Supporting a Loved One with Memory Loss

Caring for a loved one with memory loss is an act of devotion. Many adult children worry about the possibility that one day their parents will need memory care. With so many everyday responsibilities at home and work, imagining handling the mental wellness of a parent can be very stress-inducing. Sometimes, caring for a parent at home is the best option. If you and your family aren’t in a position to care for your aging parent with memory loss concerns, assisted living Reno can help without judgment. Anyone will tell you that seeking support for a complicated situation like parent health is not a sign of giving up or stepping away. You are doing the kindest thing possible for the people you love.

Expanding Care, Not Replacing Family

Modern assisted living communities enhance the impact of families. It is normal to feel hesitant to entrust someone else with the care of your parents. However, you should know that successful assisted living care couldn’t do what they do without the support of families. Communities provide relief from the pressure of managing everything on your own. 24/7 trained professionals are available to oversee daily routines, medication management, safety, and community engagement. This gives you the time and space to build a relationship and connection that matters most by enjoying the best parts of your parents’ wellness in a trusting environment. 

Specialized Support for Memory Loss

Assisted living communities specialize in personalized care plans for those struggling with memory loss. No resident should be treated the same. Everyone requires different needs, and this means personalized care plans are necessary for overall wellness in seniors with memory care needs. It’s not always easy to get this level of intentional memory care at home. Staff at MorningStar Senior Living receive extensive training to meet residents where they are in their wellness journey. We focus on providing consistent, patient, and personalized care that is best suited for each individual, all of which is rooted in the best memory care practices to support independence and dignity. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior apartments with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Do Women Really Live Longer than Men?

Is it true women actually live longer than men? Research shows that yes, in pretty much every country across the globe, women do live longer than men. Moreover, it doesn’t appear to matter if the person is living in a modern industrial nation with advanced healthcare or in earlier times with a general higher rate of mortality. However thankfully the gap has been narrowed somewhat with improved medicine, nutrition, and safer living conditions. 

A recent study found females living longer than males does not just belong to humans. Johanna Stärk and her colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology studied chromosomal sex differences in nearly 1,200 species in zoos around the globe. The study reports in 72% of those species, females lived 13 percent longer than males. 

Researchers say this, along with other studies and statistical data, indicates lifespan may be based on more than lifestyle habits. The hypothesis is that the homogametic chromosomes of two X chromosomes in females may in itself provide a person some protection; and may actually slow aging on a molecular level. Males are heterogametic, with an X and a Y chromosome.

Thus, the difference between a male and female’s lifespan is most likely deeply embedded in evolution and not only shaped by sexual selection but parental care, and genetic factors linked to sex determination. The environment can also influence how large the gap in longevity becomes but cannot remove them entirely. Experts say the “contrasts between the sexes are not simply a product of circumstance but woven into our evolutionary past; and are likely to persist far into the future.”

However medical professionals stress that while biology may provide women with an advantage, lifespan is still greatly influenced by good lifestyle habits such as nutrition, exercise, stress and social connection. Most importantly longevity is ultimately determined on our sex, genetics, environment, access to medical care and lifestyle choices. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we proudly provide residents an atmosphere that allows them to live life to the fullest. A full range of meaningful and fun activities promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social engagement; and all-day restaurant-style dining and amenities such as a sky terrace, courtyards, swimming pool keep residents as busy as they like. Independent living and assisted living suites are available in a range of smartly-designed studio and one- and two-bedroom options. For seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we compassionately provide the most trusted memory care Arvada, CO families rely on. Visit our website to learn more and to schedule a personalized tour with our retirement communities.

Creating a Life Full of Purpose in Assisted Living

We all need purpose to make our lives feel full and worthwhile. For many seniors who may be entering retirement, or who have been retired for many years now, finding and maintaining a sense of purpose can be difficult. When we move on from our careers, watch our children begin their lives, and experience friends heading on new journeys, it can leave us wondering what is next? Maintaining a sense of purpose in retirement is necessary, especially for seniors transitioning to assisted living. Today’s modern communities are intentionally designed to support a senior’s drive to create purpose. Everyday, there are options to get involved, learn something new, and stay engaged. 

Staying Connected in Assisted Living

You can still maintain your volunteer opportunities in senior living. Not only can you still be part of the groups you feel close to, but you may be inspired to join new ones. Many communities partner with local nonprofits and groups to create ample opportunities for residents to get involved in their communities and give back in meaningful ways. 

Creative Clubs for All

Assisted living communities can be quite social and active. While many seniors get this time to relax and find rest, there are also opportunities to get involved in a club hosted in the community. Many communities encourage residents to start their own clubs when they meet individuals with like-minded interests and hobbies. With plenty of shared spaces and hobby rooms to explore, there are multiple chances to get together and build new skills, feel engaged with a group, and tap into a new passion. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 


MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior apartments. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Many find Support Groups Help with the Healing Process

When someone close to you dies, your world changes. Feelings can range from grief and sorrow to shock and fear. The surviving person may feel guilty for being alive, or angry at a loved one for leaving them. All of these feelings are normal. There are no rules about how you should feel; and no right or wrong way to mourn.

Grief can cause a person to easily cry, have trouble sleeping, problems concentrating and making decisions as well as having little interest in food. When intense feelings linger over a long period of time, experts say a targeted or specialized support group may be beneficial by letting the person know they are not alone and that others are experiencing many of the same things they are. 

Mary Lamia, a clinical psychologist and author of the 2022 book Grief Isn’t Something to Get Over: Finding a Home for Memories and Emotions After Losing a Loved One, says, “It’s important to look for grief support that will not necessarily make you feel better, but makes you feel understood. She adds It’s not about getting over it, but learning how to continue to live with it. Also, as grief is a personal experience, it is important to find a group where you feel understood and are not judged.    

It may take time to find the right fit. Grief support groups can focus on specific illnesses such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, or the loss of a special loved one such as a spouse, child or sibling. AARP suggests when looking for a support group to start local by asking area hospice organizations and hospitals as well as senior centers or funeral homes for referrals. You can also do a national search for groups that can provide local outreach or join a support group online. 

Experts say it is important to keep in mind grief support groups are not intended to take away the pain, but rather to remember hurting is part of the healing process.  Grief counselors also say you may have to try more than one group to find one that connects with your needs. 

At the MorningStar of Arvada community, we provide a full range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our vibrant community promotes carefree retirement years with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, all-day dining and programs designed to enhance quality of life. For independent living and assisted living, stylish suites are available in a variety of floor plans and configurations. MorningStar’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases 29 memory care suites within an intimate, supportive and loving environment. Contact us to set up a personalized tour to see firsthand the area’s finest senior living and all-inclusive retirement communities Arvada, CO offers

Source: aarp.org/caregiving/basics/grief-resources/

Find a Better Night's Rest at an Assisted Living Community that Families Trust

Sleep is restorative at every age. Our bodies need adequate rest to support immune function, mood, memory, and overall energy. Many seniors may struggle to get the right amount of sleep each night. This can cause many families to worry about the health and well-being of their loved one. Modern assisted living communities can be the best remedy for sleep disruptions because of the availability of 24/7 staff, safety practices, and supportive daily routines. 

Senior Living Designed for Comfort & Reassurance 

A better night’s rest starts with a peaceful and safe environment. MorningStar Assisted Living provides an extra layer of comfort to residents and their family members by ensuring around-the-clock protection on site. Buildings remain secured with controlled access to limit anyone from coming or going without proper check-ins. Suites also have emergency call systems that will alert the 24/7 on-site staff about any accidents or concerns. Families and residents can rest assured knowing that help is moments away at all hours of the day and night. 

Consistent Daily Routines Support Better Sleeping Habits

The consistent daily routines and activities that are offered in senior apartments  support better sleeping habits by giving residents structure that gently reinforces their body’s natural circadian rhythms. Orchestrating regular and consistent meal times with activities and wind-down helps encourage the body to rest. As routines become more familiar and solidified, residents feel more grounded and experience better sleep when their body knows what to prepare for.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

How Seniors Can Enjoy Community Activities

Being part of a community is about more than sharing a building or a zip code. It is about feeling like you belong, having reasons to leave your room, and sharing moments that make the week feel fuller. For many older adults in assisted living Fort Collins, community activities provide structure, friendship, and fun in a way that fits this stage of life.

Begin with what genuinely interests you

You are more likely to enjoy and stick with activities that match your interests. Take a moment to think about what feels enjoyable or relaxing.

You might ask yourself:

  • Do I like conversation or quiet creativity

  • Do I prefer gentle movement or seated activities

  • Do I enjoy learning new things or revisiting old hobbies

If you love painting, a casual art class or craft time could be a good fit. If you have always enjoyed plants, spending time in a community garden or memory care or helping tend indoor greenery might feel natural. Starting with what you already like makes the first step easier.

Explore local events at your own pace

Community calendars are often full of options: farmers markets, concerts in the park, holiday fairs, or movie nights. These events usually allow you to come and go as you please, which is helpful if you are still learning how much activity feels comfortable.

Consider:

  • Attending for a short time the first time you go

  • Sitting near an edge of the crowd so you can step away if needed

  • Bringing a friend or family member along for company

Even a brief visit can help you feel more connected and familiar with faces in your area.

Find a group you can return to

Regular gatherings make it easier to build real friendships because you see the same people again and again. Look for:

  • Book clubs

  • Walking or exercise groups

  • Music or singing circles

  • Card or game groups

A weekly or monthly meeting gives you something to look forward to and makes conversation easier, since you can pick up where you left off last time.

Share your time through volunteering

If you like feeling useful and purposeful, volunteering can be a meaningful way to join in. Local schools, libraries, animal shelters, and food banks often welcome older volunteers. You might help with reading programs, sorting donations, or greeting visitors. Working side by side toward a shared goal is a natural way to form new connections.

Community activities in Alzheimers care Fort Collins do not have to be loud or crowded to be meaningful. A small circle, a gentle class, or a simple event can be enough to bring more laughter, conversation, and color into your days.

Holiday Travel Tips for Seniors

Holiday trips can be exciting, but they also ask more of your body and patience than a regular day out. With a bit of thoughtful planning, the journey can feel calmer and more manageable, whether you are driving an hour to see family or flying across the country.

Pick travel times that work for your energy

Traffic and airport crowds surge on certain days. If your schedule allows, avoid the day before and after a holiday, when lines and delays tend to be longest. Traveling a day or two earlier, or heading home on a quieter weekday, often means less rushing and more room to breathe.

Morning departures from assisted living can be helpful as well. Roads are usually lighter, flights are less likely to stack up delays, and you may have more energy earlier in the day. Many older adults like arriving with a cushion of time before the big gathering so they can rest, unpack, and ease into the visit instead of stepping straight from the car or plane into a busy house.

Keep health items within easy reach

Medications, glasses, hearing aids, snacks, and a short list of emergency contacts belong where you can reach them without strain. For air travel, that means a small bag that stays under the seat rather than in the overhead bin. Use a simple pill organizer that holds what you need for the day or the weekend so you are not sorting through multiple bottles on the move.

If you have dietary needs, ask for help from memory care staff to pack a few familiar options such as low sodium crackers, fruit, or a small sandwich. Holiday schedules and travel delays can make meal timing unpredictable, and having something you know agrees with you can prevent discomfort.

Ask for help before you need it

Airports, train stations, and bus terminals can be crowded and noisy during the holidays. Requesting wheelchair assistance or early boarding is not an inconvenience; it is a built in service designed to keep you safe and steady. Arrange it when you buy your ticket or call the carrier a few days before travel.

If you are driving with family, let someone else handle luggage whenever possible. Rolling bags and lifting items into the trunk can strain joints and backs more than people realize. Let others know ahead of time that you will need a hand so it feels planned rather than last minute.

Stay connected and pace the trip

Share your itinerary and contact details with at least one person in senior living Scottsdale. Let them know when you expect to arrive, and check in if plans change. Simple travel apps or airline text alerts can help you stay updated on delays and gate changes without constant announcements.

Whether you ride or drive, give your body breaks.

  • Drink water regularly, even if you are less active.

  • Stretch your legs every couple of hours on long drives.

  • Bring a small pillow, scarf, or blanket to support your neck and lower back.

A little foresight can turn holiday travel from something you endure into something you enjoy. Comfort items, clear plans, and reachable support help you arrive not just safely, but ready to participate in the parts of the holiday that matter most to you.

Support Groups for Families of Alzheimers Care Residents

When someone you love moves into memory care, life changes in ways that are hard to explain to people who have not lived it. There can be worry, relief, guilt, grief, and tenderness all mixed together. Support groups give families a place to bring all of that, without needing to pretend that everything feels easy.

What a support group actually feels like

Most groups are simple at heart. You sit in a room or join a video call with other family members who are walking a similar path. Some meetings are led by a social worker or counselor, others are more informal. Either way, the goal is the same: to create a space where people can talk openly about what is happening at home, in visits, in alzheimers care and inside their own hearts.

Common topics might include:

  • How visits are changing as memory shifts

  • Ways to handle difficult days or challenging behaviors

  • Moments of joy and small victories that others will truly understand

You are free to speak or just listen. Many people come to their first meeting worried they will cry or say the wrong thing, then realize very quickly that everyone else has been there too.

Why these groups can be such a lifeline

Support groups offer more than information. They offer a sense of “me too” that is hard to find elsewhere.

Families often describe these benefits:

  • Emotional relief: Saying out loud that you feel sad, angry, relieved, or exhausted in a room where no one is judging you can be deeply healing.

  • Practical ideas: Other families share what has helped them, like shorter visits, new conversation starters, or ways to bring comfort items from home.

  • Companionship: Over time, familiar faces become friends who remember your story and ask how you are really doing.

Getting the most out of a group

If you are thinking about joining a support group connected to assisted living Fort Collins or another local resource, it can help to go in with a gentle plan.

A few suggestions:

  • Attend a few sessions before deciding whether it is the right fit. The first meeting is often the hardest.

  • Give yourself permission to be quiet at first. Listening can be just as valuable as speaking.

  • Share when you feel ready, even if it is just one small story or question. Your experience may help someone else feel less alone.

  • Bring a notebook if you like. Many families jot down ideas about visiting routines, communication tips, or resources they hear about.

If you connect with someone in particular, you might exchange phone numbers or email. A short message between meetings can be a real comfort.

How Noticing the Good Supports Senior Mental Health

Aging brings a mix of changes, some welcome and some challenging. Health shifts, losses, and new routines can weigh on mood. Choosing to pay attention to what is still steady, kind, or beautiful does not erase hard things, but it can soften their edges. That practice is often called gratitude, and for many in senior living Scottsdale it becomes a quiet anchor in the day.

How it supports emotional well being

Studies have linked regular expressions of thanks with lower stress, better sleep, and a stronger sense of meaning. For seniors, that can translate into:

  • Less time dwelling on worries

  • More enjoyment in ordinary routines

  • Stronger connection with people around them

One resident, Edna, began writing down three bright spots each evening. Some days her list is simple: a warm blanket, a friendly wave in the hallway, a favorite song on the radio. Over time she noticed that her thoughts drifted less toward what had gone wrong and more toward what still felt steady and kind. She describes it as giving her mind “a gentler place to land” at the end of the day.

Everyday ways to build a thankfulness habit

This kind of mindset does not require big gestures. Small, repeatable practices work best, especially when energy is limited.

A few ideas:

  • End of day list: Before bed, jot down two or three moments from the day that felt pleasant or comforting.

  • Grateful pause: Choose one routine, like a morning cup of tea or an afternoon walk, and quietly name one thing you appreciate while you do it.

  • Sharing round: At a meal or group activity, invite everyone to name one thing that made today better. Hearing others’ answers often sparks your own.

  • Memory time: Looking through old photos or telling stories about past joys can reconnect you with people and places that still matter.

There is no right way to do this. Some people write, some speak, some simply pause and notice. The key is consistency, not perfection.

How communities can encourage this mindset

Group settings in assisted living Fountain Hills can make appreciation feel contagious. Some communities create a board where residents can pin notes naming something or someone they value. Reading entries like “the smell of coffee in the morning” or “the nurse who always remembers my stories” creates a sense of shared goodness.

Others hold short circles where participants offer a kind word to one another or thank a staff member. These gatherings stay informal but often leave people lighter and more connected. They also give quieter residents in assisted living Scottsdale a chance to hear different perspectives on what makes life feel worthwhile.

Gratitude is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about letting small, genuine pleasures sit beside the hard parts so they are not the only story. 

Spotting Diabetes Early in Older Adults

Staying on top of blood sugar is easier when you know what to look for before things snowball. Diabetes often develops slowly, and early signs can be brushed off as “just getting older.” 

Learning how to spot patterns gives seniors in assisted living and families a chance to ask for testing sooner and make changes while the body still has more flexibility.

Small changes that deserve attention

Early symptoms of diabetes are not always dramatic. They tend to show up as everyday changes that do not quite make sense. Paying attention to how often they appear and whether they show up together is more helpful than worrying about one moment in isolation.

A few common early signals include:

  • Feeling thirsty more often, even when you are sipping through the day

  • Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night

  • Feeling worn out or “draggy” even after a full night of sleep

  • Sudden blurry vision that comes and goes

  • Little cuts, scratches, or bruises that seem to linger instead of healing

On their own, any of these can have other explanations. When two or three show up together and stick around, that is the time to bring them up with a clinician.

What to do if you notice a pattern

You do not need to decide by yourself whether symptoms “count.” The next right step is a conversation. Make a short list of what you have noticed, how long it has been happening, and anything that makes it better or worse. Bring that list to your next appointment or call the office if the changes feel significant.

Common tests include:

  • A fasting blood sugar check

  • An A1C test, which reflects average blood sugar over several months

  • Sometimes an oral glucose tolerance test

These are straightforward and give a clearer picture of whether you are dealing with normal variation, prediabetes, or diabetes that needs active treatment.

Habits that help lower risk

There is no perfect diet or exercise plan, in assisted living Scottsdale but small, steady habits protect your body

Helpful steps include:

  • Building meals around vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean protein

  • Choosing water or unsweetened drinks most of the time

  • Walking, stretching, or doing chair exercises most days of the week

  • Keeping regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

The goal is not perfection. It is learning to notice your body’s early signals and partnering with your care team so problems are caught early and managed with as much ease as possible in senior living Scottsdale.