MorningStar

Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement built on a European social model.  It is designed for seniors who do not require 24-hour nursing care but rather just need a little assistance with daily living.  An assisted living community provides a secure and comfortable environment that lets you or your loved one age in place.  Furthermore, it gives family members peace of mind knowing that their elderly parent or relative is receiving the care they need.  Many communities offer a range of amenities that include private suites, libraries, theater, fitness centers as well as creative and wellness programs.  Some of the services typically provided by assisted living communities are daily meals, medication management, help with bathing and dressing and transportation.  With a home-like atmosphere, seniors have the opportunity for companionship and to develop new friendships and interests. Assisted living can also provide a safer ...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows understands the healing power of “breaking bread together,” and that it provides more than just nutrients but bonds us together as family and friends.  This is one of the reasons our community serves meals restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  Meals at Mountain Shadows are prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef and made from the freshest homegrown or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  Chef Carlos also welcomes residents’ feedback and tailors recipes to make sure everyone enjoys our mealtimes.  In addition we are committed to using BrainWise foods, which have been recognized as supporting brain health.  Super Foods include items such as blue and black berries and acai that contain anti-inflammatory properties and mega antioxidants.  Our delicious, nutrient-rich meals may include nuts and seeds, which are not only a great source of protein but are rich in omega-3 and Vitamin E, su...

Many people are reluctant to take up their doctor’s time by asking a lot of questions.  However health providers say taking an active part in your health care can help your doctor to better treat you.   Also since it is easy to forget any questions you may have, experts suggest doing your homework and preparing beforehand.   If you are new to a doctor, you should write down your medical history and bring it to your appointment.  For all of your appointments, bring a list of the medications you are taking including the dosages and strength of the medications as well as all vitamins and herbal supplements.  Also take the time to write down any questions you have for the doctor.  This way you are less likely to forget and can use your time with the doctor more efficiently.  Be sure to share any health concerns you have and remember this is not the time to be embarrassed.   Describe your symptoms clearly and let them know if you are ex...

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.   We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show more than 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease.  Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.      Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications.  Also, even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to educate yourself to try and prevent the onset.  The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes.  Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.  Know your target range and check your le...

Now that summer is here, it is important to apply sunscreen if you are going to be outside for any length of time regardless of your age.  Sometimes seniors mistakenly think since they have never had skin cancer, they probably are not going to get it now.  However the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) warns that older adults have already sustained decades of damage from the sun, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The SCF explains that, “Suffering just five sunburns over your lifetime more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma, and each successive tan or sunburn raises the risks further.”  While it is not known how much damage results in skin cancer, we do know it is important to continue to protect our skin.   In addition statistics show skin cancer to be on the rise.  Scientists speculate one reason for this is the earth’s ozone layer has depleted, which is allowing increased levels of UV-B to reach the Earth.  Thi...

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek , we provide area families help with navigating options to ensure their loved one gets the best care.  On our website, you will find a variety of resources that offer answers to many of the questions seniors and their families have in regard to senior living communities .    Did you know that after all of the services and amenities provided to MorningStar’s assisted living residents are factored into the cost, our community is typically less expensive than trying to cobble together the same level of care at home?  However we understand that for some seniors, the cost may be an obstacle.  If it is something you and your family are struggling with, we encourage you to read through our Affordability guide on our website for recommendations to help make it more affordable.  We want you to know there are a wide array of financial solutions available beyond the retirement savings and investments you have built up through...

MorningStar at Jordan Creek is pleased to provide families with ideas for additional financial solutions beyond traditional retirement savings and investment income to help pay for assisted living.   On our website, you will find extensive information on several under-utilized financial benefits and resources including a full explanation of the generous “Aid & Attendance” pension from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.    Aid & Attendance is a monthly benefit payment available to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities.   To be eligible, the vet must have served for at least 90 days of active duty with at least one of those days spent serving during a period of a foreign war.   Furthermore the vet cannot have been dishonorably discharged.   The benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired f...

Most of us have walked out of our doctor’s office and quickly thought of a question we wished we had asked the doctor.  We know th at doctors are busy and our time with them is short, but the medical profession says it is important for seniors to proactively communicate with their health care providers and control the appointment.  They recommend putting together a list of questions you want to ask before your next visit.  This can help to give you a better understanding of your medical conditions and improve your ability to self-manage them.  You should also bring a list of all of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins and supplements you are currently taking. General questions to ask include: ·          Are my medications still appropriate to my condition and should the dosage be lowered or increased?  ·          How are my blood pressure, ...

We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans .  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one-quarter of Americans age 65 years and older fall each year.  They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.” However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home. The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall.  Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contribute...

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, we recognize that our wonderful assortment of amenities and our beautiful surroundings are fantastic; however, we know that the real heart of our community rest in our caregivers.  We have made it a point to hire individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors and understand the magnitude of their contribution when they work at our assisted living community.     The MorningStar team consists of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members has a smile for the residents and is as quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed.  In fact as part of MorningStar’s on-going commitment to the well-being and care of our residents, we train all of our new hires as well as reiterate every day w ith our full staff the p...

As there is not one standard or definition for assisted living , this means that each community has its own distinct “personality” as well as offers various levels of care and services.   In order to really experience each community, you need to see it firsthand.      While we understand you do not have the time to tour lots of different communities, experts suggest you narrow down a location and focus on places within that area.   Now do your homework.   Research should include visiting each community’s website, reading online reviews, and getting recommendations from friends, family and medical professionals. Once you do narrow down the search, be prepared to ask the right questions to ensure the community will be able to meet your loved one’s needs as well as their personality. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek , we understand that touring our community is a very important part of making the final decision on whether we are the right choice. ...

The Alzheimer’s Association recently released their “2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” report.  In it, it shows that for the second consecutive year the total payments to care for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are estimated to exceed a quarter of a trillion dollars.  “The projected $277 billion total is an increase of almost $20 billion from last year. By 2050, costs are expected to surpass $1 trillion.” The report also shows that the number of Americans who are afflicted with Alzheimer is growing every year.  It is estimated that 5.7 million people in our country have Alzheimer’s and every 65 seconds someone develops the disease.  Based on those figures, the Alzheimer’s Association now predicts that 14 million people will have the disease by 2050.  These numbers are making the disease one of the most expensive in the country. However one important point highlighted in the report is the assumption that if more people a...

As we age, engaging in memory exercises is just important as physically excising our bodies. The Alzheimer’s Association offers recommendations on some easy ways to daily exercise our brain with activities that include reading, writing and doing crossword or other puzzles, playing games and attending events such as lectures or plays.  They state that there are four areas we can work on to help reduce our risk of cognitive decline: physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement.  In fact research has found that simply by keeping our brains active, we can actually increase its vitality and may even help to generate new brain cells.    An article on the “6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age” from the Harvard Health Publication outlines ways to help prevent cognitive decline and reduce your risk of dementia.  The article stresses the importance of continuing to learn as challenging our brains wit...

Research has shown that people with dementia benefit physically, emotionally, socially and mentally from a connection between humans and animals.   Whether they are a furry, feathery or scaly friend, it appears that animals have the ability to trigger memories of a person’s past animals and to help them feel more at ease.   In numerous studies, therapeutic animals have drastically improved dementia symptoms and helped to combat anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression and loneliness.   Experts say that as you “cuddle, stroke and talk to an animal, your body releases endorphins as well as other feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin and dopamine. This helps lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and foster a sense of calm and joy.”   Many people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia lose the ability to initiate and maintain social relationships as the disease progresses.   Dr. Mara Baun, a professor and associate dean for...