The Adjustment to Assisted Living May Take Some Time

No matter how old we are, change can be challenging. For seniors who have had just that much more time to get used to the way things are, a change in the status quo can be difficult. When faced with a change in lifestyle and residence, a person may mourn what they perceive as a loss of their independence and younger self, and the loss of a home filled with a lifetime of memories. However, regardless of how we long to keep things the same, change is a fact of life; and for many seniors, life could be better with a little daily help. 

When mom or dad would benefit from the many services offered by an assisted living community, there are a few things families can do to help ease the transition. To start with, senior care specialists recommend making the effort to set up mom or dad’s new suite with familiar, well-loved furnishings and mementos rather than buying all new things.

Another important step toward a smooth transition is to give it time. Experts say it generally takes anywhere from three to six months to adjust to community life, but in some cases, residents settle into it quickly. If your parent is one to make a slow adjustment, remember why the move was necessary in the first place including a real concern for their safety and well-being as well as your need for peace of mind. 

Some experts say it may be helpful to limit your visits and phone calls to allow your parent some time to find their own way. Also, if they want to vent about how unhappy they are, give them some space to do so. Validating their feelings can help them work through their fears and uncertainty about the changes they are experiencing. 

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our team is experienced in helping new residents feel at home and work with both them and their family to help with the transition. Our beautiful community offers luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life. Contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living in Colorado Springs.

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 Colorado Springs has to offer.

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

The CDC Estimates One Million People are Diagnosed with Shingles Each Year

Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This vaccine is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.  

Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort.   

When Shingrix first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot. For many people who put off medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, now may be the time to protect yourself against shingles.

The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.” 

MorningStar of Mountain Shadows’ goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in Colorado Springs, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Beautifully situated at the foot of the Rockies, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services.  Our community offers 45 well-appointed assisted living suites and 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ Care Services – A Holistic View of Health

For exceptional assisted living, Colorado Springs seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a true destination for successful aging.  By defining health and well-being holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.     

We are also proud that our assisted living residents’ benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand.  It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include 5 levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Residents have 24-hour care managers; a CPR trained staff member on every shift and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we offer mechanical lift assistance, oxygen administration, and diabetic management.  Furthermore, we provide transportation to medical appointments as well as pharmacy services, onsite dental and podiatry services and more.    

Please contact us for information on pricing and availability or to set up a tour. Our community includes 45 bright suites for assisted living and another 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other assisted living Colorado Springs offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Falling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury.  However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving.  Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”

They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall.  Their first advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention.Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls.  

While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia care at an even greater risk.  Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand.  Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet.  If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms.    

Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed.  In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside.  Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom.  Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance.   

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please call for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs, CO.

Sources:  cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/

agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm

alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/

Visit Our Website to Learn More About MorningStar of Wheat Ridge

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living or memory care, we invite you to learn more about MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  Our leadership team always welcomes phone calls and email inquiries regarding our community.  In addition, we have a very informative website that focuses on many of the different aspects of our community as well as provides some background on our company.  

For instance, our home page offers a great description of our home, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as a Gallery of pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to welcoming spaces and beautiful design.  Our home page also has a button to Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities.  Clicking on Suite Amenities highlights the comforts within our 45 private assisted living suites and 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment.  Our suites are available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, and you can view specifics by clicking on the Floor Plans button.  

We also encourage you to view the virtual tour on our home page.  Here you will get a good look at some of our open common areas including dining rooms, library, bistro, theater, life enrichment room and more.  You will also get a chance to see our well-appointed suites.  In addition, we share background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living including our mission statement and core values consisting of Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  

We then suggest you browse through the links at the top of the page to learn more about First Steps, Lifestyle Options, Wellness and Our Heart.  More questions are answered on our FAQ page (under First Steps) including what makes MorningStar different, understanding senior living, care services, pricing, staff training, and the move in process.  If you like what you see please contact us for pricing, availability and any other questions you may have.  We look forward to hearing from you.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Fairly Easy Changes Which Will Improve Your Health

No matter what our age, there are some relatively easy things we can all do to improve our health. One of those suggestions is to develop the habit of eating more slowly. While it sounds like a simple thing, it actually offers a couple of health benefits. It gives our brain the chance to signal we are full, which can help prevent overeating as well as gives us additional time to think about what we are eating and maybe make better choices.

Another easy change is to get in the habit of eating fresh fruit rather than drinking fruit juice as even 100% pure juice loses some of its nutrients once it is processed. Eating fresh fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. Also, fresh fruit fills you up more than juice. Some other recommendations include adding dark leafy greens to your diet and cutting back on sugar.

Also, experts advise watching the fat in your diet. Avoid trans fats that have been related to heart disease but remember some fats found in foods such as whole eggs, fish, avocados, nuts and dairy are part of a balanced diet. Doctors additionally say an alcoholic drink (one at most for women and two at most for men) a day may provide benefits for your heart.

Other ideas for improving health include reducing our level of stress. Experts say that regardless of what seems to trigger stress; not dealing with it can lead to a variety of serious health conditions including ulcers, heart disease and high blood pressure. Exercising is not only an excellent way to reduce stress but is good for our bodies, and no matter how old we are, we need to keep moving.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, an assisted living and memory care community in Colorado Springs, provides healthy, nutritional meals as well as care services and amenities to ensure carefree retirement years. We encourage you to visit our website for more information about our loving home. When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery and well-designed floorplans.

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 exceptional assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Expansive Care Services

If you are looking for the best memory care or assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows.  We provide area seniors with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing. 

At MorningStar we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit, and are thus the perfect destination for successful aging.  Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change.  In fact we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents at a lower cost to their families. 

To improve care services, we proudly use the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at our Mountain Shadows community.  It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).   The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information on residents.  It offers different modules to monitor various vitals and key health metrics as well as provides enhanced privacy and security of residents’ data. 

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurse—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.  We also offer mechanical lift assistance, weights and vitals monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and much more.  Please see our website for more information about our community and a message from the CEO detailing our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Does Mom or Dad Need More Care to Assure Their Safety and Wellbeing?

Have you started to think your parent or a loved one may need more care in the near future to assure their safety and wellbeing?  If the time is coming when they will need help with daily personal care activities, you may want to consider assisted living.   A community such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers a residential home where your loved one will receive the assistance they need, and allow them to live as independently as possible. 

If this sounds like your situation, you will want to include your parent in the decision making process as the more they are involved, the better they will accept the decision.  In the case of a loved one being in denial about the need for changes in their lifestyle, it may help to read suggestions from experts on how to navigate through the process such as MorningStar’s Decision Guide, which is available on our website.   

Stella Henry, R.N., author of The Eldercare Handbook, explains, “Many seniors unrealistically believe they can take care of themselves for the rest of their lives.”  She suggests you start laying the groundwork for eventual lifestyle changes now regardless of whether a change is eminent or sometime in the distant future.  Another specialist, Barry Jacobs, PsyD, a psychologist who has counseled many people through the emotional journey of moving elderly parents, advises adult children to ask their parent to “indulge” them by visiting an assisted living community.  He adds that people are more likely to reconsider their position if a decision is of their own making. 

For the area’s finest senior living, Des Moines area seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Jordan Creek.  Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities that engage and support residents’ intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual needs.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek consists of 56 private suites specifically designed for assisted living with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, we have another 29 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/moving-elderly-parents

“Radiance” Guides the Way MorningStar at Jordan Creek Delivers Service

We are committed to provide the best assisted living Des Moines or West Des Moines has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety.  To achieve this, we recognize it could not be done without the help of our team members who we consider to be the very heartbeat of the MorningStar at Jordan Creek community. 

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s team consists of a unique group of individuals who have a felt calling to serve.  They are the kind of people who do the right thing even when no one is watching, and have perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  Our team members see seniors as heroes and feel privileged to have a rewarding career that offers both professional as well as personal growth. 

To guide us in our service, all team members, including the management team, are guided by Radiance, our exclusive brand standard of Service Excellence.  The program’s precepts are introduced to every team member upon being hired, and then reiterated and strengthened every day during our daily Huddle.        

Radiance allows us to take service professionalism to the next level and offers a purposeful way for us to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  As “Radiance” is like a beam of light, it epitomizes the ways we serve others – with warmth, sincerity, and depth and is reiterated through interpersonal communications and special touches throughout our home.   

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our Radiance program as well as our amenities and programs.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 56 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer.