“Mindfulness” Helps You Attain a Life Well-lived

If you find yourself constantly checking emails, texts or other social media content you may be setting yourself up for anxiety, envy, discontentment or even depression. We can become drained when we spend too much time planning and multi-tasking, daydreaming and/or practicing negative thinking. 

Experts say there are steps we can take to lower your stress level and be more resilient in the face of adversity. A life well-lived is a blend of gratitude, optimism, practical wisdom and remaining open to accepting and facing up to what life has in store for us, good or bad. The old adage to “count your blessings'' is part of the lifelong process of learning to be happier and more content. 

The Mayo Clinic says the practice of mindfulness is one way to help relax the body and mind and reduce stress. They explain it is a type of meditation in which you “focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.” The practice can be done using breathing methods, guided imagery, concentration, walking mediations and more. 

One example is to slow down and try to experience your surroundings with all your senses. Practice living in the moment; and remember to treat and accept yourself as you would a good friend. Experts suggest committing to doing mindfulness exercises for a period of time such as six months to see if it helps.   

Meet MorningStar’s newest assisted living and memory care community in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver. MorningStar at Observatory Park is a contemporary 5-story building offering 60 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including studio, and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of memory loss, Reflections Neighborhood provides the safety, security, people and programs to help preserve the person’s dignity and self-worth. We open to residents in late 2022 and encourage you to reserve a select suite today. Also please ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Memory Care Facility Built Exclusively for Residents’ Needs

The new MorningStar at West Valley was developed by award-winning architects and designers to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents suffering from memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our newly built community focuses entirely on providing the finest dementia care designed around the special needs of residents.

We start with 42 smartly-designed suites in a choice of studio or companion configurations within our 31,801 square-foot, two-story community. Studio suites are around 325 square-foot in size and companion units are almost 500 square-feet. Each unit is equipped with an emergency call system and a full, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Our floor plans are available on our website to give you an idea of the configuration that would work best for your loved one. Included in your monthly fee are basic cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services along with daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

Each level has its own all-day, dinner room; Life Enrichment room and community living room. The 2nd floor offers a terrace. Onsite amenities include a salon offering hairstyling, manicures and pedicures, massage/therapy room and fitness center. MorningStar’s signature wellness programs and activities leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory impairment. 

Residents receive personalized service plans, daily health monitoring and 24/7 care from our compassionate, well-trained staff. Additionally we provide access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers.

MorningStar at West Valley’s convenient location offers easy access to the I-280 and San Tomas Expressway. The Westgate Center shopping center is nearby as are the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. For a peaceful walk, Starbird Park is a few blocks away along with expansive Open Space Preserves and State Parks surrounding San Jose. 

MorningStar at West Valley memory care community will open to residents in the fourth quarter of 2022. Please visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one.

4 Hobby Ideas for Seniors

One of the greatest things about retirement is having more time to spend on activities you enjoy. For many adults, the grind of everyday life during their working years doesn’t leave enough time to explore new interests. Retirement is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and discover skills and topics you might enjoy.

Whether you are enjoying retirement in your own home or in an independent or assisted living community, these four hobby ideas for seniors can spark your creativity and help you meet new friends.

1. Volunteering

Nearly every community has non-profits and charities that are in need of volunteers. From serving meals to the homeless to walking dogs to folding donated clothes, there are many opportunities to lend a hand to those in need. 

Volunteering is not only a special way to give back and spend your time, but it is also a great way to build connections in the community and find like-minded people.

2. Cooking or Baking

During working years, cooking and baking can easily become things that are put on the backburner. During retirement, you have more time to explore new styles of food and experiment with recipes. 

Cooking is an activity that is perfect for senior living because it can be done alone or in a more social setting. Cooking and baking is also a versatile hobby because it caters to all skill levels, from total beginners to skilled cooks.

3. Writing

Writing is a hobby that can require a lot of time, which is why many people don’t get a chance to pick it up before retirement. Writing as a hobby can take many forms. You can try journaling about your daily experiences, writing poetry, or even writing a book or article for publication. 

If you really want to explore writing as a serious hobby, you can even enroll in a local writing class that can help you develop your craft.

4. Gardening

Gardening is a great hobby for seniors because it not only passes the time but also has physical and mental health benefits. Gardening gets you out of the house and into the fresh air. It also requires movement, which can strengthen your body and count toward your daily exercise goals. 

Gardening can also do wonders for your mental health because seeing your vegetation come to life has been shown to greatly improve mood and boost motivation levels. Taking up gardening as a hobby does not have to involve an entire landscape. 

If you are enjoying retirement in assisted or independent living, you can try simple potted plants or a micro garden to start.

Enjoy Hobbies During Retirement at MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar is dedicated to helping retirees make the most in retirement communities . We believe in empowering seniors to live up to their fullest potential, and we strive to provide the best that independent and assisted living has to offer. Get in touch with us today to learn more about MorningStar at Silver Lake.

Using Humor & Music to Help Those Suffering from Alzheimer’s

People with Alzheimer’s disease often appear to lose the ability to laugh or smile but researchers say most individuals still retain some sense of humor. It is a good thing as a recent study out of Australia reports humor may enable Alzheimer’s patients to better cope. The University of New South Wales in Australia’s recently published study shows humor therapy can be as effective as some drugs in managing agitation in dementia patients. 

Researchers studied the effectiveness of professional humor therapists, known as Elder Clowns, who work with trained nursing home staff called Laughter Bosses. The group performed weekly humor sessions to nursing home patients or individuals using techniques similar to Clown Doctors, who work in children’s hospitals. An Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Suita, Japan study reinforced the Australian research finding the positive effects of humor can last for weeks after a therapy session. 

Other areas of research have discovered positive behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s patients when listening to a personalized playlist. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease reports on a study showing music with a particular meaning to a person “can activate regions of the brain typically untouched by early Alzheimer’s disease and may offer a new way to approach anxiety, depression and agitation in patients.”

Jeff Anderson, M.D., a contributing author of the study and an associate professor of radiology at the University of Utah Health, explains the study was inspired by the “Alive Inside” documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. He adds music-brain connection research is just getting started. 

The new MorningStar at West Valley is designed from the ground up to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our holistic approach to memory care includes a gentle flow of purposeful activities that leverages the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory impairment. Located in West San Jose with easy access to I-280 and the San Tomas Expressway, we are close to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. Visit our website for contact info and to reserve a select suite. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022.

Source: 

aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2018/humor-alzheimers-dementia-caregiving.html

aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2018/music-therapy-alzheimers-symptoms.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-HEA-EOA1

Supporting and Raising Awareness for Alzheimer’s Research

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia-related disease; and more than 6 million Americans are living with the disease. In 2022, Alzheimer's disease will cost the United States $321 billion and the cost is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

If you live around the San Jose area and have a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we invite you to take a look at the MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley. Although new to the community, MorningStar has several dozen senior living communities across the Western US including MorningStar of Pasadena and MorningStar Casa Sandoval as well as the under-construction MorningStar of San Jose. 

We love the towns and cities where MorningStar communities are located, and display our civic pride and honor God through servant-leadership by volunteering in local nonprofits. As our remarkable residents remind us that life’s deepest satisfaction is found when we give ourselves away in service to others, we rally behind organizations that serve seniors such as the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Each year, MorningStar communities host uplifting celebrations for “The Longest Day” on summer solstice, which raises awareness and funds in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition staff members, residents and families play a role in another Alzheimer’s Association’s event, “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” that takes place every fall. These are the world's largest fundraising events for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Visit their website for details; it’s not too early to get active and support the upcoming longest day celebration or join a walk, start one in your area or donate to a team.

MorningStar at West Valley’s holistic approach to memory care starts with creating a personalized service plan to address needs and provide a gentle flow of daily activities to calm or stimulate. Visit our website for more information and to talk to our team about our all-inclusive memory care facility. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and encourage you to reserve a select suite today. Also be sure to inquiry about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Stay Healthy During Your Senior Years by Exercising 30 Minutes a Day

Exercise is important for people of all ages, but it is especially important for seniors. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to disease, and it takes a bit more effort to keep health ailments at bay. 

Exercising for 30 minutes each day is a habit that every senior should adopt, whether they live at home or in an independent living community. Even moderate exercise helps with both physical and mental health and can make senior living more enjoyable.

