The Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Boulder are designed to offer seniors 24/7 personal care with a wide range of wellness services targeted to their needs. A Place for Mom, one of the largest senior living referral websites, explains in many cases, today’s communities may be a healthier, safer alternative for many elderly adults. Along with giving residents the help they need to maintain their independence, residents and families get peace of mind knowing someone is always around to lend a helping hand as well as all the benefits derived from the social connections offered by community life. 

A Place for Mom cites several studies, which shows the extensive services and programs offered by assisted living can aid seniors in avoiding many commonplace problems affecting the elderly. Getting the proper nutrition is one of those things as many elderly people struggle with meal prep and cooking, and for those who are no longer driving, buying groceries can be challenging. At MorningStar of Boulder, our Executive Chef specializes in preparing tasty, nutritional meals designed to delight our residents.  

Another problem many elderly adults have is managing medications properly. In fact, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists estimate people aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year so it is no wonder many seniors get confused. However, experts warn skipping doses or taking too much medication can result in deadly consequences and unfortunately too many seniors end up in the hospital each year due to medication “non-compliance.”  For this reason, MorningStar offers medication management to our residents.   

Perhaps most importantly we provide a full range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents engaged mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. Our holistic support allows residents to enjoy their retirement years and live as comfortably and safely as possible. For more information on trusted assisted living Boulder, CO seniors can count on; please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

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

Make Your Snacks Part of a Healthy Diet

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

If you are looking for the finest senior living Boulder, CO offers, MorningStar is it.  Our beautiful senior community provides assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar of Boulder’s warm, loving environment includes beautiful surroundings, care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our home and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks

Caring for a Loved One Living With Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia don’t have to give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability.

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder offers specialized care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. Our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.

MorningStar’s compassionate caregivers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities. Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, dance, music, exercise and life skills. For trusted memory care or assisted living Boulder, CO seniors and their families can count on, please contact us for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan

Are You Concerned About a Loved One’s Forgetfulness?

As we grow older, many of us find ourselves becoming forgetful and worry it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Researchers say it is true that the older we get we are more forgetful as at least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing ‘senior moments’ about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name.

The question then becomes when what is the difference between “normal” age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies find the brain shows warning signs of Alzheimer’s approximately fifteen years before someone experiences symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and quite a while before the first real signs of dementia start.

Concerning signs of memory loss include not just forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but repeatedly forgetting it. Another sign that something more serious is going on is if family members start to notice a loved one’s forgetfulness or confusion. Constantly repeating questions, forgetting the word for something or getting lost in a familiar neighborhood are other signs of a bigger problem. Judgement and planning may also be impaired, and tasks the person used to be good at like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe can become frustrating and difficult. 

To know for sure what is happening, you need to make an appointment with their doctor. They can do a complete medical work-up including looking at the medications the person is taking, and checking for signs of depression and other environmental issues, which could account for symptoms. If the person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease, there are therapies designed to improve quality of life.  

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  As dementia care specialists, we provide support to our residents and their families with an array of services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our approach to memory care is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call Lavender Sky and uses a broad range of Montessori-based therapy techniques. Contact us for more information about MorningStar’s memory care in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar of Boulder’s Holistic Memory Care

At MorningStar of Boulder, our goal is to be one of the best assisted living communities in the area, which includes compassionate and loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  We understand the heartbreak a diagnosis of dementia brings with it and wish to share the burden. 

MorningStar's comprehensive memory care supports residents and their families with services, wellness programs and activities essential to quality of life. Our holistic approach is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky,” and uses Montessori-based therapy techniques. As dementia care specialists, we feel it is our privilege – our calling – to walk alongside residents during this unexpected and challenging journey.

Once the decision is made to join our MorningStar family, we meet with the individual and their family to learn as much as we can about their background, talents and personal preferences. Aiding us in this process is a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” From there, we create a specialized, individualized care plan to calm or stimulate as needed. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is designed from the ground up to ensure a safe, secure environment in which residents can explore and maintain a sense of independence. Common areas are warm and inviting and meals are thoughtfully prepared and attractively served to encourage residents’ appetites. Purposeful, meaningful activities connect with and nurture the individual, whatever the level of memory loss may be. 

Another thing that makes MorningStar of Boulder a special place is our devoted, hard-working team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Our job is to elevate and celebrate life by trying to connect with and nurture the individual each day, and to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.  Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.  

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest assisted living communities in Boulder, CO.

Factors That Can Affect Balance and Lead to a Fall

The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women. 

Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. 

Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM.  

If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

MorningStar at Jordan is a senior living community in Centennial, CO with 55 private assisted living suites in various floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 memory care suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a responsive, loving staff.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls

The Dining Experience at MorningStar of Boulder

A move to senior living can mean a lot of changes for a person. Our job at MorningStar of Boulder is to make sure that experience is full of positive changes. One of the things we feel showcases our home is an outstanding food service, which is under the direction of our own Executive Chef.  

