Seniors Need a Nutrient-Rich Diet to Stay as Healthy as Possible

Regardless of your age it is important to have a nutrient-rich diet in order to stay as healthy as possible.  Even for people in their 70s, 80s and 90s, eating well can make a difference in how they feel; but unfortunately, many seniors do not always know what constitutes a healthy diet. 

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) provides some helpful tips for older adults to follow to ensure they eat well.  One of the first things they say is to make sure to stay hydrated because as we age, we lose some of our sense of thirst.  They recommend drinking plenty of water and avoiding beverages with lots of added sugars.

Seniors’ diets should include fruits and vegetables in a variety of different colors, lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and lean protein.  While vegetables and fruits are a good source of fiber, full of vitamins, and low-calorie, they can be difficult to chew for some elderly people with dental problems.  If that is a problem, substitute softer foods including canned fruits and meats such as tuna.  Also adding herbs or spices to food is a good way to enhance flavor. 

MorningStar at Jordan Creek strives to be the best senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers, which includes three daily meals prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef.  We use fresh ingredients and also incorporate BrainWise foods into our meals such as nuts, berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate. In addition, we recognize that mealtime is more enjoyable in a social setting, which is why our meals are served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room.  Recipes are modified to accommodate changing needs and diets including low-sodium, sugar-free, vegetarian, and low fat choices.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

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/choosing-healthy-meals-you-get-older

Visit MorningStar’s Website for Answers to FAQs

Are you in the process of looking at assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs for yourself or a loved one?  MorningStar at Mountain Shadows recognizes that moving to assisted living can be a difficult step for families, which is why we strive to provide all the details regarding our community beforehand so seniors and their family can make an informed decision.  On our website, we have a lot of information about our Mountain Shadows community as well as resources from MorningStar Senior Living regarding particulars on the company and our many services and programs.    

One good source of information is to take a look at the FAQs.  Here you will likely discover answers to your questions (if not, please email or give us a call) and much more.  We start by providing families with a little bit of history on MorningStar such as the fact that we were founded in Denver in 2003 on the principal that it is a “privilege to serve, and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  While we are rooted in in Judeo-Christian beliefs, MorningStar welcomes all faiths among our residents and team members.   

If you were wondering if there is an age requirement to move into MorningStar, the answer is yes.  You must be at least 62 years of age to move into our assisted living or memory care community.  

Another answer to a good question is how we will determine the level of care you need to ensure your comfort and safety.  This happens early on and is a part of the move-in process.  You and your family will meet with our Wellness Director who will assess your current health, and review your medical history to ascertain how we can best meet your needs. At this time, we also discuss your preferences and normal routines, and together we will develop an individualized care plan.   Furthermore, your plan will be regularly re-evaluated to coincide with your changing needs.  Please see our website for more information.    

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.

Our Country’s State Fairs are as American as Apple Pie

Who can forget the nostalgic sights, sounds, and smells of their first trip to a state fair?  As an article in the Saturday Evening Post explains, “The American state fair is a conceptual curiosity, a celebration of agriculture that is at once a fantastic departure from the discipline and labor of the farming life.”  Even from the earliest fairs, agricultural displays and discussions competed for space and attention with a wide range of irresistible attractions, carnivals, and shows.  For many of us, going to our county or state fairs is an annual tradition and includes taking along the younger members of the household to introduce them to this very American institution.     

Historians credit a wealthy New England farmer and businessman, Elkanah Watson with initially starting the idea of a state fair after he displayed his sheep in the public square of Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1807.  However, it took another thirty-four years for the first official state fair to be held in Syracuse, New York in 1841 where it showcased the state’s agricultural offerings, economy, and all types of domestic arts.  Now known as the Great New York State Fair, this year’s event will not only feature agricultural and livestock competitions but entertainment, education and technology, midway rides, concessionaires, exhibits and concerts.  The second longest running state fair was in Detroit, Michigan, which began in 1849 and held every year thereafter until it was discontinued in 2009.  It was later moved to a nearby suburb and continues to the present day.   

Livestock competitions and farm product displays date back to the earliest fairs as does recipe judging, which now includes everything from homemade cakes and jams to chili and barbeque sauces.  States also have unique ways to promote their agricultural interests such as the life-like butter sculptures that were first introduced at the 1911 Iowa State Fair.  A recent 2001 entry was of actor and native Iowan, John Wayne that required 400 pounds of butter and four days to produce.   

Food is another big component of successful state fairs.  In fact around the country many state fairs have a reputation for their own specialty food.  Regional treats includes boiled peanuts at many southern fairs with spicy offerings for those that can take the heat.  At the Alaskan State Fair, you must sample the reindeer sausage, or at Arizona’s fair, try a Navajo Taco.  Other specialties include Colorado State Fair’s Mexican funnel cake, Idaho State Fair’s Toffee Tumbler, or Montana’s Vikings on a Stick.  And speaking of sticks, you will find lots of food-on-a-stick including Iowa State Fair’s 50+ mobile food on a stick options.  

The largest attendance at a state fair in the U.S. is Texas with an estimated 2,000,000 people attending each year.  The Minnesota State Fair wins the prize for the largest average per day attendance at just under 200,000 people per day.  Other big fairs include the Great New York State Fair, the Arizona State Fair, and the Iowa State Fair.  State fairs are a great way to honor the past, celebrate the present and let us see what the future will bring to the area.  You will get the chance to learn about your state’s agricultural production, eat tasty treats, see a prize-winning pumpkin or pig, and experience the thrills of carnival rides, music, and more!   

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with

our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation

built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to

serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact

us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines offers. 

Source: saturdayeveningpost.com/2009/06/american-state-fair/

tasteofhome.com/collection/best-state-fair-food/

Taking a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease to the Doctor

It is important to schedule routine doctor appointments for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease.  The Mayo Clinic explains that checkups ensure health and behavioral issues are regularly addressed and provide tips for caregivers accompanying the person to help them get the most out of the limited time spent with the doctor.  Also they suggest that while your loved one is still able, to have them sign a privacy release form at the doctor’s so their medical condition can be freely shared with you.  

You should try to schedule appointments during the person’s best time of day, and if you can, coordinate it with the doctor’s least busy time.  You should bring along snacks and water as well as an activity you can do together. If your loved one has been uncooperative about going to the doctor’s in the past, wait and let them know about the appointment that day.

The Mayo Clinic says the caregiver should prepare a list of things they wish to discuss with the doctor including medication side effects or issues with aggressive behaviors.  Also have a list of medications the person is taking and include over-the-counter medications and other supplements. If your loved one is in an assisted living community, ask the staff about any concerns they would like you to relay to the doctor.  

If a new medication is prescribed, ask questions about the side effects.  Also be ready to answer questions regarding any changes in their memory and mood as well as their diet and sleep habits.  Write down significant information including recommended follow-up appointments with specialists. Most importantly, if you feel you need help, your doctor is a good source for referrals to various community resources and care providers.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is an assisted living and memory care community on the north side of Metro Denver.  As dementia care specialists, we consider it our calling, and privilege to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey.  Please visit our website to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “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 contact us to schedule a tour of our exceptional community.

Best Memory Care in Colorado Springs

Along with our 45 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows has 19 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Regardless of whether your loved one is at the onset of the disease or well into the more advanced stages, we can care for them.    

MorningStar’s approach to memory care starts with the utmost professionalism and respect for the individual and works toward replacing medications with alternative natural therapies including patience, attention and love whenever possible.  Our specially-trained care managers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills.    

Our personalized approach to memory care also means we make a point to get to know each resident including their background, vocation, talents and preferences.  Once we feel we truly know the “person”, we can then effectively setup a daily routine that is designed around stimulating or calming the resident.  In addition, it allows us to quickly adjust their routine in response to a particular mood or situation.  We also understand that physical exercise is important to an individual’s overall well-being so every day residents have the opportunity to strengthen and stretch their bodies.    

You will find our Reflections Neighborhood is uniquely designed to address all the various needs of our residents.  We offer security and comfort with a choice of floorplans as well as a secure courtyard for memory care residents.  Furthermore, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows has a 24-hour care staff, full-time licensed nurse, regular health monitoring, and is a pet friendly community.  We also offer assistance if needed with our nutritional, Executive Chef prepared meals.  

Contact us to schedule a visit to experience our community firsthand.  We know you will be gratified to discover a staff that is committed to providing compassionate and loving care to our special residents each and every day.   

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.

“Radiance” Guides the Way MorningStar of Littleton Delivers Service

We are committed to provide the best senior living Littleton has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  To achieve this, we recognize it could not be done without the help of our team members who we consider to be the very heartbeat of the MorningStar of Littleton community.  

MorningStar of Littleton’s team consists of a unique group of individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  They are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching, and have perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  Our team members see seniors as heroes and feel privileged to have a rewarding career that offers both professional as well as personal growth.  

To guide us in our service, all team members, including the management team, are guided by Radiance, our exclusive brand standard of Service Excellence.  The program’s precepts are introduced to every team members upon being hired, and then reiterated and strengthened every day during our daily Huddle.        

Radiance allows us to take service professionalism to the next level and offers a purposeful way for us to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  As “Radiance” is like a beam of light, it epitomizes the ways we serve others – with warmth, sincerity, and depth and is reiterated through interpersonal communications and special touches throughout our home.   

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our Radiance program as well as our amenities and programs.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 65 well-appointed, private assisted living suites on three levels. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. 

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.     

What Does Assisted Living at MorningStar Offer?

If you are confused with what the term assisted living means, you are not alone.  Relatively a new concept, assisted living is based on the European model and is not a nursing home.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who require a little assistance with their daily personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc.  Furthermore, rather than taking away a person’s independence, assisted living provides the services seniors need to maintain an independent lifestyle. 

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  Also regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers (at least one team member is CPR trained on each shift) to meet needs and ensure your comfort and safety.       

On the MorningStar website, we list the many clinical services available to residents including Medication Management, which is performed by Certified Med Care Managers, routine care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  In addition we have a licensed nurse on-site or on-call, and provide transportation to residents’ medical appointments.  If you or your loved one is diabetic, we offer diabetes management as well as oxygen administration services.  MorningStar also provides more advanced care such as catheter and colostomy care or palliative/hospice care. 

For your safety, each assisted living suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems, and is smartly-designed to accommodate the various needs of our residents.  Our suites are all ready to move into and just require your furnishings and personal treasures.  And yes, if you were wondering, we are pet friendly.  

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek invites you to visit our website for more information and to set up a tour of our beautiful community.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines area offers.

Help with Downsizing before Your Move to Senior Living

Once you decide to move into a senior living community like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings.  It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task.   

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions.  After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends.        

Now measure the size of your new suite and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit in your new place.  If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around.  It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table. 

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room.  The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we do the cooking and serve the food restaurant-style.     

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want.  When you get into your new suite, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it.   

Please visit MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ website to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care community.  There you will find an online form to set up a tour or to inquiry 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.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek Offers All-inclusive, Compassionate Memory Care

At MorningStar of Jordan Creek, we understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey.  Our goal is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, which includes compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages. 

In addition to our assisted living suites, the Reflections Neighborhood consists of 29 secure memory care suites.  The area is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings.  Also given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss. 

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

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

MorningStar of Jordan Creek invites area families to contact us for more information and availability and pricing.  To see firsthand our loving care, we encourage you to set up a tour of our exceptional community.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines area offers.

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.