MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

Memory care is about more than providing support—it’s about helping residents maintain a connection to their past. One meaningful tool that has gained popularity in memory care Newport Beach communities is the personalized memory box. These small, curated collections of personal items provide a tangible way to spark recognition, evoke emotions, and foster conversations. What Are Memory Boxes? Memory boxes are designed to house mementos that represent a resident’s life and history. These can include: Photos of loved ones. Small keepsakes like jewelry, trinkets, or medals. Letters, postcards, or handwritten notes. Items tied to hobbies, like a sewing tool, a favorite book, or a sports token. Typically displayed outside or near a resident’s room, these boxes act as a visual reminder of the person’s identity and serve as a conversation starter for caregivers, family, and friends. Why Memory Boxes Matter For individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, memory can become fragmented, but physic...

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, and it tends to worsen over time. Memory care communities are designed to provide specialized support for individuals at each stage of dementia, from early to late stages. These communities offer tailored care plans to ensure that residents receive the appropriate level of assistance while maintaining dignity and quality of life, providing caregivers with the support and information they need to navigate the challenges of dementia. Early Stage: Promoting Independence and Cognitive Engagement In the early stages of dementia, individuals may experience mild memory loss but can still perform many daily tasks independently. Memory care communities in assisted living Newport Beach emphasize cognitive stimulation and maintaining independence for residents during this phase. Activities often include: Memory-boosting games and puzzles: These help keep the brain active and engaged. Social interaction: Encouraging ...

When you're looking into a memory care community for your loved one, understanding the environment and the type of care provided is crucial. These communities are specifically designed to support individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. Here's what you can expect to ensure you're making an informed decision. Specialized Environment and Safety Features Memory care communities are built with the specific needs of their residents in mind. The layout of these facilities is intentionally designed to reduce confusion and enhance safety. You'll find secure entrances and exits, which are vital for preventing wandering—a common concern for individuals with dementia. Additionally, the spaces are organized to be easily navigable, with clear signage and familiar visual cues to help residents feel at ease. These features are not just about safety; they contribute to a calm, stress-free environment that helps residents maintain a sense of inde...

As we grow older, it's natural to experience changes in memory. Understanding these changes can help us feel more in control and less anxious about the aging process. Let’s dive into what these changes might look like and how to differentiate between normal memory lapses and something more concerning. What to Expect with Age-Related Memory Changes Aging can bring about some common and often frustrating changes in memory. You might find yourself struggling to remember names or where you placed your keys. This happens to everyone, and usually, it’s just a sign of the brain taking a little longer to process information. It doesn’t necessarily mean something serious. My grandfather, who always had a sharp mind, used to joke that his memory was like Swiss cheese—full of holes but still holding it together! When to Seek Help While occasional forgetfulness is normal, certain signs may indicate a need for further evaluation. If you or a loved one begins experiencing frequent memory loss, c...

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families must face the question of what the future will hold. For many a specifically designed memory care community will be the answer as it offers an environment focused on improving quality of life and keeping the resident safe. A Place for Mom, a senior living referral website and information service, explains dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior care communities and features services such as 24-hour care, trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, physical layouts that reduce confusion, a secure environment, and more. Moreover, as Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, a memory care home is equipped to care for a person from the onset to the most advanced stages. Many of the behaviors and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses such as disorientation, confusion and aggression can be difficult for families to handle on their own. At memory care communities , t...

Harvard Health restates a classic text that says tai chi will help you become “Strong as an oak, flexible as a willow, and [mentally] clear as still water.” The ancient Chinese tradition is based in the martial arts; and is a popular low-impact exercise involving slow movements and breath. Experts say tai chi is suitable for people of all ages including seniors and offers numerous benefits. Tai chi’s mind-body exercises consist of slow, flowing, and choreographed movements that provide many people a sense of calm, which is why it is often referred to as mediation in motion, or medication in motion. Its movements focus on control as well as slowing down and relaxing muscles to allow the body to move more freely. Harvard Health says for those in their 60s, 70, 80s and beyond, “tai chi’s restorative powers can help you age more gracefully and function at a higher level than those who don't practice.” Other known benefits include offering relief from common ailments such back, neck an...

Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages. Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories,...

Seniors in memory care spend a lot of time with other seniors. However, there are a wealth of benefits to spending time in intergenerational programs, too.  Intergenerational programs aim to connect seniors with young people. These interactions can be enriching, informative, and mood-boosting for all involved.  Find out how intergenerational activities can benefit residents in memory care .  Connecting Seniors with Their Communities Community involvement is one of the most valuable benefits seniors can get in memory care.  If a senior has made it to memory care , chances are they need extra help with several tasks during daily life. Unfortunately, this can make them feel isolated. Community outreach changes all of that.  When seniors are able to make positive differences in their communities, especially among all other age groups, it can do wonders for their mental health.  Intergenerational Interaction: Connecting Youth and Older Adults Unless they have gr...

If mom or dad, or another loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you want the finest care for them. MorningStar of Mission Viejo is just such a place. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, founded in 2003, MorningStar of Mission Viejo is committed to using best-practices including Montessori-based therapy techniques to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for our residents. We understand the challenges a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease presents for the whole family and believe it to be an honor and a calling to help. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All our employees receive training in the program as we understand know...

How many times have you eaten breakfast, and after an hour or two, you start to feel hungry? Many breakfast options involve foods such as cereals, breads and granola bars that are high in refined grains and sugar. To solve the problem, nutritionists say you should add protein to every meal including your breakfast. When you eat a breakfast with protein, you feel fuller and more satisfied for a longer period of time and less apt to reach for high-calorie snacks mid-day. Registered dietician, Lisa Jones, explains an adult’s daily intake of protein should be between 10% and 35% of the calories consumed. She adds, “For example, if your nutritional needs call for 2,000 calories daily, you should get 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams.” One suggestion for an easy-to-do, protein-rich breakfast is avocado and fried egg on a bagel or enriched whole-grain slice of toast. Omelets are also fairly easy and can be assembled with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, spinach and ...

Research shows flavonoids, the chemicals that provide plant foods their bright colors, may help in the fight against forgetfulness and mild confusion many seniors experience. The evidence comes from two long-term continuing health studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants were periodically surveyed regarding their diet and state of their health including memory problems over a 20-year period. Data was extracted from over 100,000 men and women with an average age of 73. The study’s lead author, Dr. Deborah Blacker, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said they focused on participants’ consummation of two dozen common types of flavonoids. These included carrots (high in beta carotene), strawberries (containing flavone) and apples (containing anthocyanin). Results suggest those who answered “yes” to having memory problems also reported eating a lower number of flavonoid-enriched foods. Researchers found a significant difference bet...