Benefits of Exercising 30 Minutes a Day

Maintaining good physical health can be simple by adopting small habits each day. Whether you live alone or in an assisted living community, incorporating exercise into your life does not have to take up a lot of time or require a lot of investment. 

Simply lifting light weights, walking, swimming, or engaging in another aerobic activity for 30 minutes can do wonders for your health.

Improve Strength

Seniors naturally lose strength in their bones and muscles over time. Without regular exercise, ligaments and joints can become weak too. Seniors who do not make time to exercise are at greater risk of injury, even from regular daily activities. 

Exercising for 30 minutes a day prevents the body from weakening and is the best line of defense against preventable injuries.

Maintain Balance 

Falls are one of the top reasons for senior hospitalization. More often than not, falls are not caused by tripping over objects but by a lack of balance. Seniors who do not exercise may find themselves more wobbly and more prone to falls when walking or standing. 

Exercise not only strengthens muscles, which helps with balance, but it improves reaction time and flexibility, making a fall less likely to occur.

Boosts Mood

One of the greatest benefits of exercising for 30 minutes a day is the impact it has on mood and mental health. Exercising has been proven to release endorphins, which contribute to improved mood, greater motivation, and a decreased risk of developing depression. Health is a holistic effort, and exercise benefits your mind just as much as your body.

Improve Energy Levels

If you’ve ever felt a lack of motivation or energy needed to get through your day, it could be due to a lack of exercise. 

Daily exercise certainly expends energy, so it can seem counterintuitive that it would boost your energy levels. However, seniors who exercise for 30 minutes a day generally experience high energy levels and greater motivation.

Maintain an Active Lifestyle with MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation we have been nurturing since 2003. We aim to provide the best of what independent and assisted living has to offer. 

We believe in empowering retirees to grow, learn, and find fulfillment in their communities. Contact us today for more information about what we have to offer at MorningStar at Silver Lake.

Ensuring the Safety of a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease results in symptoms causing impaired judgement, forgetfulness, and agitation, as well as problems with gait and balance increasing the risk for falls. This is why experts say it is important to take the proper steps to keep your loved one safe if they have Alzheimer’s. They explain the goal of caregivers should be a balancing act between providing an environment that offers as much independence as possible, while at the same time, ensuring the person’s safety and wellbeing. 

Recommendations include removing knobs from the stove, and if the person can handle it, install automatic shut-off valves with timer and motion sensors. At a certain stage of the disease, it is not safe for the person to be cooking, and if needed, look into food delivery services. Additionally, lower the temperature of the water coming from your taps to avoid the person getting scalded from hot water. As confusion is part of Alzheimer’s, experts say store dangerous chemicals and cleaning supplies in a locked area. 

To reduce the risk for falls, install grab bars in the bathroom and put non-skid mats in the tub or shower. Stairways should be well-lit and uncluttered as well as hallways and pathways from room to room. Doctors who work with Alzheimer’s patients caution it is important to remember it is a progressive disease, and there may be a time when more restrictive protocols are necessary such as closing off a staircase altogether.       

At MorningStar at North Ridge, we provide memory care homes for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our community is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with memory impairment. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, our community is completely secure, including courtyards and strolling paths. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participants in a wide variety of wellness programs and purposeful activities including exercise, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please contact us to learn more.

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact or visit our website for more information about Albuquerque’s finest memory care.

Why We Need Potassium

While many of us know bananas contain potassium, we may not know much more about it or why we need it. Potassium is “a soft, silvery-white mineral found naturally in the earth, and it's critically important to the function of certain processes in the human body.” It also functions as an electrolyte, and is critical to the conduction of electrical signals throughout the body.  

Along with chloride and salt, potassium is an essential, integral part of every cell, making cell growth and nerve signaling possible. It helps generate muscle contractions; regulate the heartbeat; build proteins from amino acids and metabolize carbohydrates for energy. 

Given the importance of potassium, luckily it is water soluble, easily absorbed and found in many foods. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements says adults aged 19 and older should consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium daily. For context, a medium-sized banana contains about 400 mgs of potassium. A whole avocado contains 975 mg and a large white potato has 1,500 mg.  Some other foods containing potassium are leafy greens, peas, pumpkins, oranges, grapefruits, kiwis and melons. Seafood, meats, dairy, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts are other healthy choices.   

Not getting enough potassium can cause a condition known as hypokalemia. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, twitching or cramping (especially at night), or an abnormal or irregular heart rate. Too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia, resulting in weakness and fatigue; numbness and tingling in the limbs and extremities, nausea and chest pain. Potassium-sparing blood pressure medications can elevate your risk of hyperkalemia.

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley. Visit our website to learn more about our community, and to contact our team with questions. We are scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2022 and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one that needs alzheimers care. Also ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/a-potassium-primer

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.

MorningStar’s Memory Care in Albuquerque

MorningStar at North Ridge offers the Albuquerque area compassionate and loving dementia and Alzheimer’s care.  Our community has 38 suites in studio and one-bedroom floorplans devoted to caring for seniors with memory impairment and we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. 

MorningStar at North Ridge’s resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible.  Residents can move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes courtyards and strolling paths.  We also provide three daily meals served in our comfortable dining room where residents and staff eat together.  In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. 

As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help.  We are staffed by experienced and compassionate caregivers who truly understand the disease.  MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents.  Also, as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs.

We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of the memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it.  MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to this kind of supported living is encompassed under the breadth of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Thus, each day we strive to thoughtfully “enter, embrace and explore” the world of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar Senior Living, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact or visit our website for more information about Albuquerque’s finest Alzheimer’s care.

Healthcare Providers Who Offer Help with Cognitive Problems

Experts say typically an individual’s memory problems start slowly and are initially only known to them. Dr. Martin Albers, assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, calls this stage “subjective cognitive decline, where the person senses that they’re having some cognitive issues with short-term memory and word-finding, particularly with proper names.” Other early signs include visual perception problems like confusing words or reversing numbers but are typically easy to work around and to live pretty normally.  

When memory loss is caused by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, symptoms get progressively worse. Dr. Albers says it is important to be medically screened and your first visit should be with your primary healthcare provider. They can assess you both physically and mentally including doing a complete medical history, family history, social history, current medication list and a review of any loss of abilities with day-to-day activities. 

You may be given a cognitive exam like SAGE (self-administered gerocognitive exam) or the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Blood tests typically include cholesterol, B12 and other markers to indicate how well your liver and thyroid are functioning as well as a CT scan or an MRI.

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, it is important to remember there are other things that may be causing memory problems such as strokes, heart, liver or kidney disease; diabetes and medications. Once a problem is identified, experts say the best doctors to add to your medical team are those with a special interest in cognitive disorders such as geriatricians or neurologists. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a list of clinical trials that may offer some alternative options for treatment. 

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and needs more care than you can provide at home, MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley offers holistic dementia care families can count on. Please visit our website to learn more; we open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and look forward to helping you reserve a suite.  

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/which-doctor-should-i-see-for-dementia-and-cognitive-decline

Keeping Your Brain Fit

More and more research supports the importance of seniors staying physical fit as well as keeping their brains’ fit.  Harvard Health Publishing reports on research with mice and humans that show “brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological ‘plasticity’ and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.”   

Mentally stimulating activities such as trivia and memory games, puzzles, crosswords, board and card games can help maintain brain function.  Even if you don’t have a partner to play with, many of these types of games can be found on a computer or tablet.   Reading, taking courses, drawing, painting and experimenting with things that require manual dexterity are stimulating mental gymnastics.  Other great brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities like playing an instrument or dancing.

Board games, such as chess and checkers, require counting, strategy and decision-making. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords can help to improve recall and reduce those times when you cannot get the right word out.  Another added benefit to playing games with others is companionship.    

Experts say physical activity is also necessary for good brain health as it increases the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain responsible for thought.  It encourages the development of “new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses).”   Another positive side effect of exercise is it also improves your heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improving blood sugar balance and reducing mental stress.  Brain health is also improved with good nutrition.   Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins may help to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Everett, WA’s MorningStar at Silver Lake may be your answer.  Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, Chef inspired healthy meals, billiards & game room, fitness center, gardens, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar Senior Living’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 has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake. 

