Encourage Engagement and Self-Expression for Those with Dementia

Multiple studies report on the benefits of using music and art to improve the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Experts explain they help encourage engagement and self-expression even in more advanced stages.  

Professionals who work with Alzheimer’s patients say music seems to decrease agitation and improves behavioral problems common in the middle stages of the disease. Patients in later stages may even be able to sing a song they knew from childhood or tap a foot to the beat even after other forms of communication are difficult. Dancing or gently moving to a rhythm helps coordinate motor movements as well as allows the person to express emotions. Research shows “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” 

If you wish to use music to calm and soothe, choose peaceful, tranquil pieces. If you want to boost spirits and bring back happy memories, use livelier pieces. Experts say to turn off other distractions like a TV and close windows if there is outside noise. Music may be more enjoyable to the person if it is something they are familiar with from their earlier life. 

Art can also be an outlet for self-expression and give a person with Alzheimer’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment in creating their own work. Experts recommended avoiding any project that seems childlike and demeaning. Use safe, non-toxic materials, and if they need, take their hand and guide it on the paper to get them started. Moreover, remember there is no need for the person to finish.  

MorningStar at Jordan is a trusted assisted living and memory care home in Centennial, a suburb of Denver, CO. Our holistic memory care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation. A resident’s day is filled with meaningful activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents. Please visit our website to learn more about senior living, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/art-music

Supportive, Holistic Care Services at MorningStar of Boulder

For exceptional assisted living, Boulder, CO seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  MorningStar of Boulder’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

In fact, MorningStar’s comprehensive care services can help extend the stay of a resident if their health changes and they require more care. Furthermore, our dedicated team has experience finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Along with 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Care Managers, CPR-trained staff on every shift and access to licensed nurses; we assist residents with obtaining a wide range of therapeutic and medical services from third-party providers. Individualized service plans may include things like mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. We also offer pharmacy services to keep your prescriptions filled and medications dispersed as needed. Other services include transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, and specialty medical and dental care.

We are located on the southeast side of the celebrated mountain town of Boulder and offer 48 assisted living suites with a selection of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. For your comfort and convenience, amenities include a full salon, bistro, general store, chapel/theatre, fitness room and more. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 46 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia-related diseases. 

We like to say that MorningStar’s assisted living facilities provide seniors “a little help from friends” to live life on their own terms. Our community offers carefree retirement years with the chance to meet new friends, try new hobbies and explore new interests. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our company and our commitment to serving seniors. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Healthier Dessert Options

The U.S. News and World Report published an article on tasty treats designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a healthier alternative to more sugar laden desserts. One suggestion from board-certified oncology dietitian, Kailey Proctor, of the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, is to grill pineapple, banana, apple or pear slices. Grilling concentrates flavors by reducing the water content, and further sweetens the fruit as natural sugars are caramelized by the heat.  

Dark chocolate is a known powerful source of antioxidants as research shows it can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and raise HDLs, reducing your risk for heart disease. One healthy, easy-to-make dessert is to melt dark chocolate and spread it over parchment paper. Then sprinkle dried cherries, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds over it; refrigerate for five minutes and cut into small pieces. Another variation is to dip fresh strawberries or other fruit into melted dark chocolate. 

Yogurt parfaits are fun to put-together and can be customized to your taste. Using a parfait dish or small bowl, add granola, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter or seeds, layering with yogurt. To cut down on fat, use nonfat or low-fat yogurt as it still provides a good source of protein without the calories. 

How about banana ice cream made from frozen pureed bananas mixed with almond milk? If you like, add in peanut butter and nuts. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top, which is “thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.” 

At MorningStar at Jordan, our many services include Executive Chef designed meals served restaurant-style. Meals are made largely from scratch with the freshest of ingredients. We also use “BrainWise Foods” known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Please visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living communities, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Jordan provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement “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.  Visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/healthy-dessertsand-theyre-tasty-too

Moving to an Assisted Living Community

Many times, a move to assisted living for an elderly loved one is due to an event such as a recent hospitalization for a fall or a worsening medical condition. This means the person does not have the time to process the move from a beloved home, and the sudden change may be very upsetting. Even for seniors who have had the time to plan a move into assisted living, it may be challenging. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, we know the many benefits assisted living communities such as ours afford to residents; but at the same time, we recognize any change is difficult and moving into assisted living is certainly one of those events. In addition to our own experience, experts also offer suggestions to families on how best to support their loved one during the transition. 

It may ease the transition for the person to get as familiar as possible with the new community and staff before the move.  Also, after a decision is made, let your loved one decide what furniture and keepsakes they want to move with them and help them decorate.   If possible, arrange furniture and decorations in a similar way and display photos and other keepsakes to make the new place feel like “home.”  

Keep in mind the person may feel abandoned, or frustrated with their perceived loss of independence and decision making, and have a hard time adjusting to a change in their routine. Give the person plenty of support during the first days and weeks at the community, but don’t overdo it. This could actually be counterproductive and prevent a loved one from making an adjustment. Instead, emphasizing the move is an opportunity to start a new chapter in their life.  

In some cases, seniors make a quick adjustment and recognize the advantage of no longer worrying about their homes’ maintenance or preparing meals. They like the ease of a more robust social life and feel a peace of mind knowing help is around whenever they need it. For others it may take a little more time.

In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder offers individualized memory care, respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (from a week to a full month) to see if we are a good fit.  Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest assisted living homes in Boulder.

Join MorningStar’s Mission to Serve Seniors

Going through the pandemic has taught many of us just how precious life is and maybe it is time we did something to make a difference in the world. After all, using our “special gifts” to serve others is probably some of the most satisfying work we can do. At the MorningStar Senior Living communities, we are blessed to have team members who feel honored to serve and know if anyone deserves our respect and compassionate care it is seniors. 

Currently six of our Deaver area communities are recruiting individuals to fill a variety of positions. Communities include MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar of Parker; MorningStar at RidgeGate; and MorningStar of Wheat Ridge.  Some of our positions are caregiver jobs while others are essential to the smooth operation of our communities.  Current open positions include Care Manager, Server, Maintenance Director, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Wellness Nurse, Driver, Housekeeping jobs and more.  

Too often people mistakenly think working and hanging out with old folks is depressing but studies report many seniors say they are happier than they have ever been. At MorningStar we proudly recognize seniors as courageous heroes who have faced triumphs and trials in which they have gained a lifetime of wisdom. Living long, rich lives, they have witnessed everything from world wars to the World Wide Web. We encourage you to take a few minutes and really listen to an elderly relative or neighbor. We are sure you will be surprised by how much they can teach us. 

If you would love to assist our efforts to provide our remarkable residents with the care they now require from us, how about joining our team. MorningStar’s jobs are varied, and unlike many other senior living communities, we put virtues such as kindness and character on the same level as experience and education. We are proud of our culturally diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. 

Morningstar is happy to offer our team members a very generous benefit package. Our benefits start with competitive wages, plus bonus and incentive opportunities in some positions, and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, training, and employee leave and support programs.  No matter what our employee’s needs are, MorningStar has a benefit program designed to support our most valued asset – the MorningStar employee family.  Please visit MorningStar’s Careers Here page for an online application as well as a full list of our extensive benefits. 

MorningStar Senior Living exemplifies the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to offer seniors a life of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website and apply for a rewarding position (including caregiver and housekeeping jobs) in the Denver area.

A True Home at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan

MorningStar at Jordan is part of a company founded on authenticity, and a reputation for excellence. Setting our home apart from other senior living communities is the fact we understand the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Additionally, we have an extraordinary team who feel privileged to serve and help create an environment where life is enriched, stories are shared, and lives are cherished. 

Our beautiful community has 55 private assisted living suites and another 29 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  In assisted living, residents receive various levels of support with the activities of daily living, based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their extended family. Care includes around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure residents’ safety and wellbeing as they work to meet expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. 

MorningStar’s memory care uses a holistic approach, which is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore as we find ways to daily celebrate life regardless of the extent of memory loss. Moreover, we understand the essence of the person remains and treat each with the utmost respect and dignity as we walk alongside the individual and their family throughout this difficult journey. 

To learn more about our loving community, we encourage you to visit our website. You will find extensive information such as floorplans and a list of our hospitality and care services, amenities and philosophy. For a quick response, use our Virtual Assistant to inquiry about availability, pricing and/or to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Does a Loved One with Dementia Need More Care?

A Place for Mom’s website offers some advice to families regarding the need for memory care for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. They explain early-on in the disease, many individuals are capable of living independently with family members overseeing some of their care. However, they also warn symptoms can vary from day to day and it can be difficult to know exactly when a person requires more supervision for their safety and wellbeing. 

Dr. Philip Branshaw, an internal medicine specialist in Batavia, Illinois, says when speaking to families, he centers the conversation regarding additional care for their loved one on the “ability to perform activities of daily living and safety.” ADLs include things like dressing, bathing, eating and toileting. 

Other questions doctors may ask to evaluate a person’s ability to live on their own include: is he or she having trouble finding their way back home from familiar neighborhood routes? Are they forgetting to eat or drink and take medications? Is the person’s safety at risk? Have they left the stove on, have unexplained bruises, or had several falls recently?

Medical experts say it is important to let the person’s healthcare providers know as soon as you suspect a problem. They can do tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing the confusion or memory loss; and take a look at the person’s medications to see if they are the problem. Also, if a diagnosis is made early-on, the person has the chance to weigh-in regarding care options down the road. 

Along with Senior living, Boulder CO’s MorningStar community has 46 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care is individualized for each resident and designed to stimulate or calm in response to a particular mood or situation.  Each day is filled with activities that incorporate music, dance, art, aromatherapy, or animals to heal and comfort residents.  Visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Boulder assisted living.

MorningStar of Boulder brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “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. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/is-it-time-for-memory-care