Women Can Protect Their Health With Recommended Screenings

Medical professionals stress the importance of women getting the proper screenings to protect their health and discover problems early when they may be more treatable. Screenings are designed for otherwise healthy individuals and recommendations change as we age. 

An article in the publication US News & World Report, states, “Your doctor can help you tailor the recommendations based on your goals of care, personal and family health history, age and life expectancy.”  This post discusses 4 of the 14 screenings in the article.  

Breast cancer screening with a mammogram is recommended annually for women from age 40-50, every two years for those 50 to 74 and on a case-by-case basis after that.  Doctors say mammograms are key to the prevention as well as early detection of breast cancer, when it is most easily treated. Talk to your doctor about testing options if you are under the age of 40 and have a mother or sister who had breast cancer at a young age or have a high-risk genetic marker.

It is recommended women 50 years and older have a colonoscopy every ten years. As colon cancer is more common in African Americans and occurs at an earlier age, it is advised to start testing at age 45. Younger women/teens with a family history of adenomatous polyposis – a genetic condition that starts in someone as young as in the teen years may need colonoscopies at a much earlier age. Also, a woman with a history of Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease will likely be advised to have a colonoscopy at a younger age than 50. There are also other screening tests for colon cancer which may be right for you.   

Diabetes is another disease a woman 45 years and older should be screened for every three years. Exceptions for screening earlier are a family history of diabetes; obesity and high blood pressure readings or you take medications for HBP.

A Lipid profile assessment testing a woman’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as the risk for heart disease should be done every five years starting at age 45, or younger for those at high risk. If lifestyle changes do not reduce your numbers, you may need medications. As with all screenings, discuss with your doctor how often you need to be screened and what steps to take to improve your health. 

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers assisted living, memory care and short-term stays.  Our range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities allow residents to live life to the fullest. Amenities include all-day dining, full-service dining room, salon, fitness room, theater, scheduled transportation and more. Contact us or visit our website for more information about retirement communities.

MorningStar’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 the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/health-screenings-all-women-need?

Selecting an Assisted Living Community

For anyone considering a move to assisted living, choosing the right community is a big decision for families as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care you or a loved one needs to improve quality of life. 

After you have a good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously, affordability is an important consideration, but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an expert in elder financial consulting. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance may cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.   

Other things to think about include the physical characteristics of the community. Does it offer a floor plan that works for you? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, restaurant-style dining, theater, Wi-Fi, etc.? 

If you are considering assisted living in the Denver area, we encourage you to learn more MorningStar of Wheat Ridge. Our assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, we offer specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Please visit our website to inquire about pricing and availability.

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 senior living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Assisted Living Provides an Environment for Seniors to Thrive

Way too often people have misconceptions about senior living communities and specifically assisted living. They think of the nursing facility where their grandparents may have spent their last years and don’t want to put themselves or an older loved one into something like that. After all, haven’t we all earned a happy retirement? 

Today’s assisted living communities are just that – a community. They provide an engaged lifestyle, safety and the proper support a person needs to help maintain their independence. Many also offer resort-style amenities like all-day, full-service dining; housekeeping, fitness centers, salons, bistros and in-house theatres and chapels to give seniors a vibrant community to safely age in place. 

Furthermore, many older adults living alone say they feel socially isolated and lonely, which can put them at an increased risk for depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more. When seniors move to an assisted living community such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, they have opportunities to engage in wellness programs, activities and special events. Examples from MorningStar’s monthly calendar include Fitness with Forrest, Indoor Walking Club, Short Stories Book Club, Trivia W/ Professor David, Live Music with Steve Clement, Creative Crafters: Tote Bag Designs, Bible Study and more. Seniors also find it easier to eat healthy as they no longer need to shop, prepare, cook and clean-up meals. 

Another reason assisted living can make sense is that seniors find their current home requires expensive modifications to make it safe for them. Throughout MorningStar’s community, the physical environment is designed to help residents stay safe and prevent falls. Suites are equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and 24/7 emergency call systems; and have lots of lighting and large windows. Dedicated care managers are always available to lend a hand when needed, and provide compassionate help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). 

To learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and whether it is the right decision for you or a loved one, we encourage you to contact us to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.   

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.

The Move to an Assisted Living Community is a Big Life Change

No matter how old we are, change can be challenging. For seniors who have had just that much more time to get used to the way things are, a change in the status quo can be difficult. When faced with a change in lifestyle and residence, a person may mourn what they perceive as a loss of their independence and younger self, and the loss of a home filled with a lifetime of memories. However, regardless of how we long to keep things the same, change is a fact of life; and for many seniors, life could be better with a little daily help. 

When mom or dad would benefit from the many services offered by an assisted living community, there are a few things families can do to help ease the transition. To start with, senior care specialists recommend making the effort to set up mom or dad’s new suite with familiar, well-loved furnishings and mementos rather than buying all new things.

Another important step toward a smooth transition is to give it time. Experts say it generally takes anywhere from three to six months to adjust to community life, but in some cases, residents settle into it quickly. If your parent is one to make a slow adjustment, remember why the move was necessary in the first place including a real concern for their safety and well-being as well as your need for peace of mind. 

Some experts say it may be helpful to limit your visits and phone calls to allow your parent some time to find their own way. Also, if they want to vent about how unhappy they are, give them some space to do so. Validating their feelings can help them work through their fears and uncertainty about the changes they are experiencing. 

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our team is experienced in helping new residents feel at home and we work with both them and their family to help with the transition. Our beautiful community offers luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life. Contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living or memory care at MorningStar.

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 assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, CO.

A Fun Activity for Older Adults

If an elderly parent or another loved one is in an assisted living community and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or do when you visit.  Scrapbooking is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, it can be more than just a means to pass the time and preserve memories for older adults but can be beneficial to them as well. 

By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.”  As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or the rest of the family has never heard.  Along with exercising the brain with recollections of the past, scrapbooking can boost self-esteem, improve one’s dexterity and increase socialization by introducing new topics of conversation.

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s.  Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook.  

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parents, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years.  Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one.  

If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in the Denver area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Wheat Ridge. Our community is designed to enhance the lives of our residents and provide a home where seniors can safely and comfortably age in place.  Along with stylish suites and inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’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 the finest assisted living and memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.  Contact us to set up a tour and see firsthand our beautiful community. 

Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Meals at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day.  We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.”  

We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day which means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule.

As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing needs and tastes.  Moreover, you can easily self-manage any dietary restrictions as we offer a wide selection of low sodium, sugar-free, no sugar added, and low-fat foods.    

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge also believes that nutrient-rich ingredients can help stimulate the appetite and support brain health.  Therefore, we prepare meals using BrainWise super foods that contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Super foods include acai, leafy dark greens, dark chocolates, berries, and fish, nuts and other foods high in Omega 3 fats.  

For our memory care residents, food is as much about Community as it is about Nutrition. To encourage appetites, our team members sit and share meals with residents in assisted living, and many are served “family style” as they are in private homes.  Much of our food is modified out of respect for residents’ somewhat compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look.  

Located in a northern suburb of Denver, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is close to medical facilities, shopping, and other services.  We have 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 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 area’s finest assisted living and memory care.

Moving Into an Assisted Living Community as a Couple

Growing older together can make couples feel like they are as familiar with their own needs as they are with their spouse’s. They are used to relying on one another for companionship as well as emotional support, which is why experts say moving into assisted living together can be beneficial on several levels. 

To start with, it helps make the transition to community life easier. Alyssa M. Lanzi, a research assistant professor in the department of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Delaware in Newark, says, “Assisted living communities can be great for couples that are looking to continue to live together while needing some support for daily activities.”

Given the fact many senior living communities offer various levels of care services, even if a couple is on a different health track, their needs can be addressed with separate personalized care plans. It also eliminates the need to fund two homes. Additionally, if one of the partners is in good health, they can always move if their spouse passes away or requires something like specialized memory care. 

Studies show in many cases couples who move into assisted living together say they wished they had done it sooner. They report enjoying the community’s social interactions and the peace of mind that comes knowing someone is around to lend a hand when needed. If one of the couple is more physically or cognitively healthy, they can relax knowing their loved one is being taken care of. 

Moving earlier rather than later helps to maintain the couple’s quality of life and may provide a healthier lifestyle. Wellness programs, activities, nutritious meals and medication management offered at assisted living communities often help prevent or slow further decline.

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living in the Denver area, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge may be your answer. We are a vibrant senior community that provides all the services, amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

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 memory care in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Source: health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/articles/assisted-living-for-couples