Set Up a Tour of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

A step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is very proud of our senior living community and each one of our team feels honored to serve seniors.  Our community was named 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living by SeniorAdvisor.com. This designation is awarded to the top 1% of senior living providers in the US and Canada, based on consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to SeniorAdvisor.com.  

While our website has extensive information and lots of pictures of our beautiful community, we still encourage interested families to set up a tour to see firsthand what we are all about.  Right on our website’s home page, we have a link to help you request a tour.  Once you have filled out the form, one of our staff will get back to you and set up a day and time that is convenient.   

We ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for a tour as we are excited to show you around.  If you have certain priorities, we will gladly accommodate those interests.  Also, we encourage you to schedule your tour around lunchtime so you can join us for a meal, just let us know when you fill out your tour request form.  If you do intend to join us for lunch, please allow at least 90 minutes so you can enjoy a leisurely meal. 

For assisted living, our community has 45 private suites that are ready for you to move into.  All you need to do is to bring your furnishings and personal items, and if you wondered, we are pet friendly.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and has 19 secure suites. For information regarding pricing and availability at our Colorado Springs community, please use our online form to request an email or give us a call.  We look forward to meeting you and your family. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows epitomizes the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we create a true home for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies.  We invite you to schedule a visit to discover why we are a step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.

Assisted Living May Help You Lead a Happier, Healthier Life

After making the move into assisted living, many residents are surprised at how full their lives become.  And despite their fears about losing their independence by moving into an assisted living community, most are pleased to discover that by getting the assistance they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives.    

Along with supplying built-in companionship, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek strive to enrich the lives of residents with a range of activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit.  In addition, many elderly adults who live alone find meal prep to be difficult and often resort to frozen meals or fast food. When living at our beautiful community, you can sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and neighbors while you are served beautifully prepared meals restaurant-style.  Moreover, if you are a senior who no longer drives, we take care of that also with scheduled transportation to area shopping as well as trips to the doctors and to run errands.   

Our holistic approach to assisted living creates an atmosphere filled with love, care and compassion.  We also recognize that it is important for our residents to continue learning and contributing, which is why we offer such a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment.  Examples include exercise classes, walking club, crafts, games, social gatherings, outside entertainment, outings and much, much more.  And if we do not have a program or activity that you would love to explore, we invite you to start a club.    

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.  Please contact us for more information about our assisted living and memory care as well as all of the services, amenities and programs we offer residents.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer.

Learn More About Osteoporosis

The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that “around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.” Research also indicates that approximately one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  These injuries often lead to serious complications, and in fact, twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery and many others require long-term care.  

The Mayo Clinic reports that osteoporosis-related fractures occur most commonly in the hip, wrist or spine.  They explain that our bones are made up of living tissue that is “constantly being broken down and replaced.”  The disease occurs when the creation of new bone is not keeping up with the removal of old bone.  As we age, bone replacement slows down and our overall bone mass is reduced faster than we can recreate it.    

The bones of people suffering from the disease become increasingly more brittle to the point that a mild fall may cause a broken bone.  In the most severe cases of osteoporosis, a fracture can occur from even movements such as coughing or bending over.  The disease affects both men and women, although women are much more likely to get it and older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.   

There are a number of health problems, medicines, and life-style choices that can increase your chance of getting osteoporosis.  These include autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, endocrine/hormonal disorders including diabetes, a poor diet, and smoking among other factors.   

A painless test is used to measure bone density and to determine the proportion of mineral in your bones.  To treat osteoporosis, patients at the highest risk are often prescribed different types of medications.  For others at a lower risk, they are advised to eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and to engage in weight-bearing exercises.  

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows epitomizes the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we create a true home for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies.  We invite you to schedule a visit to discover why we are a step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.

Sources: nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/home/ovc-20207808 

Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging

Statistics show that depression in seniors is common; however, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be treated as such.   Many of the challenges seniors go through in the later stages of their life including the death of love ones, retiring from the workplace, and having one or more serious health problems or disability can result in a person developing depression.  While an estimated 6 million adults age 65 years and older have late-life depression, only 10% of those affected are treated for it. 

Experts say there are several reasons why depression goes untreated in the elderly including the fact that symptoms are displayed differently from those in younger people. For example, many seniors do not show signs of sadness, the most common symptom of depression, and many are unwilling to share their feelings with anyone.  Seniors with depression often complain of feeling tired, have trouble sleeping and may be grumpy and irritable.  Depression can even cause symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s such as confusion and attention problems. 

In some cases symptoms of depression are misdiagnosed as being the result of medical conditions and/or from the side effects of medicines they take to treat the conditions.  The National Institute on Aging says depression can “co-occur with other serious medical illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease.” Furthermore, they explain that depression can make these conditions worse and treating the depression can help older adults better manage their other health conditions. 

If you think you have depression or that a loved one is suffering from the condition, you need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.  It can be treated but your doctor needs to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the depression.    Typical treatment for depression includes medication and psychotherapy.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults

Our Residents are Happy to Call MorningStar “Home”

As one of the top assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting.  

Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offers various levels of assistance with daily living activities and are tailored to meet individual needs.  Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family.  Also, as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved one will get the attention they need.     

Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar’s memory care is delivered with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual.  We use alternative natural therapies whenever possible, and try to replace medications with patience, attention and love.    

Our community offers seniors a safe place to socialize and make new friends as well as a place to learn new things or just have fun with our variety of meaningful activities.  In addition, if you are someone who values their privacy, you will have that at MorningStar as our spacious suites are designed to give you your privacy while offering the comfort of knowing people are around.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is located in Colorado Springs, at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains.  We offer 45 assisted living suites in addition to our Reflections Neighborhood that has 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.  Contact us to schedule a visit to see why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows epitomizes the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we create a true home for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies.  We invite you to schedule a visit to discover why we are a step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.

Why Many Seniors Prefer Community Living

Most seniors say that they actually prefer living in a senior community to that of living alone.  In fact, there are many reasons why senior living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek have become such a popular option among aging adults.  One reason no doubt is that they specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness, and community.  

As seniors age many feel good about relinquishing tasks such as yardwork and home maintenance.  Many no longer feel comfortable driving and may have given it up altogether.  This may mean it is not as easy for many older folks to get out and about as in the past and makes grocery shopping and meal preparation more difficult.  These problems are no longer an issue when you or a loved one moves into MorningStar’s assisted living.   

Older adults also report senior living communities make them feel safer and they no longer worry about home intrusions.  They also get peace of mind knowing that 24/7 help is just a push of a button away with their emergency call system if the need arises.  As A Place for Mom explains, “while many seniors living alone are fine, there are vast numbers of seniors living alone in unsafe or unhealthy situations who would benefit immensely from life in a senior community.” 

Another big problem with seniors living alone is they often do not eat well.  Again, at senior living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our residents are served food that is both healthy and tasty.  Not only that but as meals are served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room, mealtime is not only about food but allows us to share the companionship of breaking bread together.   

If you are looking for the best senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers, we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar at Jordan Creek. We have a range of activities designed to keep seniors engaged physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  Please visit our website to discover the area’s finest assisted living and memory care.     

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Des Moines area has to offer.

Join MorningStar at Mountain Shadows for Our Longest Day Activities!

As a community that provides both assisted living and memory care, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows partners with the Alzheimer’s Association throughout the year in support of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our activities include raising awareness and funds as well as having a good time along the way with our residents, families and friends. 

This year we will again celebrate the Summer Solstice with a day filled with activities on June 21st.  In fact, we will not be alone as it is expected that thousands of people across the country and even the world will join together to raise funds and awareness for care, support and research efforts for Alzheimer’s disease.  At Mountain Shadows, our “Uplifting Day” will start with a bake sale at 9:00am, which like the rest of the day’s events will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. 

We will then have a Rubber Ducky Race event and the announcement of the auction winner at 1:00pm. Our day will also include Out to Lunch with Suzanne Chapple, Executive Director of our community and Shaving Andie’s Head.  The fun-filled, meaningful day ends with a Purple Happy Hour from 2:30 until 4:00pm. 

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that over 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's, and the team at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows feels honored to help care for our most tender residents within our Reflections Neighborhood.  With 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our compassionate team is committed to finding ways to connect with the essence of the person regardless of their level of impairment.  Our community is equipped to provide care from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages. 

Our community also offers 45 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Please visit our website to learn more, and while you are there, set up a tour or use our email form to find out about pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a 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.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

The Transition to an Assisted Living Community

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a Colorado Springs senior living community offering assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized memory care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life.  For some seniors, moving into an assisted living community can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them.  Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches.    

Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change.  We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives them meaning and purpose.  Also while you may not want to put your loved one through taking tour after tour of assisted living communities, they can certainly help research places and narrow down the list to the most favorable ones.   Once the family weighs considerations such as price, services, location, etc., and agrees on a couple of choices, your parent should take a tour as well as go back a few times to spend some time observing the community.   

Other ways to assist the transition include helping them get to know the staff in advance.  Also future visits can be planned around an activity they would enjoy or eating a meal with the community.  After a decision is made, let your parent decide what furniture they want to move with them and help them decorate their new home.   Just remember your parent may go through an adjustment period so give them time and be ready to listen.   Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful, loving community.      

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a 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.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community.

The Best Senior Living in Des Moines Starts with a Compassionate Team

If you have started the search for assisted living in the Des Moines area, you may have already discovered that senior living communities are not all the same.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we feel that while we offer all of the luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs our residents need, the thing that sets us apart is our loving, professional team. 

In order for us to deliver the Service Excellence our MorningStar brand demands, it requires a staff that has one thing in common – a big heart.  Our hiring process starts by looking for individuals with virtues that include kindness, character and selflessness.  We look for people who have a felt calling to serve, and feel like we do, that seniors are heroes and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  

Upon hiring, each team member takes our Radiance training, which is much more than a customer service program but rather an altitude of the heart.  We use it to guide the way we deliver service - with depth of purpose and sincerity, and its percepts are reiterated each day during our daily huddle.       

Each team member also receives training in our Lavender Sky program that is designed to aid all of our employees, regardless of their positions, to better understand our memory care residents.  It explains the disease and outlines our holistic approach to memory care that includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of person despite the extent of their memory loss.     

Our MorningStar at Jordan Creek team feels privileged to serve seniors, and we all work together to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our assisted living offers various levels of support, which is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director.  As dementia care experts, we feel it is our calling to care for our most tender residents as well as offer support to their families.  Please visit our website for more information and ask about our First Year Anniversary Special - $1 Moves You In ($1 community fee & $1 first month rent)!  

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 schedule a tour to experience firsthand unparalleled assisted living in Des Moines.

Assisted Living at MorningStar

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we understand that making the move to assisted living is a big step for a senior.  This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and/or to inquire about availability.  In addition our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more.  

Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Family Resources” tab.  Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 62 years old).  You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure.

FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty health care provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. And yes, we do provide transportation to doctor appointments as needed, and our transportation vehicles can accommodate a walker or wheelchair.

You and your family may also want to know about the type of training our staff receives, and we go over that too.   Care Managers complete an orientation program (including a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, 8-hour dementia training, and ongoing training in specific care needs.  Each of our Medication Managers (QMAPs) is additionally trained in medication administration.

FAQs go over senior housing options such as Companion Living that allows two unrelated adults of the same sex to share a suite, and of course, married couples are welcome!  MorningStar of Wheat Ridge also offers short-term stays based on availability that allows someone to get an idea of whether senior living is right for them.  

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, located in a northwest suburb of Denver, is proud to be part of Kipling Ridge, the city’s largest redevelopment project in almost 30 years.  Please visit our website for contact information, to set up a tour, or to get answers to any other questions. We look forward to hearing from you.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  We invite you to give us call or visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in the area.

See MorningStar’s Family Resources on Our Website

Our goal is to provide the best senior living Littleton offers, and one way we can do that is to help families navigate options to ensure their loved one gets the best care.  On MorningStar’s website, you will find a variety of resources that offer answers to many of the questions seniors and their families have in regard to senior living communities.   

Did you know that after all of the services and amenities provided to MorningStar’s assisted living residents are factored into the cost, our community is typically less expensive than trying to cobble together the same level of care at home?  However we understand that for some seniors, the cost may be an obstacle. If it is something you and your family are struggling with, we encourage you to read through our Affordability guide on our website for recommendations to help make it more affordable.  

We want you to know there are a wide array of financial solutions available beyond the retirement savings and investments you have built up through the years. In addition to these traditional ways of financing assisted living, we discuss some innovative financial, and often under-used, benefits.

One such benefit is long-term care insurance, which may be used to help pay for senior care that is not covered by Medicare.  We advise that you read through your policy’s Benefits Summary to see what is eligible. MorningStar does not accept Medicaid.

Another source of often untapped income is to leverage your life insurance policies.  Whole life and universal life policies build a reserve of cash through interest-earning excess premiums (known as the policy’s “cash value”).  Before you cash in a policy, we recommend seeking the advice of a financial consultant as there may be tax consequences.

Please take a look at all of our suggestions online.  Also we are happy to sit down with you and discuss financial options or any other questions you may have.  MorningStar of Littleton has 65 bright suites for assisted living and 20 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living Littleton CO has to offer.     

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Welcomes Pets

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is committed to be one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers, and we recognize pets offer seniors great companionship with their limitless affection and unconditional love.  In fact multiple studies have found pets to be especially beneficial for the elderly and can even help to “reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.”  Pet ownership can combat feelings of loneliness and offer solace from the loss of a spouse or another loved one. 

In an article from AgingCare.com entitled, The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors, several experts weigh-in on the various benefits of pet ownership for seniors including a New Jersey psychotherapist.  Dr. Jay P. Granat discusses some of the intangibles pets offer to the elderly such as the fact that “dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now.’  He explains that animals do not worry about tomorrow, which can be scary for the elderly and being around an animal with that sense of “now” can rub off on people.

Along with providing companionship to seniors, studies have found that depression is less likely for older adults who own a pet and patients with heart problems can do better when they are responsible for a pet.  Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her golden retriever mix to her New York City office, relates how people with memory loss interact with her dog and access memories from long ago.  She explains “having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging." 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows knows it is a big decision for seniors to give up their family home and move into senior living.  Furthermore, it would be very painful to be forced to leave a beloved pet behind, which is why we are proud to be a pet friendly community.  Please visit our website to learn about the best assisted living and memory care in and around Colorado Springs.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.  

Source:agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

WellStar – MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ Signature Wellness Program

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with lots of amenities and services, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, our residents benefit from WellStar, our signature wellness program.  

Every day MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team presents our community with ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.  Our programs are designed to enhance your health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage social connections that allow you to continue learning and contributing.  The breath and scope of our wellness programs tap into a wide range of various interests, hobbies and talents and provide seniors with the chance to explore a range to topics.  Furthermore, if our programs do not address a special interest, residents are invited to start a club themselves.   

Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful Colorado Springs senior living community.  To get an idea of what goes on around our community, take a look at our “In Touch Newsletter” or “Life Around our House.”  You will find our community not only stays engaged with daily activities but supports and raises money for lots of good causes.  In Fact, on June 21st our community will be joining the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day event with a variety of fundraisers. In choosing the longest day of the year to raise awareness for the memory-impaired, the Alzheimer’s Association wants to emphasize the sunrise-to-sunset challenges for families living with dementia.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood we have 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. 

 MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a 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.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community.

Is a Loved One Having Trouble Managing their Medications?

It is no wonder that some elderly adults get confused with their medications and often miss doses or take too much of a medication. According to 2010 statistics, “medication usage among elderly patients in the US is eye-opening: more than one-third of prescriptions drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills).”  In addition the average elderly patient takes more than five prescription medications; and the average nursing home patient takes seven medications. 

If your elderly parent is on several medications, do you know if they are managing dosages appropriately?  A quick look in their medicine cabinet or wherever they keep their medications should give you a good idea.  If they have outdated bottles of pills mixed in with current prescriptions or un-opened bags from the pharmacy, chances are they are not doing a good job.   

Experts warn it can be a sensitive topic to broach with your loved one, but if you start slowly, you should be able to help them get things sorted out and organized.  Begin by listing all of the current medications they take including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins.  Your list should include medicine they take every day and things they use occasionally.  

Now take the list to their pharmacist to see if the combination of what they are taking is safe to do so.  Many drugs can poorly interact with one another or be redundant.  Check with their doctor to see if they still need to take a particular drug or is it just getting refilled over and over again.  If it helps, get a new pillbox that better fits their need.  There are many choices including color coded and multiple holders.  If medication management continues to be a problem, you may need to look into getting more help for your parent.   

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our assisted living Des Moines community is designed to provide the utmost care for our residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers.  Please visit our website to learn more and while you are there inquiry about our pricing and availability.    

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 schedule a tour to see the finest senior living in the Des Moines area. 

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-help-aging-parents-manage-medications?onepage

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Signs Your Parent Needs Help with the Activities of Daily Living

We know that seniors value their independence and that many are reluctant to let families and friends know they may need more help.  Often older adults fear they may become a burden or worry their family.  However, experts advise that even if your parent is not expressing a need for more help, there are signs to look for that indicate they need it.   

Michael Perskin, a geriatrician at NYU Langone Health explains that, “Sometimes you’re shocked when you visit.”  He adds it is troubling if “you walk into a parent’s house and the bathrooms are dirty or there’s no food in the refrigerator.”   Other signs include weight loss and a general decline in their appearance.  Often older adults in need of more care can no longer safely bath themselves and their health problems can make dressing difficult.    

Driving can also become a problem for seniors and evidence of scrapes and dents on their car may indicate they should not be driving anymore.  For other seniors, failing eyesight can make driving at night or in rainy or snowy weather difficult and can result in missed doctor appointments or not able to buy groceries and run errands.    

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our expertise is to fill in the gaps and provide the level of care you or your loved needs.  Our Life Enrichment and Care Services play an important role in making our community one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers.  Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community that includes three daily nutritious meals, the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs, and to enjoy ready-made companionship.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents, we have 24/7 care managers, a full-time nurse, suites equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  We encourage you to visit our website and use our online form to set up a tour of our gorgeous, loving community.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community. 

Source:health.usnews.com/senior-care/caregiving/articles/2018-02-09/what-are-the-signs-your-aging-parents-need-help

When Is the Right Time for Seniors to Stop Driving?

From time to time, there have been serious accidents involving elderly drivers that reach the nation’s attention and reopens the debate regarding the age that elderly adults should stop driving.  While some states have implemented stricter rules for seniors renewing their driver’s license, many states have met resistance or have had a hard time coming to a consensus.  It is hard to assess a senior’s fitness for driving as each person is different and health problems vary immensely.  One good thing is that many seniors start to self-regulate their driving habits once they notice problems. 

Experts say if you have become concerned over your parent’s fitness to drive, you need to start a conversation with them.  If you think they can still handle limited driving with some restrictions, talk to them about setting up rules such as avoiding major highways and rush hour, driving only in daylight and during good weather.  Remind them that this will help keep them safe as well as others who share the road with them.  If they have had fender benders and are having trouble following traffic signals, it may be time for them to stop driving altogether before they hurt themselves or others.  However if this is the case, be sure to have some plans in place for alternative transportation.   

MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers compassionate assisted living for Des Moines seniors; and provides all of the services and amenities required for their comfort, wellbeing and safety.  This includes scheduled transportation to doctor visits as well as shopping trip to area stores.  We routinely take field trips to local culture events, museums, parks, and more such as this month’s Memorial Day Bus Tour and a drive through Water Works.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community, and while you are there, use our links to set up a tour and to ask about availability and pricing.   

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 schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Des Moines. 

Independence Day Holds a Special Place in Seniors’ Hearts

Celebrating the birthday of our country is a special day for most seniors.  After all much of our older generation experienced the hardships and sacrifices that came from spending months away from loved ones while serving in various branches of our military.  In some cases, they made the ultimate sacrifice with the death of a parent, spouse, son, or daughter during combat.  Seniors have fought or sent loved ones to defend our American’s values and freedom and feel an ownership and pride in our country, and thanks for all it has given them.  Also many seniors who migrated earlier to America have a special affection for their adopted country and feel grateful to have been so warmly welcomed.   

Independence Day is a national holiday and our 4th of July celebration is the only holiday that is unique to our country.  This year marks our 243rd Independence Day from British rule after our founding fathers finally approved and signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  As celebrations became more common, Congress declared it to be a national unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870 as part of a bill officially recognizing several holidays including Christmas.  In 1938 Congress passed a bill to make the 4th of July a paid holiday for federal workers.   

The holiday was first observed on 1777 with a thirteen-gun salute in Rhode Island in honor of the thirteen colonies.  In Philadelphia an official dinner was held for the Continental Congress that included speeches, music, prayers, parades, 13-gun salutes, and, yes, fireworks.  The following year, it was reported that General Washington celebrated the day with a double ration of rum for the soldiers and an artillery salute.  

The first recorded public event celebrating Independence Day was held in Salem, North Carolina in 1783 with a challenging music program called The Psalm of Joy.  The music was compiled by Johann Friedrich Peter and held at the Salem Moravian Church.  It was the church’s way to rejoice in the war’s ending and to celebrate that throughout it all their relationship with God brought the realization of "a life lived in Christ is a Psalm of Joy.”  Interesting enough you can get copies of The Psalm of Joy music today.  The Moravian Church even held an event of the original program a few years ago.  

Today most of us celebrate the 4th with barbeques, picnics, and fireworks and use it as a reason to get outside and enjoy the summer weather.  If your senior loved one is in assisted living and has reduced mobility, take the picnic to them.  Many senior living communities have beautifully landscaped outside areas perfect for an intimate family party.  Or check with the community to see if they have special activities planned.  If they do, join the fun.    

Despite the sacrifices made by seniors during times of war and the depression, most are very patriotic and love participating in the activities and celebrations that take place during the 4th of July.  As a time to gather with friends and loved ones to honor this great country; Independence Day also represents something many seniors cherish and want to hold on to – their own independence!   

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 schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Des Moines. 

Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

You May Have More Control Over How You Age Than You Thought

The longest, most comprehensive study ever done on aging by the Harvard Study of Adult Development has turned up some unexpected results.  The study, which began in the 1930s, examined more than 800 men and women from adolescence into old age.  The purpose of the research is to find clues to the participants’ behaviors that translate into happy and healthy longevity.

George Vaillant, MD, director of the Harvard study and senior physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, states that, "I had expected that the longevity of your parents, the quality of your childhood, and your cholesterol levels would be very influential.  So I was very surprised that these particular variables weren't more important than they were."

Another commonly held belief regarding aging well has typically included avoiding stress.  However, the results from the study indicate that stressful events did not predict future health and that some people who have had a lot of stress have age quite well despite it.  The important thing seems to be how well you deal with the stress. 

The Harvard study also found that genetics may not play as big of a role in how well we age as do things such as not smoking or overeating, maintaining a healthy body weight, and developing good coping skills.  Exercising, keeping good social connections, and being a life-long learner are additionally all precursors to a healthy longevity.  If fact the overriding conclusion of the study appears to be that we have more control over our longevity that we may have thought in the past. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a Colorado Springs senior living community that takes our residents wellbeing very seriously.  Our signature wellness program, WellStar, is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage social connections.  Please visit our website to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a 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.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community. 

Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well#1

Mother's Day Honors Our Own Mothers & the Maternal Bonds of Motherhood

Mother’s Day is celebrated in one form or another on various days throughout the world but most commonly in March or May.  In the U.S., the day celebrates our own mothers as well as honors the glory of motherhood and the loving influence mothers have on our society.

The “mother” of Mother’s Day is Anna Jarvis who held the first ceremony on May 10, 1908 in honor of her own mother, who had died three years earlier, as well as for all mothers.  Celebrations were held in Philadelphia where Anna was living at the time and also at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where her mother had attended services.  As the site of the first official observance, the Andrews Church was later incorporated as the International Mother's Day Shrine on May 15, 1962.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters campaigned for a national holiday and Mother’s Day became an officially observed event when President Woodrow Wilson known as the “father” of Mother’s Day, signed the proclamation on May 9, 1914.  It declared the second Sunday of May to be “a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”  

Historians believe that Anna Jarvis’ inspiration for starting Mother’s Day came from her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis’s closing prayer during one of her Sunday school lessons.  It states: “I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother’s day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it.”  In the mid-19th century, Ann Reeves Jarvis had helped to start the “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” that served to teach the local women of West Virginia on how to properly care for their children.   

The ancient Greeks and Romans also celebrated mothers and motherhood by holding festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.  In addition early Christians celebrated the fourth Sunday in Lent with a festival they called “Mothering Sunday,” which was the time for folks to return to their main or “mother” church for special services.  Through time the festival became more secular and children would give their mothers flowers and other tokens of appreciation.  This custom eventually became a part of our Mother’s Day celebrations during the 1930s and 40s.

Anna Jarvis spend much of her later years upset about the commercialization of the holiday (or perhaps by the fact that she did not financially benefit from it), but to those of us who are daughters, sons and husbands of mothers, it is a special event.  It is the time to reflect on the many joys of motherhood and to be thankful to the women who raised us and grateful for their many sacrifices.  

We express our love to our mother through visits, cards and phone calls (more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year).  From enjoying a meal together, or presenting her with flowers and other tokens of our love and appreciation, we want our mothers to know how special they are to us! 

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 schedule a tour to see firsthand the finest senior living in Des Moines. 

Source:

history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

time.com/4771354/mothers-day-history-origins/

Learn More About MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ Care Services

As one of the most respected senior living facilities Colorado Springs offers, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers seniors an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our experienced team also understands that when families are considering assisted living for a loved one, they want to know how we meet each resident’s needs to ensure their utmost comfort and safety.   

At MorningStar, that process starts as soon as you make the decision to join our community.  Each new resident and their family meet with our Wellness Director to allow us to get to know your personal preferences and normal routines.  Our Wellness Director will also review your medical history to enable us to create a customized care plan that meets your approval.  Furthermore, your care plan will be regularly re-evaluated to address any changing needs.  

Various auxiliary services provided by MorningStar include medical and non-medical and are priced a la carte.  For example, if you require medication management, it will be administered by a Certified Med Care Manager.  Other ways we provide our residents with a higher quality of living are diabetic management, oxygen administration, pharmaceutical services, transportation to medical appointments and much more.   

Regardless of the level of care you will be receiving, all residents have access to 24-hour Care Managers and a licensed nurse who is onsite 5-7 days a week and on call 24/7 as well as receive scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  In addition we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift.   

In our Reflections Neighborhood, which is devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment, our all-inclusive services (suite and care) are one packaged price.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Mountain Shadows and for contact information to set up tour.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.