MorningStar

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...

The term sarcopenia refers to age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of growing older. However, it also may occur at a faster pace after prolonged periods of inactivity from injury, illness or the pain of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia causes muscle atrophy and brings problems such as poor balance and greater weakness, which in turn can result in more inactivity and increased risks for falls. Seniors with muscle atrophy may have difficulty reaching their arms upward, opening jars, typing on a keyboard or even tying shoes. The Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine reports on a study that found “older men who did eight weeks of strength training lost about 25% of their muscle gains after they stopped training for two weeks.” Jodi Klein, a physical therapist at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests a few things you can do if you know you have a surgical procedure ahead of you that could cause muscle atrophy. She says if you are currently active, keep it up; if not, ...

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge wants families to know we are here to help. We are an assisted living and memory care community in a northern suburb of Denver, close to medical facilities, shopping, and other services. Our community is one of MorningStar’s 40+ communities across eleven states, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists. MorningStar’s extensive experience in memory care has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.   We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaire...

A Place for Mom’s website explains how many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can live independently with or without the help of in-home caregivers or family members. However, they also stress there may come a time when the disease progresses to a stage where the person’s safety and physical well-being is in jeopardy and more care is needed. As a person with Alzheimer’s may have good days and bad, it can be hard to tell if they would be better served in a memory care community. Experts say signs include: has their appearance changed? Do they look unkempt and have they lost weight due to forgetting to eat? Do they appear agitated and confused? Are they unable to carry on a conversation? Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help you decide if it is time for memory care. Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says, “When talking about memory care . . . I’ll center the talk around [the person’s] ability t...