MorningStar Offers Exceptional Senior Living in Pasadena, CA

For exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Pasadena offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need.  For the most active seniors our community has independent living suites in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans for carefree retirement years and a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  

For those needing help with the activities of daily living, we have assisted living suites and provide a nurturing environment that allows residents to thrive. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more.     

For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company.  We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a decision guide to help your family determine if assisted living is the right choice for your loved one.  You will also find links discussing affordability and Aid & Attendance for veterans along with a link to our Rooted Blog with education and inspiration for seniors.

Our website’s FAQs are handy as they go over a whole range of topics to many of the questions you most likely have. This includes information on how prices are structured, how the level of care is determined in assisted living, our transportation services and pet policy.  Other popular questions regard our dining program and medication management services.  

While this is just a portion of the extensive information on our site, we are also ready to answer any other questions you may have through a phone call, Facebook, or use our Community Assistant that lets you inquire about pricing and request a tour.  We look forward to hearing from you.  

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 for more information about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer.

Help a Loved One With Dementia to Stay Engaged

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia shouldn’t give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. 

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.   

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity that seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.   

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Pasadena offers specialized care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  

MorningStar’s compassionate caregivers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, dance, music, exercise and life skills. Contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living in Pasadena, CA.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan

Getting Enough Sleep Plays an Important Role in Your Health and Wellbeing

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being.  In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into almost every aspect of our lives.  

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly.  One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite. 

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance.  A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed.  Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health.  A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression.  Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.” 

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to in senior living.Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Pasadena, CA, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar.  Our beautiful community provides a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and built-in companionship. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar of Pasadena and to set up a tour.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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 for more information about the finest senior living Pasadena, CA offers.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Aging

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 commonsense 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 senior living.  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 such as diabetes.  

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin.  Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly.  Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts suggest breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into increments if it is easier for you.  Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or doing 10 minutes 3 times a day.   Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly.  Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time.  Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. 

The article also suggests making changes to your diet. Try making small changes one at a time that add up to improved health.  Adding more fiber to your meals gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A heart healthy diet to try is the Mediterranean diet which promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lastly, they recommend you drink more water and eat more whole foods.

At MorningStar of Pasadena, our goal is to provide an environment that promotes the physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing of residents. We do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and a team that feels honored to serve seniors. Contact us to learn what sets us apart from other senior living in Pasadena, CA and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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 senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer.

Visiting Your Doctor for Memory Problems

Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia.  

The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.

After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to explain your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital should be able to recommend a behavioral neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist or other specialist who works in this field. He or she will probably start with a series of written, on the computer, or oral tests to “assess memory, reasoning, attention, language, visual functions, motor functions, and social functions (such as empathy and knowing how to behave appropriately in social situations).”

They will check for “abnormalities in muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, senses, eye movement, and the pupils’ reaction to light, which can signal abnormalities in specific areas of the brain.” In addition, the doctor will check for Parkinson’s, a stroke or tumors, and will probably schedule a hearing and vision test. If indicated, you may have advanced testing such as PET scans or your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers checked for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Pasadena has suites devoted to the individualized care of those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Our Reflections Neighborhood was designed to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily.  Our specialized memory care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Pasadena, CA and all the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.    

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 senior living Pasadena, CA has to offer.

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/mild-cognitive-impairment

How Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Senility Differ

While most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s, dementia and senility, we may still be confused wondering if they are all the same thing or different diseases. Doctors explain the terms are often used interchangeably but do have different meanings. Dementia describes a syndrome with a wide range of symptoms that impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities independently. While not an actual disease, the symptoms include memory loss, and difficulty with thinking clearly, making decisions and in some cases, controlling emotions. Dementia can be caused by a variety of diseases or conditions.

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease and one form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. The disease was formally recognized in 1906 and named after the German physician, Aloïs Alzheimer, who first described it. Advances in medicine have found the brain can show signs of the disease years before the person experiences any symptoms. 

Dementia is typically irreversible but there are some conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These include vitamin deficiency, underactive thyroid gland, depression or stress; and when treated, can reverse the condition. Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease, may also cause symptoms of dementia as can AIDS, Lyme disease and stroke. 

Senility is another term used to describe the type of memory deterioration associated with the elderly. Experts explain there are two major types of senile dementia: “those due to generalized “atrophy” (Alzheimer’s-type dementia) and those due to vascular problems (mainly, strokes).” Symptoms of senility include a decline in cognitive abilities such as problems recalling information and thinking clearly; and Alzheimer’s is the most common form.  

Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar of Pasadena offers experienced, compassionate care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar is unique from many other communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from memory impairment. We provide our tender residents a safe, comforting physical environment, trained caregivers, daily health monitoring, meaningful activities, wellness programs, community meals and more. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Pasadena, 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 senior living Pasadena, CA offers.

Source: alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/dementia-vs-alzheimers/

Trusted Senior Living at MorningStar of Pasadena

MorningStar Senior Living has been serving seniors for over 20 years.  We have 40+ communities operating or under construction across eleven states including six in California. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to tell you more about MorningStar’s independent living, memory care and assisted living in Pasadena, CA.

MorningStar communities are trusted for their excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our dedicated team understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our time and talents in service to others; and recognize the professional and personal satisfaction this calling brings.  

Our company was started in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, Founder/CEO, who wished to “cast a new light” on senior living by creating senior housing that felt like his grandmother’s house –true homes filled with light, love and compassion. To accomplish this, we are inspired and empowered by our mission to: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well  

MorningStar of Pasadena offers independent and assisted living suites with an array of amenities, hospitality and care services, and wellness programs and activities. Residents enjoy spacious common areas including an art studio, music room, theatre, bistro, fitness center and beautiful grounds. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, compassionate care for our most tender residents. 

Our vibrant home is ideally located in the commercial and cultural heart of the San Gabriel Valley, convenient to shops, entertainment, and other services. Visit our website to learn more about our community as well as our commitment to serving seniors, the local community, and others across the globe. 

MorningStar of Hayward represents the very best in senior living. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Contact us for more information about the finest independent living, memory care and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers.