Looking for Assisted Living in Colorado Springs?

If you are searching for the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  Every aspect of our gorgeous home, from the ground up, has been meticulously designed to ensure our residents the utmost comfort, safety and wellbeing. 

Just knowing a loved one is being cared for by the compassionate, loving staff of MorningStar is sure to give you peace of mind.  If it is you who is thinking of making MorningStar your new home, you will be surprised to find that once you get the daily assistance you need, you will not feel as if you lost your independence but rather be better able to lead a full life.

One thing that sets MorningStar at Mountain Shadows apart from other senior living communities is the fact that our team consists of the type of people who believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.  They are individuals with big hearts who are drawn to the idea of serving seniors.  They are also the kind of men and women that understand seniors are true heroes who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.  As one family member of a MorningStar resident wrote, “Your staff is amazingly prompt and always respectful. I never hear a harsh word or even see a frown. Each and every staff member is gentle, kind, thoughtful and never seems to be in a hurry. MorningStar has shown commitment and devotion to my family that is truly biblical.”

If fact, our community is not just a place for the elderly to live out their days, but a true home filled with love and laughter.  Along with five-star dining and a whole list of resort-style amenities, we provide a wide range of care services and wellness programs.  Every day our calendar is filled with fun and meaningful activities that allow residents to expand their mind, enjoy the company of friends, and enhance their health and wellness.  After all, when given the opportunity to learn and to contribute, it allows us all to shine.  Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 provide our residents the best assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Dealing with a Loved One’s Diagnose of Alzheimer’s Disease

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all.  Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold.  Most are left with questions about what to expect next.  

As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.”  They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages.

Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better.  Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors.  Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned.  You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care.   

Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day.  A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away.  

The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings.  They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses.  Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings.  

At MorningStar of Littleton, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our memory care residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. 

MorningStar of Littleton 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 and memory care in Littleton.

It is Sometimes Difficult to Realize Your Parent Needs More Care

It is sometimes difficult for adult children to realize their parent needs more care in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  This is why MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers a Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process of making the move to senior living, especially assisted living, which is a fairly new paradigm in wellness and engagement.  

Some of the typical signs that indicate your parent needs more help include falling, driving mishaps, and forgetting significant things such as leaving the stove-top on.  Also really take a look at how they are living. Does their home seem a lot more cluttered and less tidy? Is unopened mail piling up? Does your parent suffer from failing eyesight, poor balance or forgetfulness?  Another sign your parent is not doing well on their own is if they look less groomed or appear to be wearing the same clothes for days at a time.  

When you put all of this together, it probably means your loved one is not able to care for themselves as they once did, and it is time to begin discussing alternatives to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  Start by gathering your family together in a relaxed atmosphere and approach the conversation slowly. Remember your first conversation is just a starting point and the decision will most likely be make in stages.  During the conversation it should be noted that getting the care your loved one needs will benefit the whole family. You may even be pleasantly surprised to learn your parent has started to think they need a change.  

We want you to know MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s team is ready to help.  Our community consists of 45 private suites specifically designed for assisted living and offers spacious studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, we have another 19 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   Please visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Spring is Here! Time to Declutter & Clean-up Your Home!

Now that we find ourselves spending more time at home, let’s make a commitment to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days as well as take advantage of the time to spruce up and declutter our homes.  A lot of us are guilty of accumulating too much stuff, while others recognize the problem but don’t know how to get started and feel overwhelmed even thinking about it.  Some of us just love the idea of living a more simple life with a lot less stuff.  

This is where it helps to get sound advice from the experts who suggest that before you begin, form a plan that includes setting a goal for what you hope to achieve.  So do you want to tackle one area in particular that really needs attention or methodically go through your whole home? 

Once you determine your objective and where you want to start, implement the four box system.  This means designating one box for trash for items, which are not recyclable, broken, or in good enough shape to donate.  Box two can be for items you wish to donate, sell, recycle or give to family members that may need them. 

