Walking Can Help Improve Balance

Many seniors know a fall could threaten their independence and way of life. Common injuries include to the head, hip fractures, and in the most extreme cases death. Experts explain balance declines as we age as well as can be affected by medications and medical conditions, lack of flexibility and uncorrected vision problems. This is why medical experts encourage seniors to work on maintaining and improving balance.

The Harvard Medical School says one of the simplest ways to improve balance is with exercises like walking, strength training and workouts targeted to improve stability. However, before beginning any new exercise regime, consult your healthcare provider.

When beginning a walking plan, whether you are active or sedentary, experts say to remember minutes walked are more important than number of miles. If you are unused to exercise, start slowly. Also, wear good walking shoes, and if you normally use a cane or walker, use it. Experts say it is safer to walk with a buddy and to bring along a cell phone. Walk in a place with an even surface, and especially in the beginning, stay close to home. Once you start feeling more confident, add more minutes to your routine.

For seniors who are already walking, try adding a few more minutes to your program or a more challenging route. Experts say the overall goal should be to do at least 150 minutes a week. To add strength training exercises and workouts to improve balance, ask your doctor for advice on how to get started.

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, memory care residents enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends. Along with a fitness center and exercise classes, our expansive interior park has strolling paths. In addition, Bluffs Regional Park Trail and the Willow Creek Trail are close by and a great place for a peaceful walk. If you are looking for independent living or assisted living in the South Metro Denver area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar retirement communities.

MorningStar offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing in our staff to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted and independent living in Lone Tree, Colorado.

MorningStar at RidgeGate Offers Luxury Senior Living

Several studies have shown that most seniors who move into senior living communities say they prefer it to living alone. A Place for Mom reports that “while many seniors want to age at home as long as they can, research shows that senior communities may be the healthier option; especially after a spouse passes away.” Also, seniors are often unaware of the wide range of services and amenities available at an independent or assisted living community.

When a senior lives alone, they can become isolated, especially if they have stopped driving. In addition, trying to maintain a house can be difficult for aging adults. Housekeeping chores, preparing meals, and going up and down stairs can be challenging for the elderly. Another problem faced by seniors who live alone is the fear of falling. Having no one around to help in the case of an emergency can be scary as well as life-threatening. And for those needing some help with the activities of daily living, assisted living is a good solution for all these issues.

If you or a loved one are considering independent or assisted living in Highlands Ranch, CO area, we encourage you to learn more about MorningStar at RidgeGate. Our attractive five-story building has stylish suites including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Apartments feature high ceilings, fireplace, washer/dryer, handicapped-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Weekly housekeeping and linen service is provided.

Our luxury community offers all the services, amenities, programs and activities to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and private dining rooms; we have bistro bars, a salon, swimming pool and fitness center. Other amenities include an art studio, theaters, underground parking and relaxing outdoor areas as well as scheduled transportation.

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the kind of senior living area families count on. Along with independent and assisted living, we provide memory care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) and trial stays to see if we are a good fit. Please contact us or visit our website to set up a tour.

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 independent living, memory care and retirement communities Highlands Ranch, CO offers. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Products Designed to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors

It seems as if every day the market offers more and more tech devices, gadgets and mobility aids designed to keep older adults moving and give them as independent a lifestyle as possible. Mobility aids include everything from canes and walkers to fall prevention items, wheelchairs, personal scooters, powered wheelchairs, transfer devices and more. The range of products is huge as in the example of walkers. While there are two basic types, standard or rolling (sometimes called rollators); the selection is varied and includes many options and add-ons such as seats and storage baskets.

Technology devices include a variety of products like health monitoring systems and cognitive aids to keep seniors safer and more connected. Today’s SOS alerts systems and fall detectors enable seniors to get help when and where they need it. Amplification devices make it easier to hear the TV, and phones are designed to be easy to use and see. Electronic medication reminders help seniors stay on track with daily meds.

Products such as shower chairs, grab bars and raised toilet seats can make a bathroom safer for seniors and help avoid falls. Ergonomic, adaptive kitchens tools are designed for seniors with arthritis and weak hand grip strength. These include specially designed bottle, cap and jar openers; and scooped plates and bowls to reduce movement.

Adaptive, light-weight tools for gardening enthusiasts also make it easier to dig in the soil and reduce hand and wrist fatigue while weeding. Raised beds and trellises eliminate the need to get down on the ground, and a rolling gardening chair cart makes it easier to get around. Thick kneeling pads are designed to more comfortably knee or sit on the ground, a few even offer cup holders and pockets for tools. Check out the Internet for other useful items.

If you are considering senior living communities in the Denver area, MorningStar at Jordan may be your answer. We offer assisted living that allows seniors to comfortably and securely age in place while enjoying luxury amenities, wellness programs, activities and built-in companionship. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful memory care community.

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 Centennial, CO.

Managing Mild Cognitive Impairment With Lifestyle Changes

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be a precursor to dementia but does not always progress to dementia. Medical professionals report 10% to 40% of MCI cases go on to become dementia, and a good percentage of those become Alzheimer’s disease. On the positive side, research shows as many as 30-40% of people with MCI get better. As with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, there is no cure for MCI but there are some therapies which have been approved to treat early Alzheimer’s to slow disease progression. Doctors also say there are steps we can take to mitigate or minimize the effects of MCI.

MCI is just as its name suggests. The impairment is mild and does not affect a person’s ability to care for themselves or take away their independence. Steps a person should take to protect their cognitive health include quitting smoking and moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption. If you do have hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol levels or diabetes, it is important to treat these conditions and manage them through medications, diet and healthy lifestyle habits.

Other things you can do to thwart, delay or minimize the effects of MCI are to maintain a healthy weight and exercise, which is good for our brains as well as our bodies. Avoid junk food, highly processed foods and foods high in sodium; and reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Isolation has also been linked to a higher risk for dementia, so it is important to stay social.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan provides compassionate memory care for those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is tailored to serve the needs of our special residents from purposeful activities to nutritional, easy-to-eat foods. 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. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar assisted living communities are 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.

Gingivitis: Prevention and Treatment Methods

Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease and can become a serious problem if allowed to go untreated. The disease attacks the tissue at the base of the teeth, called gingival tissue, and causes swelling and inflammation. It occurs when food particles and other substances are left on the gum line where sticky plaque and hard tartar forms at and below the gums.

Dr. Tien Jiang, assistant professor in oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says with the correct oral care gingivitis can be controlled with proper teeth brushing and routine dental cleanings. If left untreated, inflammation from gingivitis can lead to an irreversible form of gum disease called periodontitis, and damage the tissue and bones supporting the teeth. If your dentist suspects periodontitis, they can use x-rays to see how far the disease has advanced.

Studies have linked inflammation of the gums to a higher risk of many serious diseases including heart, stroke and dementia. Poor dental hygiene like not flossing, smoking, misaligned teeth, diabetes that is not well-managed, and infections in other parts of the body can put you at higher risk for gum disease.

While early gum disease usually does not cause symptoms, as the disease progresses; signs include sore, red, sensitive, or swollen gums. Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed, mouth sores and bad breath are other symptoms.

Dr. Jiang says prevention and treatment begins with home care and should include brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Pay attention to areas where plaque tends to grow such as between the teeth and at the gum line. If your dentist visits show lots of plaque buildup, they may recommend using anti-plaque or anti-tartar toothpaste or mouth rinse.

At the dentist’s office, your dentist or dental hygienist is equipped to remove plaque deposits before gingivitis can cause more serious problems. For cases where inflammation is below the gum line, they have special tools to clean the area. Your dentist’s office is also a good place to learn how to properly care for your teeth.

MorningStar at Jordan provides exceptional senior living in Centennial, Colorado. Our 55 well-designed suites for assisted living are available in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Residents enjoy amenities including chef-inspired meals, bistro, theater, salon, general store, all-season porches and fireside patio. To promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, our daily calendar is full of wellness programs and activities such as exercise classes, games, crafts and entertainment. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 suites for all-inclusive, specialized dementia care. Contact us or visit our website to schedule a tour of our beautiful community.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and dementia care in Centennial, CO. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gingivitis-reversing-and-preventing-early-gum-disease

MorningStar at Jordan Offers an Elevated Dining Experience

MorningStar at Jordan is a vibrant community offering assisted living and memory care in Centennial, Colorado with easy access to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and other services. We are one of ten MorningStar Senior Living communities in the Denver area.

As a MorningStar at Jordan resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and services including an elevated dining experience. All residents are treated to meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining rooms. We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers. MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions. At each meal, residents have the opportunity to self-manage dietary restrictions with choices of low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian, low fat, gluten free and dairy free options.

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Thus, as MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, berries, dark chocolate and leafy greens.

Our community offers 55 stylish assisted living suites for those that need help with the activities of daily living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases. While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has inviting common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule 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 to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

When to Consider a Memory Care Community

A Place for Mom’s website explains how many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia can live independently with or without the help of in-home caregivers or family members. However, they also stress there may come a time when the disease progresses to a stage where the person’s safety and physical well-being is in jeopardy and more care is needed.

As a person with Alzheimer’s may have good days and bad, it can be hard to tell if they would be better served in a memory care community. Experts say signs include: has their appearance changed? Do they look unkempt and have they lost weight due to forgetting to eat? Do they appear agitated and confused? Are they unable to carry on a conversation?

Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help you decide if it is time for memory care. Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says, “When talking about memory care . . . I’ll center the talk around [the person’s] ability to perform their activities of daily living.”

A Place for Mom says to gauge a senior’s abilities and safety, your doctor may ask if they:

• Get lost on routes they take frequently, such as going to the grocery store or taking a walk around the neighborhood
• Have trouble remembering to eat or drink
• Are forgetting to take their medication appropriately
• Are struggling to bathe regularly or get dressed as usual
• Had a fall or been to the emergency room recently
• Leave the stove on after preparing food

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan provides compassionate memory care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. Beginning with dedicated caregivers to activities, programs and meals tailored to our residents’ special needs, we bring a deep understanding of the disease to our care. Please contact us or visit our website 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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living communities and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care