Pets Offer Seniors Many Benefits
Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms. In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress. Also, during times of loneliness, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.
Pets can teach seniors to live in the here and now as they do, and dogs and cats are great at offering their owners unconditional love, emotional support and affection. Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life. Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr? Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.
Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.” In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing. However, experts warn that before you rush out and adopt an animal, you think about how much time you have for their care, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses? Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need?
MorningStar of Mission Viejo, scheduled to open next May, will provide a true “home” for our independent living, assisted living and memory care residents. We also recognize the relationship that exists between a senior and their pet, which is why our community will be pet friendly. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our pet policy and to learn about our various amenities, services, and support we will offer to our residents and their families.
MorningStar Senior Living takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Mission Viejo, CA.
What to Expect When Visiting the Doctor for Cognitive Problems
Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss. So, how is MCI diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.”
Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies.
Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses slowly.
Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Mission Viejo will offer individualized, loving care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of MorningStar’s memory care is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about the newest senior living in Mission Viejo, CA.
MorningStar of Mission Viejo’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.
Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/evaluating-mci-mild-cognitive-impairment
MorningStar of Mission Viejo Offers Seniors a Range of Options
At MorningStar Senior Living of Mission Viejo, we will proudly offer seniors a range of options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term stays and respite care. Scheduled to open in May 2023, we are located in the heart of Mission Viejo, convenient to medical facilities, recreation, shopping and other services.
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. Also, you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.
Our comfortable independent living features spacious private suites that only require your personal items and furnishings to feel like home. All independent living residents are welcomed to join in with community activities and wellness programs as well as enjoy our many amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, art studio, theatre, salon, sky terraces and more. We handle all the maintenance and offer housekeeping, laundry and other services. Meals are created by our Executive Chef and served in multiple dining venues. In other words, residents have the freedom to pursue their interests and hobbies.
MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities. For families searching for assisted living, our community ensures seniors get the help they need when they need it. Along with our dining services, wellness activities, and onsite amenities, we offer a full range of care services based on an individualized care plan that includes 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses, and more.
Lastly, we provide suites for residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.
At MorningStar of Mission Viejo, our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.