Sunday, March 31, 2019

What Does an Assisted Living Community Offer?

Many families with elderly parents or loved ones are uncertain just what to expect from an assisted living community.  While each community has its own personality and differs from the type of services and amenities offered, typically “assisted living” is a long-term care option that provides personal care support services such as bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, and transportation.  According to aPlaceforMom.com, assisted living may offer “a more cost effective, residential approach to delivering many of the same services either by employing home health agencies or personal care staff.”

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations as well as provides residents with a whole host of resort-style amenities and services.  Upon joining our community, the resident and their family meets with our Wellness Director for a thorough assessment of their needs that is used to create a customized care plan. 

Furthermore, regardless of the level of care you receive, all residents have an onsite 24/7 Care Manager that is ready to ensure their safety and comfort.  We also offer a licensed nurse onsite 5 days a week and on call 24/7; medication management by certified med care managers; periodic care plan reviews; and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we are proud to offer a range of services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit.  We consider wellness to be a joint effort between our Life Enrichment and Wellness programs, which play a critical role in making MorningStar the destination for successful aging.

Please visit our website for more information about the top assisted living home in the Centennial CO area.  In addition to our 55 assisted living suites, we offer 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan’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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living home in the area.


New & Familiar Faces Have Joined Our Leadership

Over the last several months, MorningStar of Boulder has had the honor to welcome some new as well as familiar faces to our leadership team. These loving, dedicated individuals are an important part of our community as they help to inspire and guide our team in delivering exceptional senior retirement living for all of our residents.

We are pleased to welcome back Tracie Roberts who rejoined our team in February as our Executive Director. Tracie has been with MorningStar for over eleven years and each community and position she has served in has been the better for it. Tracie relates how she and her five siblings grew up in a home right next door to her great-grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy. She adds theirs was a “home of comfort and safety…and a place to be spoiled rotten!” Her family also lived close to grandparents, Ed and Ginny, and Tracie acquired her caregiving skill by helping care for Ed through a cancer diagnosis. Now more than a decade later as a senior caregiver has made Tracie feel even more committed to her chosen career and explains, that, “Seniors amaze me. Even on their hardest days, our residents offer endearing hugs and heartfelt thanks.”

Erin Pfarr serves as our Wellness Director and feels that nothing is more rewarding than serving those who are the most deserving. She says seniors give us the wisdom of their years and teach us how to appreciate and celebrate life. Erin was initially drawn to the history and mission of MorningStar and recognized it was the ideal place to serve seniors. And speaking of coincidences, Erin’s grandparents lived on a mountain in Oregon where they had 40 acres they called “Morning Star.” 

Rounding out the team is our Director of Community Relations, Jennifer Ptacek. Jennifer was lucky enough to grow up with all four grandparents and they were the first seniors she ever loved. They had a significant impact on her life and contributed to the person she is today. She says seniors have taught her to live each day to the fullest and to take nothing for granted. 

Along with our extraordinary leadership, we are blessed to have an entire team that feels privileged to serve seniors. Our community offers both assisted living and memory care and we invite you to visit our website for more information. Caring for the needs of seniors is what MorningStar of Boulder does best. 

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. Visit our website to set up a tour of one of the area’s most beautiful and loving senior retirement homes.

Do You Have a Felt Calling to Serve?


Our senior living communities provide the Denver area with exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care, and we could not do this without our dedicated, compassionate team members.  As a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of seniors as well as making a difference globally.  MorningStar Senior Living’s beautiful residential homes include MorningStar of Arvada in Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial; MorningStar of Littleton in Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate in Lone Tree; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge in Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar in Parker. 

One position we have a need for throughout our communities is Care Managers.  As a trusted MorningStar Care Manager, your responsibilities will include doing whatever it takes to assure our residents’ physical comfort, safety and mental well-being.  You will treat each resident with respect and dignity, and perform duties as described on job postings. 

MorningStar’s assisted living residents are independent seniors who just require a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities such as bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, etc.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we care for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other types of memory loss.  While this may sound discouraging, at MorningStar we understand that the essence of the person remains regardless of the extent of memory loss and our approach is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.  Our energies are put toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.  In addition whether you are a caregiver in our assisted living or memory care, you will also encourage and motivate residents to participate in therapies and other rehabilitative measures to promote activity of mind and body. 

Please visit MorningStar’s Career page and follow the link to Assisted Jobs Denver to find the full list of job openings at several senior living communities.  We believe in investing in our team and promote from within whenever possible. 


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 Career page for a full listing of Denver area’s assisting living jobs.

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s Independent Living Option


If you are looking for the best senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at RidgeGate.  For active seniors looking for stress-free living and a refreshing change of lifestyle, MorningStar at RidgeGate has it all.  With 124 bright suites for independent living, we provide seniors with carefree, comfortable retirement years. 

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Also, as we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer twice monthly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests.

Our community offers smartly-designed private suites in several floorplans including penthouses as large as 1800+ square feet.  Each unit has lighting, high ceilings, large windows, wall-to-wall carpeting, and mini blinds as well as private heating & air conditioning controls, basic cable TV, utilities and much more.
  
In addition, MorningStar at RidgeGate has beautifully-appointed, warm and inviting common areas where residents can comfortably gather and enjoy the day.  Even our outdoor area is inviting with a beautifully landscaped interior park. When you visit our website, we encourage you to take a look at our Gallery photos to get an idea of what our community looks like. 
  
Moreover, as a resident, you get resort-style amenities and lots of services including two daily meals, a continental breakfast and one meal served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room. Kitchens in our suites include islands (in most units), stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, stained wood cabinets and wood-laminate plank flooring. Also, all of our independent living suites are equipped with their own washer and dryer.  Please visit our website for more information.


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 the finest senior independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Do a Spring Tune-up for All Your Health Needs

Now that spring is just around the corner, we are all looking forward to milder weather. If you have felt like you have been cooped up this winter, now is time to start thinking about getting out and taking care of your annual health needs

Remember just as we schedule tune-ups for our automobiles, it is also important to maintain our bodies to keep them running as smoothly as possible. For example, if it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, you should schedule one now. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults 65 years and older have a complete eye exam every year or two to check for age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract and other eye conditions.

If you feel like you are having difficulty following conversations, especially in a crowd of people, you should have your hearing tested. We encourage you to sign up to attend our monthly Hearing Clinic. In addition don’t forget about your teeth as that can lead to bigger problems, and remember even older adults can still get cavities. It is recommended you have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dentist each six to nine months. Regular health maintenance should also include having your blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, and weight checked out by your primary care physician or by our Wellness Clinic. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our holistic approach to senior retirement living is defined by providing all of the services, amenities and compassionate care to our residents for a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our gorgeous, loving home. 

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 are many senior retirement homes in the area, you will find we are uniquely one of a kind!

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

MorningStar at Jordan’s Signature WellStar Program


MorningStar at Jordan lovingly provides our residents the amenities and services to ensure their comfort and to make them feel right at home.  We also provide a range of activities including our creative and enriching WellStar program which addresses the physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of our residents.  Designed to help seniors stay active, engaged and productive, the program integrates different modalities and senses for both the body and the mind. 

Introduced by our Life Enrichment coordinator, the activities tap into the unique talents and experiences of our residents and includes encouraging residents to start and lead special interest clubs themselves.  Along with recognizing a range of capabilities and a variety of interests, the goal of our activities is to elevate the mood of our residents, reduce pain, and help them to rely less on medications.   

We know that physical exercise is imperative to seniors’ health and we offer a variety of activities for our residents’ enjoyment.  In addition meeting the spiritual needs of our residents is also important to their wellbeing, which is why a chapel, open to all faiths, is an integral part of our community.  We also offer intellectual wellness with entertaining daily doses of challenging brain games designed to practice cognitive skills and introduce new ideas.  In addition to all of this, is a natural, welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and helps to strengthen the bonds of our community. 
      
You will find the one thing that sets MorningStar at Jordan apart from other senior living communities is the fact that our entire team is working to build a true community and our WellStar program exemplifies that philosophy. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living home.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan’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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living home in the area.


It is Never Too Late to Improve the Health of Your Bones

It is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis. People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms. While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk. Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease. Furthermore injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery. Many others require long-term care. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones. One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D. Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. 

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented. A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density. It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc. In addition common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase you chance of getting osteoporosis. 

As one of the area’s finest senior retirement homes, MorningStar of Boulder offers the services and programming that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving and compassionate community. Also ask about our limited time offer of $1,000 savings per month (up to six months) for memory care residents. 

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 invite you to schedule a tour to experience unparalleled senior retirement living. 

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/

Monday, March 25, 2019

Good-paying Housekeeping Jobs in Denver!

For many of us, an employer’s ethics, integrity and values are important and we long to work for a company that considers character, kindness and heart to be qualities they look for in their employees.  At MorningStar Senior Living, we have resolved to be just such a place that is not only distinguished by compassion and care, but by service professionalism.  We are now seeking exceptional individuals at our Denver area communities who share our values and have a felt calling to serve. 

Regardless of the position you apply for within our senior living homes, if you join our team, we assure you that you will be encouraged to explore your unique talents and to realize your full potential.  Our various openings may include some jobs that require certain qualifications or experience, but many positions just require a commitment to serve and a compassionate heart.  Our housekeeping jobs in our Denver area communities are one example.  While we welcome experience in our housekeepers, it is not required as we provide training in the job’s responsibilities and duties as well as training in Radiance, our brand standard of Service Excellence.   

As we recognize each team member from our housekeepers, dining room servers, and cooks or Care Managers, Wellness Directors and Life Enrichment Directors, are the heart of our community, we proudly provide for them.  All of our staff receives competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, and we invest generously in training and mentoring in order to create the ultimate work environment.  We want to recognize our team members’ contributions to society, and that they are making someone else’s life better, richer. 

We have created true homes for our residents filled with love, compassion and laughter.  Please visit MorningStar’s website for more information regarding a variety of assisted living jobs in and around 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.  For a well-paying career with lots of heart, please visit MorningStar’s website for various assisted living jobs in Denver.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Oral Care is Important for Seniors


Good oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining one’s overall health and quality of life.  Even though seniors are living longer, it does not mean that they cannot keep their natural teeth.  
Brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist can prevent problems from occurring. 

Seniors are at a greater risk for developing periodontal disease which is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria or plaque that forms on the teeth.  It is very common and one of the leading causes of tooth loss.  Signs of periodontal disease are bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, and shifting or loose teeth.  There is evidence to suggest that periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and perhaps increases the complications of diabetes.  

Dry mouth is another problem faced by some seniors. It can be caused by over 400 commonly prescribed medications such as those for high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression to name just a few, and also from radiation or chemotherapy treatments.  The danger with dry mouth is that it increases the chance of tooth decay or gum disease.  You need to take extra care that you are drinking plenty of water and stay away from caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and sugary foods.  There are some over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

If you do have dentures, be sure to take good care of them as they will last longer.  The average life of dentures is five to seven years and it is important to follow good cleaning procedures.  Brush your dentures daily with mild soap or denture paste, and if you are not going to wear them at night, soak them in water or denture cleaning solution (be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward). 

Receding gums caused by periodontal disease or the result of aging can increase the chance of tooth decay occurring at the gum line which causes serious problems to the roots.  Good dental care is the best tool in preventing further damage.  See your dentist at the first sign of any bleeding or pain in your mouth. 

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.

Sources: seniorsoralhealth.org/

webmd.com/oral-health/guide/caring-dentures#1

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

See MorningStar at RidgeGate Firsthand – Take a Tour!

MorningStar at RidgeGate is dedicated to providing the best senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer.  We are extremely proud of our community starting with our exceptional architecture and award-winning design.  We have a beautifully landscaped interior park that encourages residents and their families to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  Residents also benefit from a whole host of resort-style amenities as well as wellness programs and activities.  Lastly the best part of MorningStar is our dedicated team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. 

To get the real feel of our lovely community, we encourage you to schedule a tour by visiting our website and follow the “Schedule a Tour” link to our online form.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.  If you let us know your priorities, we will tailor your tour to make sure those are addressed and ask that you allow at least 45 minutes for your visit.  If you care to join us for lunch, please allow 90 minutes for your tour in order to enjoy a leisurely meal.  Let us know if you intend to do lunch when you set up the appointment.  

