MorningStar

  Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year.  While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity.   There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as FaceTime or Skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories.  Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones.  If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen.   Another way to stay connected is to start a family facebo...

A fall can result in serious injuries especially for the elderly , who make up the majority of cases, and can take a long time to heal.  Many even lead to permanent mobility issues that limit the person’s freedom.  The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year, and that an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and a senior dies from a fall every 19 minutes.   Experts explain there are several reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable to falling and include medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and blood pressure fluctuations.  In addition, physical disabilities that affect strength and balance, poor eyesight, inner ear problems, and dehydration can also put a person more at risk for a fall.  Common situations that can result in a fall include wet or recently polished floors, poorly lit areas, rugs not properly secured, stairs, and u...

Right from the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, MorningStar Senior Living sprang into unprecedented action to protect both residents and team members.  To ensure we reacted quickly to any and all early warning signs, we relied on the guidance of the CDC, the American Housing Association, and the Federal government over the last several months staying tuned to changing information and recommendations.  Our strong line of defense was built on evolving evidence-based research and proportional to the threat.  Now as the nation is coming out of quarantine and states and communities are opening back up, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is judiciously following Colorado’s guidance in terms of phasing and pacing.  We are sending out information to our residents and family members, and ask that you direct any questions specifically regarding the Wheat Ridge community to our Executive Director, Chad McGlothlin.  Also, we would be remiss if we did not take the...

If you think your spouse or an elderly parent may be suffering from hearing loss (keep in mind it is extremely common in seniors ), the AARP has some good tips to help you decide if it is time to convince them to see a doctor.  The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 1 in 3 people between 65 and 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75, have trouble hearing. While we may think it should be easy for someone to know if they are experiencing hearing loss, the problem is that the loss generally occurs slowly over time.  Thus as a person starts having trouble hearing, they self-correct by doing things like turning up the volume on the TV, and is why it is often other people who are the first to suspect a problem.  Experts say it is important to get help for hearing loss as it is treatable and can lead to social isolation, which is linked to depression, dementia , and even falls.  In addition to th...

If you have an elderly loved one who is living in a senior community that has halted visits due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the AARP offers several things you can do to help them stay socially connected and avoid feeling isolated.  Remember one of the most important things we can do is to let them know they are loved and missed.  The easiest way you can do this is through frequent phone calls, but also don’t forget other ways of communicating such as sending a letter or greeting card through the snail mail reminding them you are thinking of them.  Include the kids by having them draw a picture for grandma or grandpa or if they are old enough, have them also write a letter.  It definitely makes it more personal to stay in touch if your parent has a computer or a smart device that lets you FaceTime or Skype on a regular basis and the AAPR has some ideas of how to use video-calling to keep it fun.  One suggestion if your kids are young is to arr...

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge , we are committed to provide the best senior living in the area, and our beautiful community was designed from the ground up to ensure our cherished residents’ safety and wellbeing.  One of the ways we do this is by providing each of our assisted living and memory care residents with around-the-clock care from our compassionate team of care managers.  This includes assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and eating as well as needed medical assistance.  Each of our care managers is hired for their loving nature and their desire to serve seniors. Our medication care managers/QMAPs are another way we help to keep our residents safe.  In fact, a National Institutes of Health study found that 40% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, and 90% take at least one prescription. The same study reports that as many of 55% of seniors take their medications in...

It is sometimes difficult for adult children to realize their parent needs more care in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  This is why MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers a Decision Guide to help families navigate through the process of making the move to senior living , especially assisted living, which is a fairly new paradigm in wellness and engagement.  Some of the typical signs that indicate your parent needs more help include falling, driving mishaps, and forgetting significant things such as leaving the stove-top on.  Also really take a look at how they are living. Does their home seem a lot more cluttered and less tidy? Is unopened mail piling up? Does your parent suffer from failing eyesight, poor balance or forgetfulness?  Another sign your parent is not doing well on their own is if they look less groomed or appear to be wearing the same clothes for days at a time.  When you put all of this together, it probably means your loved one is...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to provide the best senior living in the area, which is why we work hard to create a 5-star dining experience for our residents. We understand the healing power of “breaking bread together,” and that it provides more than just nutrients but bonds us together as family and friends.  This is one of the reasons our community serves meals restaurant-style in our charming dining room.  Meals at MorningStar are prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef and made from the freshest homegrown or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.  Chef welcomes residents’ feedback and adapts recipes to make sure everyone enjoys our mealtimes.  In addition, we are committed to using BrainWise foods, which have been recognized as supporting brain health.  Super Foods include items such as blue and black berries and acai that contain anti-inflammatory properties and mega antioxidants.  Our delicious, nutrient-rich meal...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  However according to the Heart Association, it is never too late to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can significantly improve your risk for heart disease.  As older adults ’ metabolism slows along with their appetites, it is especially important that the food they do eat is healthy.  Nutritionists recommend seniors avoid heavily processed foods and those high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. Optimally your diet should include healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.  Fiber has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol and fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegies, beans, whole grains and cereals, and nuts. In addition, buying organic foods keep us from ingesting unnecessary and potentially harmful things like animal hormones, fertilizers, and othe...

Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.   When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation.  Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older ...

While MorningStar’s first priority is to our residents, we also recognize that helping our families accept the transition to senior living is important.  This is why we have a website filled with useful information and resources regarding all aspects of our senior living communities. We encourage everyone to read the history of MorningStar and about our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger’s mission to start a senior housing company defined by the human touch.  He explains that he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”  Guided by our Radiance program, you will also learn how we deliver service - with warmth, sincerity and depth. Furthermore, we understand that senior living and senior care decisions are often precipitated by major changes, which is why we provide a guide that details various retirement options.  One recommendation we offer is to clearly identify what you are trying to solve, and to think about ...

Do you think all senior living communities are pretty much the same?  If so, it may surprise you to learn that MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to a distinct mission statement that guides the way we do business and how we deliver our care services.  It reads as follows:  Honor God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics  Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence  Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents    MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, who after fifteen years of working in the industry was determined to start his own brand of senior living.  It would be one that was defined by...

At MorningStar of Littleton , we not only provide assisted living to Littleton, CO area seniors but also experienced memory care.  Our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.  Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.”  By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families.  All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents.  The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well...

It is typically with mixed emotions that a family comes to the realization that their loved one needs more care than they can get at home.  When this happens, there are several things to consider as you search for the best memory care.  One of the first things you need to know is that “ memory care ” is committed to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Assisted living is intended for those that require some extra care with their daily living activities in order to retain their independence and live their lives safely and comfortably.    Many senior living communities like MorningStar of Wheat Ridge have a separate area devoted to memory care residents.  Memory care staff members should have gone through specialized training in order to understand the disease as well as to effectively care for those with dementia. At MorningStar our Reflections Neighborhood team members are extensively trained to care for our tender r...

Getting a good night’s sleep is important no matter what your age is as it impacts both our physical and mental health.  HelpGuide.org explains that not getting enough sleep can contribute to negative health conditions and put you at risk for heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.    Research has found that insufficient sleep can cause the release of insulin that leads to an increase of fat storage and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.  It may also make people more susceptible to depression, fatigue, and premature aging of the skin. Other problems can include an impaired attention span as well as difficulty in problem solving, reasoning and concentration.  In addition, experts suggest chronic fatigue may contribute to weight problems and even breast cancer in women.    However when we routinely get good sleep, it can improve concentration and memory formation.  HelpGuide reports that ...

Have you recently noticed some signs of memory loss or confusion in a parent or another loved one?  Are you worried it may be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  We understand this may be a touchy subject to broach with your loved one, which is why experts recommend you do your homework first and learn about the common signs of the disease.   The Alzheimer’s Association explains that Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in cognitive abilities, executive function and behavior.  Those afflicted may start having memory problems along with difficulty completing familiar tasks. They may also become confused as to time and place.  Other problems involve a marked change in their judgement and trouble with language skills and abstract thinking. Mood swings or changes in personality can also signal Alzheimer’s.  All of these are common signs that can point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia but only a specialist c...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the greater Denver area unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.  Along with 45 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 secure suites in a variety of studio and one and two-bedroom configurations devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help.  Our entire memory care area is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible.   Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the ...

We are committed to provide the best senior living Littleton has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  To achieve this, we recognize it could not be done without the help of our team members who we consider to be the very heartbeat of the MorningStar of Littleton community.  MorningStar of Littleton’s team consists of a unique group of individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  They are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching, and have perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  Our team members see seniors as heroes and feel privileged to have a rewarding career that offers both professional as well as personal growth.  To guide us in our service, all team members, including the management team, are guided by Radiance, our exclusive brand standard of Service Excellence.  The program’s precepts are introduced to eve...

Our goal is to provide the best senior living Littleton offers, and one way we can do that is to help families navigate options to ensure their loved one gets the best care.  On MorningStar’s website, you will find a variety of resources that offer answers to many of the questions seniors and their families have in regard to senior living communities .   Did you know that after all of the services and amenities provided to MorningStar’s assisted living residents are factored into the cost, our community is typically less expensive than trying to cobble together the same level of care at home?  However we understand that for some seniors, the cost may be an obstacle. If it is something you and your family are struggling with, we encourage you to read through our Affordability guide on our website for recommendations to help make it more affordable. We want you to know there are a wide array of financial solutions available beyond the retirement savings and investments...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows understands that for many seniors making the decision to move to assisted living can be difficult.  While change for any one can be hard, for seniors contemplating assisted living, it can feel like they are losing their independence.  This is why MorningStar offers both respite stays and short-term stays that give you the opportunity to experience our community and see what you think. A respite stay offers the perfect place to recover from surgery or to convalesce in quiet quarters while getting the personal attention you need.  At the same time, you will have the companionship and community that can be just as important in the healing process. A short-term stay gives you chance to see firsthand how carefree and easy your life could be.  During your stay, you will be afforded all of the amenities offered to our regular residents including 24-hour care, medication management, three daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef...