Thursday, February 28, 2019

MorningStar at Jordan has Stylish Floor Plans to Suite Your Needs

Offering senior living residences with stylish, smartly-designed suites, MorningStar at Jordan is located in historic Centennial, CO, in the south-central area of Metro Denver. We are conveniently located near Valley Country Club, shopping, restaurants and health care facilities. Our community was meticulously built from the ground up to address the needs of our residents and to provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. 

To ensure our suites fit the needs of all our residents, we offer an array of floors plans that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Each suite has ceiling lighting, 9’-10’ high ceilings, bay windows (in most units), wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds.  And yes, MorningStar at Jordan welcomes your pet. 

Your suite will be equipped with handicap-accessible bathroom, 24-hour emergency call system, and private heating and air conditioning controls.  Cable TV and utilities are included in the monthly fee.  We also offer weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.  Spot cleaning and trash removal are done daily.   As you can see, your suite has everything you need – all that’s missing are your furnishings and personal items. 

We have a professional chef on staff that will expertly prepare meals made largely from scratch and incorporate lots of healthy ingredients.  Residents are served three daily meals restaurant-style in our comfortable dining room.  Other on-site services include a full salon, bistro, art studio, fitness and wellness center, spa bath, and much more.  Please visit our website and contact the MorningStar at Jordan team through our convenient online form.  

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living residences 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 our exceptional community.


MorningStar at RidgeGate’s Compassionate Memory Care

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we compassionately and professionally provide memory care to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their surroundings.  Our community has 29 secure suites in a range of configurations that include studio to one bedroom-one bath floor plans. 

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, our Wellness Director creates an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s memory care includes leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort residents.  Our specially-trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss, and will strive every day to connect with and nurture that essence.    

We also proudly support the Alzheimer’s Association and partner with our local chapter to fundraise and participate in a variety of activities throughout the year.  In addition, MorningStar makes it a point to find ways to involve and engage family members as we recognize that our service is as important to them as to the residing senior.  Please visit our website to learn about one of the best memory care homes in the Lone Tree area.


MorningStar at RidgeGate represents the finest in memory care homes with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to our exceptional community.

Are You Ready to Serve? We Will Help Prepare You!

If you are thinking about applying to one of the several assisted living jobs open at our Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities and worry you are not fully prepared to take on the task, rest easy.  Remember we hired you because we saw something special in you, and know you will be a great addition to our extraordinary team.  Furthermore our job is to provide targeted training and education along with lots of support from supervisors and co-workers to make sure new team members smoothly transition into their positions.   

Once you are officially part of our MorningStar team, we start the training process.   All employees, from cooks, to dining servers, to Care Managers and Directors, go through our “Radiance” training.  We consider Radiance to be more than a customer service program as it celebrates the way we want to deliver service at MorningStar – with warmth and sincerity and depth.  As one team member explains, “Through Radiance training, I was introduced to my new personal mission: to love everyone unconditionally and be a humble servant. I want to use the principles of Radiance to honor God, and to rise up new culture and positive environments.”

Also as all of our communities provide memory care in our Reflections Neighborhoods for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we feel it is important that our staff knows something about the disease.  “Lavender Sky” embodies our philosophy and approach to memory care and embraces our Radiance culture with the insightful and intentional way we support the memory-impaired and their families.  Our 8-hour interactive training includes information on the pathology of brain disease and techniques geared toward communicating with our most tender residents.  In addition training discusses special environmental safety and security concerns, concepts such as dining with dignity and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  Team members specifically working in our Reflections Neighborhood are provided with weekly training we call “Brain Bursts.”

Please visit our website to see the full list of Denver area assisted living jobs.  Begin a new journey and rewarding career at one of the area’s top senior living communities.  


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 encourage you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on how to apply to assisted living jobs in Denver.

The Many Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Research shows that one of the best benefits of exercise is a longer life. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase a seniors’ lifespan by approximately three to five years. 

Regular exercise is also attributed to preventing fall, which is a big problem for elderly adults and can have serious consequences. WHO explains that regular exercise improves muscle strength and bone density as well as improves balance. Statistics indicate regular exercise reduces the risk of hip fractures by up to 40%. 

Seniors who participate in regular exercise can help to reduce their risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Bone density is improved by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging. The risk for other common health conditions such as stroke or heart attack are reduced by doing exercises that raises the heart rate and increases blood flow. 

Research also suggests exercise may help to delay or reduce the risk of developing dementia. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, staying physically active appears to be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Another unexpected benefit is elderly adults appear to feel more confidence and independent. 

So how much do older adults need to exercise to receive the most benefit? WHO recommends that seniors do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic physical activity a week. Aerobic activity should be done in at least 10 minute intervals. WHO also states older adults with poor mobility should “perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.” 

MorningStar of Boulder’s senior retirement living includes assisted living and memory care. We offer 48 assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some over 700 square feet. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

Before starting any physical exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

As one of the nation’s finest assisted living companies, MorningStar 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. For serene, comfortable senior retirement living, please visit our website to setup a tour. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

MorningStar at Jordan offers Assisted Living at Its Finest

When searching for senior living residences, many people are not entirely sure what the term “assisted living” means.  We will try and clarify.  One of the first things to know is assisted living is not just another word for a nursing home.  Nor does it offer the same level of care and typically is not as expensive. 

What is assisted living?  Assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require some assistance with daily personal care activities.   While not all assisted living communities are the same in terms of the level of care, typically assisted living provides services for activities like bathing and dressing as well as prepared meals.  

At assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan, we create individualized care plans for each resident after talking with them and their family. Furthermore, during the course of your stay, your care plan will be regularly reviewed so it continues to address your needs.  Also, regardless of the level of care, all residents receive the assurance of having 24/7 onsite Care Managers who help to ensure their safety and meet their every need.

As a resident of MorningStar, you will get three daily meals that are meticulously prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef.  Each meal is both nutritional and delicious and we modify recipes to address a number of different dietary restrictions including low sodium or low fat, sugar-free, no sugar, and vegetarian options.  

In addition, our assisted living residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and programs that are designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness.   Please visit our website for contact information to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan. 

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living residences 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 our exceptional community.


Study Shows Older Adults in Senior Living Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom recently posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist. The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.”

Hospitalization information from participants in the 2002-2012 Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?” Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone. Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our primary job is to provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritually and social wellbeing. As one of Boulder’s top assisted living community, residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more. In addition we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.” While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up a tour. 

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar 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. While there may be many senior retirement homes in the area, we are uniquely one of a kind! 

Source:
aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/

Monday, February 25, 2019

Lead Care Managers – Champions of Teamwork

At our greater Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we provide team members the training they need to effectively carry out their responsibilities within our residential homes and to become true leaders.  We currently are offering career opportunities for the right people including Lead Care Manager positions.  These hardworking individuals are champions of teamwork and provide support, coaching and training to other team members, all while exhibiting a positive and caring attitude.    

Lead Care Managers offer patience and understanding to residents, their families, and visitors as well as fellow team members as they dispense care in a timely manner.  They also carefully protect residents’ privacy and see to it that each one is treated with the respect and the dignity they deserve.    

As a MorningStar Lead Care Manager, you will be instrumental in assisting in the orientation and training of new Care Managers as well as helping to develop and review residents’ care plans.  You will assist with residents’ daily living activities and do what is necessary to ensure their utmost comfort, safety and mental wellbeing.  Other responsibilities include observing and reporting any symptoms, reactions and changes in a resident’s health to your supervisor.  Also in your leadership position, you will help encourage and motivate residents to participate in recreational, occupational, and physical therapies along with any other rehabilitative measures designed to enhance their quality of life. 

We encourage you to visit our website to view our various assisted living jobs that include Lead Care Managers, Care Managers, and Medication Care Managers/QMAP as well as many other positions.  Join our team and become 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.  Please visit MorningStar’s website to learn more about assisted living jobs in the Denver area.

How to Make the Most of Your Next Doctor Appointment

Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University, recently wrote an in-depth article for the New York Times detailing the strategies seniors can use to get more out of their next doctor appointment. She starts by explaining that you should take a few minutes to figure out what you want to get out of the appointment. Ask yourself if this is just a well visit or do you have something specific you want to discuss with the doctor such as a new symptom or problem. It might be you wish to discuss changes in your diet or lifestyle or to bring up topics such as end-of-life preference? 

Dr. Ofri stresses that quality is better than quantity and being focused on a couple of things you hope to accomplish from the appointment will probably result in more specific answers. Also scheduling regular appointments will give you the time to concentrate on your various needs. 

To ensure your doctor has the information he or she needs, write down all the medications and dosages you are taking beforehand, including any herbal supplements and vitamins. If it is easier, bring all your pill bottles so the staff can go through your medications and daily dosages. Remember your insurance information, and if it is a new doctor, bring along your health records. 

Another important part of a successful doctor visit is communication. Always keep in mind you are your own best advocate and want to make sure you are clearly heard. Experts suggest you keep track of the time to make sure your primary concerns are covered. Furthermore do not bring up new problems right at the end of the visit but rather schedule a new appointment to discuss those issues. Most importantly the experts say to not leave the office until you completely understand your treatment plan. If you need, ask one of the nurses to go over the doctor’s instructions with you. After you leave, go over everything that occurred during the visit including treatment plans and recommendations for any follow-up appointments and write down anything you may forget.

MorningStar of Boulder is proud to be one of area’s finest assisted living communities. Our residents’ health is our first priority and we provide all of the amenities and services required to accomplish this. Please visit our website to learn more. 

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar 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 unsurpassed senior retirement living. 

Source: bethesdahealth.org/seniors-can-better-doctors-appointments/

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Sundowner’s Syndrome and Sleep Disturbances

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.    

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.  

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

If you are considering a memory care facility for a loved one, we encourage you to visit MorningStar at Jordan’s website to learn more about our compassionate, individualized care for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

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. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

MorningStar at RidgeGate Offers Options for a Variety of Needs


MorningStar at RidgeGate offers a range of living options that meet the varying needs of seniors.  Our community’s independent living includes 124 bright and spacious suites.  We also have 71 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites dedicated to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s independent living is the perfect answer for seniors who wish for a carefree, active lifestyle that provides built-in companionship and predictable budgeting.  As a resident, you will not need to cook as much but rather can take advantage of two daily, tasty meals prepared by our Executive Chef as well as our vast assortment of activities and wellness programs.  

Also as a part of our community, you give up having to worry about maintaining a home both inside and out.  Our independent living suites are equipped with everything you need including a washer/dryer along with full kitchens for when you wish to prepare your own meals.  Our community also has a spacious interior park to enjoy the outdoors as well as a saline pool with hot tub.     

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require a little assistance on a daily basis.  We offer various levels of support with activities of daily living along with 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse and more to ensure the comfort, well-being and safety of our residents.

In terms of our memory care, we feel privileged to help those suffering from memory loss and our goal is to find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual every day. By learning about a person’s life, history and preferences, we are able to personalize their care and treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

If you are looking for an independent or assisted living home in the Lone Tree area, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at RidgeGate’s senior living options. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are proud to offer our residents the best independent and assisted living home in the area.


Monday, February 18, 2019

A “Tree of Life” Symbolizes Our Commitment to Residents & Staff

MorningStar Senior Living’s Denver communities are a part of the larger MorningStar Senior Living Company that has communities throughout the Western U.S.  In Denver our communities include: MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  We have a unique mission statement that includes honoring God in all of our business practices and our relationships, which transcends to a superior quality of life for our MorningStar’s residents.  As such, we seek like-minded individuals who feel privileged to serve and want to help strengthen our reimagined vision of senior living. 

To symbolize our three separate mission statements, we commissioned a painting we call the Tree of Life, a phrase most notable referenced in Genesis and Revelation.  The painting is done as a “triptych,” which is one picture depicted across three separate panels.

The tree and its root are symbolic of Jesus as he said in Revelation 22:16, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the Bright Morning Star.  The mature, majestic tree symbolizes the long life of a senior, and the fruit it produces is due to it being deeply rooted and reaching up to the light.  The rough, textured bark reminds us of a senior’s work-worn hands and the mountains in the background represent MorningStar’s Colorado beginnings.  Our Tree of Life picture is displayed in all of our senior living communities and you should make a point to see it when you visit.  

Our loving Denver area communities have a Christian foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors and are currently recruiting individuals with a felt calling to serve seniors. Please visit our website to see our complete list of assisted living jobs and our convenient online application.  Remember, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31. 


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 website for information on assisted living jobs in Denver.

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Eye Health Information for Older Adults


The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40. Individuals without risk factors aged 40 to 54 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. Individuals without risk factors aged 55 to 64 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years. They add that seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.

Since many age-related eye problems do not exhibit early symptoms, getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is critical.  In addition, it is important to remember that other health problems such as diabetes and hypertension as well as some other risk factors can cause eye-related issues. 
  
Your exam should include a check of your vision, coordination of eye muscles, peripheral vision, pupil response to light and color testing.  Also the doctor will examine your eyelid inside and out along with the interior and back of the eye.  A measurement of your eye fluid pressure will also be done that consists of a puff of air onto the eye with an instrument called a tonometer.   This is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases.

Furthermore, you may be monitored for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) disease.  This test includes trying to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula by examining the back of your eye using special instruments.  If you do not already have an eye doctor, see your health care provider for a referral.  

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar 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 area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility.

Source: aao.org/


Wednesday, February 13, 2019

FAQs Answered on the MorningStar Website


If you are in the beginning stages of looking for an independent or assisted living home in and around Lone Tree, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar at RidgeGate.  Our community has 124 bright suites for independent living, another 71 for assisted living, and 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   

One good way to get to know our community is through our website where you will find lots of information regarding our amenities and services as well as information and floor plans of our suites.  Furthermore, the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which encompasses over 30 communities in ten states under operation or in development, has lots of information about how our communities are run and what they offer. 

One of the areas you will find especially informative is the “FAQ” section.  Here we go through a whole list of questions we have been asked in the past and provide families with answers.  Topics include why we are different, what we offer, and just what is independent living, assisted living and memory care.  We also provide help in determining if your loved one needs assisted living along with suggestions on how to begin the conversation on why it may be the time to start thinking about making a change in their living situation.

The FAQ page is also an easy way to see if you or your loved one meets our age requirement (for an IL, AL, or MC suite, you must be at least 62 years of age).  It also provides answers to questions regarding Companion Living, couples living together, respite stays, pets, and much more.  Additionally, while we provide answers as to how our fees are structured and how we determine the care you or your family member will receive in assisted living, we are more than happy to answer all of your questions personally.  Once you have looked over our website, we invite you to set up a tour of MorningStar at RidgeGate to see for yourself our beautiful, loving community.                  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are proud to offer our residents the best independent and assisted living home in the area.


Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Know the Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly


We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one in four Americans age 65 years and older fall each year.  They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”

However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home.

The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall.  Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise.  In addition, older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles.     

Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling.  There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen.  Also, vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. 

The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.”  It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. 

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 and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living residences 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 our exceptional community.


From Cooks to Dining Servers, Housekeeping Jobs & More!




The MorningStar Senior Living communities in the greater Denver area are seeking hardworking, committed individuals who would like a rewarding career serving seniors in a workplace environment that values each member of its team.  Currently we have a variety of openings, and while some of our positions require a certain amount of experience and/or special education, the one thing we look for in all of our team members is “heart.”  We recognize that character, kindness, and selflessness are virtues that contribute as much as education and experience in building a team that serves with distinction. 

MorningStar is proud of our culturally diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.  Moreover we know family is important to all of us, which is why we go out of our way to accommodate flexible hours and schedules.  MorningStar also understands we need to do more than just tell our employees they are important to us so we provide competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.  We also know it is important to train our team members to help them achieve their professional best. 

MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian values, but we gladly welcome all faiths among our staff as well as our residents.  One team member describes why working for MorningStar feels so different, “When you’ve worked around the globe as I have, and come to a workplace that feels like home, where you are so welcomed, so cared for, so appreciated…it can take you by surprise. That’s what I found at MorningStar. Whether from staff or residents, the respect, trust and love shown to me is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced in my career.”

Please visit our website for more career opportunities at our Denver communities.  These include MorningStar of Arvada, MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  Positions include Care Managers, cooks, dining room servers, dish washers, housekeeping jobs 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 Career page for details regarding a wide range of assisted living jobs in Denver.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

When is Forgetfulness Not a Part of Natural Aging?

Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging; however, it is important to recognize the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss.  As we grow older, we may experience problems with things like finding our keys or glasses, remembering names or certain words, and taking longer to learn new things.  In most cases this is just mild forgetfulness, and there are things we can do to help sharpen our memory.

Experts recommend that activities such as taking a class, playing cards and word games, or volunteering can all help to improve mental acuity.  Also it may be helpful to use memory tools such as calendars and to-do-lists, and to eat well, get plenty of rest and limit your alcohol intake.  Tricks like always putting away your day-to-day items in a designated place can be helpful.  As depression along with some medications and health conditions can adversely affect memory, it is important to consult with your doctor if problems continue or worsen. 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that the type of memory loss that disrupts a person’s everyday life is not normal.  From their list of ten signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they state that one of the first sign of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering newly learned information. 

Further signs of serious memory problems involve difficulty with daily activities such as driving, shopping, and following conversations.  A person may start having trouble following directions; be confused about time, people, and places; and become lost in familiar places.  Other signs include changes in personal hygiene and attire as well as not eating well.

If you have questions regarding these and the other warning signs found on the Alzheimer’s Association website, they advise consulting your physician.  They state that, “early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.”

If you are considering a memory care facility for a loved one, we encourage you to visit MorningStar at Jordan’s website to learn more about our loving community.

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 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 area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility.

Source: www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf