MorningStar

According to an article published by the Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience journal from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, it reports socials connections may be key to preserving memory.  The study, led by Elizabeth Kirby, an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience at the university, explains their findings influence "a body of research in humans and animals that supports the role of social connections in preserving the mind and improving quality of life.”    The university’s research involved studying a group of mice 15 months to 18 months old, which is the period in a mouse’s life when it starts to have significant memory decay.  For three months, some mice lived in pairs while others were housed in groups of seven.  The researchers put the mice through a series of trials each day that tested their recognition and memory skills.  Consistently the mice housed in larger groups improved their performance on the tests, which researchers believe may sugg

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.  Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.  At assisted living communities , reside

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows understands that for many seniors making the decision to move to assisted living can be difficult.  While change for any one can be hard, for seniors contemplating assisted living, it can feel like they are losing their independence.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think. A respite stay offers the perfect place to recover from surgery or to convalesce in quiet quarters while getting the personal attention you need.  At the same time, you will have the companionship and community that can be just as important in the healing process. A short-term stay gives you chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.  During your stay, you will be afforded all of the amenities offered to our regular residents including 24-hour care, medication management, three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, and a whole range

MorningStar at Jordan Creek 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 MorningStar are prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef and made from the freshest homegrown or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  Our Chef also welcomes residents’ feedback and adapts 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, supplements known for fighting cognitive dec

Especially if you are an older adult , you should have a will or trust drawn up as well as a power-of-attorney and an advanced directive.   The difference between a will and a trust is a will is a legal document that goes into effect after the person dies while a trust goes into effect as soon as it is created.  The trustor (the creator of that trust) can name others to be in charge of the trust when she or he becomes incapacitated or dies. A living will, also known as a Health Care Directive, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health care if they are no longer able to make decisions for themsel ves because of illness or incapacity.  The person named as the health care authority has the power to make medical decisions and sees to it that the wishes of the person is carried out.  Another legal document many seniors find is a good idea to have is a Durable Power Of Attorney (DPOA).  The document is used if the person (t

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 website Choose My Plate 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 you are on a low-sodium die

If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, you may be looking for assisted living Des Moines area families trust to provide the best care for your loved one . A specialized memory care community such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.  Memory care communities such as MorningStar’s Reflections Neighborhood care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Services include 24-hour supervision and typically offer a secure envi ronment specifically designed to keep residents safe and secure. This means residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible and are free to explore their surroundings.      Another thing to know about memory care is that it has evolved through the years.  Today’s communities now offer wellness programs that help deal with memory impairment and wandering issues as well as other common

If you are looking for the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you should consider to help guide your decision including scheduling a personal tour of the community.  While many senior living communities’ websites are filled with lots of pictures and information, there is nothing like a firsthand look.  During your tour (or in a follow-up c all), be prepared to ask the right questions.  As A Place for Mom recommends, you will want to know about the staff-to-resident ratio and the type of training the staff has and/or receives as an employee.  You will also want to know about the assessment process done prior to the individual moving into the community as this step ensures a person gets the level of care they need for their safety and comfort.  In addition ask what procedures are in place to stay abreast of any changes in your or your loved one’s health.   Be sure to ask if the community has a nurs

Often seniors take multiple medications daily that in some cases have been prescribed by a couple of different doctors for different conditions. In addition they may also be taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All of this can lead to problems with drug interactions and side effects that range from mild to severe including death. In a report by the US News & World Report, it cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that suggest each year there are four visits to the ER per 1,000 adults attributed to adverse drug effects. First published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, statistics find that almost 60 percent of Americans take at “least one prescription drug, and nearly 20 percent are taking more than five prescriptions medicines.” The study also looked at OTC medications and warns that there is a huge potential for “side effects, drug-drug interactions and negative outcomes.” It also states that for the elderly, the

If your parent has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, looking at Colorado Springs assisted living facilities may be the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable.  However as much of the ta sk of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming.  Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet.   Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parent sees treasures and memories.  Begin by creating a list of things your parent will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep.  If something is hard for them to part with, he

Good nutrition plays a major role in the quality of life for the elderly including providing better physical, mental, and social health. Many older adults are less active than younger people and therefore do not need to consume as many calories each day and/or may have a decreased sense of appetite. This means that it is even more critical that the calories seniors are getting each day are rich in nutrients and vitamins and they avoid filling up on unhealthy food options.  The USDA has put together a list of 10 healthy eating tips for people age 65+ called “Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older.” The first tip is to make a point to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day, because as we age, we can lose our sense of thirst. They recommend drinking water often and limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt.  They advise that you get into the habit of using spices and herbs to flavor food instead of salt and to have sliced fruits and vegetables available for s

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Commucation Disorders (NIDCD) about one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have difficultly hearing.  This can make it hard for seniors to “understand and follow a doctor's advic e, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms.”  Difficultly hearing also makes it hard for many elderly people to follow and engage in conversation with their family and friends.  Known as presbycusis, hearing loss in seniors generally occurs gradually and initially affects the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  The person may notice that while the speech is loud enough, it sounds as if the talker is mumbling.  The condition is commonly caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Age-related hearing loss typically affect both ears equally.  In some cases, health cond

Searching for one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer? We invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our community, you most certainly will understand why MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is the type of assisted living and memory care you want for you or your loved one.  Along with a whole array of amenities and services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we also offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences.  We have 45 assisted living suites that offer 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 at Mountain Shadows’ stylish suites are designed for our residents’ utmost comfort and safety and include

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we understand that families are often confused by the term “assisted living” and just what type of services it includes.  If you take a look at our website , you will get a good idea of what we can provide for you or your loved one.  To start with, our senior living community offers 56 assisted living suites that range in a variety of floor plans from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom units.  Each suite has wall-to-wall carpeting, mini blinds, high ceilings and lots of overhead lighting.  And yes, MorningStar at Jordan Creek is pet friendly. In terms of services provided for our assisted living residents, we do just about whatever it takes to ensure the comfort and safety of each individual.  Before you move in, our Wellness Director will sit down and talk with you and your family to learn more about your medical history and discuss the types of services you will require.  From there, we create a care plan with your approval, which is