Maintain and Enhance Your Memory with Healthy Habits

Studies suggest while some memory decline is inevitable with aging, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain and enhance memory function as well as our overall brain health. The US News & World Report says one of the things we can do is to routinely be physically active as studies show it provides a lower risk of mental decline and Alzheimer's disease. 

They explain physical activity optimizes blood flow to the entire body including the brain and helps keep our memories sharp. However, the type of physical exercise is important and should include a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio such as power walking, running, biking or swimming. (Before beginning any new exercise, experts say check with your healthcare provider.)   

If you worry about forgetting things, Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist and founding director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, says for most of us it is normal. He states all of us forget things like where we put our keys or when our doctor appointment is, which is typically not a reason for concern. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are different and cause more consistent memory problems that have a debilitating effect on a person's quality of life.

Along with physical exercise, other strategies to improve and protect memory include challenging our brain by learning new things, sleeping well and eating a healthy diet. Dr. Williams says adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night as it “allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia.”

MorningStar at Silver Lake has spacious independent and assisted living apartments in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Our luxury amenities ensure carefree retirement years with plenty of ways to exercise both the body and the brain.  Amenities include a computer lounge, fitness center, life enrichment room, resident garden beds, strolling paths, wellness programs and activities. We are committed to provide the best senior housing Everett, WA offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.  

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.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/memory-decline-isnt-inevitable

A Garden is a Gratifying Pastime for Many Seniors

A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle. 

Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall, even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as gardening can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility.  

Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting an herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to those suitable for your region. Planning your garden is a big part of the fun and involves critical thinking in deciding what to plant and how to care for it.  In fact, studies show that with the physical aspect of gardening and the critical thinking skills involved in planning it, you may lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. 

Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project.  

MorningStar at Silver Lake offers stylish independent living and assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. To ensure the comfort and wellbeing of residents, we offer resort-style amenities and services with beautiful common areas including a fitness center, bistro, theater, restaurant-style dining, large patio garden and raised garden beds. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding senior housing in Everett, WA.

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

The Many Ways Socializing Improves Seniors’ Health

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.” 

Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. 

It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. 

To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”

For built-in companionship, senior care services, luxury amenities, and signature wellness programs and activities, we recommend taking a look at San Jose’s newest senior living community, MorningStar of San Jose. Our community offers 69 assisted living suites in various floor plans as well as holistic memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. 

While we are a brand new community, we are not new to senior living as our parent company; MorningStar Senior Living has dozens of communities across the Western US. Please 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 and look forward to welcoming you to our loving MorningStar family.

Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/#:~:text=Fortunately%2C%20socialization%20has%20been%20shown,with%20healthy%20behaviors%2C%20including%20exercise.

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

Don’t Let Misconceptions Keep You from Creating a Living Will

Many times people put off creating a living will, also known as a health care power of attorney, because they don’t understand how important it is to have one; or they fear they are giving up too much control over their life. The medical community explains the reason you need one is to ensure you get the type of care you want when you can no longer speak for yourself.

The Harvard Medical Schools says before you create a living will there are a few things to consider including separating fact from fiction. To start with, think about what quality of life means to you. Sometimes having extraordinary measures taken to save your life doesn’t factor in where such treatments will leave you. Having a living will can help guide your medical team on just such decisions.

Some people worry if they choose to refuse certain life-sustaining medical treatments to prolong life even when death is inevitable that it will invalidate their life insurance policy. Medical professionals explain there is no reason to worry as the recorded cause of death will be from the person’s underlying medication condition. Another common concern is if medical treatment is started, it can’t be stopped. This too is not true as treatment plans can always be updated and revised to address current circumstances.   

Medical professionals want patients to know treatment can be started or stopped. Even if you refuse certain life sustaining treatments, it does not mean you won’t get other types of treatment such as intensive comfort care to help manage pain and symptoms. 

Seniors especially should be aware that a recent new directive has pretty much replaced a DNR (do not resuscitate), which only gives EMS permission to not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A POLST (physician orders for life-sustaining treatment) can include a DNR as well as provide more instruction regarding medical interventions such as intubation, antibiotic use and feeding tubes. Talk to your medical provider to learn more. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care San Jose offers and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. We expect to open to residents in spring of 2023. 

Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Won’t Battle This Alone

Seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementia-related illnesses often live alone during the early stages of the disease. As the condition progresses, however, changes in thinking may reduce your loved one’s ability to make appropriate decisions about self-care and safety. Unsupervised wandering and inadequate diet are at a higher risk when your loved one is living alone with dementia. They may struggle to manage personal hygiene and household tasks. If your parent or loved one is dealing with progressive dementia and forgetfulness, you are probably considering alternative living arrangements to keep them safe.

Memory care facilities that specialize in alzheimers care are quite modernized now. Offering an emphasis on comfort, safety, and community, MorningStar at West Valley deviates from one’s preconceived notions of ‘nursing homes.’ MorningStar’s approach to Memory Care incorporates Montessori-based therapies. We focus on creating individualized care plans with the help of thorough interviews and assessments of each prospective senior 

to address our residents' unique and varying needs. 

Anxiety over their loved one experiencing improper health care and medical supervision is one of the biggest fears of family members. Memory care residents at MorningStar at West Valley receive daily health monitoring by our 24/7 care staff, licensed nurses, and more supportive third-party service providers. MorningStar functions under a “directed level of care." This is a type of Assisted Living license that permits us to care for residents who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs. MorningStar carries this license, enabling our trained staff to care for the memory-impaired within a secure environment.

If you worry about your loved one’s transition to dementia care leading to loneliness or seclusion, consider a memory care facility that emphasizes community involvement through architectural design and companion living. MorningStar at West Valley offers memory care suites that are available in studio and or companion configurations from 318 to 492 sq ft on two levels. Suites include emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. While a secure building, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding; safe and inviting common areas include a 2nd-floor sky terrace. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s Memory Care facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission which discusses our exceptional senior living in West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar at West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care 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 West San Jose, California has to offer.

These Delicious SuperFoods Encourage Healthy Living in Seniors

As we age, prepared, processed meals from the grocery store may have a specific appeal to us; They save us time, they are easy to prepare, and cleanup is relatively non-existent. However, these quick meals may be harming us more than we consider. Nutrient-rich ingredients within meals prepared from scratch can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health, especially in seniors. This is why at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Observatory Park, our executive chefs prepare meals using BrainWise superfoods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  

MorningStar’s culinary team is intentional about leveraging the healing power of a special class of ingredients known as Super Foods. These Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts, and other foods high in Omega 3 fats and encourage brain health. Omega-3, a category of polyunsaturated fatty acids vital to a healthy central nervous system, are not produced by our bodies and must ingest them through our foods. An ideal source: cold-water fish, such as salmon. Salmon dishes are a fan favorite at Morningstar Senior Living and are a great way to get creative with other flavors, such as a mango salsa, that enhance the whole dish. 

MorningStar retirement homes have created graciously appointed dining spaces that are designed for comfort, convenience, and community and are adorned in luxury and modernity. The dining experience is an integral part of MorningStar’s signature wellness program, which creates daily opportunities for social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical health. Our all-day menu is largely prepared from scratch, just as our residents would have done in years past, with daily and weekly specials. 

Diet is the centerpiece of wellness, even more so as we age. Therefore, MorningStar makes every meal a special occasion thanks to our Executive Chefs that have worked all over the world and bring their expertise to tempting dishes. We are also considerate of dietary restrictions, and our chefs are happy to create flavor profiles that stimulate the senses and can be easily handled and digested. Some communities also feature full bar service; others, wine and beer selections during happy hour and at meals.

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Observatory Park. 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.

The Magic of Animals for Seniors with Dementia

Spending time with pets and animals is shown to improve the quality of life for people, including seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Animals have a special way of lowering high feelings of stress and alleviating depression and anxiety. By playing with our pets and bonding with them, the human brain has been found to produce more hormones that calm and soothe us– like serotonin and oxytocin. Memory care facilities, like MorningStar at West Valley, have incorporated pet therapy as a unique therapeutic technique into one of their many regular care activities. For individuals living with dementia, animals have been shown to provide even more amazing benefits.

Animals always seem to be aware when someone needs special care or attention. According to research by BCM Psychiatry, “Animal Assisted Therapy improves a person's mental and physical health. In the area of mental health, it releases an automatic relaxation response, reduces the feeling of anxiety, contributes to the lowering of loneliness, and helps in the recall of memories.” Knowing this, MorningStar’s programmatic approach to dementia Care incorporates Montessori-based therapies and creates individualized service plans to address the needs of residents. Our gentle flow of purposeful activities such as animal therapy is incorporated to heal and comfort our memory care residents.

When our seniors interact with animals, they experience relief from agitation, restlessness, and disorientation. Animal therapy in memory care facilities can also be found to improve short-term memory, contribute to slightly higher physical activity, enhance eating habits, and reduce loneliness. Not only is this form of therapy included in our memory care routine, but we are pet-friendly in our assisted living facilities as we recognize the tremendous ministry animals are to all of us. 

For exceptional memory care, MorningStar West Valley, set to open in fall 2022, provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. We offer support to residents as well as their families with an array of services, wellness programs, and activities essential to the quality of life. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. 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 West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care 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 alzheimers homes West San Jose, California has to offer.

Safety is Paramount in Morningstar’s Reflections Neighborhood

Family members and friends often find themselves in a tough position when their loved one’s occasional forgetfulness changes to more serious stages of memory loss which is often experienced with Alzheimer’s and dementia. When the time comes, we want our parents or loved ones to continue to feel happy in a safe, secure, and compassionate environment that resembles their own home and environment that they recognize and feel most comfortable within. 

Assisted living and retirement communities are arrangements people are often familiar with. However, these communities may fail to designate specific care and senior living environments to those specifically struggling with memory care that may require specialized attention and service to those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. At MorningStar senior living and retirement communities at Observatory Park, we offer a unique and specialized memory care neighborhood incorporated within our grounds called Reflections. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to meet the needs of our most tender residents. While we incorporate the following attributes in our everyday care for all our residents, Reflections provides compassionate, dedicated memory care specifically for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We train our entire team in MorningStar’s own Lavender Sky philosophy and programming of supported living for the memory impaired.

When considering the overall happiness of our assisted living residents, it is important to incorporate safety measures that do not infringe overly on independence but do remain mindful of specialty needs. The inside atmosphere of our Reflections Neighborhood is secure without being restrictive and still offers modern, luxury amenities that are standard to Morningstar. Our Observatory Park location, set to open in late 2022, offers a secure outdoor terrace to enjoy the beautiful weather and views of Colorado, as well as 24-hour care staff, medication management, and community rooms dedicated to life enrichment that are tailored to the needs of our memory care and assisted living residents.   

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar Assisted Living & Alzheimers Care at Observatory Park. 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.

MorningStar Memory Care Facility is Designed to Feel like Home

Keeping a comfortable and inviting atmosphere is important in memory care, especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Moving to a dementia care facility can be overwhelming for residents when they transition from their home to a new space. Keeping their new environment clean, safe, and easy to navigate helps to ease the stress of our loved ones and reassures our minds when they show content with their new space and neighbors. 

Dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior living communities. While many memory care facilities include similar aspects to senior and retirement communities, MorningStar West Valley features 24-hour care, specialized and empathetically trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, easy to navigate floor plans, and a secure environment. Our memory care facility in West San Jose is equipped to care for a person from the onset of dementia to more advanced stages.

A benefit of memory care homes is the controlled and easily maneuverable environment which helps reduce confusion and disorientation for residents with proper lighting, clearly marked hallways, and décor to encourage calmness and familiarity. Also, outdoor exploration is encouraged and permitted with safety precautions such as a secured sky terrace that allows residents to get fresh air and enjoy the scenery. When not in use, doors to and from the facility remain locked. 

Suites for memory care are available in a choice of studio and companion configurations from 318 to 492 sq ft on two levels. Suites include emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. While a secure building, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding and safe and inviting common areas that encourage socialization and enrichment through holistic activities that help residents to feel safe and independent. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. 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 West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care 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 West San Jose, California has to offer.

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.

The Importance of Establishing a Schedule for Seniors Struggling with Memory Loss

Every now and then, we may find ourselves wondering where we put our glasses, cell phone, or house keys. As we age, these issues may become more frequent or may change into us forgetting names of people we just met or forgetting the time of an appointment. These forgetful instances can be routine in aging. However, if you find yourself, or a loved one, struggling to remember important household tasks, important self-care maintenance, or forgetting to take medications, it may be time to investigate a medical review for a memory loss diagnosis. When watching over someone with special memory care needs, establishing and maintaining a routine is a beneficial way to keep your loved ones comfortable and happy. 

