Symptoms of Alzheimer’s May be Associated to Poor Health

As some of the more severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are now associated to poor overall health, researchers stress the importance of maintaining healthy habits to help reduce symptoms of the disease.  They say that care should include getting the proper exercise, and eating a healthy diet as well as identifying and managing other medical conditions. 

Studies show that “light exercise and walking appear to reduce wandering, aggression and agitation.”  Additionally, getting the daily exercise appropriate to the person’s abilities also seems to help alleviate other problem behaviors. 

A person’s hearing and vision should be regularly tested and the appropriate steps taken to deal with any problems found.  They should also be routinely seen by their primary care physician along with visits to specialists to address specific needs.     

Eating problems are another common issue affecting those with Alzheimer’s and can put a person at risk for weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition.  For many the process of eating becomes more and more challenging, and they may no longer know how to use a fork or knife.  The progression of the disease can cause “nerve cell death that eventually steals the ability to recognize thirst or hunger.”

MorningStar at Jordan Creek understands that dining is as much about community as it is about nutrition, which is why our memory care staff and residents eat together.  Also, out of respect for our residents’ sometimes compromised abilities at the table, we serve finger foods, texture-modified diets (mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids), and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

Looking for the area’s best senior living? Des Moines area seniors and their families know they can trust MorningStar at Jordan Creek to provide exceptional assisted living and memory care.  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: alzinfo.org/articles/diet-exercise-health/    

A Link Between Blood Pressure Drugs and the Risk of Dementia

A large study out of Europe found a link between older adults who take blood pressure-lowering drugs and a lower risk of developing dementia.  Medical News Today explains that while researchers are still unclear as to what causes dementia, much work is being done to improve prevention strategies.  By studying “potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of this condition,” scientists say they hope to learn more about connections between certain health conditions and higher rates of dementia. 

Another study published last year in the journal, Neurology, found that patients with hypertension had a higher risk of experiencing brain lesions related to dementia.  In this newest study from the University of Leipzig in Germany, the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines in France, and the Frankfurt, Germany branch of IQVIA, researchers had access to a large database that collects and stores health information on millions of people. 

Using the Disease Analyzer database, researchers looked at 12,405 people, aged 60 and older, with or without dementia.  They compared those who took antihypertensive drugs with those who had for periods of time or had never taken the drugs.  Results showed that those who took “certain antihypertensive drugs — including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers — seemed to have a lower risk of dementia.” 

The study authors warn that antihypertensive drugs do not guarantee a person will not develop dementia.  They say rather it highlights the benefits of such drugs. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we provide comprehensive care services including 24-hour care managers, medication care managers, routine Health & Wellness Evaluations, and much more.  Please visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325393.php

Have Questions About MorningStar at Jordan Creek?

Do you have questions about assisted living for yourself or a loved one? At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we understand the concerns families have and provide answers to FAQs on our website as a good way to get you started.  For example, one question we get asked often is our age requirement and the answer is you must be at least 62 years old.  We also get asked if couples can live together.  Of course!  Couples can live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or suites can be shared by friends of the same sex who simply enjoy one another’s company.

Another question we are frequently asked is, “do we offer short-term stays.”  Yes, it is based on availability and we do ask that you commit to at least a week’s stay or a full month.  This gives you the chance to sample a life free from cooking and household chores, and to participate in a bustling calendar of activities and enjoy the instant companionship.   

If you are concerned that your parent may not get the care they need, there is no reason to worry.  Before your parent joins our community, our Wellness Director will sit down with your family to discuss your parent’s medical history and personal preferences.  From here, we create an individualized care plan that meets everyone’s approval.  This plan will be routinely evaluated and updated as the need arises. 

You will also find our pet policy on our FAQs page.  We are a pet friendly community and recognize the tremendous benefits animals offer to all of us.  We do assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis, and we have some restrictions on breeds.   There is also a one-time, nonrefundable pet fee.

We encourage you to visit our website to read the answers to other questions you may have regarding our assisted living.  However, if you do not see the information you need, please give us a call as we are ready to help.   If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines area has to offer.

“Radiance” Guides the Way MorningStar at Jordan Creek Delivers Service

We are committed to provide the best assisted living Des Moines or West Des Moines 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 at Jordan Creek community. 

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’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 member 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 56 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.

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 schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ Approach to Healthy Aging

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows, we provide our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our gorgeous home is a step above ordinary assisted living facilities, offering resort-style amenities, a wide range of care services and enrichment programs to enhance residents’ health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.   

Headed up by an enthusiastic Life Enrichment Team, each day MorningStar presents creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our activities will engage residents physically, mentally, spiritually and socially and help them to tap into their unique talents and experiences. 

We also take to the road with outings and field trips to local parks, museums, shopping, and other areas of interest.  To get an idea of some of the activities we offer, please visit our website and look at “Life Around our House” and “More Scenes of Elevated, Celebrated Life.” Pictures often include holiday celebrations or special events such as dances, family picnics and fundraising activities.  MorningStar at Mountain Shadows never misses an opportunity to have fun!  Furthermore, take a look at our monthly assisted living calendar to get an idea of everything that is offered to our residents.   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows amenities include a fireside patio and strolling paths as well as an in-house salon for hair-styling, manicures and pedicures, a fitness room, library and much more.  We also have a Bistro, and along with our beautiful restaurant-style dining in our main dining room, we offer residents a private dining area for intimate dinners with family and friends. 

Our website has a lot more information on our Mountain Shadows community including a direct link to find out more about pricing and availability.   We encourage families to schedule a tour, and see for yourself why residents are proud 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.

Colorado Springs’ Professional and Compassionate Senior Care

A step above ordinary assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is not a “facility” but a true home.  Our beautiful senior community offers the area assisted living as well as memory care.  Our exceptional team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors.

MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute of Health study.  It reports that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. In addition, it found that 55% of those seniors are improperly taking their medications.  Our certified med managers oversee both the ordering and dispensing of medications to our residents. 

For residents’ safety, our entire community is handicap accessible with wide doorways, spacious common areas and hallways, and each suite is equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms.  In addition, all 54 of our graciously appointed assisted living suites have a 24-hour Emergency Call System.   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and is designed to encourage our tender residents to easily and safely explore their spacious surroundings. 

To encourage residents to stay active and productive physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially, we offer wellness programs and activities.  For comfort and convenience, we provide a wide range of luxury amenities.  Visit our website for availability and pricing of unsurpassed senior living in Colorado Springs. 

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.

Learn More About Assisted Living at MorningStar of Littleton

At MorningStar of Littleton, 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. While memory care is all-inclusive, the cost of an assisted living suite is determined by the level of care the resident requires.  

MorningStar’s assisted living has five levels and uses a simple point system, which factors into account the cost and time it takes to provide each service.  Whether it involves help with personal daily care activities such as grooming, bathing and toileting, or medical assistance, we come up with a cumulative score that places you within one of our five levels.  

Before an assisted living resident even joins our community, our Wellness Director meets with them and their family to go over their medical history and discuss their needs.  From there, we create a care plan approved by the resident that ensures their comfort and safety. In addition, we offer daily health monitoring and periodically review a resident’s care plan to make sure it is still up-to-date.     

We provide dedicated 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and a full-time nurse onsite and on call 24-7.  We also have Certified Medication Care Managers, pharmacy services and much more. For your safety, each suite has an emergency call system.  

Assisted living residents enjoy three delicious daily meals expertly prepared by an Executive Chef and served restaurant style in our lovely dining room.  In addition, a range of convenient services including a full salon offering manicures and pedicures, general store, library, and bistro. For entertainment, residents enjoy our on-site theatre and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website to learn more.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living communities.  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 amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the finest senior living in the Littleton area.

Make a Healthy Lifestyle a Priority in the New Year

We all know the holidays are a good excuse to heartily enjoy the rich, festive foods that make an appearance this time of the year.  However with the New Year, it is an excellent time to get back to a healthier lifestyle or to start one.  

As many seniors do not exercise as much as they once did, most do not require as many calories as in the past, so the foods they do choose need to be rich in nutrients.  One good way to start eating healthier is by adding more fruits and veggies to your diet and when you do snack, to make sure it is a healthy one.  Rather than potato chips and candies, choose fruit smoothies, Greek yogurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, veggies and low-fat dip, or nuts and trail mixes.     

Experts recommend starting your morning with a hydrating warm drink and to remember to continue to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day.  Also stay active, and if you don’t already have a work-out buddy, find one as it can make it more fun to exercise.   In addition, studies show that making meals a social affair encourages better eating habits. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is committed to provide the best assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers, which includes a 5 Star dining experience.  Our meals are prepared under the guidance of our own Executive Chef and prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients.  We also offer a range of wellness programs and activities, which include fun exercise classes suitable for our residents.   Visit our website for more information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Do You Have a Hard Time Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions?

For many of us, the New Year is a time for new beginnings and we optimistically start it with a resolve to do things like losing weight, exercising on a regular basis, going back to school, saving more money, or getting a new job.  Some people’s resolutions include being kinder or becoming more involved in their church and community.  Others resolve to do something entirely new and really spread their wings and fly!

However all of our good intentions can quickly fade away come February or March when many of us give up on keeping our New Year’s resolutions.  This is where a few tips come in handy to help us stay the course during 2020; and start by with focusing on the best way to achieve our goals.  For example, if you decide to lose weight, you will be more motivated if you also think about what you will gain such as increasing your energy level and improving your overall health.  

Another thing behavior scientists seem to agree on is that we are apt to be more successful with our resolutions if we start small.  In other words don’t set goals too high, too broad, or too many of them as that sets us up for failure.   So if you have never exercised before, set realistic goals such as three days a week at the gym for ½ hour; and if that works for you, you can add more days/time to your routine as year goes on. 

It is also important to be honest with yourself.  Do you really want to do something or is it something you think you should do; or what others want you to do?  Dr. Karen Lawson, director of the Integrative Health Coaching program at the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota, explains “Many people don’t make their own resolutions out of what’s most meaningful and desirable for them but rather what other people told them they need to do, or out of fear or guilt,”   When our motivation isn’t from the heart, it typically is not destined for success.  Conversely when we take time to figure out what is truly important to us, we can set a course of action motivated from within.    

To help stay motivated throughout the year, keep track of your progress in a journal.  In addition, share your goals with others who can help inspire and motivate you. 

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

Source: cbsnews.com/news/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-and-how-to-make-them-stick/

Socialization is an Important Component to Seniors Good Health

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we know that senior living communities offer many benefits including the often-overlooked benefit of socialization.  Senior living provides a natural, easy way to be around people that share your interests as well as encourages older adults to stay engaged in life.  In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has substantial research that shows socialization is an important component to our good health.   

One thing the NIH studies consistently found is a “strong correlation between social interaction and health and well-being among older adults.”  Moreover they found that social isolation may have significant adverse effects for older adults. They report that social relationships are strongly associated with biomarkers of health and that loneliness may have a physical as well as an emotional impact such as a higher risk for symptoms of depression.  

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we proudly offer services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit, and consider Wellness to be a joint effort between Life Enrichment and our Wellness Care Team.  In addition, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.  

Please visit MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s website to learn more about our beautiful senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  Our community has 45 suites for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans available. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living and memory care in the area.

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive 

Dementia Care Specialists at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

In addition to our 45 private suites for assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides 19 secure suites devoted to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  Dedicated to providing the best memory care in the area, our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to encourage residents’ independence as much as possible, while providing individualized care that stimulates or calms as the situation requires.  

At MorningStar our approach to memory care is designed around our comprehensive program we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our philosophy encourages us to walk alongside a resident as we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the world of dementia.  With insight and intentionality, we enter into our memory-impaired residents’ “purple world” to cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. We also educate the families of those afflicted with dementia on how to follow our lead and enter too.

Another important aspect of our unique methodology is to accept the diagnosis of dementia and embrace the fact (we know it is difficult) that this is the path we must take together.  By embracing a deep understanding of the disease, it allows us to embrace the necessary changes in our own communication style as well as physically embrace residents with the power of touch. And most importantly we embrace hope.  

Finally, Lavender Sky explores a boundless variety of resourceful and individualized solutions for we recognize that what works today may not work tomorrow.  When memory care residents come to MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we explore the person’s life including their background, interests and preferences to create a specialized care plan.  We also explore ways to engage and involve their family members. 

As you can see, memory care at our community springs from a deep understanding of the disease and is offered with the utmost love and compassion.   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. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge.

Legal & Financial Considerations for Someone with Dementia

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you and your family will need to take steps to plan for your/their future.  Experts advise families that along with discussing dementia care options, they financially and legally plan for the future. 

The National Institute on Aging advises the person to examine and update their financial and healthcare arrangements as soon as possible. By having legal and financial documents in place, such as a will, a living trust, and advance directives, it ensures the person’s late-stage or end-of-life healthcare and financial decisions are carried out.      

The NIA suggests having a lawyer draw up and maintain the documents as they understand State law and can help update changes to a person’s circumstances such as divorce or a death in the family, and other applicable changes.  These documents should include Advance Directives for Health Care: 

A living will expresses the person’s wishes in regard to medical treatment near the end of life when they can no longer make known their decisions regarding healthcare.  In addition, some people have a Do Not Resuscitate Order signed by a doctor, placed in their medical file that instructs healthcare professionals to not perform CPR in the event they stop breathing or their heart stops.  

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that specifically designates a person (sometimes known as an agent or proxy) to make healthcare decisions for the individual when they no longer have the capacity to do so.  This document applies to all healthcare decisions and for all types of medical conditions. 

Advance Directives for Financial and Estate Management must be done while a person still has the legal capacity to make decisions and includes a durable power of attorney for finances.  This designates a person of your choosing to manage and make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with exceptional assisted living, we provide the best memory care Colorado Springs offers.  Please visit our website to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers

Beware of Elder Fraud

According to the U.S. News & World Report, every year there are 5 million cases of elder fraud in the U.S., resulting in as much as $27.4 billion in losses.  Additionally, these crimes are often hard for law enforcement to prosecute because in many cases victims are too embarrassed to report the crimes.  The FBI says con artists also know that seniors do not make good witnesses even if they do report the crime due to the effects of age on their memory and the length of time it takes to bring a case to justice.     

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite, to believe people are basically good, and have a hard time saying “no.”  These are the traits con artists exploit.  Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger. 

A recent scheme that targeted a large group of seniors was a robocall that informed people they needed to return the call as there was a security issue with their social security number.  When the person called back, they were asked for their full name, address and S.S. number, and told their SS# had been comprised and they would be receiving a new one.   Authorities warn that if criminals obtain someone’s full name and SS#, it allows them to do all kinds of damage to the victim including trying to collect their benefits.    

Another scam is romance fraud, which involves a person being approached by the scammer through dating sites or other social media.  A relationship ensues through online contact but never face-to-face.  After a level of trust is established, the person is asked to send small amounts of money for alleged emergencies to test their willingness and gullibility.  Finally as the scam plays out, the person may give the con artist large amounts of money, or even be used to receive money or goods purchased with stolen credit cards or to transport drugs.     

The FBI warns that there are many fraudulent schemes to be aware of including telemarketing scams, Medicare scams, tax fraud, etc.  They say, “If you are age 60 or older—and especially if you are an older woman living alone—you may be a special target of people who sell bogus products and services by telephone.”  Remember to never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online and do not send money.    

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.

Sources: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/how-to-prevent-senior-fraud

fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/seniors

Tips for Choosing a Walker

Many older adults, especially those in an assisted living or memory care community are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be.  This puts them in danger of a fall, which can have many serious repercussions on a seniors’ health.  If you are considering getting a walker to help you move about safely you should know that there are several types which meet different needs.  

For starters since there are several kinds of walkers, you should consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to assist you to find the most suitable one.  They will make sure it is your size as well as the right type. To determine size, you should be able to stand between the rails, and the width of the walker should be level with the insides 

of your wrists. A professional will also teach you how to use the walker and provide tips for normal activities such as sitting down while using a walker.  This is done by backing up until you feel the seat of the chair behind you. Now bend forward at your hip and reach behind with one hand to grab the armrest.  Do the same with your other hand as you carefully lower yourself onto the center of the chair.        

Common types of walkers include a basic walker that has four legs with rubber tips on each one.  To use, a person must pick up the walker as they take a step. A wheeled walker can have two fixed wheels on the front that do not swivel side to side or have rubber tips on the front legs and small wheels on the back.  These walkers allow people to walk more naturally as they do not need to be picked up with each step. A three-wheel walker has one wheel in front and two in back and offers the advantage of being lighter and easier to move around in smaller spaces.  

Rollators are four-wheeled walkers and can be equipped with a seat and basket.  These walkers are equipped with hand brakes and are ideal for people who do not need to apply a lot of weight to the walker.  However, they are not recommended for people with dementia as they may forget to use the hand brake.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living and memory care in the area.

Helping Your Parent Find the Best Assisted Living Community

If you have started searching for assisted living facilities for a parent, you know if can be overwhelming.  You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences.  Moreover you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad out of a place after just a few months.  That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow that you take your time and you get it right.   

The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for senior living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff.  One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the place.   

Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations such as studios or one- and two bedrooms, and what is the availability.  If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite.  Also, if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a suite).  You will also want to learn more about the care services your loved one will receive.  Will they have access to care 24/7?  How close is the community to a medical care facility and how are medical emergencies handled?  Does the staff receive any type of special training?  Do any of the caregivers have CPR training? 

Location is another thing to consider as you will want a place that is convenient to all of the family and friends that will want to visit.  Be sure to ask if you will be allowed to visit at any time or is there a set schedule when residents can receive visitors.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows looks forward to answering all of your questions.  Committed to be the best senior living in the area, MorningStar’s care team works hard to give our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community second to none.  Our beautiful Colorado Springs community offers assisted living and memory care along with a wide range of resort-style amenities and care services.

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.

Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

Currently Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.  For older adults, it is ranked third and is just behind heart disease and cancer.  There are several forms of dementia but Alzheimer’s is the most common.  Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia.  

Alzheimer’s disease is named after a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, Dr. Alois Alzheimer.  In 1901, Dr. Alzheimer began observing a 51-year-old female patient at the Frankfurt Asylum who had a range of strange behavioral symptoms, including a loss of short-term memory.   Throughout the next five years of her life, Dr. Alzheimer studied the women.  Upon her death, he examined her brain where he discovered “many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary, or tau tangles).  These plaques and tangles in the brain are still considered some of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Researchers now believe Alzheimer’s disease begins about a decade before the first symptoms appear such as memory loss and other cognitive problems.  During this period, toxic changes begin in the brain that includes abnormal deposit of proteins, which form amyloid plaques and tau tangles.  In addition healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die.

While symptoms vary, the early stages of Alzheimer’s include a decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment.  As the disease progresses, memory problems increase as well as symptoms such as “wandering, getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes.”  Most people are diagnosed with the disease in this stage. 

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our mission is to provide the best senior living Des Moines area offers, and we understand the devastation a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is for a family.  Our assisted living and memory care facility has 29 secure suites in the Reflections Neighborhood to provide compassionate care to seniors with mild to advanced stages of dementia. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines area has to offer.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

Intellectual Stimulation is Good for Brain Health

Several studies indicate life-long learning is good for seniors’ brain health and starting a new hobby or learning a skill late in life can help to boost a person’s memory.  In one study from the University of Texas at Dallas, researchers found that older adults “who took on a new mentally challenging hobby saw a lasting increase in their memory skills.”  They theorize that when seniors mentally challenge themselves with new skills such as playing an instrument, learning to operate a computer, or being taught to quilt, networks within the brain are being strengthened. 

Neurologists in another study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland discovered that a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Their findings suggest that older adults “who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are 2.5 times less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which impacts approximately 4 million Americans.”

Other research out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School appear to support these findings.  Their study relied on interviews as well as brain scans of participants, and findings indicate that seniors who have had a higher level of intellectual stimulation throughout the course of their lives, showed a marked delay in the onset of memory-related problems and other Alzheimer’s type symptoms.   

At MorningStar, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless, and feel it is our privilege to provide seniors an environment where they can be productive and engaged each day.  Our Life Enrichment Team presents creative ways to stay active and enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  If you are looking for the best assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Are You Watching Too Much TV?

For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults.   A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory.  The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older. 

Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV.  Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency.  Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.”   For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time.  The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time.  The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected. 

It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults.  One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy  Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia."

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines area offers, which includes the care services residents’ need as well as a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection.  With such a broad range of activities, we are sure you will find something of interest, such as exercise classes, socials, trivia and games, arts and crafts, entertainment, outings and much more. Please call or visit our website for more information. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 within a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines area has to offer.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Assisted Living Meets All of Your Needs

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.  Our community has 56 private assisted living suites, and another 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. 

If you are wondering how costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline.  Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs.  Even before you move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan.  Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed. 

You monthly fee is based on a couple of things including your choice of apartment (we offer spacious studios and one-and two bedrooms suites) and its location within the building and views.  In addition, we offer five levels of care for assisted living, and your level will be determined by your care plan.  MorningStar also offers a range of auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, which are priced a la carte.     

MorningStar at Jordan Creek is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Amenities include a bistro, life enrichment room, fitness room, library, salon and much more. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. Our equally enjoyable outdoor areas include enclosed courtyards, raised garden beds and strolling paths.   Please visit our website for more information. 

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.

Is Your Parent Managing Their Medications Appropriately?

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

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

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

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

Looking at assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs for you or a loved one?  MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides the utmost care for our assisted living and memory care residents.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers.  Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community.

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.

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