Walking is Great Exercise for Seniors

For many of us around the country, it is a welcome relief to finally be able to get outside and enjoy the milder fall weather.  One of the best forms of exercising for seniors is walking, and experts say it offers benefits ranging from controlling blood sugar, supporting bone and heart health to improving sleep.  However there are a few precautions you should take before starting your walk.

As many older adults have balance issues, a loss of feeling in their legs and feet, or feet that routinely swell, you need to wear supportive and comfortable walking shoes to help reduce the risk of a fall.  Shoes should be wide-mouthed so they are easy to put on and have laces that allow them to be adjusted to fit.  In addition an orthopedic insert can provide ergonomic support to the feet and ankle without being uncomfortable.

When buying shoes, be sure to look for a hard, slip-resistant sole that firmly grips the surface, even in wet, slippery conditions. A shock-absorbing and light-weight sole will offer a softer impact on the ankles and the heels.

Additionally your shoes should not increase pain in the feet or cause blisters or sores.  Another tip is to not wear worn-out shoes, flip flops or other open shoes as they do not give enough support to the ankle and make it easier to fall.  Experts also recommend buying shoes in a wider width as they offer better stability and can accommodate your feet if they tend to swell. 

  

Remember also to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to serious complications including increasing the risk of falls.  At MorningStar at RidgeGate, our residents have plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather as we have an expansive interior park with strolling paths, BBQ, fire pits and lawn games. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at RidgeGate, “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 learn more about our exceptional community.

Our Residential Communities are True “Homes”

We invite you to be part of something inspirational, profound and rewarding by joining our team and working alongside a supportive, caring group of individuals in a family-like environment. The MorningStar Senior Living communities in and around the Denver area are currently seeking loving, committed people to fill a variety of job openings.  As our communities are continuing to grow, so is our need for special individuals like yourself. 

If you have not heard of MorningStar Senior Living, let us introduce ourselves.  Our company was founded on the following principles of:  Honoring God in our business practices and relationships — a commitment to strong moral values and ethics;  Valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence;  and Investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well — a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents.

Beautifully-designed both inside and out, our MorningStar communities offer unparalleled independent and assisted living as well as memory care to give residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  With an abundance of love beneath our roofs, we recognize our employees are the very heartbeat of our communities, and as such, we offer competitive wages and benefits.  We also accommodate flexible workhours and schedules as we know our team is committed to their own families as well as provide an opportunity for professional growth as we promote from within whenever possible.      

Don’t wait a moment longer to start building a fulfilling career!  Visit our website to see our list of job openings from assisted living caregivers to cooks, housekeepers, dining servers, maintenance managers and more.  Our Denver communities include MorningStar at Dayton Place; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar. 

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  If you have a commitment to service, we invite you to visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for information on how to apply to assisted living jobs in Denver.

Learn More About Alzheimer’s Disease

We know it is devastating to have your loved one receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  While it’s a lot to process, please take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of resources to help you understand the disease as well as high-quality care options.

One good resource for information and support is the Alzheimer’s Association website.  Not only do they discuss the disease and publish results of the latest research, but they also link you to the numerous ways you can take action in the fight against Alzheimer’s.    

To get educated on the disease, you may want to read about the stages of Alzheimer’s so you know what to expect.  The Alzheimer’s Association says the disease “typically progresses slowly in three general stages — mild (early-stage), moderate (middle-stage), and severe (late-stage).”  However each person is different and so is the progression of the disease.  

In the early-stage of the disease, a person is typically still independent and engaged in normal life activities but is starting to have memory lapses including forgetting familiar words and the location of everyday objects.  In addition family members are starting to be aware there are problems.

The middle-stage of Alzheimer’s is generally the longest and can last for years.  During this stage, a person requires much more care to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  Anger, frustration and a greater depth of forgetfulness are indicative of this phase.  In the late-stage, a person loses all sense of their environment and the ability to communicate, walk, sit and, eventually, swallow.  Extensive round-the-clock care is required.

