Comfort and Wellness at MorningStar of Littleton

Committed to be the best assisted living Littleton CO offers, MorningStar of Littleton proudly offers residents an unparalleled lifestyle.  In addition to a team of exceptional individuals that feels privileged to serve seniors and considers them to be heroes, MorningStar’s wide range of resort-style amenities ensures residents feel right at home.  

Our many onsite amenities include a bistro, chapel, theatre with Wii, library with a computer and newspapers, spa bath, fireside patio, strolling paths, raised garden beds, and a general store.  We also have an onsite salon that offers hairstyling services, manicures and pedicures. Additionally as a resident, you will enjoy delicious daily meals served in our charming dining room (we also have an intimate private dining room available upon request).   

MorningStar’s meaningful life enrichment programs help residents to stay engaged and productive physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  We also host an array of special events throughout the year such as our recent participation in the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Longest Day” on June 21st. In honor of our special residents who reside in the Reflections Neighborhood, each resident was recognized in a special flower garden with a custom flower created with petals that told their life story. 

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.  We are conveniently located near banks, hospitals, shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants. Please use our online links to learn more about pricing and availability.  

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.     

Help Prevent a Fall

Falls are one of the most common reasons why elderly adults seek emergency care.  In fact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports. “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.”  Moreover they add that the risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age. However, they say this is no reason to avoid being active, and there are a few things you can do to help prevent a fall.  

Seniors need to try and stay physically active and to follow an appropriate exercise plan.  Regular exercise can increase your strength, and improve your muscle tone (be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise).  Even mild weight-bearing exercises such as climbing stairs or walking can help to slow down osteoporosis (bone loss). 

Another way to reduce your risk of a fall is limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes.  Also use a walker or cane if you are unsteady on your feet. In addition, be sure to wear the proper footwear - non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled or lace-up shoes.   Take extra care when walking on wet or icy surfaces.  

Do keep in mind several health conditions including diabetes and heart disease as well as problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance and increase your risk of a fall.  The same warning applies to medications that cause you to feel dizzy or to experience periods of sleepiness.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our team considers seniors to be heroes who deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.  Our beautiful community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as safety.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, 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 in the area.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures 

Important Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Community

If you are trying to find the best assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you should consider to help guide your decision including scheduling a personal tour of the community.  While many senior living communities’ websites are filled with lots of pictures and information, there is nothing like a firsthand look.  

During your tour (or in a follow-up call), be prepared to ask the right questions.  As A Place for Mom recommends, you will want to know about the staff-to-resident ratio and the type of training the staff has and/or receives as an employee.  You will also want to know about the assessment process done prior to moving into the community. A through assessment helps ensure a person gets the level of care they need for their safety and comfort.  In addition, ask what procedures are in place to stay abreast of any changes in your or your loved one’s health.   

Be sure to ask if the community has a nurse on staff and if they are on call 24/7?  You will also want to know how your monthly fee will be determined and the type of apartments available.  Are there additional move-in fees or contractual obligations when you move out, and if there is a waiting list, what is the typical waiting period?

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we feel privileged to provide residents with an unparalleled lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our website has a dedicated FAQs section that is sure to answer a lot of your questions or you may contact us through email or a phone call.  Furthermore, we strongly encourage anyone interested in our assisted living or memory care community to set up a tour. We are conveniently located in the heart of Wheat Ridge, on the north side of Metro Denver.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge represents the best in 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 schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest assisted living communities.  

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/assisted-living-resident-checklist 

It will be “Back to School” Before We Know It!

What is it about the lazy days of summer that before we know it Labor Day is just around the corner and it is time to get everyone ready for another school year?  To make the transition easier on the kids as well as on mom, dad and other family members, the experts offer a few well-thought-out tips. 

First it is important to get everybody back on a school-friendly schedule.  A few weeks before school starts, gradually get the kids to bed a little bit earlier each night.  In the morning, set an alarm closer and closer to the time they will need to get up to ensure everyone is comfortable with the routine.  Waiting to transition to an earlier rising time once school has begun is hard on everyone, and nobody wants to deal with tired, cranky kids. The same goes for getting back into the habit of regular mealtimes. 

Experts also recommend that you “rehearse” your morning routine such as packing lunches, organizing and laying out backpacks, and walking or driving to school.  If you are not doing it yet, this is a good time to start the practice of putting together a weekly calendar for the family.  It can be used to track all of the various activities different members will do each day such as sporting events, music lessons, clubs, etc., and serves as a good reminder for everyone.  You can also include dinner and lunch menus and things like whether the kids will pack or buy lunch.      

