About MorningStar Senior Living
While there are many senior living options in Boise, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Boise is under the management of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, an experienced company with 40+ senior communities in operation or under development across eleven states.
MorningStar Senior Living 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 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 his commitment to relieve poverty around the world.
However, while founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition; please know that we welcome and honor all faiths and worldviews in our communities, and are committed to meeting not only residents’ social, emotional, and physical needs but their spiritual ones. In our pursuit of creating a loving home, honoring spiritual preferences is part of caring for the whole person.
MorningStar of Boise is a vibrant 55+ community located near medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and other services. Our all-inclusive community has a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years. Please visit our website for more information about the finest independent and assisted living in Boise, ID.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Boise offers.
Why It’s Important for Aging Adults to Keep Up with Technology
Technology has come so far in just the last few decades, so it’s understandable that some aging adults experience difficulty navigating it. Be that as it may, it’s extremely important for seniors to be able to keep up with modern technologies, given that they provide access to communication, accommodations, and new information, all of which are especially valuable in people’s later years.
More specifically, here’s why technology is so important for aging adults:
Communication with Loved Ones
The majority of seniors’ loved ones probably use cell phones, social media, and other forms of technology throughout their daily lives, so if that person wants to keep in touch and have access to their family and whatever happenings might be going on, technology is vital.
Things like video chats and instant messages are just a few of the perks of using modern technology, as they allow people to talk to anyone anywhere in the world at any time. For seniors, that kind of reliable, long-distance connection can be comforting, if not outright life-saving.
Access to Information
Seniors are considered to be a vulnerable population. They may or may not be legally dependent on caretakers to get through their daily life. In senior living centers, there are several accommodations in place to make life easier for aging adults.
It’s important, however, for seniors to have access to new information on their own, as doing so prevents them from being taken advantage of, exploited, and left “behind the times.” Everyone wants to know and understand what’s going on in the world around them, and seniors are no exception.
Research on the quality of life of aging adults could directly benefit seniors, for instance. They can learn what activities are best to enjoy, how much movement they need, and other important information.
Brain Activity: Keeping Aging Minds Active and Sharp
Technology is riddled with “brain games” that claim to improve neural connections in older adult brains. While these claims are not always proven, it’s been shown that literacy and logic games do improve outcomes related to memory, cognition, and life satisfaction in seniors.
Keeping up with modern technologies can allow residents of senior living homes to become (or remain) sharp-witted, quick thinkers. These games and puzzles are beneficial for social and emotional health as well; seniors can share their favorite games and activities with friends and family.
The best way to address cognitive and memory issues in seniors is through prevention, and today’s technology provides us with access to plenty of mind-sharpening tools and opportunities that seniors should take advantage of.
Convenience
It’s common knowledge that technology works to make life easier. It’s precisely why it has continued to progress a lot over the last few short years, and seniors, especially, can benefit from that convenience. If something can make their lives easier to navigate, they should seize the opportunity.
Stay on Top of the Latest Technology in Senior Living
If you’re a resident in senior living, don’t forget to keep up with the latest technological advancements. You deserve to have some of the world’s greatest tools at your fingertips!
Avoiding Scams: 4 Tips to Keep Your Aging Loved Ones Safe from Scammers
It’s common for scammers to target the elderly population in senior living because of their lack of technological knowledge. This can put your loved ones at risk for scams that steal their money and personal information.
Follow these tips to protect the seniors in your life from malicious scammers.
1. Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers
Let your loved ones know that if they receive a phone call from an unknown number, they shouldn’t answer it.
Scammers get elderly people in senior living on the hook by calling them and pretending there’s an urgent situation. Such a ploy can confuse and worry seniors, which makes them more vulnerable to giving out personal information.
Many scam artists pretend that the senior on the phone is in legal or financial trouble. The key is to avoid answering these types of calls at all.
Assure your loved one that the caller will leave a voicemail if it’s truly important.
2. Never Click Random Links
Some scams operate through links sent via text message. These links often direct seniors to suspicious websites that collect personal information, including bank account info and Social Security numbers.
Tell your aging loved ones that links should always be off-limits unless they know the sender personally. This includes random texters that claim to be in positions of authority — police officers, government workers, and other law enforcement.
3. Look Out for Threats and Intimidation Tactics
Scammers sometimes call seniors and threaten them with legal, financial, and even physical harm. The biggest red flag that something is a scam is if the caller or texter starts intimidating your loved one.
Let them know that legitimate businesses and professionals will never try to harass, threaten, or scare them over the phone. These are telltale signs that someone is a scammer that’s willing to prey on elderly people’s sense of urgency and danger.
If your loved one answers the phone and starts receiving threats and other abusive language, tell them to hang up immediately and block the number.
4. Stay Guarded on Social Media
These days, scammers are using every available medium to target elderly people, including social media. A scammer may impersonate someone on your loved one’s friend list to get information from them.
Inform your loved one of the dangers of impersonation and show them how to determine whether a friend or follow request is legitimate. For example, someone from their friend list likely won’t make a second account and try to add them, so if that happens, it’s probably a scam.
Also, teach them to watch out for suspicious social media links, articles, and survey forms, and have them avoid engaging with these things at all costs.
Protect Your Loved One from Harmful Scams
Scam artists are often difficult or impossible to track down, which means your loved one probably won’t get their money or personal info back if they give it out. Follow these tips to make sure residents of senior living communities never fall victim to technology-based scams.
Senior Living Outside: 5 Ways to Get Out and Enjoy the Sunshine This Summer
Senior living is all about recreation, comfort, and community. You don’t have to stay indoors all summer long while the sun is shining!
If you’re looking for some fun outdoor activities to enjoy this summer, here are five ideas to get you started:
1. Go for a Bike Ride with Friends
Bicycling is a great way to stay active without putting too much pressure on your joints.
When you pedal a bicycle, your joints move smoothly without the impact of the pavement beneath you. This allows your body to continuously produce fluid motions, even if you struggle with joint pain and discomfort.
Bring along a few friends to make your biking fun in the sun even more enjoyable.
2. Enjoy Your Community’s Outdoor Swimming Pool
Most senior living communities have a large outdoor swimming area for residents to enjoy when it’s warm outside. Take advantage of this luxurious amenity!
Water fitness is popular among older adults because it’s both gentle and effective.
If you struggle with stiff joints, weight control, or other health problems, swimming outdoors can be a great way to relax and get some physical activity in at the same time.
3. Start a Garden
Gardening doesn’t have to be done on the hard ground while you kneel uncomfortably in the hot sun. In fact, many modern gardens in senior living communities are placed on balconies and other accessible areas.
Additionally, raised beds offer a great way to garden without kneeling. Some raised beds can even allow you to garden at waist level or higher.
Studies have shown that gardening boosts feelings of happiness and productivity, especially in older adults. Buy some seeds, pots, and a watering can, and get started this summer!
4. Join Outdoor Group Fitness Classes
Most senior living communities offer group fitness activities. See if your instructor is willing to move one of the classes outside when the weather is especially beautiful.
Practicing group fitness creates a sense of community among senior living residents. Those who move together, stay together!
Outdoor fitness classes can include Zumba, yoga, and aerobic exercises.
5. Dine Outside
Whether you’re at a nearby restaurant or simply sitting on your balcony or in a common area outdoors, it’s always a good idea to eat outside in the summer. You don’t have to engage in strenuous exercise to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
You can arrange for a group meal outside with other residents to soak up the socialization and sunshine together.
Stay Active and Outdoorsy
This SummerSenior living communities offer a range of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Get up and moving this summer with these five activities and more at your senior living community!
Luxury Senior Living at MorningStar of Hayward
MorningStar of Hayward, a vibrant 55+ community, has a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as short-term stays. We want prospective residents and their families to know we are here to answer all their questions, and once the decision is made to join our community, we provide the support needed to ensure a smooth transition.
Our apartments for independent living offer seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it.
Moreover, contrary to what many think about assisted living, it is designed to help seniors maintain their sense of independence. By providing assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), residents can focus on living their life to the fullest. Upon joining our community, residents have an Individualized Care Plan created for them after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their family.
Finally, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents. To accomplish this, our entire staff is trained in the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care. Our community is equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, activities and programs, meals, and more.
MorningStar Hayward’s first-class amenities start with Executive Chef inspired meals which are served all day in our beautiful full-service dining room. We also have a theater/chapel, ice cream parlor, fitness center, and scheduled transportation. In addition, we have a general store, billiards lounge and a private dining room for intimate dinners. Amidst our beautiful grounds we have strolling paths, courtyards and an outdoor dining deck. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care, assisted living and independent living in Hayward, CA
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care, assisted living and independent living Hayward, CA offers.
Senior Living: How Being in a Community Can Provide Benefits for Your Health and Well-Being
Seniors face unique challenges when it comes to socializing and staying healthy. In senior living communities, you have access to tight-knit groups of peers who enjoy the same lifestyle as you.
Here’s why you should consider senior living and how it can improve your health.
The Importance of Connection After Retirement
Once you retire, you might find yourself navigating a completely new social world. You may not keep in touch with as many people as the workplace offered to you.
Social connection is incredibly important for people throughout all ages and stages of their lives. Socializing can offer you that human connection that makes you feel worthy, needed, and seen in the world. Feeling lonely and isolated can eventually lead to serious health problems.
Improved senior social health is linked to better physical and mental well-being across the board. Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy to accomplish on your own. Senior living communities are designed to foster healthy connections between post-retirement seniors every day.
Senior Living: Organized Activities and Events
Most senior living communities across the U.S. will have organized fitness classes, arts and crafts sessions, and other forms of entertainment for seniors to enjoy.
These coordinated events make socializing easy and convenient for you. You’re already in your community, so why not attend the next concert or outdoor yoga session?
Senior living communities promote gatherings and shared hobbies as a way to stay connected to others. These exclusive events ensure that you never feel alone after retirement.
Easy Access to Medical Care
Senior living communities offer many medical and rehabilitation services for residents who need them. If you have a specific health concern or need additional care, you can find it easily in senior living.
Many seniors undergo surgeries and mobility therapies to improve their quality of life. In senior living, your transportation, appointment scheduling, and insurance information are all within easy reach.
You have access to medical assistance and therapy any time you need it when you choose senior living.
Continuing Education
If you have a love for lifelong learning, senior living is perfect for you. Many senior living communities offer continuing education courses about history, science, and other interesting topics.
Continuing education is important for keeping your mind active and engaged throughout the years after retirement. Is there something you’ve always wanted to study? You can finally pursue it in senior living!
Senior Living: Reap the Benefits of Community and Connection
You deserve to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. In senior living, you have access to a wealth of social and health benefits that can improve your quality of life. When you choose senior living, you can make the most out of your post-retirement lifestyle!
A Guide to Terms You Might Hear in Senior Living Communities
Moving to a senior living community can be exciting and rejuvenating. You get to enjoy a robust social life with plenty of healthy and interesting activities each day.
If you are moving to a senior living community, there are some acronyms and phrases that you will often hear while you’re there. Take a look at these common senior living terms, along with some tips on how to use them correctly.
Medical Terms
Many residents of senior living communities have specific health issues that require frequent medical care. Here are some of the medical terms you should know:
HIPAA
HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This term usually comes up in matters of patient privacy and protected healthcare information (PHI).
Essentially, HIPAA protects any sensitive health information from being revealed to third parties without your permission. Your privacy matters in senior living.
Hospice
Hospice care is designed to make the end of someone’s life as comfortable and dignified as possible. When someone’s health is on an irreversible decline, hospice staff ensure that they get the comfort care they deserve.
LTC
LTC stands for long-term care. In senior living, this refers to residents who need round-the-clock assistance and medical care.
Long-term care is usually permanent due to an injury or progressive illness that will not improve over time. Memory care is a form of long-term care.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is comfort-centered care. Unlike hospice care, palliative care does not always signify the end of a patient’s life. Many patients with chronic but non-fatal conditions benefit from palliative care.
General Terms
As an applicant or current resident of a senior living community, knowing certain important terms can help you better navigate your living situation.
PASARR
PASARR stands for Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review. In short, PASARR checks for symptoms of mental illness and developmental disabilities.
This is to ensure that residents get the proper level of care that they need. Sometimes residents need to be transferred to a more appropriate medical setting rather than remaining in senior living.
Resident AssessmentAs an applicant or resident, you will likely undergo periodic resident assessments. These are observations of your cognitive, physical, and functional capabilities.
If needed, your medical team and approved loved ones will help you figure out the best treatment plan to help you regain mobility and maintain stable health.
Resident Care Plan
Resident care plans are just as they sound — comprehensive plans to enhance your physical, mental, and social health.
Insurance companies require residents of senior living communities to have a resident care plan at all times. This is to ensure that you receive care that will help your health improve.
Learning Important Senior Living Terms Will Set You Up for Success
If you want to join a senior living community, one of the best steps you can take is to learn the appropriate terminology. This will help you navigate the medical, residential, and financial transitions involved in moving to senior living.
And of course, if you encounter a term you aren’t familiar with, you are always welcome to reach out to staff for clarification.
4 Health Benefits of Moving to a Senior Living Community
Senior living is an umbrella term that extends into multiple arenas of senior care. When you consider the best options for your aging loved one, senior living should be at the top of the list.
There are many physical, mental, and social health advantages to choosing senior living for your loved one. Here are four of the most common benefits that aging adults experience after moving:
1. Increased Medical Support
Aging adults often need more medical care than the average adult. This is because aging can cause a host of health problems.
As your loved one grows older, their physical and mental health can start to decline. Assisted living and memory care facilities offer advanced medical support for elderly people.
This means you never have to worry about your loved one suffering without receiving the necessary medical care. Staff are trained in geriatric care and will monitor your loved one’s health regularly.
2. More Opportunities for Socialization
Socializing can become more difficult as adults age. This happens for a few reasons.
Your loved one’s social health may be at risk if most of their peers have passed away. While heart-wrenching, this is an unfortunate reality among elderly adults.
Socializing outside of senior living often requires transportation, mobility, and hefty accommodations for health problems. In assisted living and memory care facilities, your loved one enjoys on-site socialization without any hassle.
Maintaining a healthy social life is linked to better health outcomes overall in aging adults. Socialization is essential to remaining healthy and happy as people get older.
3. Assistance with Daily Tasks
The daily tasks of living can become tiresome for aging adults. Simple things like self-care, personal hygiene, cleaning, and making meals become harder as their mobility and energy decline.
In assisted living and memory care, trained staff are there to support your loved one every day. They can receive help with cooking, cleaning, dressing, and grooming themselves.
Instead of relying on you or other family members, your loved one will have a special support system in assisted living or memory care.
3. Access to Physical Wellness Services
Most senior living communities offer some kind of health and wellness programs for their residents. These services help aging adults get daily physical activity and regain some of their mobility.
Most wellness programs also have a nutritional component as well. Your loved one can learn how to balance their meals and get the required nutrients to thrive each day.
Consider Senior Living to Boost Your Loved One’s Health
Senior living offers these benefits and many more for aging adults. Your loved one’s unique medical, physical, and mental needs can be more than met when they reside in senior living.
