How to Spend the Holidays with Your Senior Parents

The holidays are one of the most special times of year for seniors. Between seasonal activities, time with family, and the holiday spirit, there is a lot to look forward to. Whether your senior parents are living independently or in assisted living, it is important to spend quality time with them during the holidays.

Quality Family Time

The most important aspect of the holidays for many seniors is quality time with family. Some families host out-of-town visitors, and it may be one of the only times of the year your senior parents get to spend with some members of their family. 

It can be easy to get wrapped up and distracted by all of the hustle and bustle of the season, but it is critical to build in quality family time. Make sure the family has time to catch up and connect over meals, after dinner, or during a fun activity.

Seasonal Activities

Holidays usually mean lots of fun seasonal activities in the community. Exploring some of these activities can be a great way to help your senior parents get out, stay active, and make connections in the community. Some examples of seasonal activities may include:

• Caroling

• Baking

• Live shows

• Holiday lights

• Volunteering

Some of these activities may only come around once a year, so take advantage of them when they come with your senior parents. Take this year to try something new; you never know when your family will have the opportunity to develop a new tradition.

Connect in the Community

The holidays are an important time for families, but don’t forget to help your parents connect in their local community as well. Whether that is through their retirement communities, neighborhood, or local church, checking in with friends and neighbors during the holiday season can bring joy to your parents this holiday season. 

Passing Down Traditions

Your senior parents are a source of wisdom and knowledge that they can pass down to you and the younger generations. Make time for them to pass down traditions and teach you or their grandkids new skills or family facts this holiday season. 

Traditions can be anything from singing songs to hanging decorations to baking treats. These traditions can live long into the future and be passed onto future generations.

Enjoy This Holiday Season with Your Senior Parents

Every holiday season with your senior parents is precious, but don’t put too much pressure on how you spend it with them. The most important thing is that you are together during this important time. 

Whether your parents are in assisted living or living independently, they should be as involved as possible in all holiday activities and have every opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with you.

What Are Your Senior Living Options?

These days, seniors have more options than ever when it comes to retirement communities. Some communities offer minimal support for seniors who simply want to downsize, while others offer around-the-clock care for seniors in need of clinical care. 

Whether you are looking to make plans for the future or need immediate care, there is a community for you, and knowing the differences between them is crucial to making the best decision.

Independent Living

Independent living is a great option for seniors who don’t require personal care services but are seeking a change in lifestyle that includes more activity and less maintenance. In independent living, seniors can access activities and programming, prepared meals, housekeeping, and home maintenance. 

They have more time to enjoy life, explore retirement, and spend time with the ones they love. Best of all, seniors live in a community that allows them to make new friends, have constant companionship, and enjoy amenities that keep them entertained and comfortable. 

More seniors are choosing to transition to independent living sooner rather than later because of the convenience and positive lifestyle change.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is intended for seniors who need a little more support with day-to-day tasks as they age. Staff in assisted living communities are available to help residents with activities of daily living, such as:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Moving around

• Walking

• Eating

• Medication management

Care in assisted living is available at a variety of levels. For some seniors, assisted living means they need occasional or light support. For others, assisted living care could mean around-the-clock attention for short-term recovery or long-term care. 

Seniors in assisted living receive personalized care and companionship no matter their needs or how they change over time.

Memory Care

Memory care is a specialized type of care for seniors experiencing memory difficulties, including a diagnosis of memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care is provided by staff with specialized training who know how to handle the challenges that come along with memory loss. 

Memory care also includes activities that can aid in slowing further memory loss, as well as nutritious meals that are good for the brain. Seniors in memory care will be made as comfortable as possible, and staff will continually work to ensure that residents still have every opportunity to enjoy their retirement. 

Choose the Right Option for You

Choosing the right type of care in a retirement community is critical. Not enough care can leave seniors overwhelmed and dangerous. On the other hand, paying for assisted living when care is not needed can be wasteful. Take care in making your decision, and seek help from a professional or retirement community staff in weighing your options.

Quality Assisted Living in Everett, WA

When it comes to finding quality assisted living in Everett, WA, most families quickly discover that not all assisted living communities are created equal. Assisted living communities exist along a spectrum, from communities meeting just the basic needs to communities that offer an abundance of amenities. 

Some of the amenities you’ll find in quality assisted living include the following.

Dining

Seniors in assisted living should enjoy their retirement time without having to worry about cooking each meal. That’s why one of the most important amenities in assisted living is dining. In quality assisted living communities, seniors will have access to multiple fresh meals a day. 

In addition, assisted living staff will carefully develop menus to ensure seniors are getting adequate nutrition each day. For seniors with food allergies or special dietary needs, staff can specially prepare meals.

Life Enrichment

Quality assisted living communities understand that creating a healthy environment must be done holistically. Fostering a senior’s potential must be done through several avenues, including physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. 

Assisted living communities create meaningful social circles for residents to bond with their neighbors. They organize activities for residents to discover new interests and hobbies. They also encourage activity so that seniors can stay physically active. 

Personalized Attention

Residents in retirement communities should never feel like just a number. Quality assisted living includes highly skilled staff that is not only good at what they do but compassionate and understanding. Many residents in assisted living communities develop lifelong bonds with staff and have deep personal connections.

Sense of Community

One of the most detrimental experiences to senior health is loneliness. Loneliness can lead to real and sometimes significant negative health side effects. In assisted living, residents have daily opportunities to bond with fellow residents and staff. 

Senior living residents form real bonds and develop a strong sense of camaraderie and community that keeps feelings of loneliness at bay.

Clinical Services

Residents in assisted living should feel comfortable knowing that all of their medical needs can be met, even as their needs change. Sometimes, senior health can be unpredictable and change quickly, and seniors should be well taken care of regardless of their circumstances.

Quality assisted living communities will include rounding physicians who can offer wellness exams and routine medical advice. Staff also includes physician assistants and skilled nurses who can aid in both short-term and long-term intensive care. 

Finding Quality Assisted Living

Selecting the right assisted living community is a big and important decision. If you or a loved one is looking for a community, make sure to thoroughly do your homework, take tours, and ask questions. With a little due diligence, you or your loved one will be settled into a new life in their assisted living home.

Healthy, Warm Foods for Seniors During Winter

Winter can be a challenging time for seniors. The colder weather makes it harder to get outside, stay active, and engage in normal activities. One way seniors can pass the time during the winter months is by trying new foods and cooking nutritious meals. Try a few of these healthy and warm foods for seniors during winter.

Vegetable Soup

Soup is a long-time favorite winter food. There is no better food to help you warm up on a cold day. Incorporating healthy ingredients into soup is one of the easiest ways to ensure seniors get adequate servings of vegetables. There are several winter vegetables that can be cooked, seasoned, and added to soup, including:

• Carrots

• Kale

• Cabbage

• Brussel sprouts

• Parsnips

• Collard greens

• Swiss chard

Seniors can easily get two or more servings of vegetables in just a small bowl of soup. Soup is also a great food to make in big batches and enjoy throughout the week.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet and should be incorporated into winter meals. Warm whole grains can make a great base for a stir fry, meat dish, or vegetable bowl. Whole grains heat and reheat well and provide important nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and potassium.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great option for a warm breakfast during the winter. Oatmeal is one of the easiest meals to prepare in senior housing, and it is a star when it comes to nutrients. Oatmeal is low in calories but high in fiber and protein. In addition, there are endless variations of oatmeal, and seniors can add their favorite fruits or toppings to switch it up.

Squash Pasta

Although squash is generally considered to be a summer vegetable, adding squash pasta to the winter meal rotation is an easy way to stay healthy and warm. 

Squash can normally be found year-round in grocery stores and can easily be prepared to serve as a noodle substitute. Squash noodles are healthier than traditional noodles and just as delicious.

