MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself is certain to delay or prevent this progress. Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are n...

At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we want you to know independent living means much more than simply a change in your housing. We think of it as a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals, and to get down to the business of really enjoying your precious retirement years. MorningStar of Hillsboro is ideally located on the city’s east side in the desirable AmberGlen neighborhood. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center is close by as are the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center. Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the Washington County Museum, Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are nearby. Our community specializes in offering a full range of hospitality services that free you from the drudgery of daily chores and obligations. We provide housekeeping services and take care of maintenance, inside and out. In addition, residents will enjoy chef-inspired, all-day dining and enrichment activiti...

How many times have you eaten breakfast, and after an hour or two, you start to feel hungry? Many breakfast options involve foods such as cereals, breads and granola bars that are high in refined grains and sugar. To solve the problem, nutritionists say you should add protein to every meal including your breakfast. When you eat a breakfast with protein, you feel fuller and more satisfied for a longer period and less apt to reach for high-calorie snacks mid-morning. Registered dietician, Lisa Jones, explains an adult’s daily intake of protein should be between 10% and 35% of the calories consumed. She adds, “For example, if your nutritional needs call for 2,000 calories daily, you should get 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams.” One suggestion for an easy-to-do, protein-rich breakfast is avocado and fried egg on a bagel or enriched whole-grain slice of toast. Omelets are also fairly easy and can be assembled with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, spinach and baco...

Unlike years ago, when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact, studies indicate community living provides a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, a 55+ community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. Another reason a senior living community such as MorningStar of Kirkland enhances quality of life for residents is the five-star...

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at River Oaks is in the Upper Kirby District in Houston, and has 85 private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 27 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our home is a part of MorningStar Senior Living, which has over 40 communities currently open or under construction across the country. MorningStar began in 2003 when founder Ken Jaeger had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and eth...

MorningStar at River Oaks offers 85 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 th...

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Pasadena offers experienced memory care . Our Reflections Neighborhood has memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with memory impairment and encourages independence for our most tender residents with clear wayfinding; and safe, inviting common areas. Residents receive daily health monitoring and 24/7 care along with access to a licensed nurse and more supportive third-party service providers. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides ...