The Many Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Research shows that one of the best benefits of exercise is a longer life. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase a seniors’ lifespan by approximately three to five years. 

Regular exercise is also attributed to preventing fall, which is a big problem for elderly adults and can have serious consequences. WHO explains that regular exercise improves muscle strength and bone density as well as improves balance. Statistics indicate regular exercise reduces the risk of hip fractures by up to 40%. 

Seniors who participate in regular exercise can help to reduce their risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Bone density is improved by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging. The risk for other common health conditions such as stroke or heart attack are reduced by doing exercises that raises the heart rate and increases blood flow. 

Research also suggests exercise may help to delay or reduce the risk of developing dementia. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, staying physically active appears to be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Another unexpected benefit is elderly adults appear to feel more confidence and independent. 

So how much do older adults need to exercise to receive the most benefit? WHO recommends that seniors do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic physical activity a week. Aerobic activity should be done in at least 10 minute intervals. WHO also states older adults with poor mobility should “perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.” 

MorningStar of Boulder’s senior retirement living includes assisted living and memory care. We offer 48 assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some over 700 square feet. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

Before starting any physical exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

As one of the nation’s finest assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. For serene, comfortable senior retirement living, please visit our website to setup a tour. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults

MorningStar at Jordan offers Assisted Living at Its Finest

When searching for senior living residences, many people are not entirely sure what the term “assisted living” means.  We will try and clarify.  One of the first things to know is assisted living is not just another word for a nursing home.  Nor does it offer the same level of care and typically is not as expensive. 

What is assisted living?  Assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require some assistance with daily personal care activities.   While not all assisted living communities are the same in terms of the level of care, typically assisted living provides services for activities like bathing and dressing as well as prepared meals.  

At assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan, we create individualized care plans for each resident after talking with them and their family. Furthermore, during the course of your stay, your care plan will be regularly reviewed so it continues to address your needs.  Also, regardless of the level of care, all residents receive the assurance of having 24/7 onsite Care Managers who help to ensure their safety and meet their every need.

As a resident of MorningStar, you will get three daily meals that are meticulously prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef.  Each meal is both nutritional and delicious and we modify recipes to address a number of different dietary restrictions including low sodium or low fat, sugar-free, no sugar, and vegetarian options.  

In addition, our assisted living residents will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and programs that are designed to promote physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness.   Please visit our website for contact information to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan. 

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.

Study Shows Older Adults in Senior Living Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom recently posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist. The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.”

Hospitalization information from participants in the 2002-2012 Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?” Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone. Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our primary job is to provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritually and social wellbeing. As one of Boulder’s top assisted living community, residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more. In addition we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.” While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up a tour. 

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. While there may be many senior retirement homes in the area, we are uniquely one of a kind! 

Source:
aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/

Lead Care Managers – Champions of Teamwork

At our greater Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we provide team members the training they need to effectively carry out their responsibilities within our residential homes and to become true leaders.  We currently are offering career opportunities for the right people including Lead Care Manager positions.  These hardworking individuals are champions of teamwork and provide support, coaching and training to other team members, all while exhibiting a positive and caring attitude.    

Lead Care Managers offer patience and understanding to residents, their families, and visitors as well as fellow team members as they dispense care in a timely manner.  They also carefully protect residents’ privacy and see to it that each one is treated with the respect and the dignity they deserve.    

As a MorningStar Lead Care Manager, you will be instrumental in assisting in the orientation and training of new Care Managers as well as helping to develop and review residents’ care plans.  You will assist with residents’ daily living activities and do what is necessary to ensure their utmost comfort, safety and mental wellbeing.  Other responsibilities include observing and reporting any symptoms, reactions and changes in a resident’s health to your supervisor.  Also in your leadership position, you will help encourage and motivate residents to participate in recreational, occupational, and physical therapies along with any other rehabilitative measures designed to enhance their quality of life. 

We encourage you to visit our website to view our various assisted living jobs that include Lead Care Managers, Care Managers, and Medication Care Managers/QMAP as well as many other positions.  Join our team and become a part of something inspirational and rewarding!

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 website to learn more about assisted living jobs in the Denver area.

How to Make the Most of Your Next Doctor Appointment

Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University, recently wrote an in-depth article for the New York Times detailing the strategies seniors can use to get more out of their next doctor appointment. She starts by explaining that you should take a few minutes to figure out what you want to get out of the appointment. Ask yourself if this is just a well visit or do you have something specific you want to discuss with the doctor such as a new symptom or problem. It might be you wish to discuss changes in your diet or lifestyle or to bring up topics such as end-of-life preference? 

Dr. Ofri stresses that quality is better than quantity and being focused on a couple of things you hope to accomplish from the appointment will probably result in more specific answers. Also scheduling regular appointments will give you the time to concentrate on your various needs. 

To ensure your doctor has the information he or she needs, write down all the medications and dosages you are taking beforehand, including any herbal supplements and vitamins. If it is easier, bring all your pill bottles so the staff can go through your medications and daily dosages. Remember your insurance information, and if it is a new doctor, bring along your health records. 

Another important part of a successful doctor visit is communication. Always keep in mind you are your own best advocate and want to make sure you are clearly heard. Experts suggest you keep track of the time to make sure your primary concerns are covered. Furthermore do not bring up new problems right at the end of the visit but rather schedule a new appointment to discuss those issues. Most importantly the experts say to not leave the office until you completely understand your treatment plan. If you need, ask one of the nurses to go over the doctor’s instructions with you. After you leave, go over everything that occurred during the visit including treatment plans and recommendations for any follow-up appointments and write down anything you may forget.

MorningStar of Boulder is proud to be one of area’s finest assisted living communities. Our residents’ health is our first priority and we provide all of the amenities and services required to accomplish this. Please visit our website to learn more. 

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience unsurpassed senior retirement living. 

Source: bethesdahealth.org/seniors-can-better-doctors-appointments/

Sundowner’s Syndrome and Sleep Disturbances

The Alzheimer’s Association reports on studies that show “as many as 20 percent of persons with Alzheimer's will experience increased confusion, anxiety and agitation beginning late in the day. Others may experience changes in their sleep schedule and restlessness during the night.”  This condition is often referred to as sundowning or sundowner’s syndrome. 

In addition to the anxiety and agitation, other symptoms for the syndrome include anger, depression, pacing, fear, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering and violence.  The cause of sundowning is not known but researchers speculate that the condition may be triggered by a number of factors such as fatigue or an overreaction to the day’s sensory stimulation.  Some think that sundowning could be the result of anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark.  Another reason may be hormonal imbalances that occur at night.  Also because people with sundowner’s symptoms experience a disruption in their sleep-cycles, that can create more behavioral problems.    

The Alzheimer’s Association advises that any sleep disturbances should be discussed with a doctor but experts do offer some helpful tips to cope with sundowner’s syndrome.  One of the suggestions is to keep the home well-lit during the evening hours.  They also recommend scheduled meal times and bedtimes.  If the person needs a nap, it should be taken early in the day.  Furthermore, doctor appointments and other activities should be scheduled for the morning or early afternoon as it allows for plenty of downtime before evening.  

Furthermore, the person’s biggest meal should be at lunch and only a light dinner.  It is important to avoid nicotine and alcohol, and any caffeine consumption should be restricted to morning hours.  At night, help keep the person safe by providing nightlights and make sure doors are windows are locked.  If wandering is a big part of their sundowning behaviors, use door sensors and motion detectors. 

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 compassionate, individualized care for seniors with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

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 & 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.

MorningStar at RidgeGate Offers Options for a Variety of Needs

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers a range of living options that meet the varying needs of seniors.  Our community’s independent living includes 124 bright and spacious suites.  We also have 71 assisted living suites and 29 secure suites dedicated to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s independent living is the perfect answer for seniors who wish for a carefree, active lifestyle that provides built-in companionship and predictable budgeting.  As a resident, you will not need to cook as much but rather can take advantage of two daily, tasty meals prepared by our Executive Chef as well as our vast assortment of activities and wellness programs.  

Also as a part of our community, you give up having to worry about maintaining a home both inside and out.  Our independent living suites are equipped with everything you need including a washer/dryer along with full kitchens for when you wish to prepare your own meals.  Our community also has a spacious interior park to enjoy the outdoors as well as a saline pool with hot tub.     

MorningStar’s assisted living is designed for seniors who want to retain their independence but require a little assistance on a daily basis.  We offer various levels of support with activities of daily living along with 24/7 Care Managers, a full-time licensed nurse and more to ensure the comfort, well-being and safety of our residents.

In terms of our memory care, we feel privileged to help those suffering from memory loss and our goal is to find ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual every day. By learning about a person’s life, history and preferences, we are able to personalize their care and treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

If you are looking for an independent or assisted living home in the Lone Tree area, please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at RidgeGate’s senior living options. 

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.