Warm Nuts

Looking for the perfect warm winter snack? Nuts are a great option. They provide excellent essential nutrients and are one of the healthiest snacks around. Nuts can be mixed and matched with other foods, such as cheese or fruit. 

They can also be seasoned with your favorite spices and quickly warmed up in the oven to create a delicious snack at any time. 

Stay Active and Healthy During Winter in Assisted Living 

Winter can be a tough time to get the nutrients seniors need, but it is important to stay dedicated to a healthy eating routine all year round. Adding these foods to the meal list can help ensure seniors stay healthy all winter. In assisted living, seniors have easy access to nutritious meals every day.

Help Your Parent Transition to an Assisted Living Community

Moving to an assisted living community is a big change for most seniors. It may be one of the most significant life changes they’ve experienced in years. For many seniors, the move is a welcome change, but that doesn’t always mean it is easy, but there are a few ways you can help your parents transition to an assisted living community.

Take It Slow

There's no need to rush when it comes to making big life changes like moving to assisted living. If at all possible, plan the move well in advance so that your parents have time to adjust to the change and get used to the idea over time. 

Rushing the move can lead to more uncertainty and make the transition more difficult. Starting the discussion about the move to senior housing earlier rather than later can give you the time you need to take the transition at your own pace.

Plan Ahead

The best way to remove uncertainty from a situation is to have a plan. Moving can require a lot of logistics, and you need to have a plan in place to avoid unintended mishaps. 

If you can, think about hiring moving staff or even a professional organizer to get all of your parent’s items in order before the move. Make sure your parent is part of the planning and knows exactly what is going on each step of the way.

Personalize the New Space

One of the best ways to make a new space more comfortable is to personalize it with familiar items. Before moving your parents to their new home, make sure they have their favorite pieces of furniture, art, and other items. 

Having these items in place can help your parents settle in and more easily get used to their new surroundings. You can also mix in new pieces with the old to embrace the idea of a fresh start.

Visit Often

No matter how ready your parents are to move to assisted living, the transition may still be a challenge at times. Having a family visit often can bring great comfort to your parents as they are settling in. 

Plan to visit often, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the move. Spend time with your parents in their new space to help them settle in. Think about setting up a long-term visiting schedule so that your parents always have time with you to look forward to.

Make the Move to Assisted Living a Positive Change

Following these simple steps can help ensure that your parent’s move to assisted living is a positive change. Accept that there may be a few bumps along the way, but ultimately, assisted living can bring a world of positive change to your parent’s life.

Tips to Improve Your Memory

Every so often most of us find ourselves in a quandary wondering where we put our glasses, cell phone or car keys. As we age, these and other annoying problems like forgetting names of people we just met or forgetting the time of an appointment begin to happen. Lydia Cho, a psychologist and neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, says, "These moments may seem like an unfortunate part of aging, but they can happen to people of all ages.” She says it is important to not get too stressed out about them as there are a few things we can do to mitigate occasional lapses in memory. However, more serious memory loss should be checked out by your physician.

Often upon meeting someone, we get more involved in the greeting, our surroundings and looking at their face than making the effort to remember their name. To help remember a person’s name, experts recommend making a connection to the name by repeating it back. Then try to associate the name with that of a celebrity, friend or movie character. You can also connect the name to a place or use a rhyming word. 

Another area many of us have experienced memory lapses is with things like “did we turn off the oven?”, or “forget to lock the door?” Cho says this forgetfulness generally occurs because we did not fully engage in the task. Rather they were done in an absentminded way without really thinking about them. She suggests setting up a common location for easily misplaced items like your keys on a table near the door. For other items not used frequently, focus on where you put them and say to yourself: I am putting the “blank” in the drawer next to the coffee pot.  If you think you will still forget, take a photo. 

MorningStar at West Valley in San Jose provides compassionate, individualized dementia 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 dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about our new dementia care community in San Jose.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/managing-memory-slip-ups

The Link between Hearing Loss and Dementia

According to the Medical News Today website, studies find hearing loss may contribute to social isolation, lower quality of life, disability, depression, and dementia. This can be especially problematic for people aged 80 years and older, who tend to have more advanced hearing losses. 

In 2015, researchers reported on a 25-year study, which focused on a link between hearing loss and dementia. At the start of the study, the 3,670 participants were 65 years or older and followed for over 25 years. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive decline, researchers say there appeared to be a correlation between self-reported hearing loss and cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids did not show a significant cognitive decline, suggesting the use of hearing aids may offer a protective effect.

Experts say hearing loss may adversely impact a person’s ability to socialize as they miss out on vital verbal and emotional information that may directly impair brain structure and function. Or it could be that the person uses more energy to make sense of what they hear; and reduces the energy they have left for memory, language processing and attention.

It is recommended at age 60, all adults get a baseline hearing test and be rechecked every couple of years, regardless of whether they experience symptoms. John Hopkins Medicine reports one in 3 adults over age 65 has hearing loss, but due to a gradual change in their hearing, they may not be aware of it.  

Symptoms of age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, include the speech of others sounding muffled or slurred; high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" being hard to distinguish; and having difficulty understanding conversation, especially if there is background noise. The person may notice men’s voices are easier to hear than women’s, because it is lower-pitched. 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, MorningStar at North Ridge is ready to help. Our comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. MorningStar’s holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As Alzheimer’s care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey. Please visit our website for more information about our loving community in Albuquerque.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about holistic Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

Source: hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

Introducing MorningStar of San Jose

At MorningStar of San Jose, scheduled to open next spring, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area. We attribute our company’s success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we will be hiring a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. 

Our founding principles are based on “casting a new light” on senior living and treating each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily as we care for, inspire and love the residents under our roof. At MorningStar, we want seniors to recognize they are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream.

We take great pride in a reputation for excellence and authenticity in both how we serve and why we serve throughout our MorningStar communities across 11 states. Specializing in compassionate care delivered by our distinguished team and guided by our proprietary program “Radiance,” we know the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our talents, time and energy. 

As people are living longer than any other time in history (by 2055 90 million Americans will be 55+ and the number of people 75 to 85 is set to triple), senior living is quickly becoming a popular option for older adults. Residents appreciate predictable budgeting, resort-style amenities and services, companionship and a home where they can safely age in place.

Seniors’ wellbeing, comfort and safety are something MorningStar of San Jose takes very seriously.  Our beautiful community will offer 69 private assisted living suites as well as 34 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are equipped with emergency call systems to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.     

MorningStar Senior Living takes pride in the reputation our communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve.  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 to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in San Jose.

What to Expect from Assisted Living

For many families, assisted living is a new concept and they don’t know if it would meet their loved one’s needs. While services may depend on where you live, there are similarities regardless of your zip code. The first thing families should understand is assisted living is not skilled nursing care but rather intended for seniors who require a “helping hand” with daily care activities. Seniors need to understand assisted living does not take away their independence but rather enhances it.  

Assisted living communities offer an environment to safely age in place while receiving an array of senior care services, companionship and programs to improve quality of life. Residents enjoy not having to worry about home maintenance and yard work as well as preparing meals and driving. Assisted living communities are maintenance-free and provide meals and scheduled transportation to medical appointments or trips to area malls, restaurants and shops. 

Another big benefit to assisted living is the resident no longer feels like a burden to their family. Now when a son or daughter comes for a visit, it is just that. There isn’t a list of chores to do or the need to help with personal care or meal prep but time can be spent enjoying one another. 

When you are searching for assisted living, one of the services listed should include help with the ADLs (activities of daily). ADLs include things like medication management, bathing, dressing, grooming, transference (help getting in and out of bed to wheelchair, walker etc.)  As an incoming resident, your loved one’s level of care will be based on the ADLs to create a Personalized Care Plan.    

