Find Safer Senior Living at MorningStar

July 24, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Safety is understandably the top priority when it comes to choosing a community for yourself or a loved one. Seniors can easily experience a fall-related injury if the proper precautions are not taken. With nearly 3 million seniors seeking medical treatment each year due to fall injuries, finding a senior living community that pays special attention to preventing fall risks within their buildings and neighborhoods is important.

Reducing Fall Risks in Assisted Living

Senior living communities designed for seniors with assisted living needs should devote extra time and focus on reducing fall risks and potential hazards throughout the community. This means shared communal spaces and hallways are kept clean and free of obstacles that may cause a fall. Senior apartments should also have extra safety advantages that protect seniors and provide them with peace of mind. Seniors at MorningStar Senior Living experience easy accessibility to amenities with the help of ramps, elevators, handrails, and senior-friendly layouts.

MorningStar’s Safety Features

You can now experience the safest assisted living Des Moines has to offer at MorningStar at Jordan Creek. MorningStar’s assisted living communities are designed with fall prevention in mind. Hallways and common spaces are easy to navigate at all times due to the low tolerance for clutter, spills, or large objects being left out in shared walk spaces. 24/7 caregivers, cameras, and active staff members are all in place to minimize falls and other accidents. With this supervision and support, seniors feel safe to explore their community, meet up with friends, and get fresh air.

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.

What Causes Heart Disease and Can You Reverse It?

July 22, 2024 by Quinn A in senior living

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.

Why Balance is Important to Your Independence

June 28, 2024 by Quinn A in Memory care

Falls among senior citizens are all too common, and in many cases, threaten a person’s independence and way of life. Injuries from falls include to the head, hip fractures, and in extreme cases lead to death; and poor balance is one of the reasons people fall.

Experts explain a person’s balance declines with age due to loss of sensory elements, the ability to integrate information and issue motor commands; and loss of musculoskeletal function as well as a poor vision and inner ear problems. Certain medications and common medical conditions in older adults can also cause problems. Balance begins to decline in midlife, starting at about age 50. In one recent study, adults in their 30s and 40s could stand on one foot for a minute or more. By age 50, the time decreased to 45 seconds.

The National Institute on Aging (NIH) explains maintaining good balance as you age and learning about fall prevention can help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities. Targeted exercises like walking, strength training and workouts designed to improve stability are some of the best ways to improve balance. Consult with your doctor as to whether a physical therapist or other professional could help design suitable exercises to improve your balance.

Also talk to your doctor about any dietary changes you should make if your balance problems are due to high or low blood pressure. Something as simple as eating less salt, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising may help with high blood pressure.

If you have low blood pressure and experience dizziness, do not stand up too quickly, drink plenty of fluids such as water and avoid alcohol. Your doctor may need to evaluate if it is safe for you to drive. To reduce your risk of a fall, avoid walking in the dark, wear low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes; and if you need a mobility aid such as a cane or walker, use it.

MorningStar of Littleton’s unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the most trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care Littleton offers, or call us to schedule a tour: 720.928.5797

How to Support a Senior’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Assisted Living

June 26, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Seniors often experience bouts of depression and anxiety, especially if they are struggling with different life changes. For seniors in assisted living, their mental health can be impacted by changes in memory, grief, leaving a lifetime home, health concerns, and a myriad of other difficulties. Knowing this, senior living communities like MorningStar Senior Living Jordan Creek, dedicate time to supporting a senior’s mental health and emotional well-being in the following ways:

Creating a Caring Assisted Living Community

When seniors transition to assisted living they may feel overwhelmed and unsure about their situation. This is especially true if they are struggling with other factors outside of their control, such as memory loss, immobility, or personal life changes. Offering community to our residents is a top priority. Assisted living communities with easily accessible amenities and activities promote good mental health in seniors by encouraging them to leave their rooms, socialize, and participate in hobbies that bring them joy.

Personalized Senior Care

No two seniors are the same. This is why we emphasize personalized senior care over a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. By considering each senior’s preferences, interests, concerns, and symptoms, our assisted living staff can provide better support and care. Our staff at MorningStar works to know our residents personally, making it easy to identify when something shifts in their personality or routine.

Balanced Meals

Seniors who are experiencing mental health concerns may stop cooking for themselves in their homes. This can make health concerns worse, on top of other worries like malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Providing balanced meals with ample options keeps seniors healthy at MorningStar and works to promote great mental health in seniors.

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The Quest to Stay Young

June 24, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Market analysts report the anti-aging industry is valued at $40 billion and estimate an increase up to $60 billion in the next eight years. Much of this is due to a culture that considers old age to be a problem that needs fixing; with people investing in expensive creams, procedures, exercises and other interventions to fix the “problem.”

Scientists say in reality old age is probably more varied and modifiable than most of us think. In fact studies show the leap from middle age to late life has no definite biological tipping point. Eric Verdin, president and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in CA, reports, “There is an incredible amount of variability between different people.” His research has convinced him that a person’s biological age is more important than their chronological age. Recently the journal of Psychology and Aging published findings that support pushing up the number of what is considered old age.

As people start to live longer, they want to postpone the age in which they are considered old, which many see as a negative condition. In fact experts say old age stereotypes have steadily become more negative over the last 200 years and have fueled “what some call a worldwide crisis of ageism.” This can be problematic as studies find even one’s beliefs regarding old age can lead to worse physical, mental and cognitive health.

While we do know everyone ages differently, it has brought a group of people known as “superagers” to the attention of researchers who want to study why some people remain relatively youthful and healthy long after 70. They speculate one reason may be studies that show adults with a better attitude toward aging are often healthier than their peers.

At MorningStar of Littleton, our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We specialize in offering residents the finest independent living and assisted living to enable them to live their best life. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our distinct memory care is dedicated to caring for their individual needs. Please contact us to learn more about the most trusted senior living Littleton, CO offers.

Offering Support to Someone Who Is Grieving

June 07, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Death is part of life and if we are fortunate to live a long one, most likely we will have to deal with the loss of a beloved spouse, life partner, child, sibling or friend. As loved ones give our lives purpose, coping with their loss and finding new purpose is difficult as many seniors do not have the opportunities to socialize or get out as they once did.

Grief counselors suggest some things a person’s family and friends can do to help them get through the worst of the grief. If it was your parents who died, be sure to let your surviving parents know how much you miss dad or mom, and share memories you have of the good times. Ask your parents if they have more difficult times during the day dealing with the loss as you could come over or give them a call. Also, be sure to not shy away from saying the deceased person’s name.

Offer to do things with them you know they once did with their spouse such as grocery shopping. If dad did the yard work, either offer to do it or help mom hire a company to take care of it. Help your parents find outlets for socializing, and encourage them to pick up an old hobby or find a new one, or take a class.

Being part of a senior living community such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows can be very supportive and give the person a sense of belonging. Other residents most likely have had similar experiences and have a special understanding of what the person is going through.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is designed to provide seniors everything they want and need in a retirement home. Along with beautiful surroundings, an array of luxury amenities, hospitality services and five-star dining; we offer Personalized Service Plans for the activities of daily living (ADLs) to help maintain residents’ independence. For assisted living or memory care in Colorado Springs, contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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.

Learn More About MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

May 22, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which takes a unique, holistic approach to its senior living communities. We are proud of our reputation for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve; and hold true to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.

Our company has thrived and expanded since its conception in 2003, when Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger started the company with the intention to “cast a new light” on senior living. From there our mission statement reads: Honor God in our business practices and relationships; Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well.

Even the name MorningStar has meaning regarding the kind of home we want to offer residents. Mr. Jaeger explains, “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force—even more, a name that spoke to the passion I have to bring loving care to seniors.” The name—MorningStar—comes from a verse where Jesus said, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

At the Mountain Shadows community, we offer assisted living suites in a range of floor plans and configurations. Amenities include all-day, restaurant-style dining; fitness room; salon; bistro; theater; fireside patio; scheduled transportation; and more. Services include 24-hour care managers, a full-time licensed nurse (on call 24/7), electronic health records and medication management. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized care to those living with memory impairment.

