MorningStar

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...

Safety is one of the most important things when it comes to picking a senior living community . Especially for seniors in assisted living, who are more vulnerable to fall-related accidents, with nearly 3 million seniors seeking medical treatment each year. This is why finding a community that prioritizes safety is critical. MorningStar at Jordan Creek empowers seniors to live confidently in a community that values their well-being with robust safety initiatives and attentive staff. Minimizing Fall Risks in Senior Living Senior living communities should be designed with safety in mind. But MorningStar Assisted Living in Des Moines takes safety to another level. Their communities dedicate special attention to identifying and reducing potential hazards. This means keeping communal spaces and hallways clutter free with good lighting and marked turns or steps. MorningStar also prioritizes safety in these following ways: Ramps and elevators for effortless mobility Strategically placed handr...

Luxury senior living goes beyond traditional retirement communities by focusing on achieving an elevated lifestyle of comfort, convenience, and care that are all seamlessly integrated. A reimagined approach to retirement, MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines combines highly sought-after amenities, personalized services, and modern environments for seniors to enjoy. Keep reading to learn the benefits and draws of luxury senior living in Des Moines, Iowa . Resort-Style Amenities MorningStar offers an array of amenities that cater to a wide range of interests for seniors. Residents enjoy fine dining experiences, wine tastings, art classes, cooking classes, theatre rooms, gyms, workout classes, and much more all under one building. Gourmet meals are prepared by highly trained chefs with the finest ingredients to satisfy any pallet. For active seniors who like to stay involved and enjoy experiences, we provide a robust calendar of activities and events. Educational workshops, holiday part...

Safety is understandably the top priority when it comes to choosing a community for yourself or a loved one. Seniors can easily experience a fall-related injury if the proper precautions are not taken. With nearly 3 million seniors seeking medical treatment each year due to fall injuries, finding a senior living community that pays special attention to preventing fall risks within their buildings and neighborhoods is important. Reducing Fall Risks in Assisted Living Senior living communities designed for seniors with assisted living needs should devote extra time and focus on reducing fall risks and potential hazards throughout the community. This means shared communal spaces and hallways are kept clean and free of obstacles that may cause a fall. Senior apartments should also have extra safety advantages that protect seniors and provide them with peace of mind. Seniors at MorningStar Senior Living experience easy accessibility to amenities with the help of ramps, elevators, handrails...

Heart disease is a serious condition that many Americans struggle with, especially if they are aged 55 and up. While heart disease can sometimes be unchangeable, there are ways it can be managed or improved through lifestyle changes or medication. Proactive management is crucial in preventing the progression or worsening of heart disease. Senior living communities can also help to manage and prevent heart disease. What are the Major Causes of Heart Disease? There can be numerous reasons why someone may develop heart disease, but the following are some of the most popular: High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Smoking Obesity Diabetes Diet Alcohol Consumption Typically, these conditions affect the heart and blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to pass throughout the body. Seniors struggling with heart disease, or looking for ways to minimize their risks, should greatly consider an active lifestyle that promotes relaxation and healthy eating. Reversing Heart Disease Lifestyle cha...

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year. For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provides a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids. Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can inc...

It may surprise you to know according to the Department of Health and Human Services, fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions. Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including non-prescription and herbal supplements. Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are tak...

Seniors often experience bouts of depression and anxiety, especially if they are struggling with different life changes. For seniors in assisted living, their mental health can be impacted by changes in memory, grief, leaving a lifetime home, health concerns, and a myriad of other difficulties. Knowing this, senior living communities like MorningStar Senior Living Jordan Creek, dedicate time to supporting a senior’s mental health and emotional well-being in the following ways: Creating a Caring Assisted Living Community When seniors transition to assisted living they may feel overwhelmed and unsure about their situation. This is especially true if they are struggling with other factors outside of their control, such as memory loss, immobility, or personal life changes. Offering community to our residents is a top priority. Assisted living communities with easily accessible amenities and activities promote good mental health in seniors by encouraging them to leave their rooms, sociali...

Researchers at Tuft University reported a link between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and periodontal disease, to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection within the soft tissue of the mouth, and “about 47.2% of U.S. adults over 30 and 70% over 65 have gum disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, which was done with mice, discovered the correlation, but researchers hope the findings can be used to someday help reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors cite Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a bacterium that causes gum disease and is already linked to kidney disease, diabetes and coronary issues to be the problem. The lead author, Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine explains the purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the association of induced periodontal diseas...

Death is part of life and if we are fortunate to live a long one, most likely we will have to deal with the loss of a beloved spouse, life partner, child, sibling or friend. As loved ones give our lives purpose, coping with their loss and finding new purpose is difficult as many seniors do not have the opportunities to socialize or get out as they once did. Grief counselors suggest some things a person’s family and friends can do to help them get through the worst of the grief. If it was your parents who died, be sure to let your surviving parents know how much you miss dad or mom, and share memories you have of the good times. Ask your parents if they have more difficult times during the day dealing with the loss as you could come over or give them a call. Also, be sure to not shy away from saying the deceased person’s name. Offer to do things with them you know they once did with their spouse such as grocery shopping. If dad did the yard work, either offer to do it or help mom hire...

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company , which takes a unique, holistic approach to its senior living communities. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve; and hold true to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. Our company has thrived and expanded since its conception in 2003, when Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger started the company with the intention to “cast a new light” on senior living . From there our mission statement reads: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. Even the name MorningStar has meaning regarding the kind of home we want to offer residents. Mr. Jaeger explains, “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerf...

Finding the best assisted living home for you or a senior loved one can be hard. All of the senior living options available can make the process overwhelming, but by taking the time to research and evaluate your options you’ll likely come to find that you should want an assisted living experience that matches your loved one’s needs and wants. Keep reading to learn how MorningStar Senior Living can help you tailor your assisted living experience to match your needs. 1. Evaluate Your Needs and Preferences The first step to finding senior living that meets your needs is to determine the level of care you or your loved one needs. If you are searching for assisted living, be sure to track what needs your loved one requires more help with than others. Be sure to factor in any medical support, medication management, or possible future memory care as this can contribute to your loved one’s overall senior living experience. 2. Look for Personalized Care Plans Choose communities that offer per...

For outstanding assisted living or memory care , MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers residents a home that is not only beautiful but designed to accommodate their every need. Located in a northwest suburb of Metro Denver, our community offers 45 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Within our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 19 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. To ensure residents’ every need is met, we offer a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, care services and more. For a deep dive into our community, our website is a good place to start as it is loaded with information including a list of amenities, pictures, and background on the MorningStar Senior Living Company. We explain more about what the difference is between independent living, assisted living, and memory care , along with a decision guide to help your family determine if assisted living is the right choice for your ...

The Mayo Clinic explains our bodies constantly absorb and replace bone tissue. When a person has osteoporosis, their body is removing old bone but not keeping up with making new bone. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include bone fractures, lost height, curved back, sudden back pain and gastrointestinal problems. However, many people have no symptoms, and it isn’t until a bone fracture or a bone density test (measuring the proportion of minerals in the bones), do they learn they have osteoporosis. A step above osteoporosis is osteopenia, which affects approximately half of Americans over age 50. It is important to work with your doctor if your bone loss has progressed to osteoporosis as there are medications that can help build stronger bones. In addition, you can help increase bone strength with a healthy diet of foods high in calcium, vitamins D and K, and protein. Foods containing calcium include dairy and soy, fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. Additionally, many foods ...

Life gets complicated. We know how hard it can be to routinely visit with a loved one in senior living . Between careers, pets, family, traveling, and other life events, it can be difficult to make enough time to visit a loved one in retirement. However, the benefits for maintaining a strong connection with your senior loved one has some lasting benefits. At MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines , we pride ourselves on creating a comforting environment for seniors and their families to enjoy. Our community is conveniently located near I-35, I-235, and I-80 and next door to Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest shopping complex in Iowa. Inside our community, you and your loved one can enjoy a private dining room for intimate dinners, a theatre, a library, a sunroom, and decorated courtyards. Like our residents, we value open communication and the involvement of family members in all the activities and events hosted at MorningStar. Family is deeply valued at MorningStar. Our loved ones ha...

Once a senior retires, they may begin to feel removed and distant from their community, friends and family. This may be because they are no longer participating in a routine of getting ready for work, commuting, and planning out the rest of their evening. They are no longer socializing as much as they once were, and with time, friends and family may move away or experience the life changes that keep them from communicating or visiting as much as they once did. Not only this, but changes in eyesight, mobility, and coordination may make it more difficult for seniors to drive to and from locations and activities. This can be greatly discouraging for seniors who rely on transporting themselves to places outside of the home, not to mention dangerous. All-inclusive senior living communities like MorningStar prioritize easily accessible amenities and activities for seniors aged 55 and up. Amenities ranging from a staffed salon to gyms and theatre rooms are all within walking distance from se...

With all the memory care options in Littleton, it can be overwhelming to pick the right senior living community for your loved one. When looking for Alzheimers care options, it is important to know if a memory care community will meet the needs of your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, they have developed a certification that recognizes senior living communities that prioritize exemplary assisted living and Alzheimer’s care for seniors. This award brings peace of mind to families looking for the best Alzheimers care Littleton Co has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton and their memory care programs have been recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association as a “Recognized Leader in Dementia Care” for these reasons:  Innovative Alzheimer’s Care   MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co has a unique approach to Alzheimers care. As a facility dealing in the service of memory loss, combats worries surrounding a memory loss...

Thinking about senior living care can be overwhelming for many families, especially when it comes to cost. Many people don’t know what steps to take to find their loved one affordable assisted living care. The process may seem daunting and overwhelming, but we are here to help you make the right decision for you and your family members.  Establishing what level of need your loved one requires is a great start to finding the right senior living community for your parent, spouse or family member. All-inclusive senior living is a great consideration for seniors looking for easily accessible amenities, affordability, executive chef-created meals, safe living situations and active senior events and activities.  What is all-inclusive senior living? All-inclusive assisted living is a type of senior living arrangement where a single monthly fee covers a comprehensive range of services, care, amenities, and housing expenses. This approach simplifies the cost of senior living by bundl...

Researchers have found evidence suggesting genetics, environment, and lifestyle can affect our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. A poor diet is one of those lifestyle choices that causes high blood pressure and heart disease, and increases a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. WebMD.com reports the MIND diet; a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets has shown promise in reducing the risk or slowing cognitive decline. They cite early studies showing MIND lowered the “risk of Alzheimer's by 53% in those who follow it closely and by 35% in those who follow more loosely.” In 2018, the MIND diet recommendation was expanded to include older adults who have suffered a stroke. To adhere to the diet, weekly meals should include food from the following groups: green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. They say a good way to start is with a daily salad, one other vegetable, an...

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions. Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators. A health care pr...