Guidelines for Care Before and After Surgery Have Evolved

Like most everything else, standard procedures and guidelines for care before and after surgery have evolved in an effort to promote and speed recovery.  Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, suggests you think of surgery as a marathon or race.  She says, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after.”  So what you do before a planned surgical procedure and what you do after can all be part of a better outcome and even includes diet and exercise.   

One example is a change in the way a person is treated after surgery in many hospitals.  Now, rather than limiting patients to ice chips and intravenous fluids, they are served a meal.  In addition, people are encouraged to get up and move as soon as the night following surgery, which appears to hasten recovery.  However, doctors warn that people should be screened before surgery for conditions such as malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and if it is found they have any, it should be addressed.  

Also, find out what exercises would be helpful and doable before and after surgery, and what is not recommended.  Ask about your hospital’s rehabilitation program or the availability of a physical therapist.   After surgery, stay hydrated and be sure to eat a protein-rich diet and lots of fresh vegetables.  Another thing that will aid your postoperative recovery and overall health is to stop smoking.   

As a bigger percentage of surgeries are in people over 65 years of age, your doctor will let you know the type of screening that is required before surgery.  It will most likely include things such as cardiac health, functional status and history of falls, frailty and other factors.  

MorningStar of Boulder is a beautiful senior living community offering assisted living, memory care and respite care for seniors recovering from surgery or illness.   Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar and the many resort-style amenities and services we provide.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.     

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery

Nutritional and Tasty Meals in Our Reflections Neighborhood

 

Along with 55 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Jordan has another 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.

Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees. The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety.

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional. Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat.

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents. Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey. Please visit our website for more information. While you are there, be sure to read the update on COVID-19 from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Another Reason to Get Flu and Pneumonia Vaccinations

Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s.  This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.  

The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot.  Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health.  Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%.

The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older.  In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” 

While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories.  One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage.  Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.   

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows

Did You Sleep Well Last Night?

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being. In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as is regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into most every aspect of our lives.

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite.

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance. A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed. Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health. A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression. Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.”

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to. Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.

If you are looking for a relaxing, carefree lifestyle, and a comfy new home to lay your head in each night, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Jordan’s beautiful assisted living and memory care community. Offering senior living residences with stylish, smartly-designed suites, we are located in historic Centennial, CO, in the south-central area of Metro Denver. We are conveniently located near 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. Contact us or visit our website to learn why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

Buying in Bulk is Not Always a Good Idea

Right now, many of us prefer to consolidate trips to the grocery store by stocking up on staples we know we will need at some point in the future.  While buying in bulk may seem like a bargain, consumer experts caution you may not actually be saving money in the long-run.  It turns out lots of foods and goods have a shorter shelf life than we think and many can degrade or lose their efficacy over time.  

A prime example is stocking up on laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies we know we will need in the future.  Here the problem lies in the fact that they may start to lose their cleansing and sanitizing power over time.  Experts say liquid laundry detergent is most effective if used within 6 months of opening and up to a year from purchase.  Chlorine products start losing their strength after about a year and other types of disinfecting wipes are generally good for about two years.   

Sunscreen also has a short shelf life and outdated sunscreen (all should have an expiration date) may put us at risk for sunburns, sun damage and skin cancer.  The FDA reports the same goes for trying to stock up on over-the-counter drugs, which can also lose some of their effectiveness and/or even cause unintended side effects.  

Food staples such as flours, cooking oils and spices all have a shorter shelf life than many think.  White flours typically are good for one year stored in a cool dry space or two years in the refrigerator.  Whole wheat flours are at their best for three months in the pantry, and one year in the refrigerator.  Olive and many vegetable oils are best three to five months after opening.  

At MorningStar of Boulder assisted living and memory care community, our residents do not need to worry about groceries as we gladly do the cooking!  Beautifully situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains on the southeast side of the city, our community was designed to meet residents' every need.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.

Talking to Your Parent About Their Need for More Care

Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice. While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids. After all, to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do. That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects including healthcare.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary. This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place. Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed. Once you do calmly tell them your concerns, give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen. Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive not controlling. In fact, you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.

At MorningStar, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website provides useful resources to help families through the process. We also encourage you to contact us to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Centennial, CO, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan may be your answer.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

The Benefits of Assisted Living at MorningStar of Boulder

If you or a loved one is in need of daily care to ensure your safety and wellbeing, you may be weighing options such as in-home care services versus assisted living.  Most experts suggest a good way to start is to make a list of all the areas in which you or your loved one needs assistance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  

From a strictly affordable standpoint (we know there is much more to it), the rule of thumb to determine if in-home care services or an assisted living community is less expensive is does the person require more than 40 hours of paid care a week?  If that’s the case, then assisted living is most likely less expensive.  

Also, remember that in-home care is a piecemeal approach and each additional service you need adds to the cost of care.  Moreover, in an assisted living community like MorningStar of Boulder, individuals receive 24/7 care from our compassionate, trained care managers in the activities of daily living (ADL).  Another benefit of our community is it is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile aids as well as has bathrooms equipped with handicap grab bars, and suites equipped with emergency call systems.  

Many people get sticker shock when they learn how much they will pay for assisted living, but you need to remember that virtually all your living expenses including food as well as care services are factored in.  No longer will you pay out-of-pocket for home insurance, property taxes, heat, electricity, trash pickup, cable, and Internet service.  In addition, you will not be hit with unexpected repair bills and routine upkeep on your home.  

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Boulder, Colorado’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving home. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 48 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 46 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Centennial, CO

 

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into senior living communities offering assisted living. When you begin your search, please add the beautiful MorningStar at Jordan to the top of your list. We are conveniently located south of Denver, in Centennial, CO, near shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and other services.

Too often a senior is concerned that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom. They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions.

All of this could not be further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar at Jordan has to offer. Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members. Along with our 55 suites for assisted living, our community has 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Would You Like Working at a Place Where Lives are Cherished and Celebrated?

 

How would you like working at a place filled with love and laughter, where lives are cherished and celebrated? If you have been searching for a workplace like this, let us introduce you to the MorningStar senior living communities of the Denver area. Openings are available at MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and MorningStar of Parker.

Another thing that sets us apart from other workplaces is the excellent reputation of the MorningStar brand for its mission and its ministry, which has made it easy for us to attract a team of extraordinary individuals with a felt calling to serve. So, if you do join our distinguished team, you will have the pleasure of working alongside men and women who support our unique mission of honoring God and valuing all seniors and understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. You will also come to know that senior living at its best is love in action, and you will help us prove it every day.

Our beautifully decorated homes are loaded with resort-style amenities and full care services that allow residents to enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle. The available assisted living jobs in Denver, CO communities include care manager, medication care manager, cook, dining room server, concierge, housekeeping jobs, and more.

We are proud to support our team members with some of the most generous benefits in the industry. Compensation starts with competitive wages, and bonus or incentive opportunities (depending on position). In addition, employees are eligible for paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick time, birthday appreciation day, 401k plan availability, health savings account availability, uniforms, training and advancement opportunities. At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team is paid well for the valuable services they provide our company.

For more information regarding each position and to use an online application, please visit the MorningStar website’s Career page. We are committed to investing generously in our team’s ability to serve, and are seeking to hire and retain employees who will use their creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve our residents.

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 for assisted living jobs in Denver CO.