Dealing with an Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnoses

February 23, 2019 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone. It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and every 65 seconds someone in the US develops the disease. As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear. Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through. There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated.

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward. They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through. One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy. They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able. Finally they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.”

MorningStar at Jordan’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains. We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence.

Our holistic approach to memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible. Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings.

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 set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial CO.

MorningStar of Jordan’s Leadership Team Feels Honored to Serve Seniors

February 22, 2019 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

While MorningStar at Jordan was specifically designed to accommodate the needs of its residents, the heart of our community is our caring staff. Right from the leadership down, our team is comprised of people who feel honored to be able to serve seniors and to help make their lives more comfortable and enjoyable.

As MorningStar at Jordan’s Executive Director, Laura Robbins puts it, “My maternal grandmother, Christine, was the first senior I ever loved. I so enjoyed her annual visits from Alabama to our Texas home. She set me on the career path I’ve enjoyed for over 20 years. Today I’m as committed as ever to serving our amazing seniors. Even on their hardest days, they offer endearing hugs and heartfelt gratitude.” Laura finds it a great privilege to work with a team who wants to make a difference in residents’ lives on a daily basis. Before coming to Jordan she had a career in the senior living industry as a Licensed Social Worker.

The Jordan commuity is also pleased to have the steady and loving leadership of our Director of Community Relations, Jan Peterson. She feels blessed to have had the opportunity to help her own Mother though her journey of aging and ill health. “Throughout, I discovered the importance of senior advocacy—for ALL seniors to have a voice…be heard…understood…extended the right to live with respect and dignity.” This experience created a foundation for Jan to extend caring and compassionate support to MorningStar residents and their families.

Rounding out our team is Michelle Johnson, Wellness Director. Michelle is happy to be part of a team that makes a difference, even in the small things. She brings to MorningStar wonderful memories of her Grandma and a love for all seniors. “The times I share with all seniors are adventures, for they present me with such different eras and ways of thinking. I love hearing their love stories, how long they were married, through thick and thin, a level of commitment that younger generations can learn from.”

Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community.

Stay Warm this Winter!

January 31, 2019 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

As we age, it is important to stay warm and to dress appropriately during the colder months. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains that, “Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young.” They also add an illness or taking certain medications and medical conditions may make it even more difficult for the elderly to keep warm. Also to try and stay warm, seniors have to burn more calories, which can result in weight loss.

Making sure an elderly person is warm enough is imperative as they are more susceptible to hypothermia. In fact many times the person is not even aware they are experiencing symptoms of the condition. Early signs of hypothermia include cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, and shivering in some cases. The person may also be acting sleeping, angry or confused.

The NIA recommends if you have to go out in cold weather to wear loose layers of clothing as the air between the layers will help to keep you warm. In addition be sure to wear a hat and a scarf as we lose lots of body heat through our head and neck area. If it is snowy or a cold rain, wear a waterproof coat or jacket, and if you do get damp, change your clothes as soon as you get home.

At home, the NIA advises seniors to not try and save money by turning down the thermostat. They say you should keep the temperature at least 68 to 70 degrees and save money by shutting off unused rooms, keeping the blinds drawn, and placing towels in front of drafty doors and windows. Wear plenty of clothes including socks and slippers and use a throw over your legs or shoulders if you are still cold. When you go to bed, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and if you are still cold, wear a knit cap. Another way to generate more body heat is to routinely exercise. This will also help to increase your appetite.

Caring for the many needs of seniors is what MorningStar of Boulder does best. Please visit our website for more information about one of the area’s top senior retirement homes. We offer both assisted living and memory care.

As one of the nation’s finest assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. For serene, comfortable senior retirement living, please visit our website to setup a tour.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults

Rave Reviews from Our Most Important Critics!

January 30, 2019 by MorningStar Senior Living in Senior Living

At MorningStar of Boulder, we are committed to providing the area with the finest senior retirement living. This is why our entire team is so gratified when we receive glowing feedback from our residents and their families as having our service recognized means we are doing our jobs well.

One family writes to let us know, “Our uncle has made friends, gotten stronger and healthier, and re-engaged in life through the care and concern of MorningStar of Boulder. It is a relief to my husband and I to know he is being well cared for, and that we can be family again (instead of caregivers).”

We were also happy to hear from the sisters of a resident regarding her care, “My sister and I want to thank you for the excellent care our elder sister received from MorningStar. The staff was all very helpful, kind and loving. We are pleased she had a lovely place to spend her last year. You should be very proud of your team. We will be very pleased to recommend MorningStar to anyone. God bless!”

It is especially important to us to get feedback from families of our most tender memory care residents who cannot always speak on their own behalf. One letter is from the daughters of a resident who write, “What we experienced at MorningStar of Boulder far surpassed anything we dreamed of. With our father’s dementia you were determined to finding a way to make it work. The creativity you brought to the situation kept us hopeful through tough times. Because of your loving and caring commitment, we were able to be daughters and just love him.”

Our MorningStar of Boulder residential home is beautifully situated on the southeast side of the celebrated mountain town of Boulder and offers assisted living as well as memory care. Please contact us to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors,” and if it sound like what you are looking for, go ahead and setup a tour.

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. While there are many senior retirement homes in the area, we are uniquely one of a kind!