Online Classes can Broaden a Senior’s World

For many seniors, mobility issues, no longer driving or not wanting to go outside during the cold winter months, can lead to boredom or feeling isolated. If you have gotten tired of endless games of solitaire on your computer or tablet, you should know the Internet has a lot more to offer seniors. 

Senior Planet sponsored by AARP is one option for targeted classes for older adults. Their calendar includes classes on finance, wellness, fitness, and computer and technology, and allows you to get in touch with a whole community of fellow life-long learners. Classes range from things like tai chi, chair yoga and building stronger bones to open discussions on topics such as the latest trends in technology or holistic wellness. Senior Planet’s calendar lists dates and times of classes and uses Zoom as a meeting platform. 

The Online Course Report offers a lineup of free courses that again just require a smartphone, tablet or computer. One highlighted class is called “The Path to Happiness and Good Quality of Life.” Instructor Graciela H. Tonon from the Universidad de Palermo, “goes over the concepts of happiness and quality of life for people through different stages in their life.” Another interesting offering is, “Art Essentials: Learn Watercolor Painting Basics.” All of their classes can be done at any time and designed to let you go at your own pace.

This is just a small sampling of the many free educational and entertaining offerings on the Internet targeted to seniors. We recommend also checking with your library for courses they may have available. 

The MorningStar at Observatory Park is a new senior living community scheduled to open in spring 2023. Located in the desirable South Denver neighborhood close to Observatory Park, we have 60 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide compassionate, all-inclusive services. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. Our premium suites are filling up fast.

How Seniors Can Manage Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are things that many people live with in this fast-paced world. However, for seniors, stress and anxiety can exacerbate a lot of health issues. This is why it is so important to know, as a senior, how to manage your stress and anxiety so that it is not managing you! Whether you live with family, or in senior housing in Everett, WA, stress/anxiety management is very important and helpful for your overall well-being. 

Journaling/Creativity

Journaling is a wonderful way to manage your stress and anxiety because it allows you to be completely honest and raw with your thoughts and feelings in a safe place. However, don’t feel obligated to write things down in words if that’s not what comes naturally. You can use a journal for making drawings or paintings, and even as a planner to help you be able to plan your days. Your journal is personal to you, so don’t feel like you need to use it in a certain way. The main idea is to use your journal as a way to get your emotions out instead of bottling them up and becoming stressed and anxious about them. 

Mindful Movement

Mindful movement is something that is exercise, but requires you to be just a little more mindful than typical repetitive exercises like situps or lifting weights. Things like yoga, tai chi, pilates, etc. are all examples of mindful movement. These types of exercises can help you relax, work on your breathing, and give you the benefits of regular exercise when practiced consistently. Each of these exercises is different, so you may need to try a few different ones before you find the one that works best for you. However, don’t give up if tai chi isn’t for you—maybe yoga or pilates is! Many seniors who live in assisted living in Everett participate in these kinds of classes, so just ask around your community to see what’s offered nearby. 

Know The Signs

If you don’t know the signs of stress and anxiety, you won’t even know that you need to do something about it. Signs of stress and anxiety are different for everyone, but there are a few signs that are very common. With just a little self-reflection and honesty, you should be able to know whether or not you need to find ways to cope with stress/anxiety for the sake of your health. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:

• Back Pain

• Concentration Issues

• Crying 

• Difficulty Making Decisions

• Heart Palpitations

• Indigestion

• Irritability/Edginess

• Tension Headaches

(Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/stress/stress-relief-tips-for-older-adults)

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Everett, WA has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake provides outstanding assisted living and independent living.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor if You are Experiencing Memory Problems

If you or a loved one is having memory problems, experts say it is important to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine what is going on. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, a treatment plan will need to be created. However as Alzheimer’s is a progress disease, it is important to understand the plan will most-likely need to be updated and amended.   

The Alzheimer’s Association explains the individual and their family members should be told of all available options along with the benefits and risks as the treatment plan evolves. The plan should take into account the person’s age and overall health, current medical conditions, treatment goals and the severity of symptoms and how they are impacting the person’s life. Another important consideration is the living situation of the person and the availability of the support they need. 

To get started on a personalized treatment plan, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of questions you can ask of your medical team. These include determining if medications will interfere with drugs already being taken for other medical conditions. Also ask about possible side effects and what to look for; and if the person experiences any, does it mean they will not be able to continue taking the drug? In addition are there any problems with starting one drug and beginning another?

Another question to ask the doctor is how much time is needed before it can be determined if the medication is working. Moreover, is there a time when it should be stopped? 

If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and you are seeking the finest memory care, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar Memory Care at San Tomas. Our website offers lots of information regarding our memory care facility but we are available to answer any questions. We open to residents in spring and look forward to helping you reserve your select suite as we are NOW LEASING. Please ask us about Early Depositor Incentives.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/questions-for-your-doctor

Experts Vote on Best 2023 Diets

The U.S. News & World Report says statistics show that while over half of all Americans followed a diet in the past year, only 20 percent of them were able to keep the weight off for more than 12 months. Moreover according to the International Food Information Council, consumers in the U.S. spend 33 billion dollars annually on their diet plan. 

This prompted the U.S. News & World Report to once again ask a panel of leading medical doctors, registered dietary nutritionists and nutritional epidemiologists specializing in diseases like heart and diabetes as well as weight loss to rate various diets for overall effectiveness. Each diet was rated for healthiness, safety, ease of following and promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle to meet people’s various lifestyles and goals. Also the general consensus is fad diets just don't work and some can even be dangerous.

For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean Diet, which follows the eating habits of those surrounding the Mediterranean Sea including Greece and Italy, took first place with high scores for overall health and sustainable as well as weight loss. The diet is based on eating plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, beans, nuts, seafood, lean poultry and unsaturated fat from extra-virgin olive oil. 

The DASH Diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) took second place and is promoted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. It is intended to stop (or prevent) hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure. It too endorses a flexible, balanced and heart-healthy eating plan.

Tying the DASH Diet for second place is one you may not be as familiar with. The Flexitarian Diet is the marriage between pure vegetarianism most of the time with occasionally meat, seafood or poultry added on special occasions. Most of the diet’s protein comes from beans, eggs and peas. 

Experts say before you pick a diet, think about what worked or didn’t work for you the last time. Too restrictive diets can be hard to stick to, and the most effective and successful diets typically don’t consider any food off-limit.  

Opening in spring 2023, MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the desirable South Denver neighborhood just blocks from the iconic Observatory Park. Our senior living community offers assisted living with senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities to enhance quality of life for residents. We also provide 23 memory care suites for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Morning Star retirement communities are trusted for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

Source: health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall

Best Winter Activities for Seniors

Wintertime is a wonderful opportunity for seniors in assisted living in Everett to find fun activities to do when it is too cold to be outside a lot. Below, we’ve come up with some of the best winter activities for seniors to try out; whether they live independently, or with assistance.

Seed Starting

Winter is the perfect time for some indoor seed starting to prepare for springtime! All you need are some herb or wildflower seeds, some healthy soil, water, and small cups. Then, seeds can be placed in soil-filled cups with a little water. Leave your seeds where they can get some sun, and watch them sprout! A bonus tip is that your cups can be reused from washed yogurt cups and/or other recyclables to reduce waste. 

Scrapbooking

The winter season is usually full of holidays for many people. This is a great time to put together any pictures that have been taken for these holidays—and even throughout the year! Seniors can make fun photo albums of their families; or work together to make an album of the fun things they have done with their senior housing in Everett, WA community. Creativity is a great way to pass time, stimulate the brain, and bring joy to share with the entire family and community!

Snow Globes

Mason jars, glitter, glue, and wintery miniatures are all you need for some gorgeous, homemade snow globes! Seniors can make or choose the miniatures they want to use, then glue them to the inside of the jar lid. Next, all they have to do is fill their jars with glitter, sequins, confetti, etc. and some water. Lastly, screw the decorated lid on and enjoy all the beautiful snow globes!

Book Club

Reading is fun all year long, but wintertime is absolutely perfect for getting cozy with a good book. Senior living communities can add a book club to their list of winter activities to help encourage the community to come together and learn about each other as well as the book they choose. It can be helpful to have a list of books to choose from, so the community can vote on which book they want to read first; then you can hold a new vote with the rest of the list so that everyone can have their favorite book read in the group.

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 the finest senior housing Everett, WA has to offer.

Our Specialized Memory Care Community Opens Soon

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may be at the point where they need more care than they can get living at home in order to ensure their safety and well-being. We know you will want the finest memory care available, which is why we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar at San Tomas, a community dedicated to caring for individuals with memory impairment diseases. 

Our luxury community offers a choice of 42 studio or companion suites within our two-story community as well as inviting common areas throughout each floor. Each level offers a dining room, life enrichment room and community living room. Other amenities include a sky terrace on the second level, fitness center, salon and more.   

MorningStar’s Memory Care is guided by Lavender Sky, our proprietary signature program; and all of our dementia care specialists complete thorough training to help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love. Our daily routine is personalized based on the results of a query with the resident and their family called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” and is adapted to the person’s mood or situation. Activities include listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, arts and crafts, and celebrating special events.

While our new community is scheduled to open this spring, MorningStar has senior living communities across the Western US including several in CA. Our company was started in 2003 based on the idea of “casting a new light” on senior living by Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wished to establish his own brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Thus we honor all spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person and strive each day to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. 

Call us to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and use our “a closer look” tab to take a virtual tour of MorningStar at San Tomas. Visit our website for details regarding exclusive savings for early depositors.

Know the Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria.

In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.”

The Harvard Medical School explains our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. Although a diet high in sugar and fats can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bacteria, allowing them to grow faster and colonize more easily, without as many helpful bacteria to prevent it from happening. 

Research shows certain foods like yogurt and kefirs with live, active cultures are beneficial to adding to our microbiome. Unpasteurized, fermented foods like kombucha, miso, sauerkraut and sour pickles contain healthy microbes but most packaged fermented foods are pasteurized, which destroys the microbes. The best way to get around that is to look up recipes to ferment foods at home.

Experts say while there are many probiotic supplements on the market, it is not easy to find exactly what you need. Most probiotic supplements contain just a few bacterial strains, compared to the approximately 3,000 or so stains naturally found in the gut. Also some bacteria are better suited to treat certain conditions but a general guideline is to purchase one with both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park senior living community is one of the area’s newest retirement communities, and specializes in providing seniors with “a little help” to enable them to live as independently as possible. Our unique location in South Denver’s historic Observatory Park area offers both assisted living and memory care.  Visit our website today and ask about savings for early depositors; we open to residents in spring 2023.

Source: healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics

MorningStar at North Ridge Offers Exceptional Memory Care

MorningStar at North Ridge is proud to offer exceptional specialized, loving memory care in Albuquerque.  Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, operates senior living communities across eleven states.  This means MorningStar at North Ridge benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained over their 19 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling - our privilege – to provide care to our most tender residents.  By devoting our entire community to memory care, residents can explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  While a secure building, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding; with safe and inviting common areas both indoors and out. Each resident receives an individualized service plan to provide the care, programs, and activities they need as well as specially prepared, nutritious meals.

We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it.  MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to this kind of supported living is encompassed under the breadth of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Thus, each day we strive to thoughtfully “enter, embrace and explore” the world of dementia.  All our team members regardless of their position receive training in Lavender Sky, which gives them an expanded set of tools to provide residents with extraordinary care.      

MorningStar at North Ridge offers 38 suites with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms, with a choice of studio and one-bedroom floorplans. Please visit our website to learn more about our dedicated and compassionate dementia care.  We consider it an honor to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey.

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 in Albuquerque.

Walking Helps Improve Balance

Many seniors are aware of the fact that a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance. 

The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider.  

