The Best Assisted Living in Boulder Starts with a Compassionate Team

If you have started the search for assisted living in the Boulder area, you may have already discovered that senior retirement homes are not all the same.  At MorningStar of Boulder, we feel that while we offer all of the luxury amenities, care services and wellness programs our residents need, the thing that sets us apart is our loving, professional team.

In order for us to deliver the Service Excellence our MorningStar brand demands, it requires a staff that has one thing in common – a big heart.  Our hiring process starts by looking for individuals with virtues that include kindness, character and selflessness. We look for people who have a felt calling to serve, and feel like we do, that seniors are heroes and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Upon hiring, each team member takes our Radiance training, which is much more than a customer service program but rather an altitude of the heart.  We use it to guide the way we deliver service - with depth of purpose and sincerity, and its percepts are reiterated each day during our daily Huddle.     

Each team member also receives training in our Lavender Sky program that is designed to aid all of our employees, regardless of their positions, to better understand our memory care residents.  It explains the disease and outlines our holistic approach to memory care that includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of person despite the extent of their memory loss.   

Our MorningStar of Boulder team feels privileged to serve seniors, and we all work together to provide our residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Our assisted living offers various levels of support, which is determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director. As dementia care experts, we feel it is our calling to care for our most tender residents as well as offer support to their families.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Boulder offers the very best in senior retirement homes with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.

Eye Exams are Important for Seniors

As we age, so do our eyes.  Starting in our late thirties or forties, it is common for people to develop Presbyopia, a normal condition that causes our eyes to gradually lose their ability to see things clearly up close.  Even the word "presbyopia" means "old eye" in Greek.  According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are several conditions and diseases that occur more commonly in older eyes, which is why they recommend eye exam guidelines specifically for older adults.

To start, they advise all adults to have a comprehensive baseline eye evaluation by an ophthalmologist at age 40.  For people age 40 to mid-fifties without risk factors, the recommendation is to have one every 2 to 4 years.  At 55 to 64, eye exams should be done every 1 to 3 years.  From age 65 and older, adults without risk factors should be examined every 1 to 2 years.    

Routine eye exams for seniors are important as many age-related eye diseases do not exhibit symptoms early.  Also, any one with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and even certain medications as well as environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking can cause eye-related problems.  

Senior eye diseases include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions.  Women are more likely than men to have glaucoma and somewhat more likely to have cataracts.  In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants seniors to know that vision problems are not a normal part of aging and may indicate a problem.  Also remember to keep your ophthalmologist apprised of any new health conditions.     

As one of the top senior living residences in the area, MorningStar at Jordan provides residents with unsurpassed assisted living and memory care.  Residents are offered a wide range of care services including transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, onsite diagnostics, pharmaceutical, and much more. 

For informational purposes only, please consult your eye care or health care professional if you notice any problems with your vision. 

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: aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/seniors-vision-develop

Medication Management Can be Vital to a Senior’s Health

Many families may be unaware of the extensive care services that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Boulder offer to residents.  One term that is useful to know is Activities of Daily Living (ADL), which describes the various care services found in an assisted living and memory care community.  These activities typically include dressing, bathing, eating, toileting, etc.  At MorningStar a resident’s care level is determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director (a licensed nurse).

One of the care services we offer is medication management by a Certified Med Care Manager.  The cost for this service is factored into a resident’s level of care and is part of their monthly fee.  Our service includes both the ordering and supervised administration of the medications, and we have two price points based on the number and type of prescriptions involved.

For many elderly people, medication management is a very important service.  Statistics show that “many hospitalizations are due to just a few drugs that should be monitored carefully to prevent problems. Blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), seizure medications (such as phenytoin), and opioid analgesics are some examples of these medications.” 

Forgetting to take prescribed medications, not taking the right dosage or not finishing prescriptions is common among seniors and can lead to serious medical problems.  Knowing a certified MorningStar medication manager is in charge of your loved one’s medications can provide a family with peace of mind. Dominick Bailey, a clinical pharmacist specializing in geriatric care reminds his elderly patients that, “Medications only work if you take them.”  He adds, “If they sit on the shelf, they don’t work.” 

If you would like to know more about the best senior retirement living in Boulder, CO, please visit our website for contact information regarding pricing and availability or to set up a tour.   We are conveniently located on the southeast side of the city, beautifully situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. With 48 assisted living suites and 46 secure suites devoted to memory care, we offer a range of floorplans including spacious studio and one-and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar of Boulder offers the very best in senior retirement living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.
Sources: cdc.gov/medicationsafety/adult_adversedrugevents.html
khn.org/news/americas-other-drug-problem-copious-prescriptions-for-hospitalized-elderly/

Join a Team Guided by Core Values of “Kindness Love, Respect & Honesty”

MorningStar Senior Living is seeking loving individuals to fill a variety of roles that range from care managers, to wellness nurses, food servers and housekeeping jobs in our Denver area communities.  As part of a unique company, Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger had specific ideas on how to create the ultimate environment for the wellbeing of seniors. From these convictions, he established three precepts for MorningStar: Honor God, Value All Seniors, and Invest Generously in the Team.

Moreover the care at our MorningStar homes is guided by a set of core values that include: Love, Respect, Honesty, Fairness, Goodness, and Kindness.  In order to achieve these lofty goals and provide the excellent service our brand demands, MorningStar’s hiring process starts by looking for individuals with “Great Hearts” and virtues such as character, kindness and selflessness.   We are looking for people who do the right thing even when no one is watching and are willing to go the extra mile to meet the expressed (and unexpressed) needs of our residents. 

You will find our homes are distinguished by exceptional architecture and the meticulous attention to details that mark superior design. However we know that beautiful buildings alone are not what families are looking for when it comes to finding the right home for their loved ones.  Rather seniors and their families need to trust in the sincerity of our care and the depth of our compassion along with the professionalism in which our services are offered.  We are proud to report this is where we shine, and are inspired by our mission as well as empowered by our commitment to be servant-leaders.   

We invite you to join a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered, and who understand the importance of investing in each other as well as our resident-families.  While founded on Judeo-Christian values, we welcome all faiths among our team members as well as with our residents.  Please see our complete list of assisted living jobs at Denver, CO’s senior living communities. 

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 on a variety of positions including housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Adopt Healthy Habits to Live Your Best as You Age

As we grow older, experts say there are some relatively simple changes we can do to help make the process smoother, and remind us it is never too late to adopt healthier habits.  They suggest four main areas to focus on that will make a difference in our overall health. 

First, multiple studies have shown that taking care of our emotional health is important.   Many older adults suffer from chronic health conditions (80% have at least one and 50% have two or more) including heart disease or cancer, which can put seniors at risk for depression.  When a person’s emotional health suffers, it can negatively impact other aspects of their health.  In fact research shows a link between depression and social isolation to “digestive problems, heart failure and weakened immune systems.”  Thus it is important for seniors to reach out for help if they feel depressed and to participate in activities that give their lives purpose and maintain or develop social connections.   

The next area to focus on is exercise.  Experts say we should look at exercise as more than a way to get stronger and/or to lose weight.  Exercise provides a whole range of benefits including helping to boost immunity and preventing muscle loss, as well as improving blood flow and strengthening the brain.    

Another suggestion is to take better care of our hair and skin.   Good skin care can help to avoid infections and should include washing with a mild soap while taking care not to “over wash” and moisturizing daily.  Also apply sun screen whenever you go outdoors. 

The last area to focus on for better health is nutrition.  Did you know that millions of seniors suffer from malnutrition?  One of the problems facing the elderly is that as we age, appetites decrease so getting all the nutrients the body requires is challenging.  Seniors need to keep in mind that it is not just about how much you eat but what you eat.  One thing that appears to help seniors eat better is to make eating a social affair. 

At the MorningStar at Jordan assisted living and memory care community, we make this easy as residents eat nutritional, tasty meals together in our charming dining room.   We provide seniors the opportunity to socialize as much as they want by participating in group enrichment activities and wellness programs that stimulate the mind, body and spirit.   Please visit our website for more details on the best assisted living home in Centennial, CO.   

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.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/how-to-make-a-daily-healthy-aging-routine/

Common Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease

There are many misconceptions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  As traumatizing as it is for a family to learn a loved one has Alzheimer’s, it is also important to sort through the various truths and myths regarding the disease.    

One mistake many people make when they or a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is to think their life is over.  In reality, a person can live a productive life for many years.  Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important and should include a nutrient-rich diet and routine exercise.  Experts also note it is important to stay socially connected and engage in activities that challenge the brain.  As medication is more helpful in the earlier stages, getting a proper diagnosis is vital.     

People also fear that if a parent had Alzheimer’s, they will get it.  The facts are that “familiar Alzheimer’s disease accounts for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.”  Furthermore, remember Alzheimer’s is not only a disease of the elderly.  While there are many fewer cases, it does occur in people as young as their 40s and 50s.

Another common myth is the belief that dental amalgam fillings containing a small amount of mercury caused the disease.  Studies have shown no such correlation between the two.  Others believe aluminum pans are responsible, and while a few studies suggest a small possibility, most experts think the link is questionable.  

Some people think memory loss is a natural progression of aging, but the truth is while many of us experience some decline in memory, if the loss is disrupting your day-to-day life, you need to see a healthcare provider.  Another thing to remember is a diagnosis of dementia is not necessarily better than being told a person has Alzheimer’s, it is just another form of the disease. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from dementia, please contact one of the area’s finest senior living residences offering specialized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  MorningStar at Jordan takes a holistic approach to memory care that is individualized and encompasses the whole person. Please visit our website for 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.

Sources: alz.org/news/2018/senate-takes-bold-steps-in-fight-against-alzheimer

alzheimer.ca/en/Home/About-dementia/Alzheimer-s-disease/Myth-and-reality-about-Alzheimer-s-disease

Seeking Creative Minds and Compassionate Hearts!

Want to work at a place where you will be an integral part of the team regardless of your position within the company?  At our beautiful, loving Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we know our team is the heartbeat of our communities and the reason why we are able to deliver the service excellence our Vision, Mission and Core Values demand. 

In fact part of our mission statement includes investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well, which means a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents.  We also proudly offer opportunities for growth as we promote from within the MorningStar Company whenever possible as well as offer purposeful training, mentoring and the support you need to excel in your role.   

With a Vision statement to love and honor others, it offers a way to “cast a new light” on senior living.  We recognize the inherent quality of all human beings and are committed to enhancing our resident's quality of life.  The philosophy behind our loving care derives from the belief that seniors are heroes and we can all learn a lot from them.  Over and over again team members tell us how they thought their job would be to serve seniors and did not foresee the many benefits they would receive through their relationships with residents. 

Our Denver area communities seeking loving individuals with a felt calling to serve include:  MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  Open assisted living jobs vary from care managers and medication care managers to life enrichment coordinators and associates, wellness nurses, cooks, concierge and more. 

Our job is to celebrate and elevate life for the resident-heroes beneath our roof and we invite you to join us in this loving endeavor!  Please contact us to learn more about assisted living jobs in the Denver, CO area.    

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.  If you wish to thrive personally and professionally, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for more information on rewarding assisted living jobs in Denver, CO.