MorningStar

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults , to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.     The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and som

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to make sure the person has the proper level of care.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents .   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 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 o ur 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. A s a way to calm

Looking for the area’s best memory care? Colorado Springs ’ families know they can trust MorningStar at Mountain Shadows to provide the finest care for their loved one.  Our caring, professional team has a good understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and takes a holistic approach to providing for our most tender residents.  MorningStar’s memory care is situated in a separate area we call our “Reflections Neighborhood” and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 19 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their s urroundings.  Mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In addition, much of our food is mo

Recent studies have suggested a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection.  Moreover, while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia .   One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline.  However, we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.    Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the damage caused by the other

As we age, our healthcare needs change, which is why seniors should have a primary healthcare provider who understands their special needs.  Experts recommend finding someone that “talks to you” and clearly explains what they are saying; and then most importantly listens to what you have to say.   Also, you do not want a healthcare provider that makes you feel like they only have ten minutes to spend with you. Many seniors want to have a geriatrician, a physician dedicated to the care of seniors, on their team, but as Dr. Michael Wasserman, himself a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation explains that the number of board-certified geriatricians in the country is going down every year.  However, he says that even if you do not have access in your area to a geriatrician, there is no reason to worry as a family doctor is able to manage your needs and can refer you to a specialist when appropriate.     One way to find

If you are searching for the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  Every aspect of our gorgeous home, from the ground up, has been meticulously designed to ensure our residents the utmost comfort, safety and wellbeing.  Just knowing a loved one is being cared for by the compassionate, loving staff of MorningStar is sure to give you peace of mind.  If it is you who is thinking of making MorningStar your new home, you will be surprised to find that once you get the daily assistance you need, you will not feel as if you lost your independence but rather be better able to lead a full life. One thing that sets MorningStar at Mountain Shadows apart from other senior living communities is the fact that our team consists of the type of people who believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.  They are individuals with big hearts who are drawn to the idea of serving seniors.  They are a

It is sometimes difficult for adult children to realize their parent needs more care in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  This is why MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers a Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process of making the move to senior living , especially assisted living, which is a fairly new paradigm in wellness and engagement.  Some of the typical signs that indicate your parent needs more help include falling, driving mishaps, and forgetting significant things such as leaving the stove-top on.  Also really take a look at how they are living. Does their home seem a lot more cluttered and less tidy? Is unopened mail piling up? Does your parent suffer from failing eyesight, poor balance or forgetfulness?  Another sign your parent is not doing well on their own is if they look less groomed or appear to be wearing the same clothes for days at a time.  When you put all of this together, it probably means your loved one is not able to care for th

Now that we find ourselves spending more time at home, let’s make a commitment to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days as well as take advantage of the time to spruce up and declutter our homes.  A lot of us are guilty of accumulating too much stuff, while others recognize the problem but don’t know how to get started and feel overwhelmed even thinking about it.  Some of us just love the idea of living a more simple life with a lot less stuff.   This is where it helps to get sound advice from the experts who suggest that before you begin, form a plan that includes setting a goal for what you hope to achieve.  So do you want to tackle one area in particular that really needs attention or methodically go through your whole home?  Once you determine your objective and where you want to start, implement the four box system.  This means designating one box for trash for items, which are not recyclable, broken, or in good enough shape to donate.  Box two can be for items you

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all.  Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold.  Most are left with questions about what to expect next.  As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.”  They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages. Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better.  Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors.  Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned.  You

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge , our goal is to create a true “home” for residents along with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our care philosophy evolved from a unique and loving concept.  MorningStar Senior Living began when Ken Jaeger, our founder, set out to establish his own brand of exceptional senior living.   Ken’s dream was to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch.  He explains how he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  From this distinct beginning, MorningStar was founded on the following three statements: Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hirin

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 themselves 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 (the principal

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to provide the best senior living in the area, which is why we work hard to create a 5-star dining experience for our residents. We understand 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.  Chef 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,

Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades.  In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care.    At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge senior living community, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.   Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well. Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease.  As older adults ’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts. In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and other types of chemical

Many people think they already know everything there is to know about senior living communities – “a place where old people go to die.”  This could not be further from the truth.  As the largest assisted living referral service, a Place for Mom explains, “senior assisted living is a viable option that can enhance your quality of life by empowering you to live that life the way you want to.”  Today’s vibrant communities include independent living for active seniors, assisted living for those needing help with personal daily care activities, and memory care.  In fact, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek are specifically designed to give aging adults the opportunity to maintain their independence while providing access to the assistance they need.  In addition they get the benefit of built-in companionship as well as a range of meaningful wellness programs and activities.  Another misconception about assisted living is that you will have to

Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.   When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation.  Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older adults who live alone do not

Most of us feel better overall after we exercise even if it is not strenuous.  A nice walk can leave us feeling more clearheaded and studies are proving that it is not just in our minds. Research has shown that when we exercise, “blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain. More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better.”  In fact, the May 2013 Harvard Men's Health Watch, published an article stating that physical exercise helps us to maintain healthy blood pressure and weight, improve energy, lift mood, lower stress and anxiety, and keep the heart healthy - all which in turn benefit the brain.  The article explains exercise may stimulate brain regions involved in memory function and release a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose job is to rewire memory circuits to work better.  Dr. Ratey, an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author

For the area’s finest senior living, Des Moines area seniors are invited to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek . Our whole team is committed to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community while living up to our unique mission statement as follows: ·          Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics ·          Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence ·          Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents     MorningStar Senior Living’s founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, began the company out of his desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch.  He said his inte