MorningStar

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows , we know how to have fun.  Along with a monthly calendar filled with wellness programs, activities and special events, we also take a field trip on every Friday.  Our adventures thus far have taken us to many interesting places including the Pioneer Museum, the Denver Aquarium, Bear Creek Nature Center, movie theaters, and the Discovery Space Museum to name but a few.  Furthermore we still have all kinds of places lined up that we would like to visit.  Check out our monthly calendar to see the destinations of the field trips we will take that month.  Looking at May, you will see we went to the Pinon Valley Park, the Icon Movie Theater, and at the end of the month will go to the Bass Pro Shop.  We have a lot of fun on our trips and everyone is enjoying the addition to our weekly routine.  If you would like to join the adventure, all you have to do is to add your name to the signup sheet at the front desk an...

If you would like the freedom to enjoy your retirement years without many worries, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Littleton .  For assisted living, we offer 65 stylish, private suites in a variety of configurations.  From spacious studios to one-bedroom and two bedroom floor plans over three levels, our suites are meticulously designed so all you need is to bring your furnishings and personal items.  Each unit offers high-end finishes and includes lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.   For memory care residents, our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 secure suites that are devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our team feels honored to care for our tender residents, and in fact, MorningStar of Littleton was named as an “Alzheimer’s Association Leader in Dementia Care.”  To be recognized as such, a senio...

According to the Mayo Clinic, the elderly are among one of the groups of people that are more susceptible to dehydration.  They cite the following reasons for this including the fact that a senior’s ability to conserve water is lessened while at the same time they experience a diminished sense of thirst.  Furthermore, a senior’s capacity to respond to changes in temperature is reduced and many do not adept well to extremely hot or cold weather.  These issues are often compounded by the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, dementia and kidney problems.  There are even certain medications that can contribute to the elderly being more susceptible to dehydration.  As we age our kidneys’ lose some of their ability to concentrate urine and retain water during episodes of fluid deprivation.  Also a reduced sensation of thirst means that many seniors forget to drink enough fluids throughout the day.  Moreover disorders such...

I f your parent has reached the time in their life where they need help with daily personal care activities, moving into 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 possession 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 parent sees treasures and memories. Begin by creating a list of things your parent 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 par...

While MorningStar at Mountain Shadows feels honored to serve, and consider seniors to be heroes, we are gratified to get positive feedback from the families of our residents.  As we deliberately hire the type of individuals who have perfected the art of anticipating needs and go the extra mile even when no one is watching, it is great to hear their service is recognized and appreciated. One daughter of a resident in our memory care recently wrote about her experience.  She explains that, “It’s never easy to realize that your parent needs more help than you can provide on your own.  My creative, fun loving mom developed dementia in 2013. I tried to help her stay in independent living but after several falls and health setbacks, I needed outside help. The staff at MorningStar made both my mom and my family feel like we were their only clients with the attentive, competent care they provided.  She adds that her Mom is loved by the staff and has a special bond...

If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them.  Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need.  What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease?  One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one.    In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair?  Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from?  It is impo...

Tucked at the foot of the majestic Rockies, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in not only beautifully located but is convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping malls, and restaurants.   In addition our community has proudly received several awards over the last few years in honor of our outstanding care, services and amenities.  Unlike many retirement communities, Mountain Shadows was built as a senior living community and meticulously designed to accommodate every need of our assisted living and memory care residents.  For assisted living, we offer 45 graciously appointed suites in configurations that range from spacious studio to one- and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 683 sq. ft.   Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases and has 19 secure suites.  Each of our stylish units offers high ceilings, large windows, lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and mi...