Sources: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young

In Later Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, a Loved One May No Longer Recognize You

Apart from having to watch a loved one go through the devastating stages of Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease, the next saddest thing may be when the person stops recognizing you.   This can bring up all sorts of feelings, of which some while not fair, are there, nonetheless.  When we take time to go visit a family member with dementia in a memory care community and they don’t even know who we are, some people wonder why they are making the effort.  

However, a long-term caregiver reminds us how we can be certain the person is not reacting to our presence in some way?  Maybe the sound of our voice, or the touch of our hand?   In the same way people in comas have said they heard the voices of loved ones even when they were unable to communicate, perhaps a person in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease knows we are there for them on some level.  At the very least, in whatever way they can understand, we want them to know they are loved and valued.    

Experts suggest a way to help make yourself more recognizable to your parents or spouse.  If you are an adult child, try putting together a photo timeline of you as a small child, an adolescent, a young adult to a current picture.  Spouses can do the same starting with a picture from their early days as a couple to the present.  

For anyone having difficulty being around a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it may be helpful to learn all you can about the disease, so you understand what is going on.  It will also teach you better ways to more effectively communicate with the person.  

At MorningStar Memory Care at North Ridge, we are dementia care specialists who provide both compassionate and professional care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our approach is holistic and encompasses every aspect of the disease as well as individualized care.  Visit our website to learn more.  

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact or visit our website for more information about Albuquerque’s finest memory care.

Summer is Here, Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a real concern especially for the elderly, or for anyone who spends time in the sun. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says over 43% of adults do not drink enough water each day. Although the amount of fluid we need differs, Heather Mangieri, a registered dietitian based in Imperial, PA, says on average men should consume 15 cups of fluid a day and women 11 cups.  

Experts say water is the best way to hydrate but for those who find it a chore to drink, there are other healthy alternatives. In fact statistics show 22% of our daily fluid intake is from foods such as fruits and vegetables, which are especially high in fluid. Some of the most moisture-providing vegetables are lettuce and cucumbers containing up to 96% water. Celery, radishes, spinach and cauliflower are other good choices. Some of the most hydrating fruits are tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe.

Despite popular folklore, coffee doesn’t cause fluid loss and does provide hydration, but experts say it is still important to limit your amount of caffeine especially toward evening. Drinking too much alcohol does dehydrate the body and one tip to lessen the effects is to consume a beverage high in electrolytes like coconut water. Cold soups are another way to keep your fluid levels high. Oatmeal with berries is a good choice for breakfast as the oats soak up the water they are cooked in and the berries themselves are hydrating. 

The new MorningStar at West Valley memory care facility is designed to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with 42 suites in a range of floor plans and configurations. Residents receive daily health monitoring and care as well as healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Visit our website for information regarding our services, amenities and availability. We are happy to answer your questions about alzheimers homes and to help you reserve a select suite. MorningStar at West Valley opens in the last quarter of 2022.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/ways-to-stay-hydrated-besides-drinking-water?slide=12

Driving Safety as You Age

Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others.  The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion.  Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease.  They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake.  

A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision.  Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars.  Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done.  Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough.    

Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy.  It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good.  Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills.  You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidents of accidents that almost happened.  

The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors:

Planning before you leave:

• Plan to drive on streets you know.

• Limit your trips to places that are easy to get to and close to home.

• Take routes that let you avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns.

• Add extra time for travel if driving conditions are bad.

• Don't drive when you are stressed or tired.

While you are driving:

• Always wear your seat belt.

• Stay off the cell phone.

• Avoid distractions such as listening to the radio or having conversations.

• Leave a big space, at least two car lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If you are driving at higher speeds or if the weather is bad, leave even more space between you and the next car.

• Make sure there is enough space behind you. (Hint: if someone follows you too closely, slow down so that the person will pass you.)

• Use your rear window defroster to keep the back window clear at all times.

• Always keep your headlights on.

For independent living and assisted living Everett seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake, the perfect home to comfortably and safely age in place.  Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day restaurant-style dining, bistro, scheduled transportation, fitness center, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

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 independent living and assisted living Everett, WA offers.