Whether you are fairly active or living a sedentary lifestyle, experts say to remember minutes are more important than miles. If you are unused to exercise, start at the beginning. Also wear a good walking shoe, and if you use a cane or walker, use it. Again experts say it is safer to walk with a buddy and to bring along a cell phone. Walk in a place with an even surface, and especially in the beginning, stay close to home.  Once you start feeling more confident, add more minutes to your routine. 

For seniors who are already walking, try adding a few more minutes to your routine or a more challenging route. Experts say the overall goal should be to do at least 150 minutes a week. To add strength training exercises and workouts to improve balance, ask your doctor for advice on how to get started. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park is a new senior living community in South Denver’s Observatory Park area and promises to be one of the finest retirement communities in Denver. Our new 85,000-square-foot, 5-story community is designed to promote residents’ independence with a range of senior care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities. We offer 60 suites for assisted living residents, and our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 23 memory care suites to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We open to residents in spring 2023 and encourage you to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. Our premium suites are filling fast so contact us today to reserve your select suite. 

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia don’t have to give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. 

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.   

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.   

At MorningStar at North Ridge, we offer families trusted, compassionate Alzheimer’s care. After a thorough evaluation, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to address personal needs and provide a gentle flow of purposeful activities.  We feel it is our job to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar at North Ridge brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to value, 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 for more information about exceptional Alzheimer’s care in Albuquerque.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan

A Positive Look at Growing Older

Most people see aging as a negative process. They view it as a time when their bodies start to fail them and they can no longer do the things they love. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many positive aspects of growing older that are often overlooked. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of being a senior!

The Close-Knit Community of Seniors

One of the best things about senior living is being part of a tight-knit community of seniors. Living alongside peers with similar backgrounds can be an incredibly valuable experience. It gives you the opportunity to form meaningful relationships and make new friends. You’ll have someone to go to for advice or just to have a good time with. Furthermore, being part of a senior living community, such as MorningStar at Silver Lake can also give you a sense of purpose. In this type of environment, you'll find plenty of activities and volunteer opportunities to get involved in. This can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, while also allowing you to make a positive impact in your community. 

The Opportunities for Growth and Learning: 

Another great thing about senior living is that it provides an array of learning opportunities. Seniors can take advantage of classes and lectures that give them the opportunity to stay mentally engaged. You can learn about new subjects, hone your skills in existing subjects, or just enjoy some leisurely reading. As we age, our brains may slow down, but we can still find ways to enhance our mental faculties. Even if you’re a senior, there’s no reason why you can’t keep learning and growing. 

It’s important to recognize the many positive aspects of senior living. Growing older doesn’t necessarily have to mean feeling worn down and unmotivated. Instead, there are many joys and opportunities that come with aging, such as more free time to pursue hobbies and interests. Seniors also have the pleasure of participating in a close-knit community and furthering their learning. By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure that you make the most out of your senior years.

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Everett WA’s MorningStar at Silver Lake may be your answer.

The Best Things About Senior Living

Being a senior has benefits that you might not have thought of. For example, seniors have more time to enjoy their hobbies and interests. They also have lower stress levels and more time to spend with family and friends. In addition, seniors often have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they can share with others.

If you are approaching retirement age or are already a senior citizen, then it’s time to start looking at the positive aspects of aging. Keep reading to learn more about the best things about senior living!

The Joys of Growing Older

One of the most enjoyable aspects of growing older is having more free time. Whereas younger people often feel chained to their professional lives, seniors usually have more flexibility to pursue their interests. Whether that means picking up a new hobby, traveling to new places, or just soaking up some sun, seniors have the privileged opportunity to enjoy every minute. Another benefit of growing older is that seniors often experience lower levels of stress. When we get older, we have fewer job responsibilities and life commitments. As a result, we are able to take a step back and focus more on enjoying life. We also have the opportunity to reevaluate our life priorities and pursue activities that bring us joy. Senior living communities such as MorningStar at Silver Lake offer a plethora of activities and opportunities that allow seniors to socialize and enjoy life from a different perspective.

The Value of Elder Wisdom

Another major advantage of senior living is gaining access to the wisdom of elders. As we age, we gain valuable experience that often grants us deeper insights into the world. Whether in career, social, or romantic relationships, our advice is often sought out by those who are younger. Life’s challenges become less daunting when we have someone with more experience to turn to for advice. Seniors can offer up meaningful advice and support to younger generations, bridging the gap between generations. They can also offer a sense of stability to those who feel lost or confused. 

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Everett WA’s MorningStar at Silver Lake may be your answer.

What is Independent Living

Independent living, also known as retirement living, is a popular lifestyle choice for seniors who want to maintain their independence while having access to amenities, social activities, and assistance when needed. Independent living communities such as MorningStar at Silver Lake provide seniors with a maintenance-free lifestyle so they can enjoy their retirement years. 

Residents have the freedom to come and go as they please, and they can take part in a variety of social activities and events, not to mention, they don’t have to worry about yard work, home repairs, or maintenance tasks. Additionally, many independent living communities offer a variety of services and amenities, such as housekeeping, transportation, and 24-hour security.

Independent Living at MorningStar at Silver Lake

MorningStar at Silver Lake is the perfect choice for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement years. We offer a retirement lifestyle that is active, engaging, and fun. Our community is designed for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement years. We offer a variety of social activities and events, such as exercise classes, game nights, and outings to local attractions. Our transportation services make it easy for residents to get around, and our housekeeping services allow them to live maintenance-free.

At MorningStar at Silver Lake we offer a fitness center, billiards and game room, computer lounge, and we are proud to offer an all-day, restaurant-style dining for our residents. We offer a variety of suites with many different spacious floor plans, handicap-accessible bathrooms, community laundry rooms, private heating, and all interior/exterior maintenance, among many other services and amenities. This allows our residents to age in place and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

Assisted Living at MorningStar at Silver Lake

We also offer assisted living in our senior living community. Assisted living is more suitable for seniors who only need a little bit of assistance with the activities of daily living while still retaining their independence. We have a care team that is available 24 hours a day to provide assistance, and our staff can help residents with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication management if needed. Please contact us to learn more.

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 independent living and assisted living in Everett, WA.

Studies Find a Link between Vitamin D & Cognitive Decline

Researchers are working hard to find the cause of Alzheimer’s as well as more effective treatments. The Medical News Today reports statistics show an estimated 6 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the US; and it is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Moreover the number is set to grow to 13 million by 2050 due to the country’s aging population. 

For the first time, an observational study has investigated the presence of vitamin D in the brain and its potential effect on cognitive outcomes. Before this study, scientists had been unsure if vitamin D was even present in the brain at all in spite of other research, which suggested a link between high blood levels of vitamin D and an association with less cognitive decline or dementia. The Tufts University in Massachusetts’s lead author, Kyla Shea, Ph.D. explains their observational study “found better cognitive function is associated with people who have higher concentrations of vitamin D in their brains.” 

The study reports finding “vitamin D in the mid-temporal cortex, mid-frontal cortex, the cerebellum and anterior watershed white of the brain, all of which have been implicated in different types and stages of dementia, including AD and dementia with Lewy bodies.” However the study researchers say there needs to be a larger study to further investigate the matter. 

For families in the San Jose area in need of trusted memory care, please consider MorningStar at West Valley. Our new memory care facility is designed from the ground up to care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and is equipped to care for them from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We are located in West San Jose with easy access to I-280 and the San Tomas Expressway and close to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital. Visit our website to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. We will open in spring 2023. 

Source: 

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-risk-low-levels-vitamin-d-linked-to-poor-cognitive-function?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=dedicated&utm_content=2022-12-11&apid=32549197&rvid=e3b0c44298fc1c149afbf4c8996fb92427ae41e4649b934ca495991b7852b855

What To Expect When Moving Your Loved One Into an Assisted Living Facility - Part 2

There are a number of things to consider when making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility. The most important thing is to ensure that the facility you choose is the right fit for your loved one’s needs.

