Finding the Best Memory Care Community for a Loved One

The overall environment of a memory care community is important to your loved one’s well being and should be able to address their unique needs and personality. While in-person tours used to be the norm, during the pandemic communities went to virtual tours, and many still offer those along with regular onsite visits. 

A Place for Mom offers several tips on what to look for when you tour a memory care community. To start with, does the community address your loved one’s mobility issues? Relying on your senses, does the home appear clean without lingering bad odors? During a virtual or in-person tour, ask to see a room like the one your family member will occupy. Are you happy with the amount of windows, lightening and decor?

Your next concern should be about security and safety. Does the home have secure doors and rooms equipped with emergency alert systems, handicap-accessible bathrooms and color-coded hallways to make navigation easy? Is there adequate staffing during the day as well as nighttime, and what medical services are available? 

Ask questions regarding the training staff receive particularly in regards to dementia care. If possible, can you and your loved one join the community for a meal? Not only does that give you the chance to taste the food but to interact with other residents. Does the home have a weekly activities’ calendar, and can you both attend one of the activities or classes? Lastly, A Place for Mom recommends trusting your instincts as you know your loved one the best.   

MorningStar Memory Care at North Ridge offers holistic care in Albuquerque for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  As a resident, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from compassionate, trained care managers, daily health monitoring, access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers. They will also engage in daily, meaningful activities. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the philosophy that guides our care.

MorningStar at North Ridge represents the very best in memory care with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest”.  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting.  Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community.

A Link between Hearing Loss and Dementia

JAMA Neurology recently added to the growing body of evidence showing a link between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The new study found treating hearing loss with hearing aids may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 19%. In fact researchers say hearing loss may be the biggest treatable factor for dementia. An article in AARP explains what may cause the link between hearing loss and dementia. 

The first theory regards socialization. Scientists say once a person starts having more difficulty being in a group of people and following the conversation, they may avoid such social gatherings. This in turn can lead to isolation, which in itself is problematic as less social engagement as well as less cognitively stimulating activities and depression are risk factors for dementia. 

Secondly, coping with hearing loss means the person is constantly working to sort out sounds and make sense of what is being said. The brain now may have “fewer resources (brain power) to help preserve thinking and memory abilities.” Scientists also believe hearing loss causes the brain to be less stimulated with sound information, which is linked with parts of the brain shrinking and atrophying faster with the chronic deprivation.  

While experts agree we still need more studies regarding the link between hearing loss and a higher risk for dementia, they do know that addressing a hearing issue with hearing aids is beneficial for the person’s overall quality of life. Moreover there are no negative medical issues associated with the devices.    

The new MorningStar at West Valley was developed by award-winning architects and designers to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents suffering from memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our memory care is designed around the needs of residents through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s approach to Memory Care, which incorporates Montessori-based therapies to help elevate and celebrate life. 

MorningStar at West Valley’s memory care facility will open to residents in spring 2023. Visit our website today to reserve a select suite for your loved one and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

New Treatments for UTIs

While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often thought of as a common problem for younger women, experts say UTIs are just as frequent in older women. In fact although statistic show half of all women experience a UTI during their lifetime, Nicole De Nisco, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Dallas whose lab research focuses on persistent UTIs in postmenopausal women, says recurrent UTIs are actually more common in older women. Recurrent infections are defined as two within six months or three within 12 months, and half of all postmenopausal women will develop recurrent infections. 

Symptoms include pain when urinating and/or pain in the pelvic region, cloudy urine and the need to make frequent trips to the bathroom but can varying from one person to another. Older women may not know they have a UTI as symptoms can range from fatigue to a general malaise, fever, achiness and forgetfulness.  

UTIs are infections in the urinary system and can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Sixty percent of UTIs in older women occur when bacteria from inside the bowel travel into the urinary tract. Other factors are a decrease in mobility, thinning of the vaginal wall or a vaginal prolapse, and lower levels of estrogen. 

If you had a UTI before the age of 15, you are at risk for frequent UTIs. Doctors encourage patients to try and be infection free for up to six months or more, but if you are symptomatic, see your healthcare provider. New thinking regarding UTIs is to only treat symptomatic infections with antibiotics. In the past, patients were given antibiotics even if they were asymptomatic every time bacteria were found in their urine. Doctors now recognize some bacteria help keep the urinary system healthy. However, consult with your doctor for the best course of treatment.       

Excitement is growing as one of the most desirable retirement communities in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver prepares to open to residents in spring 2023. MorningStar at Observatory Park offers 60 assisted living; and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood, has 23 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We look forward to helping you reserve your select suite and to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. 

Source:aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/causes-treatment-uti.html

Easy Ways to Relieve Stress

Most of us experience stress whether it is every once in a while or more consistently. Dr. Shalu Ramchandani, an integrative medicine specialist at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains an effective way to handle stress is to follow good health habits. He says this includes getting enough sleep (at least seven hours a night), eating a predominantly plant-based diet, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness and staying socially connected.

When in a stressful situation, take a few minutes to practice a simple breathing exercise, such as taking 10 very slow breaths in and out. Another technique is to imagine yourself in one of your favorite places like sitting on the beach listening to the waves come and go, and feeling a gentle breeze on your face. 

Stretching also relieves stress. Dr. Ramchandani says, "While sitting or standing, inhale and raise your arms overhead, lace your fingers together, stretch, release your fingers, and exhale as you lower your arms to each side. Repeat three times.”