As an assisted living resident, you will be treated to a variety of seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. You will also enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining in our beautifully designed, relaxing dining rooms. For those times you wish to have an intimate dinner with friends or family, go ahead and reserve our private dining room. 

Our Chef is specifically trained in culinary skills and menu creations that appeal to seniors and knows how to modify recipes to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies as well as changing needs. A variety of nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Along with five-star dining, other amenities include a massage room, general store, library, fitness room, and a full-service salon.  We also offer a bistro, as well as a theatre/chapel, all-season porches, and more. And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we offer scheduled transportation.  

While under our roof, residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and join a variety of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to meet your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  Please visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other assisted living Boulder, CO offers and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Boulder, CO has to offer.

Welcome Home to MorningStar at Jordan

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar at Jordan is senior living at its best.  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.  

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart.  With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose.  Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our video that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.    Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or watching a favorite film in our comfortable theater? 

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 stylish, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information about exceptional senior living in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

What is Shingles?

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of getting shingles sometime in your life. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable. 

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles. 

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a washcloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

At MorningStar of Boulder, our goal is to be a true home distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other assisted living communities simply cannot match. As memory care specialists, our community also provides suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about one of the finest assisted living communities in Boulder. 

MorningStar at Jordan’s Care Services

MorningStar at Jordan’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

In fact, MorningStar’s comprehensive care services can help extend the stay of a resident if their health changes and they require more care. Furthermore, our dedicated team has experience finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Along with 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Care Managers, and access to licensed nurses; we assist residents with obtaining a wide range of therapeutic and medical services from third-party providers. Individualized service plans may include things like mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. We also offer pharmacy services to keep your prescriptions filled and medications dispersed as needed. Other services include transportation to medical appointments and scheduled physician visits.

We are in a southern suburb of Denver and offer 55 assisted living suites in a selection of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. For your comfort and convenience, amenities include a salon, bistro, theatre, general store, all-season porches, resident garden beds and more. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. 

We like to say that MorningStar’s assisted living provides seniors “a little help from friends” to live life on their own terms. Our community offers carefree retirement years with the chance to meet new friends, try new hobbies and explore new interests. Please contact us for more information.  Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living communities in Centennial.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Is it Time to Consider a Move to Assisted Living?

Being a caregiver for an elderly parent or another loved one can be stressful and over time your duties can increase to a point where it is more than you can handle. For your wellbeing and that of your parent’s, it is probably time to make a change. Today’s senior living communities offer a range of options including assisted living, designed to provide help with the ADLs (activities of daily living). This level of care allows the senior to regain their sense of independence; and for you, your time with mom or dad goes back to just enjoying being together.   

Assisted living communities like MorningStar of Boulder offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities and services as well as the opportunity to make new friends.

  

At MorningStar of Boulder, once the family decides to entrust us with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences. Then we create a care plan approved by you and your parents, which is also routinely updated to address any changes in care. Mom or dad will receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. We also offer medication management services.

MorningStar’s stylish apartments come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations.  Amenities include a bistro, fitness room, salon, spa bath, massage room, theatre/chapel, fireside patio, and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. 

Other services include scheduled transportation and onsite therapeutic services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy.  Weekly housekeeping and daily trash removal keeps mom or dad’s suite spotless, and linen and laundry services keep life simple. A five-star meal service ensures your loved one gets the daily nutrition they need. For more information on the finest assisted living in Boulder, CO please visit our website. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest assisted living communities in Boulder, CO.

Finding a Thoughtful Gift for a Parent or Grandparent

Trying to find thoughtful gifts for an elderly parent or grandparent can be a challenge.  If they live in a senior community that provides for many of their needs or an apartment without much extra space, they probably do not need anything that takes up a lot of room or already has it. 

This is where it helps to be creative, and remember gifts of your time often mean the most to an elderly person. However, there are some good gift ideas you may not have thought about and would be appreciated by your loved one. One idea for a mom or dad who loves coffee but doesn’t want to brew a whole pot is a single-serve coffee maker. Add in a few boxes of single-serve cups to use with the maker including hot chocolate or flavored coffees in a selection they would enjoy.

If they haven’t gotten a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo yet, it can make a great gift for someone with mobility challenges as it is voice operated. They can play music, answer questions, read the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more. To get them started, put together a cheat sheet of verbal commands they can use.  

Other ideas include a heated massage pillow to relieve neck and back pain or a sleep sound machine to help with a good night’s sleep. A gift basket filled with their favorite treats or products to pamper themselves with like fancy soaps, lotions and a couple of pairs of non-skid fuzzy socks are always appreciated. Another hit would be a recordable book from the grandkids. 

If you are looking at senior living communities in the southern Denver suburbs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan. Our all-inclusive community offers a range of care services and luxury amenities, while providing all the warmth and welcoming comforts of home. Every suite is well designed to maximize space and options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.  Please contact us for more information about MorningStar at Jordan and be sure to ask us about our Move-in Specials.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.