Taking Care of Your Eyes

Did you know it is estimated 895 million people worldwide will have some level of vision impairment by 2050. The Lancet reports it signals a 150 percent increase over the next 30 years and includes loss of vision from cataracts and glaucoma. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits. 

If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.”  If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses.   

As the risk for eye diseases increases as we age, the National Institute on Aging recommends having your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For those over age 50, you should get a dilated eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care professional. Regardless of age, most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated exam at least once a year.

Other ways to protect your eyes as you age is to eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active. If you do have high blood pressure or diabetes, you need to learn how to manage them and follow your doctor’s guidelines. 

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a 55+ community designed from the ground up to meet the needs of residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities. Our beautiful community offers assisted living suites with a choice of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about trusted senior living in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.  Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Declutter Responsibly

If we have lived in a house or apartment for a while, clutter can start to build and feel overwhelming. When the task seems too big, you may be unsure on how to begin decluttering. This can be a good time to turn to the experts. 

The first tip is to narrow down an area to start in. Have garbage bags ready for things to throw away, donate or give to someone you know. Now focus on items you have more of than you need. For example a kitchen can feel really cluttered  and disorganized if you have drawers and cupboards filled with way too many spatulas, baking tins, mixing bowls or mugs. Chipped, cracked or worn out items should be thrown out. With duplicate items, save the best, give away or throw out the worst.

If something is broken and not worth getting fixed, throw it away or see if it can be recycled. The same goes for items you never use including gifts. If something is in good shape, pass it along to local thrift stores or charities where it will have a chance to find a new home and help a good cause. 

To reduce clutter in landfills, check the internet to find places that accept various household items. Old linens and blankets are generally welcomed at animal shelters. Home for Habitat locations will usually accept working appliances, usable furniture and construction materials. Your old phone can be put into the hands of someone that will use it or safely recycle by various organizations. 

Thought your old iPod was useless? There are organizations that give working iPods to lift the spirits of people with Alzheimer’s and other illnesses with the gift of music. Things from old yoga mats to sports equipment can be recycled or given a new home. Some charities specialize in using donated business clothing to give a boost to people starting their careers. Coats and jackets in good condition are sent here and around the world to people in need. Check on the internet to find places for other things you no longer need. 

At MorningStar of Littleton, our senior living community offers 65 spacious assisted living suites over three-stories in studio and one-and-two-bedroom floorplans. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood has 20 memory care suites for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We are located minutes from the vibrant downtown area and close to health facilities such as St. Anthony Hospital & Swedish Medical Center. Contact us to set up an in-person tour. 

Safety Tips for Using a Walker

If you are at the point in life where you are not as stable as you used to be, have balance problems, arthritis or leg weakness; a mobility aid such as a walker could help keep you moving and lessen your chance of a fall. The first thing to do is work with a physical therapist or your healthcare provider to discuss the best type of walker for your personal needs and comfort. There are several fit points to consider as well as styles.

One common choice is a standard walker with four rubber-tipped legs and no wheels. Experts say it provides the most stability but has the drawback of having to pick it up to move. Other choices include walkers with wheels. A two-wheel walker has the wheels on the front two legs and can be helpful for those who have trouble picking up a standard walker. Four–wheel walkers may help those very unsteady on their feet but at the same time, can be a bit less stable. It may be safer to try using a four-wheeler with a seat.   

Another important step in getting the proper walker is the height of the arms. The Mayo Clinic suggests stepping into the walker with your shoulders relaxed and upright. Elbows should be able to comfortably bend at 15 degrees. Other tips include remembering to stand upright when using as it is easier on your back, and to move one step at a time. Step into the walker with each step rather than walking behind it. 

Use caution when using a walker on a slippery or wet surface, and even carpet requires extra care. Just as you do when you walk on your own, be sure to wear sensible low-heeled shoes that fit well. Experts say laces help customize the shoe to the foot. 

Add-ons and various options make walkers more convenient. Fold-up models allow them to be easily transported. Attachable bags and baskets ensure you can carry items you need while keeping hands-free to concentrate on safely moving the walker. Other options include trays for drinks or meals and seats. 