As a resident, you will have opportunities for new friendships, wellness programs, activities and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Please visit our website for information about MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. Browse through our online pictures and then use the link to set up a tour to see our home firsthand. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar’s senior living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. 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 us or visit our website for more information.

Common Causes for Older Adult Falls

April 17, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living Communities

When an older adult trips and falls, it can be life changing. Consequences include serious head injuries, hip fractures and broken bones, and in the worst cases, fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Furthermore, more problems can arise as many seniors need several months to recover, which can cause a decline in strength and mobility as well as mental agility. It can also lead to the loss of independence and isolation.

Statistics show most falls happen for a handful of reasons and being forewarned may help prevent one. The environment, especially the person’s home and surrounding outdoor area is one of the biggest culprits. Danger spots include slippery bathtubs, high mattresses, steep stairs, poorly lit hallways, loose rugs, obstacles in walkways and clutter. Experts say a little bit of time spent addressing these problems with things like non-slip bath mats and grab bars, more lighting, removing clutter, etc. can help prevent a fall.

Another risk factor for a fall is chronic health conditions that affect balance and mobility. Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure can mean a person might experience dizziness or be unable to control muscles to stop a fall.

Growing older also puts us at risk for diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, which in turn, leads to more accidents. Solutions include having yearly eye exams and making sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date.

Experts say it is important for seniors to stay as fit as possible as aging affects muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. Check with your doctor for information on balance and strength exercises. If a medication is making you dizzy or drowsy, talk to your doctor about it. There may be another drug just as effective that doesn’t have the same side effects.

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows, we offer residents comfort, security, and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home in Colorado Springs has suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, activities and care services. Our residents’ safety is important to us, and each apartment is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation our senior living communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs.

Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/5-biggest-causes-seniors-falling/

Senior Living Offers Transportation Solutions for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

April 03, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia greatly limit a person’s ability to participate in the world the same way they once had. This is especially true for seniors with Alzheimer’s who may already face added difficulties, like immobility or health care concerns. While it is not wise to let a senior with a memory loss disease navigate the outside world alone, there are probably still times when they want to leave the home to experience life, go to doctor appointments, hair salons, or the grocery store.

If your loved one has just received a memory loss diagnosis, you may be looking for Alzheimer’s care solutions in your area that provide the highest level of care available. Life doesn’t end just because of a diagnosis. MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers families transportation solutions for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Some of these solutions include:

Easily Accessible Amenities and Infrastructure

MorningStar’s senior living and memory care communities incorporate easily accessible infrastructure into their communities. This means making the things seniors love to do easily within their reach without having to worry about transportation or safety worries. Even seniors with mobility concerns can experience on-site amenities like attending movies in the movie theatre, getting their hair done at the staffed salon, and sharing coffee with a friend at the bistro.

Community Transportation Vehicles

There are some things senior living communities cannot provide within their walls. Doctor’s appointments, family visits, large grocery stores, and other shopping are sadly more difficult for seniors to get to from their care community. Senior transportation vehicles help make it possible for residents to run errands in the community without driving themselves and with a staff chaperone.

Campus-wide Events and Celebrations

Of course, there will be some seniors who really struggle to experience life outside of senior care. This is why senior living communities advocate bringing events and celebrations in side the building for residents to enjoy. Most, if not all, holidays are celebrated, but there are other events that staff love to plan for residents that help promote socialization and overall happiness.

Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care in Littleton, Colorado

Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Senior Living in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.

Find Companion Living Senior Living Communities in Glendale

February 23, 2024 by Quinn A in senior living

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.

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Tips for Your Next Doctor’s Visit

February 21, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Have you had the experience of walking to your car after a doctor’s visit and a question pops into your mind you wished you had asked the doctor? You are not alone. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, reminds all of us about the benefit of preparing questions and accurate information ahead of time to provide to your physician. They say it not only improves your care, but builds trust between you and your healthcare provider, which can lead to better results.

For help on questions to ask to facilitate a more fruitful visit to your doctor and efficiently use your precious time (studies show doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient), the AHRQ offers a series of questionnaires related to your visit. Remember typically you have a reason for the visit such as: a well visit, looking for answers for a specific medical problem, returning to discuss treatment, or getting test results. Prepare for your appointment by bringing your prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs you use including vitamins and dietary or herbal supplements.

When discussing a possible medical procedure, AHRQ says questions should include: why do I need this procedure; how do I prepare; when will I get the results; and how will I feel afterward? If surgery is recommended, ask if there are alternative treatments available that are just as effective; possible complications; and recovery period. AHRQ says if you are given a new medication, ask how the new drug will interact with other drugs you are taking, how long you will be on it, and common side effects. Before you leave your appointment, make sure you understand your instructions.

At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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.

Source: ahrq.gov/questions/be-engaged/index.html

Better Food Choices for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

February 21, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

We all know that making healthy food options benefits our bodies, but did you know our food choices impact our brain health, too? Making informed choices about what foods are beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can greatly improve their health and happiness.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that certain foods can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. However, there are still healthy food choices and eating habits you can make to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Senior living communities that specialize in Alzheimer’s care encourage these food choices for seniors:

Nutrient-Rich Foods:

MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers Alzheimer’s care options that encourage healthy eating through their “BrainWise” program. “BrainWise” is a lifestyle at MorningStar where we prioritize using ingredients known to support brain health. Superfoods, like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens, supply your brain with vitamin K, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. Natural fats found in SuperFoods are proven to nourish, protect, and enhance the performance of our brain cells.

Foods with Cognitive Benefits:

Next time you’re dining with your family member at MorningStar, ask our executive chefs for meals with turmeric, broccoli, or pumpkin seeds. These foods are rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper and are known to support cognitive health. Are chefs design seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible, to support the health and wellness of our residents in memory care.

Find Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Near You in Littleton, Colorado

Memory care communities like MorningStar offer a safe living environment and specialized support for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Explore This Easily Accessible Community for Seniors in Iowa

February 19, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

Once a senior retires, they may begin to feel removed and distant from their community, friends and family. This may be because they are no longer participating in a routine of getting ready for work, commuting, and planning out the rest of their evening. They are no longer socializing as much as they once were, and with time, friends and family may move away or experience the life changes that keep them from communicating or visiting as much as they once did.

Not only this, but changes in eyesight, mobility, and coordination may make it more difficult for seniors to drive to and from locations and activities. This can be greatly discouraging for seniors who rely on transporting themselves to places outside of the home, not to mention dangerous. All-inclusive senior living communities like MorningStar prioritize easily accessible amenities and activities for seniors aged 55 and up. Amenities ranging from a staffed salon to gyms and theatre rooms are all within walking distance from senior living apartments. Easily accessible assisted living communities benefit seniors in the following ways:

Independence and Autonomy

Seniors want to complete tasks on their own. With minimal supervision, seniors in assisted living at MorningStar can safely get to and from their errands. Whether it is to the dining hall or the secluded courtyard, seniors are encouraged to explore their community and complete tasks throughout their senior living neighborhood.

Convenient Access to Services and Amenities

As mentioned, seniors can complete their day-to-day maintenance at MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines. For those who struggle to drive themselves to complete tasks, on-site salons, bistros, workout rooms, and libraries make it easy for seniors to build a routine similar to how they would care for themselves previously.

Community Inclusion

A close-knit senior living community like MorningStar offers seniors more chances to be social and experience comradare with their neighbors. Being part of an active and social assisted living community helps seniors feel connected to the place they live and can make amenities and activities much more exciting.

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MorningStar at Mountain Shadows Offers Comfort, Wellness, and Community

February 12, 2024 by Quinn A in Senior Living

If you still think assisted living is an “old person’s home,” you could not be more mistaken. Today’s senior living communities are a far cry from old-fashioned facilities like nursing homes, and offer a vibrant lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. As a resident, you have opportunities to grow, learn and contribute.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) had their beginnings decades ago as “nursing homes,” and in a time when there were few other options for senior care. Today SNF typically focuses on short-term rehab including helping patients discharged from the hospital after surgery or illness. SNF staff include RNs and CNAs, and specialize in serving residents in fragile and declining health.

