Refined Dining Options in Senior Living

There are many things that pop up in our minds when we think about senior living communities. Engaging activities, relaxation, support, and a new outlook on life are just some of the ways seniors looking for modern senior living communities might identify with senior living. While the above are all true, we may not consider some of the lesser-known benefits of senior assisted living communities. Refined food options and an elevated dining experience is something truly special to the community at MorningStar Senior Living. 

Enjoying a Healthy Life in Assisted Living

At its core, assisted living is designed with senior health and support in mind. This extends deeply into healthy eating options and a refined dining experience. Seniors want to feel involved in the world around them. Having control over their meals, what they eat, and where they eat it are just some of the ways they can maintain independence. This is why MorningStar has designaned dining rooms, bistros, and patios for seniors to enjoy a healthy meal with friends or family. 

Diet and Senior Wellness

An assisted living dining experience should be inspired by the belief that diet is the centerpiece of holistic wellness. Food is a healing medicine unlike any other. “BrainWise” is a lifestyle at MorningStar where we prioritize using ingredients known to support brain health. Superfoods, like acai berries, Omega-3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens, supply your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants.

Healthy Options Always

A senior’s relationship to food may start to change. Sometimes, this happens gradually, or you can begin to notice big changes in their diet quickly. Because of this, it is crucial to help your loved ones get the proper nutrition they need. While most foods are OK in moderation, be sure to emphasize meals that steer away from highly processed foods. Microwave meals, fast food, and frequent stops at restaurants can all impact a senior’s health in negative ways. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Options if You Are Experiencing Caregiver Stress

Like many children, you might have stepped into the caregiver role with the determination to give back the same love and support your parents once gave you. This type of caregiving can be deeply rewarding. But, being the sole caregiver to a parent who needs more help than you can give, it can take an emotional, physical, and mental toll on you. There is no shame in feeling this way. Assisted living becomes the sustainable solution for many families because of professional care and 24/7 support. 

Choosing Support 

Deciding to explore senior living options outside of your own caregiving can bring up complicated thoughts and emotions. Guilt, fear, and sadness are some of the popular ones families discuss before making a change. Seeking support doesn’t mean you are giving up on your loved one. In fact, this is far from the truth. Senior living support options exist to lighten the load on families and single adults while maintaining a high quality of life for seniors. 

Assisted Living Support

Hiring part-time support can be a great option for families needing extra help with their senior parents. For seniors who need consistent daily support and a safe, engaging environment, assisted living may be the best choice. Trusted communities offer compassionate care paired with opportunities for social connection and independence.

Finding Relief with Assisted Living

Our community at MorningStar provides professional senior living care around the clock. All our staff work tirelessly to ensure residents’ safety and well-being while creating a loving atmosphere. Beyond practical care, it also enriches your parent’s lives. With group dining, activities, and built-in companionship, seniors often rediscover joy and independence in a supportive environment. Your family also gains peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe and engaged.

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines offers high-quality care and ensures safety for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.

Small Daily Food Choices to Maintain Senior Health

Good overall health is created by the choices we make each day. Seniors and their families should look at meal time as more than just eating and begin to see it as an opportunity to improve vital bodily functions and well-being. At MorningStar Assisted Living, our communities, chefs, and care managers pay close attention to the small, but impactful habits that can make a huge difference in every senior’s long-term wellness. 

Structured Meal Times

Did you know we can help signal to our bodies when it’s time to eat each day? As we age, we sometimes can begin to have different relationships to hunger and meal times. Age can make us feel less hungry than usual or our hunger cues may not spark like they used to. While this isn’t always a cause for concern, it can get in the way of seniors getting the vitamins and macro-nutrients they need to stay healthy. Sitting down for meals at the same time everyday can help signal to the body that it is time to refuel. 

Staying Hydrated

Staying regularly hydrated is another habit seniors can struggle with. Like hunger cues, seniors may not know they’re thirsty, which can cause dehydration and even impact organ function. Flavored waters, herbal teas, low sugar ice pops, and fruit are all ways we can encourage seniors to take in more water and stay hydrated.

Healthy Snacking

Since seniors may not be hungry for full meals, this can cause snacking on empty calories. While it’s great to use a snack to get some extra energy, relying on processed foods or fast food can do more harm than good. Yogurt, nuts, or whole grain crackers with cheese are some healthier snack options that can keep blood sugar levels stable between meals. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking and senior living in Des Moines, IA.

What are Personalized Care Plans?

If you have been researching assisted living options, you may have come across this term: Personalized Care Plans. While it may sound clinical, personalized care plans are one of the most important parts of the experience. They function as a roadmap that ensures each individual receives the right amount of support and care on their  journey. The plans are necessary for proper support that respects senior independence, health, and lifestyle. 

What is a Personalized Care Plan in Assisted Living?

A personalized care plan is a uniquely designed and customizable senior care outline made to support a senior with their specific needs, health concerns, wants, and goals. These senior care plans are collaboratively developed, leaning on the help of medical providers, family members, and the senior themselves. 

Rather than providing uniform care to every resident, MorningStar Senior Living believes in the necessity of designing personalized care plans for each senior. This direction ensures that every senior feels comfortable within their daily routine and has their health needs met while feeling independent and relaxed. 

Why Does Personalized Care Matter?

Every senior has a special set of concerns. Developing personalized care plans allows staff to offer more successful support. Personalized care plans reduce the risk of medication mishaps, unmanaged distress, isolation, and distrust. Assisted living that offers personalized options promotes a sense of autonomy and comfort. Families receive peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported in their care journey, and seniors feel cared for while still having the freedom to be who they are. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior g facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.

How to Stay Safe this Summer for Seniors

Rising temperatures in the summer can cause a lot of worry. While high temps and sun exposure can be dangerous for everyone, MorningStar Assisted Living reminds us how important it is to not forget senior safety during the summer months. 

Seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. With the summer quickly approaching, it’s important to be observant of the symptoms and warning signs of heat related illnesses and how you can best help seniors stay safe this summer. 

Heat Risks for Seniors

While we can all be affected by the sun’s harsh rays, seniors have an increasingly more difficult time navigating the summer. Spending too much time in the heat can be a serious concern and should be taken seriously by caregivers. Due to aging, seniors have reduced sweat production and may struggle with underlying conditions that make it hard for their bodies to self regulate. Some common symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, confusion, rapid heart rate, nausea, headaches, red skin, and even fainting. 

Staying Cool

It’s hard to not enjoy the summer. Even seniors want to have fun in the sun! If you plan on being outside with a senior loved one this year, there are some important tips on staying cool. Be mindful of what time you go outdoors, with highest temps often being in the early afternoon. If you must be outside at this time, pack plenty of water, and dress in loose, breathable clothing. Seniors usually like to bring a hat and sunglasses. Minimize full sun exposure when possible by taking breaks in shaded areas or going into air conditioned places. While it might not keep you cool, sunscreen is crucial for seniors to protect their skin. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.

How Senior Living Communities Keep Residents Active and Engaged

Retirement can be a lonely experience for some seniors, especially those struggling with health concerns or mobility. We are used to making friends through work, school, outside hobbies, and faith-based activities. However, various factors impede the ability for seniors to make friends as easily as they once had. Whatever the case may be, finding friends may become a little harder without some extra help.

Active senior living communities provide a valuable solution for seniors looking to make new friendships. Senior living that encourages social outings and experiences helps seniors feel relaxed and supported while making new friends and establishing themselves in groups and hobbies. 

MorningStar Senior Living offers one of the most active senior living communities, with various clubs, amenities, and social events for seniors aged 55 and up to explore their passions and find fulfillment. Keep reading to see how our senior living community keeps residents active and engaged: 

Group Outings

Seniors can explore beyond their community at MorningStar with regular day trips and outings. While many seniors appreciate the comfort of their private apartment, it’s still great to get out and explore the city. Regular group outings and day trips offer seniors the chance to socialize and experience the world outside of their community with friends and family. Art museums, movie theatres, and community gardens are all great experiences for a day trip. 

Creating Lasting Relationships

Shared spaces and community-organized activities are a big help when it comes to making new friends and maintaining friendships. At MorningStar, seniors can utilize the shared living spaces to fuel their hobbies and start groups or clubs. Many participate in chess clubs, book clubs, or simply get together to share a meal at the bistro! 

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and make new friends. Our senior living community proudly hosts numerous volunteer opportunities for seniors in Des Moines. Whether it’s helping with the community garden, organizing fundraisers, or participating in faith-based volunteer initiatives, there are plenty of ways to give back while meeting like-minded peers.

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Top 4 Easy Hobbies for Seniors to Try this Year

Retirement offers seniors a lot of time to slow-down, relax, and contemplate their wants and goals for the rest of their lives. While many seniors still remain active, they now have the time to learn new hobbies and skills. Senior living communities are great places for seniors to learn about their passions and interests. Whether you want to explore these hobbies alone or in a groupo, MorningStar Senior Living encourages every one to try some of these easy hobbies for seniors!

Bird Watching 

Seniors find bird watching a very rewarding experience. Not only do you get to spend some time outdoors, but bird watching can even be done with friends or in a group. It doesn’t take much to begin to feel connected with nature. Just grab a pair of binoculars and an easy bird guide and you can begin to identify all sorts of birds right outside your home. The relaxation and excitement is enough to keep seniors feeling energized and amazed. 

Puzzles and Board Games

Table-top games don’t have to be boring. In fact, seniors find that puzzles and other board games help them feel sharp as they exercise their brain. Board games can be individual or done in a group, which is great for seniors in active senior living communities that enjoy building friendships and socializing. 

Mindful Coloring Exercises 

Many adults and seniors enjoy coloring. Mindfulness techniques like coloring is very popular for seniors as it allows them to relax and express their creativity. It is often a low-cost hobby, too. You can explore many different types of coloring books to find the right fit for you! 

Gardening

Many of our senior living communities actually have an on-site community garden. This makes gardening a very popular hobby around MorningStar Senior Living. You can work in the garden with others or spend some time on your own checking in on your veggies and fruits. Growing your own food and plants is an incredible feeling that leaves seniors feeling proud.

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.