At MorningStar at Observatory Park, we provide a full range of senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs to engage residents physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Visit our website for more information about our new assisted living and memory care community in South Denver. Excitement is growing as we will be opening for residents soon.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Denver.

Gifts for a Loved One with Dementia

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

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

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

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

MorningStar at North Ridge provides compassionate care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our unique approach to memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the individual essence of each resident, and our energy is put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  Along with individualized care plans, residents participate in wellness programs and services tailored to their special needs.  Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care in Albuquerque.

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 us to learn more about exceptional memory care in Albuquerque

Does Your Parent Have Serious Memory Problems?

If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time.  Medical experts recommend doing some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, in order to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is.  You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parents.  

Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms.  This is why you need to sit down and have a talk with your parents about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam.   

Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and try to keep your voice calm.  Pick a time and place where you will not be interrupted and be sure to include in your homework different care options in case they ask.  Also, be ready to talk less and listen more as they may have also been worried about some of the changes they have been experiencing.  However, keep in mind it is common for a person to be confused, in denial, and/or withdraw.  

At MorningStar at West Valley in San Jose, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating, and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. Every aspect of our memory care addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals.  Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at West Valley 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 visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care in San Jose.

Learn More About MorningStar at Observatory Park

For exceptional memory care or assisted living, the new MorningStar at Observatory Park in South Denver offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  Our community offers 60 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 23 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.     

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company.  We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one.  You will also find links discussing affordability and Aid & Attendance for veterans as well as other options such as companion living.  

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy.  Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services.  

While this is just a portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, email, Facebook, or use our Virtual Assistant that lets you start a live chat.  We look forward to hearing from you and are ready to serve.  

MorningStar Senior Living is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Denver.

The Highest Risk Factor for a Fall is a Previous Fall

Many of us have heard about or know a senior who has had a fall that led to a serious injury. Each year statistics report one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury; and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. Annually, falls result in 32,000 senior deaths. 

The Harvard Medical School reports the highest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. While a senior may have fallen or tripped and not thought much about it, as they only twisted an ankle or didn’t sustain a serious injury, the event may be a precursor to another fall. 

There are things seniors can do to protect themselves from a fall and it starts by being aware of any risk factors you may have including vision and hearing problems, which can make a fall more likely. Experts say stiff joints can hamper your gait and balance and make it easier to fall, as do certain medications for blood pressure and antihistamines. As a deficiency in vitamin D decreases a person’s bone mineral density and strength of the bones, it too can cause instability and raise the risk for a fall. Experts report even something as unrelated as a head cold or the flu can cause dizziness and increase your risk.  

To help boost core strength and improve balance, talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of exercises to do. Other steps to decrease the likelihood of a fall are to keep moving to loosen stiff joints and help build strength, wear sensible shoes and remove home hazards. Finally make sure your home has plenty of good lighting.  

MorningStar of San Jose is one of MorningStar’s newest senior living communities offering our unique brand of assisted living with all the services, amenities, and wellness programs needed to enhance quality of life for our residents. In addition, we provide holistic memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We open in the spring of 2023 and are happy to help you reserve your select suite today. Please ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in San Jose.

A Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Also Affects Family and Friends

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is not only difficult for the person but affects their spouse, children, other family members and anyone who cares for them. However, experts say it is important to remember the person who is most affected, and if they ask you what is wrong, you should be honest and simply tell them. It may even give the person a sense of relief to know they are not insane and there is an explanation as to what is happening to them. 

That being said, medical professionals recommend if you can, have the person’s physician tell them but remember, a person afflicted with Alzheimer’s is forgetful, especially regarding new information. This means they will probably ask again (and again) what is wrong with them and it will be up to you to tell them. Doctors advise you to give a brief explanation.

Additionally, the rest of the family needs to be told as well as the person’s friends. Doctors say often he or she will appear to be healthy especially in the early stages so it is only fair to let others know so they do not mistake “odd” behaviors for craziness or meanness. 

