MorningStar

Have you recently noticed some signs of memory loss or confusion in a parent or another loved one?  Are you worried it may be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?   We understand this may be a touchy subject to broach with your loved one, which is why experts recommend you do your homework first and learn about the common signs of the disease.     The Alzheimer’s Association explains that Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in cognitive abilities, executive function and behavior.  Those afflicted may start having memory problems along with difficulty completing familiar tasks.  They may also become confused as to time and place.  Other problems involve a marked change in their judgement and trouble with language skills and abstract thinking.  Mood swings or changes in personality can also signal Alzheimer’s.  All of these are common signs that can point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia but onl...

If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and you are looking for the best care, a memory care community may be your answer.  While typically more expensive than a regular assisted living community , it is equipped to provide the most comprehensive care.  Memory care communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows 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 environment 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 ...

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek , we understand seniors may feel anxious when facing a move into assisted living.  Often the decision is necessitated by a sudden change in the person’s ability to continue to live safely at home.  Even if the decision is of a more gradual nature, it is still a big change; but there are things family member can do to help make it a smoother transition.   One thing experts agree on is that you need to remember to include your senior loved one in on the plans.  This sta rts with including them in the process of choosing the community - remember it will be their new home.  When you forget to ask for their input, it can make them feel as if they are losing their independence.  While it is time consuming to visit senior living communities, we suggest you only take your parent or loved one with you after you have narrowed the choices down to a couple.  Be sure to encourage their opinion and make sure they have an oppor...

If your mom or dad needs more care than they are getting at home, you may have already started looking at assisted living facilities .  We want to introduce you to MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, which offers Colorado Springs area seniors incomparable assisted living and memory care.  Moreover, by offering 45 stylish assisted living suites in a variety of configurations, you are certain to find the perfect apartment. To ensure you receive the appropriate care to address your needs, our move-in process includes sitting down with the Wellness Director and your family to discuss your medical history and current health conditions as well as personal preferences and routines.  From there we create an individualized care plan designed for your comfort and safety and approved by you and your family.  If or when something does change with your health, your family can rest easy knowing we conduct periodic health care reviews in order to reevaluate your needs. ...

Like many of the best things in life , strong family ties do not just happen but are something that needs to be nurtured on a regular basis, and nothing is more worthwhile.  When we spend quality time together as a family, it helps us form lasting relationships and strengthens the bond between each family member. A loving family supports us through the bad times as well as the good ones; and is a source of safety and comfort.  Moreover our families are usually the people who know us best.  As the former First Lady, Barbara Bush eloquently explained, “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.”    Quality family time does not have to be complicated, fancy, or cost a lot of money.  Rather it is activities that let us focus on one another and enjoy the time spent in each other’s ...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the greater Denver area unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.  Along with 45 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 secure suites in a variety of studio and one and two-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help.  Our entire memory care area is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible.   Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the ...

The COPD Foundation states that, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.”  As COPD progresses, it results in increasing breathlessness as the lungs are further damaged.  The damage is permanent and is the 4 th lead ing cause of death for people 65 to 84 years old .    Often in the early stages, people mistake the symptoms of COPD with fatigue and getting older.  In addition, many people may have the disease for years before experiencing the symptoms of COPD that includes breathlessness, wheezing, or a chronic cough.   You may be at risk for COPD if you have a history of long-term smoking, a job that exposed you to dust or chemicals or other indoor air pollutants, second-hand smoke exposure, or lots of exposure to outdoor air pollution.  You may additionally...

Falls are one of the most common reasons why elderly adults seek emergency care.  In fact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports. “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.”  Moreover they add that the risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age. However, they say this is no reason to avoid being active, and there are a few things you can do to help prevent a fall.  Seniors need to try and stay physically active and to follow an appropriate exercise plan.  Regular exercise can increase your strength, and improve your muscle tone (be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise).  Even mild weight-bearing exercises such as climbing stairs or walking can help to slow down osteoporosis (bone loss).  Another way to reduce your risk of a fall is limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes.  Also use a walker or cane if you are unste...

If you are trying to find the best assisted living community 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 call), 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 moving into the community. A through assessment helps ensure 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...

What is it about the lazy days of summer that before we know it Labor Day is just around the corner and it is time to get everyone ready for another school year?  To make the transition easier on the kids as well as on mom, dad and other family members, the experts offer a few well-thought-out tips.   First it is important to get everybody back on a school-friendly schedule.  A few weeks before school starts, gradually get the kids to bed a little bit earlier each night.  In the morning, set an alarm closer and closer to the time they will need to get up to ensure everyone is comfortable with the routine.  Waiting to transition to an earlier rising time once school has begun is hard on everyone, and nobody wants to deal with tired, cranky kids. The same goes for getting back into the habit of regular mealtimes.  Experts also recommend that you “rehearse” your morning routine such as packing lunches, organizing and laying out backpacks, and walk...

MorningStar Senior Living has over 30 communities open or under construction all across the country, and is proudly celebrating 16 years of providing seniors with exceptional senior living options.  Our company was founded by Ken Jaeger who was born and raised on a large multi-generational farm in the Midwest where he was daily presented with lessons in economics, diligence, and hard work.   MorningStar began in 2003 when Ken had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He says, “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this came our guiding principles and three mission statements our company is based on: ·          Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics ·          Value all seniors as gifted and contributing indi...

Committed to be the best assisted living Littleton CO offers, MorningStar of Littleton proudly offers residents an unparalleled lifestyle.  In addition to a team of exceptional individuals that feels privileged to serve seniors and considers them to be heroes, MorningStar’s wide range of resort-style amenities ensures residents feel right at home.  Our many onsite amenities include a bistro, chapel, theatre with Wii, library with a computer and newspapers, spa bath, fireside patio, strolling paths, raised garden beds, and a general store.  We also have an onsite salon that offers hairstyling services, manicures and pedicures. Additionally as a resident, you will enjoy delicious daily meals served in our charming dining room (we also have an intimate private dining room available upon request).   MorningStar’s meaningful life enrichment programs help residents to stay engaged and productive physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  We also ho...

It turns out that being a pet owner can provide a range of benefits to seniors including helping them to live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.  One clinical study done several years ago tracked heart disease survivors after they were discharged from the hospital.  Studying survivors’ medical histories, lifestyles, families, and relationships, it found that, "The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival...not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone - in dependent of marital status and access to social support from human beings."   Another study done by the American Psychological Association found pets provide an important source of social support to their elderly owners.  Researchers explain that senior pet owners “fared better on several well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem, more exercise) and individual-difference (e.g., greater conscientiousness, less fearful attachment) measures.”  It may be the benefi...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a beautiful senior living community tucked at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants.  Our exceptional community was named 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living by SeniorAdvisor.com. This designation is awarded to the top 1% of senior living providers in the US and Canada, based on consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to SeniorAdvisor.com. Our 45 private assisted living suites include a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. For memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our suites’ floorplans.  As you will see, each one is well laid out and accommodates the various needs of our resident...

Now that the hard decision is over and you or a parent has decided that moving into assisted living makes the most sense for your/their needs, you may need to downsize a houseful of furniture and decades of belongings.  While this can seem like an overwhelming task, take a deep breath, try t o relax and read some tips from organizing experts.    Organizing your approach to the task should be your first step and begin by cataloging a list of your furniture and possessions.  Now create lists for the things you want to keep, items you want to give to family or friends, and items to sell.  Anything left over should go on a list to donate.  Before you get too far ahead of yourself, you will also need to remember that your apartment in the assisted living community may be smaller than your present home.  This means you will not need a whole household full of furniture!  It may be helpful to measure the size of the suite and create a flo...

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we know families often go through a range of emotions once they realize their loved one needs more daily help in order to ensure their comfort and safety.  Furthermore, moving into a retirement community, especially assisted living is often precipitated by a major life change, which is why we have put together a commonsense decision guide to help families navigate through the process.   One thing to consi der before making any decision is to think about what you are trying to solve, and not just next year, but with an eye to the next 5 to 10 years.  Also keep in mind that the concept of “assisted living” is only a few decades old and is intended to feel like a home – not an institution such as nursing homes of old.  Today’s assisted living is based on the European model and is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement. Reading through our decision guide, you will find information on the what families should look for in ...