The A Place for Mom, which is the largest assisted living referral service, offers some tips on their website of what to look for when taking a tour of a senior living community.  One of their suggestions includes “following your nose.”  In other words, does the place smell and look clean and fresh?  Also ask about activities going on in the community.  Do the staff and residents look like they are enjoying themselves? 

Additionally, ask about the level of personal care provided as well as about safety and security procedures.  Do not forget to look at the outdoor spaces.  Finally, A Place for Mom suggests that you think about whether you or your loved one would be happy living there, and in the end, trust your instinct and follow your heart.   

Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at RidgeGate.  If you like what you see, go ahead and schedule a tour.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers.


Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

Monday, March 18, 2019

A Rewarding Career with Lots of Opportunity for Growth


The MorningStar Senior Living communities located in and around Denver are seeking individuals who have a felt calling to serve and would like to work for a company that shares their values.  While we were founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor and respect all faiths and invite loving, compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of others to join our team. 

In recognition of the contribution of our team members, MorningStar is proud to provide competitive wages, comprehensive benefits and the opportunity for career advancement.  In fact we are committed to promoting from within the company whenever possible.  As one team members writes, “MorningStar has propelled me into the career I love. Starting as a caregiver, I’ve grown through nine different positions and managed three different communities, including opening a brand new home. As VP of Culture, the adventure continues, and I am doing what I am so passionate about and contributing to a company who’s Vision, Mission and Values align with my own. The experience I’ve gained at MorningStar is priceless, and I’m humbled to work in such a radically relational, radiant culture.”

If that sounds like something you are looking for, we invite you to visit our website and check out the many assisted living jobs available.  Positions vary from hands-on Care Managers to a variety of support positions such as dining room servers, cooks, maintenance assistances, and housekeeping jobs at Denver area communities.  

Locations include: MorningStar of Arvada – Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan – Centennial; MorningStar of Littleton – Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate – Lone Tree; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge – Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar – Parker.  Join our loving work environment where life is enriched, stories are shared and lives are cherished!


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 more information, visit MorningStar’s Career page for the complete list of assisted living jobs in Denver.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

See What the Best Assisted Living in Centennial Looks Like!

We are honored that MorningStar at Jordan was named by Senior Advisor.com as the 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living.  This exclusive designation is awarded to the top 1% of senior living providers in the US and Canada and is based on consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to the SeniorAdvisor.com website.  As a division of A Place for Mom, SeniorAdvisor.com is one of the nation’s most widely respected senior living referral and review websites.

Once you take a look at our gallery of photos posted on our website, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at Jordan is a step above other senior living residences.  With 55 private assisted living suites on three levels, we offer the choice of spacious studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 29 suites devoted to the care of those living with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. 

All MorningStar residents are treated to a host of creative programs and resort-style amenities and services.  Our promise of a carefree lifestyle includes a beautiful, relaxing fireplace patio and all-season porches, transportation that makes it easy to get out and about, and a full calendar of wellness programs and activities.  Furthermore, we have a professional chief on staff and residents are served three healthy and delicious meals daily in one of our two dining rooms with restaurant-style service.  Additional on-site services include a full salon, massage room, bistro, library, general store, theatre, fitness center, and spa bath.   

However while our facilities are beautiful and the range of amenities incredible, what we are the most proud of is the fact that our staff and residents share a community built on respect and love.  MorningStar offers residents a chance to live carefree lives in the comfort and security of our loving community.  Contact us to schedule a tour and discover why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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.


Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Downsizing to Move into a Senior Living Community

Once you decide to move into a senior living community like MorningStar at RidgeGate, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings.  It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task. 

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions.  After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends.       

Now measure the size of your new suite and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit in your new place.  If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around.  It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table. 

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room.  The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar at RidgeGate, we do most of the cooking and serve the food restaurant-style.     

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want.  When you get into your new suite, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer. Please visit our website to learn more about our beautiful community.  There you will find an online form to set up a tour or to inquiry about pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers.


Tuesday, March 12, 2019

The Risk of Osteoarthritis Increases with Age

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that affects over 30 million Americans, and while it can occur at any age, the risk of developing OA increases with age.  OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones.  It is believed there is a hereditary component that predisposes some people to OA, and that being overweight can contribute to the severity and early onset of the disease.

Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that lines the joints and allows them to move smoothly as well as cushion the bones.  Stress placed on joints over the years wears away the cartilage causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.  OA most commonly affects hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine but can affect any joint.  Sports injuries and fractures can cause OA later on in life and certain jobs that are strenuous on joints (kneeling or standing for long periods of time) can put you at added risk.
 
While there is no cure for OA, it is treated with pain management, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, and reducing the weight on the joints.  An occupational therapist can teach you ways to move to lessen the pain without adding more stress to the joint.  A physical therapist will show you the exercises to do to strengthen your muscles and work to improve things like walking and posture.  Some OA sufferers have turned to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and massage techniques. 

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’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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living home in the area.

Sources:  cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#1

Senior Living Communities Built on a Foundation of Honoring God

At the MorningStar Senior Living communities, we truly believe our calling is to care for and to love seniors.  We feel that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless and to serve older adults is a privilege.  With a foundation built on honoring God in our business practices as well as in our relationships, we are committed to strong moral values and ethics.  Currently several of our Denver area communities are seeking dedicated, loving individuals to fill a variety of assisted living jobs

As our company’s mission statement includes investing generously in our team, we empower each member with the tools they need to advance our core values of: Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  This is done through Radiance, our Service Excellence initiative that provides a framework for how we want to deliver service.  Our goal is to help you build strong, respectful relationships with seniors, their families and fellow team members.

MorningStar’s hiring process starts with heart as we understand that kindness and character contributes as much to a person’s ability to serve as does education and experience. By working together, our entire team is creating comfortable, compassionate homes for our residents.  Furthermore while MorningStar was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews among our team members and residents.  

Please visit MorningStar Senior Living’s website for more information regarding job openings.  In addition to Care Managers, openings include dining room servers, Reflections Coordinators, dishwashers, Medication Care Managers/QMAP, and housekeeping jobs.  Denver’s MorningStar communities offer the opportunity to make a difference in seniors’ lives and to thrive professionally and personally.  We look forward to hearing from you. 


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 Career page for details regarding a range of assisted living jobs.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Learn More about MorningStar at Jordan’s Memory Care


MorningStar at Jordan offers senior living residences for the specialized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances.  Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior.

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings. 

The Reflections Neighborhood is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings and includes enclosed courtyards and strolling paths that are reserved just for their use.  Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.    

MorningStar is honored to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association in every market we serve.  Our team members work to support their local chapter by donating their time, talent and treasure.  In addition, MorningStar at Jordan will participate in Alzheimer’s events such as Memories in the Making, The Longest Day and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving memory care.

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.


Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Assisted Living Jobs at Denver’s Most Respected Communities








The Denver area’s MorningStar Senior Living communities consist of six residential homes and offer a mix of independent living, assisted living and memory care.  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.
 
If you feel you have the heart of a caregiver, we encourage you to visit MorningStar’s Career page and follow the link to Assisted Living Jobs Denver.  Here you will find a listing of our communities and the available positions.  You can also fill out a short online application, and if you wish, attach a resume or tell us something about the first senior you ever loved.  MorningStar’s team members are the type of people who feel privileged to serve seniors, and many have been blessed to have had a personal relationship with an elderly grandparent, neighbor, or family friend who made an impact in their lives.  

To give you an idea of the various duties and responsibilities of our assisted living jobs, we have listed the Roles within our Communities, followed by a lengthy description of each job. As you will see, professional caregivers make a difference in the lives of those they serve well as their families.  Knowing a compassionate, trusted caregiver is looking after their parent gives family members peace of mind.
  
Working at one of MorningStar Senior Living’s communities, means you will be paid competitive wages and receive comprehensive benefits, specialized training, and lots of career growth opportunities.   We consider it our privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light on senior living” through our mission statement and core values.  Please contact us if you have further questions.  


At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  With a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, we are recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  We invite you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for more information on rewarding Denver area assisted living jobs.