At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Wheat Ridge, we offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community by providing an array of amenities and services designed around the needs of our seniors. In addition all throughout the year residents participate in a variety of activities, programs and special events that are interesting, educational and fun.
An example of one of our recent special events was our high style celebration of MorningStar Senior Living’s 15th anniversary. The 15th anniversary symbol is traditionally crystal which is very fitting for MorningStar with its clear and sparkling love for residents and their families! We were delighted that our founder, Ken Jaeger, stopped in to join the festivities. Another special event was our very own dog show. We encourage you to take a look at the pictures posted on our website that show residents and staff enjoying the pups walking down the “catwalk”. While you are there, scroll through our other pictures to get a sense of the fellowship and fun our staff and residents have on a daily basis in our community. Furthermore, our community loves to celebrate every holiday in style with activities such as parties and/or decorations in addition to good food and company. A great time was had by all at our 4th of July bash this summer. The BBQ and root beer floats were scrumptious! The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “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 in Wheat Ridge.
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In case you wondered, not all assisted living communities are alike. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our care philosophy evolved from a unique and loving concept. MorningStar Senior Living began when Ken Jaeger, our founder, set out to establish his own brand of exceptional senior living.
Ken’s dream was to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch. He explains how he “wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” From this distinct beginning, MorningStar was founded on the following three mission statements:
We back up our mission statement with a set of core values that include Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness. These values guide us in day-to-day life as well as in the way we dispense care to each resident. Along with our mission to serve seniors, we support local causes such as the Alzheimer’s Association as well as other global issues. So what does all this mean for our assisted living and memory care residents? MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is dedicated to providing compassionate, loving care that enhances our residents’ lives. We are proud to have a team of individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who consider seniors to be heroes. Each staff member is the type of person who does the right things even when no one is watching and willingly goes the extra mile to assist our residents. Please visit our website to learn about pricing and availability or to set up a tour to see why MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is so special. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community. Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs. To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help. Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.
Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle. While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals. Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home. At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision. Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family. Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, we’re proud to offer 56 suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. Along with stylish suites, our community has enclosed courtyards, strolling paths, sunroom, chapel/theatre, salon, bistro, and much more. We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. 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 in West Des Moines. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that “adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40. Individuals without risk factors aged 40 to 54 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. Individuals without risk factors aged 55 to 64 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years.” They add that seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.
Since many age-related eye problems do not exhibit early symptoms, getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is critical. In addition it is important to remember that other health problems such as diabetes and hypertension as well as some medication can cause eye-related issues. Your exam should include a check of your vision, coordination of eye muscles, peripheral vision, pupil response to light and color testing. Also the doctor will examine your eyelid inside and out along with the interior and back of the eye. A measurement of your eye fluid pressure will also be done that consists of a puff of air onto the eye with an instrument called a tonometer. This is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases. Furthermore, you may be monitored for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) disease. This test includes trying to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula by examining the back of your eye using special instruments. If you do not already have an eye doctor, see your health care provider for a referral. 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 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 in West Des Moines. Source: http://www.aao.org/clinical-statement/frequency-of-ocular-examinations--november-2009 Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.
The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine. The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death. This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults. Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine. Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus. Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies. The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2018- 2019 flu season. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows will hold their annual Flu Clinic sometime in October for those who have not yet received their shot from their healthcare provider. Please see our website for news updates and events regarding our assisted living and memory care community. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community. Although fall is just around the corner, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated no matter what the weather is. Dehydration can cause serious problems, and since older adults can become dehydrated even when it is not hot outside, they need to remember to make a conscious effort to increase their fluid intake.
There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration including the fact that the body’s mechanisms meant to protect us from dehydration do not work as well as we age. This means older adults often experience diminished thirst sensations that may lead to reduced fluid consumption or suffer from conditions such as incontinence that can increase water loss. Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors to treat high blood pressure or heart failure can also cause dehydration. Other things that can lead to dehydration include memory problems that result in someone forgetting to drink or mobility problems that make it hard for a person to get something to drink. Experts suggest that one way to help prevent dehydration is to set up a schedule to drink something several times a day and that it is better to offer fluids more frequently than expecting a senior to drink a large amount at one time. The general recommendation is for older adults to consume at least 57.5 fluid ounces or 7.1 cups during a 24 hour period. Just keep in mind that alcohol can be dehydrating and have a definite diuretic effect on people. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our community is designed to see to the needs of our residents. Included in the many services and amenities we provide, our residents are served daily nutritional meals restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. We feel that food (and drink) is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed in community. Please visit our website to learn more. 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 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 in West Des Moines. Source: betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/ A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that loneliness in aging adults can impact their health and wellbeing and be responsible for accelerating seniors’ decline and death. They cite that “people 60-years-old and older who reported feeling lonely saw a 45 percent increase in their risk for death. Isolated elders also had a 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline than their more social counterparts.”
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 28 percent of people 65 years and older (11 million at the time of the census) lived alone. In addition to living alone, there are several reasons seniors feel lonesome including losing a spouse. Furthermore, the AARP reports that more and more seniors do not have children, which means fewer family members available to provide companionship and care. As many elderly people stop driving, they may not have a convenient way to get around and this can contribute to more feelings of isolation. Researchers also discovered that isolated seniors often behave in ways that make others less likely to want to spend time with them. Not only do the seniors resist the efforts of those who want to reach out but actually push them away. If you have an elderly parent or know someone who is living alone, there are some easy things you can do to make them feel cared about. One way is to really engage them in conversation and ask questions and listen to their stories about the past. Another thing you can do is to help them find a hobby they will enjoy or rekindle an interest in something they used to do. If you live a distance from an elderly parent, call frequently and send greeting cards or small gifts that let them know you are thinking of them. Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provide assisted living and memory care for older adults as well as an ideal place to socialize and form bonds with both residents and staff. We offer seniors a lifestyle that provides all the comforts of a real home. Please visit our website to learn more. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “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 in the Wheat Ridge area. Source: agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm Falls are one of the most common reasons why elderly adults seek emergency care. In fact the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports. “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.” Moreover they add that the risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age. However, they say this is no reason to avoid being active, and there are a few things you can do to help prevent a fall.
Seniors need to try and stay physically active and to follow an appropriate exercise plan. Regular exercise can increase your strength, and improve your muscle tone (be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise). Even mild weight-bearing exercises such as climbing stairs or walking can help to slow down osteoporosis (bone loss). Another way to reduce your risk of a fall is limit the amount of alcohol you drink as even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes. Also use a walker or cane if you are unsteady on your feet. In addition be sure to wear the proper footwear - non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled or lace-up shoes. Take extra care when walking on wet or icy surfaces. Do keep in mind several health conditions including diabetes and heart disease as well as problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance and increase your risk of a fall. The same warning applies to medications that cause you to feel dizzy or to experience periods of sleepiness. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our team considers seniors to be heroes who deserve to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Our gorgeous community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as safety. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about Colorado Springs’ unsurpassed assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Wheat Ridge emphatically agrees with the Alzheimer’s Association about the importance of visiting your loved one in a memory care community. While it can be hard to see your parent or family member struggling with memory loss, many times they are aware that they have a visitor even if they do not know your name.
The Alzheimer’s Association wants you to remember that you are an important link to your loved one’s identity and to keep in mind that there is more to them than just their memory. They recommend keeping visits simple and to try to limit distractions and excess noise. In addition they remind visitors that they may have to adjust their expectations and to not take it personally if your loved one becomes angry or upset with you. It is also helpful to know as much about the disease as you can as it will help you to better understand the struggles of memory loss. Jolene Brackey also shares some tips from her book, Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease, to help family members when visiting. She suggests you begin your visit by introducing yourself, and to use their given name rather than calling them “mom” or “dad” as they may have forgotten that their kids are already grown. If your loved one has a familiar nickname, you can use that. Ms. Brackey also recommends that you visit “one on one” or in small groups, and to bring the conversation around to pleasant memories from their past. If you do get them talking, give them plenty of time to respond to a question or to follow directions. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge reminds family members that a new voice is always a welcome change and a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers can lift the spirits of someone struggling with dementia. Your friendly, loving visit can have a positive effect on your loved one for the rest of the day. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, “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 in the Wheat Ridge area. Source: alz.org/stl/documents/Visiting_Your_Loved_One.pdf If you are a senior, it is especially important not to wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for a drink of water. Experts explain that by the time older adults feel thirsty; they may have already lost two or more cups of their total body’s water. One of the first sign of dehydration can be a headachy feeling at the end of the day.
As we age, our body’s ability to conserve water is diminished, and as such, we are more susceptible to water and electrolyte imbalances. Seniors also have a diminished sense of thirst, which means they may forget to drink enough fluids and become dehydrated. In addition many medications commonly taken by the elderly have side effects that can cause dehydration such as blood pressure medications, heart disease medications, antihistamines, laxatives, and diuretics. Diuretics, also known as water pills, are often taken by senior with high blood pressure or heart problems as a way to reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and ease the pressure on the walls. There are useful tips that can help seniors to remember to drink enough fluids and to maintain healthy hydration levels. To make it easy to stay hydrated, keep water in an easy-to-use water bottle. To add more electrolytes to your water and to give it some extra flavor, add a slice of lemon or lime to your water. It is recommended you drink moderate-size portions spread out through the day rather than drinking it all at once. Add ice to keep it cold, and to make drinking water a habit, try to drink it at the same times throughout the day. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents at the foot of the majestic Rockies. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community. |
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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