MorningStar

Intergenerational programs bring together seniors and younger generations, such as children or teenagers, to engage in activities and build relationships. These programs can involve storytelling, crafts, gardening, or shared hobbies. Intergenerational interactions provide seniors with a sense of purpose, foster social connections, and offer opportunities for meaningful engagement. At MorningStar of Littleton, we encourage this holistic memory care approach for seniors in Alzheimer’s care by welcoming senior’s family members regularly into our community in order to foster open communication that encourages memory building and recognition. Storytelling and reading programs bring generations together in memory care facilities. These programs bring together seniors and children or teenagers for storytelling sessions or reading activities. Seniors can share their life experiences, personal stories, or favorite books with younger participants. This promotes social interaction, encourages co...

The risk of hip fractures becomes a growing concern for seniors and their loved ones. It’s hard to trust that your parents or loved one will be alright on their own at home or participating in routine chores or errands at an older age. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek in Des Moines, Iowa, we take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents with comprehensive safety measures implemented at MorningStar. From well-designed living spaces to personalized care plans and engaging physical activities, we are committed to preventing hip fractures and other injuries while creating a secure and active environment for our residents. Falls are a common concern among family members who care for a senior parent or loved one. These accidents can have significant consequences on seniors’ health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injuries and hospitalizations among older adults. MorningStar prioritiz...

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of getting shingles sometime in your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk in...

Brain fitness programs are popular Alzheimer’s care therapy in senior living communities. These memory care activities focus on cognitive exercises and puzzles designed to maintain and improve cognitive abilities. These activities may include memory games, puzzles, trivia, and computer-based brain training exercises. Brain fitness programs promote mental agility, enhance memory function, and provide a fun and challenging way to engage seniors. Senior living communities like MorningStar of Littleton incorporate these brain fitness programs for seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diagnosis.  Brain fitness therapy, also sometimes known as cognitive training, has shown promising benefits for seniors with Alzheimer's disease. This therapy offers a proactive approach to managing Alzheimer's disease by targeting cognitive abilities and providing a range of stimulating activities. It not only enhances cognitive function but also contributes to improved everyday fu...

As our loved ones age, their needs and desires may change, but the love and companionship they share with partners remain steadfast. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek in Des Moines, Iowa, we recognize the importance of preserving and nurturing the bond between couples in their senior years. That's why we offer the most exceptional senior living des moines has to offer for seniors with living options designed to cater to the unique needs of couples in senior living and assisted living arrangements. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we provide couples with spacious and comfortable shared living accommodations. We offer 56 assisted living suites in a choice of floorplans and configurations with some as large as 820 square feet. Our thoughtfully designed apartments are carefully crafted to offer the perfect blend of privacy and togetherness. Suites are equipped with a kitchenette with a fridge; in-suite washer/dryer, full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms; 24-hour emergency call systems; an...

Helping seniors downsize for assisted living is a sensitive and challenging process. Through the many years, our parents and loved ones have accumulated many special items that have sentimental value. If it is time to move into assisted living communities , you may be stressed and wondering how to downsize your loved one's many years of irreplaceable keepsakes. At MorningStar Senior Living in Jordan Creek, West Des Moines, Iowa, we understand the emotional and practical challenges involved in downsizing for seniors when moving to senior living or assisted living. When you and your family begin to consider assisted living , it's important to begin the downsizing conversation as early as possible with your parents or loved ones. Initiate this discussion with empathy and take the time to understand your loved one's concerns and preferences over what they want for their items. For this reason, MorningStar does offer 56 assisted living suites that we encourage seniors to fill wi...

Memory impairments pose significant challenges for seniors. Reminiscence therapy is a therapeutic approach that offers hope and respite for the difficulties that come with an Azheimer’s diagnosis. This powerful technique provides numerous benefits, especially for seniors facing memory difficulties. By tapping into the rich tapestry of their past experiences, reminiscence therapy helps individuals in Alzheimer’s care reconnect with cherished memories , stimulate cognitive functions, and enhance emotional well-being. Reminiscing about past events and experiences can help trigger memories that have felt stuck and stimulate recall in individuals with Alzheimer's. Even if recent memories are challenging to access, long-term memories from earlier stages of life may still be intact. Reminiscence therapy taps into these preserved memories, allowing individuals to connect with their personal history. At MorningStar of Littleton, our senior living community offers memory care for seniors wit...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge recognizes that for some, assisted living can seem out of reach for them financially, which is why we strive to help families find ways to make it affordable. One of the solutions we offer is “Companion Living.” This is where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in assisted living or memory care. Obviously, it is ideal if you have a relative, friend or acquaintance that is looking for the same type of situation and you can pair up to share a suite with them. However, we know that option is not always available, so we step in and help find a suitable companion for you. We carefully pair residents together based on common backgrounds and interests as that provides a good basis for building a friendship. With this living arrangement, the rent of the shared suite is split. Beyond the financial advantage, companion living can help ease the transition to a senior living community . The presence of a roommate can encourage more confident...

Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living , designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together. Assisted living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities and services as well as the opportunity to make new friends. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, once the family decides to entrust us with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal prefe...

Are you the adult child or spouse of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows we understand the anguish and heartache that families go through seeing their beloved mom, dad, or spouse change before their eyes. If the diagnosis is recent, you are most likely wrestling with lots of questions including what the future will bring and who will be there to provide the level of care the person will probably need. We hear you and want you to know our experienced team is here to help with holistic memory care that focuses on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual regardless of the extent of the memory loss. MorningStar’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. We start with a physical space designed to enhance residents’ quality of life with safe, inviting common areas enc...

The Alzheimer’s Association says that six in 10 people with dementia will wander. The danger with this is someone with Alzheimer’s disease may not remember their name, their address or how to get home. Furthermore, the more agitated the person becomes when they feel lost and disorientated, the less able they may be to tell someone something that could help get them safely back home. Experts say anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia that is mobile is at risk for wandering. Even if the person is in the early stages of the disease, they may still get disorientated; but thankfully there are strategies to help keep your loved one safe. It is important to have a plan in place in the event that it should happen to your parents or another loved one. Find out if your area has a “Safe Return Program” and enroll them in it and have them wear a GPS locating device at all times. Also, learn to recognize the warning signs of potential wandering such as: has the ...

A move to senior living can mean a lot of changes for a person. Our job at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is to make sure that experience is full of positive changes. One of the things we feel showcases our home is an outstanding food service, which is under the direction of our own Executive Chef. As an assisted living resident, you will be treated to a variety of seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. You will also enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining in our beautifully designed, relaxing dining room. For those times you wish to have an intimate dinner with friends or family, go ahead and reserve our private dining room. Our Chef is specifically trained in culinary skills and menu creations that appeal to seniors and knows how to modify recipes to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies as well as changing needs. A variety of nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restri...

A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.   Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand.      MorningStar o...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s statistics show that more than one in four Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and the number of falls will continue to increase as America’s baby boomers grow older. While these are worrisome facts, experts say there are some simple exercises seniors can do to help prevent falls and maintain their independence. Remember a common injury caused by an elderly person falling is a hip fracture that can seriously impact their life. Most balance exercises are easy to learn and can be done anywhere. The Mayo Clinic explains that while many exercises including walking can help maintain good balance, there are specific exercises targeted at improving a senior’s balance and stability. They do caution however that if you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, to get your doctor's okay before starting balance exercises. Examples of...

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that anyone worried about memory loss to make an appointment with their health care provider. While we all know it is scary just thinking about the possibility of having Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has a list of reasons why it is to your advantage to know. The process for getting a diagnosis starts with a full evaluation with a healthcare provider that includes your medical history and any medications you are taking as well as a series of mental status tests. If the initial evaluation indicates problems, your doctor will recommend further physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging. One of the top reasons to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease is your symptoms may be from another treatable cause. If it is determined you have Alzheimer’s, experts explain that while there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment options that can lessen the symptoms including memory l...