Both Grandparents and Grandchildren Benefit from a Close Relationship

After studying the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, researchers have found it to be mutually beneficial for both parties. Additionally, since people are living longer, these relationships become even more important over time as a 2015 Boston College study reported. The data, collected over a 19-year period, “found that emotionally close ties between grandparents and adult grandchildren reduced depressive symptoms for both.” 

The study’s authors said one of the advantages for older people close to their grandchildren is they are exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Grandchildren benefit from the wisdom grandparents have gained over a lifetime, and can be more open to advice from grandparents than their own parents. Grandparents also have a lot to share regarding the family history, along with the history of our country and the world.  

Another study out of England examining the relationship of children between the ages of 11-16 found children with close relationships to their grandparents had fewer emotional and behavioral problems and fewer difficulties with peers. The bond appears to help lessen the emotional damage children can experience when parents separate or divorce. 

Moreover, as grandparents are typically not authoritarian figures in their grandchildren’s lives, they often act as confidants in situations where an older child might not wish to confide in a parent. Grandparents can be more objective than a parent and may have more time on their hands to really listen to their grandchildren. Another advantage to grandparenting is it gives a person purpose in their later years; however experts say to remember you are a role model for your grandchildren so make sure you are a good one.    

At MorningStar of Boulder, our beautiful 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 comfort and wellbeing.  Visit our website to see what sets us apart from other assisted living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our principles are based on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Committed to creating a true home for our residents amidst a beautiful, tranquil setting, we invite you to set up a visit to experience one of Boulder’s finest assisted living communities.

Source:

bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2015/12/13/close-grandparent-grandchild-relationships-have-healthy benefits/kxL8AnugpVBKknDuzHZDKO/story.html  

Would Mom or Dad Benefit from Assisted Living?

Sometimes it is obvious an elderly parent needs more care such as having a bad fall or mismanaging medications resulting in a trip to the emergency room. Experts say even without such an overt situation, there are signs to look for suggesting a parent or another loved one may do better in an assisted living community.  

Warning signs include changes in the person’s behavior. For example, if mom has always been tidy but her home now looks neglected or smells, and dirty dishes are piled in the sink, she may not be handling things well. Other signs include a recent weight loss or gain and changes in grooming habits. Take note if she is having mobility problems or unexplained bruises or cuts, which might indicate she is falling.

Experts say consider other things too, such as social isolation and the person’s inability to get around on their own if they no longer drive.  Also, check the refrigerator for signs of spoiled food or a lack of food. 

Even a few of these things may be a sign they could benefit from the services of an assisted living community like MorningStar at Jordan, a true home with an atmosphere of love, kindness and compassion. Along with a broad range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and wellness programs, our private suites come in a choice of floorplans including studio and one- and two-bedroom configurations.   

Care services include 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Managers, Licensed Nurses, routine health monitoring, and much more.  In addition, residents enjoy delicious meals prepared largely from scratch and served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.   For one of the best senior living communities in Centennial, CO, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan. Please contact us for more information, and be sure to ask about our Move-in Specials.

MorningStar of Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Moving a Parent into Assisted Living Often Causes Feelings of Guilt

Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need. 

Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. 

Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence.  

For exceptional assisted living, Boulder, CO area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Boulder, a true destination for successful aging.  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. Please visit our website for more information.  

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “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 memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO has to offer.

Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Reduce Your Risk of Falling with Balance Exercises

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do.  

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.   

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do each side 3 times.  

At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why MorningStar at Jordan offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Please see our website for more information.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

MorningStar of Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try

Find Work that Matters at MorningStar Senior Living

Since our inception in 2003, the MorningStar Senior Living Company has proudly built a reputation for excellence and for authenticity – regarding the way we serve and why we serve. We have assembled a team that understands the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents; our time and energy. It is in this kind of service where we find a deep and lasting satisfaction. 

Along with our commitment to service, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and helps guide the way we care for, and love the residents under our roof. In fact, right from the beginning, MorningStar has understood it is both our privilege and our responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living.

To help us accomplish our lofty goals, our Denver area senior living communities seek individuals with big hearts who wish to join us in perfecting the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile. In other words, people who intuitively know that Senior Living at its best is love in action.  Locations include MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar of Parker; MorningStar at RidgeGate; and MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  

MorningStar is proud to offer team members competitive wages and full benefits including comprehensive insurance (health, dental, vision, life and supplemental).  Employees also get paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick time, Birthday Appreciation Day, 401k plan availability, training and advancement opportunity. In addition, MorningStar offers a host of other benefits that are designed to enrich and support our employees’ lives on a broad variety of fronts. Only some of these include:

• the opportunity to participate in global philanthropy 

• leave granted for jury duty, bereavement or voting, extended leave of absence beyond federal requirements 

• OnShift Engage  

• easy transfer to another MorningStar community (accrued vacation and sick hours also transfer)

For additional information, please visit MorningStar’s “Careers Here” page for information about open positions (including housekeeping jobs and caregiver jobs) in Denver. A new and exciting career is waiting for you!  

MorningStar Senior Living’s 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 actively recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  If you would love to serve, please visit MorningStar’s Careers page for information on current openings in Denver, CO.

MorningStar at RidgeGate Offers Independent Living

While there may be a number of senior communities in area, we would like to introduce you to one of the best.  MorningStar at RidgeGate offers stylish suites for independent living for those who love the idea of carefree retirement years and plenty of time for life’s adventures.  Our beautiful community is located South of Denver in the heart of Lone Tree, and is close to the Lone Tree Arts Center, SkyRidge Medical Center, shopping, and other services. 

For the most active seniors, our spacious suites offer floor plans that range from studio and one- or two-bedroom configurations (penthouses as large as 1,836 square feet).  Suites have high-quality appliances, garbage dishwasher, refrigerator, and above-stove microwave and/or hood with vent.  Most of the kitchens include an island and all have premium quartz countertops, stained wood cabinets and high-end wood-laminate plank flooring.  Depending on the floor plan, your unit will have a side-by-side washer and dryer in a laundry room or stackable ones. Twice monthly housekeeping and all utilities are included.

Also included in your monthly fee, you will receive a daily continental breakfast and one meal per day in the restaurant.  You can also purchase sandwiches and snacks at our Bistro Grill.  As a resident you will have access to a range of amenities including a saline pool, spa, fitness center, theater, salon, underground garage, and much more.  Also, you are sure to enjoy the large interior park that offers beautiful strolling paths, a BBQ, fire pits and lawn games.  Furthermore, everyone in our community benefits from exceptional wellness programs and activities. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly! 

Unlike many other senior communities in the area, MorningStar at RidgeGate also provides assisted living and memory care so if your needs should change, we are here to help.  While you will find our website showcases pictures of our gorgeous community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home.   We attribute this to our exceptional care team that feels honored to serve seniors, and works hard every day to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, CO

Learn More About MorningStar at RidgeGate

MorningStar at RidgeGate, a senior community in Lone Tree, CO, has a range of options including independent living, assisted living and memory care as well as short-term stays.   We want prospective residents and their families to know we are here to answer all their questions, and once the decision is made to join our 55+ community, we provide the support needed to ensure a smooth transition.  

Our all-inclusive independent living offers seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it.   

Moreover, contrary to what many think about assisted living, it actually is designed to help seniors maintain their sense of independence.  By providing assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), residents can focus on living their life to the fullest.  Upon joining our community, residents have an Individualized Care Plan created for them after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their family.  

Finally, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with 29 secure suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents.  To accomplish this, our entire staff is trained on the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care.  Our community is equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, activities and programs, meals, and more.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s first-class amenities start with three daily chef-inspired meals served restaurant-style (two meals daily in IL).  We also have a saline swimming pool, bistro bars, a fitness center, art studio, and an in-house salon.  In addition, we have chapels, an art studio and a private dining room for intimate dinners.  Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have an interior park with strolling paths, and our memory care residents have a secure courtyard where they too can safely enjoy the outdoors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior housing 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.

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Boulder

We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. Our goal is to provide the best assisted living Boulder CO offers, which includes specialized memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our comprehensive care also includes assisting families to better understand and cope with the disease.  

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available.  We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, our Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.         

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Boulder offers 48 assisted living suites as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please visit our website for further information, and to inquiry about pricing and availability. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “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 true home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the best memory care and assisted living Boulder CO has to offer.

Finding Memory Care for a Loved One

Searching for memory care for a loved one that suits the person’s needs as well as the family’s is challenging at best. Knowing the person is dependent on getting the level of care they need for both their wellbeing and safety makes choosing the right home essential. Experts say start by taking your time to think about your loved one’s needs including daily personal care required such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. as well as any on-going medical needs. 

Additionally, do they have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or a walker; or do they need assistance eating? If the person is known to wander, you will want a secure home to keep him or her safe including alarms on the doors. Another thing experts say is to let a home know if the person is prone to angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviors. 

Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, now consider if the homes you are looking at are equipped to handle those needs. Ask about living arrangements, dining service, and the level of daily help the person will receive. Moreover, does the home offer exercise programs and other meaningful activities? 

Now inquire about the homes’ experience with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and the training the staff has in dementia care. What is the home’s philosophy of care and how do they approach difficult situations such as aggressive behaviors? Most of all does the staff seem caring and do residents appear to be content and well-looked after? 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan offers 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, and security. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s memory care in Centennial, CO. 

MorningStar at Jordan provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.