Assisted living is designed to assist residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as toileting, dressing, and bathing. However, assisted living communities like MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide much more than just physical care. Along with a wealth of amenities, activities and services, it is designed to feel like a real home. MorningStar’s services help families by providing transportation to doctor appointments and other errands as well as onsite supportive services from third-party providers including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Residents have the opportunity for plenty of socializing and are encouraged to participate in a range of activities and wellness programs.

MorningStar’s services also include providing housekeeping to ensure residents’ homes are tidy and clean. By taking care of meals, we help residents get the daily nutrition they need. Moreover, meals are served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room as we believe breaking bread together provides far more than physical nutrients but bonds us as family and friends. We also help with another common problem many seniors experience when living alone, which is forgetting to or improperly taking medications. We solve this by offering medication management services.

Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Colorado Springs. Our beautiful community has 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

Learn More About MorningStar at Mountain Shadows

February 02, 2024 by Quinn A in Assisted Living

If you or your loved one needs assisted living in Colorado Springs, we encourage you to consider one of the finest communities in the area – MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. A quick look through the photo gallery on our website will show you our beautiful common areas and comfortable private suites. Although we provide a range of resort style amenities and services, our outstanding feature is a care staff that is genuinely committed to working with seniors.

Before you even move in, we will meet with you and your family to discuss a care plan that addresses your various needs. For our assisted living residents, we offer five Care Levels. Furthermore, as your care is managed and evaluated throughout your stay at our Mountain Shadows community, we adjust the level of care as needed. In addition to the cost of the suite, your monthly fee is determined by your required level of care. Various auxiliary services, both medical and non-medical, are priced a la carte. This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance you need.

Each of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ 45 stylish assisted living suites is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom, emergency call system, private heating and air conditioning, and basic cable TV and utilities are included. We offer residents weekly housekeeping and laundry service as well as spot cleaning and daily trash removal. To help residents feel right at home, we are pet friendly.

For our memory care residents, our pricing is all-inclusive, regardless of the level of care needed. The Reflections Neighborhood offers 19 suites and is designed to encourage residents to explore their spacious surroundings easily and safely. While a secure building, warm, inviting common areas and clear wayfinding encourage independence. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers.

The Importance of Personalized Care in Assisted Living Senior Communities

December 27, 2023 by Quinn A in Senior Living

No two seniors have exactly the same needs or health requirements. With this understanding, modern senior living communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines, pride themselves on providing individualized and personalized care plans for seniors in assisted living.

What is Personalized Care?

Personalized care is a care routine that is developed for one individual based on their specific needs, preferences, health concerns, medications, abilities and passions. Personalized care is individualized and custom-made for each resident at MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines.

Personalized care plans ensure that each resident is receiving the correct level of care that is most beneficial to the senior. By providing individualized care, seniors experience more independence and autonomy while feeling supported to explore the things they’re passionate about in the safety of their assisted living home.

Team members, caregivers and managers at MorningStar are kept up-to-date with each resident file, equipping them with the knowledge to provide the best assisted care possible to every senior in the community.

Adapting Care Plans as Needed

One of the greatest benefits of personalized care plans is their adaptability. Personalized care plans are made to be ever-changing, similar to the ebb and flow of seniors’ needs and abilities. It is likely your loved one will require more help with everyday tasks as their life continues in assisted living, and we are equipped to handle the changes.

Needs are evaluated regularly to confirm that each senior is receiving the proper level of care. Care plans can even be discussed through family and medical provider input, as we understand you and your loved one’s provider may have feelings or insight into changing routines or decreasing/increasing medications. We encourage these discussions, as it is our mission to incorporate the family into their loved one’s care as much as possible.

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Advance Care Planning Ensures Your Wishes are Known

December 13, 2023 by Quinn A in Senior Living Communities

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.

Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators.

A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions.

The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover, refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is a senior living community in Colorado Springs. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful community offers 45 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’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 luxury amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

The Difference Between Memory Care and 24-Hour Nursing

November 29, 2023 by Quinn A in Memory care

Nursing homes and senior living communities are not as similar as some might think. Memory care communities are focused on holistic treatment and socialization to comfort seniors as they age. Nursing homes tend to focus on a more clinical approach to Dementia management, which may look like more medications and more intense treatment.

While both have their benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between 24-hour nursing facilities and memory care at Senior Living in Littleton, Co.

What level of care can memory care facilities provide?

Memory care communities, like MorningStar, provide a high level of care for seniors struggling with memory loss. Since memory care communities are specifically designed to treat and watch over seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, staff tends to be more specialized and undergo different training.

Depending on the level of care a senior requires, 24-hour nursing homes may be better suited to address certain concerns. If a loved one is struggling with multiple ailments, such as late-stage cancer and dementia, an on-call nurse may be more fit to provide care.

For treating certain medical concerns, MorningStar has a daily 24-hour nurse within Littleton’s senior living community. This provides reassurance to families of seniors who are accident-prone or require a moderate amount of daily medical care. Please see our Care Services page for a description of how widely we can serve under our Assisted Living license through the additional support of third-party providers.

Because MorningStar offers a higher level of supervision under a holistic memory care routine, this can appear more expensive than skilled nursing services. However, the level of care, amount of social activities, therapies, and dedicated caregivers at MorningStar are guaranteed to provide the support your loved one requires.

Finding Trusted Alzheimer’s Care Made Easy

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer's care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Littleton, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar's memory care communities in Littleton. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company's history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Littleton. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent and assisted living offering in Littleton, Colorado.

What are the Benefits of Independent Senior Living?

November 27, 2023 by Quinn A in Senior Living

If I don’t need any assistance, why should I consider a senior living community?

Retirement homes aren’t what you think they are anymore. Independent senior living offers vibrant communities full of resort-style amenities that allow seniors to retire in style. While many seniors may not require assisted living care yet, you can still appreciate the perks of stress-free retirement.

Our senior living retirement homes in Des Moines, Iowa offer seniors a fresh perspective on life. We want to provide you with the very best understanding of what benefits independent senior living can provide for you.

Newfound Friendships- As we age, it becomes more difficult for seniors to spend time with their friends and family. Senior living communities provide easy accessibility to your neighbors. With weekly activities, group hobbies, and community events, it’s easy to meet like-minded individuals that you feel like you’ve known all your life. While you may not require any senior care, independent living at MorningStar brings added joy and excitement to your retirement.

Exploring Passions- Maintaining a home, keeping up with daily chores, and running errands can often distract us from doing the things we enjoy. In independent living at Morningstar, you can explore your passions and find new hobbies you might never have thought of trying. Our community takes care of monotonous tasks so that you can devote more time to learning what brings you joy.

Staying Active- Independent senior living communities keep seniors active and engaged. Through community outings, workout classes, and easily accessible trails and courtyards, seniors are able to stay healthy and happy.

Find Assisted Living Options Near You

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.

Grieving for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease

November 15, 2023 by Quinn A in Senior Living

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is devastating news for all. Family members may quickly start experiencing feelings of grief as they recognize their life is about to be changed by the disease and are uneasy about what the future will hold. Most are left with questions about what to expect next.

As Alzheimer’s begins to take away the person we know and love, the Alzheimer’s Association explains that, “you'll mourn him or her and may experience the different phases of grieving: denial, anger, guilt, sadness and acceptance.” They remind us that feelings of grief do not come in a specific order but rather we go in and out of the various stages.

Feelings of denial include unrealistically hoping the person is not ill or expecting them to get better. Others try to convince themselves their loved one has not changed or try to normalize and make excuses for their behaviors. Anger may include being frustrated with the person or feeling abandoned. You may also experience feelings of resentment with the demands of caregiving and/or resent others who are not helping with care.

Guilt includes having unrealistic thoughts about what you should have done or feeling guilty if you do not visit every day. A spouse that is well and still able to enjoy life may feel guilty that their husband or wife is no longer able to do so. Others may have negative feelings such as wishing the person would die or go away.

The Alzheimer’s Association says you need to face both your positive as well as negative feelings. They also say to be prepared to go through feelings of loss more than once as the disease progresses. Remember your grief is a part of your journey, and if you need help, talk with someone about your feelings.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our memory care residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and spend each day in an atmosphere that celebrates and elevates their lives. Please visit our website for more information about the finest senior living in Colorado Springs.

MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 luxury amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.