MorningStar

If you are considering assisted living, and like many older adults suffer from a chronic health condition, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is designed to help you better manage it.  We define health and well-being holistically, and as such, offer a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirt.  Both our Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play an important role in making our community one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer.  We are pleased to offer assisted living residents the many benefits provided by our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This ensures an accurate record of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The EHR system not only allows us to maintain accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents, but enhances pr...

Just as we encourage young children to make friends and engage in social activities, we should do the same for our senior loved ones as loneliness and isolation can be harmful to their health.  Research shows older adults who report feeling “lonely” are at greater risk of getting dementia or suffering from depression.  It also indicates lonely people die sooner than those with more robust social networks.  One particular study from the UCLA School of Medicine's geriatrics division appears to confirm the power of social connections on seniors’ health.  After evaluating people in their 70s over a seven-year period, the study’s author, Teresa Seeman, PhD, reports that “participants with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert over the course of the study.”  She found they had less age-related mental decline than more isolated participants.  The National Institute on Aging cites study results that indicate social well-being may ...

Since most assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers have access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors.  Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connect ions as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7.  In fact new research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly.  One such problem way too common in seniors is failing to take medication as prescribed.  Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences.  The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each...

Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity.  Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression.   Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis.  This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age.  A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated.  Offering the best in Colorado Springs senior living , MorningStar Assisted Living and M...

As we grow older, we not only experience changes in our bodies but changes that occur as we transition from the workplace to retirement , to children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, and even the loss of our own independence.  However research suggests that the more adept we are at coping with the various challenges we encounter along the road to old age, the better our chances are for a healthier and happier life.  According to experts, we can make a positive difference in our own aging process .      One example is the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in the 1930s, and followed 800 men and women from adolescent to old age.  The goal was to try and determine what factors and behaviors translated into “happy and healthy longevity.”  Along the way, researchers discovered that some of our long-held assumptions regarding aging did not match their results.    Instead they were surprised to see things like choleste...

While we have all heard a lot about Alzheimer’s and may even know someone suffering from the disease, we may not be aware of the common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s.  Many people think that forgetting things is a sign of Alzheimer’s, while others too readily accept certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s as just getting older. The Alzheimer’s Association has a website full of useful information and resources for families dealing with the disease and publishes a list of the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's.  One of the first signs they say is a symptom of Alzheimer’s is not occasional forgetfulness but forgetfulness that disrupts daily life.  For example the person is having problems retaining recently learned information and trouble remembering important dates or events, or they are asking the same questions over and over again.    People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may have more difficulty doing things they used to do e...

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek is proud to provide the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer.  Our beautiful community has 56 private assisted living suites as well as 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  For residents in assisted living , your monthly fee is based on the size of the suite, location within the building and view, and your level of care (we offer 5 levels) as determined by a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director.  The fee for memory care residents is all-inclusive (suite and care) and is one packaged price.  To help families find ways to make assisted living more affordable, we provide information on a variety of innovative financial options and other often under-used benefits.  One such example is to make veterans aware of the “Aid & Attendance” pension benefit.  We refer them to the U...

Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several signs to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad.  The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness?  Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as we...

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 t...

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows , our Colorado Springs senior living community, 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 from 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 our community, you will receive a quiet suite and personalized care to comfortably recover your health, as well as companionship and community, which can be 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 f...

Research has shown over and over again that physical exercise is beneficial to older adults regardless of their age and health limitations.  If you are an older adult who is already physically active, you may be helping to “prevent problems like a lower maximum heart rate, reduced muscle mass, bone loss, stiffened tendons and ligaments, and some joint or nerve problems.”  Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. If you are an older adult with some health limitations, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association offer some useful tips for safely benefiting from physical activity.  Just remember, before you start any new exercise regimen, consult with your health care provider.  Also while you may not be able to attain the recommended 150 minutes a week, experts say you should try to engage in as much physical activity as you can....

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time.  It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch.  There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process. It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible.  Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation.  The best thing you can do is to be supportive.  Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly.  Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimalizing their loss. Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss: Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk ...

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.  At MorningStar of Littleton our goal is to provide the best senior living Littleton offers, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history, and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our care team. As a way to calm and awaken memories as well...

Many adult children who live a distance away from elderly parents often feel there is not much they can do to help with day-to-day care.  However, one of the things experts suggest that can be done long-distance is to help mom or dad get their paperwork organized. Initially the job requires more time and energy, but once you have everything gathered together, you will just need to make sure to keep it updated.  In fact, having all of your parents’ pertinent information up-to-date and in one place, will make caregiving long-distance much easier as it allows you to more quickly make decisions and respond to a crisis.  Paperwork should include maintaining and managing current information about your parent’s health and medical care including the type of medications and the dosage they are taking.  Other important information includes details regarding sources of income and assets, i.e. bank accounts, pensions, life insurances, IRAs, 401 (k)s and other investm...