Many families fear placing their loved one into a retirement home because of the perceived idea that there will be a lack of communication and family involvement in their loved one’s care. While there are certainly red flags to be wary of when it comes to finding the right living arrangement for your family member, Alzheimer’s care is most successful when there is open collaboration between families and care providers.
Fostering collaboration and trust between families and memory care staff enhances the quality of Alzheimer’s care in multiple ways. Keep reading to understand why open communication is valued at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Understanding Leads to Consistency and Trust Alzheimer’s care managers should value what input a family can provide about their loved one before creating a treatment plan. Experienced memory care managers can voice valuable insight and guidance about what may be a good course of action for successful Alzheimer’s care, but families ultimately know their loved one’s needs and abilities best. MorningStar Memory Care and Senior Living Littleton Co takes a personal approach to Alzheimer’s care. By interviewing the family on the senior’s full history, we discover core motivators, abilities, and preferences that help to create the best Alzheimer’s care for them. This personalized plan can also be readjusted at any time. Having open and continuous communication with family, medical providers, and the senior in care leads to better consistency in care. Trusted Alzheimer’s is easy to find at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co. Named the “Alzheimer’s Association Leader in Dementia Care,” MorningStar is a senior living community that has enrolled more than 75% of its staff in an eight-hour training that encompasses brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals in memory care. Colorado is the only Alzheimer’s Association chapter in the country offering this special Alzheimer’s care program. 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.
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Life gets complicated. We know how hard it can be to routinely visit with a loved one in senior living. Between careers, pets, family, traveling, and other life events, it can be difficult to make enough time to visit a loved one in retirement. However, the benefits for maintaining a strong connection with your senior loved one has some lasting benefits.
At MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines, we pride ourselves on creating a comforting environment for seniors and their families to enjoy. Our community is conveniently located near I-35, I-235, and I-80 and next door to Jordan Creek Town Center, the largest shopping complex in Iowa. Inside our community, you and your loved one can enjoy a private dining room for intimate dinners, a theatre, a library, a sunroom, and decorated courtyards. Like our residents, we value open communication and the involvement of family members in all the activities and events hosted at MorningStar. Family is deeply valued at MorningStar. Our loved ones have so much to teach us about life. When we regularly visit with our elders, we create lasting memories that inspire and comfort us. While it may be difficult to grasp, our loved ones won’t always be around, so it’s important to value their time with us while we can and participate in fulfilling activities and communication. Many seniors look forward to having some alone time in retirement, but too much can be a bad thing, especially if they are still adjusting to a new assisted living home. While they will surely make new friends in no time, they will miss their close family. Seniors can begin to experience bouts of depression and discouragement if the family seems to be uninterested in visiting or communicating. Life may get complicated, but it is important to remember the vital connections of family. 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. 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/ Change is difficult for seniors, especially if they are struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some senior living communities are not equipped to handle the changing needs that come with cognitive decline from dementia and they may recommend a resident to relocate. While finding the best memory care possible is important, constantly adjusting living situations may cause more harm than good.
Picking a senior living community that offers a continuum of care is beneficial for seniors in need of memory care Families shouldn’t have to worry about their loved ones needing to relocate or re adjust to new surroundings because of their changing medical needs. Instead, MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co offers seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia continuity of care that is made to change with their needs. Keep reading to further understand the importance of continuity of memory care in senior living communities. Staff has established relationships and familiarity with residents If your loved one is transitioning from assisted living to memory care, senior living communities with a continuum of care are already aware of the challenges your loved one is facing, making these needs easily communicated to the next department or care staff. Senior living with a continuum of care prioritizes tracking medical records and changing needs so that all residents’ files are up-to-date. Not only this, but the community is familiar with your loved one’s personality, likes, dislikes, and passions. Continuity of care instills confidence that your loved one will be better understood and their needs more easily met by caretakers and staff who have established relationships and familiarity with them. 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. Exercise is essential for seniors in retirement, as it can provide a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for elders in assisted living. Regular exercise, no matter how seemingly small, can help seniors maintain their muscle strength and mobility, which can help them stay independent and active in the long run. Regular fitness also helps seniors maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk or the impact of chronic diseases.
MorningStar’s Life Enrichment Teams plan safe and effective ways for seniors to tap into their unique talents and interests. On top of all the programs MorningStar Senior Living Des Moines has to offer, there are also the following popular assisted living wellness programs that encourage wellness and fitness for seniors in assisted living: Healthy dining options When seniors struggle to care for themselves, it is often their eating routine that becomes impacted first. Having healthy dining options available and easily accessible for seniors in assisted living is crucial in supporting overall wellness. Food preferences and nutrient needs change as we age, for this reason, MorningStar Assisted Living Des Moines offers plenty of healthy food options to accommodate changing needs. Group Fitness Classes While many seniors may at one point had a very active lifestyle, certain circumstances may have impacted their ability to work out on their own. Even if a senior struggles with decreased mobility, assisted living wellness programs in Des Moines at MorningStar can still help these residents move their bodies in a safe, but effective way. Gentle stretching like yoga, walking groups, and water aerobics are just some of the low-impact workouts for seniors in assisted living to enjoy. 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. We all applaud the numerous life-saving medications that help many people enjoy a higher quality of life than they may have experienced without these wonder drugs. In the US, the FDA is in charge of approving the medications that come to market in our country and ensuring they are safe and effective.
While each new prescription drug is carefully looked at by the experts at the FDA before it is granted approval, over the last ten years statistics show there were more than 14,000 drugs recalled. This adds up to an average of almost four recalls a day. Experts say although the numbers sound alarming, in most cases, the FDA is aware of any side effects and risks the drug has before it is made available to the public. According to an article from the Harvard Medical School, there are several explanations as to why things are missed after approval, and a drug is deemed unsafe and recalled. The most likely reason is drug clinical trials are typically done with at most a couple of thousand people. After a drug is widely used by tens of thousands, rare reactions may turn up. Secondly, clinical trial participants are generally healthy in order to produce better trial results. Once the general public is using the drug, it may not work like it did during trials. Problems can also crop up because people are using other medications as well. Other complications resulting in a drug being recalled include poor manufacturing processes including bacterial contamination or problems with mislabeling and storage. In some cases, incidences of recalls are due to manufacturers adding additional drugs that were never in the original medication. Thankfully most recalls are not life-threatening or dangerous to the user. Only 6 percent of recalls are Class I. This is where the drug is deemed dangerous and poses a serious health risk. The majority of recalls fall into the Class II category where a drug may present a less serious health risk or a temporary one. Many times it is a matter of a drug being improperly stored such as a too hot location. To safeguard yourself, you can sign up for texts or emails from the FDA regarding safety alerts and recalls on drugs. Additionally, pharmacists advise patients to carefully examine their new prescription for the correct color and broken or crumbling pills. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your medications. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our well-designed suites come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Amenities include chef-inspired meals, restaurant-style dining, fitness room, salon, theater, fireside patio and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually engaged. To learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living in Colorado Springs, please visit our website. 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 for more information about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/drug-recalls-are-common-202303292907 As the understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia evolves, so too does the approach to care. Many memory care communities are heading in the direction of creating personalized memory care plans for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The best memory care communities understand that senior care should be tailored to each individual, prioritizing their set of unique challenges, health concerns, and personality. If you are new to the world of Alzheimer’s, you may be unfamiliar with the idea of personalized Alzheimer’s care. This is why MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co wants families to better understand the benefits of personalized memory care for seniors.
