Keeping in Touch with Your Grandchildren

Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year.  While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity.  

There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as FaceTime or Skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories.  Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones.  If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen.  

Another way to stay connected is to start a family facebook page.  This is an easy, inexpensive way for any family member to post current pictures and to share day-to-day news as well as significant events.  It also lets other members add comments.  Also, do not forget about snail mail.  Kids love receiving mail and answering you back is a good way to get them to practice the art of letter writing.  

For grandkids who live close by and were used to seeing you several times a week, they may be wondering when they will see you again in person now that you are social distancing.  Experts suggest you talk honestly to your grandchildren about the separation and keep reminding them it is only temporary.   Tell them you have not forgotten them and that you will keep calling and they can keep calling you.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is safely accepting assisted living and memory care residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.  Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to creating a true home for residents.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Medication Management is One of Many Services at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers to residents.  One of these services 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.”  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a beautiful, loving senior living community located in a northern suburb of Metro Denver.  Our staff is comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. With 45 assisted living suites and 19 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

During the coronavirus outbreak, our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff; and we could not be more vigilant in our defensive approach. We are still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols.  Please see our website for more information.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

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

MorningStar’s Memory Care in West Des Moines

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving care for those with memory impairment. Our Reflections Neighborhood is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.

To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value. Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose.

Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads. We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members. At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers 29 secure memory care suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short-term stays. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted dementia care as well as to inquire about availability and pricing.

While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology. This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers.

News from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020

Many people think they rather not know if they will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the future.  However, medical experts say that not knowing causes a delay in available treatments that are most effective in the earliest stages of the disease or before the onset of symptoms begin.  Moreover, up until now most people had to wait months and sometimes up to a year or more to get a diagnosis; and even then, a true Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t possible until brain tissue was examined during an autopsy. Instead, doctors used a “series of cognitive tests, brain imaging scans, and bloodwork to help them rule out other conditions and make an educated guess.”

At the end of July, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), published an extensive article regarding a ground-breaking new blood test that was presented at this years Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2020.  Researchers explain that the test identifies the protein ptau-2017, a biomarker for Alzheimer’s, and has had results that beat out several other biomarkers scientists have currently been testing for.   

In fact, Jessica Caldwell, PhD, the director of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, says, “This test is predicting which people have Alzheimer’s dementia at 96 percent accuracy, and also predicts who has brain amyloid among people who have no memory problems at 90 percent accuracy. This is really remarkable!” 

Doctors say with better testing that we might be able to lessen the severity of the disease with earlier interventions.  And while the test is not available yet to doctors, experts say it is as a big step toward learning more about the disease and getting closer to a cure.  In the meantime, if you feel you are having memory problems, talk to your doctor about it.  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: wellandgood.com/blood-test-alzheimers-disease/

Loving Memory Care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia at home can be a difficult job.  Moreover, for some caregivers whose own health is less than perfect, the stress and worry of providing care for a loved one with dementia can be too much. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Staffed by compassionate, dementia care specialists, the Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our most tender residents.  Furthermore, we are equipped to care for seniors from the onset of the disease right through to the most advance stages.  

Our loving team takes a holistic approach to memory care that is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the very different and isolating world of dementia.  To fully support residents, we intentionally enter into the “purple world” of dementia and lovingly cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.   

The families of MorningStar’s memory care residents feel comforted knowing that every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood delivers focused care including mealtimes intended to stimulate the often-flagging appetites of residents.  In addition, we leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort as well as take into account the uniqueness of each person.  And most importantly, we embrace hope. 

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 45 private assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Currently, we are safely accepting new residents and we are very confident in our protocols for dealing with COVID-19. Please visit our website for additional information.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Send Your Favorite Senior a Gift Basket

If you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community and they are isolating themselves from the coronavirus, you probably would love to do something to brighten their day but just not sure how. One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options. Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks? Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses. For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest. A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers. If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books. If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket. While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight. For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.

If you are looking for outstanding senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information. Our beautiful community has 56 stylish assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In our Reflections Neighborhood, 29 secure suites are devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

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 senior living Des Moines - West Des Moines offers.

