MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

As we grow older, a wide range of physical ailments start to develop symptoms. Healthcare issues such as osteoporosis are especially common for seniors. One medical condition that does not receive as much publicity for older adults is called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is considered one of the most common maladies of the hand that impacts residents at our assisted living facility in Boise, Idaho . Repetitive hand motions made over several years contribute to the development of CTS. What Are the Symptoms of CTS? Unlike other types of medical conditions that negatively affect older adults, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome gradually develop over many years. The symptoms of CTS start with a mild numbness or tingling that is barely felt. The numbness or tingling might begin to develop in one hand or fingers before the mildness of the symptoms turns into more of an electric shock feeling that develops every time you move your hand or fingers. You also might lose strength in the i...

“Be prepared.” It is the motto of the largest scouting organization in the United States, but it has equal relevance for older adults who plan to transition into an assisted living facility in Boise, Idaho. According to the United tates Census Bureau, Americans move an average of 11.7 times during their lives. However, no move is more difficult than moving from an independent lifestyle to one that requires some level of assistance. Start with Logistics Moving from a home into an apartment at one of the retirement communities in Boise means your loved one must downsize to accommodate the new living arrangement. Although your loved one might insist on keeping several items based on sentimentality alone, you are going to have to convince your loved one to leave some items behind. Start by donating heavy, oversized furniture to an organization such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Host a garage sale to downsize clothing, jewelry, and throw rugs. Your loved one also can lighten the load ...

Residents at our assisted living facility in Boise, Idaho stay active in dozens of ways. From social gatherings to educational classes, MorningStar of Boise bustles with a crowded activities calendar. We also offer organized day trips to some of the most popular attractions located in Boise, which is the capital and largest city in the great state of Idaho. Let’s review five fun places to visit in Boise. Boise River Greenbelt The Boise River Greenbelt stretches more than 25 miles on both sides of the majestic Boise River. This quiet sanctuary is home to dozens of bird species, some of which are native to just Idaho. Meticulously maintained paths allow walkers, joggers, and cyclists to absorb the natural splendor that makes you forget you are moments away from busy streets and highways. Visitors frequently describe the Boise River Greenbelt as a peaceful and relaxing way of getting away from it all. Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial Several attractions sit within the Boise River G...

Selecting an appropriate assisted living community is a significant decision for seniors and their families. This checklist is designed to help seniors assess facilities like assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood to ensure they meet their needs and preferences. Location and Accessibility Consider the location of the assisted living community . It should be convenient for family visits and near important amenities such as medical centers, parks, and shopping areas. Facilities in regions like assisted living Lakewood are ideally situated for easy access to various local services, enhancing the living experience for residents. Types of Care Offered Different communities offer varying levels of care. It’s crucial to choose a facility that can cater to specific health and personal care needs. Whether it's senior living Lakewood or memory care Lakewood, ensure the community can handle the p...

Proper nutrition is critical for seniors, impacting everything from energy levels and mental acuteness to overall health and well-being. For those in memory care Newport Beach, assisted living Newport Beach, senior living San Juan Capistrano, assisted living San Juan Capistrano, and assisted living Irvine, designing meal plans that cater to the unique dietary needs of the elderly is essential. This article explores the key nutritional considerations that should guide the creation of meal plans in senior living communities. Balanced Diet A balanced diet for seniors should include a variety of nutrients from all food groups. It's important that meal plans feature a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy to ensure a well-rounded intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Facilities like senior living San Juan Capistrano focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and appealing to seniors, helping to combat common age-related ...

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive health as we age. For seniors residing in environments such as assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood, understanding the impact of diet on brain function is essential for preserving mental acuity and enhancing quality of life. Dietary Factors Influencing Cognitive Health Certain nutrients are particularly important for brain health, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and sardines, are vital for maintaining brain structure and function. Antioxidants, which combat free radicals, reduce oxidative stress that can damage brain cells. These nutrients can be emphasized in meal planning at facilities like senior living Lakewood and senior assisted living Lakewood. Brain-Boosting Foods Incorporating brain-boosting foods into the diet can significantly benefit cog...

