MorningStar

If you are an older adult , you may feel like you are past the point of worrying about a few new wrinkles and think you no longer need to protect your skin with sunscreen.  The medical profession wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth as seniors are actually more sensitive to sunlight and of getting sunburnt in a shorter period of time than when they were younger.  This is due to a couple of reasons including as we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses it protective fat, and medications commonly taken by seniors including antibiotics, NSAIDs, oral diabetes drugs, and diuretics may increase photosensitivity. Doctors recommend that seniors avoid exposure to the sun during peak times (from 10 am to 4 pm) and to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still potent even on cloudy days.   Also be sure to wear sunscreen choosing a cream or lotion that is broad spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF 30 every day.  If you plan to be at the beac

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family.  All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek , our mission is to provide the best senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MorningStar Senior Living has communities throughout the Western U.S, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists.  Unlike other memory care communities, MorningStar’s extensive experience has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss.  We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.   We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar

Dementia may still be one of the most misunderstood medical conditions of today.  From believing dementia is an inevitable part of aging to thinking any sign of forgetfulness is evidence of dementia, many people hold inaccurate views regarding the term.   The Alzheimer’s Association defines dementia as not being a specific disease.   Rather they say, “It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.”   Also, it can complicate the matter as the term dementia covers a range of conditions with the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease.  Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other disorders.    To determine if you or a loved one’s memory loss is a symptom of dementia, you need to be evaluated by a health care professional.  Simply being forgetful is not enough for a doctor to make t

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) states that, “falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans . Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.”  They report one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year and account for more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency rooms annually, and result in over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.  However they say falls do not have to be an inevitable result of aging.  Rather with some practical lifestyle adjustments as well as public campaigns on how to reduce the problem from the NCOA and other organizations, the number of yearly falls can be reduced.  The NCOA’s evidence-based Falls Free® National Action Plan was updated in 2015, and includes “goals, strategies and action steps to increase physical mobility, reduce the impact of medications as a falls risk factor, and improve home and environmental safety.” The N

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we not only provide some of the best assisted living Colorado Springs offers, but also experienced memory care.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as

If you are looking for the best memory care or assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows .  We provide area seniors with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing.  At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change.  In fact we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families.  To improve care services, we proudly use the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) syst

According to the U.S. News & World Report, every year there are 5 million cases of elder fraud in the U.S., resulting in as much as $27.4 billion in losses.  Additionally, these crimes are often hard for law enforcement to prosecute because in many cases victims are too embarrassed to report the crimes.  The FBI says con artists also know that seniors do not make good witnesses even if they do report the crime due to the effects of age on their memory and the length of time it takes to bring a case to justice.     Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite, to believe people are basically good, and have a hard time saying “no.”  These are the traits con artists exploit.  Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.  A recent scheme

The National Stroke Awareness Month began in May, 1989 after President George H. W. Bush signed a Presidential Proclamation aimed at promoting public awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes and reducing the number of incidences in the U.S.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) partners with the National Stroke Association, the American Heart Association and other non-profits to education Americans not only on warning signs but how to control risk factors to improve brain health.   The NIH warns that “ stroke is a leading cause of death & can happen to anyone.”  With over 800,000 incidences each year, it is also the leading cause of serious long-term disabilities. The majority of stokes occur in people over 65 and the risk more than doubles each decade after the age of 55. The American Heart Association advises all American to know F.A.S.T ., the warning signs of stroke as it may save a life.  They include: F ace Drooping Does one side of the face dro

If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 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 other senior living options, they are equipped to provide the most comprehensive care.  Memory care communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 as other common dementia behaviors.  At MorningS

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Wheat Ridge enjoys a convenient location in the heart of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, a suburb on the north side of Metro Denver.  Along with our compassionate care services, resort-style amenities, and wellness programs and activities, residents have a choice of smart floorplans that are sure to meet a variety of preferences.  Unlike many retirement communities, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge was built as a senior living community and meticulously designed to accommodate every need of our assisted living and memory care residents.  For assisted living, we offer 45 graciously appointed suites in configurations that range from spacious studio to one- and two-bedroom floor plans.   Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia -related diseases and has 19 secure suites.  Each of our stylish units offers high ceilings, large windows, lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini bli

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge , we are committed to provide the best senior living in the area, and our beautiful community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors. Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact, a National Institutes of Health study found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many of 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.  Morning

The CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners have all come together to observe Arthritis Awarness during the month of May.  The CDC reports that the widespread disease affects about one in four adults in the U.S., and currently 54 million men and women as well as an estimated 300,000 children have the disease. Research has found that while there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis, it can also be a result of environmental factors including toxins and viruses or damage due to excessive repetitive motions. Signs you may be developing arthritis include joint pain and swelling, stiffness or deformity of joints, lumps and bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and warm or red joints.  While there is no cure for arthritis, doctors recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and using hot and/or cold packs.  Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help, but before taking any medication, please consult with your health care provider. The

If you are confused with what the term assisted living means, you are not alone.  Relatively a new concept, assisted living is based on the European model and is not a nursing home.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who require a little assistance with their daily personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, etc.  Furthermore, rather than taking away a person’s independence, assisted living provides the services seniors need to maintain an independent lifestyle.  At MorningStar of Littleton , our assisted living offers five levels of care.  Your level of care will be determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with you and your extended family.  Also, regardless of your level of care, we provide all residents with around-the-clock Care Managers (at least one team member is CPR trained on each shift) to meet needs and ensure your comfort and safety.       On the MorningStar website, we list the many clinical services av

While many older adults wish to live out their senior years at home, for some, it is not a manageable option. Moreover, no matter our age, change can be challenging, and it is no different for seniors when the time comes for them move into an assisted living community .  To ease the transition, experts offer several tips that can help make the move less stressful.  One suggestion is to start planning way ahead of the time you anticipate you will need to make the move.  So, if you can, do not wait until your parent needs to go from a hospital stay into assisted living.  The advantage to starting your search way in advance of the move is it allows you the time to find a place ideally suited to your loved ones’ needs and personality.  Always remember it is a huge life transition and should be treated as such. If possible, it is recommended to try and pick from one of the assisted living communities in the area they reside in as it allows them to retain some continuity in th

The Alzheimer’s Association states that the number of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is increasing and there is now an estimated 5.8 million Americans with the disease.  They add that every 65 seconds someone comes down with the disease.  Among that number includes approximately 200,000 people who are under the age of 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's.   Experts also predict that as we continue to live longer, the number of those age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s will grow to 13.8 million by 2050.  Right now, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently, cannot be prevented or cured. These sobering statistics mean that more families are finding themselves in the situation of having a family member with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia .  For those who are family caregivers, the Alzheimer's Association found it can take an overwhelming toll on them both physically and emotionally.  Their studies show that close to 60 perce

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area offers, and we understand that looking at communities and deciding which one is right for you 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 resid ent’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 whe