MorningStar

Finding the right assisted living facility for your loved one can be a difficult process. You want to consider safety, comfort, location, and budgetary restraints when searching for the right placement.  There are many assisted living and memory care homes to choose from in the Colorado Springs area. Our research checklist will help you narrow down the choices and find a facility that’s perfect for your loved one. Assisted Living Research Checklist Start online by going to the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Aging and Disability resource page provides a wealth of information about support services for older adults in Colorado. Some questions to help you narrow your search for the right assisted living facility include: Where is the community located?  Is the location conveniently placed for others to visit? What features does the neighborhood offer or lack? You may be able to find information about specific communities through the Better Business Bureau. While onl...

Occasional forgetfulness is likely nothing to worry about. However, if memory changes are disrupting your everyday life at any age, it is a warning sign that you should see your doctor. Symptoms of late-onset Alzheimer’s typically begin to appear in a person’s mid-60s, while symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s can start as early as their 30s. Caring for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s disease often requires the help of an assisted living care facility. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain that can cause language problems, memory loss, and unpredictable, uncharacteristic behavior. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease arise because of complex changes that occur in the brain, including accumulations of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles, along with a loss of connection between brain transmitters, first damage the brain’s memory center and then affect other areas. Memory problems and mild cognitive impairment can deve...

Now that we are heading into the fall months in Colorado, American football and college sports are beginning to take off again! If your loved one that is now in assisted living or memory care in Littleton CO is a big sports fan, this time of year is perfect to dedicate some quality time together and celebrate one of their favorite activities. Watching sports, especially watching their favorite sports teams, is very enjoyable to seniors struggling with memory loss or dementia. Watching sports is an activity that feels familiar. Use the advice below to help your loved one struggling with memory loss experience one of their favorite past times this Fall. Making the time to watch sports games with an elderly parent or friend is a great way to bond if they are residing in assisted living or memory care. The tradition of watching a sports game on the same day each week is very comforting for someone that struggles with maintaining routines or gets overwhelmed easily. Having an activity that ...

The everyday routine of grocery shopping, cooking, and eating a meal may become difficult with old age. Going to the supermarket may become a chore for seniors as it can become exhausting and overwhelming. Did you know that your elderly loved one’s grocery shopping habits may expose their need for assistance or assisted living? Skipping meals altogether, having spoiled food in the house, or often eating readily available snack foods is a cause for concern and may mean it’s time for increased help in your senior’s life. Grocery shopping assistance for seniors has increased in recent years. With the help of delivery apps and grocery stores branching out to do their deliveries, many seniors can complete their shopping trips with ease. However, the issue arises when your loved one forgets to order groceries, allows food to spoil regularly, and stops cooking meals for themselves. If you are experiencing concern over your elderly loved ones eating habits, an assisted living facility may be a...

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers 45 private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day.  Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.  Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7.  We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more.  Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service.     In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why ...

If you’re asking if you should start taking a dietary supplement or incorporating more foods that are rich in vitamins, the answer is probably yes. Usually, our bodies receive nutrients from the foods we eat. Therefore it is so important to eat healthy, fresh foods that are high in essential vitamins. People aged 55 and up may be in more need of some vitamins and minerals than younger adults do. As always, speak with your doctor or practitioner before changing your dietary routine. Here are some vitamins seniors should consider adding to their diet for optimal health benefits. Did you know people in the United States consume less than 50 percent of the recommended dose of Vitamin D? Vitamin D is often known to be found in eggs, fatty fish like salmon, yogurt, and certain types of milk. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain the minerals that are critical for building bones and keeping them strong. Studies have found vitamin D to reduce cancer cell growth, help infections, and reduc...

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier. Typically, in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought. They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back. The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest. If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions. Your questions should be short and only require a simp...