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Showing posts from January, 2023

The Importance of Nature for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

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By incorporating nature into our memory care community, MorningStar Senior Living strives to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of our senior living community in Littleton, Colorado. Nature-based activities, natural light, biophilic design and pet therapy can all help to improve mood, cognitive function, and provide a sense of purpose and well-being to those in memory care . We have a variety of outdoor spaces for our residents to enjoy at MorningStar of Littleton, including beautifully curated gardens, relaxing walking paths, and luxurious patios. These spaces provide residents with the opportunity to be outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. Fresh air, sunshine, and greenery can help to improve mood and cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s. We incorporate nature-based activities at MorningStar as often as possible. For example, the gardening club plants and tends to their own flowers or vegetables, or we may take a group walk on one of the many nearby

Awaken Your Inner Social Butterfly at MorningStar Senior Living

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As we age, you should want to stay active and engaged in life! For seniors, finding a senior living community that offers a wide range of social and recreational activities can be incredibly beneficial. At MorningStar Assisted Living Facility in Des Moines, Iowa, we understand the importance of seniors staying active and engaged, which is why we offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities that are designed to meet the needs of our residents in Assisted Living. One of the things that sets MorningStar apart from other assisted living communities is our commitment to providing a wide range of social and recreational activities that are tailored to the specialized interests of our residents. Whether you're an avid reader, a lover of music, or a fan of games and puzzles, we have something that will appeal to you. Our activities calendar is packed with events and activities that are designed to keep our residents engaged, active, and having fun. Our calendar includes regu

Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Wheat Ridge, CO

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MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to providing the best memory care and assisted living in the area. We attribute our success to God’s grace and to staying true to our mission of servant-leadership. To help us accomplish these lofty goals, we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts and a true love for seniors. Our founding principles are based on “casting a new light” on senior living and treating each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily as we care for, inspire and love the residents under our roof. At MorningStar we want seniors to recognize they are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream. We take great pride in a reputation for excellence and authenticity in both how we serve and why we serve throughout our MorningStar senior living communities across the Western U.S. Specializing in compassionate care delivered by our distinguish

Proper Communication with a Loved One with Alzheimer’s can Change their Life

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When a loved one is struggling with Alzheimer's, proper communication can be a challenging task. However, it is important to understand that effective communication can greatly enhance the quality of life for the seniors struggling with memory loss and their loved ones. MorningStar Senior Living in Littleton co understands how important it is to understand that nonverbal communication, such as touch, facial expressions, and body language, greatly improves the responsiveness of seniors with Alzheimer’s. When a senior with Alzheimer’s is able to feel comfortable through appropriate communication, their overall health and wellbeing improves drastically. First and foremost, it is important to understand that individuals with Alzheimer's may have difficulty with verbal communication as the disease progresses. They may struggle with finding the right words, have difficulty following conversations, and may even become agitated or confused. It is essential to remain patient and unders

Discover the Importance of Cleanliness and Maintenance in Assisted Living

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When it comes to finding the perfect assisted living facility, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of cleanliness and maintenance. After all, you want to ensure that your loved one is living in a comfortable, hygienic, and safe Assisted Living home. At MorningStar Assisted Living Facility in Des Moines, Iowa, we take pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and upkeep through routine maintenance and housekeeping. One of the first things you'll notice when you walk through the doors of MorningStar’s Assisted Living is the sparkling cleanliness of the facility. From the gleaming floors to the spotless common areas, we pay close attention to every detail to ensure that our residents are living in a clean and healthy environment. Our housekeeping staff is on duty daily to ensure that the facility is always in top condition, and we also have a dedicated team of maintenance professionals who are available around the clock to address any issues tha
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For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.” Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do to remain as independent as possible. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact, the Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain. It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exe

Families Can Trust This Memory Care

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For family members looking for trusted memory care, we understand that entrusting someone else to care for your loved one with Alzheimer's is a difficult and emotional decision. At MorningStar Memory Care of Littleton, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for seniors with Alzheimer's. Our experienced and qualified staff, safe and secure environment, and personalized approach to care make our community the ideal choice for your loved one. We can assure you that our community is staffed with experienced and qualified professionals who are dedicated to providing the highest level of empathetic memory care for your loved one . Our staff at MorningStar of Littleton is highly trained and exceptionally qualified in dementia care. All of our caregivers have completed specialized training and are equipped to handle the unique needs of individuals with memory loss. We also understand that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be challenging and emotionally ta

Assisted Living Can Still Give Seniors an Independent Life

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At MorningStar Senior Living, we understand the importance of providing seniors with personalized care. Personalized care is essential for seniors in assisted living homes, as it can help them maintain their independence and wellbeing. Personalized senior care allows caregivers at MorningStar Assisted Living to tailor their care to meet the unique needs of each of their residents. This can include providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming, as well as providing emotional, social, and medical support for seniors in Assisted Living . Personalized care in Assisted Living allows caregivers to tailor their care to meet the unique needs of each senior. Caregivers can also help seniors manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, and provide assistance with medication management. In addition to our general services and amenities, we also offer a specialized level of care for seniors in need of more assistance. We provide a variety of t

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

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MorningStar of Wheat Ridge wants to reassure families considering assisted living that if they put their loved ones into our home, we will see to it they receive the care they need. Before the resident even moves in, our Wellness Director will meet with the family to thoroughly discuss the person’s medical history, current health condition, medications, and personal preferences. In addition, we regularly review, evaluate, and update care plans to ensure changing needs are addressed. As a family member, some of your concerns may be focused on your parent or loved one’s medications especially if they have had problems taking them on time, all the time, or incorrectly. If you want to know if we offer medication management, the answer is yes, and we also offer pharmacy services. We consider medication management to be an important service to our residents as we know many seniors with chronic health conditions take several prescription medications daily, which can result in missed or

Studies Show Diet Can Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline

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Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, and three serving

Learn More About Memory Care

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When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families must face the question of what the future will hold. For many a specifically designed memory care community will be the answer as it offers an environment focused on improving quality of life and keeping the resident safe. A Place for Mom, a senior living referral website and information service, explains dementia care, also called memory care, is different from other senior care communities and features services such as 24-hour care, trained staff, memory-enhancing therapies, physical layouts that reduce confusion, a secure environment, and more. Moreover, as Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, a memory care home is equipped to care for a person from the onset to the most advanced stages. Many of the behaviors and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses such as disorientation, confusion and aggression can be difficult for families to handle on their own. At memory care communities, the

Would a Loved One’s Quality of Life be Improved with More Care?

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Most seniors wish to maintain their independence as long as possible by living on their own; and this is why many who encounter problems in their day-to-day lives are reluctant to tell their families. The problem with this is as a senior starts to have more difficulty caring for themselves, their quality of life can be greatly diminished. Even if mom or dad seem to be doing well on their own, experts say a rapid decline in their health from an accident or illness can catch families by surprise and make living on their own dangerous. In addition, many health conditions affect musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory or sensory systems and impact a senior’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Experts say other factors indicating a need for more help include social isolation, medication side effects and the physical characteristics of the person’s home such as a second floor bedroom. If after implementing a series of home modifications is not adequate, more measure

Dining at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows

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As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs is designed to meet the needs of our assisted living residents with compassion and professionalism. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to comfortably and safely age in place with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities. Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfor

Is a Parent Having Memory Problems?

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If your mom or dad is having serious memory problems, we have some suggestions to help you navigate through this trying time. Medical experts recommend doing some research on Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, to educate yourself on how the disease is diagnosed, stages of the disease, and some of what your family can expect if it is. You may want to visit websites such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as online support groups for family members dealing with the disease for suggestions on how to best prepare and support your parents. Also, remember it may not be dementia as there are medical conditions, reactions to medications, and nutritional and hormonal issues that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Therefore, you need to sit down and have a talk with your parents about the problems they are having and the need to make an appointment with their healthcare provider for a full medical exam. Experts say when you are ready to have the “conversation,” be honest and

MorningStar Offers Luxury Assisted Living in Colorado Springs

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Today’s assisted living is not just another term for a nursing home, which is intended for people who require skilled, around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Rather assisted living, the most popular and fastest growing long-term care option for older adults in the U.S., is designed for seniors who cannot get the help they need or afford while living at home or in an independent living community. The first community in the U.S. opened in the late 1980s. The concept quickly took hold out of consumers’ distaste for nursing homes and the desire for something offering the services, safety and amenities seniors required while still supporting and encouraging their independence. Assisted living recognizes seniors as productive, contributing individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover, unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities offer private suites and most are equipped with kitchenettes. At communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Col