MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

MorningStar offers services and senior amenities that focus on important aspects of senior wellness and safety for the best senior living experience. Foundations like physical health, mental stimulation, and a  safe community are all held to high importance within our assisted living facilities.  Community safety in senior living can be one of the most important things to consider when picking a facility for your parents or loved one. Explore the safety features and protocols that MorningStar practices in their senior living homes below. Fall Safety Unintentional falls are one of the most common causes of injuries for seniors. Some falls can be so bad that many seniors can find themselves in the hospital for serious hip or head injuries. As a senior living community, MorningStar pays special attention to fall concerns and works hard to reduce potential fall risks by keeping hallways clean, lit, and our community staffed 24/7. On top of ensuring the community is clutter-free an...

Many people assume arthritis comes with aging, but experts say that while joint pain is common in older adults, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. The CDC explains arthritis is a group of more than 100 conditions causing inflammation and swelling in the joints or nearby tissues with symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and mostly occurs in older adults (about 70% are 55 years and older). Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and gout. While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are treatments, medications and therapies. In addition, studies find healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as lessen your risk for even getting it. For example, the CDC reports 40% of people with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by being physically active. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints causing bones to rub against on...

The idea of senior centers, like retirement communities, used to bring to mind one large room, a few standard activities, and a schedule that looked much the same from month to month. Today, many older adults are looking for something different. They want spaces that reflect their unique interests and personalities, not just their age. Niche hobby groups are stepping into that role, offering focused activities that feel more engaging and personally meaningful. From “One Size Fits All” to “Just Right for Me” Traditional senior centers often try to be everything to everyone, which can lead to a general mix of activities that do not always excite anyone in particular. Niche hobby groups, on the other hand, gather people around specific interests. These might include: • Knitting or quilting circles • Walking or nature clubs • History, book, or film discussion groups • Model building, train sets, or woodworking By centering around shared passions, these groups give participants an immediate...

It is worrisome to notice changes in a spouse, parent or another loved one’s health. If those changes involve the person’s memory, thinking or behavior, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The Alzheimer’s Association explains while you may be unsure on how to best approach the issue, these changes could be a sign of a significant health concern. They offer the following advice on how to sort through the changes. The first thing is to think about what is causing your concern and how out of the norm is it for the person? Then consider what else may be going on in the person’s life such as changes in their physical health or other stress factors that could impact their mental state. Remember depression and diabetes can cause changes in a person’s mental acuity. Now take a look at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Do these common signs seem to be in line with the type of things you are worrying about? If they do, you may want t...

Technology in 2026 looks very different from even a few years ago. For many older adults, the biggest change is not new screens or faster phones, but devices that respond to the most natural tool of all: the human voice. Voice activated technology is quickly becoming a powerful ally for seniors, making daily tasks easier, safer, and more accessible without relying on tiny buttons or complicated menus. Why Voice Technology Fits Seniors So Well Voice controls match the way people already live and communicate. Instead of navigating multiple apps, seniors can simply speak to a device and get a response. Benefits include: • Less need for fine motor skills or perfect vision • Easier use for those with arthritis or tremors • More intuitive interaction for people who feel overwhelmed by touchscreens For many in assisted living Boise, speaking to a smart speaker or television is far more comfortable than trying to remember which button to press. Everyday Tasks Made Simpler Voice activated tool...

It is easy to think of shoes as something you put on and forget, yet for older adults, footwear can quietly shape every step of the day. The right pair can make walking feel smoother, reduce pain, and lower the chance of losing balance. The wrong pair can do just the opposite. Paying attention to what goes on your feet is a simple way to protect comfort, mobility, and confidence. Comfort and Support for Changing Feet Feet do not stay the same over a lifetime. Arches can flatten, toes may shift, and conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or bunions can appear. All of this means that shoes which worked well at 40 may not be a good match at 75. Supportive shoes should: Cushion the heel and ball of the foot Offer gentle arch support Have enough space in the toe box for wiggling Reducing the Risk of Falls Slips and trips are a major concern in later years, and footwear plays a big role in preventing them. Safe shoes usually have: Non skid soles with good grip A low, wide heel or no heel ...