MorningStar

We have all had the experience of sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office with a clipboard or tablet loaded with forms ready to be filled out. You may wonder why as you have already filled out similar forms at your other healthcare providers, and maybe even at this office. Experts say it is good to remember there are several reasons why you are being asked for your medical history again. To start with, your health may have changed. Additionally not all doctor offices have access to the same digital information; or it may not have been updated. Another thing is a specialist may be looking for different information not typically collected by your primary care physician. Remember your refusal to answer questions could make it harder for your doctor to see the full picture of your problem; or at the very least make you look uncooperative. Dr. Robert Shmerling, a rheumatologist and senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing, agrees you are not obligated to fill out your med...

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports if you are lucky enough to live a long life, along the way, you will develop cataracts. While it may not get to the point of requiring surgery, they say everyone eventually has them. However, while cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition, they are also the leading cause of preventable blindness. So how do you know if you have cataracts or if it is time for surgery? Ophthalmologists explain the most accurate way to keep track of your eye health is to get regular eye exams; but there are some signs you can look out for on your own. One of the top changes you may notice is more difficulty driving at night. Cataracts make it much harder to see in the dark. Reading may also become difficult as you find yourself needing brighter and brighter light to focus on the page. Other symptoms can include seeing everything through a slightly tinted yellow or brown hue; or experiencing halos around light sources such as headlights or street...

When dieting, it is best to shy away from fried foods, foods loaded with empty carbs and sugary foods. Dieticians say that still leaves a lot of tasty food we can eat without feeling guilty. At the top of the list are non-starchy vegetables of which there are many ways to prepare them to ensure they are both satisfying and tasty. If vegetables aren’t your favorite foods, it may be you are not creative enough in preparing them. A simple suggestion is to give your veggies a quick spray of olive oil, add seasoning and a few cloves of garlic. Either roast or air fry to give them a punch of flavor. If you love dips, think about switching up from heavy-caloric dips to ones using salsa or low-fat yogurt. A list of veggies nutrient-dense and light in calories includes broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, sprouts and kale. If you want fruits, the best to eat are watermelon and cantaloupe, most berries and kiwi. Beata Rydyger, a registered nutritionist based in Los Angeles, says “Along with ...

The Harvard Health Publishing journal recently reported on a study of a number of studies focused on the effectiveness of music therapy. The study found listening to music, singing and other forms of music therapy “can create significant improvements in mental health and smaller improvements in physical health–related quality of life.” Researchers sum it up by saying music offers a positive impact on the psychological quality of life; and is an easy way to raise spirits and help us feel better. So if we feel music makes us happier and more relaxed, it is not our imagination. AARP quotes Laurie Keough, a clinical associate professor of music therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, who explains, “Music is processed all throughout the brain;” which is why it is applicable in so many different situations. Music therapy is an established form of therapy with a lot of evidence of the benefits. These include improving health care goals like decreasing anxiety, improving mood a...

According to the US Census Bureau’s statistics, there were an estimated 56 million adults ages 65 years and older, accounting for approximately 16.8% of the nation's population as of 2021. An aging population means the number of seniors who require help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) will continue to grow as will the necessity for assisted living communities to address those needs. The National Center for Assisted Living, a non-profit organization representing facilities across the country, explains, "Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.​” So how do you decide the best fit for yourself or a loved one when it comes to an assisted living community? Experts say begin by researching who regulates assisted living in your state and the ...

We know a person changes in several ways when living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Memory problems and confusion are some of the most commonly known symptoms, but there are other behaviors just as common that can be unsettlingly and disruptive. The Medical News Today reports on the various behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia known as BPSDs. Research suggests as many as 97% of people with dementia have one or more of the following symptoms: agitation; anxiety; psychosis; depression, apathy, irritability and/or physical or verbal aggression. Agitation may include behaviors such as pacing, wandering, restlessness and fidgeting. Repetitive movements and sleep disturbances are also common. Understanding these changes and learning strategies to deal with them can result in better care for the patient and make it easier for caregivers to cope. Doctors are not sure why dementia patients suffer from psychosis but suggest it could be due to interruptions and...

Several studies including one from the journal Current Biology, report the way a senior walks may be messaging something about their future cognitive health. Researchers say walking relies on a person’s navigational skills, which demands mental engagement. The slowing of a person’s walking pace is one of the things studies are looking at as an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. People may start to take smaller steps and drift from side to side as well as exhibit poor balance and a history of frequent falls. Ryan Glatt, a certified personal trainer, senior brain health coach, and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in California, told Medical News Today, “In clinical settings, gait-based tests can be helpful for determining fall risk, especially with distractions, and perhaps can be part of a more comprehensive cognitive evaluation in the near future.” Other studies report people with early Alzheimer’s have difficulty turning when walking. Researc...

Many of us have had our blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office and were surprised when it turned out to be higher than we expected it to be. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing something known as “white-coat hypertension,” meaning a higher than warranted reading during a medical appointment. Doctors say one of the best ways to ensure you do not have elevated blood pressure, is to take your blood pressure at home a number of times. You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure to see if you should be put on medication or adjust medication to reach a target number. It is important to do it correctly to ensure readings are accurate. Experts say start by buying a validated monitor and do not buy one that uses the finger or wrist as they are not as accurate as upper-arm cuffs. If you have a much smaller or larger upper-arm, look for one appropriately sized. Other things to consider are to not take your blood pressure when you are stress...

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This distinct area of our community focuses on providing the finest care to meet the special needs of residents. Care in the Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach. This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate care. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers. When people visit our memory care area for the first time, they are impressed with the comfortable atmosphere of our home. Although a secure setting, independence is encouraged and residents can explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Mo...

CARMEN, which is short for Cognitively Assistive Robot for Motivation and Neurorehabilitation, is a small, tabletop robot designed to help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recently the University of California introduced the world to CARMEN to help people learn skills to improve memory, attention, and executive functioning at home. What sets CARMEN apart from other robots is it was created in partnership with clinicians, people with MCI and their care providers. Researchers say they think the robot is one of a kind in terms of teaching compensatory cognitive strategies designed to improve memory and executive function. Experts estimate MCI affects up to 20% of adults 65 years or older, and of that number, 15% of people with the condition transition to dementia each year. Scientists say while we currently do not have medical treatments to slow or prevent this from happening, behavioral treatments can help. Working one-on-one with individuals, CARMEN delivers a series of sim...

Luxury senior living goes beyond traditional retirement communities by focusing on achieving an elevated lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and care that are all seamlessly integrated. A reimagined approach to retirement, MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines combines highly sought-after amenities, personalized services, and modern environments for seniors to enjoy. Keep reading to learn the benefits and draws of luxury senior living in Des Moines, Iowa . Resort-Style Amenities MorningStar offers an array of amenities that cater to a wide range of interests for seniors. Residents enjoy fine dining experiences, wine tastings, art classes, cooking classes, theatre rooms, gyms, workout classes, and much more all under one building. Gourmet meals are prepared by highly trained chefs with the finest ingredients to satisfy any pallet. For active seniors who like to stay involved and enjoy experiences, we provide a robust calendar of activities and events. Educational workshops, holiday part...

For anyone considering a move to assisted living , choosing the right community is a big decision for families as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care you or a loved one needs to improve quality of life. After you have a good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus only on senior communities offering assisted living . If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses? Obviously, affordability is an important consideration, but senior living advocates warn d...

Your loved one’s retirement years should be a time of relaxation and contentment. Health, mental ability, and physical mobility shouldn’t hinder your retirement. This is why we believe every senior deserves the best options at MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines. Our assisted living community is designed to provide essential care and attention to residents and a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. Keep ready to see some of the best benefits of assisted living for seniors at MorningStar Senior Living. Safety and Security Our assisted living community thrives on knowing that safety is paramount. Seniors feel safe to engage in a wide variety of clubs, amenities, and daily activities because they know they are in a secure environment. Modern and trusted safety technology is woven throughout the community. Apartments even have fall-prevention technology to help make it easy for one of our 24/7 staff members to assist when necessary. Personalized Care Plans Every resident has unique preferen...

While we tend to think of assisted living communities as offering senior care services, amenities and wellness programs, there is one thing many people forget about. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we call it built-in companionship. In other words, the easy camaraderie that grows based on the spirit of friendships and community between one resident to another as well as between residents and our dedicated team and the surrounding community. Research continues to add to the growing evidence regarding the value of companionship and the benefit it offers to seniors. Studies are proving time and time again that socialization among older adults not only keeps the brain sharp, but it can even decrease the risk of developing dementia. Unfortunately in today’s society, too many older adults say they feel isolated, which also puts them at risk for depression. Experts say along with helping to keep the elderly mentally sharp, socialization increases a person’s sense of belonging. Knowing so...

A common point of interest when deciding if a senior requires assisted living is to look at their ability to perform activities of daily living, or ADL’s. If you noticed your loved one struggling with activities of daily living, it could be time to step in and provide a solution. Keep reading to better understand what activities of daily living are and what you should look for to help you make more informed decisions about senior care for your spouse or loved one. What are Activities of Daily Living? Activities of Daily Living are basic tasks or needs done regularly without much help or intervention. Some examples include: Feeding oneself Getting dressed Using the restroom Bathing Being able to move around Other Activities of Daily Living are more complex and can require a higher level of attention and detail. While it’s important to know that the following tasks are still able to be managed, do remember that your loved one may slow down with age or require some extra help with more d...

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older. There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others. Suffering f...