Learn More About MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Assisted Living Care

MorningStar at Jordan Creek wants to reassure families looking into assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need. Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director, who is also a registered nurse, will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences. In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly. If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services. We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly. Or it may be you worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day. We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents. To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure their have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day.

Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs. Within our 56 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some over 800 sq. ft. You will find all of our suites have 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. Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly!

Please visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers. While you are there, be sure to read the COVID-19 statement from MorningStar’s CEO detailing our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to keep our communities safe.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Does Your Parent Need Daily Support?

Now may be the time to consider moving your parent into assisted living as a way to ensure they get the daily support they need in a safe, comfortable environment.  Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide all of the comforts and care residents need to thrive!

Assisted living also provides peace of mind if your mom or dad has poor balance or failing eyesight, which can increase the likelihood of a fall, and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if a parent no longer drives, it may be difficult for them to get groceries and other necessary supplies including prescription medications or to see a doctor.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ beautiful community provides assisted living residents help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to maintain their independence as much as possible.  Residents and their families take comfort knowing our trained care managers are there to help them navigate through any changes in their health condition.  And if you wondered, couples can live together in their own suites, surrounded by their own treasured possessions, or a suite can be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company. 

Another thing you will no longer have to worry about is whether mom or dad is getting enough good, healthy food to eat.  MorningStar’s daily meals feature the freshest ingredients and are prepared using the highest quality produce, often homegrown and locally sourced as we know there is nothing like fresh foods to stimulate the senses and the appetite.  

For more information about MorningStar’s assisted living in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability.  Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Recently, added to our rigorous protocols, is an emergent weapon in the fight to protect. Ask us about our Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

Fun and Entertaining Ways to Exercise Your Mind

We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.

Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week.

Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts says chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking.

The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for the amount of entertainment you get. They also make great gifts for seniors.

We want you to know that MorningStar at Jordan Creek is safely accepting new residents, and we are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Our community offers 56 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. We also have 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you are looking for the best assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.”

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/

Tips for Caregivers of Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you probably have felt at times like you were not getting through to them. While communicating with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s is not always easy, we have a few tips to help make it more effective.

Colleen Kavanaugh, a Certified Dementia Practitioner & Certified Dementia Communications Specialist, offers “a few tricks to have up your sleeve” that may help lessen irritation and calm and soothe more quickly. For instance, if you want to get the person dressed, Kavanaugh suggests you take a few moments to connect with the person. Get down to eye level so they can look directly into your face, speak slowly and ask a simple question such as “how is your day?” Once you have their attention, let them know the tasks at hand.

Another thing to remember is to keep your instructions simple. Ask if they would like to do a particular task such as brushing their hair; and then put the brush in their hand and using your hand, guide the first couple of brush strokes. Do the same thing with brushing their teeth, etc. Make sure to talk soothingly and let them know how well they are doing.

Strategies to try to calm the person when they are frustrated or angry include also getting down to their level, taking their hand and calmly letting them know you are there to help. Give them time to respond but if they are unable to express themselves and you cannot determine what they need, slowly distract. Show them pictures of family members or talk about things you are going to do together. Above all avoid criticizing or arguing.

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

MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines has to offer.

Source: seniorlink.com/blog/communicating-with-dementia

Poor Overall Health May Increase Dementia Symptoms

Seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia need to maintain their overall health as studies have found that poor health is associated with greater symptoms of Alzheimer’s.  This is why experts stress the importance of being under the care of a qualified doctor and following good health habits such as exercise, eating nutrient-rich meals, and properly caring for any chronic or new health problems. 

Doctors also advise the individual should have routine hearing and vision exams and any problems be treated appropriately.  Along with being seen by their primary care provider, the person should see specialists as needed.  The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation explains that co-existing medical conditions may negatively impact Alzheimer’s behaviors. They state one example where “frequent urinary tract infections may increase wandering, and depression disrupts sleep and deepens social withdrawal.”  

While it is important for all seniors to eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, it is especially so for people with dementia as they may experience problems with eating.  Nerve damage associated with the disease may result in extreme eating disorders such as overeating or not eating at all.  The person may also have trouble smelling and tasting or chewing food and digesting it, so what they do eat needs to be healthy.  In later stages of the disease, the person may also have difficulty using a knife or fork. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we understand the disease and the different stages it takes.  Our team of memory care specialists creates an individualized care plan for each resident based on their needs, personality and preferences.  MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 secure suites in a variety of floorplans.  Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving assisted living and memory care community.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Delivers Care with Respect and Love

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission is to provide the best memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.  To ensure we meet our standard of service excellence, each of MorningStar’s team members from caregivers to dining servers or housekeepers go through our proprietary service excellence “Radiance” training.  In addition, its precepts are reiterated during our daily “Huddle.”  Radiance celebrates an attitude of selflessness, which issues from a deep and sincere place as does a beam of light, and is the framework that guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth.        

As one team member from a MorningStar community writes, “Radiance training is absolutely phenomenal!”  She says she appreciates the fact that it helps team members to be their best at work as well as in their personal lives and creates an environment where residents are treated with the utmost care.  Another team member shares: “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives but they are changing mine.”

We believe Radiance is the evidence of our resolve to be a place that is not only distinguished by compassion and care, but by service professionalism as its presence and influence is felt throughout our community.  Under its teachings, residents are treated as family members, and as such, our priority is to respond to their expressed and unexpressed needs and wishes.

Please contact us for more information about our assisted living and memory care as well as all of the services, amenities and programs we offer residents. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Exercise Helps Your Health and Your Mood

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 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 benefits 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."

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows knows 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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

The Special Relationship between Grandparents and Grandkids

While I can’t speak for all seniors, I will say among my circle of friends and acquaintances, talking about our grandchildren is a common topic.  For many of us, our grandchildren add a whole new component to our lives, and we have learned firsthand that the bond between grandparents and grandkids is a very special one.  

This may be because a grandparent’s role is more about enjoying time spent with the grandchildren and a lot less about discipline and rules.  That job we gladly leave to mom and dad.  Right from the beginning, we are the fresh pair of hands that walks a fretful grandbaby until they fall asleep.  As they grow older, many grandparents delight in taking the grandkids on   “adventures” such as trips to the neighborhood park, an animated movie, visits to the dinosaur exhibit, or a meal at their favorite restaurant.  

In addition grandkids are a great excuse to share hobbies that as retirees we now have more time to do from craft projects to baking, dancing, playing a musical instrument, photography, fishing, etc.  Most kids are happy to create a masterpiece from paper, finger paints, or crayons; paste on googly eyes to create a sock puppet; or decorate a box for their treasures.   Baking is another fun activity, and depending on their ages, they love to decorate a batch of homemade cookies, build a gingerbread house, or work alongside grandma to bake a cake or pie.  Having young ones around also helps to make holidays more magical as we see it through their innocent eyes.  Trimming a Christmas tree and decorating the house with holiday cheer is a whole lot more fun with young ones.    

Grandkids also give us the chance to lovingly remember the time we spent raising our own family.  Moreover if we missed out on things with our own children due to a busy career and other obligations that come along with being a parent, we are given an opportunity for a redo.  

Another great thing about hands-on grandparenting is it turns out it is beneficial for seniors.  A recent study from the National Health Service reports that grandparents who babysit their grandchildren had a 37 percent chance of living longer when compared to non-caregiving grandparents and non-grandparents.  It just might be grandchildren are our reward for raising our own children, and while many of us are taking a break from in-person visits with grandkids due to COVID, thankfully we have lots of ways to stay in touch.    

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 memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Looking for Assisted Living for a Loved One in the Littleton, CO Area?

MorningStar of Littleton wants to reassure families looking into assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need.  Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director, who is also a registered nurse, will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences.  In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed.  

As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly.  If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services.  We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or improper dosages.  

Your initial meeting with our Wellness Director is also a good time to discuss concerns such as a parent who has been losing weight recently and who may not be eating properly.  Or it may be you worry they are not drinking enough fluids each day.  We have an answer to both problems as our 5-star meal service is designed to be both nutritional as well as to temp the appetite of our most discerning residents.  To help keep our residents hydrated, we make sure their have plenty of opportunities to drink throughout the day. 

Along with our compassionate care services and resort-style amenities, residents have a choice of well-designed floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences and needs.  Within our 65 assisted living suites, we offer floorplans that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations with some over 700 sq. ft.  You will find all of our suites have 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.  Moreover, if you are wondering, we are pet friendly! 

Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19).  As the nation slowly reopens, MorningStar of Littleton is judiciously following Colorado’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.   Please visit our website for more information.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest assisted living Littleton has to offer.

Memory Care at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   

Our holistic approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia.  Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.  

We also embrace the world of dementia, which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be.  Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have developed a deep understanding of the brain disease, regardless of the type of dementia, and embrace the changes needed to ensure the finest care.  This includes embracing our own communication style to calm or stimulate and physically embracing our tender residents as we recognize the power of touch.  However most importantly, we embrace hope.  

Lavender Sky’s last component is exploration, and is approached each day with a wide range of purposeful, individualized solutions.  Acknowledging that the essence of the person lies beneath the fog of the disease, we explore a person’s life, history and preferences to create a personalized care plan. 

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we also feel it is our job to help support our residents’ families.  Along with education, we show them how to follow our lead and enter into the world of their loved ones.  Please contact us for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our loving assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek's Experienced, Compassionate Memory Care

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we not only provide some of the best assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers, but also experienced memory care.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  

Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  

All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors.  

Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead.

Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care.  We do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life.  We look forward to meeting you.

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

The Fight Against Alzheimer’s and other Dementia Diseases

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, we can stay updated on new advancements and treatments for Alzheimer’s by using their informative website.  At the end of last year, they summed up the remarkable progress made during 2019.  For example, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed several pieces of good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

One of the most significant news stories was that we will likely have the capacity to test for Alzheimer’s disease easily and more affordable in the very near future.   The Alzheimer’s Association says that researchers are currently working on developing a simple blood test to detect the signs of the disease early, accurately, and much more affordable than other methods used.  This means individuals can benefit from early interventions such as medications and cognitive activities and change modifiable risk factors like losing weight, getting enough sleep, and quitting smoking. The person also has time to plan for the future.  

Researchers also report, “500 new drug targets have been identified, which address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health.”  Another thing that emerged from the AAIC is evidence that a healthier lifestyle may decrease our risk for dementia.  This includes eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, getting regular exercise, and engaging in cognitive stimulation.  In addition, the report said intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.  One other significant finding included discovering specific sex-based differences in women that put them at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s than men.  

Much of the research presented at the AAIC is done with monies from federal sources and fundraising efforts directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Their Part the Cloud initiative awards researchers grants to undertake the important work of finding a cure for this devastating disease.   

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our goal is to provide the best senior living in the area, which includes compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 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.  Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, we recognize that a person’s essence remains, and we feel it is our calling, as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Please visit our website for more information.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our loving assisted living and memory care community.

Source: alz.org/blog/alz/december-2019/alzheimer-s-and-dementia-research-five-things-we

One of MorningStar at Jordan Creek's Many Care Services

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 senior living Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers.  With 56 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floor plans including spacious studios and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our 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 to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers.

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

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

Fall Facts and Prevention

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes.   

Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and uneven sidewalks. 

There are some changes you can make to fall-proof your home such replacing light bulbs in dimly lit hallways or stairways with higher wattage bulbs.  Clean up clutter and make sure each room in your home has a clear, clean path to walk through and install grab bars and handrails where needed.  Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower and do not wear socks or loose, floppy slippers but rather a good walking shoe with support and cushioning.   

If a loved one is unsteady on their feet, talk to their doctor about using a walker or cane.  Also, ask if any of their medications can cause dizziness or light-headedness, and if so, is there an alternative.  Doctors say if not, it is even more important to make the appropriate lifestyle changes.   

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our beautiful senior living community is designed to accommodate our residents’ limitations.  All of our spacious private suites come with wall-to-wall carpeting, fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed home.  Please visit our website for more information as well as pricing and availability. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to contact us for more information about our loving assisted living and memory care community.