Will Living Through a Pandemic Change the Way We Express Ourselves?

Over the years, Americans have adopted a set of manners and etiquette that guides our society.   Before COVID, people greeted one another with a handshake, a kiss on the check, or by sharing a warm hug.  We routinely clinked glasses for a heartfelt toast or had grandma and our one-year old do their best to blow out candles on their cake. Now with a contagious disease among us, many of these polite and/or loving gestures have been put on hold to help keep our family and friends safe.   

However etiquette consultant Jodi Smith explains we should not worry too much about these symbols as, "etiquette is always evolving, it's never set in stone.”  She adds, “What's set in stone is the idea of respect for myself and respect for others.”  Remember there are other ways to safely express ourselves and some may stay with us long after the coronavirus is gone.   

In terms of handshakes, it probably bears repeating that not everyone in the world uses the handshake as a greeting.  Many cultures find it impolite and instead clasp their hands together over their heart and give a respectful nod to the person.  Etiquette experts say that is one good substitute for a handshake as it is simply stopping before the person, putting your hands behind your back and nodding an acknowledgement.  

As much of the country is being encouraged to wear masks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, we are also seeing more and more brightly colored, decorated masks that match a person’s outfit or indicate their support for a certain team, college affiliation, and more.  Someone’s mask may express their political leanings, artistic preferences or wearing a Star Wars mask as my grandson proudly does in support of his favorite heroes.   This isn’t new as throughout history, disease has influenced social norms as in the 1800s when gloves were worn not only to symbolize social status but to help protect against contagious diseases like typhoid fever and smallpox.   

At MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, you will discover the best independent living and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.  Our community is designed to enhance the lives of our residents and provide a home where seniors can safely, and comfortably age in place.  Our aggressive COVID response includes rigorous protocols and procedures in our fight to protect.  Visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted senior living in Hayward.   

Source: aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/etiquette-coronavirus.html

Eating the Right Foods Can Help Us to Age Better

Research shows a diet rich in certain foods may help keep us healthier and delay or reduce the risk of some common diseases as we grow older.  On the top of that list is to add more fiber to our diet.  Experts say fiber helps reduce our risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, as well as constipation, which becomes more common as we age.  The recommended amount of fiber to consume each day is around 30 grams for men 50 years and older and 21 grams for women.  Fiber-rich foods include beans, fruits, vegetables, oatmeal and nuts.    

Whole grains such as whole wheat bread, quinoa, and wheat berries are also high in fiber and an important source of vitamin B-6 and folate that helps to keep our brains healthy.  Nuts are a good source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, magnesium and vitamin E and may help delay or prevent heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.  Walnuts, pistachios, pecans and almonds are among the healthiest nuts.  

Eating fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, and farmed trout, which is loaded with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid is good brain food.  In fact studies have shown that low levels of DHA are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.  Another food group that can help us age better is dairy.  Doctors recommend low-fat or fat-free versions of milk, yogurt, or cheese to help keep your bones strong.  However if you do not tolerate dairy, products like soy and rice milk are enriched with calcium.  Other good foods to add in your diet are dark leafy greens; colorful red and orange produce that contain lycopene; cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower; sweet potatoes; and avocados.     

Looking for independent living or assisted living in Hayward, CA?  MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval is a true home offering privacy, comfort, and ease to graciously meet the needs of our incredible residents.  Our gorgeous community has 233 private suites in a broad range of floor plans including alcove, studio, and one and two-bedroom apartments.  Recently Casa Sandoval changed management to the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which is known throughout the Western US for providing the finest senior housing with heart!

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted, affordable senior living in Hayward.

A Place Where Residents Still Find Ways to Have Fun

One of the biggest benefits of independent living and assisted living communities is built-in companionship.  While obviously we are living in strange times with a historic world pandemic swirling around us, communities such as MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval in Hayward give seniors the security of knowing they are not alone.  

In fact residents enjoy a host of amenities such as delicious, nutritional meals inspired by our Executive Chef that they no longer need to cook. They also appreciate leaving behind the hassle and expense of dealing with the upkeep of a home, as at Casa Sandoval, maintenance inside and out is someone else’s problem.  Other aspects of carefree living include relaxing patios and lounges on every floor, and beautiful outdoor strolling paths.  Also now under MorningStar’s management, Casa Sandoval is getting a full renovation from stem to stern. 

Moreover we want you to know that despite the times, Casa Sandoval’s residents still know how to have fun.  One example was the recent pandemic parody based on Bastille Day.  The French national holiday, celebrated on July 14, marks the anniversary of the storming of a grand fortress infamous for holding political prisoners.  Our tongue-in-cheek version called “Storming of the Castle” consisted of Life Enrichment Coordinator, Lori presenting residents’ list of “demands” based on the Bill of Rights.  

Some examples of “rights” included the right to assemble in small groups of 10 and the right to walk around the building with masks on.  There was also one referring to the right to see visitors through the looking glass as well as the right to sit in the sunshine on the patio.  You will be glad to know all rights were readily “granted.”  We encourage you to visit our website to see a pic of Lori in full costume and to read the remaining rights.  

While you are there, take a look at the rest of our website to learn more about our community, which we think offers one of the best deals for independent living and assisted living in Hayward.  Our location is both convenient to medical facilities and shopping as well as offers scenic views of the Bay, Hayward Hills and the San Francisco skyline. 

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed senior living in Hayward.  

A Team Dedicated to Providing Trusted, Carefree Senior Living in Hayward

Moving to independent living or assisted living is a great way to simplify life and free up time to start enjoying ourselves.  Also in the case of assisted living, seniors are provided with the care they need to help maintain their independence - not take it away.  Regardless of which senior living option you choose, you will want to be part of a well-run community, and we all know much of that depends on the effectiveness of the management team.  

At MorningStar Casa Sandoval, we are proud to have just such a team starting with Paul Gozon who serves as our Executive Director.  He has made a career of caring for others and fondly remembers the first senior, Dutch, who helped Paul to realize that he was making a difference in someone else’s life.  Paul says he loves working for a company with values that align with his and quotes Albert Schweitzer who said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” 

Our Assistant Executive Director, Rosana Frias, also plays an important role in seeing that everything runs smoothly.  Rosana says the first senior she loved was her Grandmother Anastacia or “Abue,” who epitomized unconditional love and taught her the meaning of honesty, humility, hard work, and above all, to love and honor God. 

Bernadette Rosales, our Wellness Director, explains that seniors teach her life is short and precious.  She says they remind her how we must enjoy and make the most of every day with our loved ones, and be grateful for the simple things. The thing she loves the most about working for Morningstar is its mission to honor God in business practices and relationships and our “Radiance” brand standard of care.

At MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, our entire team is made up of exceptional individuals who feel privileged to serve.  In addition we are proud to offer senior living in the Hayward area that is not only affordable but offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security.  Our 233 bright suites come in a range of floor plans from studio to alcove and one- and two-bedroom configurations, and we are pet friendly.  We invite you to visit our website for pricing and availability.  

MorningStar Casa Sandoval’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s best independent and assisted living in Hayward. 

Tips to Getting the Right Mobility Aid for Your Needs

If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence.  With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs. 

Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition.  Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems.  In fact the journal, Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane.   However even here there are decisions to be made.  While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability.  If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane.   

Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the county over the age of 65.  Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat.  Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward.  Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane.    

For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary.  Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly.  

MorningStar Casa Sandoval senior living community’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  Set in a warm, loving environment, we offer exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about affordable, carefree independent and assisted living in Hayward.  

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids

We are Honored to Welcome Vets to Our Community

MorningStar Casa Sandoval is honored to welcome vets to our beautiful senior living community in Hayward, CA.  When one of our nation’s heroes requires assisted living, we do all we can to help them figure out ways to pay for the services they need.  After all they put their lives on the line and demonstrated raw courage and self-sacrifice when required to ensure we could continue to enjoy our freedoms.  

If a potential resident is a vet, we encourage them to contact the Department of Military/Veteran Affairs to speak to a Veteran Service Officer (VSOs) for help in securing an “Aid & Attendance” monthly benefit pension.  This is a special benefit intended for qualifying vets who have physician orders for regular assistance with the activities of daily living.    