Individualized Memory Care that can be Adjusted at Any Time Memory care at MorningStar Senior Living Littleton Co provides individualized care that is personalized to each resident. This individualized memory care is dependent on their health needs, mobility, age, wants, current abilities, and much more. Personalized care plans ensure that each senior is receiving the correct level of care for themselves, allowing them to experience their life to the fullest while remaining safe and cared for. With the help of healthcare providers, family members, and care managers, we can agree on what level of care will be best for your loved one. By providing individualized care, seniors at MorningStar Senior Living Portland experience more independence and autonomy while being supported to do the things they love in retirement. A More Successful Approach to Alzheimer’s Care Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all approaches to memory care, personalized Alzheimer’s care can be a more successful approach to treating dementia because the treatment plan recognizes the individuality of each senior and what their personal needs are. Tailoring care to the unique needs of each resident enhances the overall quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and can encourage improvement in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. 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. It is not easy when it’s time to consider new living arrangements for your parent or loved one. Chances are you have thoroughly thought through the decision that assisted living will be the best arrangement for them. With so many assisted living options, it can be hard to know which assisted living community may be right for your family’s needs. While every senior is different, below are some of the most common things you should look for when looking for an assisted living community for seniors.
Independence and Autonomy Seniors, like any adult, want to maintain their independence and autonomy, even if they struggle with completing some activities of daily living (ADL’s). While it is crucial to ensure their future assisted living home provides the necessary support and supervision for optimal senior living care, residents should still feel they have the independence to live out their retirement doing the things they want and enjoy. Staff should be present to support residents and provide care when necessary. No senior wants to feel controlled or lose their autonomy while in an unfamiliar home. Access to Healthcare Services Many assisted living communities are not affiliated with hospitals or medical providers. However, most senior living communities that offer assisted living will have registered nurses available. While some assisted living homes may not have doctors, seniors really value senior living that coordinates health care needs with providers. Assisted living that actively works with doctors and health care professionals ensures that seniors will receive regular health assessments, proper medication management, and other health care services. 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. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reminds older adults mild forgetfulness is more often a normal part of aging and not a serious memory problem. They explain serious problems generally involving things like the person asking the same question over and over again and getting lost in places they know well. They may also have trouble following recipes or directions and find themselves confused about people, places and time.
If you are someone who is forgetting things, there are some steps you can take to feel more confident. These involve several simple things you can do, which will benefit your whole being like getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night), not drinking a lot of alcohol; and exercising and eating well. Managing high blood pressure is also important. Other more practical tips to help with forgetfulness are putting your wallet or purse, keys, glasses and phone in the same place each day. Instead of assuming you will remember, write out shopping and need to-do lists and use a calendar or take notes. NIA says to get involved in activities that focus on using the mind and body and stay socially involved. If you feel depressed for weeks at a time, talk to your doctor. Strategies to improve forgetfulness include challenging our brains by learning new things as well as using all our senses. For example, prepare a new recipe that requires lots of spices. If you are eating out, try to identify the flavors and seasonings used in the meal. To help remember new information better such as names, places, etc., try repeating it out loud or writing it down as this reinforces the memory. For example, if you want to remember a new neighbor’s name, say it out loud back to them, like “hi Jack.” Then an hour or so later say the new neighbor’s name out loud again. At MorningStar Mountain Shadows we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has 45 well-designed assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 19 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Colorado Springs. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers private assisted living suites that are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day. Once you decide that MorningStar is the place you want to call “home,” you and your family will meet with our Wellness Director to discuss your needs and set up an individualized care plan that ensures your comfort, well-being and safety.
Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7. We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services, and much more. Each MorningStar Care Level has its own monthly fee and is based on the cost and time it takes to provide the service. In addition, we know that a good diet is important to keep seniors healthy, which is why we have a trained Executive Chef on staff that will create daily meals that are both tasty and nutritional. Our menu is tailored to accommodate various needs and tastes and includes low sodium, sugar free, vegetarian and low-fat choices. We feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends. Our beautifully designed community has plenty of common areas to sit and relax or enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friend. To keep residents as busy as they want to be, our calendar is loaded with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. We offer scheduled transportation services and special outings to local parks, shopping and other recreational venues. Along with assisted living, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers specialized care in our Reflections Neighborhood for residents with memory impairment. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Colorado Springs offers. |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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