MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog

When you’re considering a memory care Lakewood community for your loved one, it’s only natural to be curious about what to expect in such a setting. These communities are a great choice for residents who need assistance because of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory disorders. A good memory care community will also be a peaceful, secure, and nurturing environment for residents. But to be sure of that, it’s important to know what you should expect. A Specialized Environment with Safety Features Assisted living is designed to meet the special needs of their residents. The layout of the facility will be very different from a regular assisted living community in order to eliminate sources of confusion and keep residents safe. You’ll find secure entrances and exits to keep out uninvited guests and prevent residents from wandering. The space will also be designed with easy navigation in mind, with clear signage and visual cues to help residents stay oriented. There are also usually ple...

Brains like routine, variety, and small wins. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can help seniors in assisted living Lakewood stay focused, recall names more easily, and feel more confident with daily tasks. Families can join in, turning practice into a shared habit that supports both memory and mood. Try a few of these simple exercises and rotate them through the week. One-minute categories Pick a letter or theme and list as many words as you can in sixty seconds. Example topics: fruit, tools, cities, or words that start with B. Aim to beat yesterday’s score by one. Memory tray Place eight small items on a tray. Look for thirty seconds, cover them, then name the objects. Level up by putting them back in the exact order or adding one more item. Step and spell March in place while spelling common words, reciting months backward, or naming animals. This trains attention and balance together. Stand near a counter for safety. Number–letter switch Say or write A1, B2, C3 up to Z26. Next time, st...

Water exercise is a great form of low-impact movement in the heat of summer. Relaxing in the water cools the body, lowers stress on the joints and offers seniors a chance to get stronger, improve balance and have some fun. Pool workouts or lake exercises can be gentle or challenging depending on the individual’s fitness level. The easiest way to get in a workout is by water walking. Find a pool or spot in the lake where the water is waist deep. Walk forward and backward taking long strides while keeping the abs tight. Moving against water creates twelve times more resistance than air, but the water supports the body and takes pressure off hips and knees. Start with fifteen minutes and work up to thirty. Aqua aerobics is a class commonly found in senior assisted living Lakewood communities . The teacher leads participants in arm circles, knee lifts and easy kicks while music plays. Hand weights like foam dumbbells or pool noodles are sometimes used for upper body resistance. If there is...

Age thins the skin and saps moisture making the delicate covering of older adults prone to burning, discoloration, and inflammation. Seniors with sensitive skin often avoid wearing sunscreen due to stinging ingredients or goopy texture. The answer is a combination of timing, protective barriers, and skin-friendly formulas so you can experience the outdoors in comfort. Reschedule outdoor chores in assisted living Lakewood to before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when there is less ultraviolet radiation. Mornings are ideal for gardening or an early evening walk in the neighborhood to get your vitamin D dose without subjecting sensitive skin to intense midday sun. If errands must be done during the high UV hours, walk or stand on the shaded side of the street. Clothing is your first line of defense. Choose lightweight long sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts that advertise UPF 50 on the label. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50 means ninety eight percent of UV rays are blocked but the materia...

Cataracts are a common part of aging, and for many older adults in assisted living Lakewood , cataract surgery is something they’ll face sooner or later. The good news? It’s one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed today. Still, it’s normal to feel a little nervous before any procedure. Knowing what to expect before and after can help ease some of that worry. Before the procedure First comes the eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will check the severity of the cataract and confirm that surgery is the right option. You’ll also get measurements taken to determine the correct lens implant. For seniors in assisted living If you take medications, especially for blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor might give you specific instructions on how to manage them leading up to surgery. On the day of the surgery, the procedure is outpatient, which means you won’t stay overnight. Most people are in and out within a few hours. You’ll be given eye drops to numb the area and medication t...

Keeping your brain sharp in assisted living lakewood doesn’t have to involve complicated routines or expensive supplements. Simple, consistent habits built into everyday life can protect memory, improve focus, and even lower the risk of cognitive decline as you age. Start with movement. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. You don’t have to run marathons. A brisk walk around the neighborhood, light swimming, or even a gentle exercise class does the trick. Another big brain booster? Sleep. Adults need about 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow the brain to repair itself. Poor sleep has been linked to memory problems, mood changes, and slower thinking. Setting a calming bedtime routine and limiting screen time at night can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Staying socially active is just as important. Here’s why socializing helps your brain: It challenges you to process conv...

When it comes to nourishing your skin in assisted living lakewood, what you eat matters just as much as what you put on it. Apricots might be small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to supporting healthy, glowing skin. Fresh, dried, or even in oil form, apricots offer a range of skin-loving nutrients that are easy to add into your diet or daily routine. Packed with Skin-Protecting Antioxidants Apricots are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). These nutrients help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that contribute to aging and dullness. Eating apricots regularly can help: Reduce oxidative stress Support collagen production Improve skin’s natural ability to heal and regenerate Adding a handful of dried apricots to your breakfast or tossing fresh slices into a salad is an easy way to boost your antioxidant intake. A Natural Source of Hydration Apricots are also high in water content. Staying hy...

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...

In today’s world, staying connected with family has become easier than ever—thanks to technology. For seniors, these digital tools aren’t just about convenience; they’re about creating meaningful moments with loved ones, no matter where they are. In senior assisted living Lakewood, we’ve seen how simple tech can bridge the miles and bring families closer together in fun, interactive ways. Video Chats That Feel More Personal Video calls remain one of the best ways to stay in touch, but there are ways to make them feel even more special. Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet allow for group calls, so seniors can chat with multiple family members at once. Setting up recurring video “coffee dates” or virtual Sunday dinners gives families something to look forward to every week. In senior assisted living Lakewood, residents often use community tech rooms equipped with user-friendly devices, making video chats simple and stress-free. Share Photos, Videos, and Daily Moments Instantly So...

Scammers often target seniors, knowing they may be more trusting or less familiar with new digital threats. For residents in senior assisted living Lakewood , understanding how to recognize and avoid these schemes is key to protecting personal finances and peace of mind. Common Scams Targeting Seniors Here are a few scams that frequently target older adults: Medicare Scams: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, asking for personal information like Social Security or Medicare numbers. Tech Support Scams: A pop-up or unsolicited call claims your computer has a virus, asking for remote access or payment to "fix" the issue. Grandparent Scams: Scammers pretend to be a grandchild in distress, claiming they need money urgently for an emergency. Sweepstakes or Lottery Scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee upfront to claim it. Fake Charities: Emotional appeals are used to solicit donations for fraudulent causes, especially after a natural disaster. Tips to Prot...

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to manage health as we age, and for seniors, regular exercise can be a key factor in preventing diabetes. Physical activity helps the body use insulin more efficiently, which in turn keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range. For seniors looking to take charge of their health, incorporating regular exercise into their routine can be both empowering and enjoyable. Here’s a look at how exercise helps with diabetes prevention and some practical tips for staying active in senior assisted living Lakewood . How Exercise Supports Blood Sugar Control When we exercise, our muscles use more glucose (sugar) to produce energy. This means that physical activity naturally lowers blood sugar levels, helping the body avoid insulin resistance—a major factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise also supports weight management, which is an important part of diabetes prevention for many seniors. In addition to managing blood sugar, exercise can...

Cooking with grandchildren is one of the most enjoyable and heartwarming ways to spend time together. Not only do you get to pass on family recipes or teach them basic kitchen skills, but it’s also an opportunity to introduce healthy eating in a fun way. At senior assisted living Lakewood , we love seeing residents bond with their grandkids through these kitchen activities. One of the easiest and most fun snacks to prepare is fruit kabobs. You just need some colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, and bananas. Have your grandchildren help by threading the fruit onto skewers. It’s a simple, hands-on activity that they love, and you get to sneak in some important nutrients. Trail Mix is another easy, no-cook option that’s fun to customize. Set out bowls of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe a little dark chocolate, and let the kids create their own mixes. One resident at senior apartments Lakewood mentioned that she loves doing this with her grandkids because they enjoy the freedom ...

There's something special about wandering through a farmers market in the fall. The air is crisp, the produce is fresh, and it's a wonderful way to connect with the community. At senior assisted living Lakewood , we've seen how much joy these outings bring to our residents, who love exploring the variety of seasonal goodies. The anticipation of what you might find, the excitement of discovering new and delicious treats, it's all part of the fun at a fall farmer's market. Dress for Comfort: Markets can get busy, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. One of our residents at senior apartments Lakewood shared that she loves going early when the market is just starting to set up. It's quieter, and you can take your time without feeling rushed. Plus, the vendors are usually more than happy to chat when it's less crowded! Bring Your Own Bag or Cart: Farmers markets offer so many tempting treats, and you'll want to have something sturdy t...

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s no better time to embrace the joys of fall gardening. For seniors, gardening offers a wonderful way to stay active, enjoy nature, and cultivate a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there are plenty of ways to make fall gardening enjoyable and manageable. One of the first things to consider when gardening in the fall is the importance of pacing yourself. This is especially true for seniors with mobility issues or who tire more easily. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break up tasks over several days. For example, you might spend one day weeding, another planting bulbs, and another mulching. This makes the process less overwhelming and allows you to savor each moment spent in the garden. Choosing the right plants is also crucial for a successful fall garden. Hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots thrive in cooler temperatures and can even tolerate a light frost. If you’re ...

Adopting a plant-based diet can be a game-changer for seniors looking to improve their health and well-being. Having worked closely with seniors for many years, I've seen firsthand how shifting to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can lead to incredible health benefits. Let's explore some of these benefits and how they can be especially valuable for seniors. Improved Heart Health One of the most significant benefits of a plant-based diet is its positive impact on heart health. Plant-based diets are naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. I remember a resident from senior living Lakewood who switched to a plant-based diet after a health scare. Within months, her cholesterol levels improved, and she felt more energetic. By focusing on foods like leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, seniors can promote better heart health and potentially lower their blood pressure. Better Digestion As we age,...

As we age, staying active and engaged in our communities can make a big difference in our overall well-being. Having worked with seniors for years, I've seen how volunteering not only helps others but also enriches the lives of those who give their time. Let's explore some rewarding volunteering opportunities for seniors and how they can benefit from them. Sharing Your Skills and Knowledge Many seniors have a wealth of experience and skills they can share with others. For example, I remember a retired teacher who found great joy in tutoring children at the local library. This kind of opportunity is perfect for those who want to make a direct impact on the younger generation. If you're living in assisted living Lakewood , you might find similar programs nearby where your expertise can be incredibly valuable. Becoming a Mentor Mentorship programs are a fantastic way for seniors to connect with young adults or even peers who are looking for guidance. Whether it's career ad...

Living with dementia can be a challenging journey, both for the individual experiencing it and for their loved ones. At senior living Lakewood , we understand the significant impact art therapy can have on managing dementia symptoms. Below, we will explore the powerful role of art therapy in promoting overall wellbeing and cognitive function for seniors with dementia. Understanding Dementia and Art Therapy Art therapy offers a creative outlet for individuals living with dementia. As cognitive function declines, engaging in art activities can provide a non-verbal form of expression, allowing seniors to communicate and connect with others in meaningful ways. Through painting, drawing, and other artistic endeavors, seniors can find joy and fulfillment, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and frustration often associated with dementia. This sense of joy and fulfillment can bring hope and engagement to their lives. The Therapeutic Benefits of Art Engaging in art therapy can have a posit...

Watermelon is a refreshing summer treat that we enjoy during the summer here at senior assisted living Lakewood . It's also a nutritional powerhouse, especially beneficial for seniors. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and watermelon can play a significant role in maintaining proper hydration levels. Let's explore the various hydrating benefits of watermelon for seniors and why it's a perfect addition to their diet. Natural Hydration Watermelon is made up of about 92% water, making it an excellent way to stay hydrated. For seniors, staying hydrated can sometimes be challenging, but incorporating watermelon into daily snacks can help meet fluid intake needs without drinking more water directly. Rich in Nutrients Beyond its high water content, watermelon contains essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. These include vitamins A, B6, and C, which are important for immune function, skin health, and energy levels. Additionally, watermelon contai...