Foods that May Compromise Your Immune System

Over the last several years, we have seen firsthand the benefit of having a robust immune system, which is vital to helping resist and combat diseases and illnesses, and a healthy diet plays a role in the proper functioning of our immune system. While food alone doesn’t directly boost the immune system, experts explain “a well-rounded diet can help prevent nutrient deficiencies that can hinder immune function, which in turn helps to ensure our immune system functions smoothly.” 

We all need certain vitamins and minerals in order for our immune cells to grow and function; and nutrient-dense foods help protect our bodies in the event of an invasion of bacteria, fungi or viruses. Likewise there are foods known to be harmful to the immune system.  

Alcoholic beverages are one of those things. If you do drink, it is recommended you limit your daily intake to no more than 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine and 1.5 oz. of liquor. Another thing to avoid is caffeinated foods or beverages too close to bedtime; and overall the FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. 

Foods high in sugar and salt should also be avoided as well as fast food and processed foods loaded with empty calories, fat and sodium and offer little in the way of needed vitamins and minerals. Dairy products can be problematic for some individuals and lead to inflammation, which in turn affects the immune system. Experts say another good rule is to avoid snack treats with lots of food additives, colorings, and preservatives, which are associated with inflammation, and weaken the immune system. 

The Denver area is home to several of MorningStar Senior Living’s retirement communities and is getting ready to add another. The new MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the desirable South Denver neighborhood and scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2022. Our senior living community offers assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays (from one week to a full month). As a resident, you will enjoy comprehensive care and hospitality services, a 5-Star dining service, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to enhance your quality of life. Please visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/foods-that-can-harm-your-immunity?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20May%2001%2007%3A49%3A43%20EDT%202022&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health

Staying Engaged in Life is Important for those Suffering from Dementia

To feel more connected to a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it helps to spend time together in meaningful or fun activities. The Alzheimer’s Association has put together a list of many such activities; and remind families to keep in mind the things the person used to like to do or was interested in. Also take into account their mood that day. 

The outdoors can be a great place to spend quality time. Getting out in nature is calming and an easy walk or hike geared toward the person’s abilities can be fun for them and the grandkids. Watering plants, planting flowers and feeding the birds are other soothing activities. If the person seems fidgety, try having them rake leaves or sweep the patio. If they enjoy dogs, sit on a bench outside a dog park and watch them play; or find a quiet bench at the beach and people watch or enjoy the scenery. 

Quiet activities inside might include sitting together looking through a family photo album or scrapbook. Listening to music the person enjoys while drinking a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate is another good activity. Also reading a favorite book aloud or watching a beloved movie together is a fun way to spend an afternoon.  

Other suggestions for quality time together are to give the person a neck rub, hand massage or pedicure. If they used to love to bake, make a batch of cookies or bread together; or have them help you fold laundry or set the table for dinner. These types of activities do not have to be done well but provide the person with a sense of purpose. The Alzheimer’s Association says if an activity doesn’t seem to be working, try something else.

At MorningStar at West Valley, we specialized in caring for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Along with offering individualized dementia care, we also provide purposeful activities that engage the person physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Our new community is due to open in the third quarter of 2022 and is located in West San Jose in Santa Clara County, offering easy access to the I-280 and the San Tomas Expressway. Visit our website to inquire about availability, pricing and to reserve a select suite.  

Source: alz.org/help-support/resources/kids-teens/50-activities

Location & Amenities to Please the Most Discerning Seniors

The excitement is growing as one of the most desirable retirement communities in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver takes shape. MorningStar at Observatory Park is located a few blocks from Observatory Park, home to the University of Denver’s beautiful campus and the Chamberlin Observatory. The area is renowned for a striking mix of modern and old architecture, mature trees, lovely gardens, wide streets and grassy lawns as well as the East Harvard Gulch Trail. Eclectic eateries, coffee shops and a brewery line the local streets. 

Incorporated in 1886 as the town of South Denver, the DU neighborhood has a long and storied Colorado history. Originally the land was donated by Rufus "Potato" Clark, a reformed alcoholic and potato farmer, and contained several conditions including planting trees and the laying out of a street grid. He also demanded that no alcohol ever be made or sold in the area, and even today “some home mortgages in south Denver have old covenants against producing or selling alcohol on the premises.”

