Learn More About Mild Cognitive Impairment

Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems, or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss. So, how is MCI diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” 

Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. 

Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses pretty slowly. 

Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.  

Along with assisted living, Boulder, CO’s MorningStar community offers individualized, loving care to those with memory impairment.  Every aspect of MorningStar of Boulder’s memory care is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

MorningStar of Boulder’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 the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

The Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors

A Place for Mom’s website, a free service that helps families in their senior care search, reports the various services offered at assisted living communities can make it a healthier, safer living option for many seniors. As services typically involve 24/7 care, nutritional meals and wellness programs, it means residents receive the kind of care required to enhance their quality of life.  

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Boulder provide the social connections necessary to seniors’ wellbeing as well as intellectual stimulation. The individual and their family get peace of mind knowing help is available when it is needed. Likewise, recent research shows assisted living communities may help seniors avoid falls as most are equipped with safety features such as handicap-accessible bathrooms and wheelchair accessible doorways. MorningStar’s emergency call systems in each suite also means immediate help is at hand.     

MorningStar of Boulder offers seniors assistance with another all-too common problem of medication mismanagement. The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a study showing “80% of older adults regularly take at least two prescription medications, and 36% regularly take at least five prescription drugs.” The Department of Health and Human Services reports up to 55 percent of older adults are “non-compliant” in their medications including skipping doses or failing to take medication as prescribed. Either one can result in hospitalizations or deaths. Our medication management service helps to avoid these problems and includes dispensing as well as ordering prescription drugs.

MorningStar’s comprehensive care starts with residents having an individualized plan created to address their specialized needs. It is frequently reviewed and updated as required. Our day-to-day care is intended to help residents maintain a healthier lifestyle with nutritional meals, exercise classes, and life enrichment programs designed for their needs. For exceptional assisted living, Boulder, CO seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other assisted 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 see for yourself the finest senior retirement living in Boulder.

Sources:  

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

aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medication-management

Assisted Living at MorningStar of Boulder

Looking for the finest assisted living Boulder, CO offers? MorningStar of Boulder provides residents a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our senior retirement homes are filled with spacious, beautifully-appointed common areas both inside and out including fireside patio, salon, bistro, theatre, and fitness room.  Delicious meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef are served restaurant-style in our lovely dining room.

However, our stylish design does not stop at the door of our private suites.  Each one offers a range of features including high ceilings, large windows, wall-to wall-carpeting, and a kitchenette with refrigerator.   For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with an emergency call system to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms.  Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  

All assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers who help assist them with the Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Access to a licensed nurse is available onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock.  We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically re-evaluate care plans and make changes as needed.   

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more.  We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  

At the heart of our community, and what we are most proud of, is our team of loving, responsive caregivers who feel privileged to serve.  Please visit our website for contact information.  We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to hearing from you.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Boulder assisted living offerings.  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, MorningStar of Boulder provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Caring for a Pet Can Provide More Meaning in Your Life

Research has shown that having a pet can improve our mental health, cardiovascular health and PTSD symptoms.  In fact, even if you do not own a pet but just spend some time interacting with animals, it can lift your spirits and decrease stress.  Also, during times of isolation and uncertainty, many of us feel our pets are more important than ever.   

The great thing about pets is they offer unconditional love and loyal companionship.   Caring for an animal can be a welcome distraction from life’s other worries and can provide more meaning to our life.  Moreover, how can you feel upset or angry when sitting with a cat on your lap and hearing the relaxing, melodious sound of their purr?  Research has shown that an act as simple as petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate our mood.   

Many people believe their pet has the ability to pick up on their emotions and know when they are sad or stressed and need a little “extra love.”   In addition, dogs need exercise so many dog owners are motivated to get outside and exercise, which is always a good thing.  However, experts caution that before you rush out and adopt an animal, think about how much time you have to care for one, and do you have the money to pay for the extra expenses.  Also, if your choice is a dog, are you physically able to provide the animal with the daily exercise they need?  

MorningStar of Boulder is dedicated to providing the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  We understand how important our residents’ furry friends are to them, which is why we are pet friendly. Our beautiful community has 48 assisted living suites, and another 46 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior assisted living with a unique 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.  If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Boulder, CO’s MorningStar community may be your answer.

Finding the Best Assisted Living Community for a Loved One

Are you worried about your elderly parents getting the care they need at home? Assisted living communities are one way to make sure they get the care they need, while giving family members the peace of mind they need. 

To help ensure the community you choose is a good, all-around fit, experts say the trick is to find one based on your parents’ needs, their lifestyle and budget. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, says the key to a successful move for mom or dad is to have a frank and open conversation with the family to make sure everyone is on the same page. Be sure your parents have the chance to give their opinion. 

When you begin the actual search, remember assisted living is not a nursing home or memory care. To determine the best community for them, start by addressing their ADLs’ (activities of daily living) needs. Keep in mind the amount of help they need right now and how much help they will most likely need over the next couple of years. After all, you do not want to go through the process of moving them into a community to have to move them out in a few years once their needs cannot be met. 

Determine your parents’ budget, and if you need help in that area, seek advice from an elder care financial service or attorney. At the MorningStar of Boulder assisted living and memory care community, we have partnered with Elderlife Financial Services to present different financial resources commonly used to pay for senior living. 

Another important step is to virtually (or personally) visit the community and to get to know the staff. Narrowing down your choices includes considering things such as how convenient will it be for the family to visit and is it located close to medical facilities, shopping and other services.  Furthermore, find out if the community is accepting new residents, and if not, you may want to go on their waiting list.    

At MorningStar of Boulder, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to see if we are a good fit. For exceptional assisted living, Boulder, CO seniors are encouraged to contact us to learn more.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other assisted living facilities. 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 see for yourself the finest senior living in Boulder.

Learn More About MorningStar and Our RidgeGate Community

MorningStar at RidgeGate is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company whose vision is “to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.”  This means right from the start we have made a point to staff our loving homes with individuals who feel called to serve and understand that seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  

In addition, we support MorningStar’s mission of serving others here at home and throughout the world including supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Casa Bernabé orphanage in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.  We also support MorningStar’s partnership with “Lifewater,” a non-profit organization that focuses on delivering safe water sources to villages across the globe. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate is also guided by our company’s founding principles that include: 

• Honoring God in our business practices and relationships 

• Valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals 

• Investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well 

Thus our home’s first priority is to create a comfortable, compassionate home while striving to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.  Also, while our company was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews, and understand it is our responsibility to honor spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person.

MorningStar at RidgeGate has 124 stylish independent living suites, with penthouses as large as 1838 sq. ft. In addition, we have 71 assisted living suites for those needing help with the activities of daily living.  Within the Reflections Neighborhood 29 secure suites are devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  

Our community is filled with spacious, beautifully-appointed common areas both inside and out and include a saline swimming pool with hot tub, art studio, theaters, bistro bars and fitness center.  Residents enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining inspired by our Executive Chef that features the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO offers, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at RidgeGate. 

MorningStar Senior Living at RidgeGate Offers Independent Living

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change.  At MorningStar of RidgeGate, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.  

Independent living provides seniors with a range of benefits including predictable monthly budgeting and tasty meals they no longer need to cook as well as built-in companionship.  Residents can take part in our community activities, join us for sponsored outings, and have full access to the many amenities our community offers.  In addition, we take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which allows our residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. 

Our community offers well-designed private suites in a variety of floor plans including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms (with penthouses as large as 1838 sq. ft.).  Several of the plans have two bathrooms.  Each unit has high ceilings, fireplace, washer and dryer, and many feature balconies or patios. For your safety, each suite has an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathroom.   Also, we are happy to welcome your furry friend as we are pet friendly.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s amenities include two daily chef-inspired meals in independent living, with all-day dining and full-service dining rooms. We also have a saline swimming pool with hot tub, bistro bars, a fitness center, an art studio, and an in-house salon.  In addition, we have chapels, a community store and a private dining room for intimate dinners.  Amidst our beautiful grounds, we have an interior park with strolling paths, BBQ, fire pits and lawn games.

Along with independent living, MorningStar at RidgeGate has suites for assisted living for those who need help with the activities of daily living. The Reflections Neighborhood provides an additional 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar at RidgeGate may be the place for you.  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 independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO and the surrounding area has to offer.

Denver Area Senior Communities Seek Compassionate Caregivers

The Denver area senior living communities of MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar of Parker; MorningStar at RidgeGate; and MorningStar of Wheat Ridge are offering rewarding positions for full and part-time caregivers. To fill our openings, we are looking for individuals with big hearts who understand it is a privilege to serve.  

In fact, MorningStar caregivers are a special breed. Our team knows the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our gifts and talents as well as time and energy with others. In this type of investment alone, we find deep and lasting satisfaction, and want to help others discover this same kind of fulfillment. 

Our senior living homes offer Denver area seniors independent living, assisted living and memory care. While each is beautifully designed, we are most proud of the atmosphere in our homes – one that resounds with laughter and love. Under our roofs, team members treat residents as they would their own moms and dads or grandparents; and believe seniors are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. 

As we consider our dedicated caregivers to be invaluable to our success, we encourage each one to build relationships with our residents and their families as well as with fellow team members. If you take one of our caregiver jobs, your duties will include helping residents with their personal daily care activities and overseeing their physical comfort, safety and mental wellbeing.  

Along with generous compensation, insurance and a host of other benefits, MorningStar wants all of our team members to be the best at what they do, and do each job with confidence.  To that end, we invest in comprehensive employee training programs such as:  O2 (Orientation & Onboarding); Lavender Sky (Dementia Care); Radiance (Culture, Customer Service); Inhabit (for the Community Relations team); Brain Boosts (for the Reflections care team); and Relias Video Courses (paid to view from home). 

At MorningStar we are intentional about populating our speech with these key motivators: to love from a deep place, to serve rather than be served, and to focus on that which matters most: relationships. If you would love to be part of something special, we invite you to join our MorningStar family. Please visit our Careers Here page for links to rewarding caregiver jobs in the Denver area.

MorningStar Senior Living exemplifies the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to offer seniors a life of comfort, joy and wellness. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver and housekeeping jobs) in the Denver area.

Get the Help You Need When You Need It

Too often seniors mistakenly believe that moving into assisted living means an end to their independence and their life as they knew it.  We want to reassure you that at today’s senior living communities like MorningStar at Jordan; nothing could be further from the truth.  

Aging.com explains that while changes in a person’s ability to care for themselves can be caused by underlying medical conditions, studies show the importance of seniors receiving the assistance they need with the ADLs (activities of daily living). “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life.  Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.”  

  

Another benefit of getting the help you need when you need it, is it actually gives the person a renewed sense of independence and lets them feel like they are once again in control of their life.  Independence promotes a sense of achievement as well as a sense of self-worth and purpose.  It inspires achievement, and reminds seniors that they still have a lot to contribute to their families, their communities and the world as a whole.  

At MorningStar at Jordan, one important part of our mission statement includes “valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.”  Thus, our entire community is focused on physical, intellectual, spiritual and social activities that present creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive each day.  Residents may also tap into their own unique talents and experiences by leading special interest clubs. 

Our beautiful home has 55 assisted living suites to meet a variety of needs from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom floorplans.  While enjoying their stylish private suites, assisted living residents have peace of mind knowing that help is readily available when they need it. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.   Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.   Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

Separating Normal Memory Loss from Dementia

Experts say perhaps as many as 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 suffer from some level of memory loss, but are quick to add, it does not necessarily mean Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. They explain there are some noticeable characteristics separating normal memory loss from dementia.  

For instance, many older adults occasionally forget how to operate a piece of machinery or how to program a remote control if they have not done it in a while; but doctors say this is common and most-likely not a cause for concern. However, it is more concerning when a person forgets how to get home or how to perform routine tasks. 

It is normal to have to pause and think how to communicate a thought or idea but it is not normal to forget what you just said and continuously repeat yourself, or to not be able to finish a thought. Another sign the problem is more serious than normal forgetfulness is using the wrong word to describe something or forgetting the name altogether; as is forgetting names of family and friends. 

Another example of more than normal age-related forgetfulness is forgetting what an object is or what it is for. With normal memory loss, you may forget where you put your glasses; someone with Alzheimer’s may find their glasses and not recognize them as their own or forget they wear glasses. Experts caution even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people can have balance problems, and as the disease progresses, balance typically gets worse. A study found people with dementia were “8-times more likely to fall than older people who have not been diagnosed with a form of dementia.”   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan has 29 secure suites devoted to individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed to accommodate the needs of our residents and encourages and supports their independence while keeping them safe.   If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, please visit our website for more information about our experienced, compassionate memory care in Centennial, CO.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan “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: activebeat.com/your-health/normal-aging-vs-alzheimers-6-key-differences

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead to a Range of Problems

Medical experts say to be on the lookout for a vitamin D deficiency this winter as days are shorter and we typically spend less time outdoors. One problem can be the use of sunblock, which limits the body’s ability to make vitamin D. Studies also have found seniors to be at an additional risk for the deficiency as the older we get, the harder time our bodies have in absorbing the vitamin, and is why doctors recommend a higher daily dose for older adults. 

Moreover, medical conditions can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D such as inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis, as can diets like vegan and other vegetarian options or avoiding dairy altogether because of lactose intolerance. Another group that may be lacking in vitamin D is individuals with a BMI over 30. Dietitian Ali Webster, director of research and nutrition communications at International Food Information Council in Washington, D.C., says “body fat can isolate vitamin D instead of spreading it to other parts of the body.”   

To avoid a deficiency, experts say to include foods high in vitamin D in your diet such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products and non-dairy milks, eggs, liver and mushrooms. Many cereals and orange juice are also fortified with vitamin D. Signs of a vitamin D deficiency include: musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and listlessness, frequent infections and illnesses, osteoporosis, lower back pain, mood changes and muscle aches or pains. Experts say if you are concerned about any of these symptoms, to see your healthcare provider.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and security.  Residents enjoy built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living, including healthy and delicious meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef.  Just some of the amenities include a fitness and wellness center, bistro, general store, theater, and salon.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. 

MorningStar at 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: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/signs-of-vitamin-d-deficiency