MorningStar Independent Living Blog

While a retirement community may sound appealing, many senior worry the cost is too high. The truth is, there is a wide range in the cost of independent living communities based on things like geographic location, services and amenities that all impact your monthly fee.  Luxury communities in metropolitan areas tend to be priced higher as do those in more desirable neighborhoods. Also the apartment’s square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, location within the community such as sought-after views or end-units, balconies or private patios can all up the price. Opting in for things such as a meal plan or moving into independent living but requiring a range of day-to-day services offered in their assisted living units typically increases the price.  Experts say it is important to consider the value of the services and amenities you receive. In your own home, you may have paid for things like lawn care and landscaping services or snow removal as well as encountered unexpected home r

  Seniors are especially vulnerable to falls, burns, and poisonings and many of these accidents happen in the home. This is why experts recommend using a safety checklist such as the one the CDC publishes, A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults . It points out the problems and provides solutions. In addition experts say if you have balance problems, you may want to get a fall risk assessment from your healthcare provider. They can give you tips to help improve balance along with suggestions on how to protect yourself from falls. Recommendations include wearing non-slip footwear on smooth floors, and if you need a cane or walker to remain steady on your feet, use it rather than relying on holding on to furniture and walls.  Keep hallways and stairways free of clutter, make sure they are well-lit, and use the bannister rail when going up or down the stairs. If you do have area rugs, tape the edges down so they do not create a trip-hazard or use ones with non-skid backing. It

  Did you know 45% of heart attacks are a “silent myocardial infarction (SMI)” and are likely to go undetected? Expert says they are more common in men than women, and a person typically does not experience the intensity felt during a normal heart attack. Often it is mistaken for heartburn, indigestion and other age-related aches and pains.     A study published a few years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association , found evidence of men suffering from undetected mild heart attacks. The study involved almost 2,000 people ages 45 to 84 (half of whom were men) who were free of any signs of cardiovascular disease. When doctors examined the group after ten years, “8% had myocardial scars, which are evidence of a heart attack. Most surprising was that 80% of these people were unaware of their condition.” The presence of myocardial scars was five times higher in men than in women. While symptoms can be mild and brief, experts say to seek immediate medical help if you experien

Does it seem like dad or grandpa has everything they need and you have no idea what to buy for them this coming Father’s Day? Unlike lots of women, many men are not a bouquet of flowers or personalized jewelry type of guys.       However before you buy anything, remember dads are people too and each is different. While one may love a new power tool, another would rather get a bottle of fine wine or a pair of cashmere socks. Some dads play golf, some fish and some love a good hike. Others are more couch-potato dads and might love a subscription to a premium TV service. On top of that, your gift choice will most-likely be guided by your budget. One unique gift is a blue-toothed shower head that lets him listen to his tunes while he showers, or perhaps quality, wireless headphones. For a handy fix-it on the spot type of dad, how about a multi-tool/ballpoint pen? The big online retailer offers one with three rulers, built-in level, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, pencil, pen, and styl

  Now that we are older, many of us wished we had taken better care of our skin; however, doctors say it is never too late to protect ourselves from any future damage regardless of our age. In fact remember your older skin is both thinner and more fragile. The CDC says everyone should apply liberal amounts of broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher every day before they go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.  If you are doing an activity where you will be sweating, swimming or toweling off, reapply every couple of hours using a higher SPF sunscreen. Check the expiration date, and if it is out-of-date, buy a new one. Recommendations also include wearing protective clothing. Some shirts and pants have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective fabrics. A hat should have a brim all around it and made from a tighter-weaved fabric. If you wear a ball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to your ea

  Even if you have already moved into the “ senior ” category of life, medical experts say it is not too late to improve your health and mobility, and one of the best ways to do it is to walk. This was the findings based on the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial, which included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89. Participants consisted of people who were not regularly exercising and fairly frail.   The participants were divided in half with one group assigned to daily walking and strength and balance exercises. The other group attended educational workshops and were introduced to gentle stretching routines. “After 2½ years, the volunteers in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” LIFE’s researchers say the results could hav

  When we open in the last quarter of 2021, MorningStar at River Oaks will be in a class of its own in terms of other senior living communities in the Houston area. MorningStar Senior Living’s passionate commitment to serving seniors has earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none within our several dozen homes across the U.S.  Our contemporary community offers a warm and welcoming environment throughout its expansive indoor and outdoor common areas that continues with a choice of fashionable private suites you will be proud to call home. Floorplans for assisted living suites include studio; one-bedroom – one bath; and two bedrooms – two bath configurations as large as 1089 sq. ft. All are designed to maximize space and offer large windows, high-end finishes, and storage. Studios are equipped with kitchenettes (fridge & microwave) or full kitchens in one and two bedroom units. Each is equipped with in-suite washer/dryers, handicap-accessible bathrooms, private h

