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Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Meals at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

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At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we understand the importance of gathering as a community to “break bread” each day. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other, and when our residents sit down to a delicious meal served restaurant-style, it creates lasting bonds and fellowship within our “family.” We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why MorningStar meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Menu offerings are designed by our Executive Chef and include daily and weekly specials as well as a la carte items. Dining is available all day which means you can eat when you are hungry and not according to a rigid schedule. As a resident, you will be treated to seasonal menus and special holiday feasts such as those we enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, our Chef modifies menus and recipes to accommodate residents’ changing
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We Help Vet to Get the Benefits They Deserve

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At the MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, we have veterans from various branches of the military and are honored to serve them. As one of our team members eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.” When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living; we are pleased to direct them to the company, ElderLife Financial. They have the expertise to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annually. The National Ca
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Improve Your Health and Longevity at Any Age

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It is never too late to improve your health and making changes in your 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 adu
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Looking for Companionship? Maybe a Pet is the Answer

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Study after study reports elderly people who are pet owners, say they are the better for it. According to a recent Forbes magazine article, the number one benefit pets provide seniors with is “unconditional love.” A whooping 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 was 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 they enjoy having a pet visit their home or interact 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 a dog owner. However before you make a commitment to a dog; it makes sense to research breeds that do n
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Are You or a Loved One Considering Assisted Living?

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If a parent or other loved one is starting to slow down and would welcome assistance with personal daily care or has mobility issues requiring major renovations to their existing home, it may be time to think about assisted living. While there may be several retirement communities to choose from, it is useful to have some insight into your parents’ needs when evaluating assisted living communities. A Place for Mom, an Internet referral service, explains a good place to start is to “compare factors like staff friendliness, amenities, and overall culture.” If you plan to do a virtual tour or onsite visit, come prepared with a list of questions regarding costs, care plans, amenities, programming, and general lifestyle and culture. During your visit, observe residents. Do they seem engaged, happy? Are they encouraged to participate in activities and events? Ask to see the community’s calendar of activities. If mom or dad loves to play bridge, do the retirement communities have a game roo
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Understanding & Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

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While a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for yourself or a loved one is hard to hear, it is important to take the steps to become informed because what we do early-on can help guide future decisions. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource to become familiar with and offers topics ranging from Alzheimer’s symptoms to caregiving and medical breakthroughs. It also is one of the biggest fundraising organizations and supports the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and the “Longest Day” activities. Experts say it is important to remember you are not alone. Over six million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s and millions more know someone with the disease. Although everyone experiences the disease in their own unique way, understanding the major stages of the disease helps families navigate this unexpected journey. Alzheimer’s 5 distinct stages include: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI); Mild; Moderate; Severe; and Very Severe. Symptoms can vary from person to person but the various stages of
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Explore These Engaging Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities

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Assisted living communities are designed to bring a full experience to seniors. This is especially crucial for those seniors who require extra care and attention at times to complete tasks or daily maintenance. Active senior living communities are the most prosperous places for seniors who are more predisposed to isolation. Keep reading to explore these engaging activities offered at senior living communities that are especially impactful for seniors in assisted living care: Cooking and Baking Cooking and baking can be hard to complete on one’s own. Seniors may express sadness over not being able to spend time crafting elaborate cakes or a favorite family dish as easily as they once could. Perhaps they would like to refresh their cooking skills, but feel intimidated by their change in abilities. On-site cooking and baking classes and kitchen spaces allow seniors a positive environment to explore this interest again without concern. Exercise Groups Working out in a group is always bett
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