Spending time doing things you enjoy can not only help you to stay more interested in life but may also be good for your health. Many hobbies are enjoyed at any age and can help to exercise your mind or body (many do both) as well as provide social interactions.
Creative hobbies such as painting, sculpting, photography, scrapbooking and knitting or the performing arts are fun activities for seniors and provide lots of opportunity for socializing. Another healthy hobby is caring for a pet according to A Place for Mom. They explain that, “Pets provide a comfort system and actually produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that helps to lower levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol and increase the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin.” Studies have shown that pet ownership may help lower cholesterol, fight depression and help protect against heart conditions. Stretching exercises and yoga are also popular with seniors as they help improve flexibility and movement and build balance as well as improve blood flow to the brain, heart and circulatory system. Yoga classes are designed for many physical fitness levels such as chair yoga for those unable to get down on the floor. Joining a walking group is another fun way to exercise and spend time with friendly faces. One of the best Colorado Springs assisted living facilities, MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, specializes in providing our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Every day we offer a variety of fun and engaging activities that include things such as exercise and chair Zumba, craft classes, games, baking, and flower arranging. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community and while you are there, be sure to take a look at “More Scenes of Elevated, Celebrated Life.” MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Mountain Shadows represents the best in 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 schedule a visit to experience one of the finest Colorado Springs assisted living facilities. Source: aplaceformom.com/
0 Comments
MorningStar at Mountain Shadows understands you may feel guilty about moving your spouse or parent into assisted living. If you are the adult child of the senior, you may worry you have let them down by not having them move in with you even though you know your other commitments make it impractical. Or you may already be the caregiver and realize the job is becoming too big to continue caring for your loved one properly at home.
If any of this sounds familiar, you need to know you are not alone. At MorningStar we understand the mixed-emotions that come with such a big lifestyle change. However just as we are committed to caring for our residents, the MorningStar at Mountain Shadows staff is there to offer support for the families of our residents. Also, when your parent makes their home with us, we are not replacing you in their life, but rather are providing the specialized care they need. In fact, we think by letting us handle all of the caregiver duties, it frees you up to enjoy the time you do spend with your loved one and to start relaxing together and sharing memories or a laugh. Our experience has taught us it is best to introduce the idea of assisted living to your parent or spouse during a time and place when everyone is gathered and feeling relaxed. Remember a decision does not have to be made all at once but typically it is better to let it come in stages. Sometimes a family worries they may get resistance to the idea but are surprised to find it is something the person has been thinking about for some time. Ultimately the decision should be a consensus among family members as well as the senior. If you have questions or want to talk to someone about it, the MorningStar staff is here for you. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the best assisted living facilities Colorado Springs has to offer. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to one of the finest assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers. MorningStar at Jordan Creek is dedicated to providing the finest senior living Des Moines and the surrounding area has to offer. That is why we encourage families to learn as much as they can about our beautiful, loving community so they can understand what sets us apart from other senior living communities. On our website, you will find a variety of resources as well as information regarding signs your loved one may need assisted living or memory care.
Under our FAQ’s, we answer common questions families and seniors have about our community such as the type of services we offer, our payment structure, and the different levels of care. In addition you will find information regarding our values and way of thinking as well as how MorningStar Senior Living was started. In 2003, Ken Jaeger founded MorningStar under the philosophy that he would create “senior loving homes” where residents would be seen as heroes. This approach and mission resonates at every level and is how we align our priorities as well as define our behavior. Our team consists of a group of dedicated individuals who have a felt calling to serve, and while we are rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths among our residents and team members. We dispense our brand of service excellence under our exclusive “Radiance” program, which is what we use to guide our service and to foster a culture where kindness and authenticity are paramount. Following Ken Jaeger’s example, we are encouraged to be a company of servants’ hearts and people of action, and to meet the needs of others both here in our community as well as across the globe. Please visit MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s website to learn more about our compassionate community. We are honored to care for seniors and respectfully treat each of our residents with the dignity they deserve. Contact us to set up a tour to experience our loving community firsthand. 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 area has to offer. Now that we are in the holiday season, you may find it can be difficult buying gifts for a parent, grandparent or a relative living in an assisted living community. Not only is mom, dad or grandma no longer running their own home but most likely they have a limited amount of space (they probably had to get rid of a lot before they moved). In addition they have already received a lifetime of gifts, so there is not much they haven’t gotten at one time or another.
One meaningful thing you can do is personalize a gift. For example if mom is always feeling chilly, you could give her a cozy throw with pictures of the grandkids or your family tree on it? Check the Internet as there are several companies that specialize in making them. Another thoughtful gift is a talking photo album that creates memories with both family pictures and voices. Giving your time is also something special your parent or grandparent is sure to appreciate. It can be as simple as taking them on a trip to the local park or an ice cream parlor. Even a scenic drive on a beautiful day provides the chance for a cozy, uninterrupted chat. Additionally if their eyesight is failing, they may enjoy being read to. A lap desk is also a nice gift as it doesn’t take up much space and makes it easy to write a letter or read a book from the comfort of a chair. Adult coloring books illustrated with places your loved one has traveled to or pictures of animals for animal lovers, flowers for gardeners, famous landmarks, etc., also make thoughtful gifts. Add to that a set of colored pencils and markers to complete the gift. Puzzles and crossword books are another option. Furthermore, many elderly adults have trouble getting out so a personalized gift basket filled with their favorite soaps, hand creams and lotions or delicious edible treats such as chocolates or cookies are fun to get. Or fill a basket with grippy socks, slippers and new pajamas. Whatever gift you chose, you want your elderly parent or grandparent to know you are thinking of them. 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 offers. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is pleased to announce that we have started an educational support group for family and friends of loved ones with dementia. The class will meet at 5:30 PM on the third Monday of each month in our private dining room.
Our support group will be led by Sheryl Schauer, an Alzheimer’s Association Educator for 15 years and a certified instructor of Teepa Snow as well as a daughter of a MorningStar resident. As an Alzheimer’s Association educator, Sheryl has experience with quality care practices based on a comprehensive review of current evidence, best practice and expert opinion, which is used to help manage behavior and provide person-centered dementia care. For anyone unfamiliar with Teepa Snow, she is one of the leading educators on dementia and the care that accompanies it, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her training teaches practical skills to help caregivers provide better care for those living with dementia. She is the founder of Positive Approach® to Care, which “emphasizes making use of the skills retained while providing support, and substituting our skill, for what is no longer available.” We do not require that you RSVP to our educational support group but rather encourage everyone to come join us when you can for what is sure to be an informative evening. Snacks will be served. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows also is proud to report that we were honored by the Alzheimer’s Association as the 3rd top fundraiser of all of the care communities in Colorado Springs. Our team raised a whopping $5,034 for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and even exceeded our goal of $5,000. Congratulations to all who participated for such a good cause. We are so grateful for the joyful hearts embodied by our residents and team members, and are proud of everything they have done for the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the most trusted Colorado Springs’ assisted living facilities. If you like what you see, go ahead and set up a tour. 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.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please schedule a visit to experience firsthand one of the most loving assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs. Source: http://teepasnow.com/about/about-teepa-snow/ More than 140,000 people die each year from a stroke in the United States and it is the third leading cause of death according to The Internet Stroke Center. In addition they report that approximately 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year, which means on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Strokes are also the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities and a stroke can take up to two years or more to recover from. Statistically almost three-quarters of all strokes are in people over the age of 65.
The National Stroke Association recommends that “FAST” is a simple way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. By having the information you need to quickly identify the signs of a stroke and calling 9-1-1 for help, you can improve a person’s chances for a better recovery. They also advise that you note the time you first noticed the symptoms as this can determine the course of treatment. To identify the warning signs of a stroke using FAST includes: F FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. The experts at the WebMD website advise that if a loved one has suffered from a stroke, you should take the time to educate yourself on their condition and prognosis. One way to do this is to take advantage of hospital run programs to learn as much as you can about strokes and the rehabilitation process. Also they caution that you should check with your insurance and Medicare coverage to find out what expenses are covered and what your responsibilities will be. 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 Des Moines and the surrounding area offers. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur at home. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it happening.