A New Routine

After your loved one moves in, it is important to establish a daily routine. This will help your loved one to develop a sense of normality and comfort in their new environment. It is important to set and maintain regular visiting hours. This will help to keep your relationship with your loved one strong and will be beneficial for both parties. Encourage positive activities such as taking part in the activities offered by the facility or going for walks in the garden. Spend quality time with your loved one and try to make them feel at home.

The Staff and Care Team

Most assisted living facilities will have an on-site staff and care team to assist residents in their day-to-day activities. The team is there to make sure that your loved one is comfortable and getting the best possible care. They can also provide information and support with any medical or care needs that may arise. It is important to have a good rapport with the staff and care team, as they will be the ones taking care of your loved one.

Building a Community

Most assisted living facilities have regular activities and events that help create a sense of community. Making friends and building relationships can help to make the transition easier. Encourage your loved one to take part in the activities that are being offered and introduce them to the other residents. This can help create a stronger bond and will help them feel more at ease in their new home.

Staying Connected

Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility does not mean that you will no longer be involved in their life. In fact, it can provide an opportunity for you to have more quality time together. There are many ways to stay connected with your loved one: Make regular visits, call them on the phone, or send them cards or letters. This will help to keep the communication open and will show your loved one that you still care. Overall, transitioning your loved one into an assisted living facility can be a difficult but rewarding experience. It is important to take the time to research the facilities in your area, visit a few, and get to know the staff and care team. It is also important to set up a daily routine, create a sense of community, and stay connected with your loved one. With the right preparation and support, your loved one can have a safe and comfortable transition.

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

Explore Your Options for Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s is one of those progressive diseases where needs continue to evolve and change, and it is important to address those changes with the appropriate care. The Alzheimer’s Association advises families that there is not a one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to Alzheimer's care; but rather to take a close look at your own unique family situation. They also say to recognize decisions regarding care are not easy. 

Some of the options families may need include in-home care, respite care, all-day adult centers, hospice care and long-term care. All of these require time to ensure they provide the level of care a loved one needs. Experts recommend trying to include the person with Alzheimer’s into the decision making process as much as possible. 

The Alzheimer’s Association says often a person in the early stages of the disease can live alone but in the middle stages typically 24/7 care is needed. During the most advanced stages, intensive around-the-clock care is required. If it is time for long-term care, you will want the area’s finest memory care facility. Experts say look for a program that treats the whole person and has an environment in which they can feel independent and safe. 

Questions families should think about beforehand are the level of care the person needs. Does it include assistance with toileting, bathing and eating or/and mobility issues? Other things to consider are the type of supervision the person needs, and do they have medical conditions that require specialized care or need assistance with medications. 

Families in and around the San Jose area are encouraged to consider the new MorningStar Memory Care at West Valley. While our community may be new, MorningStar has several dozen senior living communities across the Western US. Our holistic approach to memory care includes Personalized Service Plans to address individual needs and a gentle flow of daily activities to calm or stimulate as situations warrant. 

Visit our website for more information and to talk to our team about trusted dementia care. We open in spring 2023 and invite you to reserve a select suite today. Ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.

What To Expect When Moving Your Loved One Into an Assisted Living Facility - Part 1

Making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility is never easy. It can be a difficult and emotional time for both you and your loved one, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone – there are many people who have gone through this experience and can offer support and advice.

In this article, we will provide an overview of what you can expect when making the transition to an assisted living facility. We will also offer some tips on how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The Decision to Move

Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility is a difficult one. It is important to take the time to discuss the move with your loved one, giving them the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. It is also important to consider their overall health and care needs. Do they require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing? Do they need help managing their medications or chronic health conditions? Are they a danger to themselves or others around them? It is also important to include them in the decision-making process to some extent. Give them the freedom to choose their own room or find activities to keep them busy. You may even want to go and visit a facility together before making any final decisions.

Picking the Right Facility

Selecting the right facility is key to ensuring a successful transition. It is important to research facilities in your area and visit a few to get a better sense of their services and offerings. When visiting the facilities, ask questions about the staff, the services offered, and the facility itself. It is also important to consider the cost and what type of financial assistance is available. In addition, take some time to meet with some of the other residents to get a better sense of the community and overall atmosphere of the facility. This will help you to make an informed decision about the best fit for your loved one.

