MorningStar Independent Living Blog

As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking. Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard - affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not all that uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.” Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins...

Let’s be honest, many of us rely on the Internet for medical advice. While it can supply good answers, doctors also caution you have to be careful what sites you trust. There are many websites providing good medical information but there are also sites with misleading or even dangerous advice. Dr. Michael Langan, an internal medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, cautions anyone with a blog can dispense information and advice; and a good way to avoid misinformation is to ask your doctor to recommend the sites they trust. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging recommends using health websites sponsored by Federal Government agencies. They say a good place for reliable, up-to-date information is the National Institutes of Health, but at the same time, remind everyone that the Internet is no substitute for seeing your doctor or other health professional who can give you advice that caters to your specific situation. Other things to look for include name...

Statistics show approximately one million Americans reside in some type of senior living community, and by 2030, the number is expected to double. At the same time, the number of seniors 85 and older is projected to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040. Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living (also known as retirement communities ), which is specifically designed for adults 55+. The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. Residents get peace of mind with predictable budgeting and not having to worry about unexpected repairs or costs associated with home maintenance. Another important perk of independent living communities is built-in companionship, and in many cases, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer have to cook. Senior living communities like MorningStar of Hillsboro allow seniors to enjoy stress-free...

  Experts say while you pride yourself on keeping a clean kitchen , you may still have some appliances or tools that are a hidden risk to your family’s health. Along with throwing away dirty sponges, which are a source of germs, viruses and bacteria; other kitchen tools are not meant to last forever. To keep your family healthy, they may need to be replaced. One of those items many kitchens have is a blender that is often used to make healthy smoothies, drinks and soups. Alyssa Resnick, a registered dietitian based in Hoboken, New Jersey warns that due to the construction of a blender, old food content and mold can build up in the base and leach out into the contents of the blender. She suggests every time it is used to completely disassemble each part of the blender and thoroughly clean it. Cutting boards are another common source of germs, viruses and bacteria and should be replaced every so often. Experts say if a wooden board is cracked it should be thrown away. To keep them in...

Seniors are not only living longer but are more engaged and active than their parents and grandparents’ generations were during their later years. Now when someone retires, they see it as a time to pursue new interests and hobbies or improve their golf or tennis game. It is a great time to travel, find meaning in life through volunteerism or spend quality time with the grandkids. It is not the time to worry about endless home repairs and maintenance. Independent living communities like MorningStar of Kirkland offer residents predictable budgeting, maintenance-free living, an array of luxury amenities, and a broad community of friends. An all-day dining service relieves you of meal prep and clean-up duties, giving you the time to enjoy the pool or take a peaceful stroll through our Zen gardens. Our onsite bistro/bar is ideal for meeting up with friends before dinner for a cocktail or glass of wine. If you have always wanted to delve into the arts, take advantage of our well-stocked Art...

We all know it is important to exercise to stay healthy ; but what do you do when an older person you love is a confirmed couch potato and doesn’t want to change. While they are not alone, surveys show only 39% of people over 65 meet the recommended amount of activity each week; it is better to be one of those who do. Add to that, the older people get, the number decreases even more.   The U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services' Health.gov site defines an inactive lifestyle as spending less than 20 minutes each day engaged in moderate intensity exercise. Examples of moderate intensity activities include a brisk walk, dancing, aerobics, and bike riding.  The CDC’s guidelines for adults over the age of 65 is to do 2 ½ to five hours a week of moderate-intensity activity or 1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. If someone is physically unable to meet these guidelines, they suggest doing some type of regular physical activity in accordance w...

The Harvard Medical School journal says it is not surprising mind-body exercises like tai chi and yoga have become more popular over the last few decades as not only do people feel good doing them but more studies are showing the benefits of these exercises . Research suggests practicing tai chi can lead to a longer, more vital life, and is linked to lowering blood pressure, managing depression, building strength and improving balance. The Harvard Medical School’s managing editor of introduction to tai chi, Peter Wayne, observed “tai chi was more like a multidrug combination that uses different components to produce a variety of effects.” His interest in the practice led him to develop the “eight active ingredients” of tai chi in order to evaluate the clinical benefits, the mechanisms used to produce these effects, and to shape the way it is taught to participants in clinical trials. Wayne says awareness is the most important component when doing tai chi as paying attention to your b...

