MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Hey there, adventurous spirits in senior living in Kirkland ! Are you looking forward to embarking on an unforgettable journey and exploring new destinations? Traveling is an exciting adventure at any age, and with proper planning, seniors can enjoy every moment. Below are some essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether exploring a new city, relaxing at a seaside resort, or taking a guided tour through picturesque landscapes. Prepare for Your Adventure Before you set off on your trip: Take some time to gather information about your travel destination. Learn about the local culture, language, and customs to familiarize yourself with the environment. Consider the climate and pack appropriate clothing to ensure comfort throughout your journey. Research local healthcare facilities and emergency contact numbers for peace of mind. Make copies of important documents like your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary, and store them separately from the origina...

Pilates is a fantastic exercise method that offers numerous benefits for seniors at senior living Kirkland. Originally developed to help injured athletes and dancers, Pilates focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. For seniors, these aspects are crucial for maintaining strength, balance, and posture, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life. Enhanced Strength and Stability One of the standout benefits of Pilates for seniors is its ability to enhance overall strength and stability. The controlled and low-impact movements target key muscle groups, helping to improve balance and coordination. This can be incredibly beneficial in reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence in daily activities, a priority for many older adults in senior housing Kirkland . Improved Posture and Flexibility Good posture and flexibility are crucial components of healthy aging. Pilates exercises promote proper alignment and increase ...

In senior living Kirkland , we love finding fun and engaging activities for our residents. One of our favorite ways to spark creativity is through collage art. It's a versatile and enjoyable activity with plenty of benefits, from boosting brain function to encouraging social interaction. Let's dive into how collage art can make a positive impact in our senior workshops. Unleashing Creativity Collage art is a wonderfully inclusive way for seniors to explore their creativity in a relaxed setting. Residents, regardless of their artistic skill level, can create unique and personal artworks using materials like magazine clippings, photos, and fabric scraps. This inclusivity makes it a perfect fit for our senior housing Kirkland community . Enhancing Cognitive Function Working on collages is not just a creative endeavor, it's also a mental workout. It stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive function. Choosing images, arranging them, and deciding on a final design exercises th...

MorningStar of Pasa recognizes that for some, senior living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable. One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.” This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in independent living, assisted living or memory care. Obviously, it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them. However, we know that option is not always available, so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you. We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interests as that provides a good basis for building a friendship. With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split. Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community. The presence of a roommate can encourage mo...

We all know that a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health as we age. As we get older, the risk of heart disease increases, so it's crucial to make heart-healthy choices. Adding grapefruit to your diet is not just a healthy choice, but a delicious one too. This vibrant and tangy fruit is a tasty treat and offers a range of benefits for older adults in senior living Kirkland . The Power of Vitamin C Grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports overall heart health. Vitamin C helps protect the arteries from damage and plays a role in reducing inflammation, which is linked to heart disease. By incorporating grapefruit into your diet, you can help maintain the strength and flexibility of your blood vessels. Potassium Punch In addition to vitamin C, grapefruits are a good source of potassium. Potassium is essential for regulating blood pressure and supporting heart function. As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at processing and ...

If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change. Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence. Also, once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together. Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar of Pasadena provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by the resident and their family. MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer su...

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 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 and oth...

As someone who cares about older adults in senior living Kirkland , I am always looking for natural ways to enhance the well-being of our residents. Today, I want to talk about something simple yet incredibly beneficial: green tea. Not only does this delightful beverage offer a host of health perks, but it also boasts antioxidant properties and cognitive benefits that can be particularly advantageous for seniors. Understanding the Benefits of Green Tea Green tea is loaded with antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to combat cell damage and help prevent a range of health issues. However, it's important to note that green tea also contains caffeine, which can have adverse effects on some seniors, such as increased heart rate or difficulty sleeping. For seniors, the potential cognitive benefits of green tea are particularly compelling. Some studies suggest that the catechins in green tea may help protect the brain and could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzh...

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar Senior Living of Pasadena we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes. If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what the future will bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas encouraging independence. Residents sta...

Stroke is a common medical event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports each year over 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and of that number, around 610,000 are first strokes. Statistics show stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2019; and experts say while common, stroke is often misunderstood. One of the first misconceptions is that stroke is caused by a problem of the heart. Doctors explain stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of arteries or veins in the brain, not in the heart. The second most important thing to know about stroke is in many cases it is preventable. The most common risk factors include hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, avoiding smoking and exercising can help lessen your risk for a stroke. Managing stress and watching your consummation of alcohol can additionally reduce the ri...

While there are a number of options for senior living in Hillsboro, OR, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Hillsboro is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company , an experienced company with 40+ senior communities in operation or under development across eleven states. At first glance, you may not think that makes much difference but 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 re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” Out of this vision, came a 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 “MorningS...

Are you ready for a lifestyle change? While you may have retired from your career, we know you have not retired from life but rather looking forward to a whole new chapter. Along with assisted living and memory care, MorningStar of Pasadena offers independent seniors well-designed apartments, onsite amenities and a community of friends. Today’s seniors are not only living longer but are more engaged and active than their parents and grandparents were in their later years. Retirement in 2024 is the time to enjoy hobbies, pursue new interests, travel, and renew yourself through volunteerism or hanging out with the grandkids – not worrying about home maintenance and repairs. Time is precious and life needs to be lived to the fullest. MorningStar of Pasadena’s five-star dining service puts most meal preparation and clean-up in our hands and frees you to perhaps spend some time in the art studio or garden before dinner. Like to watch movies in the evening? Walk to our theater, chat with fri...

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reminds older adults mild forgetfulness is more often a normal part of aging and not a serious memory problem. They explain serious problems generally involving things like the person asking the same question over and over again and getting lost in places they know well. They may also have trouble following recipes or directions and find themselves confused about people, places and time. If you are someone who is forgetting things, there are some steps you can take to feel more confident. These involve several simple things you can do, which will benefit your whole being like getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night), not drinking a lot of alcohol; and exercising and eating well. Managing high blood pressure is also important. Other more practical tips to help with forgetfulness are putting your wallet or purse, keys, glasses and phone in the same place each day. Instead of assuming you will remember, write out shopping and need to-do lis...

Many of us have watched a good friend go through the grieving process after losing a loved one and have been frustrated by not being able to do more to comfort them. Experts explain this is a common feeling and provide some suggestions to help. One of the first things to remember is everyone experiences grief in their own way. Heather L. McGinty, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, explains grief triggers a range of emotions, sensations and behaviors and can be complex. A person’s emotions may swing from tearfulness to anger or denial, and as a friend, it can be hard to know what to say. Loneliness, betrayal, fear and acceptance are some of the other emotions grief brings up. Some people even experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. If you want to help, grief counselors say to first make sure the person wants it; and recommend asking if they want the type of sup...

Research shows gardening may provide seniors both mental and physical benefits. In addition to enjoying a garden filled with beautiful flowers or homegrown vegetables and herbs, gardening can be an inspirational “mind-body-spirit” experience. Experts say before a senior picks up a shovel, it is a good idea to prepare in advance and take a few precautions. Gardening can put a lot of stress on the spine so it is recommended you warm up your body with a few, full body stretches before you start; during your garden session and after you are done. Use garden tools that are sharp and ergonomically designed to cause less stress to the hands and back. Terraced or raised beds limit the amount of bending and stress on the back. Use a bench or knee pads as much as possible. Take precautions when lifting and limit your load. Use a light-weight wheelbarrow and keep your gardening sessions short. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid the full heat of the day. Wear sunblock, protective clothing and a ...

We all like to give our elderly parents or loved ones a gift to show them just how much we care about them. It is often hard to know what to give to a senior, and especially difficult if a loved one is suffering from dementia. Experts suggest you help them find ways to reminisce about their lives and accomplishments, and give them things that will bring a smile to their face and some joy into their life. Many ideas for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease include personalized gifts. One such gift is a talking photo book that allows you to record your own personal commentary to go along with each photograph. This can be a fun book to sit and enjoy with your family member as it helps to trigger memories and conversation. Many companies offer such books, and prices typically vary with the number of photos and recording time available. Buying an interactive book featuring vivid photographs and large print on a subject your mom or dad loves such as animals or flowers ca...

If you or your loved one needs assisted living in Houston, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at River Oaks. A look through the photos on our website will show you our comfortable and stylish common areas and beautiful private suites. Although we provide a range of resort-style amenities and services, our outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors. Before you even move in, we will meet with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs. For our assisted living residents, we offer five Care Levels. Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our community, we adjust the level of care as needed. In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by your required level of care. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it. Each...

Foot health is a crucial aspect of maintaining mobility and independence in seniors. In senior housing Kirkland and senior living Kirkland communities, attention to foot care can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals. Healthy feet enable seniors to stay active, perform daily tasks, and engage in social activities, all of which are essential for overall well-being. Common Foot Problems in Seniors As people age, they become more susceptible to various foot problems. Some common issues include: Arthritis: This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet, making walking difficult. Diabetes-related complications: Poor circulation and neuropathy in diabetic patients can lead to foot ulcers and infections. Bunions and hammertoes: These deformities can cause pain and discomfort, affecting balance and mobility. Dry skin: Aging skin tends to be drier, which can lead to cracks and infections if not properly moisturized. Nail disorders: Thickened or i...

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than one in four people aged 65 years 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 i...

Heat exhaustion is a serious concern, particularly for seniors who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures. Residents in senior housing Kirkland and senior living Kirkland communities need to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and know what immediate actions to take to prevent serious health complications. Understanding Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down effectively. It is often caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with dehydration. Seniors are at higher risk because their bodies may not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes, and they might not feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated. Common Signs of Heat Exhaustion Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion early can help prevent it from progressing to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Common symptoms include: Heavy sweating Weakness or fatigue Dizziness or light-headedness Nausea or vomiting Headache Muscle cramps R...

Beets are a nutritional powerhouse that offer numerous health benefits, particularly for seniors. These vibrant root vegetables are known for their detoxifying properties and ability to help lower blood pressure, making them an excellent addition to the diet of residents in senior living Kirkland communities. Detoxifying Properties of Beets Beets are rich in antioxidants, which help the body detoxify and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. One of the key antioxidants in beets is betalain, a pigment that gives beets their distinctive red color and helps support liver function by aiding in the detoxification process. The liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins from the blood, and beets can enhance its ability to perform this vital function. Additionally, beets contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps remove toxins from the digestive tract. Regular consumption of beets can promote healthy bowel movements and prevent constipation, a common issue among...

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls. The Family Doctor website also offers some common sense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and make changes to your diet. By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and if you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. By daily exercising, you can also help improve many chronic health problems ...

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains a stigmatized topic among elderly men. Societal expectations and ingrained notions of masculinity can make it challenging for men to seek help. In communities such as senior living Kirkland , addressing and supporting mental health needs is essential for fostering a healthy, fulfilling life. Understanding the Stigma The stigma surrounding mental health in elderly men often stems from traditional views that equate masculinity with stoicism and emotional resilience. Many men were raised to believe that expressing vulnerability or seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness. This mindset can lead to untreated depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Encouraging Open Conversations One of the most effective ways to break the stigma is by encouraging open conversations about mental health. In creating a supportive environment where men feel comfortable discussing their feelings can m...