MorningStar

We understand the devastation families feel when they get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. We know the path going forward is unplanned for, and we consider it our privilege – our calling to walk alongside the memory-impaired and their family on their unexpected journey. We are equipped to provide care to those in the early onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  In addition to MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ assisted living option, our Reflections Neighborhood consists of 19 secure memory care suites. The area is specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to move safely about their spacious surroundings. Also given the nature of dementia, residents pay one price for their suite and their care regardless of the level of memory loss.  As dementia care experts, our unique approach and philosophy to caring for those afflicted with the disease is called “Lavender Sky.” We know the essence of the person r...

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living in the Metro Denver area, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge may be the place for you. We understand for many seniors, assisted living is a new experience and that there are lots of questions in regard to how personalized care is managed and how much it will cost.  The MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community.  In addition, our website offers lots of resources regarding MorningStar Senior Living including our company’s history and philosophy as well as details on how we determine the individualized care each resident will receive. Under our website’s FAQ section, we explain that our assisted living care is based on a thorough assessment of the resident’s medical history and personal preferences.  We learn this information by meeting with the person, their family, and our Wellness Director before they move in.   From there, a care plan is creat...

Offering outstanding assisted living , Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek has a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Together MorningStar’s Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play a large role in why our beautiful community is the best choice for assisted living in the area.  We always suggest that interested families contact us by phone or email, but as a way to get you started; our website contains lots of information about our community as well as more general information. Among our Family Resources, which include a Decision Guide and information on Affordability and Veterans, we also provide a comprehensive FAQs section.  Here you will read about our unique brand of “senior loving homes” as well as learn a little something about our mission. We explain how it is our privilege - our calling, to love all those beneath our roof, which starts by hiring team members...

Right from the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  Now as the nation is coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is judiciously following Colorado’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Wheat Ridge community to our Executive Director, Chad McGlothlin.  Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the...

While many of us have always felt a sense of calmness when working in our backyards or sitting out on our patios, there is now lots of research that proves spending time among nature can improve not only our wellbeing but our health. The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a report that draws on multiple studies, which show contact with nature improves a variety of conditions and diseases including: depression and anxiety disorders, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, respiratory diseases and more. It explains that time spent “in and around tree-lined streets, gardens, parks, and forested and agricultural lands is consistently linked to objective, long-term health outcomes.” Moreover, it found higher risks for morbidity and mortality linked to people in less green surroundings leading researchers to hypothesize that greening neighborhoods with more parks and trees may be an effective, inexpensive intervention for better health.  Thus, spending time sitting on your deck, w...

If you have reached your 60s, or for some of us, even our 50s, you need to have a great team of doctors on your side. This should include physicians with experience that has focused on health conditions common to seniors , and who are attuned to the multitude of changes that aging has on our bodies, our minds, and our lifestyle.  You also want health care providers who actually listen to you and then talk to you. Dr. Michael Wasserman, a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, stresses that good listening ability is the first personality trait to look for in your doctor.  If you are shopping for a new physician due to a move or other circumstances, ask friends and neighbors for a reference. Once you call, find out if they are accepting new patients, and if not, how long is the waitlist. In addition, before you make your first appointment, ask if they accept your insurance including your various Medicare plans, an...

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking may provide several benefits including a longer life span. They base this on lots of studies done regarding the effects of positive thinking and optimism as related to our health. While researchers are not sure why individuals who routinely take the glass half full approach to life experience measurable benefits, some think it could be that positive thinking helps us better handle stressful situations and we know that stress can have harmful effects on our bodies.  In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports positive thinkers may not only increase their life span but lower their risk for depression and level of distress, and even have a greater resistance to the common cold. Positive thinkers also typically enjoy better psychological and physical well-being as well as better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a positive attitude during times of stress and hardships helps us to w...

We all know the saying about a dog being man’s best friend, but how about the one coined by Charles Schultz that adds, “Happiness is a warm puppy?” Another enthusiastic dog lover sums it up with, “If you want someone to love you forever, buy a dog, feed it and keep it around.”  Regarding relationships with four-legged creatures in general, British author, George Elliot wrote, “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” Also the Scottish-American Naturalist, John Muir noted, “Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.”  Considered by most to be loyal companions and steadfast friends, our pets don’t judge, don’t criticize and most importantly love unconditionally . In fact many pet owners say their dog or cat knows when they are feeling sad or upbeat and are ready and eager to give consoling hugs in the form of a cuddle or an excited, happy to see you “tail wag....

Right now, we are all looking for ways to help keep our families healthy. In addition to practicing social distancing and washing our hands, experts remind us that eating healthy is more important than ever as it provides our bodies with the key nutrients that boost our immune systems. This is important as a strong immune system helps defend us against the viruses that cause illness.  Foods that are vital to maintaining a healthy immune system include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. One vegetable especially nutrient-rich, readily available, and easy to cook is broccoli. It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as “sulfur compounds that research suggests may boost production of glutathione, an antioxidant compound. In terms of immune support, glutathione works by attacking free radicals to minimize their potential damage.”  Another good source of vitamin C, which plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy, is fortified orange juice and just one cup ...

If your responsibilities include caring for elderly parents as well as children still living at home, you are not alone and may be a part of Gen X (Americans born between 1965 and 1980). Psychologist Jonathon Sikorski, director of wellness education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, explains the problem with the following: “You’re balancing the demands of raising and supporting children and worrying about your parents' independence and well-being. It’s tough,” Researchers report that around half of all U.S. adults in their 40s or 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child. Also known as the sandwich generation, many of them provide similar care to both their children and senior parents along with transportation to activities and doctor appointments.  The constant juggling of caregiver duties can be very stressful. Now add in a global pandemic where vulnerable seniors who are most at risk are being ask...

Along with assisted living , MorningStar of Wheat Ridge feels it is our calling, and our privilege, to provide loving, compassionate memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. With 19 memory care suites, we are equipped to care for your loved one from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Also, our Reflections Neighborhood is a secure environment, designed to allow residents the independence to move freely and safely about in their expansive surroundings.  In fact, every aspect of our memory care is tailored to serve the needs of our most tender residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Once your loved one decides to join the MorningStar community, we meet with your family to learn as much as we can about their personal preferences, medical history and background in order to create an individualized care plan. Every resident receives 24-hour care, daily health monitoring, acc...

MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder and CEO, Ken Jaeger, first began forming the idea of starting a company from a desire to create senior living that was defined by the human touch. He says his intention was to “re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” This simple but profound concept has driven the overwhelming success of our MorningStar brand. Now nearly seventeen years later, MorningStar continues to add communities across the Western U.S., including MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Littleton, in the Greater Denver area. At MorningStar of Littleton, our goal is to create a true home for our residents - one that feels like a family. To help us achieve this, our dedicated team strives to live up to our unique mission statement, which includes honoring God in all of our business practices and relationships and valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals. The last part of our mission statement is t...

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 adversely 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 at Jordan Creek offers 29 secure suites for the care of residents with memory impairment from the onset...

While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high? Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) lowered the guidelines in November 2017. Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure.  However, the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range. If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk. Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it.  Your blood pressure reading consists of ...

For the area’s finest senior living , Wheat Ridge area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging. By defining health and well-being holistically, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Together our Life Enrichment programs and our Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care.  As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health. These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.  We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This centralized mobile station ensures accu...

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur at home. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it happening.  Many elderly adults experience a general overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that make them more susceptible to a fall. Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision. This can make it more difficult to detect fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the ground.  Certain types of medications, especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure, which can all increase the ...

While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s disease there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk. Presented last July at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us.  The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking. In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these hab...

If you are new to the concept of assisted living, and are unsure of the difference between other senior living options including independent living , MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is here to help. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living Colorado Springs offers.  To start with, assisted living offers various levels of support with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing and other support services including meals, transportation and wellness activities in a residential setting. Independent living is for seniors who enjoy the benefits offered by community living including predictable budgeting, companionship, and activities; but do not require assistance with personal care. A nursing home is unlike assisted living as it is designed for people requiring around-the-clock nursing care. When you visit o...

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be the place for you. For seniors who wish to maintain their independence but require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), our 56 assisted living suites are equipped with all of the modern conveniences and safety features. Available in a variety of well-designed floor plans, suites have wall-to-wall carpeting, high ceilings, lots of windows, ceiling lights, and mini-blinds.  In assisted living , we offer various levels of support with the ADLs (we have 5 levels in all), and your care plan is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with you and your family. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. However, regardless of your level of care, all assisted living residents have access to around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure your safety as they compassionately meet your expressed ...