If you are considering assisted living, and like many older adults suffer from a chronic health condition, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is designed to help you better manage it. We define health and well-being holistically, and as such, offer a range of services and programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirt. Both our Enrichment team and our Wellness Care team play an important role in making our community one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer.
We are pleased to offer assisted living residents the many benefits provided by our centralized, mobile Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. This ensures an accurate record of assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The EHR system not only allows us to maintain accurate, legible and complete demographic and medical information on residents, but enhances privacy and security of the data. Some of our services to residents include a licensed nurse on call 24/7 and onsite throughout the week, and CPR-trained team members on each shift. We also offer 24-hour Care Managers and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Our team does routine Care Plan reviews as well as scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations. In addition, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers care services such as mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more. Residents receive scheduled physician visits (with a choice of physicians), pharmacy services and onsite dental services and podiatry. Please visit our website’s Care Services page to see our entire list of services. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 bright suites for assisted living and 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. 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 our exceptional community.
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Just as we encourage young children to make friends and engage in social activities, we should do the same for our senior loved ones as loneliness and isolation can be harmful to their health. Research shows older adults who report feeling “lonely” are at greater risk of getting dementia or suffering from depression. It also indicates lonely people die sooner than those with more robust social networks.
One particular study from the UCLA School of Medicine's geriatrics division appears to confirm the power of social connections on seniors’ health. After evaluating people in their 70s over a seven-year period, the study’s author, Teresa Seeman, PhD, reports that “participants with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert over the course of the study.” She found they had less age-related mental decline than more isolated participants. The National Institute on Aging cites study results that indicate social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. They explain that “interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.” Another study found isolated seniors had more problems doing everyday tasks such as bathing and climbing stairs. The newest report from the National Poll on Healthy Aging states that one in three seniors say they are lonely. Authors of the study state, “chronic loneliness can impact older adults’ memory, physical well-being, mental health, and life expectancy,” They even warn that chronic loneliness may be worse for a senior’s health than being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle. It may also shorten life expectancy as much as smoking. Statistics indicate more and more seniors are living alone (28% of people aged 65 and older lived alone at the last U.S. census) and while not everyone who lives alone is lonely, many are. So what do seniors need to do to make sure they are getting enough socialization to stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness? While the answer is not always easy as the person needs to come to terms with what is keeping them from forming social relationships, experts say the best place to start is to engage in meaningful activities. Learn a new skill or get back into an old hobby. Learning to playing an instrument, taking an art class, or finally learning how to use a computer are all good activities that typically bring you into a wider social network. Taking an exercise class is also a good way to raise your “feel good hormones” as well as helps you get into better shape. Make an effort to spend time with people who are upbeat and make you feel good, and remember strong social connections can help you ward off depression and stay healthier. 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 schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living and memory care in the West Des Moines area. Source: time.com/5541166/loneliness-old-age/ webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well#2 nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive Since most assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers have access to 24-hour personal care, along with nutrition and wellness services targeted specifically for the needs of older adults, they may present healthier, safer options for some seniors. Residents are able to enjoy healthy social connections as well as peace of mind knowing the support they need to help maintain their independence is available 24/7.
In fact new research suggests that the support services and programs provided by assisted living communities help seniors to avoid many of the mishaps and problems that are commonplace in the elderly. One such problem way too common in seniors is failing to take medication as prescribed. Skipped doses or too much medication can result in deadly consequences. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” with their prescription drugs orders, and many are hospitalized each year due to adverse reactions. Dehydration is another commonplace problem experienced by the elderly. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, which means older adults need to remember to drink even when they are not thirsty. Also some medications may be diuretic, while others cause a person to sweat more, which can result in dehydration. In addition poor nutrition is one more problem many seniors face. Some research even suggests loneliness is a significant predictor of malnutrition in the elderly. It can be difficult for older adults who live alone to prepare good, nutritional meals or for their loved ones to supervise daily eating habits. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides the support services and physical environment to help older adults live as comfortably and as safely as possible. All of our assisted living suites are equipped with full handicap-accessible bathrooms. Furthermore, residents are served three, delicious meals a day tailored to the changing health needs of older adults. Also we provide 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. For more information, please call us or visit our website. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. 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 our exceptional community. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/ Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity. Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression.
Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis. This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age. A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated. Offering the best in Colorado Springs senior living, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows provides seniors a healthy lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness and community. Our mission is to care for residents’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a loving, secure setting. MorningStar’s monthly calendar consists of a range of exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, and enjoyable, challenging games. We also have fun celebrating holidays and hosting special events and outings. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers 45 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 683 square feet. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please visit our website to learn more. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community. Source:actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/ As we grow older, we not only experience changes in our bodies but changes that occur as we transition from the workplace to retirement, to children leaving home, the loss of loved ones, and even the loss of our own independence. However research suggests that the more adept we are at coping with the various challenges we encounter along the road to old age, the better our chances are for a healthier and happier life. According to experts, we can make a positive difference in our own aging process.
One example is the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in the 1930s, and followed 800 men and women from adolescent to old age. The goal was to try and determine what factors and behaviors translated into “happy and healthy longevity.” Along the way, researchers discovered that some of our long-held assumptions regarding aging did not match their results. Instead they were surprised to see things like cholesterol levels and happy childhoods were not as important as how well we cope with stress. It did not seem to matter what the level of stress participants faced, but rather the way they handled it. Those who followed the old adage – making lemonade out of lemons – appeared to age better. Researchers reported other healthy factors included avoiding cigarettes, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, pursuing education, and having strong social relationships. Another study’s findings reported by the U.S. News & World Report, suggests that longevity may be as related to a healthy lifestyle as it is to a positive outlook on life. Researchers studied a group of several hundred Italians over the age of ninety to determine if they had any common traits; and it turns out they did. Even when things were bad, most of them had the ability to quickly readjust and get back to a positive attitude. Their focus shifted to things that were going well rather than dwell on what went wrong. The study also showed the group shared a strong work ethic. This was not working long hours at a job, but rather a commitment “to personal and professional projects that are both engaging and exciting.” Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist in the field of positive psychology, states that, “happiness has several dimensions that can be cultivated,” and we can find fulfillment “by using our strengths for a greater purpose.” So while following a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, and maintaining and nurturing relationships are important, we also need to take the time to nurture and maintain a positive attitude. When we put things in the right perspective, it can create positive momentum, even when times are tough. Taking the time to care for ourselves means we will get more enjoyment out of the many years we have left. 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 offers. Sources: helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/staying-healthy-as-you-age.htm/ webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well#1 While we have all heard a lot about Alzheimer’s and may even know someone suffering from the disease, we may not be aware of the common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. Many people think that forgetting things is a sign of Alzheimer’s, while others too readily accept certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s as just getting older.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a website full of useful information and resources for families dealing with the disease and publishes a list of the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's. One of the first signs they say is a symptom of Alzheimer’s is not occasional forgetfulness but forgetfulness that disrupts daily life. For example the person is having problems retaining recently learned information and trouble remembering important dates or events, or they are asking the same questions over and over again. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may have more difficulty doing things they used to do easily such as paying bills or following recipes. Even driving to well-known locations or remembering the rules of a favorite game can be troublesome. Other signs include feeling confused about the passage of time and finding it harder and harder to keep track of dates, time and seasons. Experiencing vision problems such as judging distances and determining color or contrast as well as problems following or partaking in a conversation are also common signs of the disease. Other signs can include changes in personality and mood, and withdrawing from social activities the person used to enjoy. For the full listing and description of the 10 Common Signs of Alzheimer’s, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a Colorado Springs senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. Our Reflections Neighborhood cares for those in the onset of Alzheimer’s or other dementia disease right through to the most advanced stages. Our unique approach to memory care allows us to find ways to connect with the essence of the individual and we treat each resident with the utmost respect and dignity. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in Colorado Springs senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to visit our exceptional community. Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek is proud to provide the finest assisted living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer. Our beautiful community has 56 private assisted living suites as well as 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.
For residents in assisted living, your monthly fee is based on the size of the suite, location within the building and view, and your level of care (we offer 5 levels) as determined by a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. The fee for memory care residents is all-inclusive (suite and care) and is one packaged price. To help families find ways to make assisted living more affordable, we provide information on a variety of innovative financial options and other often under-used benefits. One such example is to make veterans aware of the “Aid & Attendance” pension benefit. We refer them to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs where they can find out if they qualify. Another resource to help pay for assisted living is long-term care insurance. To see what expenses, and/or up to what amounts, will be covered under your policy, review your Benefits Summary section to learn about the specifics of coverage, daily benefit, policy limit, and elimination period. Many people also overlook life insurance policies as a source for funds. However in some cases, whole life and universal life policies can be used to raise funds through cash surrender, death benefit loans and other means. We recommend consulting your accountant or tax advisor for information on any tax liabilities you may incur. Furthermore, be sure to ask about MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s 1st year anniversary “$1 Moves You In” savings (available for a limited time only). Please contact us to learn about pricing and availability or to set up a tour. 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 offers. Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort. According to the experts, there are several signs to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad.
The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required. Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia? Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness? Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be? It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them. An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance. Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship. Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own. Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others. If you are looking for one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar at Mountain Shadows “home.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. 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 our exceptional community. Sources: helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to a senior living community is not the worst thing to happen to them. In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone. The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years, especially in terms of care options and amenities.
Today’s communities like MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Wheat Ridge offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs. Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services. This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency. For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing, whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions. Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around. Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were. To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or a scenic drive. Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals. Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge 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 in a beautiful setting. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living communities. Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/ While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care. At MorningStar of Littleton our goal is to provide the best senior living Littleton offers, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents.
Our Reflections Neighborhood has 20 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident. We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history, and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our care team. As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy. Another important aspect of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise. To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure courtyard reserved just for memory care patients. Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual. In fact, one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Littleton, “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 Littleton CO has to offer. |
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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