forward for as many as 20 steps.  Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for other balance exercises.

Along with resort-style amenities and care services (Alzheimer care, memory care), MorningStar of San Jose will offer exercise classes to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and increase joint flexibility.  Our various enrichment activities and wellness programs are designed to enhance and support our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social connections.  Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful new senior living community opening in June 2023.

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercises.  
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 retirement communities and senior living in San Jose.

Healthy Gift Ideas for a Senior Loved One

We all want our loved ones to lead long, healthy lives so why not include some healthy gift ideas in mind for future birthdays and other gift-giving opportunities. One suggestion is to buy a loved one a fitness watch. The marketplace has a wide assortment of watches as well as sensor devices to measure your daily footsteps and help keep you moving. Moreover, they come in many price points and offer a variety of features. 

Research shows measuring your daily activity improves your fitness level and can help people with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease boost physical activity levels.  JAMA Network Open published a finding which reviewed 38 randomized clinical trials with 4,203 participants.  They stated that “interventions with wearable fitness trackers were associated with significantly increased physical activity levels after approximately 15 weeks. Devices such as pedometers or trackers that count steps were associated with greater levels of physical activity in about 70 percent of the studies examined.”

Another healthy gift idea is a massage gun. Known as a self-myofascial release tool or SMR, they help overworked muscles recover and heal. Foam rollers additionally provide much of the same benefit at a much lower price point. However, experts caution before treating an injury or other medical problems including bone fractures, blood clotting issues, sensory deficits or wounds you need to consult with a physician or licensed physical therapist. 

Other healthy gift ideas include an electric kettle with a selection of antioxidants teas. As we know sleep is important to our overall well being, how about a sound machine to help your loved one get a more restful night’s sleep? Nutritionists suggest an air fryer is a good gift as it can cook almost anything quicker and easier and uses a lot less fat. 

Looking for exceptional senior housing in Everett, WA?  At MorningStar at Silver Lake we offer a broad range of luxury amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Wellness programs, a fitness center and landscaped grounds with strolling paths make it easy to keep moving.  In addition, residents enjoy healthy, delicious Chef designed meals that are largely prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients, locally sourced when possible. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in independent living and senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Everett, WA offers.

Sources:

healthline.com/health-news/want-to-increase-your-physical-activity-fitness-trackers-may-be-the-best-way

health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/10-healthy-holiday-gift-ideas

Finding the Right Assisted Living Community for a Loved One

Once mom or dad has made the decision to move to an assisted living community, you will want it to go as smoothly as possible and this includes helping them choose the right place to meet today’s needs as well as the next 5 to 10 years. In some cases, a move to an assistant living community is precipitated by a worsening medical condition or an injury due to a fall and the time to mentally prepare oneself is short. This is why MorningStar at Silver Lake has a guide to help families navigate through such a momentous change in a senior’s life.  

Googling senior living in the Everett, WA area will bring up quite a few hits, so experts recommend narrowing down the candidates to 3 or 4 communities that offer assisted living. Start with reading reviews from families and residents’ themselves to see what they say about the place, and then consider location, price and amenities. 

Touring a community is a real eye-opener and the Internet offers many tips on what to look for during your visit. At MorningStar, our online virtual assistant allows you to inquire about pricing and availability as well as set up a tour. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a tour and to get ready for a lot of details. Take notes and bring any questions you would like to ask. Focus on the overall ambiance, and take a look at our Monthly Expense Comparison and Senior Communities Comparison Chart beforehand to weigh value against cost. We also advise revisiting your top one or two choices, and remember many seniors find a trial stay; we offer them for up to a full month, is a good way to find out if it is the right community.

MorningStar at Silver Lake offers comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our assisted living suites are available in a selection of floor plans and offer a broad range of amenities and services to meet your every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other assisted living Everett offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent living and assisted living Everett, WA offers.

A New Morningstar Community in San Jose, CA

While MorningStar may be new to San Jose, MorningStar Senior Living has been serving seniors for over 18 years.  We have 40+ communities operating or under construction throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar at West Valley, opening later this year in San Jose, and Casa Sandoval in Hayward. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to introduce you to the new MorningStar of San Jose, due to open in June 2023. 

MorningStar’s Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, began MorningStar Senior Living after 15 years of executive leadership experience and close observation of the senior housing industry, which he found lacking in the human touch. His mission was to establish a brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, which re-created his grandmother’s house, “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”

Thus began Mr. Jaeger’s life’s work to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by a three-pillared mission upon which MorningStar remains grounded: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well

To continue these goals, MorningStar of San Jose is putting together a team of individuals with big hearts who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. Each team member is trained in our brand standard of Service Excellence we call Radiance, and guides how we want to deliver service – with warmth and sincerity and depth. 

The San Jose assisted living and memory care community is designed to provide seniors with everything they want and need in a retirement home. Along with impressive architectural design elements, an array of luxury amenities and hospitality services and 5-star dining; our home offers Individualized Service Plans for the activities of daily living (ADLs) to help maintain our residents’ independence.  

While MorningStar is founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we welcome residents and team members of all faiths and worldviews. Our community offers 69 assisted living suites and another 34 suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. Located in West San Jose, long-time area residents can continue to comfortably live in familiar surroundings or near loved ones. Contact us today and be sure to ask about our Founders Club 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 senior living in San Jose.

Ask Questions before Getting Discharged from the Hospital

Experts say it is important to start thinking ahead to your recovery as you begin to heal from an injury, surgical procedure or illness. This includes proactively thinking about questions you should ask before you are discharged from the hospital. Dr. Ruby Sahoo, a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine’s board of directors and the hospital medicine performance director at TeamHealth in Austin, says there is no need to be shy about asking questions as doctors and nurses welcome them. 

Dr. Sahoo explains even though the hospital discharge team will go over much of the information you need to know, your questions can give you a better understanding of your diagnosis and treatment, and a better understanding of how to help yourself heal. This is important as a 2021 report found on average, 14% of people were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their initial stay.  

The questions you ask regarding your healthcare can also alert doctors to specific issues such as a patient remembering they previously took a medication now being prescribed at an earlier time and had a bad reaction. Knowing this your team can find a better alternative. 

To aid your healing process and help prevent the need to be readmitted, before leaving the hospital make sure you know the medications, the dosage, how to take them and why you are taking them. Ask if doctors found any other problems during your stay?  Also what type of follow-up appointments will you need, and has your primary doctor been updated? Additionally, what symptoms indicate you need to seek medical attention or return to the hospital?  

MorningStar Senior Living will soon add another assisted living and memory care community to our list of senior living communities. MorningStar at Observatory Park is scheduled to open in late 2022 in the desirable South Denver neighborhood close to Observatory Park. We offer comprehensive senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities to enhance quality of life for our residents. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide compassionate, all-inclusive services. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/questions-to-ask-before-leaving-the-hospital

The Difference Between Independent Living & Assisted Living

Have you been thinking it’s time for a change in your living arrangements and would love a more manageable, relaxed lifestyle?  If you have started looking into senior living options in the Everett area your next question may be “what is the difference between independent living and assisted living, and which one is best suited to my needs?”  

Independent living is ideal for active seniors who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, wellness programs, day trips and meals.  It is also perfect for those who love the sound of predictable budgeting, community living and built-in companionship.  Care services are not provided but being a resident in an independent community may give you priority for a move into assisted living, if the need should arise.

Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with everyday activities in order to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence.  Communities will have an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24-hour care.  Generally, a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.   

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, you will discover senior living at it’s best.  Our community is designed to enhance the lives of our residents and provide a home where seniors can safely, and comfortably age in place.  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. Our stylish suites come in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, and we are pet friendly.  For the area’s finest independent or assisted living, Everett, WA seniors are encouraged to contact us for more information.

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA offers.