In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experiences of seniors in assisted living facilities . From memory care Newport Beach to assisted living Irvine, technology is being leveraged to improve the quality of life, safety, and communication for residents. This article explores how various technological innovations are being integrated into assisted living communities, including assisted living Newport Beach, senior living San Juan Capistrano, and assisted living San Juan Capistrano. Personalized Care Through Technology One of the primary benefits of technology in assisted living settings is the ability to provide personalized care. Advanced software systems can track residents' health data, daily activities, and medication schedules, allowing staff to tailor their care to individual needs efficiently. For residents in memory care Newport Beach, technology helps caregivers monitor cognitive patterns and adjust treatments or activities that suppo...

Breast cancer screening is a critical health consideration for elderly women, helping to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. This is particularly important in communities such as assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood , where health services are tailored to meet the needs of older adults. Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines The guidelines for breast cancer screening can vary depending on age and individual risk factors. Typically, screening mammography is recommended for women up until the age of 75. For women over 75, the decision to continue regular screenings should be based on individual health status and life expectancy. In environments like senior living Lakewood and assisted living Lakewood, healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on each resident's health profile. Importance of Individual Assessment For elderly women in senior assisted li...

Choosing the right living arrangement is crucial as one ages, with many seniors opting for environments that offer both community and safety. Assisted living facilities , such as those found in assisted living Newport Beach and assisted living Irvine, provide a blend of independence and care that many older adults find appealing. Community Engagement in Assisted Living Assisted living environments are designed to foster community among residents, providing a social atmosphere that can significantly improve quality of life. Facilities like those in senior living San Juan Capistrano and assisted living San Juan Capistrano organize regular social activities, group outings, and communal dining experiences that encourage interaction and friendship among residents. This sense of community is essential for seniors, helping to prevent the loneliness and isolation that often come with aging. Safety Features and Assistance One of the primary benefits of assisted living facilities, including thos...

As summer approaches, sun safety becomes crucial, especially for seniors who are more susceptible to the effects of heat and sunlight. Those residing in environments such as assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood need to take extra precautions to protect their skin and ensure their health. Wearing Protective Clothing One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect against harmful UV rays is by wearing appropriate clothing. Seniors should opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats that cover exposed skin. Light-colored and loose-fitting clothes not only shield the skin but also help keep the body cool. This is particularly important in communities like senior living Lakewood and senior assisted living Lakewood, where outdoor activities are encouraged. Using Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is essen...

Maintaining cognitive function is crucial for seniors, particularly for those in environments like memory care Newport Beach and assisted living Newport Beach where tailored care is provided. Engaging daily in brain exercises can enhance cognitive abilities and slow the progression of cognitive decline, benefiting residents across various facilities including senior living San Juan Capistrano and assisted living Irvine. Puzzles and Problem-Solving Activities Engaging in puzzles such as crosswords, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles provides excellent mental stimulation. These activities challenge the brain, improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are essential for seniors in assisted living Irvine and memory care Newport Beach. Memory Training Exercises Memory exercises are particularly beneficial for boosting both short-term and long-term memory. Activities such as card games, recalling lists, or using memory apps help strengthen the neural connections in the brain. This...

Senior living communities of today are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. After working hard for a lifetime, seniors are offered well-deserved carefree retirement years with just the right amount of support. For older adults who are still homeowners, senior living means saying goodbye to yard work and never-ending home maintenance. For those already in an apartment, a move to a senior living community provides an extra layer of security as well as easy interactions with people in a similar time of life. Moreover, communities such as MorningStar of Hayward offer the kind of independent and assisted living seniors depend on with a broad range of services including delicious, nutritional daily meals. Senior living also helps to eliminate loneliness and isolation that often occurs after retirement or the loss of a spouse or other close loved ones. In addition, our community provides multiple ways seniors can continue to learn and contrib...

Managing high blood pressure is crucial for seniors, as it significantly impacts overall health and well-being. Dietary choices play a key role in controlling blood pressure levels, especially for residents in environments like assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood. Reducing Sodium Intake One of the most effective ways to manage high blood pressure is to reduce sodium intake. Seniors are advised to limit processed foods, which often contain high levels of sodium. Instead, focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. In facilities like senior living Lakewood and assisted living Lakewood, meal plans are often designed to be low in sodium, helping residents manage their blood pressure naturally. Increasing Potassium-Rich Foods Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in cells, and not having enough potassium can lead to high blood pressure. Seniors can increase their potassium i...

Osteoporosis is a significant health concern for seniors, leading to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. A calcium-rich diet is one of the most effective measures for osteoporosis prevention, highly recommended for residents in memory care Newport Beach, assisted living Newport Beach, and other senior communities like senior living San Juan Capistrano and assisted living Irvine. Importance of Calcium for Bone Health Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones. For seniors, particularly those in settings such as assisted living Irvine and assisted living San Juan Capistrano, incorporating adequate calcium into their diet is essential for bone health and overall well-being. Sources of Dietary Calcium Dairy products are the most well-known sources of calcium. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are highly accessible options for seniors in communities like senior living San Juan Capistrano and assisted living Newport Beach. For those with lactose intolerance, lactose...

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. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bacteria,...

Yoga and Tai Chi are two gentle forms of exercise that have been proven to offer significant health benefits for seniors, particularly in natural pain management. These practices are highly regarded within communities such as assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood, where they form a core part of wellness programs. Yoga for Pain Relief Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance. For seniors in senior living Lakewood and senior assisted living Lakewood, yoga offers a practical solution to manage pain, particularly chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and back problems. The gentle stretching and muscle strengthening of yoga can reduce pain and improve mobility. Tai Chi for Balance and Strength Tai Chi, often described as meditation in motion, is another excellent practice for seniors, particularly in ...

As the population ages, 55+ independent living communities have become a popular option for seniors around the country. The appeal includes making their lives easier by moving into a maintenance free apartment that meets their needs without giving up their independence. Today’s communities’ offers older adults security and safety as well as peace of mind knowing others are always around. Independent living communities are a place where similarly aged people in a similar time of life comfortably live among one another. Moreover, such communities solve a growing problem reported by many seniors, that of loneliness. As we grow older our social circle gets smaller as many older adults have retired from jobs that created opportunities for day-to-day contact with acquaintances and business associates. In addition, some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which in turn, can limit their ability to socialize. Study after study has shown that isolation becomes a bigger problem as ...

Sleep apnea is a common yet often underdiagnosed condition in the elderly that can significantly impact health and quality of life. Residents in environments such as assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, and senior assisted living Lakewood should be particularly aware of the signs and potential treatments for this condition. Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Seniors The primary symptom of sleep apnea is frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and irritability. Other symptoms may include loud snoring, sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking, and observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. These symptoms can be more challenging to manage in senior environments like memory care Lakewood and senior apartments Lakewood, where residents may have other underlying health issues. Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea in the Elderly Several factors increase the risk of sleep apnea in seniors, in...

When a grandparent or another close family member or friend suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it can be difficult for children to understand, especially if they are very close to the person. Most likely they have questions and concerns regarding the disease and may be struggling with a range of emotions including sadness and confusion. They may not know how to act around the person anymore or be frightened by the “strange behavior.” Having grandma or grandpa call you by mom or dad’s name or asking the same question again and again are just some of the strange things kids see happening to a beloved grandparent. They may worry Alzheimer’s is contagious and it is important they know it isn’t but rather a degenerative disease that happens in the brain. If the person lives with them, teenagers may be embarrassed to have friends around due to the person’s behavior, and sometimes children withdraw from the person or lose patience. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests sit...

A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude. Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ office or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.” Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicin...

Good vision is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life as we age. In senior communities like assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood, senior assisted living Lakewood, memory care Lakewood, and senior apartments Lakewood, maintaining eye health is a priority. This post explores the importance of regular vision care and practical steps that these facilities take to ensure the eye health of their residents. Importance of Regular Eye Examinations Regular eye examinations are vital for seniors as they help detect vision problems and eye diseases early. Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are common among the elderly and can significantly impair vision if not treated timely. Senior living communities encourage residents to have annual eye exams, facilitating visits to eye care professionals or arranging for specialists to visit the community to provide comprehensive eye care services. Adapting Living Spaces for Better Vision...

Physical activity is crucial for seniors, not only for maintaining health but also for enhancing quality of life. Senior communities, including memory care Newport Beach, assisted living Newport Beach, senior living San Juan Capistrano, assisted living San Juan Capistrano, and assisted living Irvine, recognize the importance of fitness and offer various exercise programs tailored to the abilities and needs of their residents. Engaging in these programs can provide numerous health benefits, from improving strength and flexibility to boosting mental health. Types of Exercise Programs Offered Senior communities often offer a diverse range of exercise programs designed to cater to different fitness levels and physical capabilities. These might include: Yoga and Tai Chi: These gentle forms of exercise focus on flexibility, balance, and stress reduction. They are particularly beneficial for seniors as they also promote relaxation and mental clarity. Water Aerobics: Conducted in a pool, wate...