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Showing posts from March, 2025

Heart Disease Awareness Month

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Each February, Heart Disease Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Along with promoting awareness of this largely preventable disease, it shows people how to take steps to protect their heart health. It also seeks to make awareness of how the disease disproportionally targets certain communities. During the month, the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (NHBLI) encourages Americans to take the steps to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent heart disease. These steps do not only improve heart health but help to prevent or alleviate the impact of other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. NHBLI says the practice of heart health care can keep our hearts’ healthy. One of the first steps is to get more exercise as experts warn inactive people are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease than active people. For the most benefit, they recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes each week. They a...

Creating a Home That Feels Just Right in Assisted Living

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Moving into an assisted living community is a big transition, but it doesn’t mean leaving behind the things that make a house feel like home. At MorningStar Senior Living West Des Moines, every resident has the opportunity to make their living space truly their own. Seniors in our community experience the same comfort and peace as other residents. We offer luxury-style amenities, comfortable common spaces, and spacious living arrangements designed to feel like home. Keep reading to see how you can help your loved one create a home that feels just right. Personalizing Assisted Living Homes At MorningStar, you can create your living space however you want. We offer unfurnished living spaces so residents can bring their own furniture, décor, and sentimental belongings to create a space that truly feels comfortable. A cherished recliner, a family heirloom, or framed photos, create a sense of familiarity and belonging. Displaying beloved keepsakes, knickknacks, and treasured mementos helps...

Communicating with a Loved One with Dementia

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Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can come on slowly but as the disease progresses, a spouse or other family members may find themselves struggling to communicate with the person. It is important to remember while symptoms vary and every person’s progression differs depending on the stage and type of dementia they have, a sad reality is many families have difficulty finding effective ways to communicate. Experts say the best piece of advice is to be “patient with ourselves as caregivers.” Like other challenges in life, it may require you to tailor your communication in a way that can help you connect with the person, while at the same time, respecting their dignity. However Carol Podgorski, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester, warns, “Dementias are progressive and degenerative brain diseases that can last for over 10 years. Communication strategies vary by the stage of the disease as well as other factors, including language abilities, sensory function, relat...

Find Senior Living Designed for Unique Needs

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Everyone lives a different life with different needs, concerns, and abilities. This is why our modern senior living communities focus on providing personalized care adopted to each resident to ensure proper support and independence. At MorningStar Senior Living West Des Moines, personalized care is at the heart of everything we do. We have created an assisted living community where every resident feels seen, valued, and supported, no matter what level of care they require. What is Personalized Care? Personalized care routines are developed for one individual based on their specific needs, preferences, health concerns, medications, abilities and goals while in senior living. Personalized care plans are individualized and custom-made for each resident at MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines . Personalized care plans ensure that each resident is receiving the correct level of care that is most beneficial to the senior. By providing individualized care, seniors experience more independe...

Our Health Needs depend on Reliable Medical Information

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The Medical News Today cites recent surveys showing Americans are vulnerable to misinformation via social and mass market media as well as from friends and family. As this can include critical medical information, they warn while there is a fount of easily accessible content, there are things we can do to protect ourselves from inaccurate advice. According to a 2024 survey from Healthline, more than half of American respondents said they got health information via social media, while another 32% said they turned to family, friends, and colleagues for health advice. To help empower us to make good medical decisions, Medical News Today spoke with Dawn Holford, PhD from the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol, U.K. who specializes in the psychology of communication and decision-making. Holford suggests people double check information with more than one reliable source to look for consensus across the board. She also adamantly says it is up to medical new websites...

Enjoying Retirement Without the Worries of Home Upkeep

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Retirement should be a time of relaxation. By the time retirement comes, seniors have spent so much of their lives worrying about home upkeep, raising families, keeping up with bills, and managing everything else it takes to run a home. For many seniors, the daily upkeep of a home can become overwhelming and even debilitating. Maintenance free senior living offers seniors a lifestyle designed for comfort, convenience, and rest. MorningStar assisted living Des Moines offers seniors the best retirement experience by making space for residents to connect with others, explore hobbies, and embrace a stress-free way of life. Keep reading to see how communities can make retirement easier and more enjoyable. Hassle Free Living In a maintenance free community, there’s no need for seniors or their families to worry about home repairs, chores, grocery shopping, or medication management. Dedicated staff and care managers handle everything your loved one needs to be comfortable. Seniors and their ...

Helping Mom or Dad Downsize to Community Living

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If your mom or dad has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into a senior living community offering assisted living is the perfect solution. You will have peace of mind knowing their needs are being met and they are safe and comfortable. However, as much of the task of helping them move will likely fall on your shoulders, you have probably begun to realize that paring back a lifetime’s worth of possessions is a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, there are many good books on the topic as well as useful tips on the Internet. Organizing experts caution that the job can be complicated and fraught with emotion because as you see a pile of stuff to sort through and toss; your parents see treasures and memories. Begin by creating a list of things your parents will need at their new place (keep in mind the size) and adding in the treasured items and personal belongings they want to keep. If something is hard for them to part with, he...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge Offers Specialized Memory Care

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Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers specialized memory care. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed in full consideration of the dispositions and behaviors of those with memory impairment and encourages independence for residents with clear wayfinding; and safe, inviting common areas. Residents receive daily health monitoring and 24/7 care along with access to a licensed nurse and more supportive third-party service providers. All suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call...

