MorningStar

Due to much research on the subject, we now know it is not only important to get a good night’s sleep but it is essential to our overall good health and wellbeing. Sleeping balances our active life with the time our body needs to renew and rejuvenate. However, unfortunately with age comes a variety of health conditions that can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.  Experts explain that the elderly are more likely to “suffer from chronic insomnia characterized by difficulty maintaining sleep than difficulty initiating sleep.” Suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea are more frequently seen in older adults and can result in poor sleep patterns. We also know that bright sunlight helps to regulate melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) and sleep-wake cycles, and many elderly people do not spend enough time out-of-doors.  Not getting an adequate amount of sleep each night can impact vitality an...

Along with assisted living , MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of those with memory impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.  Our holistic approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of dementia. Providing loving support for our residents, we enter with insight and intentionality as we step into their “purple world” and cross over the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us.  We also embrace the world of dementia , which begins with accepting the diagnosis, as difficult as this can be. Utilizing MorningStar’s extensive experience, we have develo...

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we are staying vigilant in our approach to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. We are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Our highest priority is to the health and safety of our residents, their families and our staff members.  We are doing all we can to achieve this including instituting a policy that temporarily suspends non-essential visitors and vendors from entering our home. MorningStar is also keeping up-to-date and following closely, and in many cases exceeding, guidelines set by the CDC to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community.  Some of these actions include having all assisted living residents dine in their suites with the exception of those with an Individualized Service Plan that require assistance with eating. They will be served in the dining room, widely spaced from one another. Our memory care...

Unfortunately some of us are living with chronic pain caused by a variety of ailments, diseases, or injuries. While it can make getting through the day a struggle, experts stress that it doesn’t mean it has to be an inescapable spiral toward depression and unhappiness as there are things a person can do to help manage the pain.  One of those suggestions is to learn one of the many relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation or mindfulness. Massage therapy, yoga, biofeedback, and music or art therapy have also been found to be beneficial. If you practice one or more of these relaxation techniques, you will reduce stress and help to center yourself in a calmer, more balanced place.  Another way to manage pain is through exercise. However the Mayo Clinic advises anyone 40 or over who has not been physically active to consult with their health care provider before beginning. In addition, they caution that...

Researchers says that even if we are not developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as we grow older, our memory, decision-making, and ability to learn simply begin to wear down. This process is referred to as “cognitive aging” and doctors now say there are evidence-based steps we can take to improve our cognitive functioning.  The published study from the Institute of Medicine titled “Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action,” detailed three ways we can protect and bolster our aging brain . The study’s authors are Dr. Dan Blazer, chair of the report and professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart and physician-in-chief at the Mount Sinai Hospital. The report is intended to provide relevant information to both physicians and patients.  According to the study, the first thing we can do to help keep our brain healthy (and other parts of our body) is to...

If you or a loved one is starting to feel less steady on your feet and at risk of falling, a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However, before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs.  As AgingCure.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise .” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If they recognize a need for a mobility aid, they m...

Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be a very stressful job.  If you think it is time to consider other care options, rather than feeling disappointed in yourself, remember the job of a caregiver is tough and it may be in yours as well as your spouse, mom, or dad’s best interest to move them into memory care.      If caring for a loved one requires more effort on your part than you are able to give physically or mentally, please reach out and get the help you need as your own health and wellbeing may be aversively impacted. Also, experts stress that while there is no downside to placing someone in memory care in the earlier stages of the disease there could be drawbacks to waiting too long.  Remember the more advanced stages bring with it a significant decline in everyday functioning. Along with assisted living , MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 19 secure suites for the care of residents wi...

Now that we are moving into the lazy days of summer, many of us cannot wait to get out and enjoy the warmer weather.  However seniors should know that higher temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for them if they are not careful.   According to a study from the University of Chicago Medical Center, 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were in people over 65.   Signs of heat-related illness include headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea; and if you do get overheated, it is important to get relief quickly.   To prevent hyperthermia (overheating), the National Institute of Health (NIH) cautions the elderly to avoid the outdoors during the hottest part of the day, and warn it is not only 100°F temperatures that put them at risk.  They explain seniors are more susceptible to heat-related illness for a number of reasons including the normal aging of sweat glands and changes to the skin.    Also medications used to treat health c...

If you think your spouse or an elderly parent may be suffering from hearing loss (keep in mind it is extremely common in seniors ), the AARP has some good tips to help you decide if it is time to convince them to see a doctor.  The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 1 in 3 people between 65 and 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75, have trouble hearing. While we may think it should be easy for someone to know if they are experiencing hearing loss, the problem is that the loss generally occurs slowly over time.  Thus as a person starts having trouble hearing, they self-correct by doing things like turning up the volume on the TV, and is why it is often other people who are the first to suspect a problem.  Experts say it is important to get help for hearing loss as it is treatable and can lead to social isolation, which is linked to depression, dementia , and even falls.  In addition to th...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is a beautiful senior community that offers assisted living as well as memory care.  Our exceptional team is experienced in serving seniors and understands what it needed to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In fact, all facets of our community were designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve our residents and we start with 24/7 care managers and access to licensed nurses and certified medication care managers/QMAPs.  MorningStar’s care managers help our assisted living residents retain their independence by providing help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting and eating as well as other medical assistance.  These dedicated individuals were hired for their big hearts and a desire to serve seniors. MorningStar’s medication care managers/QMAPs also play an important role based on statistics from a National Institute...