The yearning for the things we used to take for granted such as spending time with family and friends, going out to eat, or seeing a movie has taken a toll. While we experienced a range of emotions during the pandemic, many of us are now vaccinated and more than ready to resume or perhaps make some changes in our lives. This is especially true for the many seniors who socially isolated for months.  If you are someone craving an active social life, a move to a senior living community may be the answer. MorningStar at Silver Lake offers both independent living and assisted living to adults 55+ and is the ideal place to meet new friends, take part in a range of activities or pursue your hobbies. If you were wondering how safe our communities are, we have an update. During the first quarter of 2021, MorningStar communities hosted several vaccine clinics and vaccine acceptance rate among residents is 94%. While the aggravated impact of COVID on seniors is now an acknowledged fact, we under

  Dr. Lyudmila Shvets-Gabriel, an endocrinologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Armonk, New York Prediabetes, explains, “Prediabetes is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. It means having higher blood sugars than what is considered normal, but not high enough to be labeled as having diabetes.” According to the CDC, the majority of people with prediabetes have no idea they have it and are not taking the necessary steps to prevent it from developing into diabetes. Experts estimate as many as 88 million Americans have prediabetes.  If you are someone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes , you should begin today to lessen your risk of developing diabetes. While you may not be experiencing symptoms as you would with diabetes, doctors say some of the “long-term damage to organs such as heart, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves starts as early as in the prediabetes stage.” Prediabetes has the same risk factors as does diabetes such as being overweight, having a parent or si

If it has been a while since you looked into independent living in Kirkland, you may be surprised to learn there is a new 55+ senior living community being built in the Totem Lake area. Due to open in the last quarter of 2021, MorningStar of Kirkland offers residents a carefree lifestyle where we handle the maintenance inside and out and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends.   With 151 fashionable apartments, you are sure to find a floorplans that suits your needs. We offer several studio configurations around 475 sq. ft. Our one-bedroom – one-bath units are as large as 732 sq. ft. with several different lay-outs. If you are looking for two-bedrooms, we have models with 1 bath, 1 ½ bath, or 2 baths in a choice of 811 to 1138 sq. ft. All have a choice of balcony or a private patio.     Regardless of the apartment you choose, each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets, countertops, and in-suite washer/dryer. Residents will appreciate privat

  If you are jittery or anxious during the day, medical experts say it could be due to the type of foods you are eating or drinking. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of “This Is Your Brain on Food, says, eating certain foods can create a feeling of internal panic for some people but they may not “realize it’s related to the food they’ve consumed.” One such food is anything high in sugar as it produces blood sugar spikes that drop way quicker than more balanced foods containing protein, carbs and fat. Maggie Michalczyk, a registered dietitian based in Chicago, explains, "This spike and drop can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and feel almost like a panic attack for some."   Some of the worst foods for sugar spikes are cakes, candy, sugary drinks as well as food high in caffeine like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Other foods not so obvious are consuming fruits and vegetables without balancing them with protein; dri

  As MorningStar at Silver Lake (formerly known as Garden Court Retirement), joins the offerings for quality independent living and assisting living in beautiful Everett, area seniors have a reason to celebrate. MorningStar Senior Living was started in 2003 with the intention of “casting a new light” on senior living and creating housing for older adults that feels like a true home. With communities spread across the U.S., we have built a reputation for excellence – and for authenticity – in why we serve and how we serve. Our team knows that the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents, time and energy; and is where we find deep and lasting satisfaction.  MorningStar additionally holds firm to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. MorningStar at Silver Lake’s apartments offers spacious f

  Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.  Now offering independent living in Hillsboro, the new MorningStar of Hillsboro is designed to provide active seniors with a carefree lifestyle, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interest, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. As our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort, we offer a range of amenities, concierge services and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle.   We are situated in the highly sought-after neighborhood of AmberGlen and clos

  Osteopenia is a condition that occurs when the body doesn't make new bone as quickly as it reabsorbs old bone. Medical experts say the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to osteoporosis, a more serious, debilitating disease. Both osteopenia and osteoporosis are found in a bone density test, which measures the mass and strength of the bone. If bone density level is low based on the person’s age, they will be diagnosed with osteopenia. A finding of very low bone density is a sign of osteoporosis and causes fragile, easily fractured bones.     While 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, half of all Americans over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Women post-menopausal are most at risk but one-third of Asian and white men over the age of 50 also have osteopenia. Everyone’s bones get weaker with age but smoking; excessive consumption of alcohol; a diet low in calcium, vitamin D, and certain medications; or medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, among others pu

  We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. While new to Houston, we are not new to senior living and specialize in caring for our most tender residents within our several dozen communities across the U.S.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, Reflections Neighborhood gives residents the freedom to easily navigate hallways and explore their surroundings, while maintaining their sense of independence as much as possible.  Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff is dementia care specialists who truly understand Alzheimer’s and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and

  Growing older can open the door to chronic diseases, impaired mobility and other distressing health concerns. While there are many challenges we encounter on our path to old age, medical experts say there are some things we can do to improve and protect our overall wellbeing. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, explains, “It’s important to recognize the things that are most supportive of a good immune system are a healthy lifestyle.” This starts with the basics like making sure we get enough sleep each night, following a healthy diet, and staying physically active. Other things we can do to improve the immune system is to support our gut microbiome by eating plant-based foods and whole grains to naturally get prebiotics. The best sources of probiotics are from fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi. Experts say drinking responsibly i