At the MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, we provide the area’s finest assisted living and memory care. Our assisted living suites are available in a smart selection of floorplans and configurations and designed with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24/7 emergency call systems. Hallways and doorways safely accommodate the needs of residents. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood’s memory care is devoted to the specialized, individualized needs of our most tender residents. Contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand senior living at its best.  

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/walker/art-20546805

Getting Enough Sleep is Vital to Good Health

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being.  In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into almost every aspect of our lives.  

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly.  One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite. 

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance.  A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed.  Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health.  A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression.  Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.” 

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to.  Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.  

If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  We make it easy for retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.  Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

We Help Vet to Get the Benefits They Deserve

At the MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, we have veterans from various branches of the military and are honored to serve them. As one of our team members eloquently said, “Seniors speak powerfully to the fact that freedom comes at a cost. It requires that you choose to do the right thing which almost always includes sacrifice. Whether it’s time, money or comfort, those who came before us chose to sacrifice to build a better society.” 

When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living; we are pleased to direct them to the company, ElderLife Financial.  They have the expertise to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which is subject to change annually.

The National Care Planning Council estimates up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance. These benefits can be used toward care in an assisted living community such as MorningStar of Littleton. Check out our website as we have a whole page explaining the benefit, a quick 5-minute test to see if you qualify, and contact numbers for more answers and information. 

If you think you would love to hear more about our vibrant community, please contact us. We would love to set up a tour and meet with you to discuss availability, amenities and wellness programs and activities. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers 20 all-inclusive suites for the trusted Alzheimers care. 

This August, MorningStar Senior Living celebrated 21 years of dedicated service. Our communities are spread across the Western US, and through the years we have served 15,500 residents and have a team 3,000 strong. Our brand’s hallmark is built on a mission statement: to honor God, value all seniors, and invest generously. We believe in casting a new light on senior care and stand on God’s principles for how we are to live and serve each other. We look forward to hearing from you.

3 Key Things to Look for While Touring a Senior Living Community

A senior living community may look great online, but if you’re not careful, you could miss valuable information that could influence the decision you or your loved one makes. Many people think good reviews and cleanliness is all that matters when picking a senior living home. When you’re ready to pick a new retirement community, be sure to pay attention to these 3 key things: 

Community Culture

One of the first things you should note when you enter a senior living community is the culture and overall feel of the community. While cleanliness is important to check, spend some time learning about the culture of the community. Do seniors look happy and excited to be participating in activities? How does staff react to residents and visitors? If you notice low energy, annoyance, or sullen attitudes, it may be best to consider other senior homes that will fulfill your spirit and encourage a positive retirement experience. 

Health of Residents

While not every community provides health care or health support to residents, the seniors living in the community should look healthy and free of scrapes, bruises, or cuts. If the residents appear to be ill or covered in bruising, it could mean a lack of proper cleaning in shared shapes, poor health practices, and even a lack of attentive staff to avoid accidents. 

Safety Features

No one wants to feel trapped within their home, but safety features should still be in place in senior living West Des Moines to keep communities secure and prevent any unwanted visitors or unexplained disturbances. Be mindful of how you were let into the building, if a receptionist is always available, and if there are proper safety alarms throughout the building. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure environment. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior living West Des Moines. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

What Causes Heart Disease and Can You Reverse It?

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 changes, health management, and medical treatments can significantly improve a senior’s heart health. While some effects of heart disease are irreversible, making even small changes can reverse the progression of heart disease. 

Adopting a healthier diet, managing diabetes, reducing stress, and seeking out medical procedures if necessary are some of the ways to avoid serious medical complications due to heart disease. 

Your Lifestyle Matters

When seniors struggle to care for themselves, their eating routine often becomes impacted first. Seniors who require assisted living could be more predisposed or already experiencing heart disease due to their inability to care for and provide for themselves easily. With an unmatched commitment to the well-being of our assisted living communities, MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines prioritizes heart health and healthy living daily. 

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent living in Des Moines, IA.

Find Companion Living Senior Living Communities in Glendale

Seniors need to have emotional support when transitioning to assisted living communities. While some enjoy the change, it can be overwhelming for others. Having a companion like a spouse or best friend nearby provides numerous benefits to seniors in assisted living care. For senior living communities that offer companion living, couples can navigate the changes and milestones of aging together in a safe and exciting environment. 

What is Companion Living?

Companion living is for senior couples or close friends who want to continue living together in assisted living. Couples can live together in their own suite, surrounded by their treasured possessions and memories. Alternatively, suites can be shared by close friends who simply enjoy one another’s company. Companion living for seniors in assisted living is a great option for those who need a little extra care and attention from those they trust.

Companion living in assisted living is a great option for those who are most comfortable living with someone they know and trust. Living with a trustworthy companion helps to keep an eye on one another. These individuals are already used to their loved ones’ needs and habits, which can help the other one to acclimate easier and begin to make their senior living facility their home. 

A companion can also update care managers and nurses within their senior living facility if routines or completion with activities begin to change. Those closest to us can pick up on things quicker than others sometimes and can notify caregivers when necessary. 

Within its communities, MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines offers Assisted Living with support at various levels and Around-the-clock Care Managers who are on-site and at the ready to ensure your comfort and safety as you make MorningStar your home.

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. 

Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar’s Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA.

Send a Gift Basket to Brighten Your Favorite Senior’s Day

Do you have an elderly relative living alone or in a senior community who lives too far to visit?  How about sending something special to show your thinking of them even if it’s not their birthday or a holiday.  One idea is to send them a gift basket filled with goodies to eat and drink, gifts to entertain, and items to make their lives a little easier or more pleasant.  

For your coffee drinking parent or grandparent, a bag of gourmet coffee and a nice new mug is one way to start your basket, or add a collection of teas that include decaffeinated and herbal options.  Are they a chocolate lover or prefer salty snacks?  Adjust your selection to include high-end chocolates and other delightful treats or a nice selection of crackers and cheeses.  For a book lover, add a novel you think they would enjoy or a coffee table book on famous gardens, architecture, maps, photography or wherever matches their interest.   A collection of classic movies is also something many seniors would enjoy.  

Now pack the basket with items such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word-search books, a new coloring book and fresh colored pencils or markers.  If they have low vision, include large-print playing cards and books.  If your loved one is feeling anxious or having a hard time sleeping, give them a weighted blanket.  While they come in many sizes, it is suggested you choose one that is 10% percent of their weight.   For example, if they weigh 150lbs, buy a 15lb blanket, and if they do not have a blanket that exactly matches 10% of their weight, you can go up a couple of pounds.   

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a graciously appointed senior living community located in beautiful Colorado Springs.  We proudly offer 45 private assisted living suites as well as 19 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. Be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

Many Adult Children Feel Guilty Moving a Parent into Assisted Living

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

For exceptional assisted living, Colorado Springs area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a destination for successful aging.  We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 45 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 19 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Help Aging Parents Organize Important Documents and Information

In the event of a medical emergency or illness, to file income taxes, or apply for state or federal benefits, experts say it is helpful and maybe even lifesaving for seniors to have their paperwork in order. Important documents to have available to a family member or trusted friend include property deeds, history of financial income and medical information. For example, Stuart Furman, A Place for Mom legal expert and elder attorney, explains if your parents are eligible to apply for veterans’ benefits or Medicaid, they will need proof of past income and financial resources. 

If you are the designated person, start by helping your parents compile a record of their bank accounts as well as sources of financial income including pensions, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts. In addition, help them organize information regarding savings bonds, stock certificates, or brokerage accounts. File these documents along with all property deeds and titles to vehicles in a home safe where they are secure. Files should also include several years of income taxes as well as a list of credit cards and outstanding loans or debts owed to them. 

If your parents have a living will and/or a durable power of attorney, you should have a copy as it is important in the case of a medical emergency to be able to quickly get your hands on such documents. Other things medical professionals say are important to get your hands on quickly is a list of medications your parents are taking, their medical history and insurance cards. Other types of documents to safely file or to create include end of life planning and estate planning.  

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love. This is made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality of life other communities simply cannot match. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/essential-documents

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Holistic Memory Care

At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to be the best senior living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar at Jordan Creek a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about our beautiful home and our company’s philosophy of caring for seniors. 

We proudly provide the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.