MorningStar Independent Living Blog

It is no secret that aging brings with it changes many of us experience including not being as sharp as we were when younger. Many seniors say they find it more difficult to multitask, have trouble recalling names and finding the right word. Some complain about a decline in their ability to concentrate, absorb, process, and remember new information. On the positive side, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says studies have found various strengths of seniors such as having a wider vocabulary and a greater depth of understanding of the meaning of words than younger adults. Moreover, most are capable of learning new skills (it may take longer), and forming new memories. Another advantage older adults have over their younger counterparts is a wealth of life experience and accumulated knowledge. However, researchers are trying to figure out why some seniors stay cognitively healthy longer than others, and if our lifestyle habits protect our brains as we age. For now evidence shows certai

It may surprise you to know according to the Department of Health and Human Services, 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 non-prescription 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 sure you are tak

In an article in Medical News Today experts discuss some of the common myths and facts regarding arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two main types of arthritis, and a national survey found nearly half of adults 65 years and older have been diagnosed with arthritis. OA, the most common form and leading cause of disability in older adults, is the result of cartilage between the bones in a joint wearing down. Many people believe arthritis is only a disease of the elderly but RA, while not as common as OA, typically starts in individuals as young as 20 to 40 years old. People also mistakenly think if a joint hurts, it must be arthritis. Doctors say there are several reasons a person may experience pain in and around joints including old injuries, bursitis, and tendinitis. Another myth is you shouldn’t exercise if you have arthritis; however, studies show exercise can actually help with range of motio

MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland offers active seniors a carefree lifestyle. Located in the Totem Lake area, our 151 contemporary independent living apartments are available in a range of floor plans and configurations. Each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops and an in-suite washer/dryer. Units offer a patio or balcony, private heating & air conditioning, storage space, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service ensures you have plenty of time to pursue your hobbies and interests. The vibrant community of Kirkland,WA is a great place for retirees. Activities and events include outdoor concerts, a popular wine festival, art galleries, whale-watching tours, and a number of superb cafes and restaurants along the beautiful waterfront with views of the Seattle skyline across the Pudget Sound. In addition to the fantastic dining, spend a day visiting local wineries or specialty shops.

Growing older together can make couples feel like they are as familiar with their own needs as they are with their spouse’s. They are used to relying on one another for companionship as well as emotional support, which is why experts say moving into assisted living together can be beneficial on several levels. To start with, it helps make the transition to community life easier. Alyssa M. Lanzi, a research assistant professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Delaware in Newark, says, “Assisted living communities can be great for couples that are looking to continue to live together while needing some support for daily activities.” Given the fact many retirement communities offer various levels of care services, even if a couple is on a different health track, their needs can be addressed with separate personalized care plans. It also eliminates the need to fund two homes. Additionally, if one of the partners is in good health, they can alw

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks provides 27 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our community is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe. Our holistic approach to dementia care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease

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 if 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 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 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 streetlight

A highly respected senior housing company, MorningStar Senior Living has 40+ independent and assisted living communities in eleven states that are designed to be true homes for their residents. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks is our property in Houston. MorningStar was started in 2003 based on a unique mission statement, principles and philosophy. As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains, his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” Out of this vision, came a three-pillared mission statement that still guides the way we deliver service to our residents: 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.” Even the name “MorningStar” was inspired by Mr. Jaeger’s contemplation of the bible and hi

How long has it been since you really made the effort to learn something new? As we age, many of us can get stuck in a rut. However, opening our minds to new ideas and trying new activities can provide seniors with a renewed interest in life and help keep the brain sharp. The choice of hobbies and activities for retirees is endless and includes dusting off old skills or learning something entirely new. Things like painting and drawing classes can be done in person or online. The same goes for listening to lectures, joining a book club or writing workshop, and learning a foreign language. If you need more computer skills or would like to know more about social media, join a class and get started. If you have always wanted to play an instrument, what are you waiting for? Neuroscientists and music teachers say it is never too late to learn. Scot Hawkins, a piano teacher in Silver Spring, Md., says, “Ability is low on the list of what's required for adult students. Instead, attitude —

MorningStar of Pasadena offers private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day. Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety. Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7. We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more. Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service. In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that

Many seniors are aware of the fact that a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance. The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider. When beginning a walking plan, whether you are active or sedentary, experts say to remember minutes walked are more important than number of miles. If you are unused to exercise, start slowly. Also, wear good walking shoes, and if you normally use a cane or walker, use it. Experts say it is safer to wa