To qualify, the vet must have served for at least 90 days of active duty and have served at least one day during a period of foreign war.  In addition they must have been discharged in some way other than a dishonorable discharge. Beneficiaries need not have served overseas, retired from the military or seen combat; however a surviving spouse must have been married to the Veteran at the time of death and never remarried.  We strongly encourage you to use VA accredited individuals to help you prepare and file a claim as federal law dictates that no one may help a Veteran in the preparation of an initial claim for VA benefits unless the person is accredited.   

At MorningStar Casa Sandoval, we are ready to help anyone interested in joining our senior living community to explore creative and traditional financial solutions to cover the cost of senior care.  Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate independent and assisted living community as well as pricing and availability.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent and assisted living in Hayward.  

A Wide Array of Smartly-designed Floor Plans

MorningStar Casa Sandoval, a top-rated senior living community centrally located in Hayward, CA, offers relaxing, carefree independent living and assisted living that is also affordable.  With 233 private suites, we have a wide selection of smartly-designed floor plans among studio, alcove and one and two-bedroom apartments, in fact more than 40 different configurations.  Moreover if you think you already know us, you may want to take a second look as Casa Sandoval is now managed by the MorningStar Senior Living Company, known throughout the Western US for providing senior housing with heart!

Each apartment has a kitchenette (all soon to be refurbished as part of our community-wide renovation), wall-to-wall carpeting, lighting, and mini-blinds. Depending on the location within our community, some suites offer a balcony or patio.  In addition each unit has handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system, private heating and cooling.  Your monthly fee includes satellite TV and utilities.  

To make sure you have the time to do what you want to do, we also offer weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  For a virtual tour, visit our website and take a look at our pictures on the Gallery page, see our downloadable, printable Floor Plans, and discover our Community Amenities, which are also being reconfigured and refreshed as part of our renovation.  

In addition to independent and assisted living, Hayward’s Casa Sandoval offers Retreat Stays that allow potential residents to try us out and see what they think and Respite Care for seniors recuperating from illness or surgery.  Our East Bay location offers scenic views in every direction including the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Hayward Hills, and we remain confident in our Covid-19 protocols for keeping all those beneath our roof safe.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about top-rated, affordable senior living in Hayward.  

Our Unique Mission & Principles Guide Our Service

Hayward residents may be unfamiliar with the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which recently took over the management of the Casa Sandoval senior living community so please allow us to introduce ourselves.  The MorningStar Company was founded more than 15 years ago by Ken Jaeger whose intention was to create senior housing that felt like the loving atmosphere of his grandmother’s Midwest home.  We now have senior living communities scattered throughout the Western US.  

We sincerely believe our astounding success is attributed to a mission statement of honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing in our team's ability to serve well.  MorningStar communities are also deliberate in the type of culture we strive to create, which is why it is important for us to hire individuals that believe residents are to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.   

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval offers 233 bright suites for independent living and assisted living, and each of our stylish apartments is a true home designed to provide residents privacy, comfort, and security.  We also offer a whole range of resort-style amenities such as an onsite theatre/chapel, billiards lounge, ice cream parlor, fitness center, general store, a salon and more.  For residents’ convenience, Casa Sandoval has garage parking as well as scheduled transportation, and offers beautiful prepared meals served restaurant-style under the direction of our Executive Chef.

Our community is located in the East Bay region just 25 miles south of San Francisco, and under MorningStar’s management, Casa Sandoval is getting a full renovation of the property from stem to stern.  When you visit our website to inquire about pricing and availability, we encourage you to take a look at our gorgeous gallery of pictures.    

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living and assisted living in Hayward.  

Medical Professionals Say Telemedicine is Probably here to Stay

While many of us may have experienced our first telemedicine visit with a doctor during the coronavirus outbreak, healthcare professionals say they think telehealth is most-likely here to stay.  According to a recent survey from Sage Growth Partner (SGP) and Black Book Market Research, almost a quarter of the respondents had a telehealth appointment before the pandemic and 59 percent said they were willing to use telemedicine.  Another 33 percent report that they would even switch healthcare providers to one that did telehealth visits.  

Lisa Mazur, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery that specializes in digital healthcare space, explains, “Telehealth was already experiencing significant momentum and growth prior to this public health emergency, and its continued trajectory has been solidified by the vital role it is playing in care delivery today.”  Furthermore doctors themselves feel better about telemedicine with the changes that insurers such as Medicare and Medicaid have made that include paying physicians the same rates for both virtual and in-office visits.  No doubt as more and more physicians and patients become comfortable with the process and insurers view it as a way to help reduce cost, it is sure to be around long after the pandemic is over.  

Another boost to telehealth medicine is the coming together of technology and medical care with “innovations such digitally connected stethoscope, infrared thermometer and otoscope among others.”  Professionals say the ability to digitally connect devices with patients will greatly improve the quality of care and allow it to be as effective as in-patient visits.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval offers area seniors affordable, carefree independent living and assisted living in Hayward.  Our gorgeous community has 233 bright suites in a range of floor plans from studios to alcoves or one- and two-bedroom configurations; and in case you wondered, we are pet friendly.  

The MorningStar senior communities are purpose-built to protect and have been quick to adopt, which is why we have added Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology to our rigorous protocols.  This emergent weapon in the fight to protect is harmless to our residents and staff but deadly against infectious disease.  

MorningStar Casa Sandoval’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Hayward.  

Source: 

forbes.com/sites/joeharpaz/2020/05/04/5-reasons-why-telehealth-here-to-stay-covid19/#76e723aa53fb

There are Benefits to Growing Older

Instead of thinking that growing older is an endless array of ailments and aches and pain, you may want to rethink your attitude toward it.  Research has found that people who have a more positive attitude toward aging appear to do better.  Remember there are many things that older adults are good at including what is known as crystalized intelligence, which is gained through a lifetime of learning and experience.

Research also shows that unlike many common myths about older people being grumpy that most are happier and more relaxed than when they were younger.  Scientists are uncertain why this is but hypothesize that it could be due to the fact that “older people might control their emotions better, and focus more on how to make the most of life.”  

In addition while many seniors report waking up during the night and may go to sleep earlier and wake earlier, the majority say they get a restful night’s sleep.  Another benefit to old age is that for people who have suffered most of their lives with migraines, once you are in your 70s, a majority of them report no longer having them.  If you are part of the 10 percent of women or 5 percent of men still having migraines, you may not experience pain but rather visual or sensory disturbances. 

Another plus to growing older is that many people report feeling more confident.  The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” report found baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts.  And when they do experience stress, many older adults say they manage it better.  

Finally researchers have found that Americans 60 years of age and older are the fastest growing block of voters and a whole lot more likely to vote.  This is typically good news for seniors as older voters tend to vote on issues concerning them such as Social Security, Medicare and healthcare.  

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval senior living community unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent and assisted living in Hayward.  

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/ss/slideshow-aging-surprises

Assisted Living's 24/7 Care Helps to Maintain Your Independence

If you or a loved one is in need of daily care to ensure your safety and wellbeing, you may be weighing options such as in-home care services versus assisted living.  Most experts suggest a good way to start is to make a list of all the areas in which you or your loved one needs assistance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  

From a strictly affordable standpoint (we know there is much more to it), the rule of thumb to determine if in-home care services or an assisted living community is less expensive is does the person require more than 40 hours of paid care a week?  If that’s the case, then assisted living is most likely cheaper.  

Also remember that in-home care is a piecemeal approach and each additional service you need adds to the cost of care.  Moreover in senior living communities like MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, individuals in assisted living receive 24/7 care from our compassionate, trained care managers in the activities of daily living (ADL).  Another benefit of our assisted living community is it is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile aids as well as has bathrooms equipped with handicap grab bars, and suites equipped with emergency call systems.  

Many people get sticker shock when they learn how much they will pay for assisted living, but you need to remember that virtually all your living expenses including food as well as care services are factored in.  No longer will you pay out-of-pocket for home insurance, property taxes, heat, electricity, trash pickup, cable, and Internet service.  In addition you will not be hit with unexpected repair bills and routine upkeep on your home.  

Other services and amenities Casa Sandoval provides to our residents include a fitness center, a movie theatre, beautifully prepared meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more.  However we consider our most important asset to be our dedicated staff and their devotion to our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about our wonderful community and all we are doing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents during COVID-19.

MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Hayward.