MorningStar

Now that Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are just around the corner, you may be realizing it can be difficult buying gifts for a parent, grandparent or a relative living in a senior living community.  Not only is mom, dad or grandma no longer running their own home but most likely they have a limited amount of space (they probably had to get rid of a lot before they moved).  In addition, they have already received a lifetime of gifts, so there is not much they haven’t gotten at one time or another. One meaningful thing you can do is personalize a gift.  For example, if mom is always feeling chilly, you could give her a cozy throw with pictures of the grandkids or your family tree on it.  Check the Internet as there are several companies that specialize in making them.  Another thoughtful gift is a talking photo album that creates memories with both family pictures and voices.   A lap desk is also a nice gift as it doesn’t take up much space and mak...

It is estimated that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.  People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms.  While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk.  Studies show one in every two wom en and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease.  Furthermore, injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery.  Many others require long-term care.    The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones.  One ...

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults , to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.     The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiov...

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to make sure the person has the proper level of care.  At MorningStar at Jordan Creek our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents .   Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for o ur special residents.   The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history, and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our care ...

Looking for the area’s best memory care? Colorado Springs ’ families know they can trust MorningStar at Mountain Shadows to provide the finest care for their loved one.  Our caring, professional team has a good understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and takes a holistic approach to providing for our most tender residents.  MorningStar’s memory care is situated in a separate area we call our “Reflections Neighborhood” and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 19 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their s urroundings.  Mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating.  In add...

Recent studies have suggested a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection.  Moreover, while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia .   One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline.  However, we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain.    Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the da...

As we age, our healthcare needs change, which is why seniors should have a primary healthcare provider who understands their special needs.  Experts recommend finding someone that “talks to you” and clearly explains what they are saying; and then most importantly listens to what you have to say.   Also, you do not want a healthcare provider that makes you feel like they only have ten minutes to spend with you. Many seniors want to have a geriatrician, a physician dedicated to the care of seniors, on their team, but as Dr. Michael Wasserman, himself a geriatrician and board member of the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation explains that the number of board-certified geriatricians in the country is going down every year.  However, he says that even if you do not have access in your area to a geriatrician, there is no reason to worry as a family doctor is able to manage your needs and can refer you to a specialist when appropriate.  ...