Gift Ideas for Seniors

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are stumped as to what to buy for an elderly parent and other senior loved ones.  Experts suggest you keep in mind they most likely they do not need a lot of “things” but would appreciate something that helps to make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable. 

In fact, do not limit yourself to the idea that gifts have to be something new.  Many seniors enjoy getting out and taking them to an activity they love such as a sport’s game (maybe a game of their grandchild’s), a play, or concert is quality time spent together.  Another idea is to give them a series of gift certificates for a year’s worth of monthly dinners out with you or for things like haircuts, manicures, a spa day with massage, or even ride services.

As many elderly adults get cold easily, a comfy, soft throw blanket makes for a good gift.  Another thoughtful gift especially for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a customized photo blanket.  They can be ordered through several large retailers and are not too expensive.  If your parent is a music lover, expand their collection with popular songs from their younger days, and if they don’t already have one, buy them a portable boom box that is easy to use.

Another gift idea is to get them a phone or simplified tablet that will let them facetime, enjoy family photos, and browse the Internet.  Gift baskets filled with favorite foods or new soaps and lotions, non-skid soled slippers or compression socks also are appreciated by seniors.  Other ideas include large-print playing cards, puzzles, and adult coloring books with a new set of markers are also fun gifts for seniors. 

If you are looking for senior living residences in the Centennial, CO area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan.  We are committed to provide our assisted living and memory care residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community second to none. Please visit our website to learn 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.

Drawn to the Idea of Serving Seniors?

Have you always been drawn to seniors and love the idea of working in a job that would allow you to serve?  The Denver area MorningStar senior living communities have a range of assisted living jobs that should be of interest to you.  Also if you are new to senior living and feel you are not fully prepared for the task, once you are hired, we will provide you with the support you need for a smooth transition with meaningful training and mentoring. 

We hired you because we saw something special in you and know you will be a great addition to our distinguished team.  Our targeted training just ensures you understand the MorningStar brand and culture.  Thus all employees from food servers, to cooks, care managers, directors, coordinators, and housekeepers are trained in “Radiance,” which is also reiterated and strengthened every day in our daily Huddle.  In addition new team member receive training in “Lavender Sky” that embodies our philosophy and approach to memory care. 

Please don’t confuse Radiance with a typical customer service program, it is much more.  Radiance guides the way we deliver service at MorningStar – with warmth and sincerity and depth.  Read how one team member explains the transformation Radiance made in her life.  She says, “Through Radiance training, I was introduced to my new personal mission: to love everyone unconditionally and be a humble servant. I want to use the principles of Radiance to honor God, and to rise up new culture and positive environments.”

Lavender Sky’s 8-hour interactive training includes information on the pathology of brain disease and techniques geared toward communicating with our memory care residents.  It also goes over special environmental safety and security concerns as well as concepts such as dining with dignity and holistic solutions to challenging behaviors.  If you are hired to work in one of our Reflections Neighborhoods, you will also be provided with weekly “Brain Bursts” training. 

Please visit our website to see the full list of assisted living jobs at Denver’s MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.  Begin a new journey and rewarding career at one of our loving 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.  If you have a commitment to service, we encourage you to visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on how to apply to assisted living positions including housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Learn More About Memory Care Communities

If a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia and you are looking for the best care, a memory care community may be your answer.  While typically more expensive than other senior living residences, they are equipped to provide the most comprehensive care. 

Memory care communities such as MorningStar at Jordan care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from the onset of the disease right through to the most advanced stages.  Services include 24-hour supervision and typically offer a secure environment specifically designed to keep residents safe and secure. This means residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible and are free to explore their surroundings.     

Another thing to know about memory care is that it has evolved through the years.  Today’s communities now offer wellness programs that help deal with memory impairment and wandering issues as well as other common dementia behaviors.  At MorningStar at Jordan, we provide residents a number of specialized programs and highly personalized care that address their unique needs.  

Studies also show residents in memory care communities have a higher quality of life.  A Place for Mom, the largest senior living referral website, reports that residents in memory care have “reduced medication and medication side effects; fewer falls, injuries, and hospital visits; increased nutrition and wellness; and greater independence and social interaction.”  They also add that close to 75 percent of residents experience an improvement or maintenance of mental functioning.   