The University of Denver’s campus is designated as an arboretum and University Hall, constructed in the 1890s, still remains. The Evans Chapel (formerly Grace Methodist Church), is a designated Denver Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks was built in 1878. 

Our MorningStar at Observatory Park community offers landscaped grounds, an enclosed courtyard with BBQ grill, and rooftop terrace and bocce ball court with spectacular city and mountain views. Onsite amenities include a full salon, massage/therapy room, fitness center, 4th floor Sky Terrace with bocce ball court, 6th floor rooftop green and much more.  

We define our brand of assisted living as providing seniors “a little help from friends” to enable residents to live life as independently as possible. Our home offers 60 assisted living suites from studio to one- and two-bedroom floorplans and 23 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. We additionally offer respite care and trial stays (from one week up to a month).

If the MorningStar name sounds familiar we operate 32 retirement communities around the Western US and have several communities around Denver including MorningStar of Littleton, MorningStar of Jordan and MorningStar at RidgeGate. To reserve your select suite today, visit our website for contact information. Also ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: 9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/the-du-neighborhood-classic-beauty-and-college-vibes/73-346314496

During an Emergency Department Visit, Communication is Vital

In a recent Harvard Health Publishing article, an E.R. a physician affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital, Adaira I. Landry, MD, MEd, provides some tips to navigate a trip to the E.R. in order to expedite the best care. She states the first goal of the ER team is to get a person “registered for the visit, assess how urgently they need a clinician, and determine which treatment and diagnostic tests are needed.” The team relies on the information they gather, which is interpreted and used to develop a course of treatment.  

As the E.R. staff changes throughout the day, a series of care providers will ask you to repeat much of your story about what brings you to the hospital. During the interview, it is important to provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information and communicate back and forth with the doctor. 

In the event you are incapable of providing pertinent details and questions about current medications and underlying medical issues, it is helpful to have a family member or a trusted friend along to provide the information. Landry explains in a teaching hospital like she works at, you may see a triage nurse who determines how quickly you will be seen, a nurse assigned to your care, a resident or medical student, and then the attending physician. 

All of the E.R. personnel work as a team to determine your course of treatment. Having you repeat your history as various team members ask many of the same questions and repeat exams; it can uncover any missing pieces in constructing a final diagnosis. 

South Denver’s newest senior living community is MorningStar at Observatory Park. Located a few blocks from the iconic Observatory Park, our contemporary 5-story building has 60 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood provides the safety, security, people and programs to help preserve the individual’s dignity and self-worth. We open to residents in late 2022 and look forward to helping you reserve a select suite today. Ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Alzheimer’s can Cause Challenging Behaviors

Individuals with Alzheimer’s can exhibit a variety of behaviors and personality changes, of which some can be quite challenging to deal with and even affect the person’s safety. Changes in your parents or spouse can include irritability, anger, anxiety and other distressing behaviors like wandering or forgetting to turn off the stove.  

Dementia care experts say there are techniques to help deal with these feelings, and it may include adjusting your own attitude toward the changes a person is experiencing. Examples include caregivers over estimating the person’s abilities and expecting more from them then they feel capable of doing. This can cause angry outbursts often motivated by frustration. Experts remind caregivers to remember the person’s abilities are changing and suggest shifting your expectations to fit the new norm. 

Another common problem many suffer from Alzheimer’s is depression. Cindy Steele, RN, nurse scholar for Copper Ridge, a residential care community in Utah, says 40 percent of people with AD develop depression due to a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. Anxiety disorders and delusions are also common. In many cases, the person’s doctor can help identify the imbalances and prescribe medications to help relieve these troubling symptoms.  

Negative behaviors can additionally be caused by physical problems such as a headache, illness or fatigue, which the person is unable to communicate. Over-stimulating environments, being too cold or too hot are other reasons for distress or irritability. Experts say caregivers need to try and stay calm and speak directly to the person using short, easily understood sentences. Avoid sounding condescending.      

For trusted memory care, we invite you to take a look at West San Jose’s newest memory care facility, MorningStar at West Valley. Our entire home is dedicated to caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and or forms of dementia.  We are scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2022 and can help you reserve a select suite for your loved one. Please ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”