Other ways to cope with stress include taking a brisk walk, and if possible, do it within a nature setting. Experts say watching a movie or a favorite episode of a comedy show that makes you laugh can reduce your stress hormones. Soothing music can have a calming influence but it is important to stay present in the music and not let your mind wander to the reason why you were feeling stressed. Doctors suggest try to avoid negative thinkers and to remember to be kind to yourself. 

The Denver area is home to several of MorningStar Senior Living’s retirement communities and is getting ready to add another. The new MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the desirable South Denver neighborhood and scheduled to open in spring 2023. Our senior living community offers assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays (from one week to a full month). As a resident, you will enjoy comprehensive care and hospitality services, 5-Star dining, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life. Please visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-ways-to-reduce-daily-stress

DU Families are Excited to Welcome a MorningStar Senior Living Community

Since we started constructing the new MorningStar at Observatory Park, area families have reached out to us to express their enthusiasm for a senior living community of MorningStar’s caliber joining the neighborhood. No doubt this comes from MorningStar’s reputation in the greater Denver area for compassionate senior care in a beautiful high-end residential environment. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the popular South Denver neighborhood and scheduled to open in spring of 2023. Our exceptional senior living community offers assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays (from one week to a full month). Along with comprehensive senior care and hospitality services, residents are offered a 5-Star dining service, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life.

While we have not yet opened to residents, we would like to share some first-hand impressions regarding MorningStar and our brand. One reviewer of the new MorningStar at Observatory Park writes, “I am impressed and it is not something I often say about a person or a place. MorningStar facilities are beautiful. My first career was in Long Term care facilities and they were nothing like MorningStar. The facilities are beautiful and well-staffed.”   

Another woman took the time to write about our Observatory Park location to say, “I am excited to see a MorningStar community in this area of Denver. All of the staff I've met are so kind-hearted and genuine. I know that loved ones will be in great care here.” 

We also heard from a neighborhood gentleman who wrote, “I just discovered this building driving by. Wow it looks stunning and what a location so close to DU! I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a senior living community, and as I am in the process of looking for my parents, this will be on the list!”

MorningStar’s high-end residential communities offer an environment distinguished by comfort, wellness and love and strive to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities. Please visit our website to reserve your select suite today and be sure to ask about savings for early depositors. 

How to Fight the Winter Blues

While it is hard to believe we are in December and almost to 2023, it also means we are at the time of year where we have more hours of darkness each day and less periods of natural sunlight. This can affect some negatively and cause the “winter blues.”

Feelings of sadness during wintertime or a more serious form of depression called SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can occur in some individuals year after year, which is why the NIH has funded research into the condition for over thirty years. Dr. Matthew Rudorfer, a mental health expert at NIH, explains the winter blues are fairly common and not a medical diagnosis. Fortunately the condition is usually mild and clears up in a short amount of time. Researchers found the winter blues are often linked to holiday reminders of loved ones no longer with us and/or the stress that goes along with the season.

On the other hand, SAD is a clinical diagnosis directly related to the decrease in daylight hours.  Rudorfer says, SAD “interferes with daily functioning typically during late autumn and winter and goes away during the spring and summer. A common form of treatment is light therapy, which includes sitting under a light box for thirty minutes each morning. Studies find as many as 70 percent of people report some improvement as quickly as a few weeks.   

Tips to treat the winter blues include getting outside on sunny days; earlier morning is best, or getting into brightly-lit spaces. Exercise is good for our spirits so take a walk or hike in the woods. Be social and confide your feelings to a trusted confidante. Doctors also suggest avoiding overloading on sugary food and eating a healthy diet of lean meats and fruits. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park will open to residents in spring 2023 and offers assisted living and memory care. Located in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver, we are situated among mature trees, lovely gardens and local eateries. The Porter Adventist Hospital and the Swedish Medical Center are close by. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. 

Source:newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues

Muscle Loss in Older Adults

The term sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of growing older. However it also may occur at a faster pace after prolonged periods of inactivity from injury, illness or the pain of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia causes muscle atrophy and brings on problems such as poor balance and greater weakness, which in turn, can result in more inactivity and increased risks for falls.   

Seniors with muscle atrophy may have difficulty reaching their arms upward, opening jars, typing on a keyboard or even tying shoes. The Harvard Medical School reports findings of a 2015 study on muscle loss in older men taking part in eight weeks of strength training. After stopping for two weeks, the men lost approximately 25 percent of their muscle gains.    

Jodi Klein, a physical therapist with Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests a few things you can do if you know you have a surgical procedure ahead of you that could cause muscle atrophy. She says if you are currently active, keep it up; if not, use this time to get started.  Klein explains, "The better shape you are in going into surgery, the better shape you will be coming out, and the less chance you have of enduring muscle loss." 

Older adults who want to regain muscle strength should talk to their health care provider about the best methods. Experts recommend an exercise routine that builds both upper and lower body strength. This could include weight training with dumbbells and resistance bands in conjunction with walking, swimming, and biking. If it would be helpful, think about turning to an expert to aid you in regaining strength.

At MorningStar at Observatory Park, we provide a level of assisted living to enable seniors to live independent lives. Our desirable location in the South Denver’s historic Observatory Park area offers a choice of 60 suites from studios to one- and two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, our distinctive Reflections Neighborhood provides 23 suites. Opening in spring of 2023, we invite you to visit our website to secure your select suite. Also be sure to ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/dont-let-muscle-mass-go-to-waste?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GB20221130-BodyWeight&utm_id=4484696&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=4484696

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.