Celebrating Grandparents on Their Special Day

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. In 2025 it will occur on Sunday, September 7th. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year.

For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids.

Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can include the role of caregiver, teacher, playmate and cheering squad depending on where they live; and does not come with the responsibilities of being the parent. Grandparents can uniquely provide the child with a sense of their family history, heritage, and identity. They know great stories about the child’s parents and can help pass on family traditions and life stories.

If your child does not have any grandparents, consider adopting an elderly person who does not have grandchildren. If you don’t know any senior citizens personally, call a senior community in your area and ask if they have activities where your child would be welcome. If you missed last year’s Grandparents Day, put it on the calendar and celebrate it with some of your favorite seniors this year.

MorningStar at Jordan is one of the top senior living communities in Centennial, Colorado with a mission statement to:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well

Our beautifully designed 3-story building offers 55 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Reflections Neighborhood provides the people, programs and security to enhance quality of life. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour. 

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, Colorado.

Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis With Healthy Habits

Many people assume arthritis comes with aging, but experts say that while joint pain is common in older adults, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. The CDC explains arthritis is a group of more than 100 conditions causing inflammation and swelling in the joints or nearby tissues with symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and mostly occurs in older adults (about 70% are 55 years and older). Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are treatments, medications and therapies. In addition, studies find healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as lessen your risk for even getting it. For example, the CDC reports 40% of people with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by being physically active.

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints causing bones to rub against one another resulting in pain and difficulty moving the joint. Experts say millions of cases could be prevented by avoiding excessive weight gain. Exercising regularly and doing resistance training is another way to avoid injury to the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition causing inflammation and swelling in joints. It can misshape, misalign and damage joints; and if it is in one knee or hand, it is typically on the other hand or knee. Recommendations to reduce your risk for RA include avoiding tobacco. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is linked to several health conditions including RA; and prevention includes improving oral health with good hygiene and dental visits.

Gout is another common form of arthritis and occurs when crystals of uric acid are deposited in one or more joints. People with gout experience pain, swelling and redness in the affected joints. Experts say eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, and staying well hydrated are good steps to reduce your risk. If you are overweight, lose weight and if possible avoid diuretics (discuss all medication changes with your doctor). Studies show that regardless of what type of arthritis you have, early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your future joint health.

If you are looking at what assisted living communities offer in the southern Denver suburbs, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial. We provide residents outstanding assisted living and memory care with luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their comfort and wellbeing. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 communities in Centennial, CO.

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-possible-to-prevent-arthritis

MorningStar’s Memory Care in Centennial, Colorado

At MorningStar at Jordan, our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This distinct area of our community focuses on providing the finest care to meet the special needs of residents.

Care in the 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 care. In addition, residents receive daily health monitoring with access to licensed nurses and other third-party service providers.

When people visit our memory care area for the first time, they are impressed with the comfortable atmosphere of our home. Although a secure setting, independence is encouraged and residents can explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. MorningStar’s approach to care incorporates Montessori-based therapies and includes wellness programs and activities. Activities that leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals are used to heal and comfort whatever the extent of memory loss.

Our 29 memory care suites are move-in ready and just need your loved one’s personal furnishings and treasures to make it feel like home. Each unit is equipped with an emergency call system and a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Included in the monthly fee are basic cable TV and utilities, weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen services along with daily spot cleaning and trash removal.

As a family member of a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences. MorningStar recognizes many of our residents’ families need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we believe it is important to provide the support they need. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted memory care at MorningStar.

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 memory care in Centennial, CO.

The Safe Use of Medications

It may surprise you to know according to the Department of Health and Human Services, fifty-five percent of seniors are non-compliant with prescription drug orders and do not take medication as prescribed by their doctors. It is a serious problem as approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually due to adverse drug reactions.

Medical professionals say there are steps seniors and those who care for an elderly loved one can do to help lessen the problem. To start with, take medications as prescribed including the correct dosage and time, with or without food, and never crush a pill into a powder. Especially if you see multiple doctors, be sure to always bring a list and dosage of all medications you are taking including non-prescription and herbal supplements.

Experts say using the same pharmacy can help reduce drug interactions, and to be sure to read the warnings regarding adverse reactions. Periodically review your prescriptions with your doctors to make sure you are taking the right dosage and still need the medications. To see if any meds you take have a warning for usage in the elderly, check the American Geriatric Society’s Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults. It is also recommended you properly dispose of older medications and drugs you no longer take.

If you are on medications to treat diabetes or high blood pressure, you need to continue to test your glucose level and BP numbers. Other drugs may be prescribed with the understanding you will have your blood tested periodically and it is important to follow through as too high or too low of a dosage can cause problems.

MorningStar at Jordan is a beautiful assisted living communities, offering memory care. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a responsive, loving staff. Care services include medication management by a Medication Care Manager/QMAP. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’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 assisted living communities and memory care in Centennial, CO. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Sources: seniorsafetyreviews.com/13-medication-safety-tips/
agingcare.com/articles/medication-problems-elderly-people-have-146111.htm

Caring for an Elderly Family Member is Often Difficult

Caregiver burnout is a real thing. Experts estimate 61 percent of the country’s 48 million caregivers are working outside jobs along with acting as a caregiver. In a report titled “Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated,” from AARP and S&P Global, two-thirds of respondents said they had at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.

The survey reports 84 percent of respondents said caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Another 27 percent of working caregivers said due to their workload “they were forced to go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours.” Others complained their employers seemed to be more understanding of child care leave than they were to employees who had to take time off to care for a parent or other elderly family member.

Respondents said beyond holding down a job, they were putting in at least six hours a week of caregiving for a loved one. Tasks include everything from assisting with the actual physical care of a loved one to taking the person to doctor visits, grocery shopping, and serving as an advocate for the person to ensure they are getting the proper care.

Other studies support the findings of the AARP survey as they too found participants reported difficulty in balancing work and caregiving; and the negative impact it can have on physical and mental health. In 2023, a study found almost half of all caregivers were spending between 10 to 29 hours a week caregiving. More concerning is many caregivers are neglecting their own health stating they have no time to exercise and are not keeping up with routine annual physicals and screenings. In fact, forty-one percent of caregivers report low overall well-being, which is 32% more than non-caregivers.

This is why assisted living and retirement communities can be a lifesaver for both the elderly person and the family caregiver. Many retirement communities like MorningStar of Boulder offer residents much more than just comprehensive physical care. Residents enjoy a whole range of amenities and services as well as the opportunity to make new friends.

Once a family decides to entrust MorningStar of Boulder with the care of their loved one, we do a thorough evaluation of the person's medical history, background and personal preferences to create a care plan which is routinely updated. Residents receive access to a full-time licensed nurse and a caring, responsive 24-hour staff. Other services include medication management, scheduled transportation and onsite therapeutic services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Please contact us for more information about outstanding retirement communities in Boulder, CO.

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. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder, CO offers.

Sources:aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2024/working-caregivers-report.html, guardianlife.com/reports/caregiving-in-america

After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

While a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for yourself or a loved one is hard to hear, it is important to become informed because what we do early on can help guide future decisions. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource to become familiar with and offers topics ranging from Alzheimer’s symptoms to caregiving and medical breakthroughs. It is also one of the biggest fundraising organizations and supports the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and the “Longest Day” activities.

Experts say it is important to remember you are not alone. Over six million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s and millions more know someone with the disease. Although everyone experiences the disease in their own unique way, understanding the major stages of the disease helps families navigate this unexpected journey.

Alzheimer’s five distinct stages include: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI); Mild; Moderate; Severe; and Very Severe. Symptoms can vary from person to person but the various stages of Alzheimer’s disease have some common characteristics and it helps to be prepared.

To help negate the feeling of being a complete victim of your circumstances, studies show there are lifestyle changes you can make in the early stages to help improve brain health. These include exercising and eating a healthy diet as well as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. This is also the time to think about future financial, medical and legal decisions.

The early stages are additionally the time to build a support network and to stay engaged with friends and family. Get in the habit of using memory aids such as sticky notes or digital aids for your appointments and activities. If you find you are getting confused paying bills, keeping track of medications or having a hard time making appointments, ask for help.

Be sure to keep up with all your medical appointments including adding an Alzheimer’s specialist to your healthcare team. Ask your doctors about local organizations and services that may be helpful to you and your family now and later.

MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial, Colorado has 29 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. Residents receive daily health monitoring, 24/7 care from well-trained staff, with access to licensed nurses and more supportive third-party service providers. Visit our website for more information about our compassionate, loving memory care.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar of Boulder Offers Experienced Memory Care

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating for the person and their family. All of one’s carefully laid plans are cast aside as their future takes a much different path. MorningStar of Boulder wants families to know we are here to help.

We are a 55+ community offering memory care on the southeast side of the city convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and other services. MorningStar has 40+ independent and assisted living communities across eleven states, where we have worked hard to become dementia care specialists.

MorningStar’s extensive experience in memory care has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the disease, and we consider it our privilege to serve those with memory loss. We recognize that the person’s essence remains and we are committed to finding ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

We also consider residents’ family members to be part of our MorningStar family as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this unexpected journey. Our unique approach to memory care is called Lavender Sky, which is how we thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore the entirely different and isolating world of memory loss.

Before the resident joins our community, we take the time to get to know them through interviews with their family members to learn about their history, vocation, talents and preferences. We then use this knowledge to help us design an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

Every aspect of our memory care is designed to address the needs of our residents including 24/7 compassionate Care Mangers, wellness programs and activities that will stimulate and calm as needed. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides daily health monitoring, assistance with meals prepared by our Executive Chef, scheduled outings and special events.

Our memory care suites accommodate a resident’s own furniture and mementos so they are sure to feel right at home. For residents’ safety, suites are equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar and our community in Boulder.

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. Contact us for more information about one of the finest assisted living communities in Boulder, CO.