MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

A good night’s sleep is fundamental to everyone's health and well-being, but it can become more elusive as we age. Seniors, particularly those residing in assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood , and memory care Lakewood, might find it challenging to maintain healthy sleep patterns due to changes in sleep architecture, health conditions, or medication side effects. Here are effective sleep strategies designed to help seniors achieve restorative sleep, enhancing their overall quality of life. 1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule Maintaining a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can significantly improve sleep quality. This routine helps set your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally. In settings like senior living Lakewood, a structured daily routine supports this consistency, promoting better sleep habits among residents. 2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual A calming pre-sleep routin...

Maintaining eye health is a crucial aspect of aging gracefully, especially for seniors who wish to preserve their quality of life and independence. In assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, and memory care Lakewood, there is a focused approach to ensuring that residents receive the care and attention necessary to support their vision as they age. Here are essential tips for seniors to maintain optimal eye health. Regular Eye Examinations The foundation of maintaining eye health in senior years is to have regular comprehensive eye exams. Eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts are more common in older adults. Early detection through regular exams can prevent or slow down the progression of these conditions. Residents in senior living Lakewood have access to healthcare services that facilitate regular eye check-ups, ensuring any vision changes or issues are addressed promptly. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) r...

In the digital age, technology offers invaluable tools for enhancing the lives of seniors, providing solutions for health monitoring, personal safety, and maintaining social connections. For those in assisted living Boise and retirement home Boise, embracing technology can significantly improve quality of life, ensuring seniors remain healthy, safe, and connected with their loved ones. Here’s a look at some key technological tools beneficial for seniors. Health Monitoring Devices Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, allows seniors to monitor their physical activity, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. These devices can encourage a healthier lifestyle and provide critical data to healthcare providers. In assisted living Boise, staff can help residents set up and interpret data from these devices, integrating them into personalized health plans. Personal Safety Alarms Personal safety is a priority for seniors, especially for those with mobility issues or medi...

Maintaining a strong and healthy heart is crucial at any age, but it becomes even more important as we grow older. Seniors, particularly those residing in assisted living Lakewood , senior living Lakewood, and memory care Lakewood, have unique considerations when it comes to cardiovascular health. Here are effective tips designed to help seniors keep their hearts strong and enjoy a vibrant, healthy life. Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports heart health by providing essential nutrients and keeping weight in check. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and trout, are especially beneficial for heart health. Residents in senior living Lakewood often have access to nutritionally balanced meals tailored to support heart health and dietary needs. Stay Active Regular physical activity strengthens the heart muscle, helps maintain a healthy weight, and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Activities such as ...

Unlike years ago, when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact, studies indicate community living provides a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, a retirement community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. Another reason a senior living community such as MorningStar of Mission Viejo enhances quality of life for residents is...

As we age, maintaining dental health becomes increasingly important, yet it often gets overlooked. Proper dental care is crucial for seniors, not only for the sake of a healthy smile but also to prevent other health issues linked to poor oral hygiene. For residents in assisted living Boise and those in a retirement home Boise , prioritizing dental health is essential for overall well-being. Here’s how seniors can keep their smile bright and healthy. 1. Regular Dental Check-Ups Routine visits to the dentist are vital for detecting and treating dental issues early. Seniors should aim for dental check-ups at least twice a year. Facilities in assisted living Boise often assist residents in scheduling these appointments and arranging transportation to ensure that dental care remains a priority. 2. Daily Oral Hygiene Practices Good oral hygiene practices are the foundation of dental health. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps to remove plaque and prevent gu...

Winter in Lakewood brings a picturesque landscape of snow-covered trees and the peaceful silence of snowfall. Yet, for seniors, the beauty of the season comes with the necessity of preparing homes to ensure safety, warmth, and comfort. Whether you're living independently, in assisted living Lakewood, or with family, a senior-friendly approach to winter preparation can make all the difference. Here are essential tips to ready your home for the colder months ahead. Ensure Adequate Heating Keeping your home warm and cozy is paramount during winter. Regularly check your heating system before the cold sets in. For those in senior living Lakewood , maintenance teams often perform these checks, but it's always good to make your comfort known and request additional blankets or portable heaters if needed. Prevent Slips and Falls With winter comes the risk of icy walkways and slippery surfaces. Apply salt or sand to pathways regularly, and if you're part of a memory care Lakewood com...

While we know exercise is good for us, certain ailments can make it more challenging for some seniors. However, you may want to be mindful of advice from the Harvard Medical School that says, “Regular exercise promotes an older adult’s ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress, and use the restroom. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways to maintain independence for older adults.” In fact, study after study has found exercise offers older adults a longer, healthier, and happy life; but before you begin, please check with your doctor on the best ones for your level of fitness. Low impact exercises such as water aerobics and chair yoga are especially good for seniors as they offer lots of benefits and are easy on the body. With water aerobics, the natural buoyancy of the water puts less stress on the joints, and it can improve balance, flexibility and strength. Chair yoga puts less stress on the body than regular yoga and can easily be adjusted to the level of ...

