Are You Taking a Medication Associated With an Increased Risk of a Fall?

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports millions of older adults fall each year—resulting in more than 36,000 deaths. Of those falls, 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries; and one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. With these alarming statistics, experts say it is important for seniors to know their risk for a fall including whether they are taking medications associated with an increased risk. 

The first step is to talk to your doctor to see if you are taking one of these medications, as medications are a common reason for falls. Furthermore, experts say adjusting or making a change in medication is the easiest thing to do to help prevent a fall. If it is determined you are taking a medication known to cause light-headedness, dizziness, sudden drop in blood pressure, or chronically low blood pressure or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), you and your healthcare team can regularly re-evaluate your need and dosage. 

Another way to mitigate your risk for a fall is to do exercises designed to improve leg strength and balance. In addition, be sure to get an annual eye exam and update your glasses as needed. Lastly check your home for trip hazards (keep clutter out of hallways and stairways) and install grab bars and better lighting where needed. 

For exceptional assisted living, Colorado Springs seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. At MorningStar we know your independence is important, and our goal is to help you maintain it as much as possible. Our maintenance-free lifestyle provides a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals and enjoy your precious retirement years. Visit our website for more information, and if you have further questions, please give us a call and don’t forget to ask about our Move-in Specials.

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 Colorado Springs offers.

Sources: dailycaring.com/10-medications-that-cause-falls-use-with-caution/ 

cdc.gov/falls/index.html

Help Aging Parents Organize Important Documents and Information

In the event of a medical emergency or illness, to file income taxes, or apply for state or federal benefits, experts say it is helpful and maybe even lifesaving for seniors to have their paperwork in order. Important documents to have available to a family member or trusted friend include property deeds, history of financial income and medical information. For example, Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney, explains if your parents are eligible to apply for veterans’ benefits or Medicaid, they will need proof of past income and financial resources. 

If you are the designated person, start by helping your parents compile a record of their bank accounts as well as sources of financial income including pensions, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts. In addition, help them organize information regarding savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts. File these documents along with all property deeds and titles to vehicles in a home safe where they are secure. Files should also include several years of income taxes as well as a list of credit cards and outstanding loans or debts owed to them. 

If your parents have a living will and/or a durable power of attorney, you should have a copy as it is important in the case of a medical emergency to be able to quickly get your hands on such documents. Other things medical professionals say are important to get your hands on quickly is a list of medications your parents are taking, their medical history and insurance cards. Other types of documents to safely file or to create include end of life planning and estate planning.  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love. This is made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality of life other communities simply cannot match. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/essential-documents

Should a Loved One Give Up Their Keys?

From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence.  This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?”  Also, it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries.  

Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving.  To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life.  So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions.  

The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them.  Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so.  For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action.  Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow.  Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents.  

Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways.  They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain.  Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic.   

One of the many advantages of senior living is that most communities offer services for transportation.  This ensures your loved one will get to their doctor appointments safely and any other errands they need to do.  If you would like to learn more about our loving assisted living and memory care community in Colorado Springs, please contact MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  We welcome any questions and will be more than happy to speak with you and your family.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows 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 assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs, CO.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Holistic Memory Care

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to be the best senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Jordan Creek a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home and our company’s philosophy of caring for seniors. 

We proudly provide the very best in assisted living and memory care 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.  If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.

Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Falling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury.  However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving.  Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”

They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall.  Their first advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention.Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls.  

While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia care at an even greater risk.  Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet.  If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms.    

Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed.  In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside.  Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom.  Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance.   

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows 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.  Please call for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Sources:  cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/

agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

Help Aging Parents Organize Documents and Important Information

In the event of a medical emergency or illness, to file income taxes, or apply for state or federal benefits, experts say it is helpful and maybe even lifesaving for seniors to have their paperwork in order. Important documents to have available to a family member or trusted friend include property deeds, history of financial income and medical information. For example, Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney, explains if your parent is eligible to apply for veterans’ benefits or Medicaid, they will need proof of past income and financial resources. 

If you are the designated person, start by helping your parents compile a record of their bank accounts as well as sources of financial income including pensions, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts. In addition, help them organize information regarding savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts. File these documents along with all property deeds and titles to vehicles in a home safe where they are secure. Files should also include several years of income taxes as well as a list of credit cards and outstanding loans or debts owed to them. 

If your parents have a living will and/or a durable power of attorney, you should have a copy as it is important in the case of a medical emergency to be able to quickly get your hands on such documents. Other things medical professionals say are important to get your hands on quickly is a list of medications your parents are taking, their medical history and insurance cards. Other types of documents to safely file or to create include end of life planning and estate planning.  

At the MorningStar of Littleton assisted living and Alzheimer’s care community, our goal is to be a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love. This is made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality of life other communities simply cannot match. Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

MorningStar of Littleton’s 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 outstanding assisted living and Alzheimer’s care.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/essential-documents

It is Especially Important for Seniors to Get Vaccines and Health Screenings

Medical experts say while people of all ages should keep up-to-date on recommended health screenings and vaccines, it is especially important for seniors as they have an elevated risk for health problems. Due to the pandemic, statistics show many people put off routine medical care, and doctors want them to schedule those appointments now if they haven’t done so already. 

Under the umbrella of preventive health services, an annual wellness exam is on the top of the list. This visit is used to check blood pressure, weight, and body mass index as well as discuss current medications, level of exercise and diet. Your doctor may ask about your home life to make sure you are getting any help you might need.  

While it is/was important to get your COVID-19 vaccine, doctors say don’t forget your flu vaccine this fall. Doctors also recommend seniors get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to help prevent pneumonia.

Older women should get screened for breast cancer as statistics show 40 percent of new breast cancers are in women 65 years and older. Colorectal cancer is another important screening for seniors as 60 percent of new colorectal cancer cases are in adults 70 years and older. New guidelines say people should get their first screening at age 45, and then as recommended by their healthcare provider. Other age-related screenings include diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and bone density test.

MorningStar of Littleton provides assisted living and memory care seniors can count on to comfortably and safely age in place.  We offer all-day dining, a range of care services, luxury amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. If you are recovering from a surgical procedure or an illness, we offer respite care as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Littleton, CO offers, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Littleton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about the finest senior living Littleton, CO has to offer.

Medication Management at MorningStar of Littleton

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton 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 for more information about MorningStar’s extensive care services, wellness programs and resort-style amenities.  With 65 assisted living suites and 20 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floor plans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 Littleton, CO offers.

Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html

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

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help Fight Off Viruses

Medical experts say changing our daily habits to include a healthier diet and routine exercise can help fight off viruses and improve our overall health. They recommend starting our day with fiber such as eating a bowl of unsweetened bran cereal and then add a dark colored berry like blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut, and antioxidants and flavonoids “improve the health of macrophages and other virus-eating cells.”

Then they suggest you take a walk, ride a bike, swim or jog for about 30 minutes to an hour. Doctors say exercising helps to circulate our immune cells and that the benefit lasts for up to two to three hours after we are done.

Lunch or your afternoon snack should include a salad or a veggie and fruit smoothie. Dietitians advise varying the fruits and veggies you eat and to try to get ten servings a day. Another tip to help ward off viruses include taking time each day to destress and relax. This could include listening to music, meditating, gardening, crafting, painting, drawing, working on a hobby, etc.

Experts also say a healthy lifestyle habit is to connect with others whether you now have to do it virtually or meet outdoors. Social interactions are important to our wellbeing and even more so as we age as “emerging research indicates that loneliness and social isolation can increase inflammation throughout your body.”

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines offers, which includes delicious, nutritionally balanced meals. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally sourced. Our friendly, loving community also ensures no one feels alone but rather are part of the MorningStar family. Please contact us to learn more and to ask about pricing and availability.

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. Please visit our website for the most trusted senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/daily-virus-prevention-tips.html

A Shingles Vaccine is Recommended for Those Over Fifty

Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year.  However, you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50.  Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017.  The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles.  However, for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.  

While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.”   They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available.    

The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.”  They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring. 

It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles.  The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past.  Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles.  

Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.”  Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart.  Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches.   The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you.       

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

Source:  healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it

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. 

Finding a Good Team of Doctors

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to have a great team of doctors on your side.  This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors, and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  

You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you.  Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.   

If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference.  Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist.  In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, and if medical help is available when the office is closed.   

Dr. Wasserman also cautions that a conservative approach to treating aging patients may be the best one. He explains, "You need clinicians who show a lot of caution before putting an older person on a medication, before sending him off to a specialist, before doing tests and before putting him into the hospital.”

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers, and we understand that the best care comes from the heart.  Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services.  These include transportation to doctor appointments, routine care planning reviews, scheduled health & wellness evaluations and physician visits.  Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.  

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

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/slideshows/11-things-seniors-should-look-for-in-a-health-provider?slide=6

Sun Protection is Still Important for Seniors

If you are an older adult, you may feel like you are past the point of worrying about a few new wrinkles and think you no longer need to protect your skin with sunscreen.  The medical profession wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth as seniors are actually more sensitive to sunlight and of getting sunburnt in a shorter period of time than when they were younger.  This is due to a couple of reasons including as we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses it protective fat, and medications commonly taken by seniors including antibiotics, NSAIDs, oral diabetes drugs, and diuretics may increase photosensitivity.  

Doctors recommend that seniors avoid exposure to the sun during peak times (from 10 am to 4 pm) and to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still potent even on cloudy days.   Also be sure to wear sunscreen choosing a cream or lotion that is broad spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 every day.  If you plan to be at the beach or to play golf, wear SPF of 50 or higher.  Be sure to reapply every 1½ to two hours.

You also need to wear a hat and protective clothing.  The brim of your hat should be at least 3” and cover your neck and ears, and long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts that are loose and light-weight.  Don’t forget to wear good sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays.  Finally, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.    

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our senior living community provides all the amenities, wellness programs, activities, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 45 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations, including studio and one and two-bedroom floor plans, to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   We provide another 19 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Please see our website for more information including our new protocols in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

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 the best assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

Morning of Wheat Ridge Offers Unparalleled Senior Living

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

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

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

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

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

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

When is it Time to Consider a Memory Care Community?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task.  As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe.  For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver.  

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly? Have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately?  Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication? Have they fallen recently? Have you found the burners on the stove left on?  Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wandering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that “The main reason to move out of a home to assisted living is when there are not enough resources to safely care for the person with dementia at home.”

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout.  Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing.  They also suggest the person may be bored at home. Assisted living communities with dedicated memory care have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation.  

If it is time to consider an assisted living community with specialized memory care, we suggest MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  We offer 19 secure memory care suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide individualized memory care.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge “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 offer our residents the best assisted living and memory care in the area.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Delicious and Nutritional Meals

If you are looking for the best assisted living or memory care Colorado Springs has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. At Mountain Shadows we feel honored to serve seniors, and as such, our entire staff strives to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

As a resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and care services including a 5-star dining experience.  All residents are treated to three daily meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.  We also know food always tastes better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bonds us a family and as friends.   

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef Steven McCoy looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions.  At each meal, residents will have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat dishes.   

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Our community has 45 private assisted living suites as well as 19 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has lots of common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  To learn more about pricing and availability, please email or give us a call.       

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Alternative Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and up until recently offered few options in terms of treatment.  Typical treatments included prescription drugs to help alleviate symptoms and/or a special device implanted in patients, used to help control tremors.  

However since Parkinson’s affects the whole body, doctors and researchers have been looking at different complementary and alternative methods to treat the many symptoms of the disease.  The U.S. News and World Report published an article describing some of those different methods of treatment.   

As Parkinson’s occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain stem die off, doctors say exercise is key to managing some of the effects of Parkinson’s.  Dr. Dean Sutherland, a neurologist and Parkinson’s disease specialist in Sarasota, Florida, explains, “Exercise releases dopamine into the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by taking medication. That helps with motor issues like stiffness, tremors and muscle freezing.”

Other activities that appear to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease include massage therapy to help alleviate stiffness and pain; and acupuncture, which helps some people reduce tremors and also relieves stiff muscles and pain.   Physical therapy appears to help patients improve balance and gait as well as flexibility. There are even programs specifically targeted to Parkinson’s patients that focus on teaching them to take bigger steps to avoid common walking problems such as shuffling.   

In addition, people with Parkinson’s are discovering that alternative treatments such as singing can help improve voice volume, which in turn, can improve their social interactions.  When you can control the volume of your voice to be heard by others, you are more likely to feel comfortable interacting socially. Another thing proving to be helpful to people with balance problems is aqua therapy.  Parkinson’s patients have found that being in the water gives them the freedom to move about without the fear of falling. And finally as swallowing can become difficult for some people with Parkinson’s, swallowing therapy is also recommended.  

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our assisted living community offers a wide range of care services including physical, occupational, respiratory, speech, and massage therapy.  We offer 45 suites for assisted living and 19 suites dedicated to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more.

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

WellStar – MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ Signature Wellness Program

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with lots of amenities and services, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, our residents benefit from WellStar, our signature wellness program.  

Every day MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team presents our community with ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.  Our programs are designed to enhance your health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage social connections that allow you to continue learning and contributing.  The breath and scope of our wellness programs tap into a wide range of various interests, hobbies and talents and provide seniors with the chance to explore a range to topics.  Furthermore, if our programs do not address a special interest, residents are invited to start a club themselves.   

Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful Colorado Springs senior living community.  To get an idea of what goes on around our community, take a look at our “In Touch Newsletter” or “Life Around our House.”  You will find our community not only stays engaged with daily activities but supports and raises money for lots of good causes.  In Fact, on June 21st our community will be joining the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day event with a variety of fundraisers. In choosing the longest day of the year to raise awareness for the memory-impaired, the Alzheimer’s Association wants to emphasize the sunrise-to-sunset challenges for families living with dementia.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood we have 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. 

 MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community.

Assisted Living May be a Better Life

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to a senior living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years, especially in terms of care options and amenities.  

Today’s communities like MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Wheat Ridge offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing, whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or a scenic drive.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals. Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 in a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living communities.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Why Seniors Fall & Tips to Prevent It from Happening

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur at home. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it happening. 

Many elderly adults experience a general overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that make them more susceptible to a fall.  Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision.  This can make it more difficult to detect fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the ground.

Certain types of medications, especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure, which can all increase the risk of a fall.  Also keep in mind it is not just prescription drugs but over-the-counter medications can contribute to balance problems as well.  Other factors that make seniors more susceptible to falls are chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis as well as surgical procedures including hip or knee replacement.   

The NIA recommends installing night lights in the hallways and bathrooms and to have a light switch and phone within reach of the bed.  Keep walkways free of clutter and avoid using throw rugs and area carpets.  Use hand rails when going up and down the stairs, and if you have a pet, make sure they are not underfoot.  In the bathroom, install grab bars in the tub and near the toilet, and use non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our loving assisted living community makes residents’ safety and wellbeing a priority.  We provide 24-hour care, a licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system and more.

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents.  Located at the foot of the majestic Rockies, we invite you to see firsthand one of the finest assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.