MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

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...

Rather than trying to look 20 years younger, more seniors are embracing the aging process with a priority on healthy living as they begin the journey into their golden years as gracefully as possible. There is an understanding that it is not just about how long we live but a move toward ensuring our later years are vibrant, fulfilling and purposeful. Experts explain our bodies naturally go through changes as we age but there are things we can do to navigate those changes to help maintain health and enhance quality of life. One way to do this is to adopt the attitude that old age is a privilege. Rather than wasting time complaining about all you are dealing with, remember to look at your senior years as an opportunity to grow wiser, correct past mistakes and move with purpose. Also, if you practice gratitude, it will help you remember it isn’t that bad growing older and sure beats the alternative. Moreover, what better time is there than now to do those things you have been talking abo...

Living with a chronic condition doesn’t mean giving up an active lifestyle. In fact, staying active is often one of the best ways to manage symptoms, boost energy, and improve overall well-being. The key? Finding the right balance between movement and self-care. At independent living Boise, we work with residents to create activity plans that fit their unique needs, making it easier to stay active while managing conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis. Why Movement Matters for Chronic Conditions It’s easy to assume that when you’re dealing with pain, fatigue, or other symptoms, it’s best to slow down. But research shows that regular, gentle activity can actually ease many of the common challenges that come with chronic conditions. Benefits of staying active include: Improved joint flexibility (great for arthritis) Better blood sugar control for those with diabetes Lower blood pressure and cholesterol for heart health Reduced inflammation and pain Boosted mo...

Along with independent and assisted living, Hayward, CA’s MorningStar community offers holistic care to those with memory impairment and provides all the amenities and services needed for the best life possible. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate our residents’ every need. While a secure area, independence is encouraged and supported through clear wayfinding, and safe and inviting common areas, both inside and out. When a family comes to MorningStar of Hayward looking for care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, our experienced team is ready to help. Even before we welcome a new resident to our loving community, we take the time to meet with them and their family to learn as much as we can about the person including their medical history, background, talents, and personal preferences. We then use this information to create an individualized care plan that is used to stimulate or calm a resident in response to a particul...

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chicken pox as a child, you are at risk of getting shingles sometime in your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk incr...

MorningStar proudly offers a warm, welcoming home for independent living in Hayward, California . Our vibrant community allows seniors to comfortably age in place with an array of luxury amenities and a broad range of meaningful activities. Our property borders the beautiful Hayward Japanese Gardens, a 3+ acre botanical garden that features a teahouse and koi pond and is close to shopping, medical facilities, and other services. In addition, our East Bay location offers scenic views in every direction including the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Hayward Hills. MorningStar of Hayward allows you to enjoy your retirement stress free. We have a range of floor plans from studios and alcoves to one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations that are sure to meet your needs. All suites have been remodeled and feature kitchenettes, high ceilings, large windows, handicapped-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. For your convenience, most apartments are equipped with a washer an...

Many seniors know a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance. The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider. When beginning a walking plan, whether you are active or sedentary, experts say to remember minutes walked are more important than number of miles. If you are unused to exercise, start slowly. Also, wear good walking shoes, and if you normally use a cane or walker, use it. Experts say it is safer to walk with a buddy and to...

Happiness not only makes us feel good but may also be good for us. Research shows happiness is an important component to maintaining physical health, and is linked to lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Along with better health, people, who report they are happy, tend to live longer. Being happy can help us eat better, maintain a normal body weight and allow us to get a better night’s sleep. It can encourage people to be more active and reduce stress. In fact, there is an understanding that the mind-body connection is stronger than we thought and unmanaged stress can lead to or exacerbate many health conditions. Don’t feel like you are all that happy? No problem. Experts say there are things we can do to cultivate happiness, and improve our outlook on life as well as our physical health. Some of these things include forming and maintaining uplifting connections, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, and taking the time to appreciate the beautif...

Did you know it is estimated 895 million people worldwide will have some level of vision impairment by 2050. The Lancet reports it signals a 150 percent increase over the next 30 years and includes loss of vision from cataracts and glaucoma. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits. If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.” If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses. As the risk for eye disease...

Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine, especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age. Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees, and spine lose the most flexibility. He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over." Of course before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your lo...

When winter rolls around, dry air can quickly become a nuisance. For residents in assisted living Newport Beach, using a humidifier can be a game-changer for comfort and health during the colder months. From improving skin hydration to reducing respiratory issues , humidifiers are a simple way to combat the effects of dry indoor air. Why Does Winter Air Feel So Dry? During winter, cold air holds less moisture than warm air. While keeping us cozy, heating systems further dry out the air indoors. This low humidity can cause several issues, including: Dry, itchy skin Chapped lips Sore throats or nasal discomfort Increased susceptibility to colds or respiratory infections How Humidifiers Help Improve Respiratory Health Dry air can irritate the throat and nasal passages, making it harder to breathe, especially for those with asthma or allergies. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, easing discomfort and reducing inflammation. Keep Skin and Lips Hydrated Proper humidity levels help maintai...

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there is no cure for MCI but there are some therapies which have been approved to treat early Alzheimer’s to slow disease progression. Doctors also say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize the effects of MCI. MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or take away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is import...

Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone. A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.” Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community. When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving. In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults. Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly. Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling. Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. And for those needing some help with the activities of daily living, assisted living is a good so...

As we age, many of us find ourselves more absent-minded and forgetful than we were in our younger years. Seeing someone unexpectedly from our past can result in recognizing the face but being unable to bring a name to mind. Experts say some lapses in memory are common as we age but encourage seniors to do cognitive activities to help stay sharp. Brain games exercise your memory, attention, brain speed, people skills, intelligence and navigation just like a trip to the gym gives you a cardio workout and exercises your abs and quads. One good resource for such games is the AARP online site. It offers a variety of fun and entertaining games and puzzles such as daily crosswords, word games like scrabble, Sudoku and trivia as well as the opportunity to join a bridge, chess or backgammon game. The New York Times offers the daily World puzzle that gives your brain a quick workout along with several other word puzzles for Times’ subscription holders. Other programs offering brain games target...

While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. Dementia is typically irreversible but th...

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-...

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older. There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering f...

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...

When we were younger most of us were lucky enough to take our mobility for granted. We didn’t have to think about whether we would be “able” to physically do a routine task. However, as we grow older, our bodies can encounter physical limitations that threaten our independence. Experts say protecting our mobility requires attention and the “use it or lose it” mantra is a fitting one. Lifestyle choices and exercise as well as diet and preventive care can help keep us stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina. The Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School defines mobility as the ability to move purposefully as you go through your day, and is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. It requires a certain amount of physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Mobility allows seniors to do everyday things like get out of bed each morning, climb a set of stairs and bring in groceries from the car. Poor mobility causes probl...

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you are not alone. It is estimated that nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and it was the 5th leading cause of death among people aged 65 and over in 2021. As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services.A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear. Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through. There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated. The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward. They explain...