MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and stress has a way of creeping in when we least expect it. While there are many ways to relax, aromatherapy is one of the simplest and most enjoyable. Using natural plant-based essential oils, aromatherapy promotes relaxation, reduces tension, and creates a calming atmosphere—whether at home or in a community setting. At assisted living Boise, many residents have found that incorporating soothing scents into their daily routine helps them feel more at ease and improves their overall well-being. 1. Promotes Relaxation Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have a naturally calming effect on the nervous system. Just a few drops in a diffuser or on a pillow can help create a peaceful environment, making it easier to unwind after a long day. 2. Reduces Anxiety & Stress The act of inhaling pleasant scents sends signals to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions. Essential oils like bergamot, frankincense, and sandalwood ca...

Ever feel like your energy levels aren’t what they used to be? You’re not alone. Many seniors notice a dip in stamina, but the good news is there are plenty of natural ways to bring that pep back into your step. The key isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about working smarter and giving your body the right tools to stay energized all day long. At assisted living Lakewood, we see firsthand how small, simple changes can lead to big improvements in energy levels. Start Your Day with Hydration Before reaching for coffee, try drinking a glass of water first. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue, and as we age, our sense of thirst isn’t as sharp. Easy ways to stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Add flavor with lemon, cucumber, or herbal teas. Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers. Hydration is a simple fix that can make a noticeable difference in how you feel. Eat for Energy—Not Just to Eat Food is fuel, and choosing th...

Many older adults experience dips in energy, but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on caffeine or sugary snacks. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can naturally restore your vitality and feel more energized in senior living Lakewood and beyond. 1. Stay Hydrated Dehydration is a huge energy drainer, yet it often goes unnoticed. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, making it easier to forget to drink enough water. Sipping on herbal tea, eating water-rich foods like cucumbers and melons, and keeping a glass of water nearby can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. 2. Prioritize Quality Sleep Getting enough rest is crucial, but so is sleep quality. Avoid heavy meals or caffeine late in the evening, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Many in memory care Lakewood find that limiting screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule leads to more restful nights. 3. Eat for Energy Processed foods and refined sugars may provide a quick boost, but th...

It’s easy to forget about old bottles of pills in the back of a medicine cabinet. But expired medications aren’t just useless—they can be dangerous. Some lose their effectiveness, while others can become harmful if taken past their expiration date. Proper disposal keeps your home safe and protects the environment, so it’s important to know the right way to get rid of them. Why Safe Disposal Matters Holding onto expired medications increases the risk of accidental ingestion, especially for children, pets, or those with memory issues. Flushing pills down the toilet or tossing them in the trash might seem like an easy fix, but it can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife. Responsible disposal helps keep both your household and the assisted living Lakewood community safe . Best Ways to Get Rid of Expired Medications Use a Drug Take-Back Program The best option is a drug take-back program, which ensures medications are disposed of safely. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and police statio...

Music has a way of transporting us—back to cherished memories, into a peaceful state of mind, or even to the dance floor (whether in our living room or at a social event). It’s more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for relaxation and emotional well-being. How Music Helps the Mind and Body There’s real science behind music’s soothing effects. Listening to calming melodies in assisted living Lakewood can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and slow the heart rate. It also triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemical, promoting a sense of happiness and calm. Soft instrumental music, in particular, can activate the body’s relaxation response, making it easier to unwind after a long day. 5 Ways to Use Music for Relaxation 1. Create a Personal Relaxation Playlist Having a go-to playlist of soothing songs makes it easy to set a peaceful mood. Classical music, jazz, or gentle acoustic tunes work well, but the best choices are personal—whate...

Seasonal allergies in assisted living Lakewood can turn a beautiful day into a sneezing, itchy-eyed struggle. While over-the-counter medications help, they often come with drowsiness or other side effects. The good news? Nature has its own solutions. Simple, natural remedies can help ease allergy symptoms without unwanted chemicals. 1. Local Honey A spoonful of local honey a day may help your body build a tolerance to pollen over time. Since bees collect nectar from nearby flowers, consuming honey from your area might gradually reduce sensitivity to airborne allergens. Stir it into tea or drizzle it over yogurt for a sweet, natural allergy fighter. 2. Quercetin-Rich Foods Quercetin is a natural plant compound found in foods like apples, onions, and leafy greens. It acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to calm allergic reactions. Adding more of these foods to your diet could help reduce sneezing and congestion before allergy season even starts. 3. Saline Nasal Rinse Flushing out al...

Managing blood sugar doesn’t mean giving up delicious food. In fact, some of the best meals and snacks are naturally low on the glycemic index (GI), which helps keep energy steady and cravings in check. Whether you're focused on better health or just want to avoid sugar spikes, adding the right foods to your plate makes all the difference. Why Low-Glycemic Foods Matter Foods with a high glycemic index cause blood sugar to rise quickly, leading to energy crashes and increased hunger. Low-GI foods, on the other hand, provide slow, steady energy—helping with weight management, diabetes control, and overall wellness. The good news? There are plenty of tasty options in assisted living Lakewood to choose from. 7 Low-Glycemic Foods 1. Leafy Greens Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—all without spiking blood sugar. Toss them into salads, stir them into soups, or blend them into a smoothie for a nutrient boost. 2. Berries Blueberries, strawberr...

There’s an art to being the grandparent who gets all the smiles, secret handshakes, and “You’re the best!” hugs—without getting the side-eye from their parents. It’s about knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and how to have fun while keeping things respectful. The goal? Make amazing memories without turning into the rule-breaking rebel of the family. Be Fun, Not Reckless It’s tempting to be the one who hands out candy before dinner or lets bedtime slide into “whenever.” But trust us—being the grandparent that respects the parents’ guidelines doesn’t make you boring. Instead of late-night ice cream runs, try a surprise pancake breakfast. Swap unlimited screen time for a hands-on science experiment or a backyard scavenger hunt. Cool grandparents in assisted living Lakewood don’t just bend rules—they make their own fun traditions. Be the Best Listener in the Room Want to be the grandparent your grandkids love talking to in assisted living ? Give them your full attention. Ask about t...

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can happen when we experience an excessive loss of fluids from things like sweating, vomiting and/or diarrhea; or simply not drinking enough. Dehydration can sneak up on people and is a common problem especially in the heat of summer. Older adults are even more at risk of dehydration as their thirst sensation decreases with age. This means seniors may not feel thirsty when they really need fluids. Other reasons can include underlying chronic illnesses of the heart, lung or kidneys as well as certain medications such as diuretics. Maintaining fluids in our bodies is essential to good health. Dr. Marc Taub, an emergency physician and medical director of emergency services at Memorial Care Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, states, "Water helps move nutrients and oxygen throughout our system, ensuring cells get the elements they need to function." Therefore it is important to recognize th...

MorningStar of Hayward offers unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Fremont, California . In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 suites devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. MorningStar’s resident-directed approach to memory care respects the dignity and value of each person and supports choice and independence as much as possible. Residents can move freely about in a safe and secure environment that includes an outdoor area. We also provide three daily meals served in our comfortable dining room where residents and staff eat together. In addition, residents are provided 24-hour care with daily health monitoring, and the expertise of a full-time licensed nurse. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of...

In the past, many elderly people wished to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. However, with the array of senior communities offered today, older adults are realizing the various benefits senior housing brings to their quality of life. Studies discover that senior living may contribute to a longer life as well as improved physical and emotional health than for those who remain in their own homes. After all, senior living provides a maintenance-free environment where residents no longer worry about the unexpected expenses of home repairs or never-ending maintenance. Retirement communities are designed around the needs of residents including their safety and security. Seniors also find a sense of community, which can be hard to achieve once you retire from a job or no longer drive. Retirement communities like MorningStar of Hayward excel in offering residents best-in-class dining as well as social activities and special events to look forward to each day. Our fitness c...

Experts explain it is not always easy to recognize Alzheimer’s in the early stages. Some of the first signs of the disease include things that can be passed off as “old age” such as forgetfulness. Many otherwise healthy older adults find their brains are not as sharp as they were when they were younger. Other symptoms may come on so slowly, families are not aware of the changes. In some cases the individual hides the problems or compensates for them so they don’t stand out. Doctors say it is important to try and recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s as many of the available treatments work better if they are started in the early stages. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling the necessary tests to help you get a diagnosis. Although the outset of symptoms can differ from person to person, it is generally believed one of the early signs is short-term memory. As the disease progresses, individuals forget conversations, repeat themselves and start to ask the same questions ov...

Now that New Year’s has come and gone, have you slacked off on your resolution to improve your heart health? If you have, experts say today is just as good of a day to begin. To get started, an effective way to monitor your heart health goals is to keep track of your daily exercise, blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol numbers. An easy way to track your daily exercise is to wear a fitness watch. Many models give you information on everything from counting steps, your heart beat, calories you burn, and the duration and quality of your sleep. Body weight is another indicator of overall health. To get an idea of where you stand, calculate your body mass index (BMI) as it measures your overall body fat (BMI calculators are available online). If your BMI is above the normal range your risk is higher for certain conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and more. It is recommended you make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get to k...