MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

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...

Studies show people who keep good personal health records enjoy better health. Researchers say it may be due to the fact the individual as well as their caregivers have a better understanding of their overall health. Moreover, quick access to a person’s medical history help care providers make better informed decisions regarding needed care. John Hopkins Medical explains a good way to start organizing your medical history is to write down the name and contact information of all your healthcare providers. Be sure to add what role they play in your care. In terms of paper medical documents, they say paperwork older than a year can be filed away. Current records should be kept where they are easily accessible. These should include a family medical history of grandparents, parents, siblings and other pertinent relatives. Your personal history should include all current medical conditions and how they are being treated. Additionally, include past surgeries and procedures as well as hospital...

If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent, you know it can be overwhelming. You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences. Moreover, you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad again after just a few months. That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow you should take your time. The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for assisted living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff. One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the community. Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations, pricing information and availability. If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite. Also, if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a suite). You ...

There has been much in the news lately about Vitamin D including how much we need each day and the fact that far too many people may be deficient. Medical professionals say there are not many foods high in Vitamin D so relying only on what we eat can be challenging. It is estimated close to half of all Americans are deficient in D; but without a blood test, it is difficult to know for sure. Vitamin D is good for us as it contributes to bone health by aiding our bodies with absorbing calcium and phosphorus. It additionally helps nerves carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body as well as fights inflammation. A food high in D is rainbow trout. Dieticians say one 3-ounce serving contains 645 IUs, which is more than the daily recommended serving for adults. Other foods high in D include salmon, which is high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, egg yolks and canned tuna. Mushrooms grown under UV light also have a good amount of vitamin D. Another source is food fortifi...

It seems as if every day the market offers more and more tech devices, gadgets and mobility aids designed to keep older adults moving and give them as independent a lifestyle as possible. Mobility aids include everything from canes and walkers to fall prevention items, wheelchairs, personal scooters, powered wheelchairs, transfer devices and more. The range of products is huge as in the example of walkers. While there are two basic types, standard or rolling (sometimes called rollators); the selection is varied and includes many options and add-ons such as seats and storage baskets. Technology devices include a variety of products like health monitoring systems and cognitive aids to keep seniors safer and more connected. Today’s SOS alerts systems and fall detectors enable seniors to get help when and where they need it. Amplification devices make it easier to hear the TV, and phones are designed to be easy to use and see. Electronic medication reminders help seniors stay on track wi...

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains, choline is an essential nutrient our bodies need. Our brain and nervous systems use choline to regulate memory, mood, muscle control and other functions as well as help reduce inflammation. Choline is also used to form the membranes surrounding our body’s cells. While we make a small amount of choline in our livers, most of it comes from the food we eat. Daily requirements for choline vary depending on age and gender. If a person’s levels drop too low, they may experience muscle and liver damage. Other problems can include deposits of fat in the liver known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] and damage to the liver. Recent research reports a link between eating eggs, which contain choline, and a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists say they attribute the potential brain benefits to the choline in the yolk as well as vitamins B-6, B-12, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein. Studies suggest these nutrients may ...

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden. Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history. Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be. Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages. Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-...

CARMEN, which is short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation, is a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recently the University of California introduced the world to CARMEN to help people learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home. What sets CARMEN apart from other robots is it was created in partnership with clinicians, people with MCI and their care providers. Researchers say they think the robot is one of a kind in terms of teaching compensatory cognitive strategies designed to improve memory and executive function. Experts estimate MCI affects up to 20% of adults 65 years or older, and of that number, 15% of people with the condition transition to dementia each year. Scientists say while we currently do not have medical treatments to slow or prevent this from happening, behavioral treatments can help. Working one-on-one with individuals, CARMEN delivers a series of sim...

If you want to get something special for mom or dad or another loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it can be challenging to figure out a good gift. This is where the Internet can lend a hand with a range of items designed to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. Dementia care specialists say it can take a little more time and some creativity but there are many great gift ideas. One idea is personalized gifts or memory-filled ones. A photo album filled with pictures of the person surrounded by people important to them, or a picture book from a place they loved to visit. A coffee mug personalized with a photo or a cozy throw filled with favorite family pictures are also good ideas. Music from their younger years, show tunes and old movies are sure to make them smile and can be a good way to spend an afternoon together listening to their new gifts. Coloring books filled with pictures of things they love such as animals or flowers, and a set of new ma...

Medical professionals stress the importance of women getting the proper screenings to protect their health and discover problems early when they may be more treatable. Screenings are designed for otherwise healthy individuals and recommendations change as we age. An article in the publication US News & World Report, states, “Your doctor can help you tailor the recommendations based on your goals of care, personal and family health history, age and life expectancy.” This post discusses 4 of the 14 screenings in the article. Breast cancer screening with a mammogram is recommended annually for women from age 40-50, every two years for those 50 to 74 and on a case-by-case basis after that. Doctors say mammograms are key to the prevention as well as early detection of breast cancer, when it is most easily treated. Talk to your doctor about testing options if you are under the age of 40 and have a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a young age or have a high-risk genetic marker...

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans, and every year more than a million people are diagnosed with the disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports in 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes. Of that number 2 million had type 1 diabetes, which includes more than 300,000 children and adolescents. Seniors aged 65 years and older make up a large percentage of Americans with the disease at 29.2% or 16.5 million seniors (diagnosed and undiagnosed). Diabetes can be deadly and was the 8th leading cause of death in 2021. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of vision problems, heart attacks, nerve damage and stroke. In 2022, the CDC estimated the cost of diabetes was $412.9 billion. Prediabetes is another huge problem and numbers from 2021 report 97.6 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected. It is a chronic condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabe...

Imagine being freed up from the many chores homeownership requires and having the time to pursue your various interests and hobbies, to travel, or spend more time with family and friends. Senior living communities like MorningStar of Hayward can provide just that and more as we offer a wide array of services including housekeeping, tasty meals and other luxury amenities. Our maintenance crew handles all repairs both inside and out as well as routine chores like the care of our beautiful grounds. This means as a resident, you will not be faced with unexpected maintenance bills, and instead enjoy the security of predictable budgeting. Assisted living residents also receive the personalized care they need for the ADLs (activities of daily living) to enable them to live life as independently as possible. Medication management services help seniors keep on track with their prescription drug usage. Transportation services to and from doctor visits and routine health screenings make it easy...