Monday, February 18, 2019

A “Tree of Life” Symbolizes Our Commitment to Residents & Staff

MorningStar Senior Living’s Denver communities are a part of the larger MorningStar Senior Living Company that has communities throughout the Western U.S.  In Denver our communities include: MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  We have a unique mission statement that includes honoring God in all of our business practices and our relationships, which transcends to a superior quality of life for our MorningStar’s residents.  As such, we seek like-minded individuals who feel privileged to serve and want to help strengthen our reimagined vision of senior living. 

To symbolize our three separate mission statements, we commissioned a painting we call the Tree of Life, a phrase most notable referenced in Genesis and Revelation.  The painting is done as a “triptych,” which is one picture depicted across three separate panels.

The tree and its root are symbolic of Jesus as he said in Revelation 22:16, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the Bright Morning Star.  The mature, majestic tree symbolizes the long life of a senior, and the fruit it produces is due to it being deeply rooted and reaching up to the light.  The rough, textured bark reminds us of a senior’s work-worn hands and the mountains in the background represent MorningStar’s Colorado beginnings.  Our Tree of Life picture is displayed in all of our senior living communities and you should make a point to see it when you visit.  

Our loving Denver area communities have a Christian foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors and are currently recruiting individuals with a felt calling to serve seniors. Please visit our website to see our complete list of assisted living jobs and our convenient online application.  Remember, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31. 


At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, visit MorningStar’s website for information on assisted living jobs in Denver.

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Eye Health Information for Older Adults


The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should receive a baseline comprehensive eye evaluation at age 40. Individuals without risk factors aged 40 to 54 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 2 to 4 years. Individuals without risk factors aged 55 to 64 should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 3 years. They add that seniors 65 years and older without risk factors should be examined by an ophthalmologist every 1 to 2 years as the incidence of unrecognized ocular disease increases with age.

Since many age-related eye problems do not exhibit early symptoms, getting regular eye exams and being aware of any changes to your vision is critical.  In addition, it is important to remember that other health problems such as diabetes and hypertension as well as some other risk factors can cause eye-related issues. 
  
Your exam should include a check of your vision, coordination of eye muscles, peripheral vision, pupil response to light and color testing.  Also the doctor will examine your eyelid inside and out along with the interior and back of the eye.  A measurement of your eye fluid pressure will also be done that consists of a puff of air onto the eye with an instrument called a tonometer.   This is used to check for glaucoma and other diseases.

Furthermore, you may be monitored for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) disease.  This test includes trying to detect and monitor conditions affecting the macula by examining the back of your eye using special instruments.  If you do not already have an eye doctor, see your health care provider for a referral.  

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 and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility.

Source: aao.org/


Wednesday, February 13, 2019

FAQs Answered on the MorningStar Website


If you are in the beginning stages of looking for an independent or assisted living home in and around Lone Tree, we recommend taking a look at MorningStar at RidgeGate.  Our community has 124 bright suites for independent living, another 71 for assisted living, and 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.   

One good way to get to know our community is through our website where you will find lots of information regarding our amenities and services as well as information and floor plans of our suites.  Furthermore, the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which encompasses over 30 communities in ten states under operation or in development, has lots of information about how our communities are run and what they offer. 

One of the areas you will find especially informative is the “FAQ” section.  Here we go through a whole list of questions we have been asked in the past and provide families with answers.  Topics include why we are different, what we offer, and just what is independent living, assisted living and memory care.  We also provide help in determining if your loved one needs assisted living along with suggestions on how to begin the conversation on why it may be the time to start thinking about making a change in their living situation.

The FAQ page is also an easy way to see if you or your loved one meets our age requirement (for an IL, AL, or MC suite, you must be at least 62 years of age).  It also provides answers to questions regarding Companion Living, couples living together, respite stays, pets, and much more.  Additionally, while we provide answers as to how our fees are structured and how we determine the care you or your family member will receive in assisted living, we are more than happy to answer all of your questions personally.  Once you have looked over our website, we invite you to set up a tour of MorningStar at RidgeGate to see for yourself our beautiful, loving community.                  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we are proud to offer our residents the best independent and assisted living home in the area.


Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Know the Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly


We know that falls can be dangerous, and in fact, they are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) statistics state that one in four Americans age 65 years and older fall each year.  They report that, “every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.”

However, there are several risk factors that can be addressed that may help prevent falls.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that it is not only chronic health conditions that lead to falls but also safety hazards within or around a senior’s home.

The NIH cites muscle weakness, especially in the legs, along with a lack of flexibility and endurance as a significant risk factor that puts seniors at risk for a fall.  Another factor increasing risk is an unsteady gait when walking as well as poor balance, which can be contributed to chronic health problems and lack of exercise.  In addition, older adults need to be sure to wear safe footwear and should avoid backless shoes or slippers, high-heeled shoes or shoes with smooth soles.     

Furthermore, a condition known as postural hypotension (when blood pressure drops too quickly when getting up from a lying down or sitting position) can increase the risk of falling.  There are several chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes as well as certain medications that can cause this to happen.  Also, vision problems, sensory difficulties, confusion and medications can lead to dizziness and unsteadiness, and result in a fall. 

The NIH advises seniors to report any fall to their doctor as is may be a sign of a “new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder.”  It could also be a signal that your medication needs to be adjusted or changed. 

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 and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living residences with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community.


From Cooks to Dining Servers, Housekeeping Jobs & More!




The MorningStar Senior Living communities in the greater Denver area are seeking hardworking, committed individuals who would like a rewarding career serving seniors in a workplace environment that values each member of its team.  Currently we have a variety of openings, and while some of our positions require a certain amount of experience and/or special education, the one thing we look for in all of our team members is “heart.”  We recognize that character, kindness, and selflessness are virtues that contribute as much as education and experience in building a team that serves with distinction. 

MorningStar is proud of our culturally diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.  Moreover we know family is important to all of us, which is why we go out of our way to accommodate flexible hours and schedules.  MorningStar also understands we need to do more than just tell our employees they are important to us so we provide competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.  We also know it is important to train our team members to help them achieve their professional best. 

MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian values, but we gladly welcome all faiths among our staff as well as our residents.  One team member describes why working for MorningStar feels so different, “When you’ve worked around the globe as I have, and come to a workplace that feels like home, where you are so welcomed, so cared for, so appreciated…it can take you by surprise. That’s what I found at MorningStar. Whether from staff or residents, the respect, trust and love shown to me is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced in my career.”

Please visit our website for more career opportunities at our Denver communities.  These include MorningStar of Arvada, MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  Positions include Care Managers, cooks, dining room servers, dish washers, housekeeping jobs and much more.


At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for details regarding a wide range of assisted living jobs in Denver.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

When is Forgetfulness Not a Part of Natural Aging?

Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging; however, it is important to recognize the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss.  As we grow older, we may experience problems with things like finding our keys or glasses, remembering names or certain words, and taking longer to learn new things.  In most cases this is just mild forgetfulness, and there are things we can do to help sharpen our memory.

Experts recommend that activities such as taking a class, playing cards and word games, or volunteering can all help to improve mental acuity.  Also it may be helpful to use memory tools such as calendars and to-do-lists, and to eat well, get plenty of rest and limit your alcohol intake.  Tricks like always putting away your day-to-day items in a designated place can be helpful.  As depression along with some medications and health conditions can adversely affect memory, it is important to consult with your doctor if problems continue or worsen. 

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that the type of memory loss that disrupts a person’s everyday life is not normal.  From their list of ten signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they state that one of the first sign of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering newly learned information. 

Further signs of serious memory problems involve difficulty with daily activities such as driving, shopping, and following conversations.  A person may start having trouble following directions; be confused about time, people, and places; and become lost in familiar places.  Other signs include changes in personal hygiene and attire as well as not eating well.

If you have questions regarding these and the other warning signs found on the Alzheimer’s Association website, they advise consulting your physician.  They state that, “early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.”

If you are considering a memory care facility for a loved one, we encourage you to visit MorningStar at Jordan’s website to learn more about our loving community.

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 and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility.

Source: www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Senior Living Communities Embracing a Culture of Love & Civility


Working in one of our assisted living jobs gives you the chance to join our loving, compassionate MorningStar “family.”  We seek individuals with a felt calling to serve, and who desire a career that allows them to grow professionally and personally. 

Our MorningStar Senior Living communities in and around the Denver area are beautiful residential homes offering independent living, assisted living and memory care.  With mission statements of:  honoring God in our business practices and relationships; valuing all seniors as gifted, contributing individuals; and investing generously in our team members’ ability to serve well, we take pride in creating a workplace where excellence can flourish.  

Along with supporting the essential work our team does in ensuring our residents’ wellbeing, we recognize that the way we conduct ourselves at our workplace also defines who we are.  This is why MorningStar asks our employees to take the time to be “radically relational and to build warm, genuine connection with each and all of those we serve.” 

As a way to create a culture of love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness and respect (our core values) and to cast a new light, we request our team members set an example of decency, good manners and polite conversations.  Our Code of Civility defines a commitment to one another by working as a team and remembering that everyone plays a vital role in our success.  It also cautions us to reject gossip and to embrace appreciation.  MorningStar believes that incorporating civility into our day-to-day lives helps to build relationships and inspires us to do the right thing even when no one is watching. 

Please visit our website’s Careers page for more information regarding a whole host of assisted living jobs including Care Managers, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, dining room servers, housekeeping jobs, and more.  Some of these openings are full or part-time as well as evenings and weekends.  We look forward to hearing from you. 


At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  Please visit MorningStar’s Career page for more information on rewarding Denver area assisted living jobs.