MorningStar

Statistics show that depression in seniors is common; however, it is not a normal part of aging and should not be treated as such.   Many of the challenges seniors go through in the later stages of their life including the death of love ones, retiring from the workplace, and having one or more serious health problems or disability can result in a person developing depression.  While an estimated 6 million adults age 65 years and older have late-life depression, only 10% of those affected are treated for it.  Experts say there are several reasons why depression goes untreated in the elderly including the fact that symptoms are displayed differently from those in younger people. For example, many seniors do not show signs of sadness, the most common symptom of depression, and many are unwilling to share their feelings with anyone.  Seniors with depression often complain of feeling tired, have trouble sleeping and may be grumpy and irritable.  Depres...

As one of the top assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs , MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  At our all-inclusive community, we strive to meet seniors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a comfortable, secure setting. Assisted living is an excellent solution for older adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to live alone. MorningStar offers various levels of assistance with daily living activities and are tailored to meet individual needs.  Our Wellness Director carefully assesses each person and then creates a care plan in agreement with the senior and their family.  Also, as we offer 24/7 care, you know you or your loved one will get the attention they need.     Memory care is another term for dementia care and is intended for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia-related diseases.  MorningStar’s memory care is de...

Most seniors say that they actually prefer living in a senior community to that of living alone.  In fact, there are many reasons why senior living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek have become such a popular option among aging adults.  One reason no doubt is that they specialize in providing seniors with a lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness, and community.    As seniors age many feel good about relinquishing tasks such as yardwork and home maintenance.  Many no longer feel comfortable driving and may have given it up altogether.  This may mean it is not as easy for many older folks to get out and about as in the past and makes grocery shopping and meal preparation more difficult.  These problems are no longer an issue when you or a loved one moves into MorningStar’s assisted living.  Older adults also report senior living communities make them feel safer and they no longer worry about home intrusions.  T...

As a community that provides both assisted living and memory care, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows partners with the Alzheimer’s Association throughout the year in support of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our activities include raising awareness and funds as well as having a good time along the way with our residents, families and friends.  This year we will again celebrate the Summer Solstice with a day filled with activities on June 21 st .  In fact, we will not be alone as it is expected that thousands of people across the country and even the world will join together to raise funds and awareness for care, support and research efforts for Alzheimer’s disease.  At Mountain Shadows, our “Uplifting Day” will start with a bake sale at 9:00am, which like the rest of the day’s events will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.   We will then have a Rubber Ducky Race event and the announcement of the auction winner at 1:00pm. Our day will also ...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a Colorado Springs senior living community offering assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized memory care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MorningStar understands that often the move to assisted living is done because of a life changing event so not only is the person adjusting to a new home but may be mourning the loss of their old life.  For some seniors, moving into an assisted living community can be stressful as they start to feel more and more of their independence is being taken away from them.  Our job is to be ready to help smooth over any rough patches.     Even before someone makes the move into assisted living there are some things families can do to help ease the coming change.  We recommend that you let your parent take part in making the decision as it gives ...

If you have started the search for assisted living in the Des Moines area , you may have already discovered that senior living communities are not all the same.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we feel that while we offer all of the luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs our residents need, the thing that sets us apart is our loving, professional team. In order for us to deliver the Service Excellence our MorningStar brand demands, it requires a staff that has one thing in common – a big heart.  Our hiring process starts by looking for individuals with virtues that include kindness, character and selflessness.  We look for people who have a felt calling to serve, and feel like we do, that seniors are heroes and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Upon hiring, each team member takes our Radiance training, which is much more than a customer service program but rather an altitude of the heart.  We use it to guide the way we deliver ...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is committed to be one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers, and we recognize pets offer seniors great companionship with their limitless affection and unconditional love.  In fact multiple studies have found pets to be especially beneficial for the elderly and can even help to “reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity.”  Pet ownership can combat feelings of loneliness and offer solace from the loss of a spouse or another loved one.  In an article from AgingCare.com entitled, The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors , several experts weigh-in on the various benefits of pet ownership for seniors including a New Jersey psychotherapist.  Dr. Jay P. Granat discusses some of the intangibles pets offer to the elderly such as the fact that “dogs—and other pets—live very much in the here and now.’  He explains that animals do not worry about tomorrow, whi...

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we understand that making the move to assisted living is a big step for a senior.  This is why we encourage interested families to give us a call to discuss any questions you may have and/or to inquire about availability.  In addition our website is filled with lots of pertinent information regarding amenities, services, floorplans, enrichment programs and more. Our website even has a dedicated page for FAQs under our “Family Resources” tab.  Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions such as age requirements (in our assisted living and memory care suites, you must be at least 62 years old).  You will also discover important information on how a resident’s level of care is determined and our pricing structure. FAQs include practical queries such as, yes, we will help you find a physician if you need one whether it is a primary care doctor or a specialty health care provider like an Occupational Therapist or Physical T...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Along with lots of amenities and services , excellent food and beautiful surroundings, our residents benefit from WellStar, our signature wellness program. Every day MorningStar’s Life Enrichment team presents our community with ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.  Our programs are designed to enhance your health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage social connections that allow you to continue learning a nd contributing.  The breath and scope of our wellness programs tap into a wide range of various interests, hobbies and talents and provide seniors with the chance to explore a range to topics.  Furthermore, if our programs do not address a special interest, residents are invited to start a club themselves.  Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful Colorado Springs senior living comm...

It is no wonder that some elderly adults get confused with their medications and often miss doses or take too much of a medication. According to 2010 statistics, “medication usage among elderly patients in the US is eye-opening: more than one-third of prescriptions drugs used in the US are taken by elderly patients; the ambulatory elderly fill between 9-13 prescriptions a year (including new prescriptions and refills).”  In addition the average elderly patient takes more than five prescription medications; and the average nursing home patient takes seven medications. If your elderly parent is on several medications, do you know if they are managing dosages appropriately?  A quick look in their medicine cabinet or wherever they keep their medications should give you a good idea.  If they have outdated bottles of pills mixed in with current prescriptions or un-opened bags from the pharmacy, chances are they are not doing a good job.  Experts warn it can be ...

Our goal is to provide the best senior living Littleton offers, and one way we can do that is to help families navigate options to ensure their loved one gets the best care.  On MorningStar’s 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...

We know that seniors value their independence and that many are reluctant to let families and friends know they may need more help.  Often older adults fear they may become a burden or worry their family.  However, experts advise that even if your parent is not expressing a need for more help, there are signs to look for that indicate they need it.  Michael Perskin, a geriatrician at NYU Langone Health explains that, “Sometimes you’re shocked when you visit.”  He adds it is troubling if “you walk into a parent’s house and the bathrooms are dirty or there’s no food in the refrigerator.”   Other signs include weight loss and a general decline in their appearance.  Often older adults in need of more care can no longer safely bath themselves and their health problems can make dressing difficult.   Driving can also become a problem for seniors and evidence of scrapes and dents on their car may indicate they should not be driving anymo...

From time to time, there have been serious accidents involving elderly drivers that reach the na tion’s attention and reopens the debate regarding the age that elderly adults should stop driving.  While some states have implemented stricter rules for seniors renewing their driver’s license, many states have met resistance or have had a hard time coming to a consensus.  It is hard to assess a senior’s fitness for driving as each person is different and health problems vary immensely.  One good thing is that many seniors start to self-regulate their driving habits once they notice problems. Experts say if you have become concerned over your parent’s fitness to drive, you need to start a conversation with them.  If you think they can still handle limited driving with some restrictions, talk to them about setting up rules such as avoiding major highways and rush hour, driving only in daylight and during good weather.  Remind them that this will help kee...