Health Disease and Women

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Despite a long-held belief that more men are affected by and even die from heart disease, the American Health Association says we now know that is only half the story. Recent studies show more women die from heart disease than from all forms of cancer. Perimenopause and post-menopausal women are at the most risk from heart disease, and the older they get, the higher the risk. Doctors say the drop in estrogen that occurs in women during and after menopause is why older women have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Robin Noble, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN, explains before menopause, estrogen has a vasodilatory effect on the vascular system. This anti-inflammatory effect fights against the development of the type of inflammation that causes cardiovascular plaques. Once a woman’s body experiences a drop in estrogen, it creates problems such as higher cholesterol levels, higher blood pressure and an increase in visceral fat - all linked to plaque buildup and hardening of the arterie...

Comforting a Friend Who is Grieving

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Many of us have watched a good friend go through the grieving process after losing a loved one and have been frustrated by not being able to do more to comfort them. Experts explain this is a common feeling and provide some suggestions to help. One of the first things to remember is everyone experiences grief in their own way. Heather L. McGinty, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, explains grief triggers a range of emotions, sensations and behaviors and can be complex. A person’s emotions may swing from tearfulness to anger or denial, and as a friend, it can be hard to know what to say. Loneliness, betrayal, fear and acceptance are some of the other emotions grief brings up. Some people even experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches. If you want to help, grief counselors say to first make sure the person wants it; and recommend asking if they want the type of supp...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Welcomes Couples

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When a couple’s health experiences are different, and one is healthier than the other, that person may assume the role of caregiver. As time evolves, the needs of the chronically ill spouse may become more complex and require daily care. This can be difficult for the healthier spouse, and even impact his/her own health and well-being. To ensure both parties have an opportunity for the best quality of life; and senior living communities may be the answer . While leaving a family home and transitioning to community life is a big change, the transition is easier for the person with a spouse or partner by their side. Marissa Kirby, NHA, CHC, CHPC, and vice president of compliance at NEWGEN HEALTH, LLC, explains, “In many cases, particularly when a couple has been married for many years, the ability to live together can make or break their decision on whether or not to move to an assisted living facility.” Many senior living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows welcome couples;...

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

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A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear. Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through. There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated. The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward. They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.” You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through. One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joini...

Learn More About Pacemakers

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According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the most common reason for a pacemaker is when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia), or it pauses, causing fainting spells or other symptoms. The device also prevents or treats a too fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia). For patients with heart failure, a pacemaker is used to help the heart chambers beat in sync, and enable the heart to pump blood more efficiently. Pacemakers use low-energy, electrical pulses to control the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, and the type of pacemaker you get depends on your situation. A traditional pacemaker sends electrical pulses through wires (or leads). It is placed in the chest or abdomen; and wires are connected to electrodes inside one to three heart chambers. This type of pacemaker includes single- and double-lead pacemakers, or biventricular pacemakers also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. A newer version of the pacemaker is a wireless pacemaker without...

Social Activities Help Keep Seniors Happy and Healthy

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The National Institute on Aging explains that while eating healthily and exercising is important for seniors, socializing and participating in activities you enjoy can be just as beneficial. Being lonely or feeling isolated is not good for our health and well-being; and can lead to depression or anxiety. Taking part in social activities can increase a person’s sense of purpose and give more meaning to their life. Whether it is starting a new hobby, renewing an old interest, or making the effort to spend more time with family or friends, being social and having an active lifestyle can benefit the mind, body and spirit. The NIA reports on various studies that find seniors who participate in hobbies and other social activities may lower their risk for developing some health problems “including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.” A longer lifespan is linked to those who say they are satisfied with life; and other studies show staying physically active and having ...

The Search for an Assisted Living Community

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If you have started searching for assisted living for a parent , you know it can be overwhelming. You are probably looking for a place that fits their budget, care needs, and lifestyle preferences. Moreover, you know it is not a decision to make lightly as you will not want to move mom or dad again after just a few months. That is why the experts suggest that if the circumstances allow you should take your time. The Internet has several checklists and suggestions on what to look for when searching for assisted living communities including questions to ask when talking to the staff. One thing everyone agrees on is that it is a good idea to take a tour of the community. Questions you will want to ask include suite sizes and configurations, pricing information and availability. If you plan to have both of your parents move in, ask if they can share a suite. Also, if applicable, find out if the community supports Companion Living (where two people of the same sex share a suite). You...

The Impact of Pets on Older Adults

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Study after study reports elderly people who are pet owners, say they are the better for it. According to a Forbes magazine article, the number one benefit pets provide older adults with is “unconditional love.” A whopping eighty-three percent of surveyed participants agree, and another 73 percent said their pet makes them feel loved. The good feelings pets give to seniors were even high in those who live with others. Other surveys of seniors found pets gave them a sense of purpose. Others said they derived joy just from interacting with a pet even if they didn’t own it. Some seniors expressed that they enjoy having a pet visit their home or interacting with one while visiting family or friends. In terms of what animals were most popular, dogs were a somewhat higher choice than cats; but some seniors had both. Experts say most people other than someone with very limited mobility can become dog owners. However, before you make a commitment to a dog; it makes sense to research breeds th...