Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Doctor Appointment

The actual time spent with our doctor during an appointment is short. Statistics show the average time a doctor spends with a patient during a visit is around 18 minutes, but it does vary depending on the specialty and nature of the patient’s needs.

With that kind of timeline, a patient can optimize their visit by following some tips from experts on what not to do. The first is don’t go to the appointment unprepared. Rather think about what information you want to impart to the doctor beforehand, and write it down so you don’t forget. Include a written list of all your medications and dosage as well as allergies, medical diagnoses, past procedures and surgeries, and any relevant family history.  

It is also a mistake to come in with a “self-diagnose.” Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Founder of The Pivot Nurse, Inc., explains this can cause a bias with the doctor and potentially waste time going down the wrong path. Instead, be ready to tell the doctor about your symptoms, when they began, their frequency and how or if they have changed. Describe any patterns you may have noticed.  

Another thing not to do is to downplay symptoms that have brought you to the doctor. This can cause a delay in medical tests, delayed treatment, or missed early signs of a condition such as heart disease, infection, or neurological issues.

Experts say do not wait until the end of your appointment to mention the reason you came in. Dr. Miller reminds patients to remember they know their bodies and are the best advocate for explaining what seems to be off. Lastly one of the big mistakes patients make is to leave the office without understanding the doctor’s orders. One example is not being clear on the next step such as assuming your doctor will schedule an x-ray or blood test when they expect you to schedule it yourself. One way to ensure you have a clear idea of the next step is to repeat it back to the doctor before you leave.

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we proudly provide senior living communities in Colorado Springs designed to enhance quality of life for a carefree retirement. Our well-designed suites are available in a choice of floor plans and configurations. Resort-style amenities, hospitality and senior care services, and an array of wellness programs and activities offer supportive living in a vibrant environment. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide all-inclusive memory care. Visit our website to set up an in-person tour of our amazing retirement communities.

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior apartments in Colorado Springs.

Source: realsimple.com/things-you-should-never-do-at-doctor-visits-11740553

Does Mom or Dad Need Assistance With Daily Activities?

Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately indicates they need more assistance in their daily life.  You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence. 

Experts cite several common signs that may indicate a parent needs more assistance, including changes in the way they live.  For instance, if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly.  Significant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals. 

Watch for signs your parent is having trouble walking or appears unsteady and is having difficulty getting up from a seated position.  Other changes are signs of confusion or uncertainty performing familiar tasks.  A dangerous side effect of poor memory can be seniors forgetting to take medications or not following their doctor’s care plan.  Errands can also be difficult to do as many seniors are uncomfortable driving and many stop driving altogether. 

While senior living communities were a relatively new concept when they first began in the early 1980s, today it is the fastest growing care option for seniors as it provides support with daily activities while still allowing residents to maintain a level of independence.  In fact, statistics show that for many it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  Some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move as they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the years especially in terms of care options and amenities. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we provide everything seniors need to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities and care services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. Please contact us for more information about outstanding senior apartments in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest retirement communities Colorado Springs offers.

Study Finds Mediterranean Diet Boosts Memory

The Medical News Today published an article from Gut Microbes Reports, which suggests “that not only did the Mediterranean diet change gut microbiota and improve serum lipid levels; it also improved memory and cognition.” The study reported a link between improved memory and learning after “participants” followed a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plants, whole grains and healthy fats. 

The 20 week study’s participants were 10-week-old rats who half were fed a traditional Western diet and the other half a Mediterranean diet.  Researchers say at the end of the study, rats fed a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive flexibility and improved aspects of spatial reference and working memory. The improvements correlated with a healthier gut microbiota.

Scott Kaiser, MD, a board-certified geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in this study, told Medical News Today: “A growing body of evidence clearly supports a strong correlation between diet and brain health. While this study, and other related cornerstone studies in this field, may not be designed to specifically establish causation there are many clear causal pathways and plausible biological mechanisms that support the likelihood that various diets and nutritional factors may either be protective of our brain health or accelerate cognitive decline and otherwise impact our mental well-being.”

Medical News Today suggests that while there may not be an absolute connection between better dietary habits and improved cognitive function, much of the research from the last several years speaks to the fact that this may be the time to adopt better lifestyle habits. They explain that research has shown nutrition, exercise and quality sleep can improve overall health including brain and heart health.  

To help you live your best life, you may want to consider MorningStar of Wheat Ridge. Our assisted living supports seniors as they age with freedom and choices, luxury amenities and a host of hospitality services. We also take pride in our best-in-class dining services that include offerings made largely from scratch incorporating the freshest ingredients from high quality producers and BrainWise foods. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is designed to enhance quality of life for those living with memory impairment. Please schedule a tour to see firsthand our unique senior apartments in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest retirement communities in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mediterranean-diet-may-boost-memory-by-changing-gut-makeup?

Products Designed to Improve the Quality of Life for Seniors Type / to choose a block

It seems as if every day the market offers more and more tech devices, gadgets and mobility aids designed to keep older adults moving and give them as independent a lifestyle as possible. Mobility aids include everything from canes and walkers to fall prevention items, wheelchairs, personal scooters, powered wheelchairs, transfer devices and more. The range of products is huge as in the example of walkers. While there are two basic types, standard or rolling (sometimes called rollators); the selection is varied and includes many options and add-ons such as seats and storage baskets.   

Technology devices include a variety of products like health monitoring systems and cognitive aids to keep seniors safer and more connected. Today’s SOS alerts systems and fall detectors enable seniors to get help when and where they need it. Amplification devices make it easier to hear the TV, and phones are designed to be easy to use and see. Electronic medication reminders help seniors stay on track with daily meds.    

Products such as shower chairs, grab bars and raised toilet seats can make a bathroom safer for seniors and help avoid falls. Ergonomic, adaptive kitchen tools are designed for seniors with arthritis and weak hand grip strength. These include specially designed bottle, cap and jar openers; and scooped plates and bowls to reduce movement. 

Adaptive, light-weight tools for gardening enthusiasts also make it easier to dig in the soil and reduce hand and wrist fatigue while weeding. Raised beds and trellises eliminate the need to get down on the ground, and a rolling gardening chair cart makes it easier to get around. Thick kneeling pads are designed to more comfortably knee or sit on the ground, a few even offer cup holders and pockets for tools. Check out the Internet for other useful items. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers senior living communities in Colorado Springs that allows seniors to comfortably and securely age in place while enjoying luxury amenities, wellness programs, activities and built-in companionship. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to set up a tour of our retirement communities.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior apartments Colorado Springs offers.

Amino Acids Are Critical for Good Health

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are critical for good health. They provide our energy and maintain healthy skin and hair, build muscles, and boost our immune system among others. The body needs twenty amino acids, of which; nine are called essential amino acids and are not manufactured in our bodies but provided through diet. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Foods that contain all of the essential amino acids are known as complete proteins and are found in a variety of foods including red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, quinoa, chia seeds and buckwheat. Experts explain animal proteins are the most easily absorbed and used by the body.

Foods that contain some of the essential amino acids are referred to as incomplete proteins and include things like nuts, seeds and beans, some grains, and fruits and vegetables. If you do not eat animal foods, you should eat a large variety of plant foods that contain some of the amino acids to ensure you are getting your daily requirement. Too little protein can cause problems such as malnutrition, poor growth, loss of muscle mass and decreased immunity.  

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8g per kilogram of body weight. However experts say older adults, pregnant women and children require more. For seniors, this includes 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal, along with 12 to 15 grams per snack, for optimal muscle health. For the best advice, check with your healthcare provider to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients you need. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 45 assisted living suites with a choice of spacious floor plans. Residents enjoy beautiful common areas, five-star dining, meaningful wellness programs and a monthly calendar full of activities.  Located in the heart of Wheat Ridge, a northwest suburb of Denver, our retirement communities are conveniently located to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and other attractions of a lively metropolitan area. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides trusted holistic memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule a tour.

 MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and senior apartments in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Pneumonia in Older Adults

Every year we hear about the thousands of people who die from pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2022 there were over 40,000 deaths in the US due to pneumonia and most of them were over the age of 65. Weakened immune systems, a greater prevalence of chronic diseases, and age-related changes in lung function all contribute to making the elderly more vulnerable to infections including pneumonia. 

The CDC ranks pneumonia as the 10th leading cause of death with a mortality rate for severe pneumonia in the elderly as high as 20 percent. The Cleveland Clinic explains pneumonia is inflammation and fluid in the lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Symptoms include a fever, difficulty breathing and a cough with yellow, green or bloody mucus. The flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease are common causes of pneumonia; and treatment is based on the cause and severity. 

Bacterial infections include Streptococcus pneumoniae, and are one of the most common forms of pneumonia affecting the elderly. Viruses like the common cold as well as COVID-19 can be the cause of viral pneumonia as well as a secondary bacterial lung infection. Experts explain that while bacterial and viral pneumonia is contagious, many elderly people give themselves pneumonia. They say this is because Streptococcus pneumoniae and other variations of bacterial pneumoniae are already in our respiratory tract. 

William Schaffner, M.D., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, explains, “Frail elders often can’t clear secretions from their lungs, and those secretions tend to go down into the bronchial tubes. The area fills with pus, mucous and other liquids, preventing the lungs from functioning properly.” This causes oxygen to be unable to reach the blood and cells. Complications include sepsis in addition to fluid and infection. 

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. If viral, doctors use anti-viral medications, and if called for, may administer fluids or oxygen therapy. To help prevent a loved one from getting pneumonia, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting an annual flu shot, a pneumococcal vaccine and keeping up with your COVID-19 booster shots. He says it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a healthy weight; and if you smoke, quit, and maintain good oral health. 

If you are looking for senior living communities in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. We provide luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure residents’ utmost comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about retirement communities.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior apartments Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/pneumonia-and-elders-why-they-are-more-susceptible136822.htm

Maintain Your Mobility for a Healthy and Independent Life

When we were younger most of us were lucky enough to take our mobility for granted. We didn’t have to think about whether we would be “able” to physically do a routine task. However, as we grow older, our bodies can encounter physical limitations that threaten our independence. Experts say protecting our mobility requires attention and the “use it or lose it” mantra is a fitting one. Lifestyle choices and exercise as well as diet and preventive care can help keep us stronger and steadier with fewer aches and more stamina. 

The Harvard Health Publishing by Harvard Medical School defines mobility as the ability to move purposefully as you go through your day, and is the foundation for living a healthy and independent life. It requires a certain amount of physical stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Mobility allows seniors to do everyday things like get out of bed each morning, climb a set of stairs and bring in groceries from the car. Poor mobility causes problems such as being unable to get up out of a chair on your own or getting up from the toilet without helping hand. Good mobility helps keep seniors safe by lessening their risk of falls and subsequent injuries; and allows the person to live on their own.                                                                

The US Census Bureau reports that mobility issues are the most frequent cause of disability for people over 65 and impacts their ability to safely climb stairs and walk. While some mobility problems can’t be helped, experts say generally to maintain mobility, seniors should do exercises targeted to increase strength, balance, stamina and coordination. 

Ask your doctor, physical therapist or trainer on ways to preserve and improve your freedom of movement. Moreover, if you are unsteady on your feet, check with them about using a mobility aid such as a cane or walker to improve steadiness. 

For exceptional senior apartments, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Wheat Ridge. We are an all-inclusive community, offering a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef and a range of floor plans to meet varying needs. Residents enjoy onsite amenities, wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us for more information about our beautiful retirement communities as well as pricing and availability.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Source: health.harvard.edu/topics/mobility

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge Offers Trusted Senior Living

MorningStar has been serving seniors for over 20 years.  We have 35+ senior living communities across eleven states. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to tell you more about MorningStar’s community in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

MorningStar communities are trusted for their excellence and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our dedicated team understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our time and talents in service to others; and recognize the professional and personal satisfaction this calling brings.  

Our company was started in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, Founder/CEO, who wished to “cast a new light” on senior living by creating senior housing that felt like his grandmother’s house – true homes filled with light, love and compassion. To accomplish this, we are inspired and empowered by our mission to: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well  

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers assisted living suites with an array of amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities. Residents enjoy spacious common areas including a fitness center, bistro, theatre, salon, beautiful grounds and relaxing fireside patio. For those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, compassionate care for our most tender residents. 

Our beautiful home is in a northwest suburb of Denver, close to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and other services.  Visit our website to learn more about our retirement communities as well as our commitment to serving seniors, the local community, and others across the globe. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding senior apartments and memory care. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Heart Disease Patients Benefit From an Involved Caregiver

According to AARP there are things family members can do to help a loved one live their best life with coronary heart disease. They quote Vinoy Prasad, M.D., director of interventional cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Loma Linda University International Heart Institute in California, who explains after a crisis like a heart attack, “People who have a lot of support from their family actually recover better, they recover faster, and they do better long term.”  

Coronary artery diseases include atherosclerosis, which doctors say is a buildup of plaque in the arteries and is the most common cause of heart disease. Plaque builds up in the arteries over years, and as the condition progresses, it can result in a complete blockage and produce a blood clot. High cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and a family history are linked to the disease. Other less common causes of coronary disease include non-obstructive coronary artery disease that damages artery linings and restricts blood flow without plaque buildup.

Statistics show on-going care for heart patients is more likely to be successful when the patient has an involved caregiver. Lisa Kitko, the co-author of a 2022 Heart Association scientific statement, explains that heart patients with involved caregivers tend to take their medications properly, follow medical instructions and get to appointments. 

Kitko says like most things, another set of ears is better than one, so accompanying a patient to their appointments makes it easier to follow instructions as you are both on the same page. Family members are also helpful in providing transport to appointments and to programs such as cardiac rehab and support groups. 

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer the amenities and services to help seniors maintain their best quality of life. Our retirement communities provide living with a choice of well-designed suites, and a whole range of activities and programs along with tasty, nutritional meals. For those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic memory care that celebrates and elevates life. Contact us to schedule a personalized tour to see firsthand the finest senior apartments in the area.   

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Source: aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2024/coronary-artery-disease-care-plan.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-BB

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge Offers Trusted Memory Care

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This distinct area of our community focuses on providing the finest care to meet the special needs of residents.

Care in the Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our Lavender Sky program that encompasses our philosophy and approach.  This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate care. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

When people visit our memory care area for the first time, they are impressed with the comfortable atmosphere of our home.  Although a secure setting, independence is encouraged and residents can explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. MorningStar’s approach to care incorporates Montessori-based therapies and includes wellness programs and activities. Activities that leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals are used to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Our 19 memory care suites are move-in ready and just need your loved one’s personal furnishings and treasures to make it feel like home. Each unit is equipped with an emergency call system and a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Included in the monthly fee are basic cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services along with daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

As a family member of a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences.  MorningStar recognizes that many of our residents’ families in retirement communities need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we believe it is important to provide the support they need.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior apartments at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways.  Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.  

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat.  Additionally, our medication care management services seem to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed accurately and on time.  Services also include light housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year about 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as suites are equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system.  In addition, bathrooms are handicapped-accessible and equipped with grab bars.   

Along with senior apartments, families trust MorningStar to care for their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities such as listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, arts and crafts, and the celebration of special events. Residents also receive daily health monitoring, access to a licensed nurse and other supportive third-party services. 

Located on the north side of Metro Denver in the heart of Wheat Ridge, our community is part of the Kipling Ridge redevelopment project and is close to Lutheran Medical Center, shopping, restaurants and other services.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and retirement communities in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Health Disease and Women

Despite a long-held belief that more men are affected by and even die from heart disease, the American Health Association says we now know that is only half the story. Recent studies show more women die from heart disease than from all forms of cancer. Perimenopause and post-menopausal women are at the most risk from heart disease, and the older they get, the higher the risk. Doctors say the drop in estrogen that occurs in women during and after menopause is why older women have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. 

Robin Noble, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN, explains before menopause, estrogen has a vasodilatory effect on the vascular system. This anti-inflammatory effect fights against the development of the type of inflammation that causes cardiovascular plaques. Once a woman’s body experiences a drop in estrogen, it creates problems such as higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure and an increase in visceral fat – all linked to plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries.  

The Medical News Today’s experts weigh-in on what post-menopausal women can do to protect their health. The top recommendation involves adopting a healthy lifestyle such as increasing exercise, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a more plant-based diet. Moderating your alcohol consumption and not smoking are also important. 

If you are at risk for cardiovascular disease or already living with it, you need to work with your healthcare providers. In addition to adopting healthier lifestyle habits, one course of treatment is hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). It can be an effective way to reduce the risk of heart disease at this time of life.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we provide seniors carefree retirement years with trusted senior apartments and memory care. Our array of hospitality and senior care services ensure residents get the care they need to live their best life. MorningStar’s signature wellness programs and activities are designed to keep residents engaged physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. We offer 45 stylish assisted living suites including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 19 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we provide outstanding senior apartments and memory care.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Surprise an Elderly Loved One With an Unexpected Gift

Do you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior apartments too far to visit?  How about sending something special to show your thinking of them even if it’s not their birthday or a holiday.  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.  Do they love chocolate 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.   

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, consider including a weighted blanket in the package.  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.   

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we offer a vibrant and carefree lifestyle for residents with a full range of care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our senior apartments offer stylish suites for assisted living with a selection of floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the care of those suffering from memory impairment. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Respecting the Independence of Aging Parents

We all understand the value of independence but as we grow older, many seniors are faced with physical and mental limitations that make them feel it may be threatened. Independence is one of the things seniors want to feel they still have control over; and is important as it is closely tied to self-worth and a sense of achievement. 

Experts say well-intentional families can sometimes create bigger problems by becoming overprotective toward mom or dad. This can result in the senior becoming more fearful than the situation warrants, and erode their self-esteem and confidence. Another problem threatening a senior’s independence is when adult children talk to the parent as if they are a child. Even the most conscientious caregivers can sometimes baby the person too much or pressure them to do what they think is best.

Just as we do not want people telling us what to do or intruding into things we are not ready to share, you need to respect your parents’ privacy. When mom or dad’s wishes are respected, they will feel like they have more control of their lives. If a time comes when your parents need more help than they can get at home, it may be time to consider an assisted living community. Just be sure it is one where their independence will be nurtured. 

What sets MorningStar of Wheat Ridge apart from other assisted living and memory care communities? We strive to provide a true home for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our beautiful community is designed to meet all the needs of our residents with a range of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs, and activities.  Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior apartments at MorningStar.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.