Are You a Senior Who Wants to Start Exercising Again?

If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin.  For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did.  And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.  

Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin.  In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints.  Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair.  Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere.  The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.”  They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some.  Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself.  Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training.  

At MorningStar of Littleton, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents.  Tucked at the foot of the majestic Rockies, MorningStar of Littleton offers 65 private assisted living suites and 20 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please see our website to learn more.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO offers.  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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/

Learn More About Assisted Living

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home.  The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.  Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.    

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities.  In some cases, people move into an assisted living community knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.  

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone.  As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.  

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and both natural and overhead lighting.  In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required.  Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  We have 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit our website for more information.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our 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.

Are You Caring for an Elderly Family Member?

If you are the main caregiver for an elderly family member who requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be the job is becoming too much for you.  The Nov/Dec issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine cites a study by the “National Alliance for Caregiving and Caring Across Generations,” which states that more than 11 million American adults are considered sandwich generation caregivers and bear the responsibility of simultaneously caring for their children as well as an aging family member.  In total it is believed there are approximately 40.4 million unpaid caregivers for adults 65 years and older in the United States consisting of adult children, spouses, relatives or friends.  In addition, 61 percent of those caregivers are employed, including nearly half who work full-time and juggle their own family responsibilities.    

For most people caregiving is a labor of love but there is no denying it can be challenging.  Whether you are an adult child with your own children, a spouse, or another relative, you may feel it is time to ask for help.  This decision may lead you to an assisted living community where mom or dad will receive all the care they need and you can go back to being their loving child.  If you are a spouse who has been responsible for the caregiving duties, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton warmly welcome married couples to live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions. 

MorningStar of Littleton is pleased to give residents and their families peace of mind knowing that trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health, and that transportation is available for doctor visits and other errands.  It is also a relief to know mom or dad will have nutritional, daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef, built-in companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.  

In addition, MorningStar has a team of caregivers who feel it is a privilege to serve seniors and understand that residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  Our community has 65 suites for assisted living and 20 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  If you are looking for outstanding senior living, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our beautiful home.  

MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers.

Sources: 

viewer.zmags.com/publication/d04ca42b#/d04ca42b/9

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/18/5-facts-about-family-caregivers/

As We Age, the Risk of Falling is a Serious Concern

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls.  Medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall.  Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.   

However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving.  The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving.  To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.    

Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor.  Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives.  It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else.  Also, talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition.   

In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you.  Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait.  

Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention.  Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed.  Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home.  Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance.  Install grab bars and railings where needed.           

At MorningStar of Littleton, an assisted living and memory care community, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need.  Moreover, our cherished residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest senior living in Littleton, CO.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

Learn More About MorningStar and Our Littleton, CO Community

MorningStar of Littleton is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company whose vision is “to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.”  This means right from the start we have made a point to staff our loving home with individuals who feel called to serve and understand that seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  

In addition, we support MorningStar’s mission of serving others here at home and throughout the world including supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Casa Bernabé orphanage in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.  We also support MorningStar’s partnership with “Lifewater,” a non-profit organization that focuses on delivering safe water sources to villages across the globe. 

MorningStar of Littleton is also guided by our company’s founding principles that include: 

• Honoring God in our business practices and relationships 

• Valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals 

• Investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well 

Thus our home’s first priority is to create a comfortable, compassionate home while striving to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.  Also, while our company was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews, and understand it is our responsibility to honor spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person.

MorningStar of Littleton has 65 stylish assisted living suites as well as 20 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Littleton, CO offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Should You Still Wear a Mask After Vaccination?

Now that many seniors are receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, we are all getting impatient to get back to normal life.  However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that even after we receive our second dose of the vaccine, we still need to wear our face mask, at least for a while.  

To start with, it will take some time to build up our immunity to the virus as well as the fact that the vaccine is not 100 percent effective against COVID-19.  Pfizer-BioNTech reports that “protection doesn't start until 12 days after the first shot and that it reaches 52% effectiveness a few weeks later.”  Their studies have shown that around a week after you receive your second vaccination, the effectiveness rate is 95%.  With the Moderna vaccine, an individual is reported to have a “protection rate of 51% two weeks after the first immunization and 94% two weeks after the second dose.”

Another reason the CDC recommends continuing to mask up around people outside your “pod,” is that doctors do not know if vaccinated people who may still get a mild or asymptomatic case of COVID-19 can spread the virus to others.  As more and more people get vaccinated, they hope to have more answers to those questions.  For now to protect yourself and others, wearing a mask when in groups, socially distancing at least 6 ft. apart, and frequently washing our hands, are all good advice to follow over the next several months as healthcare providers work to get more people vaccinated.       

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a beautiful assisted living and memory care community located in a northern suburb of Metro Denver.  Our entire community was designed from the ground up to fulfill the various needs of residents in terms of care services, fine dining, and stimulating activities and programs.  While many difficult changes at our community have been made during the coronavirus outbreak, we are looking forward to a brighter future in the days to come.

We are happy to report that COVID-19 vaccinations began at MorningStar communities at the beginning of January.  Even with the reality of the COVID-19 vaccine, MorningStar will continue its coordinated defense across every aspect of our operations, including hand hygiene, masks, and six-foot distancing. As the nation backs out of quarantine, our communities are carefully following suit in keeping with each state's phasing and pacing.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our 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. 

Source: 

npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/12/956051995/why-you-should-still-wear-a-mask-and-avoid-crowds-after-getting-the-covid-19-vac

Memory Care at MorningStar of Littleton

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Littleton offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 20 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  Memory care residents also enjoy the outdoors with an enclosed courtyard.

Normally, mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. During the coronavirus outbreak, however, changes have been made in dining protocols to protect both residents and team members. We are happy to report that COVID-19 vaccinations began at our community at the beginning of January. In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.   

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar of Littleton a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Littleton 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 to learn more about the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers.

Meaningful Activities Help Those with Dementia

It is important for family members and caregivers to remember that while a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease may be declining cognitively, they still have some abilities. Encouraging them to stay involved in meaningful activities is a good way to give them a sense of self-worth and purpose.  In fact, a published report from the National Institute of Health states, “engaging older persons with dementia in appropriate activities has been shown to yield beneficial effects such as increasing positive emotions, improving activities of daily living (ADL) and improving the quality of life.” It goes on to say it is important for those with dementia to stay as active and engaged as possible and that “it may even help to maintain quality of life in the more advanced stages of the disease.”  

As to what kinds of activities are the most effective, studies suggest trying to stimulate all five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste and smell; and the creative arts are a good place to start.  Singing is not only enjoyable but several studies have shown it to be one of the last abilities many of those with Alzheimer’s lose.  People can often remember the words to a song long after many other memories are gone.  Listening to music and dancing are other activities beneficial to those with dementia.  Dancing has even been shown to help stimulate social interaction, enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-awareness and self-expression.  Walking and getting outside can also lift spirits, but as gait can be adversely affected by Alzheimer’s, evaluate the person’s ability to walk safely.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, our holistic memory 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.  

Ours is a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love made possible by a team that understands how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our 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. 

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684326

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge may be the place for you.  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 of the modern conveniences and safety features.  Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of 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 prepared by our Executive Chef.  All of our delicious meals are served in our beautiful dining room, restaurant-style, and created largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients to tempt the most particular taste buds.  During the coronavirus outbreak, however, changes have been made in dining protocols to protect both residents and team members. We are happy to report that COVID-19 vaccinations began at MorningStar communities at the beginning of January.

Why we believe our care to be different from that of other senior living communities is by 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 more important than 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 and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to delivering service with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose.    

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our 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.

Medication Management at MorningStar of Littleton

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton offer to residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director. 

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.”  

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind.  Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.”  

Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s extensive care services, wellness programs and resort-style amenities.  With 65 assisted living suites and 20 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floor plans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Littleton, CO offers.

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/

What is an Occupational Therapist?

As we age, we can experience health issues such as a stroke or other disabilities that may benefit from the services of an occupational therapist (OTs).  When asked, many people have no idea what an OT does; while others think they help individuals find work.  Actually, an OT may be an instrumental part of your healthcare team who will work with you to facilitate your best recovery.  If you are wondering what the difference is between a physical therapist (PT) and an OT, a PT focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion; while an OT works on improving the motor skills you need to perform daily tasks. 

If a loved one has suffered from a stroke, they may have lost the ability to perform tasks known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, grooming, etc.  The job of the OT is to teach the person how to carry out daily, functional activities despite the impairment in order to improve quality of life and maximize independence. 

For instance, if the stroke caused damage to one side of the body, an OT focuses on therapies that promote motor recovery.  One common intervention is to limit or constrain the person’s movement on the unaffected arm, while having them use the affected arm to do repetitive or functional tasks.  OTs may also recommend special equipment to improve their patients’ lives such as a wheelchair, walker, electric can opener or toothbrush, a special keyboard for the computer, or eating aids and then teach the person to use them.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, we provide a wide range of amenities and services to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of our remarkable residents.  In addition, if one of our residents requires OT, PT or other auxiliary services, we have trusted partners we will recommend.  Please visit our website for further information, and email us regarding pricing and availability.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Studies Show Healthy Habits Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s disease there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk.  Researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us.  

The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking.  In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these habits.” 

Another study from the University of California San Francisco reports that people who smoked had twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment as compared to non-smokers or to someone who had kicked the habit.  Also, a study out of the UK found that even those with an increased risk for cognitive decline who followed a healthier lifestyle had a 32% lower risk.  

So isn’t it time we all make an effort for better cognitive health as well as improve our overall health?  At MorningStar, we understand that a healthy lifestyle is important and we do our best to help our residents enjoy a life of comfort and wellness.  We are also blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by big hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Source: nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441

Does Your Parent Need More Care?

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.       

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So, find out if the home you are considering will allow them to "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides.  

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs.  

If you are considering assisted living in the Wheat Ridge, Colorado area, we encourage you to contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.    We are a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.

While we know there are worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among senior living communities, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus.  One tool we are using is electrostatic disinfecting technology.  When finely misted over any surface, particles completely surround any 3D object, coating the top, sides and underside from every angle.  The solution is harmless to you, but deadly against infectious disease. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

The Special Relationship between Grandparents and Grandkids

While I can’t speak for all seniors, I will say among my circle of friends and acquaintances, talking about our grandchildren is a common topic.  For many of us, our grandchildren add a whole new component to our lives, and we have learned firsthand that the bond between grandparents and grandkids is a very special one.  

This may be because a grandparent’s role is more about enjoying time spent with the grandchildren and a lot less about discipline and rules.  That job we gladly leave to mom and dad.  Right from the beginning, we are the fresh pair of hands that walks a fretful grandbaby until they fall asleep.  As they grow older, many grandparents delight in taking the grandkids on   “adventures” such as trips to the neighborhood park, an animated movie, visits to the dinosaur exhibit, or a meal at their favorite restaurant.  

In addition grandkids are a great excuse to share hobbies that as retirees we now have more time to do from craft projects to baking, dancing, playing a musical instrument, photography, fishing, etc.  Most kids are happy to create a masterpiece from paper, finger paints, or crayons; paste on googly eyes to create a sock puppet; or decorate a box for their treasures.   Baking is another fun activity, and depending on their ages, they love to decorate a batch of homemade cookies, build a gingerbread house, or work alongside grandma to bake a cake or pie.  Having young ones around also helps to make holidays more magical as we see it through their innocent eyes.  Trimming a Christmas tree and decorating the house with holiday cheer is a whole lot more fun with young ones.    

Grandkids also give us the chance to lovingly remember the time we spent raising our own family.  Moreover if we missed out on things with our own children due to a busy career and other obligations that come along with being a parent, we are given an opportunity for a redo.  

Another great thing about hands-on grandparenting is it turns out it is beneficial for seniors.  A recent study from the National Health Service reports that grandparents who babysit their grandchildren had a 37 percent chance of living longer when compared to non-caregiving grandparents and non-grandparents.  It just might be grandchildren are our reward for raising our own children, and while many of us are taking a break from in-person visits with grandkids due to COVID, thankfully we have lots of ways to stay in touch.    

MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek's Experienced, Compassionate Memory Care

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we not only provide some of the best assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers, but also experienced memory care.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care.  We do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life.  We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

One of MorningStar at Jordan Creek's Many Care Services

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek offer to residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director. 

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.”  

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind.  Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.”  

Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers.  With 56 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floor plans including spacious studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers.

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows' All-inclusive, Loving Memory Care

We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. We are equipped to provide care to those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  

In addition to MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ assisted living option, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 19 secure memory care suites.  The area is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings.  Also given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss.  

As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.”  We know the essence of the person remains despite the level of memory loss, and our job is to nurture and support the individual by finding ways to calm or stimulate as the situation demands.  Lavender Sky provides the path for us to enter, embrace, and explore the “purple world” of memory loss, and to cross over the physical, emotional, and relational boundaries that would otherwise separate us.    

Every aspect of our home is designed to provide the comfort, wellness and safety our special residents require including mealtime.  We know those suffering from memory loss can sometimes have compromised abilities at the table.  We address this by providing a selection of finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.   

If you are looking for the best memory care or assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  Also please know that during the coronavirus outbreak, we are staying abreast of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and the Federal government.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 our residents the best memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Looking for Exceptional Assisted Living in the Des Moines Area?

Offering outstanding assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek has a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit.   Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for assisted living in the area.  

We always suggest that interested families contact us by phone or email, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information.  Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.        

Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission.  We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members with servants’ hearts who are drawn to the idea of working with seniors.  In addition, our service is guided by Radiance, and designed to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount.  

Within our FAQs, you will also find answers explaining what assisted living is, the type of services we offer, and how your level of care is determined (it is based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director).  This information allows us to set up a customized care plan that is reviewed periodically to keep up with any changing health needs.  

Finally, we want you to know we have made many changes in our community to keep both residents and team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the nation reopens, we are judiciously following Iowa’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   We continue to stay abreast of developments and evaluate best practices and innovations in our services to seniors.  

MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety of conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more.  It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.”   Moreover, it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.   

Thus, spending time sitting on your deck, walking along a tree-lined street or simply looking out your window at a tree in your backyard, communing with nature benefits our health and wellbeing.  In fact, in the 1980s, renowned biologist E. O. Wilson first introduced the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature.  Around that same time, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University began studying how surgery patients seemed to be discharged faster and needed fewer painkillers if they had a view of a nature scene outside their hospital window.  Also, more recent studies have shown hospital patients exposed to “natural light, windows, and healing gardens are related to reduced stress, improved healing, and reduced use of pain medicines.”

If you are looking for the finest senior living Des Moines/West Des Moines has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek.  Our assisted living residents enjoy nature strolling on paths through our beautifully landscaped grounds or getting their hands dirty in our raised garden beds.  Memory care residents are also able to enjoy the outdoors with their own enclosed courtyard.  We are still accepting residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information about our community and an update from the CEO regarding our coronavirus response.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers.

Sources: 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4548093/

jphmpdirect.com/2020/04/30/our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-need-for-the-outdoors-the-role-of-nature-during-covid-19

Finding a Good Team of Doctors

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to have a great team of doctors on your side.  This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you.  Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.   

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference.  Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist.  In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed.   

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers, and we understand that the best care comes from the heart.  Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services.  These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits.  Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.  

MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider?slide=6