Importance of Dental Care for Seniors

Dental care for seniors is something that can be commonly overlooked. Many people assume that aging means inevitable tooth loss, dentures, and overall deterioration of oral health. However, there are still many ways that seniors in assisted living in Everett, WA can take care of their dental health. Read on to learn more about the importance of dental care for seniors. 

Gum Health

As we age, our gums naturally recede, exposing more and more tooth surface over time. This makes flossing, regular dental cleanings, and consistent brushing even more important. If your gums are unhealthy, your teeth will not be healthy; and you can develop halitosis, periodontal disease, decay, and more. However, by supporting your gum’s health, you are being proactive about your overall dental health. 

Disease

Poor oral health can be a significant contributing factor in the development of certain diseases. Heart disease is one example, and can be impacted by oral bacteria making its way to the heart through the bloodstream.

Another potential problem that can be caused by an unhealthy mouth is chronic respiratory infections. As bacteria builds up in the mouth, you can breathe it into your lungs, creating the perfect conditions for issues like pneumonia.

Finally, those in senior housing in Everett, WA should also be aware of the effects of oral health on diabetes. Elderly people who have been diagnosed with diabetes can be much more prone to the development of gum disease. This can be especially risky for diabetics, as gum disease can make controlling blood sugar even more of a difficult process.

So, proper oral care can help you combat all these and more, as long as you include the care of the rest of your body as well. 

Dry Mouth

Many common medications for the elderly can cause side effects such as dry mouth. This can be a problem, since our saliva is a huge part of what helps keep our dental health in check. A dry mouth can create an environment where bacteria can thrive, as well as making eating, talking, and swallowing more difficult. If you are a senior who struggles with dry mouth, make sure you are regularly drinking plenty of water, and consult with your dentist about the steps you can take to minimize the effects.  

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 to learn more about the finest independent senior living and assisted living in Everett, Washington.

What is the Difference between Assisted Living & Independent Living?

Many seniors and their families are confused as to what exactly assisted living offers and how it differs from independent living. At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we explain our senior living supports residents as they age with freedom and choices, resort-style amenities and best-in-class dining and hospitality. Spacious floor plans include a choice of studio, and one- and two-bedroom configurations. Wellness programs and activities help keep residents socially engaged and offer opportunities for personal growth. 

If you move into our community as an independent living resident, you will enjoy the fact that all of the maintenance inside and out is taken care of by us. Most of our suites include a washer/dryer and full kitchen with microwave to prepare the meals you want to eat on your own. All-day dining means there is no reason to rush down to meet a strict eating schedule but rather allows you to set your own clock. Weekly housekeeping gives you the time to pursue your interests. 

For our assisted living residents, we work hard to ensure you get the personalized services needed to help maintain your independence. Our entire community is designed to facilitate safe mobility with wide doorways and halls as well as suites equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and grab bars, and 24/7 emergency call systems. 

Additionally as part of our intake service, each assisted living resident meets with our Wellness Director to assess their current health, review medical history and learn about their preferences. From there we create a Personalized Service Plan based on five levels of care. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. If you enter our community as an independent living resident and your medical needs change, you can always switch to assisted living.  

Our trusted independent living and assisted living in Everett, WA provides seniors a refreshing, maintenance-free lifestyle. Please visit our website to browse through MorningStar at Silver Lake’s extensive information, and give us a call to set up a tour or ask about availability. Don’t forget to ask about our great Move-in Specials.

Regular Physical Activity Can Reduce the Risk of Falls in Older Adults

Not only is physical exercise good for our heart and cognitive health but it can help older adults stay steady on their feet. Studies show regular physical activity can reduce the risk of falls in older adults at a high risk of falling by nearly one third. 

Experts explain certain kinds of exercise helps increase muscle mass and bone strength as well as improve balance and coordination, fight off osteoporosis, and reduce the risk for fractures and broken bones. Some of the best exercises are known as weight-bearing, which require a person to carry their weight and work against gravity. Examples include walking, dancing, hiking, climbing stairs, jogging and playing tennis or basketball. Doctors say if you can manage it, increasing your pace during aerobics, jogging and power walking make the exercises even more effective at strengthening bone density.  

Resistance exercises also work against gravity and help build muscle mass and improve bone strength. Strength training with weights, weight machines or resistance bands are all examples of exercises that rely on muscle contractions that tug on bones to stimulate them to bulk up. Along the same line, impact exercises such as jumping jacks and walking or running uphill have been shown to improve bone density fairly quickly. 

Healthcare providers say to be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you're taking medications that slow your coordination or throw off your balance. According to the Surgeon General, your optimal goal should be at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, preferably daily.

For exceptional independent or assisted living, Everett, WA area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake. We make it easy to exercise with a fitness center along with a variety of wellness programs to keep you moving. Our maintenance-free lifestyle provides a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals and enjoy your precious retirement years. Visit our website for more information about independent senior living, and if you have further questions, please give us a call and discuss more about our retirement communities.

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 to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everette, WA offers.

Senior Living Communities Offer Many Benefits

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent senior living or assisted living community.  In part, that may be since many of today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.  Here are some of the many benefits: 

• When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns and other housekeeping chores.  

• Seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also, as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.    

• For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition, many routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping or other events.  

• We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing food has become difficult.  Many senior communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and offer choices such as low sodium, no sugar added etc.  

• As an assisted living resident, you will receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services senior communities provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs.

• Finally, we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand.

At MorningStar at Silver Lake, we provide all this and more. Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day dining, bistro, libraries, fitness center, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA has to offer.  

MorningStar at Silver Lake proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA offers.

Independent Living at MorningStar Senior Living at Silver Lake

While there may be a number of senior communities in the Everette, WA area, we would like to introduce you to one of the best.  MorningStar at Silver Lake offers stylish suites for independent senior living for those who love the idea of carefree retirement years and plenty of time for life’s adventures.  

Situated in the Puget Sound region surrounded by water, forests, and mountains, MorningStar at Silver Lake is 25 miles north of Seattle, minutes from the world-renowned Providence Regional Medical Center, and close to shopping, banks, and restaurants. Local attractions include picturesque Silver Lake, Everett Naval Station at Puget Sound, Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center and Jetty Island. 

For the most active seniors, our spacious suites range from studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. Features include kitchens with microwaves, in-suite washers/dryers (in most apartments), window blinds, walk-in closets (in most), and available garage space. For peace of mind, bathrooms are handicap-accessible, and suites are equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system.  

Other services and amenities we provide to our residents include a bistro, fitness center, theatre/chapel, beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Residents also enjoy raised garden beds, strolling paths, computer lounge, billiards & game room and scheduled transportation. To make sure you have the time to do what you want to do, we provide weekly housekeeping.  

Unlike many other senior communities in the area, MorningStar at Silver Lake also provides assisted living so if your needs change, we are here to help.  While you will find our website showcases pictures of our community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home.   We attribute this to our exceptional care team that feels honored to serve seniors and has helped to make our community one of the finest for independent and assisted living Everett has to offer.

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 to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Everett, WA offers.