Another reason it is helpful for people to know about the person’s condition is they can do some research on how to best respond and communicate with their loved one or friend. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says to:

Give simple, step-by-step instructions.

Repeat instructions and allow more time for a response. Try not to interrupt.

Not talk about the person as if he or she isn't there.

Not talk to the person using “baby talk” or a “baby voice.”    

At Morningstar at West Valley, our entire community is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Every aspect of our home is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, they deserve the best memory care in San Jose. Please visit our website to learn more about our new community in San Jose.

MorningStar at West Valley 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 visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care in San Jose.

Sources: 

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-should-you-tell-someone-who-has-alzheimers-disease

nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving-changes-communication-skills

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of San Jose

At MorningStar, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating and we want San Jose area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. Our new community will offer loving, compassionate care to those with memory impairment in our Reflections Neighborhood. While new to San Jose, we are not new to senior living and specialize in caring for our most tender residents within our 30+ communities across eleven states.  MorningStar of San Jose is scheduled to open in the spring of 2023.

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, the Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.         

Along with our memory care, we will offer assisted living as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in San Jose.

Stem Cell Therapy to Treat Osteoarthritis

Researchers say a future of hip or knee “replacements” done without surgery may be on the horizon. By employing a combination of drugs and stem-cell therapies, it may be possible to “repair cartilage before osteoarthritis sets in or an operation is needed.”  

Osteoarthritis, commonly afflicting the elderly, is a degenerative disease attributed to "wear and tear" but can also be caused by earlier sports injuries, obesity and other trauma to the cartilage around the knee, hip or shoulder joints. Experts explain the loss of cartilage, which does not have its own blood supply or nerves, limits its ability to mend itself and is the major cause of joint pain and arthritis affecting over 32.5 million people in the U.S. In 2017 alone, there were 754,000 knee replacements done and 448,000 hip replacements.  

Michael Longaker, a professor of surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and co-director of its Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, explains the goal of his research is to not wait for osteoarthritis to develop, but to halt the degenerative process so people never need to have a joint replaced. His team’s focus is on programming stem cells to become cartilage cells. Other researchers are working to develop drugs that stop the progression of “wear and tear” on joints. Researchers are also looking at methods to “effectively deliver new cells and compounds” as well as designing materials to help new cells integrate with existing tissue. Scientists admit they still have a ways to go before they will have alternative therapies in place but remain optimistic. 

If you are looking at retirement communities in Denver, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Observatory Park.  Opening soon, we will have 60 private stylish suites for assisted living and another 23 suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our residents will enjoy healthy, delicious meals served all-day in our full-service dining room, luxury amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship.  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 one of the finest retirement communities in Denver.

Source:wsj.com/articles/a-knee-or-hip-replacement-without-surgery-its-on-the-horizon-11631196055

Stretching Exercises Can Increase Flexibility, Improve Balance and Relieve Pain

For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”  

Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do for their independence. If you are unable to get up from a chair or out of bed each morning, you will need assistance. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain.

It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five- or ten-minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. 

For luxury senior living, MorningStar of San Jose is sure to please.  Our new community provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help stay fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. To learn more about our wide range of resort-style alzheimers care amenities and services, please visit our website.  

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.

A Holistic View of Health at MorningStar’s Community in South Denver

For outstanding assisted living, seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Observatory Park, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place.  By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one other to ensure each resident get the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.  

We are also proud that our assisted living residents’ benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand.  It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR trained staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management. Furthermore, we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as other onsite therapeutic services.    

Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Our new senior living community includes 60 stylish suites for assisted living and another 23 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

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 living in Denver.

Finding the Best Care for a Loved One with Memory Impairment

Searching for a memory care facility for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

MorningStar at West Valley is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our residential home is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care facility in San Jose. 
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about our new memory care facility in San Jose.

MorningStar at Observatory Park Provides Compassionate Memory Care

Opening soon in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver, MorningStar at Observatory Park will offer compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Observatory Park a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more our beautiful new assisted living and memory care community in Denver.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Denver