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.

Creating a Home That Feels Just Right in Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living community is a big transition, but it doesn’t mean leaving behind the things that make a house feel like home. At MorningStar Senior Living West Des Moines, every resident has the opportunity to make their living space truly their own. Seniors in our community experience the same comfort and peace as other residents. We offer luxury-style amenities, comfortable common spaces, and spacious living arrangements designed to feel like home. Keep reading to see how you can help your loved one create a home that feels just right. 

Personalizing Assisted Living Homes

At MorningStar, you can create your living space however you want. We offer unfurnished living spaces so residents can bring their own furniture, décor, and sentimental belongings to create a space that truly feels comfortable. A cherished recliner, a family heirloom, or framed photos, create a sense of familiarity and belonging. Displaying beloved keepsakes, knickknacks, and treasured mementos helps maintain a strong connection to the past while embracing this new stage of life.

Creating a Calming Environment

Peaceful living spaces can improve mental well-being and relaxation. When moving yourself or a loved one into assisted living, be sure to consider anything familiar that will make them feel comfortable in their new space. Scents, colors, plants, pets, and design elements are just some of the few things to consider when you begin planning a move to senior living. There’s a lot of space to be creative when designing your assisted living apartment at MorningStar 

Enjoy the Community Around You

A new community can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if a senior is moving by themselves. While a personalized space offers comfort, the true heart of MorningStar lies in its vibrant social environment and communal spaces. Engaging in community activities, attending events, and sharing meals with neighbors can help residents feel more at home. Whether it’s joining a book club, playing cards, or simply chatting with a neighbor, small connections build a strong sense of belonging.

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 living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in West Des Moines, IA.

Find Senior Living Designed for Unique Needs

Everyone lives a different life with different needs, concerns, and abilities. This is why our modern senior living communities focus on providing personalized care adopted to each resident to ensure proper support and independence. At MorningStar Senior Living West Des Moines, personalized care is at the heart of everything we do. We have created an assisted living community where every resident feels seen, valued, and supported, no matter what level of care they require.

What is Personalized Care?

Personalized care routines are developed for one individual based on their specific needs, preferences, health concerns, medications, abilities and goals while in senior living. Personalized care plans are individualized and custom-made for each resident at MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines.

Personalized care plans ensure that each resident is receiving the correct level of care that is most beneficial to the senior. By providing individualized care, seniors experience more independence and autonomy while feeling supported to explore the things they’re passionate about in the safety of their assisted living home. 

Team members, caregivers and managers at MorningStar are kept up-to-date with each resident file, equipping them with the knowledge to provide the best assisted care possible to every senior in the community. 

Ever Evolving Care for Ever Changing Needs

One of the best benefits of personalized care plans is the flexibility. A senior’s needs will shift over time. As this change happens, senior living care should be able to adjust. This is why care plans should be regularly evaluated and adjusted to ensure residents continue to receive the right amount of support. Whether it’s increasing assistance with daily tasks or modifying medication routines, these changes are made thoughtfully, incorporating input from residents, their families, and healthcare providers.

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 West 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.

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.

3 Key Things to Look for While Touring a Senior Living Community

A senior living community may look great online, but if you’re not careful, you could miss valuable information that could influence the decision you or your loved one makes. Many people think good reviews and cleanliness is all that matters when picking a senior living home. When you’re ready to pick a new retirement community, be sure to pay attention to these 3 key things: 

Community Culture

One of the first things you should note when you enter a senior living community is the culture and overall feel of the community. While cleanliness is important to check, spend some time learning about the culture of the community. Do seniors look happy and excited to be participating in activities? How does staff react to residents and visitors? If you notice low energy, annoyance, or sullen attitudes, it may be best to consider other senior homes that will fulfill your spirit and encourage a positive retirement experience. 

Health of Residents

While not every community provides health care or health support to residents, the seniors living in the community should look healthy and free of scrapes, bruises, or cuts. If the residents appear to be ill or covered in bruising, it could mean a lack of proper cleaning in shared shapes, poor health practices, and even a lack of attentive staff to avoid accidents. 

Safety Features

No one wants to feel trapped within their home, but safety features should still be in place in senior living West Des Moines to keep communities secure and prevent any unwanted visitors or unexplained disturbances. Be mindful of how you were let into the building, if a receptionist is always available, and if there are proper safety alarms throughout the building. 

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 environment. 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 living West Des Moines. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.