As a family member of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you may be struggling to understand the disease and its consequences.  MorningStar at Jordan recognizes many of our residents’ families need help navigating through the various challenges of the disease, and we are grateful we can provide the support they need.  Please visit our website to learn more about our individualized, holistic memory care. 

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: aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-11-4-memory-care/

Our Staff is Comprised of Individuals who Champion Teamwork

The Denver area MorningStar senior living communities provide team members the training, mentoring and support needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities within our residential homes as well as to help them become true leaders.  Currently we are offering career opportunities for exceptional individuals with positive, caring attitudes who would love to be champions of teamwork.    

MorningStar employees, especially those with roles such as care managers, wellness directors, concierges, community relations directors, and even housekeepers and food servers are encouraged to build strong relationships with residents and fellow team members.  We also support and encourage our team to share creative solutions that will help to improve residents’ lives and to do what is necessary to ensure their utmost comfort, safety and mental wellbeing.   

In fact, our goal is want to build a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered, and who understand the significance of investing in each other and our resident-families. This is why all of our MorningStar communities proudly provide the tools our team needs to explore their unique gifts and reach their full potential.  In addition many of our team members are asked to assist in the orientation and training of new employees as well as help to create care plans that address residents’ every day needs.    

Please visit our website to view our various assisted living jobs that include: Care Managers,

Community Relations Assistants, Concierges, Dining Room Servers, Medication Care Managers/QMAPs, Cooks and more.  Many of our positions are full or part-time, and as our homes are 24/7 operations, our assisted living jobs in Denver include evening, nights and weekend shifts.  Join our team and become a part of something inspirational and rewarding!

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.  Please visit MorningStar’s website to learn more about assisted living jobs in the Denver area.

The MorningStar of Boulder Team Has a Felt Calling to Serve

Every one of our new employees are introduced to the precepts of Radiance, our proprietary program that guides the excellent service we are so proud of at MorningStar of Boulder.    In addition, Radiance’s principles are reiterated and strengthened throughout the entire team during our daily Huddle. 

As we seek people who have a felt calling to serve, our team understands that life’s highest rewards come from serving others, which is why we also volunteer and serve several other non-profit organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association.  Every year our community looks forward to participating in sponsored events such as the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” The 5K Walk is the world’s largest event and helps to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  Along with many of MorningStar’s staff, we are joined by residents and family member as walkers, runners, exhibitors, and sponsors.  Each year we not only have fun with our planned activities but also raise much needed funds for such an important cause.

Another big event supporting the Alzheimer’s Association is our participation in the “Longest Day” celebration.  Held on on the first day of summer solstice and the longest day of the year, our community joins thousands of people across the country to show their love and support of those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Past activities have included balloon releases and plantings, games, activities, special foods and movies. 

If you are looking for senior retirement living in the Boulder area, visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, loving community.  Offering 48 assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, you are sure to find one that meets your needs.   We also have 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia.

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.

Seniors Benefit from Strength Training

Think you are too old to pump iron?  Research shows that for the majority of seniors who still do exercise, their regimen only includes aerobic exercises such as walking, biking, jogging or swimming.  While these types of exercises are important to our overall health, an article published by the U.S. News & World Report explains why seniors can benefit from strength training.  They state that fitness professionals as well as healthcare providers report everyone from 18 to 80 needs to do both cardiovascular and strengthening exercises.

Research suggests that the benefits go beyond just building better tone and an improved shape as studies link “not just aerobic exercise but strength training with a reduced risk of death from all causes.”  This is why the American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine recommends that even older adults follow their guidelines and do some level of strength training at least two days a week.  As Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, an associate professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine points out “ very good evidence [is available] to show that 80-year-olds are just as able to improve their muscle mass as 50-year-olds. And this can be done reliably over a very short period of time – something as short as two to three months."

At MorningStar at Jordan, we provide quality, all-encompassing senior living with our range of wellness programs and activities that support and engage our residents including physical activities designed for all levels of fitness.  One look at our monthly calendar and you will see a variety of exercise classes available daily along with many other entertaining and meaningful programs.   Please visit our website to learn about our unique and loving assisted living home.   

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:

health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/2018-06-26/could-pumping-iron-help-you-live-longer 

Time to Get Your Flu Shot

Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means it’s time to get your annual flu shot.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October. 

The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.  Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine.   

The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death.   This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults. Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine.  

Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus.  Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies.  The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season.  

MorningStar of Boulder offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about the best senior retirement living in Boulder.

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.