Your next box should be for items you wish to keep such as mementos, seasonal decorations, and other treasures that do not need to part of your everyday life.  Before it goes in the box, make a list so you know what’s in it.  The last box is for everything that needs to put away in its proper place.

One room that frequently needs attention is the living room, which can quickly become a family drop off point and a hot spot for collecting clutter.  Start by sorting through stuff such as books, magazines, games, toys, etc. that are consuming table surfaces and creating an overflow on shelves and other storage areas. Books you are done with, donate to your local library, recycle magazines, and so on.  The same four box system can be used throughout the decluttering process.  Also remember in addition to being dust magnets, there is such a thing as too many knickknacks so trim down and just keep the most sentimental ones.  Continue through the room finding permanent places for anything that stays and get rid of or designate the rest to other areas.     

Once your home is decluttered, you will be surprised by how much easier it is to keep clean and how much better you feel.  Good luck and stay focused!

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.

Morning of Wheat Ridge Offers Unparalleled Senior Living

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our goal is to create a true “home” for residents along with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our care philosophy evolved from a unique and loving concept.  MorningStar Senior Living began when Ken Jaeger, our founder, set out to establish his own brand of exceptional senior living.   

Ken’s dream was to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch.  He explains how he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this distinct beginning, MorningStar was founded on the following three statements:

• 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

We back up our mission statement with a set of core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. These values guide us in day-to-day life as well as in the way we dispense care to each resident.  Along with our mission to serve seniors, we support local causes such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as other global issues.  

So what does all this mean for our assisted living and memory care residents?  MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives.  We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes.  Each staff member is the type of person who does the right thing even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents.  Please visit our website to get pricing and availability or to set up a tour to see why MorningStar is so special.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Legal and Care Planning Tools

Especially if you are an older adult, you should have a will or trust drawn up as well as a power-of-attorney and an advanced directive.   The difference between a will and a trust is a will is a legal document that goes into effect after the person dies while a trust goes into effect as soon as it is created.  The trustor (the creator of that trust) can name others to be in charge of the trust when she or he becomes incapacitated or dies. 

A living will, also known as a Health Care Directive, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health care if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.  The person named as the health care authority has the power to make medical decisions and sees to it that the wishes of the person is carried out.  

Another legal document many seniors find is a good idea to have is a Durable Power Of Attorney (DPOA).  The document is used if the person (the principal) ever becomes mentally incapacitated and covers both financial and medical decisions.   The attorney-in-fact or agent in effect becomes a legal guardian for the disabled principal.

These types of documents should be drawn up before a person becomes incapacitated.  If someone has a diminished capacity due to Alzheimer’s disease or another medical condition and needs someone to handle their medical and financial decisions, a person can pursue a legal Guardianship status for them.  Legal guardianship is granted by the courts and typically continues throughout the remainder of the person’s life. Please refer to your financial consultant or attorney for more information.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Enjoy Dining at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to provide the best senior living in the area, which is why we work hard to create a 5-star dining experience for our residents. We understand the healing power of “breaking bread together,” and that it provides more than just nutrients but bonds us together as family and friends.  This is one of the reasons our community serves meals restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  

Meals at MorningStar are prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef and made from the freshest homegrown or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  Chef welcomes residents’ feedback and adapts recipes to make sure everyone enjoys our mealtimes.  

In addition, we are committed to using BrainWise foods, which have been recognized as supporting brain health.  Super Foods include items such as blue and black berries and acai that contain anti-inflammatory properties and mega antioxidants.  Our delicious, nutrient-rich meals may include nuts and seeds, which are not only a great source of protein but are rich in omega-3 and Vitamin E, supplements known for fighting cognitive decline.   

Other foods we serve are omega-3 rich fish and healthy, antioxidant treats made with dark chocolate.  We also offer a selection of sugar free, no sugar added, low sodium, vegetarian and low fat choices so our residents can self-manage their diets to meet any restrictions. 

In our Reflections Neighborhood for memory care, mealtime is a community gathering place with team members eating right alongside our residents, and family members welcome to join us.  Furthermore, we recognize eating can be difficult for some individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia so we serve lots of finger foods as well as mechanically soft and puréed or thickened liquids.  Most importantly our easy-to-recognize balanced meals taste as good as they look. Please visit our website to learn more about the many amenities and services offers by MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Individualized Care for Those with Memory Loss

Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades.  In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care.    

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge senior living community, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.   Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well.

Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Our community has secure outdoor space reserved for our memory care residents and we provide assistance in whatever way your loved one needs us including eating and daily personal care activities.  Right from the start, we interview the family so we may become familiar with the resident’s personal preferences, background, and hobbies, and then design a care plan suited around their needs.     

Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value.  We strive to make each day as special as possible for our memory care residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s quality memory care.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease.  

As older adults’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts. In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemicals.  

Other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of heart disease are quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and lowering your blood pressure.   A heart healthy lifestyle must also include daily exercise and even a few minutes a day can be beneficial. If it has been a while since you have exercised, check with your doctor and start slowly.  The Heart Association cites research that indicates 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep your weight at a healthy level.

Committed to provide the best assisted living Littleton CO has to offer, MorningStar of Littleton provides residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our meals are both tasty as well as healthy and we offer lots of fun physical activities to keep our residents moving.  Please visit our website for pricing and availability information.  

Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “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 Littleton CO offers.

Today’s Senior Living Options

Many people think they already know everything there is to know about senior living communities – “a place where old people go to die.”  This could not be further from the truth.  As the largest assisted living referral service, a Place for Mom explains, “senior assisted living is a viable option that can enhance your quality of life by empowering you to live that life the way you want to.”  Today’s vibrant communities include independent living for active seniors, assisted living for those needing help with personal daily care activities, and memory care. 

In fact, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek are specifically designed to give aging adults the opportunity to maintain their independence while providing access to the assistance they need.  In addition they get the benefit of built-in companionship as well as a range of meaningful wellness programs and activities. 

Another misconception about assisted living is that you will have to give up your privacy.  At our community, residents have a choice of spacious private suites in a variety of floorplans to meet varying needs.  Each suite is ready to move into and just needs your furnishings and personal items to make it your new home.

Did you know that many of today’s communities including MorningStar are pet friendly?  We recognize that for many seniors, their pet is a part of their family, and it is essential to their wellbeing to bring that member along with them as they transition to assisted living. 

People sometimes worry that moving into assisted living may further remove them from the comfort and security of knowing their family’s help is not far away.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, you no long need to worry about the risks of living alone.  We offer the comfort and security of 24/7 care so that if you need assistance in the middle of the night, someone is right there to help. 

If you are looking for the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek.  We offer 56 assisted living suites in spacious studio and one- and two-bedroom floor plans.  Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 29 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

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: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/senior-assisted-living

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.   

When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation.  

Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older adults who live alone do not eat as well as they should.  Also when you no longer have a job and do not drive, living on your own can be lonely. At assisted living communities, you have your own private nest but people around whenever you feel in need of company.  MorningStar of Littleton’s monthly calendar offers a full range of wellness programs and entertaining activities to keep you as busy as you like.  

Senior living communities also offer the benefit of making seniors feel safer without the worry of home intrusions.  At MorningStar, you will have peace of mind knowing that around-the-clock help is just a push of a button away. Additionally, all suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms.  

MorningStar of Littleton has 65 assisted living suites, as well as 20 secure memory care suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Along with beautiful suites we have lots of inviting common areas including strolling paths, all-season porches and patios.  While the gallery of pictures on our website will give you a good idea of our community, we encourage you to schedule a visit to fully experience our loving home. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “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 Littleton CO offers.

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