Keep Physically Active to Improve Your Brain

Most of us feel better overall after we exercise even if it is not strenuous.  A nice walk can leave us feeling more clearheaded and studies are proving that it is not just in our minds.

Research has shown that when we exercise, “blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain. More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better.”  In fact, the May 2013 Harvard Men's Health Watch, published an article stating that physical exercise helps us to maintain healthy blood pressure and weight, improve energy, lift mood, lower stress and anxiety, and keep the heart healthy - all which in turn benefit the brain. 

The article explains exercise may stimulate brain regions involved in memory function and release a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose job is to rewire memory circuits to work better.  Dr. Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," explains, “When you exercise and move around, you are using more brain cells," and using more brain cells turns on genes to make more BDNF."

At the MorningStar at Jordan Creek assisted living and memory care community, we know that wellness includes engaging our mind, body and spirit each day and that continuing to learn and contribute is important to everyone’s wellbeing regardless of age.  We are proud to be a true home and to have created a culture in which residents are seen as heroes and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our cherished residents and their families have come to know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest assisted living Des Moines–West Des Moines has to offer. 

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-West Des Moines offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/get-your-heart-pumping-in-the-fight-against-forgetfulness

Join the MorningStar at Jordan Creek Family

For the area’s finest senior living, Des Moines area seniors are invited to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek. Our whole team is committed to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community while living up to our unique mission statement as follows:

·         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    

MorningStar Senior Living’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Seventeen years later, MorningStar has continued to grow and prosper with over 30 communities in 10 states open or under construction.

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who do the right thing even when no one is watching and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Our compassionate community is filled with love and laughter as we aspire to and nurture our core values of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community as well as for information on pricing and availability.           

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek’s unique mission statement 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.

Is Assisted Living Right for You?

You may be confused about whether assisted living is the best choice for you or your loved one.  While licensing requirements for assisted living communities vary by state, they generally provide care for individuals who do not require around-the-clock skilled nursing.  The National Center for Assisted Living defines assisted living as “part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.”

Thus, assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who are mainly independent but need help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and other personal care tasks.  They also provide daily meals and 24/7 care and can readily accommodate residents’ changing needs and preferences.  Most offer transportation and housekeeping services, which mean an assisted living home is perfect for aging in place.       

Many communities provide wellness programs and activities that engage and support the residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs.  Furthermore, many encourage family members to get involved with the community’s activities and special events.    

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 well-designed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we offer 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  If you are looking for the finest memory care or assisted living Colorado Springs offers, please contact us so we can help you find your new home.   

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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx

Visiting an Assisted Living Community

Experts say that one of the most important things you can do for a parent or another loved one in an assisted living community is to commit to visiting on a regular basis.  We are not suggesting every day or even every other day, in fact you need to give your loved one time to bond with those in their community, but rather to be consistent with your visits. 

If you worry about what you will talk about or do during your visits, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, has some tips to help you spend meaningful time together.  One of their suggestions is to do a craft project together.  You will find all kinds of ideas on the Internet and can use upcoming holidays for appropriately themed projects.    Scrapbooking is another idea and will give your parent the chance to reminisce about the past and to share old family stories.  Pick up scrapbooking supplies at your local craft store and bring along plenty of photos (be sure to get some of your newer digital photos printed out) to use in the book. 

Visits to your loved one can be as simply as scheduling the time to coincide with a favorite TV show both you and your parent love to watch.  Not only can you enjoy the show together but then discuss the twists and turns that the program is taking afterward.  The same can be said for starting a book club, and if your parent’s eyesight makes reading difficult, you can read a chapter or two and then talk about the story.   If family members live far away, you could help them set up a video chat as many seniors are not comfortable with the technology to do it themselves.  Other suggestions include playing cards or board games, having a picnic on the grounds of the assisted living community, and creating a playlist of favorite tunes and then listen to it together.  

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Colorado Springs area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. Our community offers 45 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans along with 19 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting. Please 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 Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-activities-for-your-next-visit/

Does Mom or Dad Need More Care to Assure Their Safety and Wellbeing?

Have you started to think your parent or a loved one may need more care in the near future to assure their safety and wellbeing?  If the time is coming when they will need help with daily personal care activities, you may want to consider assisted living.   A community such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers a residential home where your loved one will receive the assistance they need, and allow them to live as independently as possible. 

If this sounds like your situation, you will want to include your parent in the decision making process as the more they are involved, the better they will accept the decision.  In the case of a loved one being in denial about the need for changes in their lifestyle, it may help to read suggestions from experts on how to navigate through the process such as MorningStar’s Decision Guide, which is available on our website.   

Stella Henry, R.N., author of The Eldercare Handbook, explains, “Many seniors unrealistically believe they can take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.”  She suggests you start laying the groundwork for eventual lifestyle changes now regardless of whether a change is eminent or sometime in the distant future.  Another specialist, Barry Jacobs, PsyD, a psychologist who has counseled many people through the emotional journey of moving elderly parents, advises adult children to ask their parent to “indulge” them by visiting an assisted living community.  He adds that people are more likely to reconsider their position if a decision is of their own making. 

For the area’s finest senior living, Des Moines area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek.  Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities that engage and support residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek consists of 56 private suites specifically designed for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, we have another 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing. 

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: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/moving-elderly-parents

Music Memories are Often Preserved in Alzheimer’s Disease

The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.”  Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation. 

Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.  Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”  When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time. 

Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person.  It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm.  The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.”   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ goal is to provide the best assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers.  As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease.  Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort.  Please contact us to learn about our exceptional 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 the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173

alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Medication Management

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offer to residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.” 

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind.  Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.” 

Please visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers.  With 45 assisted living suites and 19 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/

Learn More About MorningStar at Jordan Creek

If you live away from your aging parents or other elderly loved ones, we hope you are able to schedule visits at least a few times per year.  Sometimes spending more time with mom or dad after not seeing them for some time can bring up real concerns about how well they are taking care of themselves on their own.  In fact, you may be seriously considering how much they would benefit from the many services and amenities offered by assisted living.

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we understand many seniors are reluctant to make a change in their current living situation, which is why MorningStar offers a useful Decision Guide on our website under the “Family Resources” tab.  Here you will find information on the various senior living options available today.  The idea of Assisted Living took root in the late 1990s, as people started to realize there had to be a better option than the town’s nursing home, which often was a depressing, institutionalized facility that felt nothing like a home.     

Enter the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which was begun in 2003 to fill that need.  As Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger explains, he wanted to create senior housing defined by the human touch.  He explains, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”   

Assisted living is designed for seniors who need a little help with day-to-day living but do not require full-time nursing.  Communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek understand that senior living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive with meaningful wellness programs and activities, fine dining, and a wide range of care services.  In addition, it gives residents the opportunity to build relationships with fellow residents and our compassionate staff.     

Our Decision Guide suggests you clearly identify what you are trying to solve in terms of your parent’s comfort, wellbeing and safety, and to do this with an eye to not only next year, but to the next 5-10 years.  If you are looking for some of the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, please give us a call.  We would love to help you set up a tour to see firsthand what we are about as well as discuss availability and pricing. 

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

Be as Busy as You Like at MorningStar

Just because someone is older, it doesn’t mean the need for company, support and love lessens any.  Studies have found a consistent social life is particularly important to seniors’ emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.  However due to lifestyle changes many seniors experience such as retiring from the workplace, the death of a spouse and/or other close family and friends, and no longer driving, older adults can find themselves socially isolated. 

Having a healthy social life alleviates feelings of loneliness as well as helps to reduce the likelihood of depression, which is common among seniors.  It also helps to stave off cognitive decline and lessen anxiety.  

Seniors with a more robust social life have been found to exercise more, which in itself can lead to better mental as well as physical health by strengthening the heart and immune system.  Researchers have found longevity to be another benefit of socialization, and maintaining a healthy social life is believed to improve seniors’ self-esteem and sense of worth. 

