MorningStar

The Medicare Open Enrollment period (OEP) started on October 15 and goes until December 7, 2018.  During this annual enrollment period (AEP), seniors already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to various aspects of their coverage.  As it can be overwhelming for many elderly adults to navigate through the process, adult children often take on the task to ensure their parent is getting the best plan for their needs.  Now is the time to re-evaluate your or your parents’ Medicare Advantage and /or Part D plans against other plans on the market.  If a plan better fits your needs, “you can switch to, drop or add a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Medicare Advantage is also known as a “Part C” plan.” To help with the confusion, the not-for-profit agency ACM Care (Autonomous Case Management, Inc.) explains that the National Council on Aging (NCOA) advises using the “four C’s” when reviewing your current plan’s effectiveness: cost, coverage, convenience, and customer service.  

It was not that long ago that seniors moving into an assisted living community had to leave behind an important companion, their pet.  Today however, more and more retirement communities are recognizing the benefits of pets to the elderly, and many such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek, allow residents to bring their pets with them.  There has been a lot of research that validates the benefits of pets in seniors’ lives.  In fact, A Place for Mom website reports on a study that shows, “just 15 minutes bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.”  They go on to say that interactions between pets and humans can “lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke.” Another reason pets can be good for the elderly

If so, we encourage you to take a look at the MorningStar at Mountain Shadows assisted living and memory care community located on Centennial Street just north of the Garden of the Gods Road.  Designed to address all of our residents’ needs, we are committed to creating a true home for seniors and provide carefree retirement years.  We offer 45 stylish, assisted living suites in a variety of configurations including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans up to 683 sq. ft.  Each of our apartments offers a private entrance and comes with wall-to-wall carpeting and mini-blinds.   Our suites also have lots overhead lighting, high ceilings, large windows, and their own heating and cooling system.  To ensure residents’ safety, all of our apartments are equipped with emergency call systems and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.   If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, we are here to help.  Our community’s Reflections Neighborhood has 19

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek is dedicated to providing the finest assisted living Des Moines area has to offer.  To that end, we understand that our senior community’s success lies with our caregivers. This is why one of our founding principles is to invest generously in our team members, including providing the necessary development and training required to create leaders with the ability to provide the best life possible for our residents.  We are proud of the fact that our staff is comprised of people who champion our mission and have a sense of calling to serve seniors.  They are a group of unique individuals who do the right thing when no one is watching and work diligently to perfect the art of anticipating the needs of our residents.  In addition, they not only believe that senior living, at its best, is love in action but do it every day.  As a part of our commitment to bringing together an exceptional staff, we offer generous compe

Often families are caught unaware when an aging parent has a fall or another event that immediately signals they need more assistance in their daily life. You many feel like a neglectful son or daughter for not noticing the changes happening before your eyes, but many seniors routinely deny they need help as they fear losing their independence. However getting the proper care can actually help make them feel more independent as they know they can live their life without worry and help is available when they need it.  Experts cite several common signs that may indicate your parent needs more assistance including changes in the way they live. For incidence if your mom was always a good housekeeper, and now her home is looking un-kept, or your dad who always took pride in his appearance, now looks as if he is not bathing regularly. Signifcant weight loss may also mean a senior is not eating well and/or having trouble preparing meals. Watch for signs your parent is having trouble

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek , memory care takes place within our Reflections Neighborhood.  We offer 29 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages. The philosophy motivating our care is based on one of MorningStar’s mission statements that says, “To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.” From this principle comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences, of each resident. We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and

While seniors have discovered the many benefits of senior living, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows understands that for some older adults the cost may be too high to comfortably afford.  This is why we consider it part of our job to help area seniors find creative ways to make the move to assisted living possible. One of the things we offer to make it more affordable is “Companion Living.”  Whether you wish to move into assisted living or memory care , Companion Living allows two unrelated people of the same sex to share the expense of a suite.  Furthermore if you do not have a friend or relative to share a suite with, we will carefully pair you up with another senior who shares your interests and background.  The advantage of companion living also goes far beyond economics as companionship is important for a person’s health and wellbeing. We believe we are designed by our Creator for relationships, and that isolation can drain us of energy and purpose.  When a senior loses

As dementia experts, we understand the huge toll Alzheimer’s disease takes on the individual as well as their family and the community at large.  As such, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is committed to putting time, energy and resources to working to end Alzheimer’s disease.   During the month of September alone, we hosted and participated in several events to support and raise awareness of the devastating disease.  On September 7 th our entire community joined in efforts to raise money for the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association with a silent auction that included gift baskets, beautiful handmade gifts, and baked goods made with a touch of sugar and a dash of love.  During the day, many residents and staff alike wore Purple to honor the event.   We also sold our Memories in the Making books, which display beautiful artwork from our own residents and are available at the low price of $40.  Along with other activities throughout the day such as “Senior Selfies” (pictures ta

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our residents and staff work hand-in-hand to create a loving, warm community .  Part of our family-like atmosphere comes from making memories and celebrating life’s special moments together.  Each month our calendar is filled with daily activities as well as an array of special programs.  Our community recently hosted the “All-American Summer” event benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association on August 11 th (National Elvis Presley Day).  The theme of the day was “All Things Elvis” and included an Elvis impersonator, sock hop photo booth, balloon sculptors and magicians. Food for the day was “Hound” dogs with fixings, hamburger sliders, French fries and soda fountain drinks.  The fun continued w ith a celebration of National Ice Creme Day on August 18 th . Another example of a recent special event at MorningStar included residents and team members hosting their very own “All Things Fried” event with family and friends. Music and dancing fill

The appetites of elderly adults typically decrease as they age, which means it is important to make smart, healthy food choices rather than filling up on foods laden with empty calories (save those sugary snacks for occasional treats).  The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s publishes a website called Choose My Plate that offers ideas and tips to help people create a healthier eating style throughout the various stages of their lives including older adults. Eating a wholesome diet rich in nutrients can help keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and to boost your immunity.  If you already have a chronic disease, it can help you manage it better.  My Plate explains a healthy diet will give you more energy and encourage a sense of well-being along with providing the nutrients needed by the body such as “potassium, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, minerals, and dietary fiber.  In addition eating well can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight. If y

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care.  Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering fr om surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services.  In addition, communities such as ours allow recovering seniors the opportunity for socialization and meaningful activities.   As a respite resident of MorningStar, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can just as important in the healing process.  Respite stays are typically 30 days or less and your spouse is welcome to join you.  Of course, since our suites are subject to availability, it is important to contact us when you know you will require respite care in the foreseeable future.  Respite or temporary care also offers a solution for seniors whose regular caregiver is taking a mu