Stress management is a vital component of maintaining a healthy heart, especially as we navigate our golden years. For seniors residing in assisted living Boise and those who have chosen a retirement home Boise as their place of sanctuary, finding effective ways to manage stress can significantly contribute to heart health and overall well-being. Here’s how seniors can adopt stress-reducing practices to ensure a healthier heart during their golden years. 1. Embrace Regular Physical Activity Physical activity is a proven stress reliever and heart health booster. Activities such as walking, gentle yoga, and swimming not only help in managing stress levels but also improve cardiovascular health. Many assisted living Boise communities offer a range of physical activities designed to meet the fitness levels of their residents, making it easier for seniors to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines. 2. Foster Social Connections Loneliness and isolation can lead to increased s...

Winter, with its shorter days and colder weather, can sometimes cast a shadow over our spirits, particularly for seniors. Those residing in assisted living Lakewood , senior living Lakewood, or memory care Lakewood may feel the impact more acutely, given the challenges that come with age. However, there are numerous ways to combat the winter blues and maintain a positive outlook throughout the season. Embrace Social Activities One of the keys to staying positive is remaining socially active. Engaging in community events, joining social clubs, or participating in group activities can significantly boost your mood. Facilities in senior living Lakewood often offer a variety of social events designed to keep residents engaged and connected, even during the coldest months. Stay Physically Active Physical activity is not only beneficial for your physical health but also your mental well-being. Many assisted living Lakewood communities provide indoor exercise programs suited for seniors, fro...

MorningStar of Mission Viejo is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company , whose mission is to “cast a new light on senior living.” We start by creating a true home for the residents in our communities, made possible by a dedicated team who understand the highest expression of living is to share their gifts and talents, time and energy with others. The scope of our Vision to love and honor also includes impacting the world for good through the MorningStar Foundation, and offering support to philanthropic initiatives within our local neighborhoods and around the world. One such project is our support to the people of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. We serve not only the children of the Casa Bernabé orphanage but holistically serve the impoverished area. We also are proud to support Lifewater, whose Healthy Village strategy focuses not just on their delivery of a safe water point, but on the villagers’ monitored adoption of hygiene habits in each and every home. Closer to home, MorningSt...

Do you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community who lives too far to visit? How about sending something special to show your thinking of them even if it’s not their birthday or a holiday. One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant. For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Do they love chocolate or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a...

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change. Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence. Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together. Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar of Mission Viejo provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.   Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by the resident and their family. MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well a...

For exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Hayward offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  For the most active seniors our community has independent living suites in a choice of studio, alcove, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for carefree retirement years and a healthy, engaged lifestyle.   For those needing help with the activities of daily living, we have assisted living suites and provide a nurturing environment that allows residents to thrive. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 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 including a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Se...

The National Institute on Aging explains that while eating healthy and exercising is important for seniors, socializing and participating in activities you enjoy can be just as beneficial. Being lonely or feeling isolated is not good for our health and well-being; and can lead to depression or anxiety, neither of which is good for our health. Taking part in social activities can increase a person’s sense of purpose and give more meaning to their life. Whether it is starting a new hobby, renewing an old interest, or making the effort to spend more time with family or friends, being social and having an active lifestyle can benefit the mind, body and spirit. The NIA reports on various studies that find seniors who participate in hobbies and other social activities may lower their risk for developing some health problems “including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.” A longer lifespan is linked to those who say they are satisfied with life; and other studies sho...

Researchers say despite declining cognitive abilities, studies show those with Alzheimer’s disease do better when encouraged to participate in meaningful activities as it gives them a sense of purpose and self-worth. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” One study’s author explains the act of staying engaged can help dementia patients maintain quality of life even in advanced stages of the disease.  Just as it is important for older people to stay engaged and active, it is also important for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to be involved in healthy daily activities. Dementia care specialists say structure and routine helps individuals “maintain their cognitive function, sense of security, and can calm anxious or aggressive behaviors....

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 direct...

MorningStar Senior Living of Hayward is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar of Hayward is senior living at its best .  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.   To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.   Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much...

Winter can often bring a sense of gloom, especially for the elderly. This can be particularly true for residents in assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, and memory care Lakewood . As the days get shorter and colder, it's important to take extra care of your mental health. Here are some tips to help keep your spirits high during the winter months. 1. Stay Socially Active Social interaction plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. For those in senior living Lakewood, participating in community events and activities can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common in winter. Engaging in regular conversations, whether in person or through digital means, can keep spirits uplifted. 2. Embrace a Hobby or Interest Picking up a new hobby or revisiting an old one is a great way to keep the mind active and engaged. For residents of assisted living Lakewood, this could mean anything from knitting, painting, crafting, to indoor gardening. Hobbies ...