According to the US Census Bureau’s statistics, there were an estimated 56 million adults ages 65 years and older, accounting for approximately 16.8% of the nation’s population as of 2021. An aging population means the number of seniors who require help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) will continue to grow as will the necessity for assisted living communities to address those needs.
The National Center for Assisted Living, a non-profit organization representing assisted living facilities across the country, explains, “Assisted living is part of a continuum of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing, personal care services, and health care designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with normal daily activities in a way that promotes maximum independence.” So how do you decide the best fit for yourself or a loved one when it comes to an assisted living community? Experts say begin by researching who regulates assisted living in your state and the type of regulations in place. Then begin looking at individual homes. The most important thing is to ensure the home provides the level of care you or your loved one needs now and will need over the next several years as you don’t want to have to make another move in a couple of years. Affordability is another consideration. Consulting with an elder care attorney can be helpful in exploring creative ways to pay for assisted living. Also, you will want a location convenient for family and friends, and for getting to doctor’s appointments, shopping and more. Finally, consider the amenities and activities. Does the community have inviting common areas for visitors? What type of onsite amenities would you desire? A salon, theater or chapel? Are the activities or hobbies you enjoy such as crafting or bridge available? At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we offer assisted living along with memory care. As an assisted living resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs. MorningStar residents enjoy beautifully prepared meals, served restaurant-style and eaten in a relaxed, community setting. We also know it is important for seniors to continue to learn and contribute, which is why we offer a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living in Colorado Springs. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers.
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As we’ve been told by our parents, doctors, and social media… vitamins and minerals are extremely important for our overall health and well-being. Taking supplements is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, did you know the human body can’t produce most of the vitamins we need to survive? B12 is a vitamin our bodies do not naturally produce and it can be difficult to incorporate enough B12 in our diets. Seniors especially struggle in getting an adequate amount of B12. Knowing this, MorningStar Senior Living and Assisted Living of Des Moines, Iowa is mindful of the Signs and effects of B12 Deficiency in Seniors.
Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is very common, especially among older adults. This is a problem because a lack of B12 can cause, or worsen, cognitive impairment and mobility issues. At MorningStar, our executive chefs are equipped with knowledge of vitamins and supplements. Our trained Executive Chefs design seasonal menus for our assisted living residents that feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers; all locally sourced when possible! At MorningStar, our senior living community understands diets alter as we age. Our Chefs are trained in how best to modify menus and recipes to accommodate changing needs and tastes. Our nutritional choices include low-sodium, sugar-free, no-sugar-added, vegetarian, and low-fat for residents to self-manage. Due to its nature, B12 is available to humans in meat and dairy products. Those that opt for a more vegetarian or vegan diet may be lacking in B12 greater than others. We recommend taking a daily multivitamin to produce B12 for seniors. If you are an avid meat eater, however, this does not mean you are not at risk. As we age, our bodies slow our ability to absorb B12. That is why it is recommended for everyone, regardless of diet, to be mindful of their B12 intake. Assisted Living Des Moines provides high-quality care and safety assurances for seniors, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a safe and secure senior living community. With a commitment to safety, experienced staff members, and state-of-the-art safety features, you can be confident that your loved one will receive the best care possible with us at MorningStar. Contact us today to learn more about MorningStar's Assisted Living retirement communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have, and our website also provides information on our company's history and vision. Our holistic approach to senior care sets us apart from other senior assisted living facilities in Iowa. We encourage you to see our exceptional options for seniors seeking independent and assisted living in Des Moines, IA. The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned with ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).” Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living in Colorado Springs and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living facilities and memory care in Colorado Springs. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html Occasional forgetfulness is likely nothing to worry about. However, if memory changes are disrupting your everyday life at any age, it is a warning sign that you should see your doctor.
Symptoms of late-onset Alzheimer’s typically begin to appear in a person’s mid-60s, while symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s can start as early as their 30s. Caring for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s disease often requires the help of an assisted living care facility. What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain that can cause language problems, memory loss, and unpredictable, uncharacteristic behavior. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease arise because of complex changes that occur in the brain, including accumulations of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles, along with a loss of connection between brain transmitters, first damage the brain’s memory center and then affect other areas. Memory problems and mild cognitive impairment can develop in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. As the brain becomes more damaged, memory problems become more severe. Other health issues, such as urinary tract infections and the complications of immobility, can also arise. Pneumonia caused by the inability to swallow correctly (aspiration pneumonia) is the leading cause of death for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease Early diagnosis offers the best chance of managing Alzheimer’s disease, including planning for a future where you might not be able to take care of yourself. Early warning signs to be aware of include:
How Can Memory Care Help? Memory care centers are specialized assisted living facilities that cater to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They provide a safe, structured environment where residents can remain as independent as possible. Assisted living centers offer a variety of living and care options and are designed to meet a wide range of needs — both now and in the future. Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.
Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsens, at some point you will most likely need surgery. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, a senior living community in Colorado Springs, we provide a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. We offer stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans along with secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Please see our website for more information about assisted living facilities. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.
Assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living facilities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-complaint” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs. MorningStar’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. For trusted assisted living Colorado Springs area seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest memory care or assisted living Colorado Springs offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. In an article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health. Furthermore, they also benefit whole body health.
One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain. An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.” Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. In addition, continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health. This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits. Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night. Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.” What sets MorningStar at Mountain Shadows apart from other assisted living Colorado Springs offers? We strive to provide a true “home” for our residents and have a team committed to serving seniors who treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our loving, around-the-clock care encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing of our residents. Please visit our website for more information about assisted living facilities. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows provides the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory Seniors in Assisted Living at MorningStar can Expect a Favorable Environment With Safety Protocols6/17/2022 While every senior living community is different, assisted living at MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers services and amenities that focus on important aspects of senior wellness. Foundational pillars such as physical health, mental stimulation, and a happy community are all held to high importance within our assisted living facilities. Arguably one of the most important things to consider when picking an assisted living facility is safety. Without a strong advocate for safety in assisted living, your health, intellectual growth, and close relationships are all at risk.
Falls are serious. Nearly three million elders go to the hospital each year because of fall injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls may lead to serious head or hip injuries. About 94% of hip fractures result from a fall, as stated by the CDC. In assisted living, it is important for senior living communities to pay special attention to reducing potential fall risks within their buildings and amenities. MorningStar in Des Moines, IA defines assisted living residents as seniors who are generally active and who remain relatively independent with the exception of certain tasks. These seniors in assisted living don’t usually require intensive 24-hour medical care and supervision. However, MorningStar at Jordan Creek does offer care staff that is on call 24 hours a day in the case of an emergency. MorningStar at Jordan Creek assesses possible fall risks in elders that consider assisted living before they move in and we continue to evaluate residents periodically throughout their stay as their health conditions and necessities may change. Once our staff understands a resident’s health and safety risk, we take steps to help keep our seniors safe in our assisted living care. Please contact us to learn more about our senior living MorningStar at Jordan Creek. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior homes near me at Des Moines, IA. MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Des Moines, IA has to offer. Bringing up senior living is often met with resistance from our parents and loved ones. From their perspective, they have always been in control and found daily tasks and participation in life easy to navigate. Perhaps you are noticing more unfinished things around your parent's home, maybe they have accidents more regularly, or forget to take their medication. These are all causes for concern, but how can you manage their sense of control over their life while also making sure that they remain safe and healthy as they age and deal with memory difficulties?
Within MorningStar’s “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elder parent” online guide, it proclaims that there is no shame in aging. Of course, with aging, there is the possibility of losing some memory, as well. It’s important that your parents come to terms with the changing reality that comes with aging and that you reiterate your parents’ importance within the world. It’s important to understand that seniors are as driven to accomplish things just as much as we are. Often, the idea of senior living can appear to place hindrances on the things your parents may be wanting to accomplish. In this case, it is important to ask “control-giving questions,” such as asking for their input on a decision, what they think about a topic, or asking whether or not they’d like your help on decisions. These questions are intentional to employ confidence in your parents so that they may be more willing to agree to explore senior living or memory care facilities while behaving less defensively towards you. At MorningStar at Littleton, it is our prerogative to help your parents feel safe and comfortable during a transition from home to memory care or senior living. Your parents don't want to feel forced into a transition but want to feel as though it is the right decision for them, as well. Exploring the amenities and touring our floor plans is one of the first steps to see if MorningStar at Littleton is right for you and your parents. Healthy meals, spacious suites, and community rooms, as well as beautifully crafted outdoor trails and gardens, can help your loved one warm up to the idea of being taken care of and kept safe. To learn more about our specialization regarding senior living or Alzheimer’s care in Littleton, Co, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living facilities in Littleton, Colorado. MorningStar at Littleton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care 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 for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Littleton, Colorado has to offer. Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.
Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future. Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Mountain Shadows have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away. Another perk of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands. Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, large windows and both natural and overhead lighting. In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required. Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on. We have 45 stylish suites for assisted living and another 19 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living facilities Colorado Springs offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar at Mountain Shadows 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 Colorado Springs 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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