Socialization is Important for Seniors

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.  

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network.

 

As one of the top communities for senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer, MorningStar at RidgeGate offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute.  Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers.

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

The Joy of Serving “Heroes”

At Denver’s MorningStar senior living communities, we feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve seniors – true heroes who have lived through both good times and bad and have many fascinating stories to share.  Our older generation has experienced times of war as well as seen technologies and innovations become part of everyday life that was unimaginable in their youth.    

People working in senior living are often surprised to discover how pleasurable it is to serve seniors and how much they learn from it.  After all, if we take the time to listen, seniors have plenty of valuable life lessons to pass on to the younger generation.  Over the span of a lifetime, they have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge, which provides them with a unique perspective.  And older folks typically love having someone around who is willing to listen to them and to look at pictures and cherished mementos from the past. 

When you hang out with seniors, you get the chance to hear about their various backgrounds and interesting careers and to be inspired by their life-long perseverance.  They can help you see what is really important in life, and you use their life lessons to develop more rewarding relationships with our own family.  Also you will come away with a better understanding of the aging process and increased empathy for those suffering from illnesses and disabilities.    

Moreover our Denver MorningStar communities allow you to work with like-minded, loving people who also have a felt calling to serve.  In fact we are proud to say our communities are like an extended family.  Our open assisted jobs are at MorningStar of Arvada, MorningStar at Jordan, MorningStar of Littleton, MorningStar at RidgeGate, MorningStar of Wheat Ridge, and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.

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 information on assisted living jobs in Denver.

Often Overlooked Sources of Funding Assisted Living

When it becomes apparent that your parent or another senior loved one needs more care than they are getting at home, you may worry that an assisted living home is just too expensive.  At MorningStar at Jordan, we understand the concern but want families to know we can help direct them to often overlooked sources of funding. 

 

However first, we want you to remember that our assisted living community offers a whole new lifestyle.  Monthly fees will include the necessities and much more including a fully equipped private suite, daily meals, and transportation services.  Additionally, each suite includes cable TV and utilities as well as an emergency call system.  We also supply a full range of meaningful wellness programs and fun activities and entertainment.   

 

One of the sources of income we discuss with potential residents and their families includes the generous “Aid & Attendance” Pension issued by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.  The monthly benefit pays for assisted living to qualified veterans, as well as their surviving spouse.  We will direct you to a local resource that can help ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.

We also remind seniors to take a look at their Long-term Care insurance policies.  They can help to protect your personal assets by paying for senior care up to the amounts set forth in the policy.  To determine your LTC policy’s coverage, check the Benefits Summary section for specifics on the type of coverage, daily benefit, policy limits and elimination period.  Keep in mind premiums may be tax deductible, and benefits from tax-qualified plans are non-taxable, which makes this option even more attractive.

     

Another source of funding to help with assisted living costs can be to leverage your life insurance policies.  Many whole life and universal life policies build a cash reserve through interest-earning excess premiums known as the policy’s “cash value”. 

Before taking advantage of any of these funding methods, please consult with a financial advisor.  MorningStar at Jordan’s team is ready to answer questions regarding pricing and availability of our beautiful assisted living and memory care community. 

MorningStar at Jordan’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 beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we offer our residents the best assisted living home in the area.

Independent Living or Assisted Living?

Seniors often end up feeling confused about whether independent living or assisted living is their best senior living option.   Experts say the most important thing is to base your decision on is how well you manage your daily personal care activities on your own.  

If you need help with things like meal preparations, personal hygiene, managing medications, and household chores, assisted living is probably your best bet.  However, if you are an active senior who is handling these tasks on your own but would like convenient access to hospitality services such as dining, wellness programs and activities, housekeeping, and companionship, independent living is perfect for you. 

Moreover, for seniors who still feel comfortable managing their own personal care for now but worry things could change in the future, communities such as MorningStar at RidgeGate are the answer.  Our community offers 124 bright suites for independent living, with penthouses as large as 1838 square feet.  In addition, we have 71 suites for assisted living and 29 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  If down the road, you feel you need more assistance than our independent living offers, you will have priority to one of our assisted living or memory care suites. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer.  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 and to inquire about pricing and availability. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers.

Join Our Team as a Valued MorningStar Housekeeper

Housekeeping jobs in Denver are not all the same.  At the Denver area MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar, we are proud to say our dedicated housekeepers are an integral part of our team.   

Whenever we hire a new team member, regardless of the position, it is done with the utmost care including filling our vacant housekeeping jobs.  As our housekeepers have close contact with our residents (we encourage it), we seek individuals with big hearts who truly enjoy spending time with seniors.  We look for individuals who love the idea of working as a team to create a true home for our residents and understand the importance of building relationships with our resident-families as well as fellow team members.   

Along with fostering the ultimate environment for our residents’ wellbeing, MorningStar communities are renowned for their actual physical beauty.  Most of our Denver communities are less than a decade old (and some much newer) and were built with exacting attention to detail.  Our attractive buildings and gorgeously-appointed furnishings offer residents and team members a place they can be proud to live and work in. 

Our hardworking housekeeping staff takes great pride in keeping our communities spotless.  As part of the team, your duties will include performing assigned day-to-day housekeeping functions in resident suites and common areas and as requested by your supervisor.  You will have the chance to hear residents’ fascinating life stories as you clean their homes as well as the pleasure of knowing they appreciate your efforts.  

From the moment you walk into one of our Denver area senior living communities, you will feel the chemistry in the air and see it with your eyes - a staff that loves our residents like they do their own moms and dads.  In addition to housekeeping jobs in Denver’s MorningStar communities, we are also in need of care managers, dining room servers, cooks and 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 housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Helping Your Loved One Transition into Assisted Living

While we recognize the many benefits of senior living residences, any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly a big change for most seniors.  This is why experts have tips to help families support their loved one during the transition. 

A couple of common problems families encounter are a parent feeling abandoned or frustrated by a perceived loss of independence.  Your loved one may also experience problems adjusting to a new routine.  They may resent having to downsize and moving from their own home to a smaller apartment. 

Psychologist Dr. Deborah L. Stote explains it will help seniors adjust to their new home if they get encouragement and support from their family during their first days and weeks at the senior living community.  She says seniors “need positive reassurance that they are moving into a new chapter of their lives, rather than ending the life they have always known.”   However, Dr. Stote cautions families not to do too much “handholding.”  Being too protective can be counterproductive and prevent them from trying to make an adjustment to their new home. 

While transitioning to assisted living can be difficult for some seniors, others quickly realize the advantage of no longer having to worry about their homes’ upkeep or needing to prepare their own meals.  Their earlier feelings of resentment or sadness turn into feelings of gratitude as they understand their new home is better equipped to help them maintain their independence and can give them the support and care they need. 

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 assisted living suites on three levels, with spacious studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood offers 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory loss from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disease.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to our community to find out for yourself why our residents are proud to call us home. 

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.

Source: assistedliving.com/helping-elderly-aging-parents-adjust-senior-living-01112013/

Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University, 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 at Jordan is proud to be one of area’s finest senior living residences.  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. 

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.

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