As the school year approaches, organize a quiet study area for each student.  Once school starts, get into the habit of laying out clothes the night before as well as putting things that need to go with the child to school by the door such as musical instruments or sports equipment.  Place finished homework and permission slips into backpacks.  You can also set the table for breakfast to further reduce the hectic morning routine. 

Getting ready for the school year includes organizing the kids’ wardrobes.  Check to see if there are hand-me-downs from an older sibling and donate things that will not be worn.  Make sure everything is clean and closets are in order.  If the kids do need new clothes, make a list of items to buy before you go shopping.  This keeps everyone on tasks and on-budget and helps to avoid buying things you don’t need.  

School supplies such as a new backpack and pencil case can help get reluctant students excited about going back to school.  Check your school’s website to see if they have posted a list of supplies.  Label everything that will go to school to avoid losing things. 

Experts also offer tips to help children nervous about entering school for the first time or an anxious child who has difficulty adjusting to change.  Their advice is to not dismiss the anxiety but rather help the child manage it.  Try to stay positive and remind them of the things they will be doing they like such as recess, eating lunch at school, walking to school with a friend, etc.  Tell them it will be okay and that as they face the things they are afraid of, it will get better.  Praise them for their successes and let them know you have lots of confidence in them.  If there is something in particular they are most worried about, talk to them about it, and help them make a plan to handle it.     

Starting a new school year is an exciting, but busy time.  A little forethought and preparation can help it go more smoothly for all involved. 

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: childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/

The MorningStar Story

MorningStar Senior Living has over 30 communities open or under construction all across the country, and is proudly celebrating 16 years of providing seniors with exceptional senior living options.  Our company was founded by Ken Jaeger who was born and raised on a large multi-generational farm in the Midwest where he was daily presented with lessons in economics, diligence, and hard work.    

MorningStar began in 2003 when Ken had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: 

·         Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

·         Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

·         Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents 

To eloquently illustrate our mission, all of our communities have a specially commissioned piece of art hanging in them.  The “Tree of Life embodies and celebrates our Mission and our Name.   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, located in beautiful Colorado Springs, has 45 bright suites for assisted living along with 19 secure memory care suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information, and while you are there, fill out our online form to set up a tour of our beautiful community. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in 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.

Having a Pet Provides Benefits to Seniors

It turns out that being a pet owner can provide a range of benefits to seniors including helping them to live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.  One clinical study done several years ago tracked heart disease survivors after they were discharged from the hospital.  Studying survivors’ medical histories, lifestyles, families, and relationships, it found that, "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings." 

Another study done by the American Psychological Association found pets provide an important source of social support to their elderly owners.  Researchers explain that senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.” 

It may be the benefits come from the fact that pets offer unconditional affection and companionship.  Also a pet requires seniors to stay engaged in the day-to-day process of caring for the animal as they need to feed, groom, walk and clean up after their pet.        

If you are thinking of getting a pet for an elderly family member, it is recommended that you consider the person’s physical health and personality.  AgingCare.com says you should also take into account the following: has the person owned a pet before; does the animal have a good temperament; and will owning a pet cause a financial hardship?   

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, which is why we are happy to welcome our resident’s furry friends.  Please contact us to learn more about our pet guidelines as well as our amenities, activities and wellness programs. 

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. 

Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21728449, petsfortheelderly.org, agingcare.com/Articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows has Beautiful Private Suites

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a beautiful senior living community tucked at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants.  Our exceptional 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.  

Our 45 private assisted living suites include a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. For memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  

When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our suites’ floorplans.  As you will see, each one is well laid out and accommodates the various needs of our residents. In our one-bedroom assisted living units, sizes range from 426 sq. ft. to 522 sq. ft.  Two-bedroom assisted living floorplans start at 483 sq. ft. and go all the way up to 683 sq. ft. in our largest units.    

Please remember that couples are more than welcome to live together in a suite. Also, we recognize many seniors have been in marriages for 50 or 60 years and may have lost their spouse.  To them, it is often more comfortable to share a suite with a friend as it provides steady companionship and helps them feel less lonely.   MorningStar at Mountain Shadows allows two unrelated people of the same sex to share a suite in both assisted living and memory care. 

Along with our beautiful suites, our community has warm and inviting common areas that are perfect to sit and enjoy the day while chatting with friends.  These include a fireside patio as well as a bistro, theatre, chapel, library and more.   Please visit our website to set up a tour of our loving community.   

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.

Moving into Assisted Living

Now that the hard decision is over and you or a parent has decided that moving into assisted living makes the most sense for your/their needs, you may need to downsize a houseful of furniture and decades of belongings.  While this can seem like an overwhelming task, take a deep breath, try to relax and read some tips from organizing experts.   

Organizing your approach to the task should be your first step and begin by cataloging a list of your furniture and possessions.  Now create lists for the things you want to keep, items you want to give to family or friends, and items to sell.  Anything left over should go on a list to donate. 

Before you get too far ahead of yourself, you will also need to remember that your apartment in the assisted living community may be smaller than your present home.  This means you will not need a whole household full of furniture! 

It may be helpful to measure the size of the suite and create a floor plan to give yourself 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.  You may even want to buy a smaller couch or coffee table that is better suited to the size of your new home.  Also bins and shelving help keep items organized and easy to get to. 

Furthermore, keep in mind that your new life at an assisted living community will be much easier as you will no longer be responsible for preparing meals and maintaining a home.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we cook and serve the meals as well as provide light housekeeping, daily trash removal, and laundry and linen services.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s mission is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers, which is why we provide residents with a home that is both beautiful and accommodating. We offer 56 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floorplans (some as large as 820 square feet).   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

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.

Making the Transition to Assisted Living Easier

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we know families often go through a range of emotions once they realize their loved one needs more daily help in order to ensure their comfort and safety.  Furthermore, moving into a retirement community, especially assisted living is often precipitated by a major life change, which is why we have put together a commonsense decision guide to help families navigate through the process.  

One thing to consider before making any decision is to think about what you are trying to solve, and not just next year, but with an eye to the next 5 to 10 years.  Also keep in mind that the concept of “assisted living” is only a few decades old and is intended to feel like a home – not an institution such as nursing homes of old.  Today’s assisted living is based on the European model and is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement. 

Reading through our decision guide, you will find information on the what families should look for in terms of determining whether their loved one needs more help.  It talks about safety issues such as recent falls and balance problems, forgetfulness that could lead to a dangerous situation like leaving the stove-top on, and driving mishaps.  The guide also cautions families to notice things like weight loss, poor hygiene, and failing eyesight.   

Additionally, MorningStar has tips to help you narrow down your choice of assisted living facilities.  Along with considering location, price, and amenities, one of our most important tips is to take a tour of the community or communities you are most interested in.  Beyond the website and all the promotional materials, a tour provides an up close and personal look at the place you or your loved one is considering making their new home.  On our home page, we have a convenient link to an online form to set up a tour with us.     

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

MorningStar at Jordan Creek Offers Assisted Living at Its Best!

If you are looking for the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek.  Starting from our spacious, private suites to our beautiful common areas, both inside and out, we have meticulously seen to it that every detail has been paid to ensure residents the most carefree retirement possible.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of assisted living, it is built on a European social model, and offers a new paradigm in wellness and engagement for those seniors who need a little support with personal daily care activities.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, new residents and their family sit down with our Wellness Director to create a care plan designed around their special needs and safety.  The resident will have around-the-clock Care Managers as well the services of our full-time licensed nurses on call 24/7 and onsite 5–7 days/week.  

Among our many services, we have a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, care planning reviews, and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  All residents receive three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef that are both tasty and nutritional and served restaurant style in our dining room.  In addition, MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers scheduled transportation along with a whole host of enrichment programs to support and entertain residents. If you are wondering, are also pet friendly.  

Along with our 56 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Jordan offers 29 secure suites dedicated to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Be sure to ask about our limited time 1st anniversary pricing.

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 Cataract Surgery

A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye causing blurred or tinted vision, seeing double, impaired night vision, and extra sensitivity to light.  The vision loss from cataracts happens slowly over time and cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses or with corneal refractive surgery such as Lasik.  Cataracts are typically an age-related disease, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “cataracts affect more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.”  

The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and while cataract surgery may sound scary, most people get excellent results.  During surgery, the affected lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).  The procedure has been improved over the last several years by the use of a high-frequency ultrasound device, which has resulted in faster healing times and less complications.    

Before you have the surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform tests on your eye to determine if you have any risk factors as well as what size and type of IOL will give you the best outcome.  You will also have input into the type of IOL you want to get that will depend on your needs and personal preferences.  One type of lens is an advanced presbyopia-correcting IOL that improves your reading vision without interfering with your distance vision.   

The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes but you will be there for a couple of hours to get prepped and a small recovery period afterward.  Your doctor may have you wear an eye patch for a short time, and you should expect your vision to be distorted for at least a few days.  Other common issues include feeling as if your eye is dry and itchy but you will be advised to not scratch or rub it.   Doctors also recommend if you choose to wear glasses after surgery, you pick lenses with anti-reflective coating or photochromic lenses.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows epitomizes the very best in senior living facilities 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. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-cataract-surgery/

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.