As the Temperatures Rise - Remember to Stay Hydrated

With summer bringing hotter, steamier temperatures, it is a good time to remind everyone, and especially seniors, to protect themselves from dehydration, which happens when our bodies lose more fluid than it takes in. Dr. Samuel Keim, a professor and head of the department of emergency medicine at the University of Arizona, explains one of the reasons adults 70 and older are more at risk for dehydration is “a diminished thirst mechanism and a decreased ability to compensate for high-temperature environments.” He adds this means seniors are less likely to feel thirsty or realize they are becoming dehydrated.

Moreover, many seniors suffer from medical conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease exacerbating the problem. Also, medications like anticholinergics or antihistamines disrupt the body’s natural reflexes and reduce its heat tolerance causing a person to sweat less. Other problematic drugs include diuretic medications that increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine or beta blockers that interfere with the body’s natural response to becoming dehydrated.

Heat-exhaustion symptoms can include fatigue, thirst, profuse sweating, lightheadedness, cramps, nausea and weakness, and need to be addressed immediately as they can lead to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Treatment includes getting the person out of the heat into a cool location and removing heavy clothing. Spraying the person with water and directing a fan on them also helps. Seek emergency attention if the person is confused or fainting but continue to treat the person until help arrives.

MorningStar at RidgeGate is a vibrant senior living community in the heart of Lone Tree, Colorado offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. Please visit our website for more information regarding our community, amenities and care services as well as inquire about our Move-in Specials and availability.

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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hot-weather-health-tips

The Many Benefits of Senior Communities

As it turns out, many seniors are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent or assisted living community. In part, that may be since many of today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities. As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security. Here are some of the many benefits:

• When seniors move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities. Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as yard work and other housekeeping chores.

• Seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Also, as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves. This is something that is not a problem in senior communities. While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.

• For seniors who do not drive anymore, senior communities usually offer some form of transportation. In addition, many routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping or other events.

• We also know that many seniors who live alone do not eat well. In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing food has become difficult. Many senior communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and offer choices such as low sodium, no sugar added etc.

• As an assisted living resident, you will receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services senior communities provide to ensure your safety and to meet your needs.

• Finally, we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age. Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around. If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand.

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we provide all this and more. Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day dining, game room, theaters, fitness center, pool, interior park, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional independent and assisted living in the Highlands Ranch, CO area.

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 independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO area has to offer.

MorningStar at Jordan’s Approach to Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. MorningStar at Jordan wants area families to know we are here to help.

We are an assisted living and memory care community in a suburban location southeast of Denver, convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services. MorningStar has senior living communities across eleven states, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists.

MorningStar’s extensive experience in memory care has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.

Before the resident even joins our community, we take the time to get to know them through interviews with their family members to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Managers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events. Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Centennial, Colorado.

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 for more information about one of the finest senior living communities in the area.

Finding a Gift for a Loved One Living in an Assisted Living Community

It can be difficult to find the right gift for a parent or grandparent living in an assisted living community. We recognize that they have had a lifetime of gifts, and as they are no longer running their own household, they not only do not need as much but have a limited amount of space.

One suggestion is to give them a blanket or throw as seniors often suffer from the cold. However, if you want to personalize your gift, there are several companies that will create a cozy throw using one of your family photos. A talking photo album also lets you create memories through family pictures and when it has recorded voices of the grandkids, it is really special.

Another idea is to give them a lap desk that allows them to easily read a book or to write a letter from the comfort of their chair. You could add a couple of adult coloring books illustrated with things they enjoy or places they have been along with some colored pencils and markers to complete your gift.

A personalized gift basket can be filled with all kinds of things such as their favorite soaps, lotions and perfumes or colognes. You can also fill a basket with special treats including chocolates, cookies and a small plug-in teapot and tea bags, or do one up with slippers, grippy socks, and a couple of pairs of fashionable compression socks.

Furthermore, tablets and iPads make good gifts as their touch-screen technology and large print options make them easy for seniors to use. If your parents are not tech savvy, set up the tablet before you give it to them with their email address, facebook page and other personal items. It may be fun to pre-load a few games that you think they would enjoy and add some photos of the family. Add to the gift the offer to be their “tech support” if they have any problems.

MorningStar at Jordan is proud to offer exceptional senior living in Centennial, Colorado with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our community offers 55 private assisted living suites and 29 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information about our beautiful community and to set up a tour.

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 and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

Looking for Senior Living in the Denver Area?

MorningStar at Jordan is a vibrant 55+ community located in Centennial, Colorado. Our community offers 55 assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

We want you to know there are several things that set us apart from other senior living communities and that we strive to provide residents with the best of the best. Whether it is our beautiful interiors and exteriors, a host of wellness programs and activities, or most importantly a responsive staff that is honored to serve seniors, we feel MorningStar offers unparalleled senior living. Our goal is to provide residents with the care they need to lead more comfortable, healthier lives and give them a place they are proud to call “home.”

Our location makes it easy to get to medical services, shopping and restaurants, and among our many services and amenities, we provide scheduled transportation. MorningStar at Jordan also gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the care they need with an individualized care plan, 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse, and other services.

Amenities include three daily meals prepared largely from scratch under the direction of our Executive Chef and served all day in our full-service dining room. At MorningStar we feel breaking bread together offers far more than physical nutrients – it helps to bond us together as family and friends. Our community also has plenty of common areas that are perfect for entertaining visitors, chatting with another resident, or just quietly reading a book. In addition, our community has a fitness & wellness center, bistro, theatre, salon, fireside patio and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about luxury senior living at MorningStar.

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.

Finding Care for a Loved One With Memory Impairment

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps.

Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks.

Memory care communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as provide meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receives extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat and understand residents.

At MorningStar of Boulder, we offer a holistic approach to memory care for the utmost comfort, safety and well-being of the individual. Once a family decides to entrust the care of their loved one to MorningStar, we create a Personalized Service Plan to provide the care, people, programs, and activities they need. Residents receive healthy, specially prepared meals to make eating less stressful along with daily health monitoring, 24/7 care from a well-trained staff, access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Our Reflections Neighborhood has welcoming common areas and is designed to support residents’ independence as much as possible. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, our community is completely secure, including an outdoor patio and courtyard. In addition, all suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care or assisted living in Boulder, 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. Contact us for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Enjoy Working in the Garden This Summer

Research has shown gardening to be an effective low-impact exercise for seniors. Along with providing a moderate amount of exercise for aging adults, gardening can offer benefits to your mental and emotional health. To keep it accessible to the elderly for whom lifting and bending can be difficult; it is smart to incorporate a few modifications such as raised garden beds as well as using various ergonomic tools.

One of the best things about gardening is it stimulates all of the senses and offers an excellent excuse to get outside and soak up some vitamin D as well as boost serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that improves your mood and helps you to feel calm and centered. In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, gardening gives seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment with its beautiful or edible finished product. It is also an enjoyable way to use all your motor skills and improve endurance and strength.

Working in a garden has proven helpful to those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Gardening can help recall pleasant memories from the past and remind a person of healthier times. Experts advise not to give someone with dementia a sharp tool.

If seniors plan to get out and garden, they need to protect themselves against pests and the elements. It is recommended that seniors avoid the heat of the day and apply plenty of sunblock and wear protective clothing including sunglasses and a hat. They should have shady areas available with benches or chairs so they may easily take a break as needed. It is also important to remember to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration can be a problem.

Among our many amenities and activities at MorningStar at Jordan, we offer residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through all-season porches, a fireside patio and resident garden beds. Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional assisted living or memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar at Jordan.

Learn More About Arthritis

In an article in Medical News Today experts discuss some of the common myths and facts regarding arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two main types of arthritis, and a national survey found nearly half of adults 65 years and older have been diagnosed with arthritis. OA, the most common form and leading cause of disability in older adults, is the result of cartilage between the bones in a joint wearing down.

Many people believe arthritis is only a disease of the elderly but RA, while not as common as OA, typically starts in individuals as young as 20 to 40 years old. People also mistakenly think if a joint hurts, it must be arthritis. Doctors say there are several reasons a person may experience pain in and around joints including old injuries, bursitis, and tendinitis.

Another myth is you shouldn’t exercise if you have arthritis; however, studies show exercise can actually help with range of motion and strength in the joint (consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or activity). The American College of Rheumatology says, “Exercise and arthritis can and should coexist. People with arthritis who exercise regularly have less pain, more energy, improved sleep, and better day-to-day function.”

Then there is the debate on whether heat is better than ice for sore joints. The Guy’s and St Thomas’s National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in the UK, explains, “Used in the right way, heat can help reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Cold application can help reduce joint inflammation and swelling.” Moreover, experts say believing arthritis is unpreventable is only partially true as there are things people can do to mitigate risk or slow down the progression such as maintaining a healthy body weight.

If you are currently looking at assisted living communities in the Boulder, CO area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Boulder. Our community provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers individualized memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for a full list of amenities, suite plans and to inquire about availability and pricing.

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.

A Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is Difficult for Both the Individual and Their Family

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs.

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also, ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby.

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provides a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia. If you are looking for trusted assisted living or memory care in Centennial, Colorado, please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis