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Get the Care You Need at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

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For outstanding assisted living, Colorado Springs area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely. By defining health and wellbeing holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care. As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident. We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile
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Improve Your Care by Preparing for Your Next Doctor’s Visit

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Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results. For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare
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Why Open Communication with Family is Key in Memory Care

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Many families fear placing their loved one into a retirement home because of the perceived idea that there will be a lack of communication and family involvement in their loved one’s care. While there are certainly red flags to be wary of when it comes to finding the right living arrangement for your family member, Alzheimer’s care is most successful when there is open collaboration between families and care providers. Fostering collaboration and trust between families and memory care staff enhances the quality of Alzheimer’s care in multiple ways. Keep reading to understand why open communication is valued at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Understanding Leads to Consistency and Trust Alzheimer’s care managers should value what input a family can provide about their loved one before creating a treatment plan. Experienced memory care managers can voice valuable insight and guidance about what may be a good course of action for successful Alzheimer's care, but families ultim
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Why Regular Family Visits Are Important for Seniors

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Life gets complicated. We know how hard it can be to routinely visit with a loved one in senior living . Between careers, pets, family, traveling, and other life events, it can be difficult to make enough time to visit a loved one in retirement. However, the benefits for maintaining a strong connection with your senior loved one has some lasting benefits. At MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines , we pride ourselves on creating a comforting environment for seniors and their families to enjoy. Our community is conveniently located near I-35, I-235, and I-80 and next door to Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest shopping complex in Iowa. Inside our community, you and your loved one can enjoy a private dining room for intimate dinners, a theatre, a library, a sunroom, and decorated courtyards. Like our residents, we value open communication and the involvement of family members in all the activities and events hosted at MorningStar. Family is deeply valued at MorningStar. Our loved ones ha
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Common Causes for Older Adult Falls

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When an older adult trips and falls, it can be life changing. Consequences include serious head injuries, hip fractures and broken bones, and in the worst cases, fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Furthermore, more problems can arise as many seniors need several months to recover, which can cause a decline in strength and mobility as well as mental agility. It can also lead to the loss of independence and isolation. Statistics show most falls happen for a handful of reasons and being forewarned may help prevent one. The environment, especially the person’s home and surrounding outdoor area is one of the biggest culprits. Danger spots include slippery bathtubs, high mattresses, steep stairs, poorly lit hallways, loose rugs, obstacles in walkways and clutter. Experts say a little bit of time spent addressing these problems with things like non-slip bath mats and grab
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The Importance of Continuity of Care in Memory Care Communities

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Change is difficult for seniors, especially if they are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some senior living communities are not equipped to handle the changing needs that come with cognitive decline from dementia and they may recommend a resident to relocate. While finding the best memory care possible is important, constantly adjusting living situations may cause more harm than good. Picking a senior living community that offers a continuum of care is beneficial for seniors in need of memory care Families shouldn’t have to worry about their loved ones needing to relocate or re adjust to new surroundings because of their changing medical needs. Instead, MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia continuity of care that is made to change with their needs. Keep reading to further understand the importance of continuity of memory care in senior living communities. Staff has established relationships and familiarity with residents If your l
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Assisted Living with Wellness and Fitness Options for Seniors

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Exercise is essential for seniors in retirement, as it can provide a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for elders in assisted living . Regular exercise, no matter how seemingly small, can help seniors maintain their muscle strength and mobility, which can help them stay independent and active in the long run. Regular fitness also helps seniors maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk or the impact of chronic diseases. MorningStar’s Life Enrichment Teams plan safe and effective ways for seniors to tap into their unique talents and interests. On top of all the programs MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines has to offer, there are also the following popular assisted living wellness programs that encourage wellness and fitness for seniors in assisted living: Healthy dining options When seniors struggle to care for themselves, it is often their eating routine that becomes impacted first. Having healthy dining options available and easily accessible for seniors in assi
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