MorningStar

As summer temperatures heat up, there are some things you should not keep stored in your vehicle. One of those items is sunscreen. While it is handy to have it available to reapply when needed, experts say too much exposure to heat can start to degrade the effectiveness of the SPF protection in the product. The best way to get around this is to apply sunscreen at home, and if you need to have it on hand, carry it in your handbag that will go with you once you get out of the car. Another thing many of us want to have with us in the hot weather is water. Many people have gotten into the habit of storing plastic water bottles in the car to have on hand but again experts say not a good idea. When exposed to heat, plastic bottles containing BPA can leach chemicals that are harmful to our health. In addition, there is a chance of a plastic water bottle sitting in direct sunlight getting hot enough to spark a fire. High heat can also affect the flavor of carbonated soda, and there have been...

While growing older can bring a new appreciation of life, it can also bring a series of challenges including a decline in health that impacts a person’s mobility. This can be due to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity. Other causes are diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as profound vision or hearing loss that interferes with people’s abilities, requiring people to rethink some of their lifelong activities. The good news is many of the things’ people enjoy doing can still be done – they just may need some modifications. During this phase of life, you may discover new activities you enjoy just as much as the things you had to let go. Most importantly experts say do not define yourself by your limitations. Rather they remind seniors that staying active and engaged has many benefits including boosting physical and mental health; and provides people with a sense of purpose and meaning to th...

Looking to sell your home but do not want to invest in pricey remodeling? For many seniors, their house is already paid off and they are just looking for an easy sell. The following inexpensive upgrades can add value to help update a home. Realtors bring an experienced eye to knowing how to make an older home an easier sale without spending thousands and weigh-in on fairly affordable projects (typically under $500) that yield results and are easy-to-do. One of the first suggestions is to paint the front door a nice accent color to the exterior. The job only requires a small amount of paint and some time. Also you may get away without painting the entire exterior of the home by touching up areas that are peeling or looking particularly old. Most of us have heard the word “curb appeal” and realtors say it really does matter. Abbey Drummond of Windermere Real Estate in Salt Lake City, Utah, explains prospective buyers can be put off by the look of the home even before they go inside. She ...

Seniors feel most like themselves when they can maintain their usual schedules and routines. Like anyone, seniors might enjoy having their morning cup of coffee at their favorite coffee shop, going on an afternoon walk, or watching a favorite movie in the evening. These familiar rhythms help to create a meaningful life and should still be available, even in assisted living communities. MorningStar communities are designed to maintain and even enhance individual schedules while providing the best care possible. Why is Routine Important? At any age, sticking to a routine can help reduce stress and provide mental and emotional stability. Consistent schedules that feel familiar are great for seniors struggling with memory-related conditions, especially when adjusting to a new place. This is why MorningStar Assisted Living offers plenty of amenities and activities within an easily accessible community for seniors to continue living their lives as they would in their old home. Community Ac...

If you are looking for assisted living options for a parent or loved one, it may be hard to imagine what their life will look like if they’re no longer living at home. Will they still participate in their normal routines and schedules, or will their world look completely different? The truth is, your loved one’s life will look relatively the same in assisted living, and maybe even more active and social than before. Senior living communities that offer options provide plenty of amenities and activities that mimic what a senior’s life looked like before moving to their new senior living home. While some things stay the same, plenty of things can change for the better, too! Keep reading to see what an average day might look like in MorningStar’s in Des Moines IA. Keeping it Familiar The best communities feel like home. With warm and welcoming communal spaces, comforting interior designs, and clean surroundings, MorningStar Senior Living is a lovely place to ease into a space. Seniors wh...

We all like to bring our elderly parents or loved ones a gift to show them just how much we care about them. It is often hard to know what to give to a senior, and especially difficult if a loved one is living with dementia. Experts suggest you help them find ways to reminisce about their lives and accomplishments, and give them things that will bring a smile to their face and some joy into their life. Many ideas for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disease include personalized gifts. One such gift is a talking photo book that allows you to record your own personal commentary to go along with each photograph. This can be a fun book to sit and enjoy with your family member as it helps to trigger memories and conversation. Many companies offer such books, and prices typically vary with the number of photos and recording time available. Buying an interactive book featuring vivid photographs and large print on a subject your mom or dad love such as animals or flowers can...

If you have been researching assisted living options, you may have come across this term: Personalized Care Plans. While it may sound clinical, personalized care plans are one of the most important parts of the experience. They function as a roadmap that ensures each individual receives the right amount of support and care on their journey. The plans are necessary for proper support that respects senior independence, health, and lifestyle. What is a Personalized Care Plan in Assisted Living? A personalized care plan is a uniquely designed and customizable senior care outline made to support a senior with their specific needs, health concerns, wants, and goals. These senior care plans are collaboratively developed, leaning on the help of medical providers, family members, and the senior themselves. Rather than providing uniform care to every resident, MorningStar Senior Living believes in the necessity of designing personalized care plans for each senior. This direction ensures that e...

Many older adults complain about being unable to see clearly while driving at night. Experts explain that night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, makes it difficult to see well in dim or dark settings as the person’s eyes are unable to adjust to changes in brightness or to detect lights. Driving at night with this condition is not only a problem but is dangerous, and it is more common in seniors. The condition is caused when the iris, the colored part of the eye, and the retina aren’t working well together. The iris has muscles that widen or narrow the opening of the pupil to adjust how much light enters the eyes. The retina has light-detecting cones and rods, which manage vision in dim light. When the irises’ muscles don’t react well; pupils can dilate and let in too much light or remain too small and make it hard to see in dim light. A number of things can exacerbate night blindness including something we cannot control – old age. Dr. Isabel Deakins, an optometrist with Harvard-...

MorningStar has been serving seniors for over 20 years. We have 35+ senior living communities across eleven states. We are proud of the reputation our homes have earned with residents and their families alike and would like to tell you more about MorningStar’s community in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. MorningStar communities are trusted for their excellence and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Our dedicated team understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our time and talents in service to others; and recognize the professional and personal satisfaction this calling brings. Our company was started in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, Founder/CEO, who wished to “cast a new light” on senior living by creating senior housing that felt like his grandmother’s house – true homes filled with light, love and compassion. To accomplish this, we are inspired and empowered by our mission to: Honor God in our business practices and relationships Value all se...

Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life. It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. The Alzheimer’s Associatio...

As a vibrant 55+ community, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers stylish assisted living suites in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Suites are equipped with kitchenettes, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, emergency call systems and private heating & air conditioning. Basic cable TV and utilities are included as is weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service and daily spot cleaning. Assisted living facilities are for seniors who require help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) to improve their quality of life. As an assisted living resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs. Many residents report being surprised by how full their lives are after a move into a senior living communities . Moreover, rather than lose their indepen...

It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age. Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests can improve their cognitive health. Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adult...

The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that over one million people in the United States are estimated to be living with Parkinson's disease; and that number is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030. However, they say the actual number of people with PD is likely to be higher as many cases go undiagnosed. The Mayo Clinic explains Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Currently there is no cure but medications can improve symptoms, and in some cases, surgery may also improve symptoms. Parkinson’s symptoms typically start slowly, and one of the first things a person may notice is a slight tremor in one hand. Called resting tremors, they occur when the person’s hands are at rest, and the first tremors may only be the shaking of one finger. It is important to note that not all tremors are caused by Parkinson’s and you need to consult with your healthcare provider to see if it is Parkinson...

Statistics from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and other sources estimate Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to fraud, errors, and abuse. Experts caution anyone on Medicare is at risk for fraudulent charges and examples include: Billing for services or supplies that were not provided Providing unsolicited supplies to beneficiaries Misrepresenting a diagnosis, a beneficiary’s identity, the service provided, or other facts to justify payment Prescribing or providing excessive or unnecessary tests and services Violating the participating provider agreement with Medicare by refusing to bill Medicare for covered services or items and billing the beneficiary instead Offering or receiving a kickback (bribe) in exchange for a beneficiary’s Medicare number Requesting Medicare numbers at an educational presentation or in an unsolicited phone call Routinely waiving co-insurance or deductibles Experts say fraudulent schemes are growing and there aren’t enough agents to keep up...

The US News & World Report writes that medical errors are more common than we think; and some of them are life-alternating or deadly. Facts show medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. These include mistakes made in health care settings such as incorrect diagnoses, problems in surgery, operating on the wrong part of the body and incorrectly dispensing medications. Another devastating mistake can result in patients acquiring infections during their hospital stay from things like inadequate hand hygiene and improper wound care. Dr. Kanwar Kelley, a board-certified otolaryngologist and cofounder and CEO of Side Health, explains, “Most medical errors – regardless if they are diagnostic errors, medication errors or surgical errors – can be linked to issues in medical processes or workflows.” While most mistakes happen within the healthcare system and it is neither our responsibility or within our reach to prevent many of these errors, there are things ...

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that the most common cancer in the US is of the skin and strikes one in five people by age 70. The good news is 99 percent of all cases are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough. However, to spot skin cancer, we need to look for it, which is why doctors recommend adults to do a routine skin check once a month and have a skin check with a dermatologist at least once a year. Since we are the best ones to notice any changes in our skin, it helps to know what to look for. Experts explain skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, and warning signs are associated with the different types of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (also called basal cell skin cancer) is the most common type of skin cancer accounting for 8 out of 10 cases. Basal cell cancer starts in the basal cell layer (the lower part of the epidermis). The Mayo Clinic explains that squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle a...