MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Great care shouldn’t be seen as “one-size-fits-all.” Every senior is different and may require a different level of care compared to their friends or neighbors. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, their caregivers believe  personalized care plans create the most unique senior living Des Moines has seen . Personalized care plans are specialized to a senior’s physical, emotional, and social needs. Developed with family, care providers, medical professionals, and the  care team at MorningStar, seniors receive structured assisted living support through a personalized care plan . Specialized Senior Support One of the best benefits of personalized assisted living care plans is that they help seniors to receive care tailored specifically to their individual wants, goals, and needs. Personalized care plans are designed to meet each senior where they are at in their life. Specialized support makes seniors feel seen and understood, which greatly impacts their mental health and overall happi...

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 ...

Choosing what to eat each day is one of the few habits we carry with us through every stage of life. For many older adults, gently shifting toward a more plant centered way of eating has brought real improvements in how they feel. A plant based pattern does not have to mean giving up every animal product. It simply means that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds take center stage more often. Better Support for the Heart Heart health is a major concern in later years, and food plays a big part. Plant foods tend to be lower in saturated fat and free of dietary cholesterol. When meals lean heavily on vegetables, beans, oats, and other whole grains, blood pressure and cholesterol levels often move in a healthier direction. I once met a woman from senior living Lakewood who began eating oatmeal with fruit most mornings , swapped some meat based dinners for bean soups and stir fries, and noticed her energy improve alongside her lab numbers. Her experience is common when c...

Giving a bit of time and energy can change the rhythm of a week in the best way. I have watched many older adults, in retirement communities, discover that volunteering not only helps others, it brightens their own days , too. It brings routine, conversation, and a sense of being needed, all of which are especially valuable in retirement. Sharing Experience and Knowledge Years of work, parenting, and problem solving create a deep well of experience. Volunteering lets you draw from that well. If you enjoyed teaching or training in the past, you might like: Helping children with reading or homework at a library Supporting adults who are learning English or basic computer skills Leading a small discussion group on history, crafts, or finance People in assisted living Lakewood often find that even a weekly session of tutoring or group discussion keeps their minds active and gives them stories to share with friends and family. Becoming a Steady Mentor Mentoring is another powerful way to s...

Staying tuned in to what is happening in the world can be energizing at any age. For many seniors, in retirement communities keeping a voice in political and social conversations is part of feeling useful, informed, and connected. Staying Informed Without Feeling Overwhelmed The first step is knowing what is going on, but that does not mean watching the news all day. A few simple habits can help you stay informed while protecting your peace of mind. Try choosing one or two trusted news sources instead of flipping between channels. You might: Read the local paper or its website once a day Watch a single news program at a time that suits you Listen to public radio or reputable podcasts while you relax Using Technology on Your Own Terms Technology can be a helpful tool for staying engaged, even if you prefer a quieter life. A basic tablet, smartphone, or computer lets you: Read articles and opinion pieces from different viewpoints Watch community meetings or candidate forums online Follo...

Shorter days, colder temperatures, and slippery sidewalks make winter a uniquely challenging season for many older adults. Bodies that once bounced back easily from a chill or a missed step may now need a bit more care. Understanding how winter affects senior health in assisted living makes it easier to plan ahead and keep life comfortable, safe, and enjoyable during the colder months. Why Winter Can Be Hard on Seniors Cold weather stresses the body in several ways. Blood vessels constrict in low temperatures, which can raise blood pressure and put added strain on the heart. Muscles and joints often feel stiffer, making walking and everyday tasks more tiring. Icy paths and snowy steps raise the risk of falls, which can have serious consequences for older bones. On the emotional side, limited daylight can affect mood. Some seniors notice they feel more sluggish, unmotivated, or down as winter progresses. This may be related to seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression linked to...

Care for people living with dementia has changed a lot in recent years. Instead of relying only on routines and medications, more programs are weaving in creativity, technology, and emotional support in assisted living Lakewood . These newer approaches do not replace the basics of good care, but they add layers of comfort, connection, and stimulation that can make each day feel more meaningful. Embracing Helpful Technology Simple, well chosen technology can gently support memory and engagement. Virtual reality headsets, for example, can take someone on a quiet trip to the beach, a favorite city, or a peaceful forest. Even short sessions can spark memories, ease anxiety, or provide a pleasant distraction from confusion. You do not need advanced devices to benefit, though. Tablets or touch screen computers with large icons can offer: Memory and word games Digital photo albums of family and familiar places Short videos of nature scenes or music performances Used thoughtfully, these tools ...

Living with dementia changes how a person communicates, remembers, and relates to the world. That can be confusing and painful, not only for the individual but also for family and friends who want to stay connected in senior assisted living Lakewood . Art therapy gives many seniors another way to express themselves when words are harder to find. Understanding Dementia Through a Creative Lens Dementia affects memory, language, and reasoning, yet the capacity to feel joy, pride, curiosity, and comfort often remains. Art therapy meets seniors where they are by offering activities that do not rely on sharp memory or perfect conversation. A person may have trouble recalling names but still respond deeply to colors, shapes, and textures. Through drawing, painting, collage, clay, or even simple coloring, older adults can show feelings they may struggle to describe. A page filled with bold colors, gentle lines, or repeating patterns can say, “This is what my day feels like,” even when words ar...