The Move-In Day

Once you have found the right facility, it will be time to start packing. Depending on the size of the facility and the climate of the area, you may want to bring extra clothes, blankets, and necessities such as shampoo, toothpaste, and soap. Move-in day can be a difficult but exciting time. Be sure to give yourself and your loved one plenty of time to get settled. Don’t rush the process and take your time to get familiar with the surroundings. Be sure to bring meaningful items, such as photographs or items from home to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff and other residents questions, as they will be able to help make the transition smoother.

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

When Older Adults Lose a Spouse, It may have Unexpected Consequences

It is hard to see someone we care about lose a beloved life partner; but as concerned family members or friends, we should know becoming a widow or widower as an older adult is associated with a higher risk for cognitive problems. CNN recently reported on an article from the journal JAMA Network Open regarding one such study. Researchers  found “over a three-year period, cognitive abilities declined three times faster in windowed adults with high levels of beta-amyloid – a key marker for Alzheimer’s – than in married people with equally high levels.”  

Researchers explain the association of widowhood and amyloid were compounded, not simply additive, indicating widowhood is a specific risk factor for cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease. However other experts caution this was a small study. They say it could be mild memory loss that was already present beforehand but was not obvious when the person had the support of a loving spouse. Both the steady companionship and socialization may have helped them stay emotionally engaged.   

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends widows and widowers make an effort to follow guidelines for decreasing their risk for Alzheimer’s, which includes exercising, engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, eating a healthy diet, managing stress levels and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers explain while different types of stress may not be entirely equal; the significant impact of widowhood is one that requires further study. 

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, MorningStar at West Valley is a trusted dementia care facility. Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate community, and to contact our team with any questions you may have regarding our holistic memory care. Once you have made a decision to entrust your loved one to our care, we encourage you to secure your select suite and be sure to ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. We open to residents in spring 2023. 

Source: 

cnn.com/2020/02/26/health/alzheimers-dementia-widowhood-wellness/index.html#:~:text=Even%20for%20those%20without%20beta,progression%2C”%20the%20study%20concluded

Feel More Connected to a Loved One Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease

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

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

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

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

MorningStar at North Ridge provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our community offers a setting specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behavior of those with memory impairment. Residents have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs and purposeful activities as well as special events.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about Alzheimer’s care at MorningStar. 

MorningStar at North Ridge represents the very best in Alzheimer’s 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.

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

Did the Holidays Make You Aware Mom or Dad May Need More Care?

If so, you are not alone. Senior living experts say the holidays are a common way adult children realize mom or dad are not doing as well as they thought living on their own. Since it is the time of year we typically spend together as well as may have family members living out of state seeing the parent in-person for the first time in a while, it is easier to notice changes. 

If the family is surprised to discover a parent is not doing well living alone, don’t feel bad as many senior living communities report a heightened interest in getting mom or dad into a community after the holidays. Experts say look at the time spent together as just another preventive measure to ensure mom or dad are okay and that they have not experienced a noticeable decline in their physical or mental health.          

In 2020, the Joint Center for Housing Studies reported a list of things family members can look for in terms of the well-being of an older adult who lives alone. They found, “Single older adults living alone, are more likely to report difficulties with mobility (walking or climbing stairs), self-care (bathing, dressing, and getting around the home), and independent living (conducting errands such as shopping or visiting a doctor) than those of the same age living as couples. Other signs mom or dad are not doing well include unintended weight loss or problems taking medications. 

If you do have a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and it is time for more comprehensive care to ensure their safety and well-being, please consider the new MorningStar at West Valley. Our website has a virtual tour of what our memory care facility will look like once it opens to residents in the first quarter of 2023 along with lots of information about our philosophy and mission statement, MorningStar’s history and more. Once you decide to entrust MorningStar with the care of your loved one, we encourage you to reserve a select suite and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors.