The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for everyone in the family and an uncomfortable, difficult topic for people to talk about. In some cases, even physicians do not discuss the disease with their patients, and sometimes a person is unaware of the diagnosis. Others may try to hide their memory problems, and as a result, end up with little time to put their affairs in order and plan for the future.
However, experts say it is important to discuss the diagnosis and its ramifications with your family in order to make your wishes known regarding your care. One of the things you will want to do is to designate a family member to make decisions on your behalf once you are unable to do so. With the help of your family, you will also need to make financial decisions such as setting aside assets to pay for long-term care in an assisted living community or for home care. Keep in mind that planning ahead also gives your family peace of mind as they will know they are following your wishes. Another one of the recommendations from experts who work with Alzheimer’s patients is to have the person tell their life story. This can be in a journal form or recorded and provides a meaningful way for the family to bond together. Furthermore, it helps to make the person feel that they are a valued member of the family. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our goal is to provide the best senior living Des Moines or West Des Moines has to offer, which includes compassionate and loving memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We treat each of our special residents with dignity and respect and find ways to connect with and nurture their very essence. Our memory care is based on our extensive knowledge and experience with dementia-related diseases and we support residents from the early onset of the disease through the final stages. Please visit our website for more information. 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 or West Des Moines offers. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-26/5-steps-to-ending-the-stigma-surrounding-dementia
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Did you know that studies show many older adults prefer the carefree life offered by senior living? The idea of no longer having all of the responsibilities that come along with owning a home including the repairs and upkeep is very appealing to many seniors. Furthermore, for seniors who still think moving into an assisted living community is a place people go to die, most likely have not visited one of today’s vibrant communities.
There are even studies that suggest moving into senior living may be a healthier option for some than living alone. This can especially be true for seniors after the death of a spouse as many begin to feel isolated and lonely. Not to mention the burden of keeping up with household chores such as cleaning, cooking, laundry or needing to move up and down stairs. Senior living communities offer an individual the opportunity to easily make new friends as well as gives them the time to pursue special interests or to explore new hobbies. Also, communities typically provide amenities such as onsite fitness centers in addition to offering a range of exercise classes geared toward the fitness level of older adults. If you are looking for exceptional assisted living or memory care, Colorado Springs’ MorningStar at Mountain Shadows may be your answer. After visiting our website or once you take a tour of our community, you most certainly will understand why MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is the type of assisted living and memory care you want for youself or your loved one. Along with a whole array of amenities and services and a compassionate, loving team that is honored to serve seniors, we also offer well-designed suites to please a variety of tastes and preferences. In addition, we want you know that our community is staffed by a compassionate, professional team of individuals who are experienced in all facets of senior living and committed to providing our residents a true “home.” Visit our website for contact information and to find out more about our beautiful community. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. For family members, assisted living and memory care can offer peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one is receiving the care and companionship they need to live safely and as independently as possible. However, we recognize that for some adult children or spouses, considering assisted living brings up feelings of guilt as you think you are not doing enough for them.
As an adult child, you may realize that you have too many responsibilities already on your plate including your own children, a job and other constraints but still feel guilty about not offering your parent a home with you. Even if you are a caregiver that has reached the point where you know the job is taking a toll on your own well-being and you are no longer able to provide the level of care your loved needs, you may still be hesitant to make changes. This is why assisted living and memory care communities such as MorningStar at Jordan Creek offer the perfect solution. Our purpose is not to replace you in the life of your aging parent or spouse but rather to assist you in your efforts to make their lives easier, safer and more comfortable. Our community was designed and built to accommodate the needs of seniors. Every aspect of our interior common rooms and suites as well as the outdoor grounds is intended to make our residents feel like they are in a true “home.” From beautiful, private suites that are just waiting for your personal furnishings, delicious meals served restaurant-style, activities galore or companionship; we provide a lovely home. Please contact us with any questions you may have or set up a visit to see firsthand the best assisted living Des Moines or West Des Moines offers. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer. While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.
The Family Doctor website also offers some commonsense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and eat food that is enriched with fiber. By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and in the event you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. Another benefit to daily physical activity is that your brain also benefits. The article cites studies that indicate people who regularly exercise are better able to make decisions. Furthermore, even if you have never exercised on a regular basis, the experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury. By daily exercising, you can help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts recommend breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into two or three increments. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or do 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. Lastly the article suggests increasing the fiber in your diet; it can improve your health in a number of ways. Fiber gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition, it may help to lower cholesterol levels. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we provide our residents with tasty, nutritious meals and plenty of opportunities to exercise. Committed to being one of the best assisted living facilities in the area, our goal is to give residents a true “home” with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more about our resort-style amenities and services. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in assisted living facilities with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html The month of February celebrates all things heart related from Valentine’s Day to the American Heart Month, whose goal is to eradicate heart disease and stroke. Started in 1963 with a signed presidential proclamation by Lyndon B. Johnson, American Heart Month pays tribute to the tireless efforts of those working to prevent, treat and research this devastating disease. Also it strives to educate the general public on prevention, detection and treatment options.
This year’s American Heart Month kicks off on February 7, 2020 with a designated “Go Red for Women initiative that unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.” As heart disease can be a silent killer for women, the aim is to make women aware of their own risk and to commit to taking charge of the health of those they can’t bear to live without. While the numbers dying from cardiovascular disease has declined since the first American Health Month in 1964, it is still the leading cause of death for both men and women and accounts for one in every four deaths in the U.S annually. Moreover often under-reported, it is the number one cause of death in women than all forms of cancer put together – “1 in 31 American women dies from breast cancer each year, while 1 in 3 dies of heart disease.” However there is good news as experts say nearly 80% of cardiovascular deaths could be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle and making small changes in our day-to-day lives. During the American Heart Month, the intention is to put the spotlight on the things we can do to prevent becoming another statistic. Adopting a heart healthier lifestyle is important for everyone as heart disease is not only a disease of the elderly but can attack anyone at any age. Preventing heart disease starts with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, screening for diabetes, and eating a nutrient-rich diet. Also it is important to regularly check your cholesterol and blood pressure and follow your doctor’s advice for controlling them. Seasoning your food with spices instead of salt and making physical activity part of your family’s daily routine are some easy changes. In addition learn more about your family’s health history as well as the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke; and regularly see your doctor. Show your support on Friday, February 7th by wearing Red and encourage family, friends and neighbors to join you! 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. Sources: heart.org/events/february-2020-american-heart-month-and-go-red-for-women org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/causes-and-prevention-of-heart-disease Do you or a loved one need some help with the activities of daily living? Are you confused about exactly what assisted living is? Would you like to find the best assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers?
Too many older adults do not have a true picture of what assisted living is all about. They still think senior living communities are like the nursing homes their elderly relatives had been “sent to” years ago once they could no longer care for themselves, and considered them to be depressing places. Since these misconceptions are from people who have not visited one of today’s modern, vibrant communities, they do not understand that nothing could be farther from the truth. In the case of assisted living communities, residents typically are able to lead a more independent lifestyle than many elderly adults who live alone as they have access to assistance whenever they need it. Others worry assisted living communities may be too expensive. However, the truth is that once you factor in your current living expenses (including the costs of home repairs and maintenance) as well as the additional costs of paying for a variety of care services, assisted living is a lot less expensive than you thought. Seniors also fear an assisted living community may not offer enough to keep them feeling productive and engaged. Again, nothing could be farther from the truth. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we offer a whole host of resort-style amenities and services along with meaningful programs and activities. As a resident, you benefit from social interactions, physical activities geared toward your fitness level, and programs designed to stimulate your mind. Furthermore, assisted living gives a resident’s family peace of mind knowing help is close at hand whenever it is needed. Families are also comforted by the fact their loved one is getting nutritional meals that are not only good for them but delicious tasting. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows invites area families to set up a tour and see why our residents are proud to call us “home.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “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 assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer. The Mayo Clinic reports on research that suggests listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. They explain the reason may be that “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” Listening to music can help relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce agitation.
Music can bring back memories to those even in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers.net quotes neurologist Oliver Sacks, who says, “Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory… it brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.” When music is incorporated into the everyday activities of someone with dementia, it can help them to recall memories of that activity and improve cognitive ability over time. Research has shown that some of the last two abilities in Alzheimer’s patients are musical abilities and the appreciation of it, which is why it is such an effective way to try and reach the essence of the person. It has also been found to help those in the more advanced stages of the disease to express and share emotions with their caregivers through dancing or moving along with the rhythm. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says, “When used appropriately, music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function and coordinate motor movements.” Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is proud to offer 19 secure suites for individualized, loving memory care. As dementia care specialists, our training and experience has given us a deep understanding of the disease. Our holistic approach includes leveraging the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort. Please visit our website for more information MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/music-and-alzheimers/faq-20058173 alzheimers.net/why-music-boosts-brain-activity-in-dementia-patients/ medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321677.php Do you think all senior living communities are pretty much the same? If so, it may surprise you to learn that MorningStar of Wheat Ridge is committed to a distinct mission statement that guides the way we do business and how we deliver our care services.
It reads as follows:
MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003 by Ken Jaeger, who after fifteen years of working in the industry was determined to start his own brand of senior living. It would be one that was defined by human touch and lovingly meet the residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. MorningStar communities were thus created as a true home for seniors – one in which the sense of family prevails and residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Most importantly communities are staffed by individuals who have a felt calling to serve and view seniors as heroes. Those values have served our company well for over the past 16 years, and we now fast forward to 2016 when MorningStar of Wheat Ridge opened north of Denver in the Kipling Ridge re-development project. MorningStar’s warm and welcoming community was designed from the ground up to be a place where residents are proud to call “home.” Our beautiful building has 45 assisted living suites in a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. In addition, we offer 19 secure memory care suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. At MorningStar of Littleton, we not only provide assisted living to Littleton, CO area seniors but also experienced memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 secure memory care suites dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar’s compassionate team expertly provides the care your loved one requires for their utmost comfort, wellness and safety.
Our holistic approach to memory care is done through our program we call “Lavender Sky.” By utilizing our extensive understanding of dementia, it provides the tools to empower and equip our team to advance our vision and mission of providing a more insightful way to support the memory-impaired and their families. All of our employees receive training in the program as we understand knowledge provides greater wisdom and insight into interacting with our most tender residents. The eight hours of training includes the pathology behind the disease as well as communication techniques, and holistic solutions to dining, safety and challenging behaviors. Through Lavender Sky, our caregivers thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the “purple world” of dementia as they crossover the physical and emotional boundaries that would otherwise separate us. By exploring each of our residents’ life stories including their history and preferences, we create an individualized care plan. We also involve and engage family members in how to follow our lead. Please visit our website for more information regarding experienced, compassionate memory care. At MorningStar of Littleton, we do not consider serving our memory care residents to be depressing but rather offer hope to families as we strive to find ways to elevate and celebrate each resident’s life. We look forward to meeting you. MorningStar of Littleton offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. We have all had the experience of visiting our doctor’s and afterward thinking of questions we wished we had thought to ask. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Dept. of Human Health & Services, says asking questions and providing information to your healthcare providers, actually helps to improve your care. Also, when you actively participate in your care, it helps build trust between you and your doctor and leads to better results.
The AHRQ has put together a series of questionnaires to facilitate better communication between you and your doctor. They explain that once you get in the habit of preparing questions beforehand, you can more efficiently use your time with the doctor (doctors spend between 13 to 24 minutes with each patient). Questions will change depending on the reason for your visit such as discussing a medical procedure (remember you are your own best advocate). AHRQ recommends asking: why do I need this procedure; how many times have you performed it; and when will I get the results? It is also advisable to ask if there are alternative treatments that are just as effective; possible complications; and what hospital is best for this type of procedure? If you are being prescribed a new medication, AHRQ says to ask how the new drug will interact with other prescription drugs you are taking as well as with over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins you use. Also ask how long you will be taking the drug and any common side effects. Another good take-away from the article is it reminds patients that doctors and nurses welcome questions as they let them know you understand their instructions and are an active partner in your care. If you feel overwhelmed by lots of new information, consider bringing a family member or trusted friend along with you to the appointment. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” 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 learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Source: ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/index.html |
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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