For families in the Centennial, CO area, MorningStar at Jordan is ready to help.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to care for those in the early-stage of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  Services include 24-hour care, regular health monitoring, a full-time licensed nurse and a loving staff committed to treating residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.    

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp

Fall Brings Some Additional Health Concerns

Now that summer is all but over, many of us are looking forward to the cooler temperatures of fall. However along with the vibrant changing color of the leaves, fall can also trigger allergies and asthma symptoms for many sufferers as pollen and other particulate matter can be quite common during these months. Since we all spend more time indoors during the cooler months, it also increases the spread of viruses. As seniors we have a higher risk of catching a cold, the flu, an acute ear infection or bronchiolitis. 

The Arthritis Foundation also reports “cooler temperatures can lead to greater joint pain” and explain that a “drop in atmospheric pressure has been linked to greater discomfort among those living with arthritis.” Another common fall illness is Raynaud Syndrome, which is associated with symptoms such as poor circulation, numbness and swelling. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds everyone to get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading in your community as it takes about two weeks for the protective antibodies to develop in the body. They recommend everyone over the age of 6 months should plan to get vaccinated by the end of October. 

In addition even though air temperatures are cooler, we still need to remember to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help ward off infections and give us all more energy. Your body’s cells, tissue, and organs need water to work properly, and it is used to maintain temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, we offer seniors a lifestyle of wellness, comfort and community. We have 48 assisted living suites along with 46 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 area’s finest senior living communities. 

Source: clinicalkey.com/info/blog/5-common-fall-illnesses/ 

As a Team Member, We Help You Grow Your Understanding of Dementia

At the Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we strive to ensure our team members are as prepared as possible to assume their positions within our residential “homes.”  In addition to our selection process, which starts with seeking team members with “Heart, Character, Kindness and Selflessness,” we also provide quality education and training to help you be your best.  

Along with training all new employees in our Service Excellence program, “Radiance,” which guides the way we dispense service, we also provide training and education regarding dementia.  “Lavender Sky” is the name of MorningStar Senior Living’s reimagined philosophy and approach to memory care.  Reflecting our Radiance culture, it is our insightful and intentional way to support the memory-impaired and their families.

Regardless of your position within a MorningStar community, you will be asked to participant in 8 hours of interactive training.  This will include learning about the pathology of brain disease, communication techniques with the memory-impaired, and the best ideas of Dementia Care Thought Leaders.  You will also be introduced to concepts such as: dining with dignity, enriched and blended days, environmental safety and security, and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.

As we impart the information to our team members, it is our intention to assist team members to apply existing knowledge with greater insight and wisdom.  Team members working within our Reflections Neighborhoods, which are devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, will be offered weekly continuing training called “Brain Bursts.”  

To learn more about the various career opportunities offered by MorningStar Senior Living Denver communities, please visit our website for a list of job openings and information on how to apply.   We invite you to be a part of something inspirational and rewarding! 

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for information on caregiver jobs in Denver.

Learn More About Diabetes

A published report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 100 million adults in the U.S. are now living with diabetes or prediabetes.  As of 2015, 30.3 million Americans (9.4 percent of the U.S. population) have diabetes and another 84.1 million have prediabetes.  Rates of diabetes increase as people age, and among those 65 years and older, 25 percent have diabetes.

That means more than one-third of U.S. adults have prediabetes, which is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.   The CDC warns that if prediabetes is left untreated and steps are not taken to make healthier lifestyle choices as many as 15 to 30 percent of those people will have type 2 diabetes within five years.  Furthermore, one of their biggest concerns is the fact that the majority of people with prediabetes do not know it.  

While diabetes may be a common disease, self-management is a very important aspect of how well someone lives with the disease.  Organizations like the CDC and the American Diabetes Association strongly encourage anyone with the disease to get educated and learn about the latest medical therapies and treatment options.  

Your lifestyle can make a difference in managing or reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes including adopting healthier eating habits, increasing your physical activity, and maintaining or losing a modest amount of weight.   If you already have diabetes, these changes can help control the severity of the disease.

If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle, you may be at risk for developing diabetes.  The American Diabetes Association warns that many of the symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed but early detection and treatment of the disease is important and can decrease the risk of developing complications.  They recommend discussing any concerns with your doctor. 

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 Assisted Living & 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.    

Source: cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0718-diabetes-report.html

Beyond a Paycheck – The Benefits of Working with Seniors

MorningStar Senior Living is committed to making a difference in the lives of seniors and is seeking like-minded people to help us achieve our mission.  Denver and the surrounding areas including Centennial, Littleton, Lone Tree, Wheat Ridge and Parker all have openings for assisted living caregivers at our beautiful MorningStar’s communities.   

Many people working in senior living are surprised to discover how rewarding and fulfilling the career is as well as the unforeseen benefits it offers.  One of the most frequently mentioned by those working with seniors are the lessons they learn that make a lasting impression on their own lives.  The older generation has a wealth of knowledge as well as a unique perspective, and most of them love having someone around willing to listen to stories about their broad and varied life experiences.      

Their longevity means senior have lived through both good and bad times and many have had interesting careers and backgrounds.  Also most seniors have learned what is truly important in life and listening to their stories can be inspirational.  In addition getting to know their history helps us to develop deeper relationships with them and their families.

Another thing to thing about if you decide to become a caregiver at one of MorningStar’s Denver communities is that you will be working with like-minded, loving people who also have a felt calling to serve.  In fact we are proud to say our communities are like an extended family. 

Furthermore working with seniors will give you a new perspective on aging and help you to understand more about what people go through in the aging process.   As a MorningStar team member, you will be encouraged get to know our residents and to learn their preferences and backgrounds as you meet their expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.  

We are proud of our culturally diverse workforce and consider all of our employees to be an integral part of our team.  We invite you to discover the joys of working in a supportive environment where team members work toward a single goal of providing the best senior living to our residents.  Please visit our website for information on how to apply to an open position. 

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for information on caregiver jobs in Denver.

Assisted Living May Offer a Better Quality of Life

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that assisted living is not such a “terrible place” after all but rather a true home that offers many benefits.  Several studies also back up this assertion and have found that for many seniors, community living is a healthier, safer and more agreeable alternative to living alone. 

Initially it can be difficult for seniors to leave their familiar family home and often mistakenly think moving into a senior community offering assisted living will mean the end of their independence.  Actually, the opposite ends up being true as when a senior receives the proper care he or she needs, they are able to lead a fuller life. 

Another reason that seniors may be reluctant to make the move is they do not realize that assisted living communities of today are not anything like nursing homes.  As a resident of an assisted living community, you not only will have you own private suite but an array of care options and amenities that are designed to provide your utmost comfort and security.    

In many cases assisted living is a much better option than trying to patch together the range of services the senior needs from in-home care providers.  Furthermore, assisted living communities are already set up to accommodate those who may have mobility difficulties, and it can be expensive to retrofit a private home to make it safe enough for a senior with physical limitations.  In addition, assisted living at communities such as MorningStar at RidgeGate provide 24/7 care and offer residents as well as their families the peace of mind knowing help is close at hand in an emergency.  

Please see our website for contact information and to learn why assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at RidgeGate, “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 learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/    

Common Misconceptions about Assisted Living

Too many older adults do not have a true picture of what senior living is all about. They still think senior living communities are like the nursing homes their elderly relatives had been “sent to” years ago once they could no longer care for themselves, and considered them to be depressing places. Since these misconceptions are from people who have not visited one of today’s modern, vibrant communities, they do not understand that nothing could be farther from the truth.

In the case of assisted living communities, residents typically are able to lead a more independent lifestyle than many elderly adults who live alone as they access to assistance whenever they need it. Others worry assisted living communities may be too expensive. However, the truth is that once you factor in your current living expenses (including the costs of home repairs and maintenance) as well as the additional costs of paying for a variety of care services, assisted living is a lot less expensive than you thought.

Seniors also fear an assisted living community may not offer enough to keep them feeling productive and engaged. Again nothing could be farther from the truth. At MorningStar of Boulder, we offer a whole host of resort-style amenities and services along with meaningful programs and activities. As a resident, you benefit from social interactions, physical activities geared toward your fitness level, and programs designed to stimulate your mind.

Furthermore assisted living gives a resident’s family peace of mind knowing help is close at hand whenever it is needed. Families are also comforted by the fact their loved one is getting nutritional meals that are not only good for them but delicious tasting. MorningStar of Boulder invites area families to set up a tour to come out and see why our residents are proud to call us “home.” 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, 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 area’s finest senior living communities. 

Compassionate Senior Living Communities Seek “Lead Care Managers”

Would you like to work for a company that shares your values and offers an opportunity for professional growth?  Currently six MorningStar Senior Living communities in and around the Denver area are seeking loving individuals who have a felt calling to serve seniors as the heroes they are. 

One of the positions we are looking to fill is Lead Care Managers.  This position requires individuals who are champions of teamwork and have the ability to provide support, coaching and training to other team members with a positive and caring attitude.  Your service will be an example to others in your care team as you work together to provide the highest quality of care in a timely manner.

All of our Lead Care Managers are the kind of people who take a genuine interest in our residents, families, visitors, and other team members, and do it with the utmost patience and understanding. They also are instrumental in developing and reviewing residents’ care plans as well as assisting in the orientation and training of new Care Managers.

While some aspects of the job are administrative, it also includes plenty of opportunity to assist in the rewarding work of residents’ daily living activities and to ensure their comfort, safety and mental well-being.  Lead Care Managers also encourage and motivate residents to participate in MorningStar’s recreational, occupational, and physical therapies and other rehabilitative measures that are designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage social connections.

Please visit our website for more career opportunities at: MorningStar at Dayton Place; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  Positions include Care Managers, Dining Room Servers, Housekeepers and much more.   

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for details regarding housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Staying Socially Connected is Healthier for Seniors

There are many studies that suggest seniors are healthier when they stay socially connected and feel engaged with life.  Researchers have found that older people without such connections are more apt to “experience greater numbers of chronic and life-limiting health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”  In an article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, it reports that social interactions can also protect seniors’ cognitive skills. 

As seniors age, it often becomes harder to stay connected to the community and many older adults end up living fairly isolated from the outside world.  A number of factors contribute to the problem including health issues that limit mobility, no longer driving, and the loss of a spouse and other family members and friends. 

Furthermore, good nutrition can be a problem for seniors living alone as it may be difficult for them to prepare meals or to even buy groceries.  Some seniors have even been found to be suffering from malnutrition.  Physical safety can also be a problem as the elderly are more prone to falls due to common medical conditions that effect balance and physical strength including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.  In addition seniors living alone may not be as quick to recognize a health issue needs immediate medical attention. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, participating in a range of activities is just a way of life as we offer a full calendar of fun and stimulating activities every day.  Our residents enjoy nutritional daily meals served restaurant style that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the meal and to socially interact with others.  We also provide scheduled transportation for residents along with special outings to local places of interest and entertainment. Residents also have the assurance that our 24-hour care staff is always available to help if the need arises.   

Living alone can be difficult for seniors and even affect their overall lifespan.  We encourage you to contact MorningStar at Jordan and learn more about the services and amenities that we provide for our residents. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.  

Source: whereyoulivematters.org/community-living-its-healthier/

MorningStar at Jordan Provides Comfort, Wellness and Community

MorningStar at Jordan offers the security and comfort to age in place and is designed to provide our residents carefree retirement years.  As a resident, you will have a beautifully-appointed suite to provide you with all the privacy you need as well as the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a wide assortment of wellness programs and activities. 

Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our scenic outdoor courtyards.  If you take a look at our web page’s photo gallery, you will find pictures of our cozy living room, comfortable dining room, our suites, outdoor living areas and more. 

As a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  We recognize that staying physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our activities include a variety of exercise programs of which you are sure to find some of them to your liking.  Other activities include word and board games, puzzles, trivia, Bingo, movie nights and much, much more.  We also have interesting special outings and events as well as scheduled transportation.   

With 55 bright suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar at Jordan is designed with all the comforts of home.  In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s finest assisted living and memory care community. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.  

Work for a Place that Fosters Personal Growth

At the Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we are honored to be a part of a company that presents an opportunity for employees to grow not only professionally but personally.  The philosophy behind our loving care derives from the belief that seniors are heroes and that we can all learn a lot from them.  And while our calling is to serve those who reside within our communities, more often than not, our team members feel they are the ones who receive the most from the special bonds formed with our residents.     

One team member writes that before she joined our MorningStar family, she had no idea what a profound impact the residents would have on her.  To illustrate her point, she relates a story of a resident who said, "Ich liebe dich" to her every time they met.  This promoted her to discover the meaning of the words.  Imagine her surprise when she discovered the resident’s words were "I love you" in German.  Now the two exchange "ich liebe dich"es all day long as they enjoy the time they share together.

How many of us can say we have a career that offers such gratifying and profound feelings of love on a daily basis?  At MorningStar Senior Living, our Denver communities are seeking just such individuals who have a felt calling to serve and want to be inspired by their service.   Our communities’ offer independent living, assisted living and memory care and job openings include a wide variety of positions including Care Managers, Lead Care Managers and Medication Care Managers. 

Furthermore we know it is rare for a company to view each of their employees, regardless of their position, as an integral part of their success but want you to know that we do.  Contact us to learn more about rewarding career opportunities in the Denver area.    

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  If you wish to thrive personally and professionally, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for more information on rewarding assisted living jobs in Denver.

Seniors are Often Healthier and Happier in Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in senior living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities. 

  

Today’s communities like MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan offer assisted living and memory care that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.   

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar at Jordan are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to see a play.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

  

MorningStar Assisted Living & 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. We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top assisted living and memory care communities.  

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

Pets Can Comfort Those with Dementia

Research has shown that people with dementia benefit physically, emotionally, socially and mentally from a connection between humans and animals.  Whether they are a furry, feathery or scaly friend, it appears that animals have the ability to trigger memories of a person’s past animals and to help them feel more at ease.

In numerous studies, therapeutic animals have drastically improved dementia symptoms and helped to combat anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression and loneliness.  Experts say that as you “cuddle, stroke and talk to an animal, your body releases endorphins as well as other feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin and dopamine. This helps lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and foster a sense of calm and joy.”

Many people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia lose the ability to initiate and maintain social relationships as the disease progresses.  Dr. Mara Baun, a professor and associate dean for research at the UNMC College of Nursing has extensively studied the psychological benefits pets provide to those with Alzheimer's disease.  In her research, she found that when a therapy dog visited patients with dementia, residents were less “disoriented, wandered less and were less likely to be aggressive.” 

Dr. Baun says that dogs are the classic example of an animal’s unconditional love and therapy dogs offer a missing element of physical and social contact.  In fact therapy dogs will approach a resident with dementia regardless of their physical or mental deterioration.  They provide a distraction from the person’s agitation as the dogs allow the person to pet, hug and interact with them.   

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we strongly believe in the power of animals’ unconditional love and our memory care leverages the power of animals as well as music, dance, art, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents. In addition to our loving, compassionate memory care, we also offer independent and assisted living, and in case you wondered, RidgeGate is a pet friendly community!  Please visit our website to learn more. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at RidgeGate, “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 learn more about our exceptional community.

Source: caring.com/articles/pet-therapy-dementia