Many elderly adults experience a general overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that make them more susceptible to a fall. Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision. This can make it more difficult to detect fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the ground. Certain types of medications, especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure, which can all increase the risk of a fall. Also keep in mind it is not just prescription drugs but over-the-counter medications can contribute to balance problems as well. Other factors that make seniors more susceptible to falls are chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis as well as surgical procedures including hip or knee replacement. The NIA recommends installing night lights in the hallways and bathrooms and to have a light switch and phone within reach of the bed. Keep walkways free of clutter and avoid using throw rugs and area carpets. Use hand rails when going up and down the stairs, and if you have a pet, make sure they are not underfoot. In the bathroom, install grab bars in the tub and near the toilet, and use non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our loving assisted living community makes residents’ safety and wellbeing a priority. We provide 24-hour care, a licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system and more. 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.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for our residents. Located at the foot of the majestic Rockies, we invite you to see firsthand one of the finest assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs. MorningStar of Wheat Ridge’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains. We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.
Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences. Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances. Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior. MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible. Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings. The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and includes an enclosed patio and courtyard that is reserved just for their use. Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff. MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve. Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure. In addition, we participate in their core initiatives such as Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Please visit our website for contact information as well as to learn more about our assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care 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 amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to schedule a tour to see our exceptional community. How many of us have just left a doctor’s office when we realized we forgot to ask several relevant questions we had been thinking about. This is why physicians suggest we take the time to prepare for each of our doctor appointments to ensure the best health outcome.
Keep in mind the estimated time spent with the doctor is only about 7 minutes, so you need to be ready to communicate your concerns. One of the first things to do to save time is create an updated list of all of the medications you are currently taking regardless of which healthcare provider prescribed it. You can even bring the bottles with you so there are no questions about dosage. Remember to include any over-the-counter drugs you take. Next, prepare a list of questions you have starting with the most important ones first. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends questions such as, “Do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life?” If you recently had lab or blood tests done, be sure to ask about the results. As many older adults worry they will forget the answers to their questions or treatment information, it may be helpful to bring along another pair of ears. If you are having trouble following instructions regarding your care plan, ask to have the instructions repeated. If you suspect a medication you are taking is giving you problems, be sure to bring it up with your doctor. If you are prescribed new medications, do not wait until your next appointment to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing side effects. If you or a loved one is looking for one of the top Colorado Springs’ assisted living or memory care facilities, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. We have 45 graciously appointed assisted living suites and 19 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 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 our residents. Please schedule a visit to one of the most trusted assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs. Source: nia.nih.gov/health/how-prepare-doctors-appointment As families try to figure out how make sure their parent or another elderly relative gets the proper care, many shy away from the option of assisted living as they think it is too expensive. However, the opposite may be true. Assisted living can actually be less expensive than the cost of trying to cobble together the care your parent needs.
For instance, if your parent lives alone, their cost-of-living includes yearly taxes as well as a mortgage or rental payment and expenses incurred with routine maintenance and repairs. They are also responsible for utility bills that continue to rise each year while their income may not. Your parent may also be paying for in-home care that cannot only be costly but may not be entirely adequate to ensure their safety 24/7. Furthermore, if the home requires modifications to accommodate their limited mobility, these changes are typically expensive. Also, the modifications may result in a lower selling price once you do sell the home. If your parent lives by themselves, they may be lonely and feel isolated especially if they no longer drive. The website, aPlaceforMom.com, states that, “seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.” They may additionally require assistance to get to doctor appointments, to run errands or buy groceries, prepare meals, etc. Many folks who tour an assisted living community initially experience sticker shock when they learn the cost of assisted living, but according to the experts, it actually is a great value. The aPlaceforMom has a chart that shows once you add up all of the services and amenities included in the cost; it may actually be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home. If you are looking for the best senior living Littleton offers, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar of Littleton. Our exceptional assisted living and memory care community offers a true home with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness along with resort-style amenities. Please use our online form or give us a call to set up a tour. 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 see for yourself the finest senior living Littleton has to offer. Source: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/seniors-stay-home-or-move |
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
August 2022
Categories
All
|