Medical experts say that while inflammation helps our bodies to fight illness and can be a necessary part of the healing process, there are some people whose immune systems do not work as they should, and they suffer from chronic inflammation.  This condition manifests itself in various diseases including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, asthma and metabolic syndrome (“a collection of conditions that tend to occur together, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease”). However, the good news is researchers have found evidence that shows our diet may help us manage many of the symptoms of these diseases.  They report that, “An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and spices.”  Foods to avoid or to limit consumption of include processed foods, red meats, and alcohol. Doctor...

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...

The medical profession is worried that people have put off seeing a doctor or coming in to the emergency room for medical conditions that demand immediate attention.  While many states are coming out of “stay at home” orders, doctors say there are still far too many people afraid to seek medical attention for critical care.  Doctors fear that patients who need urgent care for conditions such as stokes, heart attacks, abdominal conditions, and bladder infections are not reaching out for help.  Moreover, in some cases, by not seeking appropriate, timely assistance, there has been an uptick of people dying at home or suffering from irreversible damage caused by the lack of medical intervention.  Reports out of Spain, one of Europe’s hardest hit countries “found that the number of heart attack patients treated in healthcare facilities has plummeted by 40% since the onset of the virus.”  Hong Kong had similar reports.  This is why hospitals and care provid...

If you have an elderly loved one who is living in a senior community that has halted visits due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the AARP offers several things you can do to help them stay socially connected and avoid feeling isolated.  Remember one of the most important things we can do is to let them know they are loved and missed.  The easiest way you can do this is through frequent phone calls, but also don’t forget other ways of communicating such as sending a letter or greeting card through the snail mail reminding them you are thinking of them.  Include the kids by having them draw a picture for grandma or grandpa or if they are old enough, have them also write a letter.  It definitely makes it more personal to stay in touch if your parent has a computer or a smart device that lets you FaceTime or Skype on a regular basis and the AAPR has some ideas of how to use video-calling to keep it fun.  One suggestion if your kids are young is to arr...

Have you been searching for something for your elderly mom or dad that would provide some comfort and help ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation?  While you may think now is not the best time for them to assume the responsibilities of a new pet, you may want to take a look at one of the many “robotic pets” in the marketplace. We know there has been a lot of research that supports the idea pet ownership is beneficial to seniors and a loving pet is a great companion.  Now researchers have also discovered that robotic pets may provide the elderly with many of the same benefits live animals do.   A 2017 study found that the interaction between older adults and animals, whether real or robotic, helped lower blood pressure, eased anxiety, reduced feeling of loneliness and improved the overall quality of life. The advantage of a low-maintenance robot dog or cat is they are easy for seniors with little to no tech savvy to “care for.”  The reali...

The MorningStar story began with a vision from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wanted to re-create senior housing that was defined by the human touch and felt much like his grandmother’s house – “a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”   Out of this loving concept that focuses on the power of relationships, came three mission statements upon which MorningStar was founded: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals;  and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.   Following these precepts, MorningStar of Littleton is committed to providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness with a care team that feels honored to serve seniors.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 65 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 secure suites devoted to the specialized care ...

Father’s Day was first officially celebrated in the United State on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington.  It then took another 58 years (in 1972) after President Woodrow Wilson had declared Mother’s Day to be an official holiday for dads to get their own official national holiday.   This year Father’s Day is June 21, as the holiday is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.     The earliest public event honoring fathers was in 1908 at a West Virginia church.  It was held in memory of 362 area men who had been killed in a tragic coal mine accident the year before.  It was a one-time commemoration and not intended to be an annual holiday.    The first recognized celebration of all fathers took place at the Spokane, WA YMCA on June 19, 1910.  It was organized by Sonora Smart Dodd.  Her father, William Jackson Smart was a single parent who raised six children.  Ms. Dodd had heard a sermon about the Mother’s Day c...

Now may be the time to consider moving your parents into assisted living as a way to ensure they get the daily support they need in a safe, comfortable environment.  Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek provide all of the comforts and care residents need to thrive!  Assisted living also provides peace of mind if your mom or dad has poor balance or failing eyesight, which can increase the likelihood of a fall, and not having help close at hand can be dangerous.  In addition, if a parent no longer drives, it may be difficult for them to get groceries and other necessary supplies including prescription medications or to see a doctor. MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s mission is to provide the best assisted living Des Moines - West Des Moines has to offer. Our beautiful community provides assisted living residents help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to help maintain their independence.  Residents and their families take com...