Families often wonder how assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Pasadena determine the level of care for its residents. We want to reassure you there is no need to worry mom or dad’s needs will not be addressed as our job includes creating and routinely re-evaluating residents’ individualized care plan designed for their wellbeing and safety. Once you and your family decide MorningStar of Pasadena is the best fit, we invite you to sit down with our Wellness Director (a Licensed Nurse) to come up with a specialized care plan based on five levels of care – basic through level 4. Additionally monthly fees are determined by the square footage and location of your suite within the building and the view. We offer: Studios from 389 to 478 sf 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath units from 445 to 840 sf 1 Bedroom w/ Den, 1 Bath configurations at 746 sf 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths at 891 sf Spacious floor plans, well laid out & closets Our care services take into account the cost and time of providing...

If you noticed a change in mom or dad or another loved one over the holidays, you are not alone. Experts say since the holidays are when families spend quality time together; it is also the time many adult children realize their parents are not doing as well as they thought they were living on their own. Some of the most obvious signs a parent is having problems caring for him or herself is an unintended loss of weight, change in grooming habits or signs of a fall. The ADLs or Activities of Daily Living are used by experts to evaluate the needs of a person and include personal care such as bathing, dressing and toileting as well as transferring (ability to get in and out of bed, continence and eating. Other important signs a person is no longer doing well on their own and could benefit from some sort of assistance are based on what experts call the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These include things like paying bills, taking care of their home, preparing and cookin...

While we always hear about omega-3 fatty acids and how they are good for us, just what are they? The experts explain omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat also called “healthy fats.” Research suggests they play a role in protecting us from heart disease and dementia . DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) omega-3s are “the primary polyunsaturated fats in brain cell membranes and have been popularized and successfully marketed as dietary supplements.”   DHA, EPA and DPA omega-3 fatty acids are synthesized by marine organisms such as algae and phytoplankton. They are then consumed by fish, aquatic mammals and crustaceans where the acids are stored in body fat, liver and blubber. When we consume foods from the sea such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, liver of lean white fish and fish oils, we get the benefits of the omega-3s stored in their bodies.   Another type of omega-3 is ALA derived from plant sources and is the most readily used by ...

Medicare and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remind everyone that even if they haven’t gotten an annual flu shot yet, it is not too late. The flu season typically starts in mid-October, peaks in winter and continues through late spring. Medicare says the shot is covered for people with Medicare from providers that accept Medicare or your Medicare plan; and it is safe to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.  So far the CDC reports cases of Influenza (flu) are currently low nationally, but detect a slow but steady increase in parts of the U.S. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Older people , young children, and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk of serious complications. The two main types of influenza are known as viruses A and B, and are responsible for our seasonal flu epidemics each year. The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses b...

Kindness is the act of doing something to help another person or even ourselves. The good feeling we get by helping others is not something we imagine; as research shows practicing kindness releases feel-good hormones. It actually boosts serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for feelings of satisfaction and wellbeing; causing a sense of pleasure. In addition, studies show doing good work releases endorphins, our natural pain killers. The Mayo Clinic explains kindness has been “shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels.” Being kind can also help someone feel more connected to others, thus easing loneliness. Along with extending these positive feelings to others, experts say we should extend the same kindness to ourselves. Practicing positive thoughts rather than letting lots of negativity creep in, can help us feel better. S...

We all know the importance of having an excellent management team leading any type of organization, including a senior living community . At MorningStar at River Oaks assisted living and memory care community, we are blessed to have just such a team in place. Starting with MorningStar’s Executive Director, Suzanne Kelley, who exemplifies the values we look for in our team – character, kindness and selflessness; she brings to River Oaks several years of experience in long-term care administration. Suzanne says she is thrilled to be working for a company like MorningStar whose core beliefs guide us in our ability to communicate, empathize, and support those around us.  Our Wellness Director is Monique Cooper-Bickham who understands the wisdom of seniors can only be appreciated if you take the time to sit and listen to their stories. The first senior she ever loved was her grandmother, Mere’Mere’. When Mere'Mere was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Monique moved back to New Orleans to care...

The Skin Care Foundation reports the world’s most common cancer is of the skin and strikes one in five people by age 70 . The good news is 99 percent of all cases are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough. However, to spot skin cancer, we need to look for it, which is why doctors recommend adults to do a routine skin check once a month and to have an annual skin check with a dermatologist at least once a year. Since we are the best one to notice any changes in our skin, it helps to know what to look for. Experts explain skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, and warning signs associated with the different types of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (also called basal cell skin cancer) is the most common type of skin cancer accounting for 8 out of 10 cases. Basal cell cancer starts in the basal cell layer (the lower part of the epidermis). The Mayo Clinic explains squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and oute...

Over the last decade, there have been many studies done regarding the various benefits of pets for seniors including providing loyal companionship and unconditional love. They can help keep a senior active as even if you don’t want to go for a walk, you know your dog needs one. In fact, studies show seniors with dogs are more physically active than other older adults without pets. Another thing about taking a dog out for a walk is it is a great way to meet new friends. However, before you rush out to get a dog or cat, veterinarians caution seniors (and their well-intentioned family members), to remember some animals are better suited to the energy level and temperament of older adults. They recommend several breeds of dogs that have a good disposition and are easy to care for. One breed making the list is the French bulldog as they are known as reliable companions and good walking partners. Poodles and Schipperke are both loyal and intelligent and also easy to care for. Veterinarians ...

While you want to show mom or dad your love through a thoughtful gift this holiday season, it can be tough to figure out one. If they live in senior living that provides for many of their needs or in an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up major space or already has it.  This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person . However there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy. If they haven’t gotten an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice-operated. Alexa can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the w...

Many older adults have problems with their circulatory system. Since blood flows through the veins in our legs upward into our heart, the force of gravity can work against us making it harder to push the blood up. When seniors spend lots of time sitting or standing, it can make blood flow problems worse. In some individuals the problem can lead to edema, a buildup of fluid in the feet and lower legs causing puffy, swollen ankles and feet. Experts explain while the condition is generally benign, it needs to be checked out by your healthcare provider as it can be a sign of something more serious. Dr. Elizabeth Ratchford, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Vascular Medicine and an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, says whole-body problems that can lead to leg swelling include heart failure, kidney failure and liver failure. Blood clots and heart conditions can also cause swollen, painful legs and require immediate medical attention. Regardless of the reas...

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.     Advance care planning documents may include a living will , power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or venti...

After last year, most of us look forward to celebrating a more normal holiday season; and with vaccines, many of us will spend quality time with older family members . Experts say there are some things we can do to help them feel more connected to the festivities.  Start by including them in some of the holiday’s plans such as selecting special foods or choosing the linens to use as it will make them feel needed and get them excited about the events. Experts say if they have memory challenges, serving some of the dishes they have always loved will help bring back pleasant memories. If time allows, help them get ready for the family gatherings by taking them to a salon, or if they live in an assisted living community with salon services, treat them to a day at their salon. Buy mom or dad a new holiday sweater and give it to them to wear to the festivities, or go over beforehand to help them get dressed in their finest. Other tips to help mom or dad enjoy the holidays are to get ou...

Excitement is building as MorningStar of Kirkland finishes the final touches before opening our doors to residents. If you are looking for the finest senior living community in the area, we invite you to contact us for detailed information.  In addition please ask about the “Founders Club Rewards” available for early depositors. Exclusive benefits include one-half off your rent during your birthday month in the first year as well as one-half off the community fee and $750 reimbursement toward moving expenses. In addition you will be invited to attend exclusive Club Member Events. Another benefit includes a $100 gift certificate to our onsite salon that can be used toward haircuts, manicures and pedicures. As MorningStar of Kirkland’s wide range of amenities includes professional massages, our Founders Club Rewards also include a $100 gift certificate toward a relaxing massage.  Under the direction of our Executive Chef, we offer a five-star, all-day dining service. Our resta...