Establishing and maintaining a daily routine for seniors struggling with dementia reduces anxiety and promotes predictability. Keeping meals, bedtimes, and medication dispensing consistent and reliable every day around the same time keeps seniors in memory care with dementia more comfortable and less prone to anxious behaviors or frustration. In this way, care feels reliable and promotes confidence within our loved ones and they can feel taken care of by us in return. 

It can be helpful to put your senior’s routine into writing to plan out the whole day for them and make things easy to follow. It’s important to not keep schedules rigid and allow for flexibility, though. Remember, everyone is different and requires a spectrum of needs and wants throughout the day. Try to fill each day with many little activities that are familiar to your loved one that keep them entertained but are also not too lengthy as they may become overwhelmed and confused. 

For exceptional memory care, MorningStar West Valley, set to open in fall 2022, provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We offer support to residents as well as their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques.

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. 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 West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care 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 West San Jose, California 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.

MorningStar Offers Support to Philanthropic Initiatives at Home and Abroad

MorningStar of San Jose is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understands the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. 

The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home.

Closer to home, MorningStar’s retirement communities are great supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association. We participate in events throughout the year including the “Longest Day Celebration” (summer solstice), which was on June 21st this year. Our uplifting celebrations include hosting fundraisers of every sort, balloon releases, games, food and more. Additionally, our communities participate in the “Walk to End Alzheimer's,” either by walking, sponsoring or hosting other creative ways to raise funds. Other efforts include doing our share by volunteering with local nonprofits to help where there is a need. 

MorningStar of San Jose is currently under construction and due to open in June 2023. We will have 69 assisted living suites and another 34 memory care suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Along with extensive care services, we will offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity.  Located in West San Jose, we are near to medical centers, shopping, restaurants and recreation areas. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

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

Alzheimer’s Disease Affects a Person’s Physical Abilities

Along with changes in the person’s memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s physical abilities. Experts explain dementia symptoms can change everything from the way a person walks, talks, and how their body works. Normal body functions such as going to the bathroom, carrying on a conversation and maintaining balance become more and more difficult.  

While unfortunately we do not yet know the cause of Alzheimer’s, doctors think the symptoms are caused by a buildup of harmful proteins in the brain called amyloid and tau, which create clumps called tangles and plaque. These clumps get in the way of normal brain functions and kill healthy cells.

Changes caused by Alzheimer’s include loss of balance and coordination, which puts a person at a higher risk of a fall. A person’s feet may shuffle or drag along as they walk. Another symptom includes weakened muscles and fatigue that makes it difficult to stand or sit upright in a chair. Trouble controlling the bladder and bowels as well as seizures and twitches are other common symptoms.    

While some people experience a slower pace of the disease and live up to 20 years after a diagnosis, the average life expectancy is 4 to 8 years. The most common cause of death in a person with Alzheimer’s is pneumonia, another infection, or a heart attack. 

If you are looking for comprehensive, compassionate Alzheimers care for a loved one in Albuquerque, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Observatory Park. Our unique approach to memory care is all-encompassing and provides an environment in which your loved one is given the support they need to make the most of each day. As our community is devoted to memory care only, every aspect of our home is designed to make individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases feel comforted, safe and secure. 

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 communities Denver, Co has to offer.

Source: webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/alzheimers-body

MorningStar’s New Observatory Park Keeps Seniors Social with Resort Style Amenitie

A major fear with seniors that are transitioning to senior living, or a retirement community, is the worry that they won’t make friends or fit in in a senior living community. Adjusting to this new way of life can be difficult and it’s hard to watch our loved one’s experience this stress. However, many seniors find that they enjoy a senior living community and quickly become comfortable with the new routine and neighbors. It’s especially helpful if the retirement community offers activities and amenities that encourage its residents to venture outside of their suites and socialize with the community and their new home. From aiding with daily chores to helping seniors meet new friends and be more active, MorningStar’s new Assisted Living and Retirement Community opens many new doors to benefit seniors living in Denver.

