Comforting Someone Who Has Suffered a Loss

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time.  It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch.  There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process.

It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible.  Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation.  The best thing you can do is to be supportive.  Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly.  Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimalizing their loss.

Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss:

• Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.
• Express your concern. Example: "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."
• Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."
• Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."
• Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.
  Source: American Cancer Society
   
  Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set time table.  Everyone grieves in their own way but do keep in mind that there are some warning signs that a person is not adjusting to their new situation.  The loss of the ability to function in their day-to-day life, extreme feelings of anger or guilt, withdrawing, and abuse of alcohol or drugs may be a signal that they need professional help. 
  MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.
  Source: helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/supporting-a-grieving-person.htm

Did You Know that Many Older Adults Prefer Senior Living?

Many older adults are attracted to the idea of carefree retirement years and have found that senior living communities offer the opportunity for a very comfortable lifestyle.   Much of that is due to the fact that senior living communities like MorningStar at RidgeGate are designed to meet seniors’ social, physical, spiritual and wellness needs.  Senior living communities include independent living and assisted living as well as memory care that specialize in caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.   

The physical upkeep involved in owning a home such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and other routine chores become harder as we age.  At a senior living community, someone else does the outdoor and indoor maintenance, and communities like MorningStar at RidgeGate offer housekeeping, laundry and other services.  In other words, senior living residents have the freedom to focus on more fulfilling activities like relaxing and enjoying themselves. 

Senior living is also a perfect solution for older adults who live alone and are feeling lonely.  Their world may have gotten smaller as they retired from careers or suffered the loss of a spouse or close friends.  Some seniors no longer feel comfortable driving, which can lead to more isolation.  Senior living offers you privacy but now you have the comfort of knowing that people are around when you need them.  Also you will have the chance to socialize and meet new friends.  At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we provide scheduled transportation along with outings to places such as entertainment venues, museums, shopping malls, outdoor parks and more.     

If senior living sounds like something you would like to know more about, please visit MorningStar at RidgeGate’s website.  If you like what you see, please schedule a tour to see why our residents are pleased to call us “home!”  Our community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care.   

MorningStar at RidgeGate 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 amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Lone Tree and convenient to Highlands Ranch.   

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

MorningStar at Jordan’s Memory Care

At MorningStar at Jordan, memory care takes place within our Reflections Neighborhood.  We offer 29 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and can accommodate those in the onset of the disease right through to the more advanced stages. The philosophy motivating our care is based on one of MorningStar’s mission statements that says, “To value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.” From this principle comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences, of each resident. 

We have a deep understanding of the different forms of dementia including Alzheimer’s that helps us to compassionately care for our memory impaired residents and to find the best ways to interact and communicate with them.  MorningStar’s specially trained staff uses an array of multi-sensory activities including art, dance, music, aromatherapy, life skills, exercise and animals to heal and comfort.  

Furthermore, we take the time to get to know a resident through interviews with their family members in order to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences.  We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan for the person.    

In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events, and secure courtyards and strolling paths.  Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home.  Contact us to learn more about our beautiful assisted living and memory care community in historic Centennial Colorado. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Is Frequent Bruising Indicative of a Bigger Problem?

Most likely not says the Mayo Clinic because as we age people bruise more easily.  The reason for this is older skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layers that used to work as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.  Also women are more prone to bruising than men.     

The medical term for a bruise is contusion, and is typically caused when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are ruptured by an impact from an injury or a blow to the area.  This causes blood to start leaking out of the vessels and create the visible black-and-blue mark (ecchymosis) of a bruise.  As the body reabsorbs the blood, the bruise begins to heal.   

The Mayo Clinic says that certain medications can cause bruising such as aspirin and anticoagulants such as Coumadin® that thin the blood and reduces its ability to clot.  This means that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  Dietary supplements like fish oil and ginkgo have a blood thinning effect that can also increase the risk for bruising. 

However bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as low levels or abnormally functioning platelets.  They can also indicate problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body, if they are painful, or you start bruising after beginning a new medication. Additionally check with your doctor if a bruise increases in size and becomes swollen and hard as it may be a hematoma, a localized collection of blood which becomes clotted or partially clotted.  

To prevent bruising, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family medicine practitioner, suggests removing furniture and other obstacles to create a clear path throughout the home to avoid bumps and falls.  If you or your loved one is unsteady on their feet, install handrails when possible and consider using a walker or cane.     

This blog is for informational purposes only; please consult your healthcare provider regarding any health concerns.

 

MorningStar at RidgeGate 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 amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Lone Tree and convenient to Highlands Ranch. 

 

Source:

mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

www.aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/elderly-bruising

Finding a Gift for Residents of an Assisted Living Community

It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent, grandparent or relative living in an assisted living community.  We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.   

The A Place for Mom website has a few suggestions for gifts that are sure to please.  One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold.  However if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos.  A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special.  

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair.  You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift.   

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes.  You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks.  

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use.  If your loved one is not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items.  It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family.  Include with the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.    

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Improve Your Health Regardless of Your Age

It is more important than ever to take care of your health as Americans are living longer and we all want to ensure a healthier old age.  However even if you are already a senior, health care professionals say it is never too late to start improving your health.   

Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, recently authored a study on senior nutrition and states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."  One recommendation is to eat more foods containing fiber.  Doctors report the addition of more fiber can positively impact your overall health by helping:  your colon work better and avoid constipation; reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and colon cancer; and lower your blood cholesterol level. 

Another change that can improve your overall health as well as help to make you feel better and increase your level of energy is to add physical activity to your daily life.  This also can strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help to prevent falls.  If you do fall, stronger bones are less likely to break.  Physical active has additionally been found to help your brain as studies show people who exercise regularly make better decisions.   

