Remember to Stay Hydrated as the Temperatures Soar

Now that summer is here seniors need to remember to stay hydrated as the temperatures warm up. There are several reasons why the elderly are more at risk for dehydration starting with the fact that as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so we may forget to drink. In addition, medications commonly prescribed to seniors such as diuretics, antipsychotics and corticosteroids can affect a senior’s ability to maintain fluids. Also, our bodies do not conserve fluids as well as when we were younger. Lastly it can be difficult for older adults to adapt to fluctuating temperatures, which may cause them to overheat quicker. 

Dehydration can also occur in individuals with dementia as the disease causes them to forget to eat and drink, and in the more advanced stages, many people have trouble swallowing. Furthermore, seniors with incontinent problems sometimes purposely limit their fluid intake as a way to avoid accidents. 

Whatever the reason, dehydration can lead to serious health problems and as the outside temperatures soar, seniors must take care. Experts recommend seniors get about 64 ounces of fluids a day, and in hot and humid weather or any changes in medical conditions or medications, you may need to drink even more. 

To make it easier to drink more water, try mixing in a little juice or fruit or add a flavored water enhancer. Other types of foods that help increase your fluid intake include savory broths, fruits such as watermelon, grapes, oranges and cantaloupe, smoothies, and herbal iced teas. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Boulder Colorado offers, and we understand the need for seniors to take extra care during the summer months. Our excellent food service is comprised of lots of fresh foods and healthy, refreshing beverages. Please see our website for more information about our community as well as our coordinated defense in the fight against the coronavirus to ensure the health of both residents and team members.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 learn more about the best assisted living Boulder Colorado has to offer.

MorningStar of Boulder Proudly Welcomes Military Veterans

MorningStar of Boulder is dedicated to providing the finest assisted living Boulder Colorado offers, and we proudly welcome military veterans to our community. Throughout all of MorningStar’s communities, we are privileged to have veterans from all five branches of military service call us home. 

Whenever we hear that veterans or families of vets are interested in our community, we are pleased to direct them to local resources that can help to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance.” This is a monthly benefit payment allocated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who qualify for financial need and have a doctor’s order for regular assistance with daily living activities. 

Additional qualifications for the vets include having served at least 90 days of active duty, of which at least one day was spent serving during a period of a foreign war. Also, the vet must not have been dishonorably discharged. The Aid & Attendance benefit does not require the vet to have served overseas, seen combat or retired from the military. For surviving spouses to be eligible for the benefit, they must have been married to the vet at the time of their death and never remarried. Feel free to contact us about how best to secure this well-deserved, tax-free benefit. It’s our pleasure to present options, though, of course, how you proceed is entirely up to you.

MorningStar of Boulder has 48 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 46 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website for more information about the Aid & Attendance benefit and our exceptional community.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 learn more about the best assisted living Boulder Colorado has to offer.

Keeping Skin Healthy Despite Frequent Hand Washing and Sanitizing

People with eczema and psoriasis as well as those with very dry skin may be exacerbating the problem with the excessive hand washing and hand sanitizers we are using to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. To provide some relief, the Medical News Today provides useful information from several experts including Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, on how to avoid or treat some of these issues. 

Dr. Laftah starts by explaining that, “Repetitive use of hand sanitizers and hand washing can strip the proteins in the epidermis (top skin layer), leading to a compromise of the skin barrier and, therefore, the risk of infection. Additionally, soaps can give rise to irritant hand dermatitis, which presents as dry, flaky, itchy red skin, particularly in the finger web spaces and on the knuckles.” 

For those with preexisting skin conditions, she recommends using a moisturizer daily and to try a moisturizing hand soap with antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or benzalkronium chloride. However, please know that recent studies have found “hand sanitizers containing these biocidal ingredients were less effective than alcohol-based hand gels at eradicating the coronavirus.” 

In addition to moisturizing or applying emollients repeatedly throughout the day, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly every time you wash them. This helps prevent germs from transferring between moist hands as well as reduces the drying effect water has on our skin’s natural oils. Dr. Laftah adds that “moisturizer that lathers can act as a soap substitute and will be less drying on the hands; therefore, those with cracked skin may find this more soothing.”

Other tips include moisturizing right before bed and then putting on cotton gloves to help lock in moisture. Also when using cleaning products or if your hands will be in water for a period of time such as washing dishes, wear latex or rubber gloves. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, an assisted living and memory care community in Centennial, CO, we offer compassionate 24/7 care services as well as a full complement of resort-style amenities. Also, please know that during the coronavirus outbreak, we are staying abreast of any updates and closely following—in many cases, exceeding—guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government.

MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source:www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hand-washing-advice-for-people-with-skin-conditions#Minimizing-the-impact-of-hand-washing

Learn More About Hearing Loss

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have some difficultly hearing. This can cause seniors to experience difficulty understanding and following doctor's orders, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms.” Hearing loss can leave people feeling isolated as they have problems following and engaging in conversations with family and friends. 

The medical term for hearing loss is presbycusis; and typically starts gradually by affecting the ability to hear higher pitched sounds. A person may feel like the volume is loud enough on the TV but the dialogue is mumbled. Experts explain this is caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves. Generally age-related hearing loss affect both ears equally. 

High blood pressure and diabetes, both common health conditions in older adults, can also affect the hearing as does some types of chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, people of all ages are at risk of hearing loss with long-term exposure to loud noise such as on a jobsite. 

If you or a loved one seems to be having trouble hearing, NIDCD has a checklist of questions to answer. For example, do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them? Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper? Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, discuss the problem with your health care provider. They will refer you to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. If a problem is found, you will be referred to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. From there you may be fitted for a hearing aid. 

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 learn more about our exceptional community.

Compassionate Memory Care at MorningStar of Boulder

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care. At MorningStar of Boulder our goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in the area, and we have the amenities and services to ensure the comfort, safety and wellbeing of our memory care residents. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood has 46 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. 

The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident. We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history, and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our care team. We use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities. Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, music, and life skills. 

To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as a secure patio and courtyard reserved just for memory care residents. Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual. 

Along with memory care, MorningStar of Boulder offers exceptional assisted living. Please visit our website to learn more about our memory care as well as the many resort-style amenities and services we provide to all residents. While you are there, you may read the statement from our CEO which details our defense against the coronavirus to help ensure the health of residents and team members during this difficult time.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Father's Day is June 21st

Especially in these unusual times when many of us will be unable to visit an elderly loved one, we want to make sure our parents or grandparents know how special they are to us. With Father’s Day just around the corner, let dad or grandpa know that while they may be out of sight, they are not out of mind. 

So what is a good gift that lets him know he is not forgotten? As you know dad best, ask yourself if he’s a guy who loves practical gifts, tech toys or something on the humorous side? I know many dads may not buy one themselves but would love a plush new bathrobe; so why not personalize it with a monogram? If he is more of a t-shirt kind of guy, order him a personalized shirt. A popular one has handprints with the names of all the grandchildren and a message calling him out as “Hands Down Best Grandpa,” or how about one that says “Great Dads Make Great Grandpas?” 

If dad gets chilly and loves to fish, how about getting him a cozy throw decorating with fish bearing the names of his grandkids. Another idea is an indoor gardening kit for the dad who loves to grow things. If granddad is a gamer at heart, how about getting him a lap-sized Nintendo Switch. A recent study showed in addition to fun, 3D-platform games can help improve cognitive health. Don’t forget the gift of music or audio books targeted to his interests, and if he doesn’t already own a set, consider noise cancelling headphones for the ultimate listening experience. If dad still gets around, a step tracking device is a fun way to keep him moving. 

While the MorningStar senior living communities are temporarily closed to non-essential visitors, we are still open to the love that is pouring in for our residents. At MorningStar at Jordan, we are still accepting assisted living and memory care residents during this difficult time, confident in our protective protocols. Please visit our website and take a virtual tour of our beautiful community. 

MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Do You Have a Big Heart and a Love for Seniors?

In today’s world, it sometimes feels as if we are chasing after all of the wrong things. Many of us hold jobs that do not offer much personal satisfaction nor bring us to work each day with a smile on our face. At our beautiful Denver senior living communities, we are proud to say we are a workplace that offers just that and much more. 

Each position within our communities is essential to providing the exemplary care we have built our reputation on and includes various roles required to keep our residents healthy and happy. As true residential homes, our care continues around the clock so some of our positions are evening, night and weekend shifts with both full and part-time available. We offer competitive wages and a full array of health benefits including medical, vision and dental care as well as vacation, sick and holiday pay. 

Some of the assisted living jobs in Denver’s MorningStar communities include care manager, medication care manager, cook, dining room server, concierge, housekeeping, and more. Furthermore, regardless of the job, we seek individuals who share our core values of love, kindness, goodness, honesty, fairness, and want to help advance our mission. Lastly, we need men and women who understand that seniors deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. 

Join us in building a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered. Listen to what one MorningStar team member says about the joys of serving others: “People always ask me why I love my job so much. For me it’s not always about money, but the difference you can make in someone’s life. MorningStar has done so much for me in the short time I have been here. Not only am I changing residents’ lives, but they are changing mine.” 

Finally, we want to reassure you that during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are safely hiring, and taking every precaution to keep our team safe at work. While our career opportunities are diverse, all require individuals with big hearts and a love for seniors. Please see our website for a full list of opening positions. 

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 have a commitment to service, we encourage you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on how to apply for assisted living jobs in Denver CO.