Thinking of Relocating to Senior Living?

There comes a time in the lives of many senior citizens when they feel a need for a more carefree, comfortable retirement without all the responsibilities that come with home ownership. If you are looking for senior living, your next question may be what community is right for me.

As some of your decisions will be based on personal needs, it is important to know senior living communities offer a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of predictable budgeting, built-in companionship and restaurant-style dining as well as wellness programs and activities. Moreover, as a resident, if your health needs change and you require daily senior care, you are already familiar with all that senior living offers.

Assisted living is tailored to those seniors who wish to receive the daily care services they need to maintain their independence. They too flourish with vibrant programs and a supportive social community that allows them to comfortably and safely age in place.

For families with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, there is often a time when the person’s needs outpace the care family members can provide at home. If this is your family, you will want a community that offers a distinct memory care unit and a team of experienced caregivers.

At MorningStar at River Oaks, we proudly offer older adults memory care, independent living, and assisted living Houston seniors and their families have come to trust. To get to know us better we encourage potential residents and their families to schedule a tour to experience firsthand our ambience and friendly environment. Our website also offers a lot of information regarding MorningStar’s philosophy and mission along with answers to FAQs to help you get to know us better.

If a loved one has dementia, please go to our Lifestyle Options and see the extensive memory care services we offer including family orientation & support resources. All our Reflections Coordinators complete advanced coursework from the National Council of Certified Dementia Specialists.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent and assisted living Houston offers. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

The Advantages of Weight Training

For years, doctors have been advising their patients to include aerobiotic exercise in their daily lives. Among the many benefits, research shows regular cardio activities improve brain health by increasing the volume of the regions that control memory and thinking. Recent studies also find weight training appears to increase cognition as well as prevent the development of atrophy in regions related to Alzheimer’s disease that could delay or prevent the onset of dementia.

Dr. Isadora Ribeiro, PhD, a São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) doctoral fellowship recipient at the School of Medical Sciences (FCM) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, writes, “Weight training can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which support the growth and survival of neurons. It also improves cardiovascular health and cerebral blood flow, all of which are important for maintaining brain function.” She adds, the physiological changes from such training can reduce key risk factors for dementia such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Weight training can also stimulate the release of a hormone associated with neuroprotection and improved brain plasticity.

Experts say while weight training provides benefits regardless of how old you are; it is important for seniors to discuss any new exercises with their doctor as it can entail some risk. The safest route is to engage a professional to guide your journey and help protect against injuries. The other benefits of strength training include increasing overall strength, improving balance and stability that can reduce the risk of falls, and improving insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels. Another big benefit is weight training can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

At MorningStar at River Oaks, we provide residents with a full range of amenities and services so they can focus on the things that bring them joy and meaning. Our contemporary independent and assisted living suites are ready to move into and just require your personal furnishings. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, our dedicated Reflections Neighborhood provides care in an intimate setting where residents’ independence is encouraged and individual needs are met. To learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Houston, please contact us or visit our website to schedule a tour.

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 Houston offers.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-weight-training-protect-brain-dementia-cognitive-decline

Maintaining Mobility As You Get Older

When we were younger most of us were lucky enough to take our mobility for granted. We didn’t have to think about whether we would be “able” to physically do a routine task. However, as we grow older, our bodies can encounter physical limitations that threaten our independence. Experts say protecting our mobility requires attention and the “use it or lose it” mantra is a fitting one. Lifestyle choices and exercise as well as diet and preventive care can help keep us stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina.

The Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School defines mobility as the ability to move purposefully as you go through your day, and is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. It requires a certain amount of physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Mobility allows seniors to do everyday things like get out of bed each morning, climb a set of stairs and bring in groceries from the car. Poor mobility causes problems such as being unable to get up out of a chair on your own or getting up from the toilet without a helping hand. Good mobility helps keep seniors safe by lessening their risk of falls and subsequent injuries; and allows the person to live on their own.

The US Census Bureau reports that mobility issues are the most frequent cause of disability for people over 65 and impacts their ability to safely climb stairs and walk. While some mobility problems can’t be helped, experts say generally to maintain mobility, seniors should do exercises targeted to increase strength, balance, stamina and coordination.

Ask your doctor, physical therapist or trainer on ways to preserve and improve your freedom of movement. Moreover, if you are unsteady on your feet, check with them about using a mobility aid such as a cane or walker to improve steadiness.

For exceptional independent or assisted living, Houston seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at River Oaks, a true destination for successful aging. We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef, a wide range of floor plans to meet residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services for stress-free retirement years. Please contact us for information about our beautiful community as well as pricing and availability.

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 independent living Houston has to offer.

Source: health.harvard.edu/topics/mobility

The Care Needs of Individuals With Alzheimer’s Disease

Luckily the progression of some cases of Alzheimer’s disease can be modestly slowed down with medication. These medicines tend to be most effective for people in the early to moderate stages of the disease. The Mayo Clinic explains while medications do not cure or stop the damage being done by the disease, they can help healthy brain cells work as well as they can.

They explain it is critical that the person and their caregivers work with a healthcare team to review symptoms and change treatments when needed. At some point medications stop working and families may need to have plans in place to care for the person, especially if their safety is at risk, they are falling or have unattended access to appliances. Other indications include realizing your loved one is having trouble with daily personal tasks such as eating, bathing and properly taking their medications.

Losing weight can be a sign the person is forgetting to eat or needs supervision to eat. Also, a family caregiver may feel overwhelmed by the level of care the person now needs, particularly if they are becoming agitated and/or aggressive; or if they need care 24 hours a day.

For many families the solution is a community setting where the person can receive the services and care they need in a loving environment. At MorningStar at River Oaks, we compassionately provide all-inclusive, holistic memory care with the goal to enhance quality of life for our residents.

Every aspect of our distinct Reflections Neighborhood addresses the needs of our residents starting with the very design of our community to a wide range of wellness programs, activities and healthy, delicious meals. In addition, we provide access to licensed nurses and other supportive third-party service providers. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Houston.

MorningStar, assisted living 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. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living Houston has to offer.