It is also beneficial for seniors to keep their minds active. Like our muscles, our brains need to be exercised regularly to improve memory loss and cognitive skills.  Activities such as targeted brain exercises and playing word and trivia games can help.  Other habits that can enhance your health include not smoking, having regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls.   

At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Along with beautiful private suites, we also offer residents resort-style amenities and services as well as a range of activities, wellness programs and nutritional, tasty meals.  Visit our website to learn more. 

Our post is for information purposes and we advise you to consult your health care provider with any medical problems or questions. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno/Sparks area.

 

Source:familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

What is Assisted Living?

The American Healthcare Association defines assisted living as “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 rather than taking away the independence of seniors assisted living actually helps residents to maintain their independence while giving them the care they need to live comfortably and safely.   

Also, please remember assisted living is not a nursing home.  It is a community designed to meets the needs and preferences of the residents and to give them their dignity, autonomy, privacy, independence, choice and safety.  While each community has its own personality, assisted living typically addresses the needs of its residents with 24-hour care services, daily meals and wellness activities.   In fact, it is often more cost effective not to mention more convenient than employing a group of home health care providers. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, we feel honored to serve seniors, and as such, our entire staff strives to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Once you decide to join our MorningStar family, our Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family to set up a care plan that addresses your every need.  For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing our around-the-clock Care Managers are available to ensure the comfort and safety of their loved one.   

Our community is located in historic Centennial, in the South-Central area of metro Denver.  We offer 55 private assisted living suites, which are available in an array of configurations including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  Please visit our website and use our online form to schedule a tour or for pricing and availability information.   

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Sources:

ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx

www.aplaceformom.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-assisted-living-2-19-2012/

Assisted Living that Feels Like Home

The MorningStar at RidgeGate senior living community consists of three neighborhoods including 124 bright suites for independent living, 71 assisted living suites, and 29 memory care suites devoted to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  Situated in the heart of Lone Tree, CO, our 5-story contemporary high-rise offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   

If you are a senior who requires a little help with your day-to-day personal care, our assisted living is expertly designed to provide the assistance you need in order to maintain your independence.  Once you decide to move into our beautiful community, you and your extended family will sit down with our Wellness Director to create an individualized care plan that meets with your approval and ensures your comfort and safety.   

Our assisted living offers five levels of care and the cost of your monthly fee is based on the types of services we will be providing.  Regardless of your level of care, all residents receive 24/7 Care Managers as well as the services of a licensed nurse, routine care plan reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  MorningStar at RidgeGate’s care services include help with dressing, bathing, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services and more.   

Furthermore as an assisted living resident at MorningStar at RidgeGate, you are sure to enjoy our wellness programs and activities that are intended to enhance your life intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.  Our programs provide numerous ways for residents to express their unique talents and to stay active and productive.  Also we would be remiss if we did not mention our delicious meals prepared by our own Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room. 

We are proud to have a care team who feels called to serve seniors and help us to create a true home for our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest senior living community.   

MorningStar at RidgeGate 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 amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Lone Tree and convenient to Highlands Ranch. 

MorningStar’s “Wellness Program” for Life Enrichment

MorningStar of Sparks offers loads of amenities and services for our residents including our signature Wellness Program.  Committed to the idea that there is always a reason to start the day confident in the promise it holds, our program strives to engage the mind, body and spirit.  We recognize it is important for seniors to continue learning and contributing.  

MorningStar’s Wellness Program is designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate your brain and encourage connection through a range of physical, intellectual, spiritual and social activities.  Each day our Life Enrichment team will present creative ways to help residents keep active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.   

By offering such a wide span of activities and programs, we are certain our residents will find something that peaks their interest.  For example, our April monthly calendar lists the following activities offered on one day: Painting Group; Mike Thomas Lecture; Sit and Be Fit; Bananagrams; Bridge; Ice Cream Sundae Bar; Activity Meeting; Team Trivia; dinner at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Quarter Poker.  Also, if we do not already offer it, we encourage our talented residents to form and lead special interest clubs and activities.    

We also offer special activities that may include trips to local cultural events, historic museums and scenic drives.  Our monthly calendar of activities is updated and posted on our home page so future residents and their families can get an idea of what goes on at MorningStar of Sparks.  You can also check our “Life Around our House” and “Upcoming Events” to see recent happenings and events at our community.  Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “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 our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in the Reno/Sparks area.

Senior Living Communities Offer a Carefree Lifestyle

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an assisted living community.  In part, that may be due to the fact that typically today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.    

When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, and other housekeeping chores.   

Furthermore, seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior living communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.   

For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior living communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition many communities routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping malls or other events.  

We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, preparing food has become more difficult as well as grocery shopping.  Most assisted living communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and serve residents three daily meals.  This is especially important for residents with dietary restrictions as most diets are accommodated.  

Another frequently overlooked benefit of seniors moving into senior living communities is they do not need to depend on their grown children or other family members as they did when living on their own.  This allows both parties to just enjoy one another again.  Grown children no longer find themselves in the position of have to parent their parent as the senior is getting needs meet at their “new home.” 

Finally we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand for residents at an assisted living community.  

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, we offer residents a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy our many amenities and activities.  Contact us to schedule a tour and discover for yourself why our residents are happy to call MorningStar’s senior community “home”. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Source:aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

It is Important that Older Adults Stay Hydrated!

Now that we are approaching the summer months and outside temperatures will begin to rise, it is important for seniors to stay hydrated.  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 of Sparks, 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.    

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:

betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/