Did you know the FDA has made changes to regulations regarding hearing aids, which now makes it possible to buy an FDA approved device over the counter (OTC)? While many of us have heard about the high cost of prescription hearing aids and that Medicare typically does not cover them, you may want to know whether the experts think an OTC purchase is a good idea. The Harvard Medical School went to Dr. James Naples, assistant professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to see if it is a viable option and to explain potential pros and cons. He explains that despite there being several types of hearing aids, they all amplify sound and use a combination of signaling processing and directional microphones to filter out background noise. However, he warns against confusing personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) with hearing aids as they only amplify sound. To determine your level of hearing loss, experts recommend you sta

As more and more research shows, getting enough sleep each night is important for everything from better mental health to better physical health. Some studies have even reported findings of an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in people who routinely have sleep problems. If you are someone who has trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, the US News & World Report published several tips from sleep experts to help reset your sleep clock and improve your sleep habits. They recommend beginning with reestablishing waking and bedtime rituals by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up the same time. It may even be a good idea to eat meals at the same time. Your bedroom should be dark and use a light-blocking sleep mask if needed. Also keep your bedroom a work free zone. Other recommendations include avoiding caffeine after noon, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and exercising each day. Dr. Kannan Ramar, president of the American Academy of

Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe to a doctor what is going on regarding medical problems. Describing various symptoms is quite all-together different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam. Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how best to do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling. Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such

Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone. A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior living communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.” Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community. When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving. In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults. Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly. Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling. Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. If you are looking for the finest independent or assisted living in Pasadena, CA, we encou

Some people think a move to an assisted living community signals an end to their independence but nothing could be further from the truth. At MorningStar at River Oaks we respect the fact that seniors have spent a lifetime living independently, raising families, working jobs, and making their own decisions, and consider it our job to continue to help them lead full, purposeful lives. We know many of the challenges that come all too often with aging. Worsening medical conditions, failing eyesight, hearing impairments and mobility problems as well as the death of a spouse or friends can make it tough for seniors to live on their own. Isolation and loneliness can bring on feelings of hopelessness and depression; have a negative impact on mental health, and even affect quality of life. As one of MorningStar’s assisted living residents, you will receive the personal daily care you need to help maintain your independence. Our services include help with the ADLs (activities of daily living)

Committed to providing the best senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer, MorningStar of Pasadena proudly takes dining to a new level with beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style. We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why we put so much emphasis on ensuring our food service is A+. Furthermore, we believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting. When we break bread together, it is much more than just physical nutrients as it helps to bond us as a family and as friends. To ensure our food service is both delicious and nutritious, we have our own highly trained professional chef who oversees all meal preparation. Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest of ingredients of which come from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Meals are also modified to incl

Many of us have had our blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office and were surprised when it turned out to be higher than we expected it to be. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing something known as “white-coat hypertension,” meaning a higher than warranted reading during a medical appointment. Doctors say one of the best ways to ensure you do not have elevated blood pressure, is to take your blood pressure at home a number of times. You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure to see if you should be put on medication or adjust medication to reach a target number. It is important to do it correctly to ensure readings are accurate. Experts say start by buying a validated monitor and do not buy one that uses the finger or wrist as they are not as accurate as upper-arm cuffs. If you have a much smaller or larger upper-arm, look for one appropriately sized. Other things to consider are to not take your blood pressure when you are stress

At MorningStar of Pasadena, we recognize that daily exercise is essential to the wellbeing of our residents. Research backs up that claim as the National Institute of Health (NIA) explains that seniors who stay physically active and regularly exercise receive long-term health benefits. They state that, “it can even improve the health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.” Taking part in physical activities such as walking your dog, using the stairs, or gardening as well as regular formal exercises such as weight training, tai chi, or aerobics classes are both beneficial to seniors. Studies have found an increase in mental capacity and a slower mental decline in older adults who stay physically active as it can help to increase blood flow to all parts of the body including the brain. The NIA also states that exercise may delay or prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer, and help to reduce death and hospitalization rates.

Researchers at Tuft University reported a link between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and periodontal disease, to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection within the soft tissue of the mouth, and “about 47.2% of U.S. adults over 30 and 70% over 65 have gum disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, which was done with mice, discovered the correlation, but researchers hope the findings can be used to someday help reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors cite Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a bacterium that causes gum disease and is already linked to kidney disease, diabetes and coronary problems to be the problem. The lead author, Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine explains the purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the association of induced periodontal dise