MorningStar’s new Observatory Park retirement community in Denver offers resort style amenities and activities to keep seniors healthy, active, and social. This new location, set to open in late 2022, offers the standard in niceties that MorningStar senior living communities include, such as all-day, restaurant-style dining, salon, fitness center, club rooms, and 24-hour care staff. However, MorningStar Observatory Park senior living and assisted living offers even more unique and modern luxuries such as a pizza oven, secure sky terraces, a bocce ball court, a rooftop green, massage therapy, and so much more.

Located in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver just blocks away from Observatory Park, the site of the Chamberlin Observatory and the University of Denver’s beautiful campus. Proximity to two major hospitals in the area. 1.7 miles from Porter Adventist Hospital and 2.9 miles from Swedish Medical Center. The area is home to mature trees, lovely gardens, eclectic eateries, local coffee shops and a brewery. Wide streets and grassy lawns make for a lovely walk and include the scenic East Harvard Gulch Trail. Our own community offers groomed grounds, enclosed courtyard with BBQ grill, and a rooftop terrace and bocce ball court with striking city and mountain views.

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Observatory Park. 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 retirement communities provide residents with freedom and choices, resort-style amenities, maintenance-free living and best-in-class dining and hospitality. We are a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love, made possible through a dedicated team. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement communities Denver, Co has to offer.

Memory Care San Jose: Specialized Through a Lavender Sky

It can be a very difficult day when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Families often question what the future will look like. Not only for them, but for their loved one, as well. Fear is often associated around a memory loss diagnosis, and it can be easy to fall into rumination of worry, distrust, and anxiety. MorningStar Memory Care Facility at West Valley is a specially designed assisted living community that offers an environment focused on dementia care and improving quality of life through a holistic approach called, “Lavender Sky.”

At MorningStar West Valley, our mantra, “Lavender Sky,” is the exploration within a memory loss diagnosis, such as Alzheimer’s. Embracing the diagnosis, instead of being fearful of it, allows caretakers to expand their knowledge and understanding of what it means to have Alzheimer’s and how to better care for our residents. Through a “Lavender Sky,” we vow to be a leading community for memory care and dementia care. In doing so, we connect more with our residents and provide better, personalized care in an extraordinary way.

Using holistic methods such as music, art, dance, aromatherapy, and animals, allows us to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of dementia.  Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life. As a leading memory care facility dedicated to dementia care, we understand that treating the unique person is more beneficial than treating the illness. Everyone handles their diagnosis differently and each resident requires a different level of care or supervision. 

Please contact us to learn more about senior living at MorningStar’s memory care facility. 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 West San Jose that seniors can rely on. 

MorningStar West Valley proudly provides the very best in dementia care 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 West San Jose, California has to offer.

If You Are Experiencing Memory Problems, It is Important to See Your Doctor

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 dementia-related disease, 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. 

At MorningStar at North Ridge, a memory care community in Albuquerque, we have 38 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, 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 alzheimers care within a beautiful home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about specialized memory care in Albuquerque.

Source:

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

Study Shows the Benefits of Walking for Seniors

A study from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial concluded that if you want to remain mobile and healthy in old age, you should start walking.  Furthermore, it says even if you are already well into old age, it is not too late to reap the benefits.  

The 2½ year trial included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89, of whom none had exercised regularly; and all were relatively frail.  The study authors say half of the participants took part in a daily exercise plan that included walking in addition to strength and balance exercises.  The other half of the group did some gentle stretching routines and took part in healthy aging educational workshops.  

Researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise group were “28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.”  The study’s authors believe the results would be even more marked if those in the “healthy aging workshops” had not discovered the benefits of exercising on their own.  

Walking is easy to do and does not require special equipment other than a pair of good walking shoes.  If you are a senior who wants to start exercising, medical professionals say consult your healthcare provider, and slowly and gradually work your way toward longer distances.  

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a retirement communities that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Along with our fitness center, residents have many opportunities to exercise and keep moving.   Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing in Everett, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Silver Lakes’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Everett, WA offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional independent and assisted living.

Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173

Moving Forward After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs. 

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby. 

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety. 

MorningStar Senior Living has 40+ communities operating or under construction throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of San Jose which is scheduled to open in June 2023. At MorningStar, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our Reflections Neighborhood will be staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provide a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia.  If you are looking for trusted assisted living or memory care in San Jose, please visit our website for more information.

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: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis