Would Mom or Dad Benefit from Assisted Living?

Did your elderly parents spend a lot more time alone during COVID-19 and now appear to be having difficulty taking care of themselves or managing their home as they once did? For many families, the last 2+ years have underscored the fact that their elderly loved one is not getting on as well as they did before the pandemic; and may need additional help with the activities of daily living.   

We know the decision to move a family member into a senior living community is a big one. Seniors can be resistant to moving, and many hate the idea of leaving their home and everything familiar to them. However, it is an important thing to consider whether your parent’s current living situation is meeting their overall physical and safety needs; and if it doesn’t, it is time to start the conversation about the need for change.  

One important thing to look for is if your loved one has had one or more falls over the last several months. The CDC reports every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. Every year, about three million older adults are treated in an emergency room for injuries suffered in a fall. In addition, does their home have stairs they must use, or do they have a problem getting up from a chair or out of bed. Also, take a good look at mom or dad’s appearance. Are they looking disheveled or is the house looking neglected?    

If mom or dad does need help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) and would benefit from more socialization, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a trusted senior community.  Our home offers private suites available in a range of configurations and floorplans; and residents receive 24-hour care, access to a full-time licensed nurse, medication management, care plan reviews and other services. Amenities include all-day dining; bistro; fitness room; salon; massage room; chapel/theatre; and fireside patio and porches. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia individualized memory care. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar Senior Living 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Should You Sell the House Before or After a Move to Assisted Living

We all know moving has its challenges, but it can be especially difficult when it is prudent for an elderly person to change their living situation. Many times a move to assisted living is triggered by an emergency medical event such as an injury due to a fall or a substantial decline in the person’s health. The senior may not only feel threatened by the change in their health and lifestyle but leaving a home they may have lived in for decades. 

Often families are faced with a decision of whether to sell the home before the parent moves or to wait until after they have left and are settled into their new community. Since a person’s home is typically their biggest asset, one thing to consider is if they will need the proceeds from the sale to help finance their new home? 

However, experts caution selling an occupied house can be tricky as you want potential buyers to view the home in the best light. It should be free of clutter and personal belongings, which makes keeping it ready for short notice showings difficult. 

Selling a home without an occupant allows you to have it showcase ready at all times. If need be, hire a company to come in and stage it. Most importantly, it is a lot easier on mom or dad to not have the added stress of strangers coming in and looking at their beloved home with a critical eye. If proceeds from the home are needed to fund their move, many experts recommend taking out a bridge loan on the money expected from the sale.   

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Assisted living residents receive a whole range of services and amenities including meals created by our Executive Chef.  Other services include 24/7 care managers, certified medication care managers, and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. We also provide memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Pricing at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we regularly have questions about our community from Colorado Springs area seniors and their family members.  FAQs include how our pricing is structured as well as availability.  In assisted living, fees are based on the level of care a resident requires.  For memory care residents, we offer all-inclusive pricing, which means suite rental and care, whatever the level of need, is one price.  

To calculate your level of need in assisted living, you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director and go over your medical history and personal preferences to create an individualized care plan.  This sets the basis of your Care Level (we have five) and your monthly fee accounts for the costs and time to provide the needed services.  These can include help with daily personal care activities (grooming, bathing, toileting, etc.) and medical assistance. 

If you are concerned the cost of assisted living may be too high for your means, we want to remind you that senior housing can be very cost-effective as there are many things you will no longer pay for out-of-pocket.  This includes the costs of your monthly utilities.  At MorningStar your monthly fee includes cable TV & utilities, laundry facilities, and three daily meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  In addition, we have scheduled transportation every week for rides to medical appointments as well as transportation to organized activities and cultural events.  

Assisted living residents also have access to a full-time licensed nurse and our loving 24-hour care staff.  Our wellness programs and activities engage and support our residents’ mental, physical, spiritual and social connections for a healthier, fuller life.

MorningStar’s mission is to provide the best senior living in Colorado Springs, and the comfort and wellbeing of our residents are the foremost considerations for everything we do.  Our dedicated team, the heartbeat of our community, delivers service that represents the mission and philosophy of MorningStar Senior Living - honoring God and valuing seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. Please visit our website for more information.

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 senior living in Colorado Springs.

Many Seniors Are Not Being Screened for Cognitive Decline

Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams and say it would be a good idea to do so.  While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on.  Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.   

Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia.  From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination.  However, according to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test.  Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor.  Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So, what does a cognitive assessment include?  To start with, your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently.  If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems.  You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home.  In fact, you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed.  

Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understand the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Falls are a Serious Issue for Older Adults

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports that each year 3 million older adults are treated in the emergency room for a fall injury and over 800,000 patients are hospitalized due to their injuries. 

Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs.  Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed.  Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning.   

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane.  Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative.  Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes.   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, an assisted living and memory care community in Colorado Springs, is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed home.  Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.

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 assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

Looking for Assisted Living in Colorado Springs?

Finding the right assisted living facility for your loved one can be a difficult process. You want to consider safety, comfort, location, and budgetary restraints when searching for the right placement. 

There are many assisted living and memory care homes to choose from in the Colorado Springs area. Our research checklist will help you narrow down the choices and find a facility that’s perfect for your loved one.

Assisted Living Research Checklist

Start online by going to the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Aging and Disability resource page provides a wealth of information about support services for older adults in Colorado. Some questions to help you narrow your search for the right assisted living facility include:

• Where is the community located? 

• Is the location conveniently placed for others to visit?

• What features does the neighborhood offer or lack?

You may be able to find information about specific communities through the Better Business Bureau. While online, check Yelp reviews or other local review resources to find out what others are saying about each facility.

Phone Research

Once you’ve decided on a handful of potential options, call the community to see if they’re accepting new residents. It may be necessary to get on their waitlist. Don’t let a long waitlist deter you. 

Pricing for assisted care varies widely from facility to facility. Ask about pricing, payment options, and arranging a tour. If you found any negative reviews, take a moment to ask for an explanation.

Tour Research

If your loved one has limited mobility, it may be best to “pre-tour” the most promising facilities without them first. Ask a friend or another relative to come with you. Take plenty of notes and photos. Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Does the neighborhood seem safe, quiet, and friendly?

• Is the building clean and welcoming inside and out?

• Is there a safe area where residents can walk around and socialize freely?

• Are the grounds well taken care of?

• Are you able to talk to staff members and residents during the tour?

• Does the facility offer the services your loved one needs, including memory care?

If you feel pressured or that the tour guide is trying to “sell” you, don’t hesitate to cut the tour short and leave. Touring an assisted living center should be a pleasant and informative experience, not a high-pressure sales event. 

Meeting a tour guide and staff members who are interested in your questions and enthusiastic about your visit indicates they feel open and proud of the services their facility offers.  

Find the Right Assisted Living Community for Your Needs

Whatever your loved one needs at this time, there is an assisted living center in Colorado Springs where they will feel safe, comfortable, respected, and valued. 

Seniors in Assisted Living are a Major Fan of This Fall Activity

Now that we are heading into the fall months in Colorado, American football and college sports are beginning to take off again! If your loved one that is now in assisted living or memory care in Littleton CO is a big sports fan, this time of year is perfect to dedicate some quality time together and celebrate one of their favorite activities. Watching sports, especially watching their favorite sports teams, is very enjoyable to seniors struggling with memory loss or dementia. Watching sports is an activity that feels familiar. Use the advice below to help your loved one struggling with memory loss experience one of their favorite past times this Fall. 

Making the time to watch sports games with an elderly parent or friend is a great way to bond if they are residing in assisted living or memory care. The tradition of watching a sports game on the same day each week is very comforting for someone that struggles with maintaining routines or gets overwhelmed easily. Having an activity that is predictable and familiar keeps a senior struggling with dementia grounded and happy. Even if their favorite team is losing, the act of watching a familiar and special form of entertainment is soothing for our residents in memory care and assisted living in Littleton CO. 

MorningStar of Littleton’s Assisted Living and Memory Care proudly brings the finest senior living Littleton CO has to offer with modern retirement homes and assisted living that incorporates resort-style amenities such as providing residents with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our dining room. We love it when family members and friends stop by to share a meal with their loved ones. Feel free to bring a favorite game day dish to share with your loved one and their neighbors or keep it intimate. MorningStar of Littleton’s Assisted Living and Memory Care offers plenty of comfortable community rooms for socialization and events with family, friends, and spouses. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s Alzheimer’s Care and Assisted Living options in Littleton CO. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Littleton, Colorado.

Assisted Living at MorningStar’s Community in Wheat Ridge, CO

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 45 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety. 

Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7.  We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.    

In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that creates daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional.  Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and includes low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low-fat choices.  We feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends.

Our beautiful community has plenty of common areas to sit and relax or enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friend.  To keep residents as busy as they want to be, our calendar is loaded with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. We offer scheduled transportation services and special outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues.   

Along with our assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 19 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We encourage you to visit our website and use our Virtual Assistant to request a tour of our special community.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

How to Feel at Home in Assisted Living

An assisted living facility should be dedicated to creating a true home for its residents and providing their community with carefree retirement years and a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and prosperous relationships. The Assisted Living Facility of MorningStar at Jordan Creek is seasoned in serving seniors and knows how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Des Moines offers a wide range of services and amenities that are designed with seniors’ best interests at heart.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek is a senior living community that offers 56 bright suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 820 square feet). The Reflections Neighborhood is a secure assisted living development that offers 29 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These suites do not cut corners when it comes to modern luxury and comfort. MorningStar at Jordan Creek is also filled with warm and inviting common areas both inside and out. From our cozy fireside living room to a comfortable dining room and scenic outdoor courtyards, residents are sure to feel right at home.

Within its communities, MorningStar offers Assisted Living with support at various levels depending on each resident’s needs. As part of your move-in process, our Wellness Director will assess your current health, and review your medical history to ascertain how we can best meet your needs. At that time, we will also learn your preferences, as well as normal routines, to develop a care plan customized to you. Around-the-clock Care Managers are also on-site to ensure your comfort and safety as they meet your needs.

MorningStar’s senior living actively looks for holistic techniques and creative activities to promote the well-being of seniors in their community. MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers modern retirement homes in Des Moines IA as well as assisted living with resort-style amenities such as providing residents with three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our dining room. As well as extracurricular activities such as a gym, community rooms for socialization, and a salon. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and assisted living options in Des Moines IA. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Iowa.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gifts for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease

If you want to get something special for mom or dad or another loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, it can be challenging to figure out a good gift. This is where the Internet can lend a hand with a range of items designed to enhance your loved one’s quality of life. 

Dementia care specialists say it can take a little more time and some creativity but there are many great gift ideas. One idea is personalized gifts or memory-filled ones. A photo album filled with pictures of the person surrounded by people important to them, or a picture book from a place they loved to visit. A coffee mug personalized with a photo or a cozy throw filled with favorite family pictures are also good ideas. 

Music from their younger years, show tunes and old movies are sure to make them smile and can be a good way to spend an afternoon together listening to their new gifts. Coloring books filled with pictures of things they love such as animals or flowers, and a set of new markers or crayons, and easy-to-do crafts are also fun to do together.  

Another item targeted to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is therapy stuffed animals.  Designed to meet their special needs, one example is a teddy bear that comes with a few classic songs but has room to load a person’s favorite tunes (up to a 1,000 songs). Cuddly robotic cat and dog stuffed animals have a calming, soothing effect on people in the middle and later stages of Alzheimer's disease. Research shows they can help the person remember a time in their life when their purpose included caring for others.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving care to those suffering from memory impairment. The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the needs of memory care residents, allowing them as much independence as possible.   Our specially trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss and strives every day to connect with and nurture that essence. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Colorado Springs

If you are looking for assisted living in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 45 assisted living suites are equipped with all the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, large windows, ceiling lights, and mini blinds. 

In assisted living, we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte.  However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.   

If you are someone who finds that preparing meals has become too difficult due to your health or just not something you enjoy any more, you will be delighted to know we offer three daily meals created by our Executive Chef.  All our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  

We believe our care to be different from that of other senior living communities because of the type of individuals who make up our team.  When we set out to hire a new staff member, we look for virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness as we believe these are just as important as education or experience.  Moreover, many of our “Great Hearts” come to us for a job as they love the idea of working for a company with core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness! 

Visit our website for contact information on memory care and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

How Senior Living Communities Can Prevent Elder Abuse

If you have been caring for your senior parent or an elderly loved one and find that their needs have progressed past the care that you can supply them, you may be considering other senior living options. A major fear that comes up for families searching for senior care facilities is the worry that their loved ones may experience inadequate care and supervision. This fear is not irrational; elder abuse still occurs in senior care throughout America. However, the Alzheimer’s Association established a program called “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care” that recognizes outstanding Alzheimer's care facilities that have performed rigorous training for their memory care staff. This training positively impacts the overall happiness of seniors residing in communities that are recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

MorningStar of Littleton enrolls 75% of its staff in an eight-hour training that encompasses brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals. This training is part of MorningStar’s holistic approach to dementia and Alzheimer’s care. “Radiance” describes the work culture at MorningStar senior living in Littleton, Co. Through the principles of “Radiance,” employees and healthcare providers are taught major pillars of exceptional senior care. 

The employees at MorningStar express an attitude of selflessness in their care of residents. They build strong, respectful relationships with seniors and their families and are attentive to their expressed, and unexpressed desires. Under “Radiance,” employees commit to teamwork to meet residents’ needs and understand that they are an integral part of the community. Protecting the privacy and security of residents, especially those in memory care, is another principle that has made MorningStar a recognized leader in dementia care. Appropriately training our staff and having high expectations deters accidents, miscommunication, and even abuse. 

As specialists in memory care, MorningStar’s Senior Living in Littleton, Co is aware of the anxiety and concern that is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. Regardless of the barrier within your loved ones' memory loss, we continue empathetic communication and techniques with our residents struggling with memory loss. Incorporating holistic methods by properly trained personnel enhances the health and happiness of seniors in Alzheimer's care. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care and senior living in Littleton, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Littleton, Colorado.

Veteran Care Options for Assisted Living

Words fail us when we hear our veterans’ stories of raw courage and self-sacrifice— all in the name of Country and Honor and Duty. At MorningStar Assisted Living in Des Moines, we are privileged to include veterans from all five branches of the military service among our residents in our retirement community. If you, or a spouse, have served in the military, you may be entitled to receive senior benefits because of your status as a Veteran. Understanding how to receive these benefits may help in providing you financial support with health care, housing, and even long-term care options.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides both short-term and long-term care in nursing homes to veterans who aren’t in need of hospitalization but are too disabled or elderly to take care of themselves. Ensuring that veterans have a safe and happy place to live is an important part of MorningStar’s values. The Homebound and Aid and Attendance programs offer some support that can make long-term care within assisted living financially doable for veterans and/or their spouses. The National Care Planning Council estimates that up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the completion process of receiving VA benefits, every state has a Department of Military/Veteran Affairs staffed with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs). Their assistance in completing the complex application is free of charge. To qualify, you or your spouse must demonstrate a regular need for caregiver assistance or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. We are also pleased to direct veteran seniors to other local resources that can ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living in West Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Iowa.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Des Moines, Iowa.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge. Our goal is to provide the best assisted living in the area, with the services and care needed to give residents the best quality of life. Our beautiful community offers 45 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans (some over 700 square feet).

We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our website and watch the Virtual Tour, read the home page, and take a look at the full list of amenities and suite plans for an overview of our community.

Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our senior living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs.  

Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training.  Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). 

In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to download our “Senior Life: How to Have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. 

MorningStar Senior Living 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 assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.

The Top Reasons Family Considers Assisted Living

Coming to the realization that your loved one may need support beyond what you can provide comes with difficult decisions to make regarding assisted living. Caregivers of family members and loved ones that have special needs or require extra help often experience their own hardships. Anxiety, depression, negative eating habits, financial strain and poor health are not rare when it comes to caring for an elderly parent or family member. Children of senior parents may feel shame in assessing senior living and assisted care, but these facilities can lessen that guilt and offer a peace of mind that your loved one is healthy, safe, and happy. 

You know your parent better than anyone and have developed a care routine that allows your parent to be close by or living in similar circumstances of their younger years. Sadly, this may not always be sustainable. Perhaps you have welcomed a new child, taken a new job where you will be around less often, or maybe have decided to move. If you are unable to juggle the care of your parent or loved one while maneuvering a new path in life, assisted living at MorningStar in Des Moines offers reliable, modern care for seniors aged 55 and up. Assisted living should not replace its caregivers but walk beside them and the care you have already developed at home. MorningStar values this belief and offers specialized and individualized care to its senior residents. In this way, your care plan can be transferred seamlessly for your parent and remain unique and familiar to them.

MorningStar senior communities offer support at various levels with the activities of daily living. Our assisted care has around-the-clock Care Managers on site at the ready to ensure you and your loved ones’ comfort and safety regardless of time or occasion. Every one of our facilities has modern and clean housing arrangements, in house salons, and executive chefs that serve three hot meals a day, restaurant style. Our senior living also offers transportation services to help with errands. Transportation can also be organized for activities outside of MorningStar and cultural events at no extra charge. These amenities should not be considered “luxurious,” but the bare minimum to senior living and assisted living in Des Moines, IA. 

Please contact us to learn more about our assisted living at MorningStar at Jordan Creek and the many amenities we offer for senior living in Des Moines, IA. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have regarding assisted living in Des Moines, IA. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Des Moines, IA offers.  

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Des Moines, IA has to offer.

Finding the Ideal Senior Living Community for a Loved One with Dementia

Retirement options are greater and more widely available than ever before. A simple google search of senior living facilities can quickly become overwhelming. How can you make sure you’re choosing the right one? To find an ideal senior living community for a loved one struggling with dementia, you should identify your loved one’s top needs and evaluate how those needs may change within the next 5-10 years as well as find a community that prides themselves in understanding the full life of your loved one, not just their disease. 

It is important to find a memory care facility that can meet the needs of a loved one with dementia not only at their present capacity, but with how their needs may change in the future. As part of your move-in process at MorningStar of Littleton, our Wellness Director will assess your loved one’s current health and review their medical history to ascertain how we can best meet their needs. At that time, we will also learn your own preferences, as well as normal routines, to develop a care plan customized to your loved one. This plan will always be flexible and can be regularly re-evaluated to coincide with changing needs.

Not only are the future needs of a senior with dementia important to consider when deciding on a senior living community, but your loved one’s past hobbies and interests should be discussed and taken into consideration as well. When working and caring for someone with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s important to meet the person as they are, but also as who they once were. Learning their previous passions can give a caregiver the best chance at communication and reaching individualized needs. Before a resident moves in, MorningStar of Littleton interviews family members and goes over medical records to get to know as much as we can about the person that is considering the community, including their unique history, talents, and personal preferences to create an individualized service plan to boost their happiness and familiarity in a new environment.  

At MorningStar of Littleton, we feel it is our privilege as well as our calling to serve those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Using holistic methods such as music, art, dance, aromatherapy, and animals, we thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of dementia. Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we know the essence of the person remains, and our job is to connect with and nurture that essence as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate life.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, please contact MorningStar of Littleton to learn more about our Alzheimer’s care or senior living in Littleton, Co. Unlike many memory care communities, our home was designed to promote independence and to give residents the freedom to safely explore their spacious surroundings. Our staff are trained to give loving, experienced care from the onset of the disease to its advanced stages.

MorningStar of Littleton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Littleton, Colorado has to offer.

Frequent Walks Can Improve Seniors’ Overall Health

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial. In fact, regular walks, and the incorporation of extra steps into your daily routine, hosts an array of health benefits both for your body and your mind. Sedimentary living can be one concern when residing in a senior living facility. However, MorningStar’s amenities at Jordan Creek offers intellectual, spiritual, and social engagement with creative ways to stay active and productive as we believe the human capacity to learn and grow is ageless.

Walking is considered low intensity exercise and is just as valuable as running or high intensity workouts when done regularly. Walking every day, even just for 15 minutes, has been found to greatly improve the lives of individuals. Seniors aged 55 and up who exercise regularly are more likely to participate in everyday activities without assistance and be more independent in household chores and upkeep. Daily walks while living in senior living communities encourages healthy lifestyles. This low intensity workout supports your joints and strengthens muscles the more often they are used. Regular walks also improve circulation and blood flow and aids in heart health. 

There are holistic benefits to walking as well. Low intensity workouts, such as walking, have been found to lighten your mood and give individuals a mental boost of vigor, attentiveness, and creativity. One Sandford University study found that walking increases creative thinking by at least 140 percent. Taking a walk, whether outside our facility or indoors in our recreational exercise room, allows for a free flow of thoughts and lets the mind explore new ideas while keeping the body preoccupied. Taking a daily walk can also improve sleep and can be used to help treat insomnia.

Please contact us to learn more about our assisted living at MorningStar at Jordan Creek and our modern amenities we offer that host and encourage healthy senior living in Des Moines, IA. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Des Moines, IA offers.  

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Des Moines, IA has to offer.

Changes in Habits and Lifestyle Can Improve Brain Health

There are many things we can do to improve our overall health and prevent or mitigate our chances of getting certain diseases and scientists say the same is true with our brain health. Doctors report it goes beyond Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions and all of our brains “naturally age with us, leading to effects such as patchy memory and reduced brain mass.”

Over the last several decades, research has discovered a strong connection between heart health and brain health and links damage to the heart and vascular system to damage to the brain. This has led to the American Heart Association to put together a list of seven key factors to look out for when it comes to cardiovascular health. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, level of exercise, diet, body weight and smoking status.

Most of these factors can be addressed by changes in our habits and lifestyle and the earlier a person does it the better the outcome is as we age. Dr. Ronald M. Lazar, Ph.D., the Evelyn F. McKnight Endowed Chair for Learning and Memory in Aging and director of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, explains, “Many people think of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other risk factors as affecting only heart health, yet these very same risk factors affect our brain health.” Researchers say other critical factors affecting cognitive ability over time include depression, social isolation, alcohol use, sleep disorders, insufficient education, and hearing loss.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer 45 private assisted living suites in a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with resort-style amenities, care services and a range of programs and activities tailored to seniors’ needs.  Visit our website for more information about our beautiful senior living community. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-the-13-factors-that-shape-brain-health#Prevention-doesnt-start-in-older-age

Are You Concerned About a Loved One’s Forgetfulness?

As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as the following reports: “At least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.”

The question then becomes when what is the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start.

Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or confusion. Constantly repeating questions, forgetting the word for something or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood are other signs of a bigger problem. Judgement and planning may also be impaired, and tasks the person used to be good at like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe can become frustrating and difficult. 

To know for sure what is happening, you need to make an appointment with their doctor. They can do a complete medical work-up including looking at the medications the person is taking, and checking for signs of depression and other environmental issues, which could account for symptoms. If the person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, there are therapies designed to improve quality of life.  

Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us for more information. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents and encourage you to see firsthand the best memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/forgetful-dementia/

Providing the Necessary Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However, they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Other questions doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own include: is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also, if a diagnosis is made early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows has 19 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving memory care.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care