From assisted living to memory care, there are many options for enjoying the best of the golden years. Consider senior living to boost your loved one’s quality of life today!
Stay Involved in Your Medical Care
We have all heard horror stories of someone getting the wrong treatment or a botched surgical procedure, or other examples of outright poor medical care. Doctors say one way to help reduce medical errors is to be an active partner in your care, be it at the doctor’s office, the hospital or pharmacy. If you think your chances of a misdiagnosis, unnecessary surgery, or being given the wrong medication are slim, read the following. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” A 2021 StatPearls reports, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”
The danger of a misdiagnosis is it results in delayed treatment for the real problem and perhaps a round of the wrong medications. However, before you lay all the blame on the medical profession, experts say many misdiagnoses can be the fault of the patient. Too often a person fails to disclose important facts regarding their medical history, symptoms or honestly report lifestyle habits including alcohol consumption, smoking and diet.
Before you go to your next doctor visit, doctors say taking the time to prepare for the visit helps you use your time most effectively. Remember the actual time you see the doctor is short so you may want to write down the points you wish to discuss. For help, the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore offers a QuestionBuilder app. It is available from AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store and can be used to help you prepare.
Tips to make the most of your visit include bringing a list of your current medications and the dosage as well as how long you have been on it and why you take it. If you worry you may forget something the doctor said, bring a family member or trusted friend. Experts say don’t feel awkward about seeking a second opinion; and if your problem is not getting any better, be persistent.
MorningStar of Mission Viejo is a new senior living community offering all the luxury amenities, care services, and wellness programs residents need to age in place comfortably and safely. Our beautiful community offers 64 suites for independent living and another 41 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans and configurations. For those with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, our Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care designed to enhance quality of life for our most tender residents. Please contact us or visit our Info Center at 28570 Marguerite Parkway to learn more.
At MorningStar of Mission Viejo our mission statement “to honor, to value, 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.
Walking for Exercise Has Some Unexpected Advantages
The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is quoted as saying that walking is "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” Many in the medical profession agree. While it is universally acknowledged that any exercise is beneficial to our overall health, walking offers some unexpected advantages.
A study from a group of Harvard scientists concluded that walking seems to counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes. The project involved looking at “32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much the genes actually contribute to body weight.” Within the group of participants who walked briskly for an hour a day, researchers found the effects of the weight-promoting genes were cut in half.
Another surprising result of walking is it was shown to actually diminish a person’s sweet tooth. In a study out of the University of Exeter, researchers found walking appears to curb cravings for chocolate and other sugary treats. Their study showed even 15 minutes of walking a day could reduce the habit of eating sweets when stressed.
While doctors recognize any physical exercise is beneficial to reducing the risk of breast cancer, an American Cancer Society study found women who walked seven or more hours a week “had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.” Researchers say walking helped decrease a woman’s risk for breast cancer even when she had an increased risk due to obesity or supplemental hormones. Other studies show walking helps to reduce joint pain and lubricates and strengthens muscles as well as boost the immune system.
At MorningStar of Mission Viejo, our vibrant 55+ community is designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Along with beautiful suites in a variety of floorplans, we offer a whole host of amenities, care services, and wellness programs. Please visit our website for more information about our new independent living, assisted living and memory care community. We are scheduled to open to residents in April 2023 and encourage you to visit our Info Center at 28570 Marguerite Parkway.
MorningStar 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 the finest independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Mission Viejo.
Source:
health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking
The Importance of Socialization for Older Adults
A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”
Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.
It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends.
To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”
At MorningStar of Mission Viejo, scheduled to open next spring, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connectivity. We will provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives.
Our beautiful community will offer a range of living options with 64 independent living suites and 41 assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood will provide experienced, compassionate care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.
Since 2003, MorningStar Senior Living has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God, to value all seniors, and to invest generously in our team. Please contact us to learn more about our new independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Mission Viejo, CA.
Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/
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.