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Showing posts from April, 2023

The Cost-Effective Benefits of Personalized Senior Care

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If you are considering assisted living for yourself or for a loved one, you should choose a facility that prioritizes personalized and individualized care. At MorningStar assisted living in Des Moines, Iowa, we are proud to offer personalized and individualized care to our residents. We believe that this approach is not only the most beneficial in terms of overall health and wellness, but it's also the most cost-effective in the long run. By focusing on each resident as an individual, we're able to provide targeted care and support that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.  One of the primary benefits of personalized and individualized care for seniors in assisted living is that it allows staff members and managers to tailor their approach to meet each resident's unique needs. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach to care, our team at MorningStar works with each resident and their family to develop a care plan that is specific to their needs and prefe

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

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If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to consider an assisted living community. When you begin your search, please add MorningStar of Wheat Ridge to the top of your list. Our beautiful community is in the heart of Wheat Ridge, a popular suburb northwest of Denver. We are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services. Too often seniors worry that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom. They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, this could not be further from the truth. What sets MorningStar apart from other senior living in the area? Along with spacious private suites in a range of conf

Helpful Alzheimer’s Care Tips for the Summer Heat

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With higher temperatures coming into full swing, it’s important to be mindful of the heat of summer when caring for someone in Alzheimer’s care . As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating body temperature, making seniors more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. This is especially true for those with Alzheimer's disease, as they may have difficulty communicating their discomfort or recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke. As a senior living community dedicated to holistic and empathetic Alzheimer’s care for seniors, MorningStar takes the necessary precautions to ensure our residents' safety during hot weather. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can be life-threatening for seniors with Alzheimer's. It's essential to take steps to prevent these conditions from occurring in the first place. At MorningStar, we have implemented various safety measures to ensure our residents stay safe during the hot summer months. Our memory ca

Safety Precautions for Families Picking an Assisted Living Facility

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When the decision has been made for a loved one to move into an assisted living facility, it is natural for you to want to ensure their safety and well-being while being in assisted living care . While many facilities have adequate safety protocols in place, there are further steps that you and your family can take to make sure your loved one is safe and healthy in their senior living community. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we want family members to be involved in their loved one’s care. Our team members also provide the most specialized care to seniors in assisted living Des Moines has to offer. At MorningStar, we have a strong commitment to providing the best possible care for our residents. Our staff is highly trained and experienced, and they work tirelessly to ensure that each resident's individual needs are met through our culture of Radiance. Radiance is the brand standard of Service Excellence at MorningStar Senior Living. Its precepts are introduced to team members upon

Have You Been Screened for Cognitive Decline?

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Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams and say it would be a good idea to do so. While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on. Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk. Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia. From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination. However, according to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone admini

You Can Be Sure to Find These Foods for Brain Health at MorningStar Senior Living

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Avid nutrition is an essential component of overall health and well-being, especially for those with Alzheimer's. A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods not only improves overall health but also supports cognitive function and works to reduce inflammation in the body. At MorningStar at Littleton, residents in Alzheimer's care have access to a variety of healthy and delicious foods prepared by our executive chefs who understand the importance of brain-healthy nutrition. We are a senior living community Littleton co can count on to be committed to providing our residents with delicious and nutritious meals that support cognitive function and reduce inflammation. Our community offers a variety of food options and dining amenities to ensure that our residents have a fulfilling and enjoyable dining experience. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are some of the best foods for those with Alzheimer's. These types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked

The Health Benefits of Meditation for Seniors

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As we age, our mental health becomes increasingly important. Many seniors experience cognitive decline, memory loss, and other age-related conditions that can impact their quality of life. One way to support mental health in seniors is through meditation. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we believe that supporting seniors' mental health in our assisted living community is essential to their overall well-being. That's why we prioritize resources that can help seniors incorporate mental health activities like meditation into their daily lives. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, our community, the best designed community for assisted living Des Moines has to support your mental health and well-being. Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing the mind on a specific object or thought while focusing on breathing. It has been practiced for centuries in many cultures and is known to provide a wide range of benefits for mental health. For s

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge Offers Experienced Memory Care

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MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is proud to offer exceptional assisted living and memory care . Our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, operates senior living communities in eleven states. This means MorningStar of Wheat Ridge benefits from the extensive knowledge and expertise our company has gained in their 20 years of operation regarding all facets of senior living, including a deep understanding of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar has earned a reputation as trusted dementia care specialists, and we feel it is our calling to provide care to our most special residents. By devoting a separate area to memory care called our Reflections Neighborhood, residents have the independence to safely move about their expansive surroundings. To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure courtyard to allow them to enjoy being outdoors. Once a resident joins our MorningStar

Understand the Importance of Lavender Sky at MorningStar

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Living with dementia can be a challenging experience for both individuals with the condition and their families. It can be a difficult and emotional journey, but it doesn't have to be one that's filled with despair or dead-ends. At MorningStar's memory care community in Littleton, Colorado, residents with dementia are provided with person-centered care and engaging activities under the approach of Lavender Sky. This innovative and holistic approach to memory care recognizes that individuals in need of Alzheimer’s care can still experience joy, purpose, and meaning in their lives while residing in the most empathetic senior living Littleton co families can expect for their loved ones struggling with Dementia or other forms of memory loss. Lavender Sky at MorningStar has received recognition for its innovative and person-centered approach to dementia care. The approach is centered around personalized Alzheimer’s care that takes into account each individual's unique needs

It’s Important to Get Routine Health Screenings

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As we age, it is important to stay up to date with our health care including routine screenings as many diseases do not show signs of symptoms until the problem is harder to treat. Screenings also allow your physician to compare today’s readings to past tests to look for concerning signs. However, medical experts estimate over half of all adults over 65 are not current with the recommended screenings.  In many cases our age determines the type of screenings we should get. Some tests are recommended once a year, while others, like a colonoscopy, may be based on past test results and/or on the advice of your doctor.  Common screenings include annual cholesterol tests to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Cholesterol tests can help “determine your risk for the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).” Your blood pressure should be checked each time you visit a h

The Many Benefits of Stretching Exercises

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If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk of falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness. The Journal of Gerontology reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. Howe

Are You Caring for an Elderly Loved One?

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If you have become responsible for more and more of the caregiving duties of an elderly parent or another loved one, it may be time to consider a change. Today’s senior living options include assisted living that provides daily help with personal care, and actually helps residents regain their sense of independence. Also once your loved one is getting the proper care they need, it allows you to get back to just enjoying the time you spend together. Moreover, assisted living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. Our priority is to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. This starts with a thorough evaluation of their medical and personal history, followed by a care plan approved by you and your parents. MorningStar’s services also help our families by providing transportation to doctor appointments as well as offer schedu

Social Connections Have a Big Impact on Our Health

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Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. As socialization keeps the brain sharp it may even decrease the risk of developing dementia or slow down its progression. Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Al
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We all know that life changes can be fraught with anxiety and fear and moving into assisted living is certainly a major change for many seniors. However, experts say there are several things families can do to help ease the transition period. One of those things is to help your loved one make a comfortable home in their new suite. Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project manager with Denver-based OZ Architecture, explains that, "Moving into assisted living often can feel like a loss of independence and privacy for your loved one, but thoughtful interior design can go a long way toward improving happiness and well-being for the resident, as well as improving overall functionality of the new living space." Ms. Bailey cautions that you need to remember to let your loved one have a say in how their new home will be decorated including the personal mementos and photos they want to bring with them and which ones they want to display. Triggering happy memori

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Trusted Memory Care

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Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides experienced care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia-related diseases. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. We are different from other senior communities in that every aspect of our care is designed from the ground up to accommodate those with memory impairment. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is equipped to care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas including an enclosed courtyard. Suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. Care in our Reflections N