MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all of the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habit...

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness. So how do you know you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light in order to focus on the page. Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or ...

Over the summer many adult children spend more time visiting with their parents in person rather than on the phone or over a video call. It is also the time when many families discover mom or dad living on their own isn’t working, and they are not actually doing as well as everyone thought. Experts say there are some signs to look for when visiting an elderly parent to determine if they need more help in their day-to-day life. One cause for concern can be if they have had an unintended change in their weight. Experts say weight loss is a common sign of a senior not doing well on their own. The same goes if they appear to have had a change in their balance and mobility such as difficulty getting up from a chair or walking up or down stairs, which could result in a higher risk of a fall. Another component of an older person’s wellbeing includes their emotional state. Do they have opportunities to get out and about and socialize or are they spending a lot of time alone and showing signs o...

If you or a loved one is experiencing troubling memory problems, it is important to see your healthcare provider. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or several other dementia-related diseases, there are steps you can take to mitigate or delay the onset of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “Physicians and other medical professionals are a central part of the care team of a person living with dementia. Along with other members — which may include family, friends or others — they work to provide support throughout the course of the disease.” Therefore, one of the best ways to ensure optimal care is to honestly communicate with your physician. To establish a good relationship with the doctor, a person or family member should take some time to prepare for the visit. Helpful tips from the Alzheimer’s Association include: Document any changes in your health, including your mood, memory and behaviors. Make a note of any changes you’ve noticed since your last appointment. ...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury. However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving. Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.” They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall. Their first advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention. Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects inclu...

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Pasadena offers compassionate memory care . Our Reflections Neighborhood has the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our most tender residents. As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents. It also includes training in environmental safety and security as well as holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. An important aspect of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertai...

As we age, many seniors discover new bruises on their body but have no memory of how they got there. The Medical News Today (MNT) explains this may be the result of the skin thinning and blood vessels weakening and/or that some people are just more prone to bruising. It can also run in families. Being a frequent, extreme bruiser includes having many bruises without remembering their cause; regularly developing bruises that take many weeks to heal and bleeding for longer than 10 minutes following an injury. Excessive bruising and bleeding can be from medications, many of which seniors routinely take. These include drugs like warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban and aspirin. Doctors say even certain herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, feverfew, large quantities of garlic, ginger, and willow bark can increase the risk of bleeding or cause a change to blood vessels. The same is true for drugs like corticosteroids and glucocorticoids of which one example is predn...

It may surprise you to know that according to the Department of Health and Human Services, each year fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions. Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make s...

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier. Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought. They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest. If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions. Your questions should be short and only require a sim...

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living in Houston, MorningStar at River Oaks may be your answer. Along with beautiful surroundings, we provide an extensive range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more. When a loved one needs more care than they can get in their own home, it may be time to start thinking about a move to an assisted living community. If your family is new to the concept of senior living and all it means, please know that MorningStar will work with you every step of the way to help you make informed decisions, and make the eventual move-in process easier. To start with, we understand that for your parent or elderly relative, the move is a major lifestyle transition, which is why we approach each move-in with great sensitivity. One way we do this is to try and nurture a relationship from the start that reinforces the positive aspects of community life and tries to help the person envision the many possibilities of a new adventure. Once your...

Internet dating, buying online, and socializing over the computer have become a daily norm for most people. It is important to be careful with how much you share online and who you share it with. This is especially true for people in senior living who may not be familiar with online spaces. Read on to learn more about internet safety for seniors. Look Out for Deceptive Tactics There are many people online looking to take advantage of seniors in order to get money or personal information. To stay safe online, those in senior living should learn to look out for deceptive tactics, scams, and other predatory behavior. If someone you don’t know seems overly friendly online, move forward with caution when talking to them. Someone who overshares personal information about themselves and expects your personal information in return may not have good intentions. Always be wary of anyone who is too eager to get to know you on the internet. Do Not Share Passwords Another tip for protecting yourse...

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than one in four people aged 65 or older suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department. In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death. To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises. Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength. Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed. The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do. One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk. This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength. Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides. Now walk in a st...

If you still think assisted living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s assisted living communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer seniors a vibrant lifestyle of wellness, community and well-being. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focuses on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health. Assisted living is designed to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, dressing, and bathing. However, assisted living communities like MorningStar at River Oaks provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenitie...

Have you been counting down the days until cooler weather and changing leaves arrive? Whether it be baking pies or cozying up for a favorite movie, there are plenty of great ways to make the most out of the fall months. If you’re a senior living in Kirkland , check out these six great bucket list activities to do during the fall: 1. Take a Walk Outdoors in the Fall Weather One of the most enjoyable activities to do in the fall is to take a leisurely stroll outdoors. When the leaves change colors and there’s a chill in the air, taking a walk outside feels both relaxing and comforting. When in senior living in Kirkland , you can choose to take a walk with a group of fellow residents or on your own. 2. Cozy Up for a Movie with Friends or Family If you prefer to stay indoors, the fall months are a good time to cozy up and watch a movie with friends or family. Whether it be a spooky movie for Halloween or a family Thanksgiving favorite, choose a movie that makes you happy, and get comfortab...

At MorningStar Senior Living of Pasadena, we proudly offer seniors a range of options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term stays and respite care. Our community is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles convenient to restaurants, shopping, museums, parks and gardens. Senior living is a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely. Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends. Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation. Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them. For independent living residents we provide carefree, comfortable retirement years with a maintenance free lifestyle. Residents enjoy the built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living, including healthy and delicious meals created by our Executive Chef. Jus...

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence. This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?” Also, it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries. Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving. To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life. So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, you should check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions. The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them. Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so. For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action. O...

Are you transitioning to senior living in Kirkland? Senior housing communities are a great way to live safely and comfortably well into your golden years, but sometimes people have reasonable concerns about making this move. If your family or friends are worried about your transition into a senior living community , read these tips on how to address their worries. Establish Open Communication When addressing your family’s concerns about senior living in Kirkland , you need to establish open communication. Allowing them to feel comfortable when voicing their concerns will make them feel that you value what they say. One way to open up a dialogue is by scheduling a dinner or get-together to give your family the opportunity to talk openly about their worries. Take Their Concerns Seriously Once you have given your family a chance to voice their concerns, it is important that you take them seriously. Everyone is going to have their own feelings and opinions about your move, and it is essent...