A Healthy Diet Can Improve Bone Health

The Mayo Clinic explains our bodies constantly absorb and replace bone tissue. When a person has osteoporosis, their body is removing old bone but not keeping up with making new bone. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include bone fractures, lost height, curved back, sudden back pain and gastrointestinal problems. However, many people have no symptoms, and it isn’t until a bone fracture or a bone density test (measuring the proportion of minerals in the bones), do they learn they have osteoporosis. A step above osteoporosis is osteopenia, which affects approximately half of Americans over age 50.  

It is important to work with your doctor if your bone loss has progressed to osteoporosis as there are medications that can help build stronger bones. In addition, you can help increase bone strength with a healthy diet of foods high in calcium, vitamins D and K, and protein. Foods containing calcium include dairy and soy, fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. Additionally, many foods are fortified with calcium so check labels. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, soy and dairy products, beans, lentils, and legumes as well as seeds and nuts. Experts recommend people over age 70 increase their uptake of vitamin D to 800 IU daily, which they can also obtain from supplements. 

Consuming a lot of salt should be avoided as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports overconsumption of salt can cause the kidneys to excrete calcium. Studies indicate consuming caffeine in coffee or caffeinated drinks can additionally interfere with the body’ absorption of calcium and it is recommended older adults limit their coffee intake to no more than three cups a day. Limiting alcohol also helps maintain bone health. Another component to maintaining or building stronger bones includes weight-bearing exercises. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers assisted living residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of amenities. Amenities include beautifully prepared, nutritional meals; theater; fitness room; salon; bistro; scheduled transportation; and a variety of wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

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 Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-diet#diet-and-bone-health

Why Regular Family Visits Are Important for Seniors

Life gets complicated. We know how hard it can be to routinely visit with a loved one in senior living. Between careers, pets, family, traveling, and other life events, it can be difficult to make enough time to visit a loved one in retirement. However, the benefits for maintaining a strong connection with your senior loved one has some lasting benefits. 

At MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines, we pride ourselves on creating a comforting environment for seniors and their families to enjoy. Our community is conveniently located near I-35, I-235, and I-80 and next door to Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest shopping complex in Iowa. Inside our community, you and your loved one can enjoy a private dining room for intimate dinners, a theatre, a library, a sunroom, and decorated courtyards. Like our residents, we value open communication and the involvement of family members in all the activities and events hosted at MorningStar. 

Family is deeply valued at MorningStar. Our loved ones have so much to teach us about life. When we regularly visit with our elders, we create lasting memories that inspire and comfort us. While it may be difficult to grasp, our loved ones won’t always be around, so it’s important to value their time with us while we can and participate in fulfilling activities and communication. 

Many seniors look forward to having some alone time in retirement, but too much can be a bad thing, especially if they are still adjusting to a new assisted living home. While they will surely make new friends in no time, they will miss their close family. Seniors can begin to experience bouts of depression and discouragement if the family seems to be uninterested in visiting or communicating. Life may get complicated, but it is important to remember the vital connections of family. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Senior Living Offers Transportation Solutions for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia greatly limit a person’s ability to participate in the world the same way they once had. This is especially true for seniors with Alzheimer’s who may already face added difficulties, like immobility or health care concerns. While it is not wise to let a senior with a memory loss disease navigate the outside world alone, there are probably still times when they want to leave the home to experience life, go to doctor appointments, hair salons, or the grocery store. 

If your loved one has just received a memory loss diagnosis, you may be looking for Alzheimer’s care solutions in your area that provide the highest level of care available. Life doesn’t end just because of a diagnosis. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers families transportation solutions for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Some of these solutions include: 

Easily Accessible Amenities and Infrastructure 

MorningStar’s senior living and memory care communities incorporate easily accessible infrastructure into their communities. This means making the things seniors love to do easily within their reach without having to worry about transportation or safety worries. Even seniors with mobility concerns can experience on-site amenities like attending movies in the movie theatre, getting their hair done at the staffed salon, and sharing coffee with a friend at the bistro.

Community Transportation Vehicles 

There are some things senior living communities cannot provide within their walls. Doctor’s appointments, family visits, large grocery stores, and other shopping are sadly more difficult for seniors to get to from their care community. Senior transportation vehicles help make it possible for residents to run errands in the community without driving themselves and with a staff chaperone.  

Campus-wide Events and Celebrations

Of course, there will be some seniors who really struggle to experience life outside of senior care. This is why senior living communities advocate bringing events and celebrations in side the building for residents to enjoy. Most, if not all, holidays are celebrated, but there are other events that staff love to plan for residents that help promote socialization and overall happiness. 

Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado

Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.

Tips for Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results.  

For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare for your appointment by bringing your prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs you use including vitamins and dietary or herbal supplements. 

When discussing a possible medical procedure, AHRQ says questions should include: why do I need this procedure; how do I prepare; when will I get the results; and how will I feel afterward? If surgery is recommended, ask if there are alternative treatments available that are just as effective; possible complications; and recovery period. AHRQ says if you are given a new medication, ask how the new drug will interact with other drugs you are taking, how long you will be on it, and common side effects. Before you leave your appointment, make sure you understand your instructions.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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: ahrq.gov/questions/be-engaged/index.html

Better Food Choices for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

We all know that making healthy food options benefits our bodies, but did you know our food choices impact our brain health, too? Making informed choices about what foods are beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can greatly improve their health and happiness. 

There is currently no evidence to suggest that certain foods can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, there are still healthy food choices and eating habits you can make to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Senior living communities that specialize in Alzheimer’s care encourage these food choices for seniors: 

Nutrient-Rich Foods:

MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers Alzheimer’s care options that encourage healthy eating through their  “BrainWise” program. “BrainWise” is a lifestyle at MorningStar where we prioritize using ingredients known to support brain health. Superfoods, like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens, supply your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. Natural fats found in SuperFoods are proven to nourish, protect, and enhance the performance of our brain cells.

Foods with Cognitive Benefits:

Next time you’re dining with your family member at MorningStar, ask our executive chefs for meals with turmeric, broccoli, or pumpkin seeds. These foods are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper and are known to support cognitive health. Are chefs design seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible, to support the health and wellness of our residents in memory care. 

Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You in Littleton, Colorado

Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.

Explore This Easily Accessible Community for Seniors in Iowa

Once a senior retires, they may begin to feel removed and distant from their community, friends and family. This may be because they are no longer participating in a routine of getting ready for work, commuting, and planning out the rest of their evening. They are no longer socializing as much as they once were, and with time, friends and family may move away or experience the life changes that keep them from communicating or visiting as much as they once did. 

Not only this, but changes in eyesight, mobility, and coordination may make it more difficult for seniors to drive to and from locations and activities. This can be greatly discouraging for seniors who rely on transporting themselves to places outside of the home, not to mention dangerous. All-inclusive senior living communities like MorningStar prioritize easily accessible amenities and activities for seniors aged 55 and up. Amenities ranging from a staffed salon to gyms and theatre rooms are all within walking distance from senior living apartments. Easily accessible assisted living communities benefit seniors in the following ways:

Independence and Autonomy 

Seniors want to complete tasks on their own. With minimal supervision, seniors in assisted living at MorningStar can safely get to and from their errands. Whether it is to the dining hall or the secluded courtyard, seniors are encouraged to explore their community and complete tasks throughout their senior living neighborhood. 

Convenient Access to Services and Amenities

As mentioned, seniors can complete their day-to-day maintenance at MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines. For those who struggle to drive themselves to complete tasks, on-site salons, bistros, workout rooms, and libraries make it easy for seniors to build a routine similar to how they would care for themselves previously. 

Community Inclusion

A close-knit senior living community like MorningStar offers seniors more chances to be social and experience comradare with their neighbors. Being part of an active and social assisted living community helps seniors feel connected to the place they live and can make amenities and activities much more exciting. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Comfort, Wellness, and Community

If you still think assisted living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s senior living communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer a vibrant lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute. 

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focuses on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health. 

Assisted living is designed to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, dressing, and bathing. However, assisted living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide much more than just physical care.  Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home.  MorningStar’s services help families by providing transportation to doctor appointments and other errands as well as onsite supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.  

MorningStar’s services also include providing housekeeping to ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean.  By taking care of meals, we help residents get the daily nutrition they need.  Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends.  We also help with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications.  We solve this by offering medication management services.  

Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Colorado Springs.  Our beautiful community has 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 in Colorado Springs.

Excellent Senior Living Found in Littleton Colorado Recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association

With all the memory care options in Littleton, it can be overwhelming to pick the right senior living community for your loved one. When looking for Alzheimers care options, it is important to know if a memory care community will meet the needs of your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, they have developed a certification that recognizes senior living communities that prioritize exemplary assisted living and Alzheimer’s care for seniors. This award brings peace of mind to families looking for the best Alzheimers care Littleton Co has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton and their memory care programs have been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association as a “Recognized Leader in Dementia Care” for these reasons: 

Innovative Alzheimer’s Care

 MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co has a unique approach to Alzheimers care. As a facility dealing in the service of memory loss, combats worries surrounding a memory loss diagnosis through a compassionate Alzheimer’s care approach that they call “Lavender Sky.”

Under a “Lavender Sky,” memory care providers thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the realm of dementia. Instead of falling into a passive approach toward memory loss, “Lavender Sky” is a holistic approach that accepts the difficult diagnosis while pledging to enter into this new reality with intentional care and empathy.

Specialized Memory Care Training

An Alzheimer’s Association accreditation requires senior living communities to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and education related to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. MorningStar requires all of our staff (culinary, housekeeping, front desk, and caretakers) to go through Lavender Sky training. This training program ensures that all staff have a deeper understanding of what dementia is and how to properly respond if a resident might require additional support or changes to their memory care plan. 

Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You in Littleton, Colorado

Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.

Finding the Best Senior Living Community for Yourself or a Loved One

As senior living provides a range of benefits such as socialization, healthcare, amenities, and convenient services, it is no surprise it has become a popular lifestyle for many older adults. If your family has already started the search for senior living in the Wheat Ridge, CO area, you know there are many options.  This may have left you wondering how to narrow down your search to find the optimal community for yourself or a loved one?   

Experts say the first thing to do is to find a home that provides the proper level of care.  If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living offers you the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living your life to the fullest.  In addition to 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management, many assisted living communities offer services including meals, onsite amenities, scheduled transportation and housekeeping.  They also often provide opportunities for learning and laughing, with social calendars full of activities, events, and educational opportunities.

For families with a loved one suffering from memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, start by looking at homes that have a specialized memory care area.  The community should provide a secure environment as well as programming, activities and care that meets the needs of each resident.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer all of that and more.  We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Our beautiful community has 45 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Tips to Prevent Falls

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 aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance.  Install grab bars and railings where needed.           

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  If you are looking for senior living in the Wheat Ridge, CO area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.

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 Wheat Ridge, CO.

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

What is the Most Affordable Senior Living Option?

Thinking about senior living care can be overwhelming for many families, especially when it comes to cost. Many people don’t know what steps to take to find their loved one affordable assisted living care. The process may seem daunting and overwhelming, but we are here to help you make the right decision for you and your family members. 

Establishing what level of need your loved one requires is a great start to finding the right senior living community for your parent, spouse or family member. All-inclusive senior living is a great consideration for seniors looking for easily accessible amenities, affordability, executive chef-created meals, safe living situations and active senior events and activities. 

What is all-inclusive senior living?

All-inclusive assisted living is a type of senior living arrangement where a single monthly fee covers a comprehensive range of services, care, amenities, and housing expenses. This approach simplifies the cost of senior living by bundling various services into one predictable, monthly package. 

What Makes All-Inclusive Senior Living More Affordable?

All-inclusive senior living minimizes the need for separate payments for individual services. For seniors in need of assisted living care, services, caregiver chargers, medications and therapies can add-up on top of paying for their home and routine maintenance. 

Assisted living that bundles services, care and amenities provides seniors with more access to the things they need with less worry about mundane stressors like chores, errands, bills and housework, much of which is difficult for them to manage on their own. 

With most all-inclusive assisted living, your level of care can also determine the cost of monthly services. This can be helpful to many families, however, as you only pay for the services and care you need, not the ones you don’t,

Affordable Senior Living Options in Iowa

Assisted living at MorningStar includes three daily meals, plus snacks, a 24-hour on-site nurse, life enrichment teams that plan events and activities, community involvement, and other social initiatives that encourage active and healthy seniors. There is also a wide array of amenities, like a movie theatre, salon, bistro, courtyard, garden, and much more. This is what makes all-inclusive senior care so valuable. 

To help you to explore options, MorningStar has partnered with Elderlife Financial Services whose agents are here to offer education on the financial resources potentially open to you in paying for independent living, assisted living, or memory care.

Find Personalized Assisted Living Options Near You

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Help Your Elderly Parent Practice Good Medication Management

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications daily.  In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state almost 450,000 older adults (65 years old or older) visit the emergency room each year because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects. 

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for more information about exceptional memory care and assisted living in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers.

The Importance of Personalized Care in Assisted Living Senior Communities

No two seniors have exactly the same needs or health requirements. With this understanding, modern senior living communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines, pride themselves on providing individualized and personalized care plans for seniors in assisted living. 

What is Personalized Care?

Personalized care is a care routine that is developed for one individual based on their specific needs, preferences, health concerns, medications, abilities and passions. Personalized care is individualized and custom-made for each resident at MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines.

Personalized care plans ensure that each resident is receiving the correct level of care that is most beneficial to the senior. By providing individualized care, seniors experience more independence and autonomy while feeling supported to explore the things they’re passionate about in the safety of their assisted living home. 

Team members, caregivers and managers at MorningStar are kept up-to-date with each resident file, equipping them with the knowledge to provide the best assisted care possible to every senior in the community. 

Adapting Care Plans as Needed

One of the greatest benefits of personalized care plans is their adaptability. Personalized care plans are made to be ever-changing, similar to the ebb and flow of seniors’ needs and abilities. It is likely your loved one will require more help with everyday tasks as their life continues in assisted living, and we are equipped to handle the changes. 

Needs are evaluated regularly to confirm that each senior is receiving the proper level of care. Care plans can even be discussed through family and medical provider input, as we understand you and your loved one’s provider may have feelings or insight into changing routines or decreasing/increasing medications. We encourage these discussions, as it is our mission to incorporate the family into their loved one’s care as much as possible. 

Find Personalized Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline With a Healthy Diet

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer’s by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. 

To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three servings of whole grains every day. In terms of vegetables, collard greens, kale, and spinach have been found to be especially healthy. 

Poultry should be eaten once a week, fish twice a week and beans every other day. Nuts and berries make good snacks, blueberries and strawberries being some of the best. Olive oil not only adds a great taste to foods but has been shown to improve brain function over the long term and protect against dementia. 

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer assisted living residents a healthy engaged lifestyle with luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. In addition, our five-star dining experience features seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Meals at MorningStar include a variety of nutritional choices to allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  Our chef also uses ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

What are the Benefits of Independent Senior Living?

If I don’t need any assistance, why should I consider a senior living community?

Retirement homes aren’t what you think they are anymore. Independent senior living offers vibrant communities full of resort-style amenities that allow seniors to retire in style. While many seniors may not require assisted living care yet, you can still appreciate the perks of stress-free retirement. 

Our senior living retirement homes in Des Moines, Iowa offer seniors a fresh perspective on life. We want to provide you with the very best understanding of what benefits independent senior living can provide for you. 

Newfound Friendships- As we age, it becomes more difficult for seniors to spend time with their friends and family. Senior living communities provide easy accessibility to your neighbors. With weekly activities, group hobbies, and community events, it’s easy to meet like-minded individuals that you feel like you’ve known all your life. While you may not require any senior care, independent living at MorningStar brings added joy and excitement to your retirement. 

Exploring Passions- Maintaining a home, keeping up with daily chores, and running errands can often distract us from doing the things we enjoy. In independent living at Morningstar, you can explore your passions and find new hobbies you might never have thought of trying. Our community takes care of monotonous tasks so that you can devote more time to learning what brings you joy.

Staying Active- Independent senior living communities keep seniors active and engaged. Through community outings, workout classes, and easily accessible trails and courtyards, seniors are able to stay healthy and happy. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar's Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company's history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN COLORADO SPRINGS

When you think of Colorado, many images come to mind, but we bet most, if not all of the images involve some type of adventure. Between the majestic Rocky Mountains and the rich culture found in Colorado’s Wild West motif, adventure is the prevailing theme for the residents of our senior living facility in Colorado Springs.

Whether you join a group activity sponsored by MorningStar at Mountain Shadows or take an adventure with your family, let’s take a quick look at the top five things to do in Colorado Springs.

Pikes Peak

Piercing the upper layers of the atmosphere at more than 14,000 feet above sea level, Pikes Peak is the iconic natural wonder that dominates the Colorado landscape. Although you have four ways to ascend Pikes Peak, joining the “Pikes Peak or Bust” tour provides you with the most adventurous, up-close encounter with the towering mountain. For a more laid-back approach to viewing the mountain, we recommend taking a ride on the Broadmoor Manitou and Pike’s Peak Cog Railway.

Garden of the Gods

Nature’s ultimate playground is full of trails that run dozens of miles through dusty red rock formations that provide the perfect picture frame for Pikes Peak. You can explore this archeological wonderland on foot or pick up the speed of your journey by riding a Segway or open-air jeep. Horseback riding tours provide you with a much more intimate experience by taking you places where your feet might not be able to go.

United States Air Force Academy

As one of the four branches that constitute the American military, the United States Air Force Academy is located next to the Rampart Range north of Colorado Springs. Part of the sprawling campus is open to the public, including the more than 30,000-square-foot visitor center. This is where you can dive deep into the academy’s colorful history, as well as learn more about the life of an Air Force Academy cadet. Tours include a 21-minute film and a stop at a model of the visually stunning Cadet Chapel.

United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum

What better way to honor our Olympic heroes than building a museum located in downtown Colorado Springs? The museum incorporates advanced technology and interactive exhibits to tell the stories of our most celebrated Olympians and Paralympians. You can join a tour of the recently renovated Olympic Training Center to learn up close how our Olympic and Paralympic athletes prepare for competition on the world stage.

The Cave of the Winds

For sheer natural beauty, it is hard to top the visually stunning vistas presented by a tour of  The Cave of the Winds. Once you leave the canyon ridge, you step into the chambers of one of the largest cave systems in the United States. After you get out of the cave system, you can enjoy competing in the Wind Walker Challenge Course, as well as take a ride on the Bat-A-Pult zipline. If you possess a brave enough soul, the Terror-Dactyl plunge drops you at a rate of 100 miles per hour over the edge of a cliff.

Experience the Best Colorado Springs Has to Offer

One of the keys to maintaining robust mental and physical health is to be active. At our senior living facility in Colorado Springs, CO, we strive to provide our residents with a wide variety of options to keep their bodies fit and their minds active. Learn more about the top things to do in Colorado Springs by scheduling a tour today of our assisted living facility.

4 WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS

When you see the words “Winter” and “Colorado” in the same sentence, you probably envision snowy mountains and cold, blustery winds dominating the coldest season of the year. However, winter in Colorado, especially in southern Colorado, can be dominated by a weather phenomenon called chinook winds. These winds blow in from the west and then travel up the front range of the Rockies bringing with them drier and warmer air. Although snow and cold are a part of Colorado winters, you also can enjoy plenty of warm sunshine at our senior living center in Colorado Springs.

Winter is typically viewed as the season to stay home and read a good book. With winter here being a bit different than the winters experienced by other Americans, let’s look at four winter activities for seniors living at our assisted living facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Swimming

We are not talking about the type of swimming that you see on Television when a group of people dive into frigid cold water. No, we are talking about enjoying the best cardio exercise possible by doing laps at an indoor pool, such as the one that we have at our senior living facility. Swimming works out the heart, as well as is beneficial to maintaining vibrant mental health.

Start a Garden

You can grow vegetables during winter, except that you have to do it indoors. Indoor gardening has exploded as one of the most popular hobbies mostly due to the advanced technology used to cultivate vegetables. Several studies demonstrate the relaxing and fulfilling sensations experienced by gardening enthusiasts. It also serves a practical purpose by providing you with vegetables to incorporate into meals.

Play Board Games

On the days during winter when Mother Nature does not cooperate for you to participate in outdoor activities, many of our residents take advantage of the spacious entertainment center to interact over several types of board games. Whether your board game is chess, checkers, or even Monopoly, remaining socially active during winter is an effective strategy to wash away the seasonal blues.

Board games also do a great job of working out our memory and problem-solving muscles.

Get Involved in Group Activities

Another reason to live at our senior living facility in Colorado Springs is to get involved in group activities. Not a day goes by when there isn’t a group event or an outing planned for our residents. Whether you join a group that meets weekly or get involved in a one-time-only group tour, you can expect to remain active socially by participating in yoga and/or ballroom dancing classes, as well as working out physically by bowling in a league.

Stay Active in Winter at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

Seniors need to stay active to stave off age-related issues such as osteoarthritis and declining memory. Staying active in winter also keeps your mind off the biting cold weather that occasionally drops by in Colorado Springs, CO. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we are proud to offer the most diverse, as well as the busiest, activities calendar of any other assisted living facility in Colorado Springs.

Our mission “to honor, to value, to invest” separates our senior living facility from other residences in the Colorado Springs area. Learn more about our activities calendar in winter by scheduling a tour today at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.

Grieving for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all. Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold. Most are left with questions about what to expect next.
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As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.” They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages.

Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better. Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors. Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned. You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care.

Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day. A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away.

The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings. They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses. Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our memory care residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 luxury amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Assisted Living Communities Give Families Peace of Mind

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need.

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion.

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of getting them settled into a community and then face another move if their needs can no longer be met.

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living.

Another important step is to visit (either in person or virtually) the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient it will be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services. Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

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 for more information about the finest senior living in Wheat Ridge, CO.

The Top Benefits of Music Therapy in Memory Care

A memory loss diagnosis means more than just being “forgetful.” Seniors who are struggling with memory loss or Alzheimer’s experience difficult emotions and newfound frustration. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, which is a form of dementia that commonly impacts seniors aged 65 and up. While there may not be an accepted treatment plan for dementia, Alzheimer’s care professionals all agree that certain therapies and activities prove successful with this disease. 

MorningStar Senior Living offers the best Alzheimer’s care Littleton Co has to offer seniors struggling with a memory loss diagnosis. Holistic Alzheimer’s care focuses on more natural approaches to treatment. Keep reading to explore the top benefits of music therapy in memory care for seniors seeking Alzheimer’s care and treatment. 

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a simple, yet effective Alzheimer’s care method that engages and soothes seniors with dementia and memory loss. It’s been shown that seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia who regularly attend music therapy respond powerfully to activity, even in the late stages of the disease.Generally, music therapy can look like a musician coming into a senior living community weekly to play music and get seniors active and engaged in the audience. However, there are simpler methods of music therapy, as well. Memory care and music therapy are essential components of MorningStar Senior Living Littleton, CO.

Music Therapy Methods 

As mentioned above, music therapy usually consists of visiting musicians. However, almost everyone has access to music wherever they go these days. Your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or T.V. are excellent sources for music therapy. 

When visiting a senior in Alzheimer’s care, play one of their favorite songs for them. This act will hopefully bring back familiar memories, emotions, and feelings that are attached to the song. Not only this, but watching a music video, a musical, or a performance can stimulate the mind and encourage memories to emerge. 

Finding the Right Alzheimer’s Care

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.