MorningStar

For seniors in need of Alzheimer's care or memory care, proper communication plays a significant role in maintaining a meaningful and supportive relationship. At MorningStar Senior Living in Parker, Colorado, we understand the importance of effective communication with seniors in memory care. Providing quality assisted living and specialized Alzheimer's care comes from empathetic and reassuring communication.  Alzheimer's disease has unique communication challenges because the condition impacts cognitive function, memory, and communication abilities. MorningStar Senior Living provides comprehensive resources in our assisted living. Our experienced staff can help you gain insights into the condition, its progression, and effective communication techniques in assisted living situations. Non-verbal cues are vital in effective communication with seniors in Alzheimer's care . Utilize facial expressions, gentle touch, and body language to convey emotions and intentions. Main...

Adjusting to assisted living can be a significant transition for seniors, but maintaining a consistent routine can significantly enhance their overall well-being and stability. At MorningStar Jordan Creek, a premier senior living community in Des Moines, Iowa, we understand the importance of routines for seniors in assisted living. Discover how our community at MorningStar fosters a sense of structure and purpose while providing exceptional care for seniors in assisted living in Des Moines . Having a daily routine provides seniors with a sense of stability and predictability. Familiarity and consistency in activities and schedules can alleviate anxiety and promote comfort. At MorningStar Jordan Creek, our team members and staff encourage residents to establish and maintain routines that include regular mealtimes, exercise, social activities, personal care, and leisure pursuits. Seniors navigate their days with ease and confidence when they have a structured environment. Routines incorp...

When your parent or loved one requires memory care, such as specialized Alzheimer's care , it can be an emotionally taxing experience. It's essential to prioritize self-care and manage stress effectively to support your loved one or parent struggling with Alzheimer's. You may also need to research your parent or loved one’s memory loss condition to make a long-term plan to better care for you and your loved one. At MorningStar Senior Living, we understand the importance of quality assisted living for seniors and their families. Our expertise will help maintain the well-being and health of your loved one. Caring for a loved one with memory impairment can undoubtedly be overwhelming. To aid your concern and frustrations, you may need to contact support groups, online communities, or local organizations specializing in Alzheimer's care. These resources provide valuable insights, guidance, and emotional support for individuals facing similar challenges. Connecting with othe...

Among the many activities that can help seniors maintain and improve brain function, senior workbooks, puzzles, and board games have proven to be highly beneficial for seniors. At MorningStar Jordan Creek in Des Moines, Iowa, we understand the importance of incorporating engaging activities in assisted living that promote brain function and overall well-being for our residents. These activities contribute to a sense of purpose, achievement, and emotional well-being. In our vibrant assisted living community , you will discover the benefits of these engaging activities that support seniors' cognitive health and happiness. Engaging in activities such as senior workbooks, puzzles, and board games can significantly contribute to maintaining and improving brain function for seniors in assisted living. These activities challenge cognitive abilities and can improve memory, problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration. By regularly participating in mentally stimulating activities, ...

As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as at least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name. The question then becomes what the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease is. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start. Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or ...

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of memory impairment requires specialized expertise, unwavering compassion, and a nurturing environment. MorningStar of Littleton, located in Littleton, CO, stands out as a beacon of excellence in Alzheimer's care and senior living . At MorningStar of Littleton, families choose our esteemed community for their loved ones needing memory care because of our staff, team members’ expertise, and top Alzheimer’s care qualifications. As you walk through the doors of MorningStar of Littleton, you will be greeted by a team of highly qualified professionals who deeply understand Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. Our staff members at MorningStar of Littleton undergo extensive training and education in Alzheimer's care, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exemplary memory care services in Littleton, CO. Our dedicated Memory Care team comprises seasoned professionals with gerontolo...

If you're looking for an assisted living community, consider options catering to evolving needs while ensuring a seamless transition and comprehensive care. Continuous Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) have gained popularity in this way. MorningStar Jordan Creek, a premier senior living community in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a CCRC model designed to provide care services under one roof. MorningStar's assisted living options are excellent for families seeking assisted living in Des Moines . MorningStar Jordan Creek is a continuing care community that provides a seamless transition from independent to assisted living. Residents age comfortably without the stress of relocating to a new community. This continuum of care ensures that residents receive the necessary support while maintaining familiarity and comfort within the Des Moines area. MorningStar's assisted living communities offer comprehensive care services that meet residents' evolving needs. Our personalized ass...

Our modern-day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change. Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact, a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people aged 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6 1⁄2 hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s a...

If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs. Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact, the journal Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However, even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane. Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and ar...

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult. Also, their metabolism slows down so they need fewer calories than before. Therefore, the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is more important than ever. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier. They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road. Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are full of fresh ...

Many times, a move to assisted living is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved. Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include things like bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting. Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wid...

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.” Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. To emp...

Along with assisted living, Colorado Spring’s MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey. Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Lo...

Many times people put off creating a living will, also known as a health care power of attorney, because they don’t understand how important it is to have one; or they fear they are giving up too much control over their life. The medical community explains the reason you need one is to ensure you get the type of care you want when you can no longer speak for yourself. The Harvard Medical School says before you create a living will there are a few things to consider including separating fact from fiction. To start with, think about what quality of life means to you. Sometimes having extraordinary measures taken to save your life doesn’t factor in where such treatments will leave you. Having a living will can help guide your medical team on just such decisions. Some people worry if they choose to refuse certain life-sustaining medical treatments to prolong life even when death is inevitable that it will invalidate their life insurance policy. Medical professionals explain there is no rea...