Committed to be the best memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides a true home for our residents with a mission of building a “Family for Life.”  Our team consists of compassionate, loving individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  In addition, we offer a wide range of onsite amenities and services to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of our residents.  Our monthly calendar is loaded with meaningful wellness programs along with fun, entertaining activities.  Moreover, both assisted living and memory care residents can participate in scheduled outings and special events. 

Please visit MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ website to learn more about our loving community.  Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community along with beautifully appointed common spaces and well-designed suites, we are confident you will be impressed.

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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer. 

Source: healthfully.com/543831-the-importance-of-elderly-exercise-socialization-programs.html

Why Choose MorningStar at Mountain Shadows?

You may have found that there are several senior living communities in the area and may be wondering what sets MorningStar at Mountain Shadows apart other assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers?  To start with, we provide seniors comfortable private suites and inviting gathering areas as well as scenic exterior patio and strolling paths.  Our home offers 45 assisted living suites along with 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities.  Assisted living at MorningStar offers five levels of care along with a wide range of auxiliary medical and non-medical services.  We are also proud to have earned a reputation as one of the leading memory care providers in the Western U.S.  Our Reflections Neighborhood offers a holistic approach to caring for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

However, the thing that really sets us apart from other area senior living communities is our unique mission statements.  MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior housing that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.”  Our mission statements start by honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and investing heavily in our teams’ ability to serve well.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest.  Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services.  Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service. 

We invite you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, follow our link to inquire about availability and pricing or contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful 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 the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Stay Active at Any Age – Volunteer, Join a Club & Get Involved!

Scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggests that engaged individuals are typically healthier and express more satisfaction with life.  In fact the NIA cites research linking social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for various physical and mental conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.

The journal, PLOS ((Public Library of Science) Medicine, reports that in almost 150 studies focusing on social relationships and mortality, they found loneliness may be just as bad as smoking and worse than obesity.  The studies also showed those with more developed social relationships had a “50 percent increased likelihood of survival than those whose relationships were weaker.”  Thus it appears an active social life isn’t just good fun but is good for us!

It also turns out volunteering is a great way to increase social connections, and benefits you and your family as much as it does the cause you help.  It connects you to the community in a more meaningful way and helps to improve the quality of life for those you touch.  As a volunteer, you will meet and make friends with people otherwise unknown to you, expand your network, and boost your social skills.  Also volunteering can help combat feelings of depression, increase self-confidence and give you a sense of purpose. 

Other interesting and fun ways to stay active is to join a club.  It can be something you are already passionate about or interested in learning more, and offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people. 

One example is a walking club, which can help keep you motivated and introduce you to people with similar goals.  It does not require fancy equipment or a gym, and offers the benefit of being good for your heart.  If there is not a club around you, start one by inviting family, friends and neighbors.   If you are an avid gardener, join a gardening club or volunteer at a community garden project.  If you love to play chess, join a chess club, or become more active in your church or local school, and so forth.  

Have an interested in local politics or would you like to do more to support your library or other community events?  Go to your town’s website and take a look at their calendar of upcoming meetings and events.  Moreover if there is something you want to see get done in your own neighborhood or city, start a group and undertake the service project together.

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 and the surrounding area has to offer.

Gift Guide for Those with Dementia

We all like to bring our elderly parents or loved ones a gift to show them just how much we care about them. It is often hard to know what to give to a senior, and especially difficult if a loved one is suffering from dementia.  Experts suggest you help them find ways to reminisce about their lives and accomplishments, and give them things that will bring a smile to their face and some joy into their life.    

Many ideas for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia include personalized gifts.  One such gift is a talking photo book that allows you to record your own person commentary to go along with each photograph.  This can be a fun book to sit and enjoy with your family member as it helps to trigger memories and conversation.  Many companies offer such books, and prices typically vary with the number of photos and recording time available. 

Buying an interactive book (the Alzheimer’s Association’s store has many) featuring vivid photographs and large print on a subject your mom or dad love such as animals or flowers can also promote conversation and provide a way to spend relaxing time together.  To ease stress or agitation, you may want to look into getting them a fiddle muff.  A fiddle muff can provide comfort and warmth as well as activity to promote increased hand flexibility and brain stimulation.

Another meaningful gift is a cozy, customized blanket filled with photos of the grandkids or a beloved family pet.  On the Internet you can find companies that will do a collage of family photos or a singular one in a variety of materials.  Many of the blankets have surprisingly sharp images and can be machined washed and dried. 

If the person has a hard time falling asleep or relaxing, calming visual and or audio stimulation may help.  Several companies have all-in-one cubes that offer a range of calming music and visual displays that can turn the ceiling into a beautiful night sky. 

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.

Sources: unforgettable.org/shining-star-cube-with-soothing-sounds

store.best-alzheimers-products.com/alzheimers-dementia-gift-ideas/alzheimers-gift-guide.html

Possible Financial Solutions to Make Care More Affordable

While MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is proud to offer high-quality assisted living and memory care for seniors, we also provide information on possible financial solutions to make care more affordable.  One example is our Companion Living option that is designed for two unrelated people of the same sex to share an assisted living or memory care suite.  

This is an ideal solution for those wishing to share expenses as the rent of the suite is split between the two residents as well as a way to build a lasting friendship.  Even if you do not have someone in mind to share a suite, we will help you find a roommate and go to great lengths to match you with an individual who has common interests and similar background.  

A roommate can also help to ease your transition to senior living.  You and your roommate can look out for one another, and as you are familiar with each another’s habits and personalities, may be the first person to notice changes in health and abilities.  Shared lives can help to boost health through improved sleeping patterns and an increased appetite. When you take advantage of companion living, you are still offered all of the personalized care and first-class amenities extended to our other residents.    

We also feel privileged to have veterans as part of our community and when we hear of vets who are interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to the local resources that can expertly handle their application process for “Aid & Attendance.”  This is monthly benefit payments extended through the V.A. to certain wartime Veterans (and their survivors) with financial need and physician orders for regular assistance with the activities of daily living.

Please visit our website to learn more about these and other options which may make senior care more affordable.  Offering both assisted living and memory care, MorningStar of Wheatridge is committed to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge.

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Littleton

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living in the Littleton, CO area, MorningStar of Littleton may be your answer.  Our community has 65 private assisted living suites, and another 20 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 of Littleton is designed to meet residents’ every need and offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Amenities include a bistro, general store, 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 a fireside patio, resident garden beds and strolling paths.   Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Littleton represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care community in the area.

Information for Seniors and Their Families on Our Website

While MorningStar’s first priority is to our residents, we also recognize that helping our families accept the transition to senior living is important.  This is why we have a website filled with useful information and resources regarding all aspects of our senior living communities. 

We encourage everyone to read the history of MorningStar and about our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger’s mission to start a senior housing company defined by the human touch.  He explains that he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Guided by our Radiance program, you will also learn how we deliver service - with warmth, sincerity and depth.

Furthermore, we understand that senior living and senior care decisions are often precipitated by major changes, which is why we provide a guide that details various retirement options.  One recommendation we offer is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve, and to think about not just next year, but rather the next 5 to 10 years.  We encourage you to read our points to consider for help in determining if assisted living is the best solution for you, your parent or spouse. In addition, you will find some of the troubling signs that could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, however please keep in mind that only a neurologist can make a diagnosis.      

Once you have reached the decision and start looking at senior living communities, we advise you to set up a tour.  Typically, the healthier spouse or child of the senior does the initial tours to rule out unsuitable options and narrow down the search.  We recommend not trying to do more than two tours a day as you will get a lot of information to take in and process. Please contact MorningStar of Wheat Ridge if we can be of any help or if you would like to set up a tour of our wonderful assisted living and memory care community.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with a mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is one built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge.

Memory Care Dining is About Nutrition and Community

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that many people suffering from Alzheimer’s may be “overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or have difficulty with eating utensils.”   This can be a problem as we know healthy eating is especially important for those with dementia and that poor nutrition can result in weight loss and increase behavioral symptoms.  

This is why in addition to the many aspects of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s memory care; we take our residents’ nutritional concerns very seriously.  One of the things we do to encourage our tender memory care residents to eat is to make dining as much about Community as it is about nutrition.  At mealtime, team members sit with residents to help make meal time an enjoyable, shared experience.  We also regularly serve meals family-style on platters and serving bowls to prompt residents to connect with memories of meals they have eaten or prepared during their lives.  Family members are invited to join us at any time.     

As our Reflections Neighborhood’s team is extremely experienced in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we know it is important to serve foods that taste as good as they look.  Furthermore, we understand some residents’ abilities at the table may be compromised, which is why we also serve finger foods; mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids; and easy-to-recognize balanced meals.  If the best option for your loved one is to eat pureed meat and vegetables, we offer elegant dishes that are both beautifully plated and purely delicious.      

Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.  

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:foodservicedirector.com/ideas-innovation/health-wellness/articles/4-ways-memory-care-dining-has-gone-beyond-finger-foods#page=3

Does Your Parent Need Help with the Activities of Daily Living?

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

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

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

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our expertise is to fill in the gaps and provide the level of care you or your loved needs.  We offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community that includes three daily nutritional meals, the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs, and to enjoy ready-made companionship.  

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

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

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Specialized Memory Care

Committed to be the best senior living Des Moines or West Des Moines offers, we feel it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  With 29 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings. 

In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services.  Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we sit down with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan.  Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, access to a full-time nurse, and participates in daily activities and scheduled outings and events.

As dementia care specialists, our approach and philosophy to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.”  Our program is another reflection of our Radiance culture and provides us with an insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All team members, regardless of their position, receive Lavender Sky training, which includes a deeper understanding of the disease and communication techniques to use with memory-impaired residents.  It also includes training in environmental safety and security and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors. 

Along with memory care, MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers exceptional assisted living.   Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. 

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 or West Des Moines offers.

After Your Parent’s Move to an Assisted Living Community

We know people react differently to the many challenges we face in our lifetime, so it is no surprise that some individuals have a more difficult time adapting to assisted living. Experts surmise that one of the reasons may be is that some seniors end up feeling that the decision was thrust on them, and a decline in their health left them with few choices. 

It is important for families to keep in mind that the first few months will probably be the most difficult adjustment period for their loved one.  In fact, once the initial transition is over, studies show that many older adults actually prefer the lifestyle community living offers. 

To assist your loved one with the transition, experts recommend a few things family members can do to help the process along.  They explain that it is especially important during the first few weeks to visit frequently, but also caution against being too protective.  Spending too much time with your loved one during their adjustment period can be counterproductive and may prevent them from adapting on their own. 

Another thing that will help is to encourage your parent to participate in the community’s activities.  The more involved they get in the community, the more likely they are to make new friends and start to feel at home.  

Also take the time to help them personalize their suite by adding treasured mementos and framed family photos as well as wall art they loved from their last home.  Add in furnishings like a comfy chair and a cozy throw in a color they love.  Furthermore, if space is at a premium, consider mounting the TV on a wall.  When helping to decorate, do not forget safety.  Make sure cords are safely tucked away and not in endanger of becoming trip hazards and that pathways are uncluttered and free of objects that could cause a fall. 

Visit MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ website to learn more about one of the area’s finest assisted living facilities.  Our beautiful Colorado Springs community offers assisted living and memory care.  

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:  assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/

Our Assisted Living Suites are Available in a Range of Stylish Floorplans

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Littleton was designed to create a true home for our residents and provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  From the moment you walk through the door, you are sure to be impressed by our beautiful architecture and inviting common areas including strolling paths, all-season porches and patios. 

Along with our compassionate care services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities, residents have a choice of smart floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 65 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some as large as 730 sq. ft.  You will find all of our suites have lots of lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and all that is missing to make it home is your own furnishings and personal items.  

Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette, a handicap-accessible bathroom, a 24-hour emergency call system, and a private heating & air conditioning system.  Your monthly fee includes cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services. We do trash removal and spot cleaning daily. Moreover if you are wondering, we are pet friendly!  

Please visit our website to view stunning photos and for more information about our loving assisted living community.   In addition to assisted living, we have 20 secure suites devoted to the care of those suffering with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages.  
MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  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 learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.