As We Age, Our Thinking Process Begins to Slow Down

Many of us find ourselves wondering if our brain is working as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Research shows most likely it is not. Various studies suggest memory problems often “reflect a slower processing speed and poor encoding and retrieval of new memories as a result of diminished attention.” However, while normal aging causes seniors to process new information slower; judgement and reasoning powers remain largely intact.

Researchers say in the same way we cannot jump as high or run as fast as we did when we were children; our thinking process also begins to slow down. By the time we are in our 50s or 60s, this can interfere with remembering things, solving problems or learning new information. Structural changes in the brain regions involved in memory processing such as the hippocampus and the frontal lobes all experience anatomical and neurochemical changes as we age. Concentration can be affected by the natural loss of receptors and neurons. Outside factors such as not getting enough sleep or a hearing loss can exacerbate the problem, and daily aches and pains can impact our ability to concentrate as do the medications we take to ease the pain.

If an older person does not make a point to really concentrate when taking in new information, it can cause problems with recall as they never really learned it in the first place. Experts offer practical, commonsense tips to help you more reliably process information and improve your ability to focus. Examples include playing brain games, physical exercise (it helps send more blood flow to the brain), getting out in nature, listening to music, sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night or using relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness.

If you are looking for luxury independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar at RidgeGate may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Lone Tree, Colorado.

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-aging-affects-focus

Care Services at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan

For outstanding assisted living, seniors and their families are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Jordan, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.  By defining health and wellbeing holistically, our home provides services and programming that support the whole person - body, mind and spirit.   Together our Life Enrichment programs and Wellness Care services complement one another to ensure each resident gets the best care.  

As a testament to the full scope of our services, we look for creative solutions within the full authority of our license through the Department of Health to help extend the stay of the resident if they experience changes in their health.  These solutions can yield a higher quality of care at a lower cost to the family and provide a welcomed continuity of care for the resident.  

   

We are also proud that our assisted living residents benefit from our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.  This centralized mobile station ensures accurate, onsite assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records).  In addition, record keeping is not only accurate but legible as well as offers complete demographic and medical information at hand.  It also enhances confidentiality of residents’ data.   

Our broad care services include five levels of care for assisted living residents based on a point system and determined after a thorough evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Residents have 24-hour care managers and access to a licensed nurse either onsite or on-call 24/7.  MorningStar’s services also include medication management by certified med care managers as well as care planning reviews and scheduled health and wellness evaluations.  

To address specific health needs, we have partnered with EmpowerMe Wellness.  They provide on-site access to wellness programs, personal training and physical, occupational and speech therapy services to help residents maintain their highest level of independence for as long as possible. 

Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Our community includes 55 stylish suites for assisted living and another 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

The Benefits of Assisted Living Communities

Many times, a move to assisted living is not only good for the senior but for the family as well. Mom or dad living alone, perhaps already experiencing a fall or another type of health emergency, is stressful for everybody involved. 

Senior living experts point out the benefits of receiving attentive senior care along with services like nutritional meals, access to meaningful programs and transportation to and from appointments. At communities like MorningStar at Jordan, we sit down with in-coming residents to create a Personalized Service Plan designed to help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), which include bathing, grooming, transferring (such as from bed to a wheelchair), feeding and toileting. 

Dee Pekruhn, director of life plan communities’ services and policy for LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, says, “Whether they stand alone or are part of a larger continuing care campus, assisted living communities offer a wide variety of community and social activities.” These typically include arts and crafts, physical exercise classes such as chair yoga, live concerts and other entertainment, and educational and technology classes. At MorningStar, we tell our residents if we don’t already have a class addressing one of your interests, to start one. 

Special outings and trips are another component of many senior living communities including MorningStar at Jordan. Bus trips to local points of interest, shopping or cultural events are just some of the activities enjoyed by residents.  

Another important service is medication management as statistics show the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, and as high as 39 percent of seniors take five or more. Medical management ensures seniors take the proper medication they need when they need it. 

MorningStar is proud to offer exceptional assisted living in Centennial, CO with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our community offers 55 private assisted living suites and 29 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Source: 

health.usnews.com/best-assisted-living/slideshows/how-assisted-living-improves-quality-of-life?

Falls in Older Adults

When an older adult trips and falls, it can be life changing. Consequences include serious head injuries, hip fractures and broken bones, and in the worst cases, fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 3 million seniors are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year. Furthermore, more problems can arise as many seniors need several months to recover, which can cause a decline in strength and mobility as well as mental agility.  It can also lead to the loss of independence and isolation. 

Statistics show most falls happen for a handful of reasons and being forewarned may help prevent one. The environment, especially the person’s home and surrounding outdoor area is one of the biggest culprits. Danger spots include slippery bathtubs, high mattresses, steep stairs, poorly lit hallways, loose rugs, obstacles in walkways and clutter. Experts say a little bit of time spent addressing these problems with things like non-slip bath mats and grab bars, more lighting, removing clutter, etc. can help prevent a fall. 

Another risk factor for a fall is chronic health conditions that affect balance and mobility. Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure can mean a person might experience dizziness or be unable to control muscles to stop a fall. 

Growing older also puts us at risk for diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, which in turn, leads to more accidents. Solutions include having yearly eye exams and making sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date.

Experts say it is important for seniors to stay as fit as possible as aging affects muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. Check with your doctor for information on balance and strength exercises. If a medication is making you dizzy or drowsy, talk to your doctor about it. There may be another drug just as effective and doesn’t have the same side effects.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, we offer residents comfort, security, and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home has suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities, wellness programs, activities and care services. Our residents’ safety is important to us, and each apartment is equipped with a handicap-accessible bathroom and emergency call system.  Please visit our website for more information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living communities in Centennial, CO.  

MorningStar takes pride in the reputation our senior living communities have earned since 2003 for excellence and authenticity in why we serve and how we serve.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: seniorsafetyreviews.com/5-biggest-causes-seniors-falling/

Hospice and Palliative Care: What is the Difference?

To help those dealing with end-of-life issues, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains some of the myths associated with palliative and hospice care including sorting out the difference between the two terms. They explain while they are similar, they do differ in a couple of significant ways.

Palliative care is defined as providing specialized care for those living with a serious illness. Myths linked to palliative care include the person no longer being able to receive care for their disease. The fact is care can be provided for the illness along with curative care. Another myth is the person will no longer be able to see their primary doctor but will only be treated by specialists. NIA says in many cases, the person’s primary provider will work hand-in-hand with specialists.

The intention of palliative care is to improve quality of life as well as provide care to improve help with symptoms. It also helps the patient understand their choices for medical treatment. A palliative care team may be made up of specialized nurses and doctors along with social workers, nutritionists and chaplains. If a time comes when the person’s care team decides treatment is no longer working, palliative care could transition to hospice care if the doctor believes the person is likely to die within six months.  Another option is the palliative team would continue to help with the emphasis on providing comfort care. 

The NIA explains hospice care provides comfort and quality of life for a person with a serious illness who is facing end of life. The myth surrounding hospice care is the person cannot receive any medications. The truth is a person will receive medications to help manage symptoms but not to treat the disease. Many people think hospice care can only be done in a hospital or nursing facility but experts say it can also be done at home. 

MorningStar at Jordan is an assisted living and memory care community with a range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Please contact us or visit our website 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 the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a Common Disorder

The US News & World Report says approximately 1 in 3 adults are believed to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They explain the condition causes a person to momentarily stop breathing at intervals throughout the night and interrupting their sleep. 

Pulmonologist and section head of sleep medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, Dr. Sheila Tsai, explains, “A person’s airway either partially collapses or completely closes (obstructs) during sleep.” She says episodes can be frequent throughout the sleep cycle and cause drops in oxygenation. While the person may only awake briefly as they struggle to breathe, their sleep is fragmented and non-restorative as it infers with REM, the deep, restful stage of sleep. 

Common causes of OSA are obesity and age, and The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine estimates as many as 80 percent of people suffering from OSA are undiagnosed. The condition typically causes the person to snore loudly, interrupted with gasps, hesitations and snorts. They may wake up feeling unrefreshed and sleepy during the day, or complain of headaches. OSA can additionally cause other sleep disorders to become worse like restless-leg syndrome and sleep walking.  

Doctors say OSA is a serious, but treatable condition and it is important to seek medical care. A sleep study or test done in a clinic setting or even at home is the best way to diagnose the condition. Untreated OSA can put a person at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other problems.   

If you are looking at assisted living communities in the Boulder, CO area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar.  Our beautiful community is a true home where residents can comfortably and safely age in place. We have 48 suites for assisted living and 46 suites devoted to the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us for more information about MorningStar of Boulder’s broad range of amenities, wellness programs, activities and care services.  Be sure to ask about our Move-in Savings. 

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living communities in Boulder, CO.

Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/sleep-apnea/articles/best-sleeping-positions-for-sleep-apnea?

MorningStar of Boulder Offers Trusted Memory Care

At MorningStar of Boulder, we offer residents a warm and welcoming home with 48 stylish suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Fully equipped, all you need to bring are your furnishings and personal treasures; and yes, we are pet friendly. 

For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, we provide suites and care for individuals from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.  While a secure area, our Reflections Neighborhood encourages independence with clear wayfinding and inviting common areas. For residents’ safety, suites are equipped with emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Other amenities include housekeeping and laundry services as well as scheduled transportation for doctor’s appointments and special outings. 

Care in our Reflections Neighborhood begins with a high staff to resident ratio. All team members are trained in our “Lavender Sky” program that encompasses our philosophy and approach.  This training gives employees a better understanding of the disease and more tools for effective, compassionate treatments. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Once a family decides MorningStar is a good fit, we start the process to learn as much as we can about your loved one’s background, talents and personal preferences using a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” This allows us to create a specialized, individualized service plan that calms or stimulates as each unique situation suggests.  Contact us to learn more about trusted memory care or assisted living in Boulder, CO.

MorningStar of Boulder’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO has to offer.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.